Book Description
"A man who has attained mastery of an art reveals it in his every action."--Samurai Maximum.

Under the guidance of such celebrated masters as Ed Parker and the immortal Bruce Lee, Joe Hyams vividly recounts his more than 25 years of experience in the martial arts. In his illuminating story, Hyams reveals to you how the daily application of Zen principles not only developed his physical expertise but gave him the mental discipline to control his personal problems-self-image, work pressure, competition. Indeed, mastering the spiritual goals in martial arts can dramatically alter the quality of your life-enriching your relationships with people, as well as helping you make use of all your abilities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (95)

Zen in the Martial Arts
One of the best books I have ever read. It teaches that you need to become what you are doing. If that doesn't make sense to you now read the book and you'll find out.
It's only a very small book and can be read in a day or two.
It's a small book with a big message.

A long-term guide book
I have read and re-read this book a dozen times over the last 20 years, during periods when my martial arts training was active, dormant, and now active again.This is the only book about which I can say that.My only regret is that I have yet to find a collector-grade hardback edition for my library.

This book can be a fast read - so much so that I often find myself apologizing to friends when I recommend it to them.It is at first difficult to explain how a book can be so influential and yet simple at the same time.

The chapters are short - a few pages each - but most of them contain what I consider to be profound and thought provoking life lessons.These lessons have had meaning for me, albeit different ones, from my days as a college student to my present life as a husband, a father, and a professional.I now sometimes just pick up the book and open it to a random chapter for a quick, but meaningful, review.

This book is not a tome or treatise about the way of Zen.It is a collection of short stories about the author's experiences with martial arts, and the lessons he derived from those experiences.Personally, I don't care whether the author was a renowned martial artist or not.I readily admit that I am not some master-level practitioner, but that parallel makes the author's experiences resonate even more.In other words, I can relate to many of the challenges he describes.

I am writing this review as I purchase my 5th or 6th copy - this one to send to a friend with whom I was discussing the book last night.

At a reasonable cost, and a quick read, I can comfortably say that this is worth the effort.

great book
i read this book 20 years ago and is totally applicable to life in the modern world .it will help you in many ways even before you finish reading it.short and to the point

Inspirational, Positive, Motivational.....Full of Budo Wisdom
Must be a classic already? I can't add much too all the positive reviews listed here already, but, despite being a small book and a quick and easy read, it's one of those books that should be read and its contents digested several times, to make sure the important messages have sunk into your sub-consciousness.

Joe gives several accounts of when he trained with Bruce Lee and there are many witty and funny stories in the book. The book covers many Budo secrets and is a fantastic summary of many of the great samurai classics. No matter what Martial Art you study, there will be plenty of material here to improve your performance and help you with the important aspects of breathing, timing and Kime.

Try and get the Bantam July 1982 edition as it is nice and small and can fit in your pocket. Keep it by your bedside to give you something to meditate on before you go to sleep and refer to it often to help you absorb the important techniques within the book. If followed with some persistence, I am certain it could help anyone increase their longevity though the various practices in the book.

The Way of...
ZEN IN THE MARTIAL ARTS is one of the more seminal "Zen in the Art of..."-type titles. Karateka Joe Hyams (FKA Mr. Elke Sommer) is a martial arts generalist who studied under, among many others, Bruce Lee.

Within the covers of this slim volume, Hyams' approach to Zen seems a bit haphazard and informal. Although epigrams from various Zen masters pepper the pages, Hyams seems to have only the most limited grasp of structured Zen practice, such as koans and shikantaza.

Hyams' exposure to Zen seems to have occurred less in the zendo than in the dojo, a fact which does not detract from the pragmatic lessons he illustrates but does give the reader a foreshortened view of Zen as a way of life. But Hyams does provide a path to understanding Zen as the critical underpinning of the serious study of any martial art.

Hyams shows us that Zen imbues the martial arts with a deeper philosophical meaning, so that what would otherwise be just a way to war becomes a just warrior's way. ... Read more

Book Description
Strength and power are essential attributes for any martial artist, affecting everything from how hard you punch to how high you jump. Whether your goal is to defeat an opponent in the ring or on the street, the stronger you are, the better the odds of walking away as the victor.

Strength and Power Training For Martial Arts is a total approach to building your strength base. Learn how to use free weights, machines, body weight exercises and plyometrics to build your muscles while increasing speed and flexibility. Each muscle group is discussed in detail - how it's used in martial arts, how to develop it, which exercises are most effective, and most importantly, how to take advantage of anatomical strengths when striking, blocking, kicking and grappling.

Beyond muscular strength, this book looks at the concepts of cardiovascular strength endurance, the impact of flexibility on strength, mental approaches to training, and the anatomy, physics and biomechanics of power. Strength and Power Training For Martial Arts wraps up with training plans for karate, taekwondo, hapkido, judo, jujitsu, aikido, muay thai/kickboxing and mixed martial arts as well as advice on designing your own personalized strength training plan. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Made a difference after two weeks
Great book....simple to read....talks about the mechanics of all the strikes and kicks in the arts in addition to some outstanding exercises!!

Worth the money
I have been weight training for years.Thought this might just be another copy of every other weight training book I ever bought.I was pleasantly surprised to find new information and new ways to weight train (and plyometrics) to complement my recent entrance into the exciting world of Mixed Martial Arts.

Wes
City Boxing, San Diego

Ideas that really work
Martina Sprague's scientific approach to martial arts is a breath of fresh air in a field often filled with hype and hyperbole. Her writing is insightful, easy to understand, and, most importantly, her ideas really do work. The photos are clear and do a good job of reinforcing the text.

Strength and power training is important--if you want to perform in the ring, on the street, or in just about any martial endeavor, functional strength is an essential component of success. As the author so eloquently states, martial arts skill, background and experiences are not substitutes for strength; they are complementary qualities. If you are overweight, under-conditioned, or lazy, you must condition yourself above the basic requirements of your art, regardless of what kinds of hurdles stand in your way. So how do you build muscular strength, endurance, and power? By reading this outstanding book, of course... Well, that and making a concerted effort to regularly perform the exercise routines contained herein ;-).

The book begins by debunking common misconceptions about strength training then briefly covers important anatomical facts you'll need to take best advantage of the rest of the materials. Ms. Sprague's in-depth knowledge really shines through, explaining how each muscle group is used in the various martial arts, how to develop it effectively, and how to take advantage of anatomical strengths when striking, kicking, or grappling.

Topics include bodyweight and mechanical weight exercises, muscular endurance, strength and flexibility, upper body strength, abdominal strength, plyometrics, cardiovascular endurance, breathing, and flexibility. The mental approach necessary for successful training programs is also laid out. One of the biggest gems in this fine work is right at the end of the book where the author describes how to tailor a training plan for your art and designs a couple of martial art specific programs for karate, tae kwon do, hapkido, judo, jujitsu, aikido, muay thai, and mixed martial arts. Her own training program is also included.

This is a great book for the novice and expert alike. Well laid out, easy to read, and straightforward to implement. Heartily recommended!

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

Get strong, get explosive, get fast
As one of the busiest writers in the martial arts today, Martina Sprague never fails to nail a subject like a well-placed front kick. In her latest book Strength and Power Training for Martial Arts, she tackles the subject with knowledge gained from years of training experience and practical application in the ring.

I've been training since 1965 and over the years I have learned that there are few absolutes in the martial arts. But there is one that's close: fighters who train with resistance - weights, machines and Swiss ball - are almost always superior to those who don't. It just makes sense: resistance exercises, properly done, increases your power, explosiveness, and speed. Not a bad deal for two or three 30-minute sessions a week.

Now, there are definitely wrong ways to go about resistance training, but fortunately Sprague shows you how to do it right. She discusses the various muscle groups, explains how they are used in the martial arts, and then shows you the best way to develop them. She also discusses concepts of cardiovascular training, the impact of flexibility on strength, and how to use your mind in training.

No matter what your fighting art, this books works.

Loren W. Christensen - author of Solo Training and Solo Training 2.
... Read more

Book Description
Are you new to the martial arts? Or are you a veteran student who is looking for that extra edge or curious about other styles and new techniques? No matter where you train, at what level or in which style, the Ultimate Martial Arts Encyclopedia offers in-depth insight into the most critical aspects of your martial arts experience.Inside, you'll find dozens of chapters covering an impressive array of topics, from histories and traditions to techniques and more. Every chapter is written by an expert, and photographs throughout the book ensure that you'll learn the techniques properly and be able to integrate them into your practice. Topics include:

• An introduction to all the major martial arts styles, from aikido to wing chun
• Advice and instruction on getting the most out of every block, strike, and kick you execute
• Clear, illustrated explanations of highly effective techniques from lesser-known arts
• Insight into developing a fighting strategy, conquering fear and pain, and improving your mental game for strong practice in the classroom and in competition

Customer Reviews (3)

Devin Willis'sHumble Thougts
Ultimate Martial Arts Encyclopedia

For some time, the martial arts students and instructors has waited a well documented book that would catalogue and detail different aspects of martial arts, as Don Draeger and Robert Smith's Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts (Bushido--The Way of the Warrior) managed to do for the Asian martial arts.

The book Asian Fighting Arts was groundbreaking in both its scope and its depth of coverage of Asian martial traditions.

This book reflected more of the eclectic interest in Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia and I am proud to have bought both.

Both books shouldbe required reading for anyone serious about pursuing the martial arts. If you have questions concerning a particular style, where it started, etc. these books would be helpful in finding those questions.

Great collection
This is a good volume. It has a lot of what I consider really interesting articles: French Savate, Dan Inostanto talking about training with Bruce Lee, combat wing chun, etc. I really like this volume.

AGood resource of Information.
I just recently saw this book at a local bookstore and was curious. When Itook it home I found that this book had alot of information from the basicideas of various styles to good training tips for competition. I havestudied Martial Arts for 12 years and have really found this book has alotof info I didn't know in it. I think all Martial Artists, Beginners toMasters, should have this book in their library. ... Read more

Book Description
More than 90 percent of all martial arts schools fail within their first year.Starting and Running Your Own Martial Arts School shows martial artists how they can insure the success of their schools-before they put their hard earned cash and reputations on the line.It offers a thorough, practical introduction to the tasks and obligations involved in running a successful martial arts business.And it is the perfect guide for those who dream of opening their own martial arts school, who are currently planning their school, or who already run schools but want to learn how to streamline day-to-day operations so they can have more time for training or spending time with students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Getting started
Excellent book, whether you've had a school for a while or are starting a new one.I found it to be comprehensive, motivating, and helpful- Highly Recommend

Basic Business Book
Much of the book is about business basics.If you took out the word "martial arts" you could replace it with just about any other business.For what it is, the book is well worth the purchase price.

Great , Helpful Book
This book is well worth the money. It contains alot of information and thoughtful ideas. Well written.

Marketing for Martial Artists
As a part-time martial arts instructor who makes a living with his business degrees, I gotta tell you that this is a really well written text. Karen Vactor is a well-rounded martial artist with a business degree who has built three successful karate schools. Susan Peterson, Ph.D. is a professional writer as well as an accomplished martial artist as well. The two have teamed up to create a comprehensive work which, while overly pithy in some areas, is really quite good. Be warned, however, that this book is all about creating and running a commercially successful school. Not all martial artists will agree with the authors' philosophical approach but none can argue with the quality of the materials they provide.

Chapter one covers marketing your identity, whatever it is that makes your school unique and interesting to potential students, including how to choose a name that reflects your image. Chapter two covers the business groundwork, something that very few martial artists really understand how to do properly. It covers advisors (e.g., attorney, accountant) that you might need and how to develop a business plan. Rule number one in retail is location. So is rule 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6... you get the idea. The next chapter not only covers how to find a good location, but also how to figure out what it will cost you, how to negotiate a lease, and how to layout your dojo floor space. Chapter five covers essential legal administrivia like insurance and regulatory compliance.

Chapter six covers student contracts, fee schedules, and hiring employees. Not sure I entirely agree with the author's philosophy here, but the advice is sound nevertheless. Chapter seven covers advertising tools such as brochures, business cards, flyers, and your entrance signage. Chapter eight comprehensively covers basic marketing such as mass mailings, yellow pages ads, etc. Chapter nine goes into more detail on the same subject. Once marketing brings perspective students to your door, chapter ten deals with how to "close the deal" and sign them up. Chapter eleven covers attendance, student tracking, and payment tracking. Chapter eleven covers the how to keep track of your cash flow and create basic financial statements. Chapter thirteen is a good overview of strategies that keep students motivated and interested in coming back. Chapter fourteen covers how to place and sell products associated with your training (e.g., uniforms). It covers the basics of pricing, costs, profits, inventory tracking, and display. The final chapter is a "troubleshooting guide" that can help you solve problems such as high drop out rates, attendance problems, "closing" problems, etc. The glossary of business terms is a great overview for folks who don't really understand all that stuff.

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

Good Book by Smart Writers
While not as detailed as similar titles, this is a good overview of running a school.
There is a lot to learn in these pages. ... Read more

Book Description
Ultimate Flexibility is the book you've been waiting for. More than a collection of exercises or an explanation of technique, Ultimate Flexibility is a complete guide to stretching for martial arts, from the very basics of why you should stretch to detailed workout guidelines for every style and level of martial arts practice.

Written by acclaimed author and martial artist Sang H. Kim, Ultimate Flexibility is your guide to achieving maximum flexibility in your training. Begin with an in depth look at the hows and whys of flexibility and stretching. Learn about the many types of stretching, which methods are best for beginners, when to graduate to advanced techniques and why you should completely avoid certain types of exercises. You'll also find information that you wont find in any other martial art book, including a detailed exploration of how your body works for or against you in your training and how flexibility can make you stronger and faster.

Building on this foundation, Sang H. Kim teaches you nearly 200 flexibility exercises that he has personally used to achieve the highest levels of flexibility. You'l get detailed instructions, workout planning guides, goal setting tips, difficulty levels, injury prevention and recovery, and over 400 photos to guide you. Special bonus sections: 10 Tips for Full Splits, 20 Tips for High Kicks and 10 workouts for specific martial art types.

Includes Exercises and Workouts for:

Core Workout
Warm Up
Cool Down
Light Contact
Full Contact
Grappling
Mixed Martial Arts
Boxing
Weapons
High Kicks
Splits ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

Great for beginners
Great book: easy to read and understand. I have never practiced martial arts and I bought the book only to improve my body health. However it is great and it will sure help me a lot, so I can play a lot better come sports like basketball, soccer, etc.

great reference book for flexibility
I am getting into martial arts at the age of 40. I have good flexability, but wanted more. This book will help you understand not only what stretch you are doing, but why. Excellent choice for beginner to advanced students.

The Book on Stretching
This book has helped me develop from a waist high kicker at best to a head high kicker within 6 months. The stretches and drills are invaluable then to top it off, the explanations and anatomical drawings are informative, but easy to understand.Not only is the information vital for you to know as a martial artist, but the author addresses different types of goals and how to set them and stick to them.Indispensable for the martial artist that wants to remain injury free and strong for many years.

best flexibility book on the market
I just joined a tang soo do club 3 months ago and was looking for a way to improve my flexibility and kicking ability so i got this book i found it to be a great help it has shown me lots of different stretches that i never new about and the importance of stretching my whole body everyday it is laid out well with chapters for each area of the body and plenty of info on the dos and donts the whys and why nots a great book for martial artists and people who want to increase there flexibility

Very thorough
Very well done once again. I like the ability to mix and match programs especially.
G.L. ... Read more

Book Description
Originally published in 1998, this book has become a martial arts classic. It provides detailed descriptions of the three main internal martial arts—tai chi (taiji), hsing-i (xingyi) and ba gua (pakua)—and their sub-styles, as well as how they differ from each other and from such external arts as karate, tae kwon do and judo. Each internal martial art is analyzed in terms of its fighting strategies and applications. This revised edition includes 50 pages of additional material including a new chapter on martial arts and spirituality.This was the first book to provide in-depth information to Westerners about nei gung (neijiaquan), the sophisticated Taoist system developed in ancient China for working with chi in the body, mind and spirit. Chi helps build relaxed speed and power without the use of muscular tension or adrenaline surges. This gives many internal martial artists a powerful edge over counterparts trained in external martial arts.

The book provides vivid details about Frantzis’ personal training odyssey in the martial arts, including fascinating profiles of such renowned martial artists as Morehei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido; ba gua master Wang Shu Jin, who emanated chi so powerfully that on cold days his students could warm their hands by standing near him; and Liu Hung Chieh, the legendary master of the internal martial arts and Taoist meditation who also had a complete knowledge of traditional Chinese medical theory.

The new edition demystifies the technique known as fa jin, the storage and sudden discharge of energy without the use of muscular force, one aspect of which is demonstrated on the front cover. The new edition also adds a lengthy chapter on the spiritual development of a martial artist, and describes how the internal martial arts are linked to Taoist meditation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Awesome!
Bruce Kumar Frantzis is awesome, both as a teacher, and as a lucid writer.The Power of Internal Martial Arts and Chi is a well written tome that interlaces Frantzis' personal history with the history of a wide variety of the martial arts, from karate to bagua, and is an excellent introduction into the martial and healing arts. I highly recommend it for the novice as well as the seasoned martial artist. It is definitely a book that inspires and motivates.

This is an Amazing Book!!!
This is an amazing book in my opinion and it goes into great detail about every aspect of the 3 main Internal Martial Arts of China.
Everyone with an interest in studying Tai Chi should read this book!
My review is based on an earlier version of the book which I purchased a few years ago.

I have been studying Yang Style Tai Chi for 6 years now in Northern Ireland and more recently, Wu Style Broadsword and I have found that good teachers are few and far between.
I have very been lucky to find 2 good teachers!

I have 5 of Bruce's books now, a video and some DVD's ~ I refer to them on a regular basis for tips, but mainly for inspiration, when the circumstances of life prevent me from practicing as regularly as I would like.
The book that this review is concerning is excellent in that respect ~ it demonstrates the immense possibilities of what one can achieve by training their own body and mind & this process ultimately gives one access to their spirit and to their higher spiritual qualities.

All of Bruce's work is so multi-faceted ~ you will get what you need depending on your level of experience and understanding ~ this is something that you feel after a lot of practice, rather than a mere intellectual understanding ~ next time you read, you will pick up something new and so on and so forth.

Just like regular practice of a form ~ if you are really focusing on what you are doing, you pick up on very subtle qualities each time you practice and that information can be used to improve your form & help you reach higher levels of perfection.

This book has developed in me, an interest in studying Ba Gua Chang, which I hope to get into in a few years time, after I perfect my current Tai Chi and Broadsword forms.

When I read Bruce's books, I feel myself "like a small baby" (in the words of the immortal T.T.Laing)
The amount of knowledge contained in this and his other books is phenomenal!!!

My advice? ... BUY IT ... it will become one of your best friends on your life-long journey of discovering your true potential.

good for overview
This is a good book for overview and good for beginners to martial arts. But you will not find any practical hints. On the other hand although I found only one sentence useful in the book, it is worth to buy and read this book for this only sentence.

power of internal martial arts and chi:
this book was great for beginners or should be read by people interested in learning the internal arts. All people who begin learning an internal art have questions.This is a very deep subject and at times difficult to understand,Mr. Frantzis answers so many of these questions.when you begin your journey this book will be a good refence also. GLENN LITZAU

Full of interesting background and anecdotes
I really liked reading "The Power of Internal Martial Arts". While I am surely no martial artist, I meditate and practise Qigong/Neigong according to what Bruce Frantzis teaches.

I found this book to be full of entertaining background about this exceptional teacher, about the people he encountered in China, Japan and Taiwan that taught him. About what really makes a master - be it in fighting, self control or Qi development. The accounts about the masters Bruce was able to observe or to learn from were fascinating. Also the descriptions about the different martial arts he learned, practised and whose practitioners he encountered.

Also interesting was material about his own learning, how he cultivated himself through standing and so on.

I found the accounts about Taiji as a fighting martial art interesting, even while practising Taiji only for relaxation purposes myself.

This book is both a good overview (not an instruction manual) of many martial arts out there, provides detail about the three major internal martial arts of China (Hsing-I Quan, Bagua Chang, Taiji Quan) and is also worth a read by anyone who has an interest in Bruce Frantzis from his other teachings. ... Read more

Book Description
Martial Arts After 40 is the first book on the market to cater to two growing populations, martial artists and baby boomers. Once a blood and guts sport for tough young men, martial arts is now touted by athletes, aerobics trainers, actors, super models and soccer moms as the number one way for adults to get fit and stay in shape. This book addresses important questions like:

How old is too old start a marital art?
What type of exercises are best (and which ones are dangerous) for the over-40 martial artist?
What are the effects of aging and how can martial arts combat them?
How can baby boomers keep up in a martial arts class full of gen-Xers?
What types of injuries are most prevalent after 40 and how can they be prevented?

This book takes a positive and enthusiastic approach to taking up or continuing a martial art in middle age or later. Readers will be inspired, reassured and educated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

great book!
I can't say enough good things about this book. I am 45 and started Taekwondo 8 months ago. My body does not move like the 15 yr olds in our class. It talks about everything I need to know about training, diet, exercise..plus a good amount of humor mixed in. It was such a fast read..but I will also use it as a reference book. I tried the "tournament diet" and it worked like a charm.
If you are over 40 and are taking Taekwondo you have to get this book!

Easy to read and a great value!
This book is written by an over 40 Martial artist who knows what he is talking about, Sang H. Kim, Ph.D.. Dr. Kim is positive, optimistic, and writes well. This book is easy to read. This is an excellent book for the over 40 person considering beginning a martial art.The information is realistic for the mature artist. (This reviewer is over 50, is still progressing in Taekwondo, and can attest to much of Dr. Kim's advice).

Dr. Kim's health advice is current, and is consistent with what we have been hearing from many health conscious sources.His advice on monitoring heart rate in chapter 2 is a very good idea for an over-40 martial artist attending class with younger students.Dr. Kim gives advice on how to work with limitations such as previous injuries, as by the time we are 40 we are more likely to have had previous injuries. His diet advice in chapter three is accurate, practical and easy to follow.For those of you who are willing to more radically modify your diet to extend your life and health may wish to read Dr. Gabriel Cousins book on Rainbow Green Live food CuisineRainbow Green Live-Food Cuisine.Chapters 5 to 7 discuss changes in our fitness, agility, flexibility as we age, and what we can do to improve them safely.

The rest of the book (chapters 8 through 22) discuss things you can do to safely improve as a martial artist.This reviewer suggests that the reader complete the whole book before choosing a martial arts school.Scattered through the chapters are things an aspiring over 40s martial artist should look for in a martial arts school.

This book is well worth the price.There are many practical suggestions that can help you avoid injury and be the most youthful martial artist you can be.

Paul Trogen, Ph.D.

Save your money
This book is too generic and full of platitudes, plus poor grammar and typos. The sloppy editing gets worse at the end of the book. For anyone over 40 who has ever done martial arts, there is nothing new here. For anyone who is just beginning in their 40s or later, it is okay but not great. If you are into fitness or are even aware of your body and have anything resembling an active lifestyle, you will be disappointed.

The first four chapters are a waste of space - why fitness is good; the fact that exercise, diet, and mental attitude contribute to health; that most people over 40 resist exercise because it is work and can hurt; etc. Most of the rest of the book discusses the changes in fitness you can expect when you are older, and tells you to keep your chin up and not give up even if tempted. There is also not nearly enough specific information on how to compensate for various physical limitations due to injury, etc. that prevent a full range of motion for many older martial artists.

The only thing I found of value was Chapter 19 Sparring: a few recommendations on how to modify sparring technique to compensate for a loss of power, speed, flexibility, and agility for the older martial artist. Most of it was fairly obvious (circle away from your opponent to avoid being hit!), but there was some good info about disrupting the fight rhythm and using a few simple techniques that you know well and that work for your particular body.

The book finishes with some guidance on meditation and mind/body connection. A good final chapter would have been how to know when to call it quits and stop training for good, or at least change styles to something easier on the body like tai chi.

If I had glanced through this at Barnes and Noble, I would not have bought it. You can have mine.

You are never too old
I started my martial arts journey 10 years ago when I was just 40 years old with my autistic son.Now, as an instructor I have many parents say they are too old to start martial arts.I show them this book and we talk about effective modifications like starting out slow, eating right and going at a pace that works for them as individuals.This book explains how to successfully spar a younger, faster apponent.It offers tricks of the trade that I've never learned before which have been helpful for me.This is a great book for those who are just starting in martial arts as well as those who have been doing it for a while.Getting into martial arts at 40, or older, is a great way to keep yourself in shape which in turn will drasticly slow down your aging process.It can be as mild or agressive as you like.Not only will you stay in shape, which can save your life, but you will also learn skills that can save your life as well or the lives of someone else.A training partner of mine (who is 65)once asked me; "What happens to a tomato when it stops growing? It dies!The same will happen to us."We have to keep growing mentally, physically and spiritually.

Very encouraging and informative
This book actually convinced me that it wasn't such a crazy idea to take up taekwondo at 48. I'd always wanted to learn a martial art but never had the opportunity until recently. A little voice in my head said "too late" but after taking a few introductory classes and then finding this book I realized that it's definitely not too late. Kim's book is 80% instruction and 20% inspiration. I learneda lot about what's "normal" for someone in my age bracket, especially what to expect to be able to do and what to focus on improving, both in class and at home on my own. Very helpful guide if you are "of a certain age" and interested in taking up a great new sport. ... Read more

Book Description
Loren Christensen shows you over 300 ways you can add variety to your daily martial arts training routine. Whether you're a student looking for fun new solo drills to spice up your home training or an instructor in search of new ways to pump up your classes, you won't be disappointed. This incredible collection of drills, techniques and exercises will take your workouts to the next level. Learn to:

*Organize your solo workouts to the get maximum results from even the shortest training session
*Improve your speed and power with dozens of inside tips and tricks
*Beat boredom and get excited about your solo training sessions
*Become a well rounded fighter by adding essential skills that your instructor may not be teaching you
*Safely experiment with new techniques to find your ideal personal style of training
*Get an edge on your opponents with training methods that will make you unstoppable in the ring or on the street

Not only will you learn enough new training strategies and methods to keep you busy for years, but Loren Cristensen's no-nonsense writing style will get you up and moving even on the days you rather skip your solo workout. Packed with solid advice and kick-butt motivation, this book will become your favorite training partner. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Solo Training and More
Solo training is that side of martial arts training that moves the practitioner from a novice to a craftsman then to becoming an expert.In this world of fast food and fast food martial arts, many students do most of their practicing in the dojo and unfortunately, they are still being promoted.This book instills the importance of solo training and provides suggestions so one can increase their skills and yet keep it all interesting.

Some of the information is standard primer material, but much of solo training is working on the basics and perfecting those rudimentary techniques.Now to say primer is not to say that this is a picture book on technique, but basic information.Chapter 6, "Odds & Ends Workout" is probably the most interesting chapter that goes beyond that normal martial arts primer.All in all, Christensen's book excels and once again he has produced an excellent text.

A wealth of information and by a great author(s)
I first purchased "The Fighter's Body: An Owner's Manual: Your Guide to Diet, Nutrition, Exercise and Excellence in the Martial Arts" and found it to be very practical and focused on what I needed to focus on as a studying martial artists. I followed this book up with:
- Timing in the Fighting Arts: Your Guide to Winning in the Ring and Surviving on the Street
- Solo Training: The Martial Artist's Guide to Training Alone
- Fighter's Fact Book: Over 400 Concepts, Principles, and Drills to Make You a Better Fighter

All of these are great books and I look forward to selling my house (I had to hide Bob from perspective buyers... that face!) so that I can put Bob in my new garage and start abusing him with all of these new concepts... one by one... it will take a while!

Thanks!

David

Blah!
This book was everything you already knew, put into writing.I diagree with a few of the techniques, but that is because I prectice muay thai not tae kwon do.I also thought there was lots of stuff that was left out of the book.There are lots of things you can do at your house to train for martial arts that were not included in this book.I recoment you go get the Bas Rutten martial arts work out.You'll love it if you are serious.

Enlighting!
The ideas and training was really helpful, a good tool for training at home when you have no partner to train with.

Not very useful for me
I agree, solo practice is very important. If you have no clue what you could practice alone, are training karate / tkd / krav maga, and fairly novice, there might be some good drills for you.

If you train something "softer", or martial arts that emphasize body unity (Chinese MA, Judo, Aikido, systema etc), this is probably not your book.

A problem whith this book is that it has plenty of drills, but the detailed instructions on the techniques are lacking. This is OK if you assume the reader has trained longer, or atleast gets the details from their own teacher. But if you've trained longer, i doubt you'll get much new info from this book. And if you've trained less, IMO you need more detailed info. If you need to ask the details from your teacher, you'd be better off asking the drills from your teacher too.

Atleast one good option is "Attack proof" by Perkins / Ridenhour / Kovalsky. It's more a self-defence book, but had drills i found actually useful and new to me. ... Read more

Product Description
Mixed Martial Arts outlines the revolutionary system of fighting used by world-renowned fighter BJ Penn,Coach of Spike TV's 'Ultimate Fighter 5'.

Penn, one of the most technical and decorated fighters in the world today, illustrates fighting techniques that teach you how to mix strikes with takedowns, ground and pound an opponent into submission, fight against the cage and formulate strategies based upon your personal attributes and strengths. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Excellent
I was always a big fan of BJ Penn and this book made it even better. Full of information and useful strategies, this book really delivers. I would recommend to anyone who is a fan or just wants to learn fighting. BJ Penn is one of the most talented MMA fighters out there and this book will give you an insight of how MMA really works. Get it.

highly recommended
I highly recommend this book. Very well organized and put together. Very clear instruction. Anyone interested in doing mma should buy this book.

Finally, a single comprehensive MMA book!
I've been pleasantly surprised by the quallity of books published by Victory Belt, and this one is no exception.For starters, the use of color pictures and multiple angles of a single frame, in addition to color-coded chapters and subsections, really enhances the learning experience.Then, of course, there is the authors.Penn is one of several world-class grappling and MMA experts to share his knowledge.This book covers it all, from standup strikes to takedowns to the ground game to cage tactics.More importantly, it teached one how to blend the various elements into a single strategy that encompases the totallity of MMA combat.

The intro to the book is insightful, as BJ Penn gives the reader an idea of what it takes to develop their own fighting style around a base style.He also offers some wisdom in the form of sharing his experiences in competitions, and what he learned from his losses.Wrapping up the intro are some ideas for circuit training, which runs from straight conditioning excercises (medicine ball workouts and the like) to sport-specific circuit training, such as a minute of strikes followed by a minute of the clinch and so on to round out a full 5-minute round, just like an MMA fight.

The next section is on the standup.While Penn is known more for his ground game, this section was very well-informed and could have been written by someone with a specialty in striking.This section includes two kinds of stances, basic strikes, striking to the takedown (single- and double-leg), countering punches and kicks, takedown counters, clinchwork, cagework, and striking a downed opponent from a standing possition.As I mentioned earlier, BJ likes to blend strikes with grappling; for example, the cross counters include two striking combinations and two takedowns.Noticable in this section was that the author included leg strikes to the head of a downed opponent, which are illegal in the US, but are legal in other parts of the world including Japan.

The third and final section is on the ground game.BJ picks up where he left off and teaches you what to do if you're on your back with your opponent standing over you.He then moves on to the various possitions, including mount, guard, half guard, turtle/back, and side-control, showing both offensive and defensive tactics.As before, Penn blends striking with grappling, often setting up submissions and guard passes with punches.He also shows how to use the cage on the ground, when applicable.

Overall, the book is very good at giving the reader some very detailed basics for MMA.While it's not the be-all end-all of martial arts, as a single volume it's the best MMA book on the market.Other, more detailed books on striking and grappling may augment this text, but won't replace any of the information here-in, and certainly won't bridge the gap between striking and grappling as well as Penn does.For any aspiring MMA fighter or for someone looking for empty-handed self-defense, this text is a must.

Great book to learn great techniques!!!
I think that anyone can learn a lot of moves to get better in mma from this book, the best part is that you can see BJ Penn doing the moves in his fights (just check youtube while you are cheking the book).
I also bought the Randy Couture book wrestling for fighting, but I think that the BJ book is a lot more complete.

excellent book on mma
tons of information and pictures.it seems like b.j.penn is not holding back anything for this book.sometimes with some of the gracie books you feel like they only tell some of what they know so you have to buy their other books to get the rest.not so with this book.it doesn't seem like b.j.penn is only telling you half his game because he's going to come out with a second edition for you to buy later. ... Read more

Book Description
This unique book will familiarize healing practitioners and martial artists with basic concepts of the human body, as defined by both Western and Eastern medical traditions, allowing those engaged in healing and martial arts to develop a more complete, holistic, and scientifically forward-looking understanding of the body. Overviews of philosophical and conceptual underpinnings are followed by detailed drawings and diagrams of the body's internal systems, as seen by both traditions. Written in a clear and concise style, this beautiful and informative book presents information previously unavailable in any single text, making it an essential work for students, healing professionals, and martial artists. This lavishly illustrated book includes: Over 147 color drawings and 54 duotone photographs
An easy-to-understand overview of Western anatomical concepts
A detailed overview of Eastern medical principles, including information previously available only in specialized, costly medical texts
A comprehensive listing of Oriental pressure points and meridians in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, cross-referenced to nerves, blood vessels, and other anatomical landmarks
Twenty essential self-massage and revival techniques
Detailed principles of pressure point fighting, as used in traditional Asian martial arts ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Not misleading at all...
This book is hands down the best reference book I've found for Eastern energetic theory that's not a straight up acupuncture school text.The title has been called misleading...considering that it's called "Essential ANATOMY..." I think it's pretty straightforward.It is an excellent resource for why certain pressure points work and their local Eastern and Western anatomy.It has excellent comparisons between Eastern and Western thought and theory.It is not a book of martial arts techniques.Tedeschi has plenty of those, and this one is a cross-reference, not a direct technical manual.So if you're at all interested in "meta-martial arts", this book is amazing; if you're looking to actively learn new strikes or blocks or anything like that, better go with one of his other books (the "Art of..." series seems to be good, although I don't have any of them myself.)

Elegant Anatomy
This clear, concise, beautiful book is the best comparison I've found of Eastern and Western medicines. If you're interested in exploring the differences and similarities between Eastern and Western healing traditions, this book is a wonderful place to start. It's clear, elegant, and packed with information. It is an excellent source of information on acupressure points for athletes.

Excellent - to the extent of my "buy-in"
I am a nidan (2nd degree blackbelt), in Uechi Ryu karate. I have been studying karate for 8 years, and I have been studying the significance of pressure points to the martial arts for 6 years. Even so, this area is still somewhat alien to me. I know pressure points work, but this merridian stuff? I don't know...

That perspective colors my review to the extent that since I don't know the validity of merridians, I can't tell how accurate those sections are... I also can't evaluate the interactions of combining pressure points, since none of my karate partners will let me experiment on them. I don't blame them since I'm not anxious for them to experiment on me, except in a simple way. I do know from experience that pressure points do have significant effect, and from that perspective, this book is very helpful.

There are a few charts that seem too crowded for their size (that's why I give it 4 stars instead of 5), which makes me wish I had larger charts... maybe fold out charts. He does sell such charts and they are on my wish list, and some day I'll buy a set.

I really like the health aspect of the book. Most of the books that I've considered don't cover that very well, if at all.

I also really like that Marc approaches this material from a serious, well rounded approach, unlike most of the "popular press".

I like the books by Marc Tedeschi. He has a clear presentation which gives the impression that he is a level headed intellectual kind of guy, who happens to have lots of experience, knowledge and (probably) skill, in the areas he writes about. I feel comfortable reccomending any of his material... in fact, the purchase I am reviewing today (Essential Anatomy), is my 2nd purchase of this book. This time I bought the book for one of my co-instructors.

BTW - if they ever present this book in a typical book size (4x6 or smaller), don't get it. The charts in this book would lose a lot of their usefullness in a small format... Stay with this size (8x11), for all books in this area, if the charts are significant to you.

BTW#2 - If this book ever comes out in a format suitable for a PDA, I'll probably buy that too. Having good charts available while practicing would be very helpful. (sometimes carrying a PDA is easier than carrying "real" stuff)

Excellent Reference on Oriental Meridians
I was really surprised to see so many negative reviews for this excellent book. I can only imagine that the writers were expecting a book teaching them the art of Pressure Point fighting, and while there is a brief section on both healing and martial arts applications in the book, this work is really about the Meridian and acupoint system of the human body, and it succeeds brilliantly as such. Also to be commended is the author's excellent overview of Western Anatomy and explanations of how Eastern and Western concepts mesh.The book is packed with info, mostly in the form of charts with short explanations.Certainly, you aren't going to learn everything there is to know about TCM, but what a great reference! As an Asian style bodyworker,I love this book. It's the best one I've found yet on Oriental Meridians. It is very straightforward and the Meridan charts are first class. The quality of this book is also first rate: nice stiff pages that read well and will hold up to a lot of pawing and page turning. Buy and study this book to learn the "whats" and "wheres" of TCM. Then find a Master to learn how to apply this wealth of information.This book WILL show you where the points are and how the different points and the meridians affect the body as a whole.

Not enough martial arts content
I think that the title is a bit misleading. This book does have lots of good information compiled into one source. The problem is that it is more of an anatomy book than a martial arts resource. There are good illustrations though I do not think that there is enough depth or analysis in the surrounding text. Discussions of meridians and pressure points are more suited to acupressure/acupuncture students than to martial artists who are the target of perhaps 10% of the content. There is almost nothing, for example, about how martial techniques work from a bio-mechanical perspective, nor how applications affect the body medically. If you want a good overview that compares and contrasts Western and Eastern thought it's a decent reference, but if you want an in-depth study suitable for serious martial artists this is probably not your best resource.

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

Customer Reviews (4)

Great for cinematics and simulationism and everything in between
I can't possibly do this book justice. I've barely skimmed the sections on martial-arts history, campaign ideas, or sample characters: all my time has been spent thinking about tactics with the new combat possibilities. New rules come mostly in the form of new combat techniques and options (Committed Attack, Defensive Grip, etc.) and are nicely modular so you can use only the ones that support the flavour your group is looking for (cinematic, chambara, unarmed, etc.) without an combinatoric increase in complexity. The new techniques are intended primarily as new combat options and only secondarily as something to spend points on--Jeet Kune Do specializes in feints and counterattacks, for instance, but it's made clear that that's as much a combat-roleplaying guideline as a rule for point-allocation (you may choose to just raise Karate instead of Karate/Counterattack technique, and that's fine). The section on Style Perks is really neat, and fixes some GURPS Basic annoyances (in Basic, buying Off-Hand-Weapon technique is crazy because it's always cheaper to buy ambidexterity; in GURPS: MA e.g. Off-Hand-Shortsword is a perk costing 1 point instead of a technique) as well as having some cool new perks (shtick: flicking blood off your sword as a free-action Intimidation attempt). In several cases, GURPS: MA supplies optional rules that let me throw out my house rules by providing the flavour I was looking for but couldn't create with GURPS: Campaigns rules (heroic D&D-style combat, for instance, with Chambara rules + Combinations + Counterattack + Targetted Attack + Multiple Blocks + Special Exercises for extra HP). At the same time, the principled approach toward new rules, such as favoring techniques over ad hoc special abilities for styles, avoids balance problems that plagued the old 3E approach toward martial arts while maintaining the "coolness" factor of super-skilled martial artists. (In 3E, for instance, Combinations were basically a too-cheap Extra Attack; in the new book Combinations are a variant of Rapid Strike which allows you to buy off the -6 penalty but are easier to defend against if used multiple times).

The book is packed with content and even better than the old 3E Martial Arts book by at least a factor of 2. When I put it together with rules from GURPS GULLIVER I have practically everything I want in terms of combat verisimilitude. The best GURPS 4E book I have seen yet.

-Max

Excellent
Well organized, clearly written, and chock full of information.

This book contains a great deal of material any melee character will find useful, regardless of if their preferred kind of combat involves empty hands or a weapon. Unlike the 3rd Edition softcover, this book does not focus on hand-to-hand styles to the exclusion of all else.

A Mature Product
GURPS Martial Arts for 4th edition is a mature product that embodies the professionalism and attention to detail found in all GURPS products.This hardbound volume encompasses all previous editions of GURPS Martial Arts, and more than just updating them to 4th edition, matures them by keeping what has worked and cleaning up issues found from previous editions.This places GURPS Martial Arts among the most thoroughly play tested supplements on the market today.I consider this product to be one of the GURPS "core" books in my collection.

GURPS Martial Arts
Exhaustively researched and painstakingly compiled, this compendium is a must read for both gaming enthusiasts and also martial arts practitioners. ... Read more

Book Description
MMA Worldwide Magazine, Bodyguard Magazine, and TapouT Magazine bring you inside the action-packed world of mixed martial arts. This collaboration compiles over three years of articles, columns, and techniques that will bring MMA to life.

THOUGHT YOU KNEW MMA? THIS BOOK INCLUDES:

In-depth exclusive stories on some of the sport's biggest stars including Randy Couture, Chuck Lidell, Bas Rutten, and Royce Gracie

Step-by-step lesson pages from the best coaches in the world like Pat Miletich, Ken Shamrock, Matt Lindland, and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueria

Conditioning tips from our fabled, professional columnists like Eddie Bravo, Marcio Feitosa, and Eric Paulson

Special not-to-be missed features like the MMA Rankings, Top Ten MMA Moments and a special tribute to Carlson Gracie

AND MORE...

Nowhere else will you find a more complete, educational and entertaining read in an easy-to-understand format for the hardcore fan or for those just learning about MMA. This high quality, full-color collection brings the best of MMA Worldwide Magazine, Bodyguard Magazine, and TapouT Magazine into one easy-to-read book. ... Read more

Book Description
You have an owner's manual for your car, your stereo and even your blender, so why not your body? The Fighter's Body is exactly that, an owner's manual for your body, the most complex piece of equipment you will ever own.

As a martial artist, you have special needs. Have you ever wondered how that latest fad diet might affect your performance on the mat? Ever wanted to take off a few extra pounds? How about putting on muscle without slowing down? Make weight for a tournament? Lose 5 pounds fast? Eat better? Change weight classes? Confused about supplements, vitamins and protein shakes? Can't make sense of the food pyramid? Don't know where to start?

Start here. Author Loren Christensen and personal trainer Wim Demeere combine their knowledge of martial arts, weight training, nutrition, diet and exercise to answer your questions and put you on the road to becoming the best martial arts athlete you can be.

This book will answer your questions about important topics including:

* Why some diets are harmful for martial artists
* How to calculate your protein needs for training
* When and how to use supplements
* How to eat at fast food places and not ruin your diet
* Why it's okay to splurge on "Dirt Day"
* How to safely make weight for a tournament
* Why HIIT training is essential to weight loss
* What to eat on competition days
* How to create a plan that works and stick to it ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

A few short years later, and this is already a bit out of date.
Good book, but before you take it asgospel , check more recentresearch. Example: LC believeseating late doesn't affect fat loss, (that it -seems- to because you'veconsumed enough calories already).Many expertsdisagree.Recent opinion is that 1/abstaining from eating before sleep, and 2/working outbefore eating after waking, puts your body in a fasting state, thus your workoutfuels on a higher % of fat than otherwise. (Folks, they're -all- theories, but check them all out before you decide.)

Excellent resource
Martial artists require proper training and nutrition to enhance development in their chosen art.The Fighter's Body an Owner's Manual: Your Guide to Diet, Nutrition, Exercise and Excellence in the Martial Arts by Loren W. Christensen and Wim Demeere cuts right to the essence of proper diet and exercise to put you on the road to becoming the best martial arts athlete you can be.

Christensen and Demeere outline the essentials of nutrition for martial artists, and provide guidance for losing weight, making weight, and dropping weight fast.They also teach you how to put on weight in the form of powerful muscle.The book ends with chapters on long term planning so you can live and train into old age injury free and tips on the proper mindset for eating and training for the martial artist.

This is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to improve their fitness, and especially the martial artist training to be the best possible.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author, speaker
Hard-Won Wisdom From The School of Hard Knocks, Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, and The Lock On Joint Locking series

Great Fundamentals for Nutrition and Exercise
Christensen and Dimeer are a couple of class acts. This book covers the fundamentals of Nutrition and basics of exercise for Martial Arts effectivness. No secret diet plans here, just the verifiable fundamentals that work. Oh yeah, and you will have to put effort into your own fitness. No magic bullets. Good stuff.

OK, but meant for martial arts competitors only
So much of this book is dedicated to competition. The exercises given are pretty basic, a few new and interesting ideas, nothing tremendous or special. I've read through it cover to cover and while the writing is entertaining it just wasn't suited for me personally. I was looking for more extensive and dynamic exercises, ways to improve all around performance that I wouldn't see other places. This book gives you ideas and tips on improving your performance, but they are run of the mill ideas that you would get from an averagely knowledgeable person.

Motivational
My wife bought this for me and I read it (all but two chapters on cutting weight) in a single sitting. I've gone back & re-read several chapters & sections. It's hard to give it a better recommendation.
The information contained in the book isn't earth shattering. It's lots of common sense, but it's communicated in a very interesting and motivational manner. It doesn't offer a single magic bullet but instead simply describes the hard work necessary to take off weight and/or put on muscle through exercise, nutrition and rest.
It's a good read and a good reference. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Even though it is now a cliché to say that learning a martial artis as much about learning to conquer oneself as it is about learning to conquerthe enemy, most martial-arts books are still about the latter. Pascal Fauliot lendsa refreshing voice to the field by excavating some of the great educative talesfrom the martial arts traditions of China and Japan. Not exactly moral tales,these stories exemplify the ideals of excellence in the martial arts, and are asentertaining as a feature film. Some of the scenarios you might expect: themaster who is bushwhacked but comes out unscathed, or the master who sets hisstudent to mundane tasks rather than fighting techniques. Others will surprise:the master who shatters an enormous piece of bamboo without touching it, or thebully who thrashes a little old man only to find himself bedridden the next day.Purportedly all true, these are inspirational stories about learningpersistence, self-mastery, flexibility, concentration, and harnessing the invisible power of chi. They are also lighthearted, and retold with an experttouch that the master of any art would appreciate. --Brian BruyaBook Description
A collection of parables and teaching stories from the martial arts traditions of Japan and China that emphasizes their spiritual foundation.

The teaching stories in this book are based on the lives of martial arts masters and are meant to inspire questions and insights for the student.

Written for martial artists and anyone interested in Eastern religions such as Buddhism, Zen, and Taoism.

True martial arts should never be confused with simple combat techniques. Rather, martial arts are a way that an individual, after a long and difficult apprenticeship, can gain a profound understanding of the true nature of reality and one's place in it. Over time the apprentice discovers the laws governing the subtle forces of life and realizes that their mastery is only possible after one has mastered oneself. "He who has mastered the Art doesn't use his sword: he compels his adversary to kill himself." This quote from renowned sword master Tajima no Kami perfectly expresses the paradoxical nature of martial arts teachings in China and Japan. These teaching stories are not moral fables; in fact they have nothing to prove. Their purpose is actually to inspire questions and insights that will aid the student to achieve self-realization.

Most of the stories in this book are based on actual events in the lives of martial arts teachers who have achieved legendary status. The almost superhuman abilities of some of the masters described here are evidence of the secret powers that can be wielded by those whose martial arts training is not simply the learning of physical techniques but involves the mastering of the subtle energies of the mind and body. Master of the Art of Archery Kenzo Awa could hit the center of a target even when shooting in total darkness. Assailants of Tai Chi master Yang Lu Chan found their blows did more damage to themselves than to their would-be victim. By reading--and comprehending--the tales in this book, we can acquire the same essential knowledge that these masters had--that extraordinary forces are within the grasp of those who have achieved inner peace and self-mastery.

Customer Reviews (3)

Neat book, compelling and thoughtful
This set of vignettes is not only fun to read but it really does make you think. Fast paced, clear writing in a style that is reminiscent of Dave Lowry. You don't have to be a martial artist to enjoy it though you will probably get more out of it if you are.

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

Tales to remember and recycle
This is just another book you should read on your Journey.Also recomended: Zen in the Martial Arts, by Joe Hyams.

Please do yourself and the world a favor and expand you mind and soul. Read books such as this, books on spirituality, religion, philosophy, science, art, Toaism, and anything that stimulates your brain!!Read Salinger, Vonnegut, Jim Harrison, Cormac McCarthy, Watch great movies like Sling Blade, Miller's Crossing, of Pulp Fiction.FLEX YOUR HEAD !!!!!!!!!!

Taste of the inner meaning of martial arts
This small book leaves me begging for more. It relates tales teaching the inner meaning of the martial arts. It is divided into the following sections. 1. The message of the stories. 2. On the threshold of the mystery. 3. Confronting the mountain. 4. The snare of appearences. 5. The great test. 6. Lessons of the Zen masters. 7. Winning without fighting. 8. The ultimate secret. For those who are interested in the martial arts as a path for self development and realisation rather than just as a 'grab em and bash em' exercise in futility, this book will be a treasure for you. The martial arts have traditionally passed on its ethos and morality through tales such as these.

Many of these tales were already familiar to me as our Sensei recounts some at each training session, more or less. The book only has one major drawback, there isnt enough of it. It left me wanting more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Martial Philosophy at It's Finest
A true master, the zen monk Deshimaru in approximately 100 pages is capable elaborating on the differences between the practice of martial sport and martial art. That these ideas can take a full lifetime to explore make this a classical book on the subject.

A truly masterful achievement, as this book has synthesized for me what has taken great lengths to learn from multiple sources and has also introduced many abstract concepts into terms that a non-Zen practicing Budoka can understand. Unlike many other books approaching this subject, you need not become a "Japanophile" or create a super-ego to relate.

This book is naturally compatible with genuine materials on the martial mindset from Tukuan Soho, Miyamoto Musashi and Morihei Ueshiba, true masters who also wrote short but deeply meaningful books on the subject of martial practice. So this book becomes an organic extension of these other masterpieces: The book of 5 rings (Musashi Miyamoto), The Unfettered Mind (Tukuan Soho) and The Art of Peace (Ueshiba). All highly recommended.

The martial mindset has nothing to do with sports-minded competition. Modern "martial arts" are most of the time a form of sanctioned violence taught to self-appointed vigilante's. When such idiots confront a situation where emotional breakdowns occur due to overwhelming odds or unfamiliar setups, the results are enlightenment the hard way!

The distinction evident from this book is the understanding that when the practice of martial art encompasses a realistic acceptance of life or death with a conditioned acceptance of death through the practice of zen, true courage becomes possible.

Other concepts elaborated are the elusive subject of ki and the practical method of practicing zen as it relates to breathing. In this respect, the master Deshimaru ties the tradition of zen to the Buddhist and Hindu practice of Vipassana meditation as it relates to enlightenment. However, whereas the typical descriptions focus on the metaphysical, this book spares you the mystical nonesense and through a simple experiment of following clear directions, the concepts become very real for the reader.

This book is an excellent accompanying text to any internal martial arts practice as it does not condone a passive acceptance of ideas or practices, but rather encourages the reader to ascend to a higher calling through worthy reflection, genuine rigorous practice and acceptance of inherent truths about the nature of leadership, combat, life, death and worldliness. The material has great reverance for tradition in terms of principle, not ritual. A must have for the modern budoka seeking a mature approach to Martial Arts.

Some good insights not obvious to martial arts beginners
Deshimaru Roshi (Master Deshimaru) teaches a few lessons on Zen, and its connection to the tradition of martial arts in Japan. He explains that without cultivating the spirit, any martial arts is just a sport which could eventually deplete the body of energy. Instead, the samurai in medieval Japan were taught martial skill and civil education (caligraphy, history, music, etc.). Unfortunately, he says, the real spirit is going away even in Japan, let alone in the West. He shares some nice stories - he has a preference for cats, it seems :).Cultivating the mind through zazen practice is at least as important as practicing a martial art!
These being said, these book is not a practical manual - they are questions and answers from a public event in 1975 -probably Taisen Deshimaru has written better suited for that pupose. However, the martial arts beginners could use it to understand what every martial art grand master says: it's not at all about fighting!

Essential reading if you aspire true Bushido
Marial arts have for the most part sunk into mere sport.True, traditional martial arts training strengthens Ki, destroys egoism and fear, moves the student beyond dualism, and develops a consciousness that has forgotten the self.This slim book is a jewel for those willing to start this arduous life lo