Customer Reviews (9)

Great book on submission holds!
I love this book.It gave me my first experience with submission holds, and taking what I learned, I tapped out a BJJ blue belt who outweighed me by 40lbs.And that was when I didn't know any throws, pins, or escapes.That's how good this book is."Judo" Gene starts off with the very basics of grappling with showing the ways to grip your hands together, including his "three-fingered" grip, and why not to lace your fingers together.Then he demonstrates his 'slap-and-catch', which is a way to extend your opponents arm for locking.Then it's on to the holds.The holds are classified by what part of the body they work on, and include "Rib Crushing" and "Head Lock Varieties".At the end of his book is a "Grab Bag" chapter, which is just a bunch of seemingly random techniques.Some of the moves in this book are very complex, and best suited for showing off, but many are very good, and hardly ever seen in jujitsu or MMA competition, like the over-scissors and short-arm scissors, but I can tell you from experience that they work.This isn't a self-defense book per say, but many of the moves could be incorperated into self-defense training.Though it was written first, "Grappling Master" seems like the abridged version of Gene's "Grappling Encyclopedia", and I'd recomend that one get "Grappling Master" first, as most of the techniques are simplified from "Encyclopedia".The only things that detract from this book is that there are no "heel hooks", and that the pictures were originally taken in 1986, so they don't look so great.However, these holds are about as close to "catch wrestling" as any book I've ever seen, and include some "ripping" techniques.A good buy, especially for someone who knows nothing of grappling holds.

Not a Self-Defense Book, ( i secound this view )
Not a Self-Defense Book,
The book is not about self defense or street defense as the title alludes to. It is a book with great submission holds. But, before one can attempt to apply these submission holds they must be capable of fighting hand to hand and then successfully and safely be able to place their attacker into one of these holds; not likely without alot of previous experience and training. Pass on this book unless you are an experienced fighter looking for some good finishing holds;

but the book does a poor job is detailing the application of these techniques

Not a Self-Defense Book
The book is not about self defense or street defense as the title alludes to. It is a book with great submission holds. But, before one can attempt to apply these submission holds they must be capable of fighting hand to hand and then successfully and safely be able to place their attacker into one of these holds; not likely without alot of previous experience and training. Pass on this book unless you are an experienced fighter looking for some good finishing holds; but realize for everyone of these holds there is at least one counter or escape move, so learn those also. For those of you looking for self defense books refer to my "Listmania" suggestions.

Not polished, but chock full of finishing holds
Although the book says it's about "Combat" - its strong point is really finishing holds. As it says in the introduction, it's about getting an attacker to submit without resorting to a gun or other weapon. You willhave to find other material to learn about entering a fight, trapping andtake downs. My biggest complaint with the book though, was that thepictures aren't really of the quality I expected. All the photos werevaguely blurry and not lit to highlight the step in the technique beingdiscussed. I found it a hard way to learn.

A great book of finishing holds
I really like this book. It has an extremely large collection of holds. Some of the holds are kind of far fetched, but there are tons of holds that are very practical and savage in application. There are no wasted chapterswith frivalous chit chat. Just straight up move by move instruction. Thebook's format is perfect, each move is covered on a whole page with botheillustrations and text, so there is no page flipping to cover a techique.Many martial artists who write books need to follow that same format. Ireally liked the first chapter covering grips, it was short and sweet anddown to the nitty gritty when it came to explaining proper grips duringapplications, and made me really pay attention to my grips during training.I feel any grappler such as a judo practicioner, jujitsuka, aikidoist,shootfighter, or any level wrestler would find the holds in this book veryhelpful in finishing an opponent. I think strikers with some grapplingknowledge and good atemi-waza would also benifit. The book does not getinto basic grappling though, which in my opinion it shouldnt, that wouldhave really taken away from the content of the book. If you have noexperience in a grappling style, learn to grapple first then get the bookand use its holds as supplementary techniques. But overall the book isworth every penny i paid for it and is a wealth of great information onvarious holds and locks.

Gene thank you!!!!!! and keep up the goodwork!!!!!!! ... Read more

Book Description
This single-authored, brief text explores the moral dilemmas in our lives from a philosophical point of view. Society is deeply divided on the matters of life and death discussed in this book: the sanctity of life versus the quality of life; the meaning of death and dying; suicide; euthanasia; abortion; artificial procreation such as in vitro fertilization and cloning; the death penalty; animal rights; world hunger; and war. ... Read more

Book Description
Find out how to combine the latest techniques with centuries-old secrets, resistance exercises and proper body mechanics to make your punches, kicks, blocks and throws more powerful, as well as to defend yourself against explosive power. Double your fighting power by following this proven training regimen. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Great Advice for the Novice
While, as one reviewer states, some of this information is old, does not mean that the information is useless.I am still so surprised to run into martial artist, of all ranks, who do not crosstrain their bodies by adding heavey bag workouts and weight training.

While I do have some minor disagreements, all in all, this book is worth five stars for those who have traveled down the road to increase one's martial skills outside the dojo.Often I find martial artists, at the gym I attend, lazyly working on a heavy bag and in no way increasing their power, speed or stamina.This book may enlighten some of these more lazy or ignorant karateka and provide them some extra tools to train harder and smarter (I do not use the word ignorant here as a pagorative - we all have learning to do).

The chapter on weight trainingg is still needed. Yes, progress has been made in the last 25 years (I grew up in the era that weights slowed you down mindset), but we still need to spread the word that weight training is beneficial for martial arts.I have ran into many people, although less than during my initial training, who do not value any kind of resistance training.Many of them are surperb athiletes - how much more they could excell with this author's advice.

Other chapters are good as well and after one reads this book, I hope they will continue to train and read other texts to increase their martial skills and add to the material presented here.

Powerful advice
Miyamoto Musashi, arguably the greatest swordsman who ever lived, advocated quickness and power as superior to strength and speed. Exceptional martial artists in every style demonstrate both quickness and power in all their applications, overwhelming opponents with seemingly little effort. Mr. Christensen's best selling book Speed Training covered the quickness aspect. This outstanding book covers power. As always it is well written, easy to follow, and easily incorporated into your martial training.

Subjects covered include ki power, ancient (traditional) exercises, modern weight resistance training, plyometrics (elastic strength/explosiveness), isometrics (resistance training), dynamic tension, developing a powerful neck, pushups, abdominals, kicking power, punching power, bag work, timing, and defending against power. You will learn how to use proper body mechanics and hip rotation to markedly increase your power. Even Bruce Lee's famous 1-inch punch is explained with sufficient clarity that most martial artists will be able to perform it themselves.

Christensen really knows his stuff. He began his martial arts training in 1965 and over the years has earned 10 black belts, 7 in karate, 2 in jujitsu, 1 in arnis. As the author of 29 books, he has received high praise for his easy-to-read, informative writing style from readers and book reviewers in the United States, France and Russia. He is a retired police officer with some 30 years experience in military and civilian law enforcement.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

Improved my punches and kicks
I liked this book. I've incorporated several of the exercises over the last six months and have improved in my punching and kicking. My backfists especially have gotten stronger from the lying backfist/tricep extension exercise. My front and roundhouse kicks have really improved power wise and, to my surprise, Ive added some nice muscle in my thighs.

Good book.

Good coverage but training information is old
I have to start this review by complimenting the author on his
enthusiasm and depth, his coverage of breaking tricks and his useful coverage of an unrelated topic: fighting strategy.For that, 5 stars.For the propagation of old information, 1 star.

Most of the "strength" training information provided is actually that used by body builders to increase muscle mass:medium high
weight, 10 reps/set, 30 secs rest between sets, train to failure.Powerlifters do not train this way, but narcissists do.The author mentions a few descriptions of strength
training, such as the paragraph on Gracie's weight lifting
and another instance of low reps/high weight/big rest training
program.Also, he mentions fast twitch muscle fiber development, but usually in the wrong training context,
such as endurance training.Fast twitch fibers deliver a high
force output over short durations and are quickly exhausted.
You can't train for endurance *and* power without sacrificing
the other.

The author also presents a forearm exercise routine
to increase grip strength.That's just mean. This makes me doubt that this book was written from personal experience.
He does write one paragraph on brick holding to increase
pinch grip power, but WAY more should be written on
finger and hand strength in a book on power training.
Check out John Brookfield's book on grip training.

Wrist weight and dumbbell air punching is just plain ol' backwards and dangerous.You really want to avoid training
muscles to slow down additional weight.So, you would train
either to throw the weight or have it decelerated by a target
such as a heavy bag.This external deceleration is the entire value of heavy bag training, and the author should know better.
Dumbell punching is the opposite of heavy bag training. To give him credit, the author does mention the use of punching weights into a heavy bag and throwing weights.

The routines provided will increase your power, but not as
efficiently as other methods. The author should
study modern strength and conditioning and update his book.
_Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning_ by Baechle and Earle .I anxiously await his second edition.

Worth every penny!
Buy this book! Its well written, down to the point. This guy knows what he is talking about. And I really like the thing that he looks like an average beer drinking martial arts teacher who spends lots of time with his family. He doesnt claim to be a champion or anything, he is just great!
The knowledge you get from this book and the results you will get from training these exercises are invaluable!!! ... Read more

Book Description
With crashing kicks and well-placed punches the ninja devastates at will. By sculpting his body into a supple, lethal weapon, he can also dominate in close-quarter grappling. Here, the author Omoto Saiji reveals grappling motions for escape from any situation. These holds escapes and throws will give you a fighting edge. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Concise, direct, good healing-pressure-point & flex chapter.
I bought this book simply because it has a ( useful/good ) chapter on flexibility and pressure-points for healing.It is a very small book ( 104 pages ), and the author has a quality mind and is systematic/fairly-clear. Charles Daniels' Taijutsu gives a better sense of the way an integratedhuman ought move, but uses significantly more book to do so.IF you knowaikido++ and want to get a feel for taijutsu this'd probably sketch it wellenough, otherwise it's so small as to only describe it a bit.I lookforward to other work by Omoto Saiji. ... Read more

Book Description
First published in 1936, this work represents primary source material of ancient combat techniques designed in a time of occupation and war, when the threat of lethal hand-to-hand combat was an ever-present reality for soldiers, those involved in law enforcement, and very often for the ordinary citizen. This is the seminal work in the field, written by the form’s founders, Liu Jinsheng and Zhao Jiang, as a training manual for the Police Academy of Zheijiang province. The intent of this translation is to provide authentic historical documentation for martial arts techniques that have been modified for use today in both competition and self-defense. Submission grappling is a technique in which fighters use locks, chokes, and breaking techniques to defeat their challengers in no-holds-barred matches. Chi Na Fa remains the most comprehensive explanation available of these Chinese grappling techniques, from which derive many current techniques. Renowned author and Brazillian jiu jitsu champion Tim Cartmell presents the book in a clear, compelling new translation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Interesting, but not about grappling
The cover of this book shows what appears to be the guard position and I bought it on the grounds that it looked like a translation of an old Chinese book on ground grappling and I've never seen any ground grappling in CMA (strikes from the ground, falling, throws, pins, etc yes.. but no actual grappling or wrestling). The book was interesting. It gives a unique look into the cultural context and some of the author's concerns at the time of its writing. But the techniques shown are almost entirely very standard traditional standing Qin Na from hair grabs, belt grabs, etc etc. The technique pictured on the cover is a response to an opponent throwing you down and the idea is to squeeze your legs hard enough to "rupture the diaphragm" and kill your opponent. Now I've not been doing grappling that long, but it seems to me if this were possible from guard, I would have heard about it by now. So there's a bit of a problem with some techniques as they were obviously misunderstood or never tried with a non-compliant opponent by the author.

But again, some interesting cultural stuff in the text and it's nice to see stuff like this being translated into English.

Improved Translation
This is a new translation and is much improved from the previous version done by another individual.Mr. Cartmell does a great job here.Easier to read, streamlined, efficient.Nice to see some of the Republican Era books being restored.

Of particular interest is a quote from the original author in the beginning discounting Wudang and Shaolin as being useless dance routines that lost their fighting skills long ago.Nice to see someone say back in 1935 what is clearly becoming evident to people in the martial arts world today.

Some of the techniques are tried and tested and still used in todays MMA battlegrounds yet others could be brought into question as they seem overly complex or only useful on a small, weak, or frail opponent.
Excellent reference though and clearly shows how fighting has continued to evolve.

historic gem
vintage photos of real martial artists demonstrating techniques that are the foundations shared by many martial arts. excellent translation of the text by tim cartmell! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

GRAPPLING? STILL AN ART! ART ISNT ALWAYS WHATSPRACTICAL!
grappling-its a sport but sport isnt always whats practical.it adds to the curriculum so teachers can teach you more and put more money into their pockets! really think about it! using two of your hands to tie up your opponants one arm, which still leaves him an arm to use,is pretty silly and dangerous on the street and in sparring.dont believe me ! take it for checking! try it yourself and tell your partner to use the other hand while you go for your grapple! his imaginary eye jab,throat punch,groin slap,backfist to your head or whatever he uses that is an effective tool ,will get you! dont believe me try it yourself! believe me this is why bruce emphasized his eye jab so much-of course i dont advocate going to the eyes as much as bruce did-but i think it was bruces way of pointing out that simplicity is what works-even a backfist to the head,a headbutt,an elbow,a knee is more effective and less likely to fail than 99.9999999% {if not 100%} of most grappling techniques!!!!! lw

Same old same old
This book is no more than a rehash of what has already been written about in countless other books on JKD. The grappling material is very basic and limited. It is better covered and explained in other submission fighting books. There also should have been more closeups on the holds being applied as it is difficult to see many of them. Not something I would highly recommend unless you are just starting out.

It means, "Conditioning and Grappling Basics".
This is a good book for martial artists starting out. I have been in Martial arts for awhile. This book will help you get in shape and work on flexibility, if you don't already know how to do that. I recommend it to someone that wants to see what Jeet Kune Do involves and what kind of moves there are in Jiu-Jitsu. Pick one up, a good book for an all around freestyle martial artist. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Defininte Must for the Serious Judoka
Another beautiful but hard to find judo book from Japan Publications Trading.Originally published in 1967, This volume shows some of the most elaborate sequences of grapplig applications for competition.Also of importance are the follow ups and escapes for each technique, most of which are not included in the smaller abridged version, "Judo in Action: Grappling Techniques".The variations included in this book are extensive and laudable, and definately set it apart from most publications.That Kudo also focuses on transitions from grappling technique to technique and doesn't just stop at going through the mechanics of each technique also makes this book something extraordinary.

Contents include:
1.Fundamentals:
2.Pinning Techniques: (Main Points, Training Rules)Kesa Gatame, Kuzure-Kesa-Gatame, Ushiro Kesa Gatame, Kata-Gatame, Kami-Shiho-Gatame, Kuzure-Kami-Shiho-Gatame 1 & 2, Yoko-shiho-gatame, Kuzure-yoko-shiho-gatame, Tate-shiho-gatame 1 through 3
3.Strangling Techniques (Main Points, Training Rules) Kata-juji-shime 1 thruogh 3, Gyaku-juji-shime 1 through 3, Hadaka-jime 1 through 4, Kataha-jime 1 through 3, Okuri-eri-jime 1 through 6, Jigoku-jime, Sakaku-jime 1 through 3
4.The Joint Techniques (Main Points, Training Rules), Ude-garami 1-5, Juji-gatame 1-7, Ude-gatame 1 through 3, Hiza Gatame 1 through 4, Waki-Gatame
5.Getting into the Grappling Techniques: Grappling Techniques as follow-ups to throws, Lwad-in by moving your opponents legs, when your opponent who is lying below you attempts to pull you to him, Lead-in by lifting one of your opponents legs, lead-in by lifting both of your opponents legs, controlling your pponents body from below--rolling him over, Downing your opponent from a standing position and moving him into a grappling technique, Lead-ins when your opponent is lying facedown or is on all fours, clamping your opponents legs, drawing your leg free.
6.Follow-ups and counter attacks: FOLLOW UP ATTACKS: Pinning to pinning, pinning to strangling, pinning to joint techniques, strangle to strangle, strangle to pinning, strangle to joint technique.Joint Technique to joint technique, joint techniquwe to pinning technique, joint technique to strangle technique.COUNTER ATTACKS: Pinning against pinning, strangle againt pinning, joint against pinning, strangle against strangle, pinning against strangle, joint against strangle, strangle against joint, joint against joint, pinning against joint
7.Background: Jigoro Kano and the Kodokan, Training Methods, The Road to Progress, Judo Matches
-Bibliography
-Index

A quality publication, the photographs are crisp and clearly communicate the crux of each given technique.If you're lucky enough to find aone in good or better condition, it may have a green dustcover and green box.This is one of the important out of print judo books, along with it's sister publication, "Dynamic Judo: Throwing Techniques", and a few others including Mifune's original "Canon of Judo", Draeger's works with Inokuma, Otaki, and Ishikawa, Ito & Sato's 2-volume "Vital Judo" series, and Kazuo Ito's "This is Judo".As Kazuzo Kudo studied extensively with Kano and many of Judo's first generation's masters, his understanding of technique and competition are important. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Very good.
Very good book on how to meld striking with standing grappling.(E.g., clinching, throwing.)

good instruction from a Jeet Kune DoORIGINAL student
I think this is a good book Mr. Hartsell conveys his points in this book very well, i have been studying JKD and Kali extensively. One word of advice though i repeat you cannot learn jkd from a book this book is for practicioners or a beginner looking to see some techniques of jkd, there are alot of reviewers saying this book is bad and that grappling is useless and time consuming. Grappling is a skill trapping is a skill skills take time to cultivate, anything worthwhile takes time to cultivate and learn.
I find it really funny that some reviewers are stating boldly that something is useless and doesnt work if you try to use it and fail, like the old saying goes try try again.Thats the only way to make progress in the arts and life.

Hartsell on JKD
This is one of my favorite books on JKD. Larry Hartsell combines the original art of JKD as taught to him by Bruce Lee with the more current JKD Concept. Full of easy to understand photos this book is a classic that finds favor with both OJKD and JKDC.

AREALISTS REVIEW
after being exposed to jkd,concept and original,kenpo,judo,boxing and so many seminars/books/videos studying and practicing since i was 13 and now im 40 {just so you know this isnt someone blowing smoke up your a;; here is my review:there are some good techniques in the book.but i have to disagree for alot of the grappling though-dont take my word for it-take it for checking and try it yourself! try the tech on page 95 - catch to figure 4 arm lock to takedown.if anyone with a decent amount of handspeed throws a punch at you and doesnt leave it out there for you to grab like is shown in the book or as you see in martial arts seminars-you not going to be able to pull off this technique.its bs to say the least.even if somehow you caught the punch like is shown-then you use BOTH of your arms to put the opponant into a figure four like as shown in the book-WHATS FROM STOPPING HIM from finger jabbing you in the eyes or for that matter hitting you with the other hand?!ive asked this in seminars and the only answer they give me is they ask me to throw a punch and then they do the technique even more harder then they would for the average participant-more answers like this-ask a question that makes sense and ill just try to inflict pain on you so youll shut up! kinda answer! or with their arm that is doing the figure four elbows you to the head AFTER THE FIGURE FOUR IS APPLIED...... of course i couldve easily fingerjabbed his eyes as both of his hands were tied up in his grappling figure four movement and really he had no defence except for his grappling movement.i even had my fingers right on his eye and even was able to "air" hit him 2-3 times in the throat and to his temple before he swept me - so tell me who really would have inflicted more damage if this "teacher" had tried a technique like this in the street against someone who justs keeps an open mind and just goes for whats open?? HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! another nonsense tech is thinking that a lin lop sau {cross grabbing hand }is going to work in the street or in sparring-sure it looks good in the movies and in seminars when the participant isnt really trying to REALLY punch you but to think that after youthrow a straight punchand its blocked by your opponant with a pak sau{slapping hand}with his rear hand that you are going to be able to use your rear hand to grab your opponants rear blocking hand and pull him into your lead backfist is a PIPEDREAM AND A JOKE TO SAY THE LEAST! dont take my word for it !!!try it in sparring yourself! chances are when you spend time trying to grab the opponants wrist you are going to get hit with his other hand or someother strike! techniques like this are good only for one thing-to advance to the next belt!really-think about it.bs techniques like this are taught in so many styles/arts. no wonder bruce studied western boxing so much after he came to the states! alot of his wing chun just wouldnt work against someone with a decent jab/cross or just a good jab! of course there is even some stuff in western boxing that is bs that cant be used in the street like taking a punch to your gloves because in the street you have no gloves on! and also this dancing around your opponant like you saw ali or leonard do is a joke against someone who kicks you in the leg or who steps on your foot -moves quickly in ON YOU AND jams you and PUMMELS YOU! TRYING TO BE LIKE ALI OR SUGAR RAY! HA!better off that when someone blocks your punch -instead of you trying to use your other hand to grab his blocking hand wrist you just collapse that arm that was blocked at the wrist -you collapse it into an elbow into the his head and with your other hand you either do a pinning pak sau{palm slapping hand} or you use it to punch,etc.make more sense? try it for yourself ! dont believe me! try it for yourself! take it for checking! YOU AND ONLY YOU ARE THE ULTIMATE TEACHER-NOT ME OR ANY OTHER ONE! teachers will show you techniques but YOU are the only one who can see if they really work! teachers are not always teaching you techniques that work -----they are teaching you techniques so that you can progress to the next level/sash/belt and not necessarily teaching you techniques that work! i encourage ALL martial artists who are responding in their reviews,respond with positive and negative -by negative i mean constructive-comments so jkd gets "cleaned" up and hopefully one day jkd,wing chun etc.other martial arts are composed of PRACTICAL REAL LIFE WORKING TECHNIQUES/TOOLS THAT WORK AND NOT JUST USED TO ADVANCE TO THE NEXT BELT/SASH OR LEVEL! TRAIN SMART,PERSISTANTLY AND HARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WALK ON ! lwlwbwbw@aol.com

Plethora of trapping/grappling techniques
This book does a pretty good job of presenting techniques from a clinch, or another situation where one is close enought to use Wing Chun-style trapping techniques.It also covers moving into a clinch possition, as well as several takedowns and throws from said possitions.It covers using these techniques both offensively and defensively.Also covered is basic fighting stance and footwork, some standing submissions, and some leglocks for securing a person on the ground.The book was made in 1984, so it maynot be 'state of the art' where some clinching and grappling techniques are concerned, compared to what has developed in modern MMA competitions.It's a decent enough book, and for someone with no knowledge of clinching, trapping, or basic upright grappling, I think it could be helpful, and is reasonably useful for MMA competition and self-defense training, but mostly as a suplementary text. ... Read more

Book Description
Why does a good God allow innocent suffering? Why does a just God act unfairly? Why does a sovereign God let disease and evil run rampant? These are not questions asked from the onlooker's armchair, nor from the academic's desk, but from the anguish of the sickbed and the frustration of the wheelchair: The problem of pain is considered with the heart as well as the head.In Out of the Storm: Grappling With God in the Book of Job, Christopher Ash leads us through the biblical story of Job as we wrestle with these questions today. He explores honestly the lonely and cruel nature of suffering and whether or not God can be found in the midst of it. He exposes the shortcomings of Job's friends, who deny the possibility of innocent suffering and are unaware of the roles that evil, the fall and the cross have to play. With compassion and clarity he takes the reader through Job's long debate with God towards a humbling-and hopeful-resolution.Christopher Ash is Principal of the Cornhill Training Course in London, a teaching ministry of the Proclamation Trust . He is married to Carolyn and they have four children. ... Read more

Product Description
Some admirers have called Gene LeBell, a.k.a. "The Toughest Man Alive," the deadliest man on the planet. His wife says Sarcastically, "He's just from another world." LeBell wears many hats, having grown up in boxing and wrestling gyms around the world and spending a lifetime studying many of the different martial arts.LeBell has won national judo championships, wrestled professionally for over 20 successful years, announced professional wrestling on television for 15 years, and refereed professional boxing and wrestling matches all over the world. The Godfather of Grappling tells the amazing story of this grappling master, who has also been a TV and movie actor and a top Hollywood stuntman for more than half a century.Featuring forewords by "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Chuck Norris, just two of the many celebrities he counts as friends, and packed with dozens of photos and illustrations, The Godfather of Grappling is an inspirational tale sure to entertain fans of professional wrestling, the martial arts, movies, television, and just about anything else Gene LeBell has taken on during his storied career. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The Man!
Fantstic read. I wish a few rumors had been covered in this book. I guess the legal stuff keeps him from doing so thought.
Any fan of wrestling or martial arts should read about this man.

The Godfather of grappling
Great book, if you like Gene Lebelle and what he has done for the sport, this is the book.Very easy reading.

Very entertaining
Judo Gene is the absolute best!This bio contains some great stories.He truly is a treasure. ... Read more

Book Description
An introduction to one of the most sophisticated forms of self-defense in China. Includes numerous pressure-point techniques, as well as joint locks and escapes ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Hands off
This book is good in teaching how to restrain anyone dumb enough to put there hands on you. The techiques are very detailed so you can learn from a book and a partner to practice.

It's worth the time it takes to learn and practice these techniques.
Chinese Grappling: T'ien Shan P'ai Chin-Na, The Grappling Art ofSelf-Defense, Volume 1 by Willy Lin

This book is about specialized grappling hold and joint-lock techniques found in many of the asian martial arts.No particular style or school of martial arts has recognized claim as founder of these techniques.But, for now forget the name of the styles and the names given to the techniques by the styles.Examine the techniques and variations of the techniques.Then, take note ofthe assault scenarios in which they are applied.If you compare the applications and execution of these techniques from one style to another, you should see that they are all basically the same in principle and execution.Some Jujitsu schools or styles teach these techniques early in the course of a beginning student's instruction which is as it should be.Other schools, for whatever reason, choose to withhold instruction of these techniques until a student reaches some intermediate or advanced level of rank and claim that these are advanced techniques.Well, they are not advanced techniques because anyone can learn them.

These techniques are valuable for learning self-defense because successful application of these techniques against an assailant forces the assailant to recognize that a continuation of hostile actions will result in a continuation or intensification of pain the assailant will experience by being trapped in the technique and may even result in a serious injury to himself.Intense pain becomes the persuasive medium to cease hostile actions.

Therefore, these techniques should be learned by all beginning martial art or self-defense students as a way to perhaps prevent an escalation of violence at the moment an assailant initiates an aggressive act.This book covers the techniques at a beginning level and should not be thought of as providing answers to all situations for all individuals.It is simply a start.The author of this book also wrote a second volume to this subject of Chin-Na.If you read both books and practice most of the techniques to as many scenarios of assault as are covered, you will have some ability to defend yourselfin common assault scenarios.But, the person practicing must keep in mind that it is still just a beginning and by no means complete.

**Shotokan Karate students who practice the katas empi or wansu can see the real application of the first move in the kata when they perform the so called down block as they drop to one knee on page 114 and 124of Volume 1 where Willy Lin demonstrates a simpler variation of this technique to deal with an assailant who grabs the neck or chest or lapel.He uses this technique to trap the assailant's arm or throw the assailant to the ground.

** On pages 90 and 91 of Volume 1, Willy Lin uses a move found in Karate katas heian or Pinan 5 to free himself from an assailant who grabs both of his wrists.

If you find this information useful and you find that you like the book, there are several other instructional books and videos on Chin-Na available on Amazon or thru popular martial art magazines.Also, Willy Lin, as I already mentioned above, has written a second volume on this subject which you can also find on Amazon.

Other sources which include coverage on the same subject of holds and joint-locks include the following:

Chin-Na: The Grappling Art of Self Defense ISBN: 0897500954

Comprehensive Applications of Shaolin Chin Na: The Practical Defense of Chinese Seizing Arts for All Styles (Qin Na : the Practical Defense of Chinese Seizing Arts for All Martial Arts Styles)

Analysis of Shaolin Chin Na DVD (1st Edition-YMAA)Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming

Analysis of Shaolin Chin Na, 2nd Edition: Instructors Manual for All Martial Styles

Chin Na In Depth - Courses 1 - 4 (YMAA grappling)

Chin Na In Depth - Courses 5 - 8

Chin Na In Depth - Courses 9 - 12


Small-Circle Jujitsu by Wally Jay ISBN: 0897501225
Small-Circle Jujitsu, Vol 4 - Tendon, Tricep, Armbars and Armlocks by Wally Jay ASIN: B0001NJ9KI

Aiki-do Videosby Sam Combes ASIN: B0002KQQ4CASIN: B0002KQQ4MandASIN: B0002KQQ4W

Shorinji kempo;: Philosophy and techniques by Do Shin So




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Book Description
Laurent Schwartz is one of the most remarkable intellects of the 20th century. His discovery of distributions, one of the most beautiful theories in mathematics, earned him a 1950 Fields Medal. Beyond this formidable achievement, his love for science and for teaching led him to think deeply and lecture broadly to the general public on the significance of science and mathematics to the well-being of the world. At the same time, his commitment to the social good, even at the expense of his beloved research, proved a moral compass throughout his life. The fight for human rights and his major role in the battle against the wars in Algeria and Vietnam were typical of matters close to his heart. The story of his life in the context of his century provides for future generations an inspiring testimonial from an extraordinary mathematician and thinker. Laurent Schwartz is a strategist of ideas, within mathematics and without. He is a great communicator who has drawn huge audiences and conveyed to them the fragrance of research, or the joy of teaching, or the value of freedom. His is a mind whose company is never dull. He belongs to the great libertarian tradition of France. And his book has the very French characteristic of giving serious consideration to the life of the intellect. No man's life can be encompassed in one telling, yet the spirit of the man and his times are well caught in his autobiography. (K. Chandrasekharan, Notices of the AMS) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Grappling is the word
This book is as fascinating to anyone interested in mathematics as any other mathematician's biography, with the extra asset of his life being deeply imbedded in 20th century history. While it gives a most interesting account of the French and international mathematical world during the second half of the century (especially on Bourbaki and, of course, on the distributions), it also tales the story of a "committed" (formerly trotskist) intellectual who valued his struggle for decolonization as highas his mathematical work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Okano is the Master.
Simply the strongest books ever written for the serious Judoka!
These are treasures. It is a crime no publisher is printing them. Nothing printed today compares. If you think Judo is just about throwing, study the book and accomplishments of Okano! Your Newaza will improve.

the greatest
I have read a number of Judo books.So far, the Vital Judo Books are the easiest to learn from. It doesn't tackle the basics and formalities of judo but deals mainly on competition techniques which is what most judokas need from books.The grappling techniques in this book are worth studying and proven effective in competition.The Vital Judo Books by far are the best buys when looking for judo related books.

The Vital Judo books are my all-time favorite Judo books.
There are two volumes - Throwing Techniques and Grappling Techniques. Rather than the usual textbooks which include only the basics, these booksare dedicated solely to applications and combinations.If you want ideason how and where to apply your favorite throw or ne-waza move, these booksare for you.These books are much more like the Judo MasterclassTechniques, and I wish someone was still publishing these as they areoutstanding.

This book describes excellent grappling techniques of Judo.
I am very impressed with this book. It describes some of the besttechniques I've seen and many which I had not seen. Nowadays, Judo is beingpracticed as only throws, but this book recognizes the importance of propergrappling techniques(newaza). With the wide coverage being devoted to"Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu" people think that these techniques are newor recently discovered, but the reality of the matter is that most comefrom "True Judo". The author emphasizes that a Judoka should be"as good throwing as he is grappling; and, as good grappling as he isthrowing".This book is great for the beginner and the seasoned Judoka. ... Read more

Book Description
The blueprint to what makes grappling work.An effective step-by-step grappling book for martial artists, wrestlers, students and instructors.This comprehensive, readable and effective explanation of grappling on the ground includes over two hundred photographs illustrating positions of advantage, correct posture, grips, movements, escapes, counters and reversals.Also provided are tips on finding a good instructor, conditioning and drilling exercises, as well as specific points for mastering the twelve ground positions.Special appendices include rules and regulations of competition and a glossary of grappling-related web sites.At any level of submission wrestling, the fundamentals for success in competition remain same . . . control, position and submission.This holds true for such grappling styles as Brazilian jujutsu, judo and sambo.This book provides both the novice and experienced martial artist with in-depth knowledge and insight into the sport and science of submission wrestling.The blueprint to what makes grappling work An effective step-by-step grappling book for martial artists, wrestlers, students and instructors.This comprehensive, readable and effective explanation of grappling on the ground includes over two hundred photographs illustrating positions of advantage, correct posture, grips, movements, escapes, counters and reversals.Also provided are tips on finding a good instructor, conditioning and drilling exercises, as well as specific points for mastering the twelve ground positions.Special appendices include rules and regulations of competition and a glossary of grappling-related web sites.At any level of submission wrestling, the fundamentals for success in competition remain same . . . control, position and submission.This holds true for such grappling styles as Brazilian jujutsu, judo and sambo.This book provides both the novice and experienced martial artist with in-depth knowledge and in sight into the sport and science of submission wrestling. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (37)

Basics never change
I have been training in the martial arts for over 10 years with little knowledge of grappling or submission wrestling. This book was great for me because it explained the basics and gave me insight into what makes grappling work. This book is not for the advanced, but it is a true winner for anyone wanting to take an intellectual approach to learning grappling.

Do Not Believe The 5 Star Reviews!
This book is completely worthless! The 5 star reviews were more than likely writen by the author. If you want a book on grappling buy Royler and Renzo Gracie's Jiu Jitsu book or Rigan Machado's book. All I have ever heard about Robert Ferguson is that he is a shameless self promoter. There is no person that I know of called Doug Gracie! Saying that Ferguson helped develop the Gracie family's jiu jitsu is damn near libelous!

Disappointed
I read Ferguson's book and was really quite appalled at the lack of substance.As a former high school wrestler, judo black belt, and tae kwon do black belt, I have to say that this book was a waste of my money.

I had met Ferguson in the past when he was promoting his "world-class" tae kwon do skills and, while he may have lacked master level skills, I was somewhat impressed by his determination to promote himself.He may have gone too far with "Submission Wrestling," for this book really exposes Ferguson's lack of knowledge.He might have put together this book in order to help promote his other skills, including starring in extreme (anything goes) porn.Some of the students at our karate school showed me a video tape of Ferguson in "Vanilla Cupcake," and that was the only thing that I can think of that is more disturbing (because of the unsafe man to man practices that he obviously embraces) than this submission wrestling book.

A Champion's Guide to Self Defense and Sport Jiu Jitsu
As a member of the world renowned Gracie family, I have to say that Mr. Ferguson is for real.His knowledge of grappling rivals the best experts in the world including my father, brothers, uncles, and cousins.In fact, Mr. Ferguson has trained with our family extensively throughout the years and was instrumental in the development of my family's form of Jiu-Jitsu.Having never ever seen Mr. Ferguson submit and while having been submitted on numerous occassions by him, I can honestly say that his techniques are bar none some of the finest in the world.As a result, the information presented in this book are also second to none.It doesn't matter if you are a 10th degree black belt as I am or a 1 stripe white belt because Mr. Ferguson will help your technique.

horrible
This book is definatley a waste of money. It does show a few moves(note the emphasis on the word FEW). I've heard people say that Fergy is just a conman. Well, he just might be. The bottom line, don't buy this book. If you want the best book on the market about submission wrestling and grappling, buy "Fighter's Notebook: A Manual of Mixed Martial Arts" ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good moves!
This is by the great Gene LeBell. His self defense techniques are very effective if trained for enough. There are plenty of moves for every situation. There are also little ryhmes and lessons about life included asan extra "bonus" you could call it. They are quite humorous andyou will most likely enjoy both aspects of the book. It is a classic! .... ... Read more

Book Description
Addresses the concerns of the marginalized in the American school curriculum. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Nothing like it
Gene LeBell's ability with the club, nightstick and pr24 will surprise some people but anyone who has trained with Judo Gene knows that his knowledge of all aspects of combat is the equal of any teacher alive.Combining grappling and police application with stick use is innovative and has applications for all martial art systems.

A UNIQUE APPROACH TO STICK FIGHTING
"Judo" Gene LeBell understands the needs of security personnel and law enforcement officers & has presented some practical skills in the use of the baton, flashlight and side-handle baton.I was especiallyimpressed with the "VITAL" techniques illustrated in the book,featuring some great takedowns, restraints and come-along tactics. Students of stick fighting will want to learn these techniques to expandtheir knowledge and add a grappling & non-lethal component to thestriking aspects of their art.While many of the scenarios appear to be alittle too much "jujitsu with a stick," there are neverthelesssome terrific gems in this book.

A newer approach to Defensive tactics
This text covers grappling techniques with a straight baton with overlaping for the PR-24 and the flashlight. Fourteen chapters with cartoon like illustrations cover this large 318 pg book on non-lethal clubgrappling techniques.

Blocks, grips, stances, vital points cover thefirst 3 chapters. The slap and catch method, go behinds with theclub,comealongs, takedowns, wrist/elbow/shoulder hold leg and neck locks,chokes, hold downs make up the majority of the text. A section oncontrolling violent suspects takes up the last three chapters, controllinga suspect from cars or motorcycles on the ground. The last chapter focuseson the use of the hood restraint.

This book combines elements of USmilitary baton techniques, grappling techiques from BJJ and other arts, andcompliance techniques from officer defensive tactics. There is slightreference to knife wielding suspects and drugged individuals. Marketed forLEO personnel, some of the techniques are best for those alreaady trainedin combatives or grappling martial arts. With this in mind, some DTpersonnel might not like this book particularly those who hated theMonadnock PR-24 manual. Pistol retention is not covered here as well andmust always be kept in mind for any officer buying this book. Weapons basedmartial artists may find a few techniques to add to their arsenal. I do notagree with all the techniques but in my opinion the takedowns, chokes, andholds are the most practical section of the book.

Gene Lebell
Gene Lebell is truely the grappling master, His expertise is shown by all of his accomplishments. To learn from him, even through a book, will surely help you become a winner in the ring.Buy this book to further yourknowledge of grappling ... Read more