Book Description
The Filipino martial tradition, its history, cultural perspective and technique, makes for a rich and fascinating story. This is the first book to delve deeply into that legacy, examining the different schools of arnis and contributions made by leading arnisadores through history. This book examines training regimens, fighting techniques and innovations, and provides an exhaustive bibliography of all the books ever written on the subject. With 125 remarkable photographs, Mark Wiley's groundbreaking study of arnis stands as an important source book for all serious practitioners of unarmed Filipino martial arts-as well as any serious student of martial arts as it is practiced worldwide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

overall a worthwile read
There is so much information that I read this book in a week.The other reviews of this book are correct.What I came away with this book is that Filipino martial arts(FMA)is hardly in danger of extinction although it is probably practiced by not a great number of people.It came as a surprise to me that some universities in the Philippines have FMA in their curriculum.There are gems in this book, for instance it identifies the earliest published book in the subject which is a tract entitled "Mga Karunungan sa Larung Arnis" roughly translated means "A Body of Knowledge in the Game of Arnis", it was written sometime in the 1950s.A book like this is appropriate for discussing FMA.A how-to book would not be instructive by the very fact that mere pictures cannot encapsulate the essence of the various movements.In early book on the subject Danny Inosanto wrote about it, in his book the most useful parts are the stories of the Grandmasters and history of FMA, and not the instruction with pictures.FMA can only be learned through corporal instruction, that is because FMA is a social martial art.That means that you are only as good as the people you are around you, that includes practitioners who you can steal knowledge from.

I do have some misgivings about this book and that is when they discuss FMA in the United States, they only focus on California, particularly Stockton.They leave out the vibrant FMA community in Hawaii, which is very much a Mecca as Stockton is.They even cover the distant FMA communities in Europe and ignore Hawaii where many grandmasters reside.

Collection of Academic Filipino Martial Arts Articles...
Be advised there are no pictures in this book, it is an academic undertaking.If you are looking for something with visual historical material in it, try the two books authored by Mark Wiley: "Filipino Martial Culture" and "Filipino Fighting Arts: Theory and Practice".

The placment of Mark Wiley's name on the front cover suggests he is the AUTHOR, where he is in fact, the EDITOR of this collection of articles (he is also a contributor).Not Wiley's fault--he credits the collective group in the introduction.Small point that only matters to us fans of footnotes, I know...now, on to assessing this collection of articles!

In Part 1, writers offer perspectives on the origins of the Filipino arts, including five articles such as "A Question of origins", by Felipe Jocano, Jr., and "Questioning the Origins of Escrima", by Dr. Ned Nepangue, etc..Part 2 focuses on Historical Perspectives with five offerings like "A History of Eskrima in Cebu and Negros", by Krishna Godhania.Part 3, Cultural Perspectives, includes eight articles by different contributors, including "Passion from the Crescent Moon" by Marilitz Dizon, and "The Making of the Batangas (Balisong) Knife" by Dr. Jopet Laraya.Part 4, Facing The Future, includes three articles including Combative vs. Competitive Escrima by Krishna Godhania, and "The Implimentation of Arnis in the Physical Education programs of Tertiary Schools in Cebu City" by Abner G. Pasa.

Overall, this is a good collection of topics of a calibre more advanced than most newsstand martial arts magazines could tolerate.The tone is clearly academic in nature, although less than half of the article include notes of some sort at their conclusion.Wiley does include a well-rounded list of source materials for further reading.If you are tired of how-to manuals, here is a book which will present new information, even for those of us who have pretty well "been around the block" when it comes to learning about other cultures and practice.The variety of perspectives are insightful.

Well worth a read for FMA practioners.
Be aware, the "editiorial comments" above do not accurately reflect the content of this book; I suspect they are based on another of Mark Wiley's books.

There are no pictures in this book.

This book is actually a collection of articles about various aspects of the history and development of FMA. Some of them are new and some have been taken from the pages of Rapid Journal (published in the Phillipines). Some of the articles are written by well known people on the FMA such as: Tony Somers, Krishna Godhania and Mark Wiley, other names are new to me.

As the title suggests, the articles are about the history of the arts, not the technical side and as such this volume fills a gap in the reading of most practioners.

On the down side, some of the articles are very thin; it hardly seems worth while to have bothered with the item on the history of FMA in Europe.(This is a real contrast to some of the others).

I enjoyed the book, but was left wanting more.

JB ... Read more

Book Description

In Modern Arnis: The Filipino Art of Stick Fighting,Remy Presas covers a variety of preparatory stretches and warm-upexercises, the 12-zone striking and defense systems, hand-to-hand combat("trapping hands"), flow-practice drills, sinawali andredonda.

Customer Reviews (17)

A good introduction
This is a good introduction to the system. It is unfortunate that master martial artists have not worked with professional writers to produce detailed volumes chronicling their systems. This, like most works of its kind- leaves the advanced student wishing MORE had been written.

The book will be informative to the beginner of Modern Arnis and a source of fond nostalgia for advanced students who know that this great man taught us all so much MORE than the pages of this book contain.
Filipino Combat Systems: An Introduction to An Ancient Art For Modern Times

Great Staring point
.

This book is a great way to supplement your formal instructions.

Great
Received the book in excellent condition and as described. Just needs to send an update via email of when the book was shipped.

A brief comment
Now over 20 years old, this was one of the first books in English on escrima. At just over 150 pages and with 9 chapters covering the different topics, Guru Presas packs much good information into this small book. Many of the most important topics and skills are covered, and the photos and decriptions are clear and easy to understand. Although I have a more recent edition, the photos are still clear and not too dark or too light, as sometimes happens with the plates with older books. Close-ups are used when needed to show the details of hand positions. There is also a brief history of escrima at the beginning of the book.

Nowadays videos have in many ways replaced books as instructional materials in the martial arts, but video was still relatively new when this book was written, and it still stands on its own as one of the best early treatments of escrima. To see the actual movements, though, there is really nothing like a video, many of which are available used on the web for less than the price of the book. But books on the martial arts can still serve a useful purpose by discussing more technical matters such as theory, strategy, and topics like history, and perhaps as as catalogs and references for the techniques of a particular style.

Among Guru Presas's many legendary abilities, he was perhaps best known for his ability to perform disarms, and this is covered in the last chapter of the book, in addition to hand techniques, flow drills, trapping, the various single and double stick techniques, and other topics.

I have to mention that I had an opportunity to do a demo for Guro Presas back in the mid-80s with my teacher of Chinese Chin Na, the Kung Fu holding and locking art. As you probably know Guro Presas is also skilled in the Filipino version of this art, and was also a champion in Dumog, or Filipino wrestling and grappling, when he was younger. He enjoyed our demo and was very impressed with my master, Sifu Tony Ho, and his skill.

I am also a certified instructor in Kali/Escrima through the Ted LucayLucay lineage under Chuck Gonzaga, and have studied Serrada Escrima in addition to Kali. Chuck is a great martial artist himself and I am proud to be one of his students and instructors, and to have had the honor to demo for Guro Presas many years ago when I was still a young martial artist.

Modern Arnis for the Beginner, Good text for the Advanced
This is a great book.My Jeet Kune Do instructor and I had the privelage of meeting Remy at a seminar he was conducting in NC.Needless to say Remy was a priceless instructor and it shows in this text.Mr. Presas conveys the information of stickfighting in an easy to understand format.While this book may have some age on it now, it has invaluable tools for the modern day martial artist.

In addition, if you enjoy studying lineages, histories, and influences of other martial arts, this is also a good book.I always knew that other martial artists would pull from other martial arts, but I had never actually "seen" or read it.As a student in Self Defense Systems Jeet Kune Do I automatically picked up on all the trapping hands influences from Filipino Martial Arts found in our system.You can also see the influence Filipino Trapping hands had on Bruce Lee as well and the slight changes he made in taking them as his own.Regardless of your style, modern or traditional, with an open attitude and a desire to learn, there is alot to take away from this simply constructed and well thought out book.I recommend this book for the non-martial artists alike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Not what I was looking for
This book told a lot about the background and philosophy, but didn't offer a lot of instruction. It was also hard to read and understand.

A good introduction.
I really liked this book. I know it was not as deep in technique and theory as many would have liked, but for the price it is a great introduction.I would like to see a more in-depth version, akin to Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do the text book, or something as nice as either of the new Gracie Books.I am still waiting for the Filipino book that gives real grasp to the newbie, but still has a lot for the experienced player. In short I am looking for some thing with the thought and grace of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Theory and PRactice, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Self-Defense, or maybe a book as comprehensive in its coverage as is Simco's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Master Text.
Never the less it is still good to see old Giron, moving around and swinging a stick.
Nice job.

A fine book to support escrima-students
I`ve bougth this book in order to support my own escrima training. As a rookie in escrima, it gives you the basic understandings in the escrima-fighting art of Grand Master Leo Giron. I think it`s not written with the intention to replace training under a qualified teacher. In my view it supports your training as a beginner in the art. What's more, it gives you a good overview including the origins. Escrima has to be practised to be learned.

General and shallow overview
This book is bad for beginner and practically useless for a master. There is no comprehensive description of training complexes, footwork drills and other important details, which were completely omitted. It gives just anoverview of the system in general, so the reader can have some vaguefeeling of what Giron escrima is.

A excellent overview of the Giron system of Escrima
This book provides the reader with a very good taste of Grandmaster Giron's system of self-defense.It is particularily strong in the largo-mano or long range area, with clearly photographed techniques using sticks, knives and empty hands.In addition to the techniques, he puts his system into an ethical framework.The only part I would have liked to see more of was the excellent empty hands techniques present in the Filipino martial arts, including guntings and limb destructions.Nonetheless, this will make an excellent addition to anybody's library with interest in the subject matter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Essential Reading
The principles outlined in this book are simple yet often overlooked by Christians.This book is well written and easy to understand the concepts given.Arni Jacobson has done well in conveying the heart of God in this little book.

Universial Christian Truths!
Arni has done a great job of bringing universal Christian truths to light.This is a book that people of all faiths can apply to thier lives.I specifically appreciated his comments about truth vs. tollerance, and how righteousness will always find opposition.

Favor WITH Flavor
When I finished reading "The Favor Factor", my first reaction was, "How in the world didn't I think about this before?"I thought everything was presented so well & in a way that is powerful yet easy to grasp.It was intriguing and kept me wanting to read more. The basic concept is giving your life wholly to God, sitting back, & waiting to be blessed.Who wouldn't want to make this a key aspect in their life? It also really made me look at Nehemiah (the book & the person) in a different light; "Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man" (Neh. 1:11). The entire premise is incredible.Arni Jacobson's stories also encouraged me that even if blessing doesn't fall upon me at first, it will in time.Patience. Patience is just as important as giving my life to God.I recommend this short read to anyone who wants God's blessing in life. Period. Excellent, relevant book!

Found Favor in Favor Factor
I have read the book and liked it so much that I gave away several copies to friends.Like the book says you need to ask God for favor, after doing so many things have just happened in my life for the better. This is a great and easy read I think anyone can get some good stuff from this book.

Do Not Read this Book....Unless you want God's Favor
I've read this book a couple of times now and I am amazed at the insight and enlightenment that the author is able to bring to this subject.I have read the book of Nehemiah many times, but the current application that he brings to this great story is fascinating.It is almost as though you are right there beside Nehemiah and you are able to sense the the determination, perseverance, and dedication that he had to accomplish this daunting task.Even if you aren't an incredibly religious person, if you practice the principles as they are laid out in this book, you will begin to experience favor in your life.A definite thumbs up on this one!! ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (3)

excellent book
This is another excellent book by Rey Galang. I also received it in two business days. This is a must for any afficianado of the FMA (filipino martial arts). Just like his other books, Mr. Galang does a great job writing about and showing the techniques. This book is mainly about espada y daga, however, it also touches upon sinawali. I highly recommend this book (along with his others-Masters of the Blade, Warrior Arts of the Phillipines, and Complete Sinawali)to anyone wanting to learn more about eskrima, arnis, kali. One can use this book as a reference or actually use and practice the techniques shown.

Very good Book
This book is a surprise; it is all double blade work.Lots of information. On the down side, sorry but the Tagalog names are distracting.The pictures are too small; it's hard to pick up at times what each blade is doing.BUT......big but..... there is more good stuff packed in this book that in a good 90% of other books on the subject.Get it and get really good reading glasses : )

Hands down....The Best Arnis book I own
I really didn't understand what I was buying when i ordered this book....but I'm so glad I did. This is the first written record of Arnis in the philippines, that can only be found in the Philippine national archives; originally in archaeic Tagalog that modern Filipinos can't understand. Rey Galang just brought all this wonderful mystery to the modern world. Believe there are no sticks here..this is all blade, all the time! Now I can really see what the old folks were talking about! The best part is the Classic Espada y Daga...not stick and knife. Sword and Dagger! Been looking arond for a real good book on Espada y daga this is it! Plus the extra Sinawali techniques...thank you Rey Galang I will be waiting for your next book...please don't stop writing.

one word: QUALITY ... Read more

Book Description
The book features a twofold, interrelated focus. First, it looks at the unique Filipino culture; how it was greatly influenced by Spanish colonization, the oppression it suffered under foreign rule, and how the native yearning for freedom led to the development of the martial art of arnis. The book then presents the distinct technical aspects and resultant physical manifestation of the indigenous fighting art. Centering upon the Kombatan method forged by Grandmaster Ernesto Amador Presas Sr., it describes numerous maneuvers utilizing stick, blade, and empty hand components, and offers information on their myriad practical applications.

This volume is unique in that it is one of but a few composed by a native-born and bred Filipino author, one who absorbed lesson in the Philippines, directly under the guidance of an established system’s founder. The book seeks to present arnis in a proper light, as a simple and pragmatic method of self-protection, while debunking the more fanciful theories and concepts that have crept in as it makes its way into world consciousness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great intro into Arnis
Arnis is a Philipino system that is primarily based around the use of weapons such as the stick, the knife, and the sword.This book is an excellent primer, scratching the surface of many aspects of Kombatan, a system of Arnis developed by Ernesto Presas.The book beggins with several historical chapters that cover such topics as the name for Philipino martial arts ("kali" is apparently not widely accepted in the PI), some cultural information of the Philipino people, and how the system of Kombatan developed.Though this section is informative, I can't help but sense that there's a bias in the writting.Following that, we get to the technical aspect of Kombatan.The system seems to borrow from the Japanese Judo and Karate systems, especially in their stance, striking, and throwing techniques.Shotokan practitioners will find the stances very familiar.Single-stick work is given the most emphasis, with striking angles and gripping techniques being covered pretty well, as well as footwork.Knifework is covered next, and many of the strikes and counters are analogous to the stickwork.There's also a very good section on how to grip a knife without a cross-guard, an important distinction to make so that one doesn't injure oneself.The book finishes up with empty-hand work which, as noted, bears some resemblance to Japanese martial arts systems, and with some advice on training, weapons selection, and self-defense.One of the possitives about this book was that it often gave examples of impropper technique, which could aid students in understanding what they may be doing wrong.Overall, an above-average book that gives a broad overview of a deep system.Not a bad purchase for those new to Philipino systems, or for those interested in some weapons-based self-defense fundamentals. ... Read more

Product Description
The Arni Name in History is a customized book offering a unique blend of fascinating facts, statistics and commentary about the Arni name.The book is just one of an entire series of family name books in the Our Name in History collection.Each book in the collection is printed on demand and is compiled from hundreds of millions of records from the world's largest online resource of family history, Ancestry.com.This particular book follows the Arni family name through history and makes the perfect gift for your family members and anyone interested in the Arni name. In the book you'll find out about where people with the Arni last name originated. You may discover the countries and ports they left behind, the ships they sailed and more. You'll get a better idea of where people sharing the Arni name settled and where they may reside today in the United States, Canada, England and other countries.You'll get all this information and much more in your Arni family name book. If your last name is not Arni, then check out our collection of nearly 300,000 family name books to find other available names in the series. ... Read more

Book Description

Beasts of India takes a lens to the beast as it is imagined and rendered in folk and tribal art traditions across India. The fine art of the original drawings has been recreated through silk-screening each image by hand. Featuring over 30 original pieces, this astonishing bestiary is a book and art collector's dream. An index of artists' names and succinct descriptions of the art conventions make it a compact and lively introduction to the unheeded genres of Indian art.

Customer Reviews (1)

great book, worth every penny
I first came across this book in Pondicherry, India at a hotel--I was just floored with the marvelous drawings, like paintings, really, and the great paper and binding. And, you learn from the book about animals that are important in India history and mythology. I think many of the pictures would be marvelous just framed.I am not a child and would certainly put them in my library!

... Read more