Product Description
Combat is as old as man himself. In the Philippines it developed to a degree of effectiveness unsurpassed anywhere in the world. The Filipino martial arts is an expression of man's indomitable will to survive adversity in the most direct and self-reliant manner possible. There has been an obvious need for a book that coordinates and puts into perspective the roots and principals of a fighting art--a book that explains the relationships between weapons and empty hands, philosophy and history, asseses strengths and weaknesses, and finally a book that liberates the mind from the classical way of thinking. Here now is that book. Compilation of THE FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS has been a monumental task for the authors, representing over 1900 years of historical research, travel, observation and personal participation. Documentation of these arts have been supplemented with interviews with some of the last surviving Masters. Their daring exploits serve to illustrate the most deadly fighting systems that the world has known. This volume is illustrated with over 750 photographs and drawings and written by one of the most respected martial artists in the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

All martial arts change with three inches of steel.
Dan Inosanto has been one of the best teachers and proponentsof the martial arts.His resume need not be repeated.In this book he explains and teaches the fighting system of his homeland.Unless a system realistically addresses weapons, sadly few do,it cannot call itself a complete martial art.For non ballistic( firearms) weapons, Kali has stood the test of time.Amongst my most prized books is a signed copy I received from Dan Inosanto attained at a seminar.His teaching ability is legendary and at your fingertips with this book or anything he does.

An excellent book from a historical aspect concerning the Filipino Martial Arts.
As most martial artists know, Dan Inosanto was Bruce Lee's top student.However, Master Inosanto had been a seasoned martial artist with a background in various Filipino martial arts before meeting Bruce Lee.This excellent book covers the basic history of the Filipino Martial Arts, the use of the arnis sticks and knives. The combinations taught in this text are effective and practical.As a lifetime student of the martial arts, including the Filipino stick and knife arts, I found this book an excellent reference source when combined with actual hands-on training under an instructor.Rating: 5 Stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author:Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Martial Art Myths, Season of the Warrior, Never Trust a Politician).

Dan Inosanto Excellent book
This book is excellent, in terms of diagrams, it has a good brief history of the Filipino Martial Arts, and the lives of some of the masters of the art who actually taught Dan Inosanto.The sections are broken down for the novice clearly.It is an old book, one out of print- if anybody is really interested in Filipino Martial arts, this book is a must.But the problem is how many are still available.

The Filipino Martial Arrts as taught by Dan Inosanto, inspired me to seek Serrada Escrima
I already had Black Belts in Modern Arnis and Taekwondo, and I was still training in Jujitsu, Silat and Muay Thai for several years when I went to Stockton, California (Some people say Sticktown, Kalifornia.)the Mecca of FMA in the United States,to train in Serrada Escrima from Grandmaster Vincent Angel Cabales Sr. I had started FMA in the 70's, then in 1992 I attended the FMA tournament at University of Pacific, in Sticktown.I noticed Master Vincent Angel Cabales Jr. getting cheated out of points, and I didn't know if the cheating was intentional or accidental as some strikes are so fast that they could easily be missed by judges, but it was obvious to me that whoever trained him did an excellent job.Most of the strikes were direct solid hits.Other people were furious that he was getting cheated so bad, one woman asked if the judges were watching the same fight or if they were blind.She was so mad she was spitting.After the fight was over I asked the fighter who it was that trained him so well, and he introduced me to his Dad, Grandmaster Vincent Angel Cabales Sr.I'm glad I made the right choice to learn Serrada.Many of the Masters in Danny Inosanto's book attended that tournament.This book should be back in print.
Train hard and have fun!
Guro Dennis Servaes

Excellent Martial arts book but flawed history
This excellent book on the Filipino martial arts has become an out of print collectors item.

It covers angles of attack, empty hand infighting parrying, double dagger, rattan stick single and double as well as an excellent solo training skills section.

The only area that it falls short in is in the historical description of Magellans death at the hands of King Lapu lapu.

According to many Filipinos magellan landed with his men ready to assault the local village, Lapu lapu and his corageous tribe of warriors attcked the spanish with only rattan sticks.

The firceness and bravery of the filipino warriors were too much for the spanish bandits and after a good fight, Lapu lapu overcame magellan and killed him Thus he became a Legend.

The above story sounds amazing, however we do know from historical spanish records and by recreating the conditions weaponry and situation of the 1600s that the above version found in Inosantos book is a fallacy.

In fact there were fewer than 40 spaniards accompanying Magellan( a portuguese explorer) to shore on that fateful day, Magellan had thought he had rights of passage due to a pact he had with another chief.

Not long after disembarking Magellan and his men realised they were in an ambush. Surrounded by more than 2000 filpino warriors the lightly armoured spaniards who thought they would be on a scouting mission were soon in the midst of a hail of arrows and spears and gunshots ( yes the filipinos had small cannons albeit handheld as historians noted).

Here we then have the truth of the matter, over 2000 filipno warriors armed with high powered bows, spears swords and to some extent hand held cannons against 40 spaniards that were manly armed with sword and dagger and a few muskets. They fought back the Filipinos fiercely, killing hundreds of them in close range combat before being completely overun by the ferocity of the arrows and spears being hurled at them from a greater vantage point, magellan was pierced by several spears and arrows thus he was leaning forward half dead when Lapu Lapu and his thousands of warriors finally surrounded the spaniards. It was at this point that LApu Lapu took advantage of the situation and felled magellan with a blow to the back of the head severing it from his body, not with a rattan but with a kampilan sword.

The Filipinos were intrigued by the efficiency of the dagger and sword method, it is said that it was a combination of portuguese , Italian scrimia methods and Spanishtechniques that the Filipinos incorporated as the bulk of what later would become the Escrima that we know of today.

Incidentally just in the last 10 years or more ancient Italian books on their art scrimia dating back to the early 15th century were translated into English, it is strikingly similar to the later art we now know as Filipino Escrima. Evidence that the European Martial arts were in full force and influential in helping to forge modernised FMA. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Filipino Combat Systems chronicles the creation, evolution and core concepts of one of the fastest growing martial arts in the world. It overcomes the shortcomings inherent in martial art instruction manuals by focusing not on technique, but on the strategy and philosophy of movement behind the technique. Written by a first generation student under the authority and supervision of the system's Founder and Grand Master, this work is an excellent introduction to the system. FCS is one of the most practical combat oriented martial systems in existence, bridging the gap between the ancient fighting arts and the modern world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Disorganized and poorly-presented
I've posted a detailed review of the book at[...]. In summary, though, the book is disorganized and presented in an amateurish manner. There's some good information in there, but it's too scattered to be useful for a novice and too shallow for an expert. Not recommended.

Very good Amazon reaction!
I`m very glad from the Amazon`s team reaction for my problem - I didn`t receive my book from the first order may be because lost in transffer.
When I informed Amazon for my problem they immediately reacted giving me a refund and putting second order for the same book, so finally I received it a week earlier they told me!
Thanks a lot for all your efforts for the customer and wish you less problems and more happy clients!

FCS
Overall the philosophy is sound and well presented.I do feel more comprehensive flow drills should have been included; but other than that, the book was excellent & very informative!FCS is an ever evolving system that truly brings the art of the warrior into the 21st century!I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning the *core* concepts too weapons/empty-hand combat.

Do not buy if you hope to learn
It has concepts yes but other than that it doesnt have much.

It is not a book for those looking to learn the art.

It does not contain flows or drills.

missed potential
When I ordred this book, I expected lot more after seeing the contents in the preview. First of all, I do not like Ray Dionaldo being signed as a co-author...I mean being interviewed in the book does not exactly make one an author, even if the book is on the system he has created.
Now, the principles and concepts featured are very well chosen nad valuable, but the presentation could have been much better. I mean, the "fortune cookie" type advice gets kinda irritating after a while, no matter the "wisdom" it caries.
Finally, with all due respect to author's background in karate, and its influence on is understanding and interpretation of FMA, there could have been less stuff directly referring to karate/bushido/zen...as in essence it has very little to do with FMA. After all, that is why Mr. Cody has authored another book on that subject.
Also, I have no ide whatsoever why have some reviewers described the book as "ultimate" knife fighting resource, as it is clearly not. For that, go to Rey Galang's "Masters of the Blade", or several other books, for that matter.
On the good side, the book does have a sort of familiar atmosphere to it, which is very nice, and I liked the dictionary section quite a bit, and it is technically very well done.
The bottom line is, it is not a bad book, but if your interest is FMA in particular, you should look elsewhere, as this one should not be on your priority list, though it makes an interesting read in certain points. ... Read more

Product Description
The fighting arts of the Philippines are so vast anddynamic that few are able to grasp the true scope and essence of theirtraining methods, techniques and fighting strategies.With this inmind, Mark Wiley, a renowned expert on Filipino martial arts, set outto write a book on the Filipino systems that would offer a structuredcomparison of 25 Filipino systems in terms of their training methodsand progressions, fighting concepts, theories and strategies.Inresearching this book, Mark traveled to the Philippines a dozen timesto meet and train with the masters and to uncover the secrets of thesedeadly arts.Profusely illustrated with over 500 photographs, thisbook reveals the incredible diversity of the martial arts which thrivetoday in the Philippines.Many of the photographs and much of theinformation in this book have never before been presented to the worldat large. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Great Comparative Book
This book gives an excellent insight into the various forms of Filipino Fighting Arts.It examines 27 different styles, giving a brief description of the history of the style, training progressions, training methods, fighting strategies and free sparring.The only downfall of the book is that due to the wide range of styles discussed, it does not go into depth on any of the styles.However, once you obtain this background, you can then select books that are more in depth on a particular style.I enjoyed see the stylistic difference and learned some of the background of each style.

Good book, but not everyone is in it
This is a very good book about kali and Filipino martial arts. I wish that there would have been chapters on Villebrille, John LaCosta, and Tuhon Leo Gaje, three of the main Filipino M.A. greats. Maybe in the next edition.

filipino fighting arts
the book is very informative on filipino martial arts.some of the photos were hard to follow?? anyone who is interested in studing filipino martial arts will enjoy this book and the many different styles to choose from!!

A New and Different FMA book by Wiley...
In the introduction of his third book, Author Mark Wiley states that his purpose is not to rehash materials already presented in his previous two books ("Filipino Martial Arts: Cbalas Cerrada Escrima" (1994), and Filipino Martial Culture" (1996)).Unlike his volume"Filipino Martial Culture", the focus of this writing is on 27 different specific Filipino arts, rather than the history of the masters or organizations which propagate them.

Wiley admits his work is not exhaustive, but it is (as I write) the most exhaustive guide to concern itself with he stylistic differences between different schools of Filipino arts.Wiley describes training, training methods, theory, fighting concepts and progressions, strategies, and photographic depictions of fighting techniques.You will gain as I did, a better understanding of the similarities and differences between different schools, from practice and theory to custom and tradition.The closest I have come to seeing a collection Like Wiley's is the out-of-print book, "Masters of Arnis, Kali and Ecrima" written by Edgar Sulite of the Bakbakan, which focused on teachers and styles of Filipino fighting.It is nice to be in the middle of the Filipino arts renaisance, and finally have the resources available to understand these practical combative methods.

Pretty damn good...
If you're looking for a somewhat detailed look at Filipino Martial Arts, whether it be Arnis or escrima, you'll love this book. It's packed with different sub-styles of Escrima & Arnis. If you want to learn Filipino MA, go to a qualified instructor. Don't learn from a book. ... Read more

Product Description
Follow the path of the Filipino knife fighter and the blinding blur of the deadly balisong in motion--its whirlwind lethality--can be yours. Three experts, having combined their knowledge of the balisong, martial arts and self-defense, show you the basics of techniques perfected in the Philippines over the course of 400: concealing, drawing, flipping and gripping the balisong; checking and rolling; and the four main phases of training. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Basic balisong techniques but extensive knife fighting skills
This is a good book on the basics of Filipino knife fighting which covers very basic information.The illustrations are adequate but at times confusing.The 4 basic attacks of the slash, rake, gouge and rip are discussed, and although I already knew the principles, there was still a hearty discussion.There are a few important key points such as the "Visayan Knife Cutting Do's and Don'ts" and the "17 Slashes of Death".These 17 "Slashes" are the main vascular pathways that, if attacked, will lead to incapacitation.Defensive and Offensive drills are illustrated but author/photographer do not make it clear on who the actual person is that we are supposed to emulate (both wear black shirts).

It's a decent book but there are far better titles than this one.It's worth a read but more detail is covered in other texts, such as The Balisong Manual and Advanced Balisong Manual by Jeff Imada.

Great for Beginner
If you're a beginner, this book will teach you the basic techniques very quickly.The pictures contained in the book are very easy to understand and follow. Much better than I expected.(The reviewer was compensated for posting this review.However, the opinion stated in the review is that of the reviewer and the reviewer alone. Further, the reviewer independently selected this product to review and has no affiliation with the product maker/distributor, Amazon or the review requester.)

Great 'Guy' Gift
I bought this book for my boyfriend for Christmas, as well as butterfly knife to accompany it. It was his first knife of that kind, and he loves that I gave him the book as well, as it explains not only basic techniques, but also the history and philosophy behind the knife itself. He hasn't put it down for days!

When I got a chance, I looked through it a bit and it was very informative, with pictures to further enhance its teachings. Overall, it was an awesome buy, especially if you're looking for a boyfriend/husband gift. I would reccommend, however, to also buy (or suggest to the recipient to buy) painter's tape, so they can cover the blade while they practice without messing up the knife at all. Super helpful!

Good book for someone starting out
This book is an interesting overview of basic balisong topics.I wasn't quite a beginner when I purchased this, so much of it was useless, but for someone just starting out, this book will get you started very quickly.It covers all the basics and it's filled with pictures that are easy to follow.If you already handle a balisong fairly well and want to expand your skills, you're better off using the internet to find online resources for techniques that are more advanced.Overall a good book.

Bali-Manual
This was a pretty informative, well written book. It lacked a little depth, but that wasn't a problem seeing as how I was up and using the balisong in no time. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a comprehensive guide for advanced whip training methods and combat applications as practiced and taught by the best fighters and whip practitioners in the world.It features chapters on the evolution of whips and their fighting techniques; the various types of whips, including the Western bullwhip, The Doce Pares rope whip and custom self-defense whips; manipulation skills and range-control techniques; self-defense theories and sparring drills; cracking and slashing with the whip; safe handling techniques; and construction, care, maintenance and repair of whips. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Martial arts Book
Great book with alot to offer anyone who is thinking of adding the bullwhip to their martial arts arsinal.

Filipino Fighting Whip
This is an excellent and complete guide to Filipino whip fighting technique, whips and their maintenance. It also gives a brief, but very complete, overview of Filipino fighting systems.

A good tool for Martial Artists interested in whip cracking.
First of all, let me preface this by saying I do not consider myself a martial artist.I have done theatrical and recreational swordplay and combat, and have some background in Tai Chi and Kendo, but nothing serious.I can look good taking a fake punch and know one end of a sword and knife from the other, but in a real fight.I'm useless.

I have, however been training with professional instructor, Gery Deer in the art of bullwhip for competition, sport and performance for almost two years now.The performance style Gery teaches is in the style of Alex Green, (legendary Hollywood stunt person and whip master on Mask of Zorro and whip coach on "Catwoman" with Halle Berry,) and is quite different than that of Anthony DeLongis, the martial artist and performer who has worked extensively with the author, Tom Meadows, and is mentioned often in the book.

That said, I found the book to be a great wealth of knowledge on physics, history, and martial application of the bullwhip, as well as an in-depth study of the Eastern approach to bullwhip skills, (as opposed to the western style of Australia, Europe and the Old West.)It's a fascinating read and I found exactly what I was looking for in it, (the flow of Chi through the whip, and the meditative kata approach the author attributes to Master Ron Kew.)I plan on applying some of the escrima techniques and drills Meadows applys to the whip in my own practice.

Bear in mind, this is NOT a beginners guide to whip cracking, and I think the only reason I followed many of Meadows' descriptions is my already strong familiarity with the flow of a good whip, (I own whips by two of the makers mentioned in his book.)I am not blaming Mr. Meadows for this shortcoming, since as I mentioned, i am no martial artist, and have only a smattering of experience with Escrima or the kali arts his techniques are based upon.He is writing this book as a martial artist for other martial artists.

I feel that individuals experienced in the Kali and Arnis techniques mentioned will benefit greatly from this text, and learn to love the flow of the whip as much as I have.

But if you're not a martial artist and are just getting started, I highly recommend Andrew Conway's "The Bullwhip Book," (also available on Amazon,) as a good way to get started.Then, when you've mastered the techniques described in Conway's book, and want to take your skills to another level, or explore new styles and applications, then this is a very good read! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great Book
A very effective style - my only wish is that there were more about he Ilustrisimo style.

Just a peek
A good book that gives a peek into the Kalis Ilustrisimo system. It would be impossible to show the finesse and level of efficiency and effectiveness of this system other than experiencing it under a qualified instructor. The level of development of this Art is impossible to capture in still photography, the finer (and most important) aspects are literally "lost in print". Still, this is very useful to the beginner wanting to get a glimpse, though for further study I would recommend training under Tony Diego.

Forget the politics
Previous reviewers have engaged in somewhat of "who's dady is the strongest" discussion, but that has nothing to say about this book. Now, I found the book very good in achieving the intended goal, i.e. giving an excellent presentation and explanation of the subject covered. My objection is that while it is nice to see applications of the same technique with different weapons, in some places the transfer is rather obvious, and I believe that that space could have been used better, maybe to show responses to some other types of attacks. Still, I have to note once more, thte book is very valuable to anyone interested in learning about FMA as it is, so I recommend it sincerely.

I've Studied The Villabrille-Largusa Kali Style for 15 years
This is an interesting book. As Grandmaster Ben Largusa taught me long ago, all of the styles from the Philippines have something worthwhile to offer.I have also read Mark Wiley's books. Quoting older Filipino practitioners and passing it off as scholarly research is a dubious practice at best. It is ironic that most of the people who comment on the late Grandmaster Villabrille have never met, talked to, nor practiced under him or his disciples. I have trained with Grandmaster Ben Largusa, Professor Greg Lontayao and Professors Allen and Mario Magdangal...all who had direct access to the legend himself.I have spend countless hours learning from and interviewing Grandmaster Largusa, Villabrille's direct descendant.The Grandmaster and I are writing a book on Villabrille.Mark Wiley has absolutely no idea what he's talking about when it comes to Grandmaster Villabrille and should leave him, respectfully and in perpetuity, out of his conversations.Take the time to experience and endure the rigors of this very traditional Kali system before venturing into territory of which you have no knowledge.Most people don't have the tenacity and fortitude to study the Villabrille system, and I suspect that's why it is so much easier to simple "talk" about it (and him).Villabrille learned the rudiments from his Uncle.The remainder he learned from the Princess Josefina and combat, making use of his own natural gifts.Put in proper perspective, it's to ok to add this book to your martial arts library.Again, they all have something to offer.
Guro Ron Smith

mistaken review by that Hawaiian guy
The book is OK as an introductory overview. The first guy who made a review was mistaken because despite all the videos and books circulated by authentic arnis/eskrima masters, they were never meant to impart more than a little peek into the art. For sure, they never meant to teach through books or videos, hence don't be surprised if this book is just 200 or so pages.

It's true that the Kalis Ilustrisimo masters learned by watching and videotaping Tatang Ilustrisimo. Most westerners like the first guy assume that arnis/eskrima has to be taught like a course or school subject. Sorry, but wrong. Arnis/eskrima is often self-learned in the Philippines by watching and training a few times with a few masters on sporadic instances. What makes them different from the much-looked down upon "seminar student" in the USA is that in the Philippines, you back up your training with LIVE and REAL sparring. Whereas in the US, they just attend seminars and collect certificates, videotapes, and photographs but don't spar w/o armor.Some masters and grandmasters here in the Philippines learned by just watching others practice or teach, and by imitating the moves and making them their own, AND THEN proving these techniques in sparring.

The students of Tatang didn't split up. Sagasa is not a school of Kali Ilustrisimo practitioners; it's a kickboxing style taught WITHIN and AS AN INTRINSIC PART OF Bakbakan International. Although not all Ilustrisimo practitioners are members of Bakbakan, they all interact together to this day since they all know each other personally.

Lastly, just because the late GM Villabrille was a great fighter, DOES NOT mean that he's incapable of telling tall tales. It is a very Filipino trait to tell tall tales especially in the FMA world where one-upmanship is the name of the game. The Filipino penchant for tall tales can be seen in the review posted by the Hawaiian first guy for this book, in which he describes the country of his ancestors' origins (I assume he's Filipino in ethnic descent due to his name and exposure to FMA, as well as his Hawaiian location) as NOTHING MORE THAN A COLLECTION OF GHETTOES. Exaggerated, isn't it? As I write this I am in the 52nd floor of an intelligent skyscraper in Manila.

It's safe to say that ALL the masters exaggerated their stories of achievement. The notion that GM Villabrille invented the word "kali" has enough basis although that notion isn't final as proven yet. The exaggerations come from the fact that they are all Filipinos, that they were recalling the stories from old memory hence getting some details mixed up or exaggerated, and that there was a language and conceptual barrier considering that 99% of FMA grandmasters who made FMA famous in the West were unschooled and practically illiterate. That's why the only jobs they got were not U.S.-educated "pensionados" but rather Hawaiian and Californian fruit pickers and harvesters.

All in all the book is great as an introduction and overview, and let's not begrudge the book's good traits just because we were hoping to learn Kalis Ilustrisimo from the book's contents. No, siree. If you want to learn Ilustrisimo, get yourself an AUTHENTIC teacher and train. Use the book only as reference and as a sort of primer on the style. Do not treat it as an instruction manual. ... Read more

Product 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 (4)

vorbehaltlos empfehlenswert

Über Mark Wileys Buch muss ich nicht viele Worte verlieren. Es ist gut und fachkundig geschrieben. Wer sich mit dieser Materie befasst, dem sei das Werk ans Herz gelegt.

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

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent book by an Excellent Guro!
Guro Godhania has outdone himself in writing this book.It covers everything you'd learn in an actual Eskrima class or at least the one that I took before redeploying from Iraq.Still, reading a book will not help with becoming an Expert or will it provide a sparring partner.It will cover what you need to know, ie, stances, stick, knife and empty hand positions.It mentions how you can attack, defend, and counter-attack with a variety of different weapons or items that can be used as weapons.It covers a little about simply dodging projectiles by getting out of the way (thats common sense) and also using your stick.It covers solo training and training equipment you can build yourself.It even has a description on where to strike the human body to inflict max pain.It covers areas where to strike with single stick, staff, knife or empty hands.It also covers some throws and locks but the book mainly covers weapons.This book also has a section on double sticking fighting and defense.In my opinion this is the best of the best out of all other fighting systems books out there.Still, dont think you will be an armchair expert only by reading the material.You need to get up off your couch and find a school and use this as a tool for practice with a partner or with solo sparring equipment.

EskrimaFilipino Martial Art
This book "Eskrima: Filipino Martial Art by Krishna Godhania" is one of the best and most informative works that I have ever read. Guro Godhania has a gift for teaching that is very rare. This is a treasure, that I will reread many times over. Two thumbs up!

R/S Mike Tabor (Progressive Kali Silat) Charlotte, Mi. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a comprehensive introduction to the Serrada form of Filipino martial arts, as practised by Master Angel Cabales. He took the Filipino martial to the USA and became their foremost teacher. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

No politics, just a review...
I'll preface this by saying I don't know ANYTHING about the politics behind Mr. Wiley and Mr. Cabales... I'll just stick to reviewing the book, thank you.

This book attempts to be an brief overview on the basic history, concepts, and techniques of Cabales Serrada Escrima.Without knowing anything about Escrima as a whole, I'd say that it looked good to me.

The first two chapters are on the overall history of escrima and the specific developement of CSE, suggesting that the system may have it's roots in India and noting that Spanish sword-and-dagger techniques had a significant influence on the overall style.The third chapter very briefly covers superstitions/ spiritual beliefs prevalent in the Phillipines and their relavence to CSE, though I'm sure entire volumes could be written on that subject.The fourth chapter, "Psychological Attributes", has a few paragraphs on awareness, motivation, imagery, and emotional control; while dealing specifically with escrima, I'm sure that they'd be useful to any martial artist.The following chapter covers some pretty intangible concepts, such as "innovation is your best teacher" and "mastery requires dedication", and seeks to bring together both the artistic and scientific qualities of escrima.Like the preceeding chapters, I just don't feel like this one was long enough.

Chapter Six starts into the physical aspects of Escrima, covering the arsenal (both anatomical weapons and the blunt and edged weapons).Mr. Wiley explains that the system uses a slightly shorter stick than some other escrima systems, and that the anatomical weapons and movements should mirror the armed weapons and their tactics.Chapter Seven covers the foundation of the system, as far as movements and posturing.In this chapter, there is the usual mix of stance and salutation presented, but also footwork, fundamental distance concepts, basic ways of striking, and the use of the "alive" (non-weapon) hand.

Starting with Chapter Eight, we are presented with the twelve basic attack angles (mostly with a single-stick, but also with stick-and-dagger), basic defenses against strikes along those angles, unarmed defenses (basic blocks, jointlocks, and "bodylocks" or takedowns), and disarms vs. the single-stick.

My complaints?Not many.It's clearly a book simply on basics (one block for one angle, one disarm per angle, no empty-hand strikes illustrated), and I was disappointed there wasn't more to it.And far be it from me to criticise something I'm not particularly learned at, but we're not actually getting twelve "angles" here, as some of the attacks presented follow the same "flight paths" of others, or are simply stick-dagger combination strikes.The fact that the possition of the wrist in some of the strikes looks weak lends some credence to the suggestion that the author isn't an athority in the CSE system, but again, what do I know?And as I said, I don't think there was enough substance to the cultural, philosophical, and mental chapters to really do any system justice

Overall, though, I'd say the book serves as a good intro to escrima and basic stickfighting.The pictures are clear and the writting, while not very detailed or in-depth, is understandible and easy to get through.I'm glad I spent money on it.

I'M LOST W/ THE CABALES STORIES.
Hello everyone. I hope this message gets to the write person. I was taking escrima serrada in San Francisco from IESA. They have since broke into two factions. I just don't know what the deal is since I've been gone so long. I was in New Jersey and stumbled on one of his books and all my memories of studying came back to me and I long to complete my training in escrima. Does anyone know of anyone teaching in NJ/NYC area? I do go back to the bay area once in awhile and if i must continue training there then I will start again. I am also looking for a master to train with in the Philippines if you know of anyone. Thanks very much for reading!

glad I didn't buy it
Unfortunately the book can only be as good as the practitioner and this one is not that good.He underestimates his readers by simplifying the concepts and techniques of his art, generalizing cultural and spiritual aspects.(BTW, he doesn't really do any better in Filipino Martial Culture.)The stories that he relays about the lineage are haphazzard.He picks and chooses which legends/stories he wishes to believe and uses that argument to counter other stories to the point where he essentially calls Dizon's boyhood training partner a liar.This is just bad research and bad oral history.He is not arrogant enough to say "this is my training experience" outright, but he serves the injustice of claiming this is real "research," when it seems he's only stepped as far as his back door.He may be an instructor, but it doesn't mean he understands his art to its very depths.

Mark Wiley's first version book on Cabales Serrada Eskrima
Mark Wiley is to be congratulated/encouraged for at least writing about this art of which there wasn't much info around. Mark does make some mistakes when he shows the basic counter routines, specially with the check hand sequence. In some photos every position is incorrect. The story about Guro Cabales and his anecdotes also is not really correct. Yet, I will keep the book as an important source of some information and a promising presentation. The next version is supposed to be out in coming months. Initially, in order to prepare for this story, Mark should have spent some time training in Stockton with Serrada's top Guros. He did not allow them to contribute to the book. This next version "Secrets of Cabales Serrada Eskrima" is supposed to ammend all mistakes.

Not a good martial arts book!
This book is not worth wasting your money on.The techniques that are represented look OK to the untrained eye, but if you examine them closely, you will notice many mistakes.The techniques are sparse, one per angle.They are also demonstrated with poor posture and attack.To the novice,this book may appear to represent the art of Cabales Serrada Escrima, butit does not.More than half of the book is unrelated to the system ofSerrada. This book does nothing to show the effectiveness of CabalesSerrada Escrima. ... Read more

Product Description

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

Customer Reviews (21)

An excellent basic guide to using the Arnis Sticks by a true master of the art.
I have been fortunate to have attended several Modern Arnis seminars with the late Remy Presas.He was a man of extraordinary skill. I had taken some Filipino stick and knife fighting lessons in the past from some other Filipino experts, and Mr. Presas's book helped to clarify the skills I learned with a hands-on instructor.This volume explains the basic principles and techniques of using the Arnis Stick in a wide variety of ways.In conclusion, this book used in combination with hands-on training with an Arnis instructor is the key to mastering this art, Rating: 4 Stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Hanbo-Jutsu Official Course Manual Bushi Satori Ryu, Yawara Stick Techniques, Univ. of IL Press, PR-24 Police Baton Techniques: Basic and Advanced Techniques, Univ. of IL Press, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques).

Compact Flowing Arnis +++
"Modern Arnis", by Remy Presas, presents compact flowing Arnis in a compact flowing book. It has very clear photos and prose -- precisely ordered on macro and micro scales -- from over-all patterns to small details -- from chapter to chapter. The angles of the moves, for each move-set, are some of the best I have seen of any defense/combative art.

If, the essence of defense is to turn opposition [of opponents] away, down and out -- removing foes'-balance while keeping self-balance -- until"check-mate". Then, "Modern Arnis" shows how to do this -- in a streamlined way. Many move-sets end with the foe in check -- yet the final position [and the foe] could be easily extended in various directions. So, Remy Presas shuts-down foes' options while keeping his options open.

I first learned a little Modern Arnis as part of an [informal] Kenpo Jiu-Jitsu off-shoot of Kosho-Ryu Kempo. My own small and casual Kenpo off-shoot of that lineage, like many others out of Hawaii, adds bits of other Arts with Kenpo. Core Kenpo Jiu-Jitsu inspired by -- a little Tibetan White Crane, Isshinryu Karate and Jiu Jitsu Complete and some Medieval Fencing, Savate and Boxinginto "anti-grappling". We seem to search for ways to combine these aspects in a smooth, compact, and effective way.

When going over all of my experience and tendency recently, I realized that Modern Arnis had worked-on and solved this kind of streamlined-combination spot-on. In "Modern Arnis" [this book], as well as in other Modern Arnis works, Remy Presas shows how to combine various Arnis Arts with some Judo, Karate, Jiujitsu, and Kenpo, into Modern Arnis -- Keeping In The Flow +++

Back to the basics and adapted to modern day
Having trained in Filipino Kali many years ago I was looking for a book that could re-introduce me to this martial art. Although this book covers more then just stick fighting, I found this book to be a fine introduction to stick fighting essentials. The book does not get too intricate or technical, which I think is a good thing in any martial art book since the effectiveness of the more complex movements is founded upon the mastery of the simple basics. Also, in a real world situation it is always best to stick with the fundamentals. So one must master the basics first and Presas shows his mastery of this superb Filipino martial art (Arnis) with his ability to bring it up to date in a system he founded called Modern Arnis (which as I understand it is pretty much a combination of Shotokan karate, Filipino stick fighting (Kali) and judo). The book gives excellent basic instruction and begins with preparatory warm up and stretching exercises, then goes into the proper way to hold the baton. It further goes into basic stances, striking zones, sticking defenses, basic hand to hand combat, flow patterns and weaving usingeither sticks or empty hands, stick disarming techniques, and then ends with sword disarming techniques using sticks. As I said I liked the book because it stuck with the no nonsense basics and in my opinion that's the first thing that must be mastered in any martial art.

The first Arnis book you must by
Contains all the basics you need to start learning the art.

Classic book!

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 ... Read more

Product Description
Chapters: Filipino martial arts, Eskrima, Rapid arnis, Modern Arnis, Cacoy Doce Pares Eskrima, Balintawak Eskrima, Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, Kampilan, Karambit, List of Eskrima systems, Kalis, Ciriaco Cañete, Dog Brothers, Panabas, San Miguel Eskrima, Lightning Scientific Arnis, Sikaran, Kali Sikaran, Barong, Maharlika Kuntaw, Garimot Arnis, Kilos Paru Paro, Kombatan, Panantukan, Rapido Realismo Kali, Dahong Palay, World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation, Bakbakan International, Cabales Serrada Eskrima, Yaw-Yan, Inayan Eskrima, Espada y daga, Taekwondo in the Philippines, Gunong, Lameco Eskrima, World Modern Arnis Alliance, Cinco Teros, Bali silat, Visayan Style Corto Kadena / Larga Mano Eskrima, Sayoc Kali, Gunting, Weapons of Moroland, Kali Ilustrisimo, Kilat Serrada, Eskrido, Kalasag, Buno, IMAF, List of Lightning Scientific Arnis masters, Golok, De Campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orihinal, Remy P. Presas, Pananjakman, Latigo y Daga, Sibat, International Modern Arnis Federation Philippines, Dumog, Sinawali, PIGSSAI, Kino mutai, Mano Mano, Doble baston, Baraw, Pangamut, Inayan School of Eskrima, Pananandata, Sayaw, Solo baston,. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 256. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: Escrima, Arnis and Kali refer to a class of Filipino martial arts that emphasize weapon-based fighting with sticks, blades and improvised weapons. Although training starts with weapons, empty hand techniques, trapping and limb destruction are also a core part of these arts as the weapon is merely an extension of the body. Escrima and Arnis are the most common among the many names often used in the Philippines today to refer to these arts. The teaching of the basic skills in escrima are traditionally simplified. With limited time to teach intricate moves, only techniques that were proven effective in battle and cou...http://booksllc.net/?id=158888 ... Read more

Product Description
Sinawali-meaning "woven"- is an intricate and devastating Filipino fighting system with ancient roots, perfectly suited to modern times, and its popularity is booming around the world. This fascinating stick and blade empty-hand defense employs a sinuous, polyrhythmic interweaving of leg and arm defenses and attacks, presenting a virtually impenetrable shield against potential attackers. Martial arts instructor Reynaldo S. Galang reveals the special hand techniques, the exact, quick footwork, and the working theory behind the art of Sinawali, through instructional text and clear photographs. Whether readers are interested in Sinawali for exercise, hobby, or as a means of self-defense, Complete Sinawali is their definitive guide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Excellent book on sinawali
This is an excellent book on beginning to advanced sinawali techniques. About two dozen are included, which makes it more diverse and exhaustive than the other books I've seen on kali although this one is on a narrower topic. The only reason for the four stars is that the photos are a little small and hard to follow, but that's common in many other martial arts books as well. It's amazing that practical martial arts books (as opposed to more conceptual or theoretical) are even being published anymore considering how much better videos convey the techniques and movements, and how relatively inexpensive they are, although typically more expensive than the books.

Finally, I would only say that the book should be used in conjunction with the great four-volume video series from guros Ricketts and Galang. It is perhaps my favorite DVD set on the Filipino and Indonesian martial arts and the last DVD on espada y daga was especially well done I thought. If you use the book with the videos you should be in pretty good shape even if you're without a teacher and are using them for "distance learning" as I am. As I am a certified instructor in two other Filipino arts I'm able to use the combination of the two for distance learning pretty well. But even someone less experienced would still benefit from this book and the videos.

Great Midlevel book
Good for those who are a little better than begining level.Shows different combinations of Sinawali.Pics are a bit small and had to understand but a mist have book for the developing artist.

Not as for beginners good as others.....
.

This book isn't as good for beginners as Modern Arnis: The Filipino Art of Stick Fighting

best book on the subject
If there is such a thing as great "value for your money" deal in the world of MA books, than this is it! I was amazed how much information did GM Galang manage to put in such a concise and small book. It is really too bad that the hotos were not done in a little bit bigger format, or text a little bit more elaborate, but my guess is that the publisher had set some limitations regarding those issues. On the other hand, maybe that would make the book more expensive, therefore making it less of such a great deal...

it's worth picking up.
This book does a decent job of describing the movements it describes you making when picking up double sticks, however, some parts can be difficult to follow. ... Read more

Product Description
The Filipino Martial Art of attack and defense with cane or barehands, otherwise know as Arnis, is the subject of this book. Unarmed and weapon self-defense, "The Philippine's Stick Fighting" (Arnis) is covered. ... Read more

Product Description
Sayaw-An The Dancing Techniques The Pilipino Art of Hand & Foot Fighting ... Read more