Book Description
In the most comprehensive book on kickboxing ever written, Martina Sprague and Keith Livingston teach you exactly what it takes to survive and win in the kickboxing ring. Whether you want to become a professional kickboxer or just train like one, Complete Kickboxing is an invaluable reference.

Begin with the basics of movement, stance, punching, kicking and defensive fundamentals. Each skill is taught scientifically: learn good mechanics, drill with specific goals in mind and then apply your skills in sparring. Once you?ve established solid fundamentals, the authors introduce advanced skills like knee and elbow strikes, unorthodox punches, jump kicks and sweeps. As you build your arsenal, Keith and Martina share the kind of information that only two veterans of the ring can. Learn strategies for short and long range fighting, controlling the fight, outsmarting your opponent, working the angles and gaining superiority.

If your goal is competition, Complete Kickboxing can ensure you don?t miss a step along the way. Learn how to mentally and physically prepare for a fight, which equipment to train on, what goes on in the locker room before a match and how the business end of the fight game works.

With nearly 500 pages of instruction and over 1000 photos, Complete Kickboxing is the most comprehensive reference available on the exciting sport of Kickboxing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Worth Every Penny
As said before me this book lives up to its title. It is very complete, the author talks extensivly not only on every aspect of kickboxing I've ever heard of, but also of many I haven't. The book is easy to understand and the author has a unique style of writing and organization that keeps you interested. This is one of the best martial art books I've ever owned.

A well-rounded compilation of facts
The collaborative work of martial arts experts Martina Sprague (kickboxing, modern freestyle, Kenpo karate) and Keith Livingston (kickboxing, Tae Kwon-Do, Kenpo Karate, boxing, Aikido, Ju-Jitsu, and former I.K.A. light heavyweight Rock Mountain champion), Complete Kickboxing is a "martial arts student friendly" instructional guide and reference for kickboxing techniques, concepts, sparring exercises and competition strategies. Beginning with the fundamentals of movement, stance, punching and kicking, and progressing to instructions on more advanced jump kicks and sweeps, strategies for short and long range fighting, outsmarting one's opponent, and the business mechanics of competition in the professional ring, Complete Kickboxing is an indispensible resource for novice and career kickboxers alike. A well-rounded compilation of facts, advice, and insight efficiently organized for improving one's skill and strengthening weaknesses.

Outstanding
Martina Sprague's and Keith Livingston's Complete Boxing is correctly titled. First of all there are 480 pages with over 1000 photos! And the Table of Contents takes up six pages with double columns on each page. This puppy is huge but it costs only $29.95. Even if you disagreed with some of the material - not that fighters are strongly opinionated - you're still getting more than your money's worth. It's that loaded and that good.

As the title says, the book is about kickboxing, that is, full-contact fighting. Not point fighting where eight times out of 10 the technique wouldn't have had an effect. In kickboxing, the players are really hitting and trying to defeat the other fighter by hurting him so badly that he can't continue, or by knocking him out. So you're not getting foo-foo techniques here; the material in this book is designed to hurt.

The authors have been there and done that. Combining their vast experience, they have produced a tremendous book - a huge book -that will keep you reading, learning, and stealing techniquesfor a long time.

As a guy who has written 18 books on the martial arts and has been punching and kicking for 40 years, I highly recommend Complete Kickboxing.
... Read more

Product Description
Welcome to the 21st Century, where we have become a society of “multi-taskers” and can incorporate that mind set into our fitness training.Over the last few years boxing and kickboxing have become popular forms of fitness training in North America for those looking to progress beyond the Tae-Bo, aerobic-kickboxing and boxercise type format. This book details how to get a calorie burning cardiovascular & resistance workout combined with learning valuable self-defense skills. The routine is also a dynamite way to build self-confidence, agility, coordination, stamina and relieve stress.
Complete with a wide variety of topical information on both general and specific components of fitness, it is professionally detailed with over 300 photographs depicting every punch and kick technique combination. From the warm-up, strength exercises, abs routine and cool down stretches it is designed to ensure safety and efficiency in planning your fitness regiment.
The exercises are fully explained, and sample workouts are provided allowing you to determine the intensity of your workout based on your fitness and skill level. Tailored to your goals, it makes an ideal, fresh, innovative and personalized workout. The training can be structured into 2 or 3 minute rounds with 30-60 second rests to replicate actual boxing & kickboxing rounds. Concentrating on the various challenging and stress relieving kick & punch combinations enhances mental focus and discipline. It can also be implemented as the warm-up or cardio portion of your regular routine or as an additional alternate session format tailored to your goals and needs. All the equipment required, like boxing gloves, heavy bags and focus pads are portable and the initial expenditure is fairly modest compared to some elaborate home gyms. The additional strength and resistance exercises incorporating the stability ball, medicine ball, resistance tubing and free body exercises keeps the program unique, easy to modify and can be taken with you when traveling or at work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Extremely Useful Source of Information
I am a kickboxing instructor, teaching a class on heavy bags and working on developing a style of my own.I have found O'Donnell's book to be an invaluable source of information to me.His clear, concise descriptions of stances and punching and kicking techniques cover all the basics.I'm always looking for creative kickboxing combinations, and he has a number of them in the book.In addition, his section in the back on Resistance Training Exercises has helped me tremendously in creating new ways to challenge the people I'm instructing. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in teaching a challenging kickboxing class - either cardio or contact style.

Excellent
I got this book for my 17 year old son who is training by himself in the garage. He loved it!! It has everything he was looking for.
And I got the book before the due date, I was very pleased. ... Read more

Book Description
Each year, thousands of people begin kickboxing, and - not so surprisingly - the vast majority of these people are women. It's a great time for this sport, reflected in the number of women of all ages who show up for training classes at gyms throughout the country. With virtually every popular woman's character in movies in television shows exhibiting some sort of kickboxing or martial arts prowess, the trend will probably continue for some time.In addition, thousands more women join related classes, such as aerobox, cardio-kickboxing, Tae Bo and the like.

Once these women start learning some of the techniques of kickboxing, they often want to learn more. Whether they attempt to learn on their own or through classes offered by experienced instructors, most kickboxers eventually feel the need to have a skills book to help them with their practice. Most women, however, must purchase books intended for men, since little traditional kickboxing information is directed toward a female audience. While women can, of course, benefit from material written for men, they find it more useful to have information written with them in mind. Some of the challenges that women face are not faced by men, and many of the inherent skills that many women have (speed, agility, flexibility) are often overlooked in traditional reference books.

Kickboxing for Women covers all the essentials of learning kickboxing, plus tips especially for women. It contains information helpful to beginning, intermediate and advanced kickboxers. The book also includes principles, techniques and drills for fitness kickboxer as well as the professional. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A superbly presented primer to help beginners
Kickboxing For Women by Jennifer Lawler (2nd Degree Black Belt, Tae Kwon Do) and Debz Buller (Certified Cardio-Karate, ACE Aerobics Instructor and ISSA Certified Personal Trainer) is a high-spirited, practical guide to stretching, exercise, fitness, and self-defense, written in direct, plain text and illustrated with plenty of demonstrative black-and-white photographs. While not a substitute for kickboxing classes taught by a professional, Kickboxing For Women is a superbly presented primer to help beginners with an interest better understand the basics of training and sparring. With workout plans written to take a woman's body and endurance into account, Kickboxing For Women is a winning supplement to any female kickboxer's physical fitness regimen!

From a woman's perspective
As a female full-contact kickboxing instructor, I found this book to be a valuable buy for any woman who is thinking about getting started in kickboxing.I liked how the authors identify the different styles of kickboxing, and how they explain the difference between aerobic kickboxing and full-contact kickboxing.This information is useful in helping a prospective student identify what her goals are before signing up for classes.I found most of the advice on the execution of techniques sound.As a full-contact kickboxing instructor, I differ on some points.However, these are minor differences, which are mostly style related, and which is something a new student looking to get started in kickboxing should not get hung up on.The book's strength, however, lies in the chapters following the explanations of the techniques.For example, I found the chapter on full-contact sparring with its many tips on goal setting and mental preparation, and the "For Women Only" and "Debz Says" suggestions at the end of each chapter, very helpful to a new student.And the exercise section does a good job describing why and how, rather than what.In other words, it's not just an endless list of exercises, which is so often found in other books of this nature.The section on "Other Practical Matters" was very informative for women, and something that most other books on the combat arts neglect to mention.I would recommend this book to any woman who is thinking about getting started in this male-dominated sport. ... Read more

Book Description

With The Complete Idiot's Guide to Kickboxing, there's a new way to get the body sweating. This guide covers the ancient art and modern kickboxing, Kickboxing gear, and how to build leaner legs and a better butt. Learn power punches--cross, hook, upper cut, overhand, as well as the spinning back fist, stabs and slashes. Idiot-proof steps guide you through footwork, target practice, and stretches, allowing you to tailor beginner, intermediate, and advanced workouts. Covers every level in the ring--lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight, super heavyweight.

Customer Reviews (11)

Good beginner's book. Especially for women.
This is the first martial arts book I have read that is written with women in mind. Don't get me wrong, it's not all about women kickboxers. It's just the first time I've read any martial arts book with specific paragraphs for and about women in martial arts. This is a good book for beginners or someone just trying to decide if they want to try kickboxing. It includes techniques, conditioning and theory. This book needs more pictures explaining the moves, positions and combinations. This book seems like it would be inspirational for women.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Kickboxing
Brillant book on Kickboxing for both beginner & advanced student. Lots of interesting compination. Excellent to compliment your training in Kickboxing Karate or Tae Kwon Do.

Complete Reference, Not the best for Beginners.
I really thought this book was a 3, but after some thought I gave it a 3.5.The main reason I gave it the higher score is because, as many other reviewers point out, it is a very complete reference.It's loaded with information. The author is clearly very experienced.

Unfortunately, as a beginner, this book came up short in several key areas.First of all, the pictures and diagrams were simply not clear enough.While not true of all books in this series, I find this issue does crop up from time to time.The pictures are dark and dated, and it's very difficult to clearly see the poses.The publisher should have sprung for new pictures for this book.

The book's other shortcoming is in the area of organization.The information is dropped on you as if you were reading a dictionary.It's very difficult to learn something new by going through so much information.The book could have been better layed out, starting with some basic exercises and then delving into the more complex.

In my opinion, these changes would make this a tremendously better book.

Excellent guide to self defense
This book is outstanding.I have 13 years experience in different martial arts (tae kwon do, kickboxing, Brazilian Jujitsu) and think that this is a very complete resource.I was impressed by the explanations and photos of techniques related to kickboxing and training, but what makes this so wonderful are these added features.

1.actual self defense techniques using palm hand strikes instead of a closed fist

2.advice on ground fighting (using striking techniques)

3. advice for young children on self defense

In addition, the training routines presented and pad drills are first rate.They even work with Thai boxing's elbow and knee strikes.

Excellent
Mezger was the USKBA United States Heavyweight Champion and Super Heavyweight Champion as well as the WKC/WKKC World Heavyweight Champion.Don't forget he was the UFC 13 Tourneament Champion, and the 7th King of Pancrase.

His kickboxing record is 22-3 with 19 KOs

His MMA record is 40-11-2 with wins over Masa Funaki, Tito Ortiz, Yuki Kondo, Ryushi Yanigisawa, Minoru Suzuki, and Semmy Schilt.Plus he trashed Kazushi Sakuraba, Ricardo Arona, and Chuck Liddell. ... Read more

Book Description
Forget the stereotypes. Today's Japanese women are shattering them -- breaking the bonds of tradition and dramatically transforming their culture. Shopping-crazed schoolgirls in Hello Kitty costumes and the Harajuku girls Gwen Stefani helped make so popular have grabbed the media's attention. But as critically acclaimed author Veronica Chambers has discovered through years of returning to Japan and interviewing Japanese women, the more interesting story is that of the legions of everyday women -- from the office suites to radio and TV studios to the worlds of art and fashion and on to the halls of government -- who have kicked off a revolution in their country.

Japanese men hardly know what has hit them. In a single generation, women in Japan have rewritten the rules in both the bedroom and the boardroom. Not a day goes by in Japan that a powerful woman doesn't make the front page of the newspapers. In the face of still-fierce sexism, a new breed of women is breaking through the "rice paper ceiling" of Japan's salary-man dominated corporate culture. The women are traveling the world -- while the men stay at home -- and returning with a cosmopolitan sophistication that is injecting an edgy, stylish internationalism into Japanese life. So many women are happily delaying marriage into their thirties -- labeled "losing dogs" and yet loving their liberated lives -- that the country's birth rate is in crisis.

With her keen eye for all facets of Japanese life, Veronica Chambers travels through the exciting world of Japan's new modern women to introduce these "kickboxing geishas" and the stories of their lives: the wildly popular young hip-hop DJ; the TV chef who is also a government minister; the entrepreneur who founded a market research firm specializing in charting the tastes of the teenage girls driving the country's GNC -- "gross national cool"; and the Osaka assembly-woman who came out publicly as a lesbian -- the first openly gay politician in the country.

Taking readers deep into these women's lives and giving the lie to the condescending stereotypes, Chambers reveals the vibrant, dynamic, and fascinating true story of the Japanese women we've never met. Kickboxing Geishas is an entrancing journey into the exciting, bold, stylish new Japan these women are making.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great concept, fun book...but...
After perusing for recent books on gender roles in Japan for a paper, I finally landed this book. The title was catchy and was a quick read.
However, reading it made me want to immediately contact whoever edited the thing. Not only is some of the information blatantly incorrect for the time (hello, Aiko will not become empress and no law was put into effect making it possible for a woman to ascend to the throne), there were obvious grammar and spelling mistakes. One of the most annoying thing was the inconsistent spelling of the famous street in Tokyo, Omotesando. Shown as Ometesando and Ometosando numerous times, neither was correct. Chapters were obviously not well thought out and contiunity problems arose often. Women that were interviewed earlier in the book were referenced to like complete strangers to the reader. Many things were explained twice which gave me a sense of deja vu while reading quite a few times. I'm no editing whiz or grammar nazi by any means but it seems like this book was not edited at all.
All (terrible) editing issues aside, the book brings up quite a few modern issues. I had done quite alot of reading on the matter and Chambers seems to have some of the most approachable writing for the subject. The bond she shares with each woman interviewed becomes apparent and helpful to the overall flow of the book. Her commentary is colorful, fun and is relatively objective (despite what the other reviews I've read state). The research that has gone into making the book comes out quite easily without being overstated. However, the research seemed shallow. It seemed like she gathered information solely from the internet and then went straight to these women. The preparation involved seemed minimal other than developing well thought out questions for interviewees.
One thing that Chambers excels at is developing overarching themes. The idea of the office lady serving tea is constantly re-introduced in a plesant way. However, the continuity issues with the chapters reiterates the ENTIRE CONCEPT at least twice and becomes redundant.

At , last, a look beyond stereotypes
Very good book. Reccommended for anyone interested in Japan, or travelling in Japan -- esp for people who might be travelling or living there an extended time. We lived in Tokyo for nearly three years during the late nineties, and the complexities and surprisingly strong push for change that you notice if you talk a lot to women are very accurately described in this book. This book really belies the largely Western stereotype of submissive, traditional women. The book is also quite sympathetic and insightful in describing some of the difficulties of Japanese men in a changing society. Anyone interested in getting a feel for possible future directions of Japanese society should read this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Decent start-up for stand-up fighting
This book wasn't designed for the sport of kickboxing; rather, it was designed to show the kicking and boxing aspects of Jeet Kune Do. This book shows basic punches and kicks with the forward and rear hand and foot, and their applications. There is also some discussion and applications shown of using footwork, along with these tools, to move in and out of range, or to bring different weapons to bear against an opponent. As well, some combinations, using both hands only, feet only, and hands and feet together are shown, as are the basic attacks, against equipment like focus mitts and kicking shields. Also discussed, briefly, is the progressive indirect attack. Defensive possibilities are then shown, including counterattacks, including slips, bridging, ducking, stop-hits, and more. The use of focus mitts in training for defense is covered in the same chapter. There's also a bit on attack by drawing, whereby one "baits" the opponent.The book then moves on to jab-catch drills, building off of the basic defensive movement into counter-offense.The book finishes with some parrying drills, some basic kicking drills, and a word or two about strategy vs. different opponents.The elements in this book focus on Jun Fan JKD, and in that sense it's very compatible with the "Bruce Lee's Fighting Method" series and "Jun Fan/ Jeet Kune Do: The Textbook".In fact, "Kickboxing" and "Textbook" are almost two halves of a whole: the former for the basic applications, the latter for more advanced tactics and strategies.Those interested in Jun Fan would not be disappointed with this book.

Good but not good enough
This book offers a glimpse at Jeet Kune Do principles as they are applied to the sport of Kickboxing. The focus mitt drills as well as the other drills are explained correctlly but the poor photography really doesn't reveal the tecniques in the best form. Also this book was written in the 80's as a current Asst. Instructor in JKD I can tell you that the techniques and strategies in JKD have changed quite a bit since this book was written. For a better read pick up Principles of a Complete Fighter by Ron Balicki. It gives you a good view of current JKD training and strategy

Good basic overview of Jun Fan Gung Fu's basic striking
Jeet Kune Do Kickboxing is a good overview of the basics of Jun Fan Gung Fu in the kicking and punching range. If you're already a Jun Fan / JKD student under a qualified instructor you probably won't get anything really new out of this, but it is a good reference for those of us who aren't good about taking notes. My only complaint is that the basic stance and footwork are only given about a page and a half, and IMO, those are two of the absolute most important things as they are the foundation for everything else. If you don't have a good stance and good footwork, everything else falls apart.

Terrible!
I have been kickboxing for fifteen years, and got this book in the hopes that it would offer some fresh perspectives on the subject.I was sorely disappointed.

The book has a kernel of good information, however, the stances, footwork, combinations and technique demonstrated are so clearly incorrect, I was surprized this book got published.Not only are the authors demonstrating poor technique, the layout and structure of the book doesn't facilitate clear instruction on the principles of fighting.

I realize that this book's bent is JKD kickboxing, however, I wouldn't use this book for anything other than a primer on how NOT to do martial arts.

Perhaps I got spoiled.When I first started fighting back in the 80's, I was lucky enough to get a copy of Jean-Yves Theiriault's "Full Contact Karate".This book has become a collectors item.When I see books like the one I just reviewed, I understand why people are willing to shell out [price] for a used copy of Theiriault's book.

very good book on the subject
a very good photo book that showing and explaining the kickboxing of jeet kune do, plus including many boxing and kickboxing drills(including how to train with the partner wich this particular part of the book is superb).the5 ways of attack(in the art of jeet kune do) are explained in theapplication of j.k.d.-kickboxing wich is the topic of this book.a verytechnical book with explanations,although the footwork (as my previousreviewers mentioned) should have to be disccussed more in details.in shortit is recommanded ! ... Read more

Book Description
This comprehensive training manual features all the information needed for a successful start in kickboxing, right up to winning the match in the ring. Author Christoph Delp, an expert fitness coach and an experienced kickboxing and Muay Thai trainer, begins by describing kickboxing’s history, development, and rules. The technical section explains all of the attacking techniques, as well as important defense and feinting skills. In spectactular photographs, champion kickboxers demonstrate the skills step by step, enabling the reader to easily duplicate the exercises and to understand the technical fine points. Chapters dedicated to training and competition contain vital information on training plans and structure, contest preparation, and competitive strategy. An ideal companion for beginners, the book is also an excellent reference for active kickboxers and other martial arts athletes who want to improve their punching and kicking techniques. Readers can use the book to train on their own or as a complement to club training. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Best damn kickboxing book
Buy the book, don't buy anything else to read. This is all you need! ... Read more

Book Description
In the most comprehensive guide available for entry into the fast-growing sport of Muay Thai kickboxing, personal trainer, Thai boxing coach and experienced fighter Chad Boykin leads you through every aspect of the game. Whether you long to test your mettle in the ring or simply get in the best shape of your life, this book will show you how. With clear, instructive photos and descriptions, Boykin demonstrates the conditioning exercises that provide the foundation for the power and speed of Muay Thai. Then he takes you step by step through the brutal elbow and knee strikes, punches, clenches and kicks that form your offensive arsenal, plus the blocks and evasion techniques that will confound your opponent. Training drills teach you to flow from one move to the next with accuracy and confidence. A veteran of the ring, Boykin gives novice fighters inside information on what to expect and offers advice on fighting styles and strategies. Whether you've been participating in kickboxing for years or are new to the sport, this book will give you the edge you need to succeed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

it was alright
While this book does have some good information, and lots of photos to demonstrate techniques, the author doesn't even actually seem to demonstrate that he realizes any difference between muay thai and kick boxing. All in all, i would rather not have bought this book, but am not terribly upset that i did. So, not a terrible buy, but don't expect too much.

Terrible
The author spends the entire introduction claiming how Muay Thai is the most effective self defense martial art out there.But in doing so, he turns a condescending attitude towards every other martial art.He says that Hollywood makes 120 pound women believe that they can defend themselves with "windmill" punches.Yet the author, himself, is the one who succumbs to the myths surrounding other martial arts.

So he believes other martial arts like Tae Kwon Do and Karate are useless because all they teach is flashy movie moves.But this only goes to show that the author has absolutely no idea what the other arts teach authentically.TKD and Karate do not emphasize 720 degree jump spinning monkey kicks to protect oneself.In fact, the first thing you learn in a TKD or Karate school is to punch and to defend yourself against a punch.Just because all these Hollywood and Hong Kong movies utilise flashy moves does not mean that other martial arts teach that this is the way to defend yourself in a real fight.

Kickboxing has its limitations just like any other art.If you get grabbed and thrown by a judoka, what are you going to do?Does kickboxing teach you how to fight from the ground?

If you're a Brazilian jiu-jitsu artist and you get into a fight with more than one opponent, what are you going to do?Slap on a submission hold while a guy comes up from behind you and stabs you?

Instead of proclaiming that he and his style of fighting is the best, the author should really think about what he's saying.Style bashing (as it is commonly known in the martial arts circles) only shows ignorance.

I haven't seen this author defend himself in a street fight or fight in a no holds barred tournament.But I have seen Tae Kwon Do and Karate guys defend themselves perfectly in a real life street fight against multiple opponents and in one on one situations.And there was a K1 (Kickboxing) competition in which Muay Thai fighters fought against Kyokushin Karate opponents.Guess who won?That's right, Karate.

And these are gripes I have just about the Introduction!

The rest of the book was pretty useless.He says that the book is about conditioning and techniques.The conditioning section only consists of pictures of a guy lifting weights.

...all I can say is that it was completely useless.

No effort to tell how much weight to use, how many sets, how many reps, and workout schedules?I know how to lift a dumbbell and do a bench press.I don't need this guy's book to show me a picture of it.

And the techniques section was very basic.If you have even seen a kickboxing competition, you will probably learn more from just watching it than from the useless (!@$&) this guy shows.

This book is a definite waste of money written by an egotistical ignoramus who wants to sound like he is the best fighter in the world and knows everything about fighting.Yet he can't even put together a simple book on anything useful about kickboxing.Don't buy unless you really want to waste your money.There are much better books on Muay Thai on Amazon.Actually, any other book on Mauy Thai on Amazon is better than this one.

I was duped into buying this based on all the other favorable reviews on Amazon.But now I know that they must have been left by the author or his friends.Or by people who have never trained seriously in Muay Thai or any other martial art.

A much better book is Complete Kickboxing by Martina Sprague and Keith Linvingston.

The best Muay Thai training book on the Market
If you want to be the best striker in your dojo this is the book to buy. Also buy all the Benny Urquidez Martial Arts training books together your knowledge of striking will be awsome. Also join a good Muay Thai School then compete against Tae Kwon Do Stylists. Then see how easy it is to defeat Tae Kwon Do Black Belts. Buy the book its brillant.

Americanized Muay Thai; well-rounded conditioning
The emphasis of this book seems to be conditioning more than technique.However, that doesn't mean it isn't good.There are five full chapters on physical fitness, and it's probably the most complete program I've seen in a martial arts book.The conditioning covered is everything from calesthetics to weight training to stretching to cardio.For those who are wondering what fitness has to do with fighting, well, it's a lot easier to defeat a person of equal skill and greater size if you have superior conditioning.Anyway, I found these chapters easy to follow, and very insightful.As far as the techniques go, they are described fairly well, and following a single offensive move are the defenses against it.Punches are given the most detail, with sidebars providing extra tips for each punch.Just for the record, pgs. 15-70 are devoted to these techniques.There's also a chapter on training drills, which covers equipment and different drills to do based on what skill you want to emphasise.On the down side, the "self-defense" section was kind of baren, the history chapter seemed a little rushed, and many combinations seemed to favor no-holds-barred contests instead of Muay Thai, in that there were throws and chokes.Overall, a very good book, I just don't think it truly presented Muay Thai.MMA/NHB atheletes might find it useful, as well as folks who are trying to spruce up their self-defense/full contact training.Also, anyone who wants to use a Kickboxing-based workout program.

Great book for advanced beginners and intermediates
Chad Boykin writes a solid book on kickboxing technique and tactics.The book has plenty of illustrative and high contrasting photos to demonstrate his concepts.The book layout is logical and covers a wide variety of bases (those already familiar with weight training and aerobic training may want to skip it). The real value of the book, I believe, is in his use of combinations and pad drills.These parts provide a great reference and empower the intermediate fighter in making his/her own favorite personal combinations.Too few books provide such detail and examples for this important material...As in any case this provides a good supplement and/or refresher of muay thai, though people truly wanting to learn this great style of fighting should start with a qualified instructor.More advanced fighters will not get too much out of this manual; there is very little material on the culture of Muay Thai and how it is practiced in Thailand, very little coverage of principles and mechanics of the style (which should also be addressed for true beginners) and very little on fighting strategy.Boykin provides a solid book for those interested in tactics which ideally suits advanced beginners and intermediate practitioners of the martial sport. ... Read more

Book Description
Thai boxing—muay thai—has escalated in popularity in the Western world and is appreciated by its fans as a means of fitness training, competitive sport, and self-defense. Advanced students greatly benefit from internationally known muay thai boxing competitor Christoph Delph's focus on what they must know to win a match. He describes tried and tested fighting strategies and traditional muay thai techniques, and shows how to best counter the opponent's attacks, use the element of surprise, and even bring the match to an early close.

Muay Thai: Advanced Thai Kickboxing Techniques includes sections on:

-Muay Thai as a competitive sport
-The rules of competition
-Traditional ceremonies
-Stars and stadiums
-A professional training program
-Competitive tips and tricks
-Effective countertactics
-Historical techniques
-Training in Thailand ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Finaly a real book
The book "Muay Thai: Advanced Thai Kickboxing Techniques" by Christoph Delp shows that the author has gained experience in fighting and training in Thailand. The techniques range from basic up to some I haven't even heard of, despite the years I have worked out in Thailand. This book is very good to use additional to the daily work out in the gym. Of course a book can't teach you how to become a good fighter, but even some "professionals" should take the chance to re-read some of the excellent descriptions regarding the shown techniques! Additional to the good text work, the photos are making it easy to follow the different movements. Reading the book and the included interviews plus viewing the photos of the thai-stars and high officials, gives you an impression on how the special atmosphere in Thailand is like. All in all for me this is the only book that was written out of the view and the experiences of someone (a farang) who lived and practiced in Thailand not somewhere else! Excellent work.

Real Muay Thai
I bought this book in Thailand. Everyone in our camp liked the book, because it is real Muay Thai. Great pictures and professional fighters.

This is not advanced!
I was really disappointed in this book. I don't know who could benefit from it. It's too elementary for semi-advanced students but doesn't cover basics so it stinks for the beginner!
The descriptions are a little vague and the photos do not explain much. There are a few great action shots but nothing you can learn from. There were too many "portrait" photos of Thai competitors.
Overall I did learn a few things but it was not worth the read ...or the money.

enough already with false titles....
While I'm glad there are more books on Muay Thai coming out, enough already with false titles. There is nothing "advanced" about this book. In fact, if you have spent more than a few months in any decent gym, you will find this a pretty boring book

I'm tired of so called instructional books filled with pictures of tourist sites, random pics of Thais standing around and pages of "this is me with my coach". Noe of that is instructional in nature, nor is advice on how to get a visa to Thailand....

The technique is fairly basic, good quality pictures and if you are a beginner you will learn something, but the title is way off the mark ... Read more

Book Description
Martial artists require a unique physical training program, one that ensures that powerful attacking and rapid counterattacking techniques can be used in self-defense performed over the full course of any contest or practice. In Fitness for Full-Contact Fighters, trainer, author, and fighter Christoph Delp presents a fitness training program expertly tailored to the martial arts. The book, amply illustrated with spectacular photographs from renowned photographers, details the basics of martial arts fitness training and offers an in-depth description of its various elements: flexibility, stamina, and power. The exercises are described in detail and presented step-by-step by leading martial artists. The book focuses on planning and monitoring one’s training and includes complete training programs as well as extensive advice on the proper diet. With this guide, martial artists at all skill levels, from newcomers to those at an advanced level, vastly improve their ability to perform in training and competition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Only basic knowledge on both fitness and stretching
Purchased this book from other book store. I also have a quick reading to finish the book, found out only basic knowledge on both fitness and stretching. Pictures attached are helpful. I only refer to remind me on certain muscle group to both train up and stretching.

Nice pictures and dissapointing contents
I read this book very fast, the reason was that the ideas and contents of the book were so basic and to be honest, nothing interesting for me. I was looking for advanced tips and contents which I couldn`t find them in the book. Howver, It `s a nice reference book for your library. ... Read more

Book Description
From the creator of today's hottest fitness craze comes the definitive program that brings Cardiokickboxing back to its origional Kickboxing roots with real techniques, equipment and bag work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Ideal for self-defense, fitness, and sports enthusiasts
Frank Thiboutot is the man who created the original "Cardio Kickboxing" program and in Cardio Kickboxing Elite provides the reader/user with a complete martial arts program that is ideal for self-defense, fitness, and sports enthusiasts. Thiboutot presents the history, techniques, and equipment of cardio kickboxing with all aspects of the various exercises profusely illustrated with more than 380 photos for detailed, easy-to-follow instruction; a cardio and circuit training of professional kickboxers, real self-defense techniques and bag work; as well as an excellent cross-training regimen which will enhance any physical active, sport, or martial arts performance. Cardio Kickboxing Elite is an impressive and much appreciated addition to any personal or professional physical fitness and martial arts reference collection. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Excellent book on the Fundamentals ofKickboxing
This book is creatively crafted by Peter Cunningham and Robert Mickey.It is a great primer on the basics of kickboxing and chapters includeinformation on conditioning, getting started,striking techniques and muchmore.The book isn't just full of photos teaching the reader how to makeeach movement.No, this book is much more.There contains muchinformation on the ends and outs of this sport.

This book reads at aninth grade level which widens the appeal to teenagers who have had somekarate training and may be looking to expand their knowledge into the sportaspects of kickboxing.Adults in the martial arts (like myself) shouldenjoy this book as well.Cunningham has done a great job and deserves alot of credit for this publication.

A must for kickboxers
Like most martial artist, I did some soul searching before I found my art. I bought a lot of books, on many styles. I ordered this one, and it made my mind up for me. This is a THE book for anyone interested in kickboxing.

Extremely Fun and Helpful
This book is a must for those people who are interested in doing kickboxing, whether they are newcomers to the sport or intermediate fighters looking for great knockout techniques. The book is written in aneasy to understand format with photos showing how to execute the kicks andpunches. Before I read this book I knew nothing about fighting. But withintwo weeks of practicing these techniques I felt confident that I coulddefend myself if the need arose.

A wonderful introduction to the art of Kickboxing!
What a wonderful book. The most appealing thing about it was the author's style of communication. Not only does describe techniques clearly and thoroughly, but I also felt he was right there providing the instructions.His tone was informative and friendly -- he knows his stuff. You willreally like Peter, and if you practice what you learn from this book, youwill also be on your way to mastering the exciting art of Kickboxing.

OUTSTANDING BOOK FOR THE BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE FAN.
EASY TO UNDERSTAND AND WELL WRITTEN .THE BOOK DESIGN IS EXCELLENT AND MAKES FOR AN EASY READ.PHOTOS ARE RELEVAN AND WELL DONE. THE EDITOR DID AN OUTSTANDING JOB MORE1 ... Read more

Book Description
Provides guidelines and criteria so that the kickboxing exercise modality can be practiced both safely and effectively. Four subject areas includes an introduction to kickboxing fitness (growth, benefits, workout types and styles),exercise science (safe participation, aerobic stimulus, kinesiology, dynamic stretching), teaching a kickboxing workout (equipment, attire, environment, music, modifications, class introduction/health screening, cueing, intensity monitoring), and programming (components, techniques, proper progression, injury prevention, high-risk and contraindicated movements). Also includes sample workouts, a glossary, and suggested reading. Contains more than 60 clear photographs. Produced in cooperation with the American Council on Exercise. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

General overview of the sport
This book is slick, well-written, and a good informative read. The photos are very well done and the presentation is very nice. What it is NOT is a guide to "mastering" the art (not that you'll read your way to mastery of any martial art). There is a good discussion of some techniques and combos, but much of the book is spent on subjects such as stretching and conditioning exercises, the various styles of kickboxing (low, full-contact, low kicks, Thai boxing, etc.), women in kickboxing, and a list of the various kickboxing associations.

Some gratuitous information on defense against weapons is included at the end of the book. The techniques demonstrated will get you killed regardless of your skill as a kickboxer. Other than this thankfully short section, it's a good review of the world of kickboxing. Enjoy it.

Kickboxing Kicks
Good book. Gives the history of the sport from its inception to the present. Excellent photography for displaying the techniques. I have a green belt in Thai Kickboxing and find this book is a nice supplement to my training classes. It is also good for beginners as it goes through appropriate warm-up, stretches, and combination moves. I recommend for beginners to intermediate students. ... Read more

Book Description
Step-by-step instructions and illustrations are now available for today's hottest workout. This manual reviews the biomechanics and exercise physiology related to KickBoxing and covers the skills and techniques for safe punches and kicks. Also included is choreography, use of equipment, frequently asked questions, and more. ... Read more

Book Description
Orientalismo ... Read more

Book Description
This book is aimed at the beginner wishing to learn the art of Kickboxing and Muay Thai. It includes a step-by-step technique photo guide. A practical and easy-to-understand beginner's guide to Kickboxing and Muay Thai. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great guide for beginner. I am actually in the Authors Muay Thai class as well !!!
This is a great book for beginners, and is in-line with one what is taught in most beginner Muay Thai classes. I am actually a new student in the Author, Peter Belmar's, beginner class and found this book helpful in getting prepared. ... Read more