Product Description
The urge to forge one’s character by fighting, in daily life as well as on the mat, appeals to something deep within us. More than a collection of fighting techniques, martial arts constitute a path to developing body, spirit, and awareness. On the Warrior’s Path connects the martial arts with this larger perspective, merging subtle philosophies with no-holds-barred competition, Nietzsche with Bruce Lee, radical Taoism and Buddhism with the Star Wars Trilogy, traditional martial arts with basketball and American Indian culture. At the center of all these phenomena is the warrior. Though this archetype seems to manifest contradictory values, author Daniele Bolelli describes the heart of this tension: how the training of martial technique leads to a renunciation of violence, and how overcoming fear leads to a unique freedom. Aimed at students at any level or tradition of martial arts but also accessible to the armchair warrior, On the Warrior’s Path brings fresh insights to why martial arts remains an enduring and widespread art and discipline. Two new chapters in this second edition focus on spirituality in the martial arts and the author’s personal journey in the field. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

For the warrior poet in all of us.
Daniele Bolelli writes a wonderful book for the truth seeker, mystic adventurer in all of us.
It explores martial arts from the spiritual and philosophical perspectives in such a way, that one could apply the principles to almost any aspect of your life.An exploration of the passions within an individual, and the ways that the art form of martial arts can channel and fuel those passions.It is written poetically, and with no shortage of wit, and also includes a great overview of the different branches of martial arts and a snapshot into some of their strengths.
Enjoy!

A great book on martial arts and life.
Mr. Bolelli's book came to me at a time in my life when I needed a new perspective. In the midst of divorce and a serious look at the motivations of my life, I embraced many things that were eloquently presented in this book. This is the second edition and the additional material is well thought and personal. At least it felt personal to me. The chapter "On Failed Friendships, Martial Arts, Nietzche, and Self Perfection" spoke to many things that I had difficulty finding the words to explain, for most of my life.

My definition of a great book, is one that can be read and re read over and over again. Each time a new insight or a thought occurs to you with every read.

This book is not a dusty recap of history and philosophy. It is a living and breathing discussion in a rocking chair on breezy summer afternoon. Mr. Bolelli writes in a warm and friendly style, without taking himself too seriously.

I cannot wait for his next book.

Buy this one while you wait, you will not be disappointed.

Cutting-edge wit and down-to-earth style. A true gem.
I picked up this book because of one passage I read while browsing in a bookstore. (Yes, I later BOUGHT the book--through Amazon...) "To be truly walking on the warrior's path, we have to bring our minds back to the time when we were not ashamed of our dreams; when reality had not yet frustrated our ambitions; when our desire was still too strong to be repressed, and our spirit refused to surrender in resignation; when we were not yet doctors, businessmen, or lawyers, but still wanted to be heroes, leaders, bodhisattvas. The first step on the way to being warriors is to get back in touch with our dreams." (p. 104)

Need I say more? The rest of the book is almost as good, written with obvious personal passion, knowledge of the subject (Asian martial arts, esp. Chinese kung fu), and a refreshing sense of humor. He has the unusual gift of being able to write philosophically without sounding pretentious or putting you to sleep. It's the kind of book that now has highlighting marks on almost every page. And as a curious aside, this guy was born in Italy, apparently not a native English speaker, though he writes better than most Americans, and he wrote this book in his early twenties!

A final cue: How can you not be impressed with a guy who quotes from both Frederich Nietzsche and Pearl Jam in the same subhead? And who counts Richard Strossi-Heckler among his close friends? Strossi is an aikido master and psychologist, and the author of "In Search of the Warrior Spirit: Teaching Awareness Discipines to the Green Berets"--one of my all-time favorite books.

a fantastic read
not just for martial artists. A book rich in history, philosophy, mythology and more importantly: Life. I could not put it down. Do yourself a favor and buy this book.

Better than the First Edition
This second edition of this modern classic on philosophy and martial arts is even better than the original, for it contains two great extra chapters in addition to all the old material. In an on-line interview, the author himself has stated that one of the new chapters (the last one) is his favorite among anything he has ever written.
One of the extra chapters is about the relationship between combat sports and traditional martial arts, and about the need to combine philosophy with action. As Bolelli puts it, "more sweat and less talk". This is a very enjoyable chapter, but it pales in comparison to the last one: an unlikely but beautiful essay about friendship, loneliness, the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, and the deeper emotional urges driving us toward martial arts. Here we can see Bolelli at his best. If you own the original edition, either get this or check it out at the library because the new material is worth it.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Outstanding Survey of the Practice and History of all Martial Arts
This book is outstanding! It covers the entire family tree of martial arts from the beginning to current day.This is truly an exceptional work that will educate even a seasoned martial artist about all of the various styles and noteworthy masters and practioners.

I highly recommend especially new students read this book and learn about the various styles, masters and practitioners.No matter what style you study you should have some knowledge of all styles to round out your martial arts education.You will gain a better understanding of where your style fits into the history and family tree structure of the martial arts and that will give you more context to understand your own studies.

This is one of the books I have listed as essential for any martial artist to have in his or her library.A fascinating read!

Kevin Brett is CEO of Kevin Brett Studios, Inc. and the author of "The Way of the Martial Artist: Achieving Success in Martial Arts and in Life!"

The Way of the Martial Artist: Achieving Success in Martial Arts and in Life!

Excellent!
I am a brown belt in ASK.I am working toward my black belt.This book was suggested as valuable reading material.Excellent book.Every Martial artist should have it.

A Terrific One-Stop Source of Martial Mania
This reference work was written and editedby the same authors who wrote the Q&A, "Martail Arts Catalogue" in 1976.This book is more indepth and authoritative.The primary sections are on Tradition, History, and the Pioneers who have helped shaped this multi-faceited idea of what we call "martial arts."

The chapters are very good, providing excellent history and coverage.America is probably a little over represented.This however, doesn't mean they should have written less about American martial arts, just more of other traditions.

It must also be fair to say, that America has contributed much to the Asain arts and helped expand the arts, for better or worse, where they are today.The photos are neat and add greatly to this book.The writing is sometimes dry, like most reference works are.

All in all, it is a book that stands on its own and should be purcahsed by those martial artist who either are interested in history or having a quick refernce at their bookshelf.

few japanese/okinawan karate masters, too much US
This book provides little information about japanese and okinawan karate masters and is much to US oriented for a real encyclopedia.

Very,very,very,very,very GOOD!
I am taking isshinryu karate. It has great techinques.Anyway, This book is da bomb! It has alot ofinformation. Every martial artist in the world should have this book. It goes over many styles in the world. Goodpictures! You just can't stop reading it once it is in your hands.Big book. ... Read more

Product Description
Vital Point Strikes is a guide to pressure point striking for the average martial artist. Sang H. Kim demystifies the lore of vital point striking and shows you realistic applications of vital point strikes for self-defense and combat sports. For those new to the concept of vital points, he begins by examining the Eastern theory of acupoints, meridians and ki (qi) and the Western scientific concepts of the nervous and circulatory systems, pain threshold and pain tolerance, and the relationship between pain and fear. This synthesis of accepted Eastern and Western theories helps the reader understand what makes vital point striking work and why it can be not only useful in fighting, but deadly. Based on this introduction, you ll learn about 202 vital points for use in fighting including the name, point number, location, involved nerves and blood vessels, applicable techniques, sample applications, and potential results for each point. The points are illustrated in detail on an anatomically correct human model, with English, Chinese, and Korean names as well as point numbers for easy reference.In addition to identifying the vital points, Sang H. Kim gives you detailed information about the type of techniques that work for vital point striking including a discussion of fighting zones and ranges, plexus strikes, stance and footwork, bodily weapons, striking directions and angles and dozens of applications for common empty hand, grappling, groundfighting, knife and gun attacks.Based on over thirty years experience in the martial arts and in-depth research, Sang H. Kim has created one of the most complete books available on the art and science of vital point striking. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Excellent book, just be careful.
This book is and excellent guide and reference of vital points and ways to striking it. The content is well organized and is very easy to locate the parts of the body that you want to study. Just read the Table of Contents and see the example pages.

With time, this book can be a classic. It is really good.

Please use it with responsibility. Check all the advices and be careful because you can hurt yourself or your partner.

Highly recommended
I highly recommend this work for anyone who is serous about self-defense and learning martial knowledge. I do put out a caution, however, because one should not be going out hitting people to test in application the information they receive in this manuscript. You still need a qualified instructor to learn how to practice these techniques without doing serious harm to your partners. I added this book to my library of vital point strikes and it is one of my favorites, it sits right next to my Encyclopedia of Dim Mak by Erle Montegue (who, in my opinion, still rates number 1 as far as his material and presentation goes).

This book deals mainly with vital points and application of those points for self-defense, and there's nothing wrong with that. I believe this was the author's intent, and he accomplished it very well. However, if you want to have a well rounded information base on both the healing and disruption base of each of the 12 meridian Dim Mak points, Erle Montegue's book would be an important addition to your library.

Very Comprehensive and generally well presented
AN excellently detailed exposition of vulnerable 'Vital' points from both a Western and Eastern perspective, plus some applications based on the points and the authors general drills.

NO doubt a lot of other people worked on this with the author and a lot of other references have been heavily used but the result justifies all that.

It may be too detailed in fact for a number of people who would rather a somewhat smaller number of very effective techniques. However it's probably a great thing if a reader who may want to use such information innapropriately is put off by the effort it might take to go throught this book as that is always a worry when such information is made freely available as it seems to increasingly be these days.

A very informative book
Vital Point Strikes by Sang H. Kim is a thorough book on the vulnerable spots of the human body. It has sections on both Western and Eastern views on vital areas. It talks of the nervous system of Western anatomy and the body's meridians of Eastern medicine, and shows a correlation between the two. It is well illustrated with many anatomical drawings, and it has many photos illustrating striking methods and other self-defense scenarios such as disarming assailants with weapons. One should, however, be aware of the disclaimer that the techniques are not to be misused, and that it is written simply to inform. Also it has a disclaimer that there may be a few inaccuracies in it. But all in all I find it an excellent book for the studies of the martial artist of any style.

A dangerous book only the experienced should use.
First things first, this book is excellent. Sang H. Kim has no equal in his art, and I have nothing but full respect for him. Pressure points were a specialty of mine when I was still active in competitive martial arts, and while my outlook on fighting has changed over the years, it's best to end a fight quickly, and going for the vitals is the surefire way to do that. The presentation of this book is very well-organized, has many useful pictures, charts and photos showing every single pressure point [except two I know of that are best kept out of books to the public] and how to apply the strikes in real life situations. This isn't your standard martial arts book that shows you to 'do this if this happens', but it thoroughly explains everything and why you're doing it. My only gripe is with the photos and that they aren't in color, but black and white, so -sometimes- it's hard to see certain things, but usually everything's very clear.

But my main criticism is that this book is extremely dangerous, and I don't think it should've been released with this much information. Any martial artist of any rank can get it, read a few pages, think they're a killing machine, and then will either hurt someone else very seriously, or do something wrong and get hurt them self. Please, if you're interested in getting this book and have martial arts experience, ask your master about it if they know anything. As someone who was on the receiving end of a pressure point strike over 10 years ago, I still haven't recovered from a hit on my inner elbow, and can't hold my arm still without continuous shaking. But if you're using this book for reference and to know what points to keep more protected, that'd be the best reason to get this.

Again, the book itself is an excellent resource, and I wish it had been out when I was younger. Seeing just how many pressure points there are on the human body is incredible, and knowing that you're doing acupuncture in reverse with the knowledge on these pages isn't something to take lightly. Please use the utmost care if you plan on actually using the techniques in this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Secret training manuals, magic swords, and flying kung fu masters—these are staples of Chinese martial arts movies and novels, but only secret manuals have a basis in reality. Chinese martial arts masters of the past did indeed write such works, along with manuals for the general public. This collection introduces Western readers to the rich and diverse tradition of these influential texts, rarely available to the English-speaking reader.

Authors Brian Kennedy and Elizabeth Guo, who coauthor a regular column for Classical Fighting Arts magazine, showcase illustrated manuals from the Ming Dynasty, the Qing Dynasty, and the Republican period. Aimed at fans, students, and practitioners, the book explains the principles, techniques, and forms of each system while also placing them in the wider cultural context of Chinese martial arts. Individual chapters cover the history of the manuals, Taiwanese martial arts, the lives and livelihoods of the masters, the Imperial military exams, the significance of the Shaolin Temple, and more. Featuring a wealth of rare photographs of great masters as well as original drawings depicting the intended forms of each discipline, this book offers a multifaceted portrait of Chinese martial arts and their place in Chinese culture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Don't read this book if you can't handle the truth
This is a must have book for anyone interested in traditional Chinese martial arts. Finally someone has come out and said much of what needed to be said about the founders of these methods, putting all of those ridiculous myths and legends in their proper perspective. As an author of over 100 articles for Inside Kung Fu Magazine and two of my own books on Baguazhang I have waited many years for a book like this to come along and set the record straight about the tough old men who developed tough combative arts to be used in difficult times.

The chapter on Qi and Qigong is especially important for it gives some interesting definitions of a word that is one of the most misunderstood and overused in Chinese Martial lexicons. I am giving copies of this work to all my instructors teaching in our Baguazhang schools around the world as required reading. It sweeps away the cobwebs and silken decorations to lay the reality of Gong Fu Quan bare for all to see once and for all. Thanks to the authors for this much needed work.

John P. Painter Ph.D.
[...]
thegompa@aol.com
Author
Combat Baguazhang, The Nine Dragon System
[...]

Excellent Book and Fascinating Subject!
As always, Brian Kennedy has produced a fascinating and highly informative work here. As a long-time fan of his articles for various martial arts magazines, I was very happy to see this work come to fruition. I first read his article on this subject in "Dragon Times" and it left me wanting more. And more he gives us! For anyone who wants to actually be educated about all aspects of the Chinese Martial Arts, rather than just being brawlers or fighters, this volume is a must-have. Many thanks Mr. Kennedy!

A little like "Myth Busters: Kung Fu Edition"
I have some mixed feelings in regard to this book, but I feel that by and large it deserves a possitive rating.The authors' most obvious purpose in writting is to briefly catalogue a number of historic Chinese martial arts training manuals dating back to the Ming dynasty, but mostly written roughly a century ago.Among these books are books on Taiji, Bagua, generic "boxing", and even one on Western boxing and another on using rope to restrain someone.Each of these books is given a brief description, and illustrations from the book are shown.Often something is said about the author and/or editor of the book, and many times the historic context of the book is given.However, despite the title of this book, these tomes seemed to me to be almost an afterthought.While the first part of the book theoretically sets the scene for the environment in which these books were published, it seems to me that it does more to dispell commonly-held myths than anything else.

I think the first part of the book should be required reading for anyone who fancies themselves as following in the footsteps of the "ancient Shaolin masters".The authors point out that while the Shaolin temples no doubt had a militia in order to guard their land, there is no historic evidence that the temples were a hotbed for martial arts activities.Further, they proceed to analyze the origin of the Shaolin/Wudang distinction, as well as the Northern/Southern and internal/external classifications of Chinese martial arts.Essentially, the first part of this book seems written with the intent to dispell all popular myths about the Chinese martial arts.For that, I applaud the effort.However, as at least one other reviewer has pointed out, there is a remarkable lack of cited sources in this section.The entire argument against these popular myths seems to hinge on one or two books written in the early 1900's, which point out that Chinese books tend to borrow material from each other quite readily without citing their sources.So while I find the authors' version of historic Chinese martial arts culture to be a much more probable one, I must confess that they offer little evidence to support this view.

I have to say that this *is* one of my favorite books, and anyone interested in the history of Eastern martial arts and specifically Chinese martial arts would do well to own it.But I can't find it's "mythbusting" assertions supported well enough to give it more than three stars.

Refreshing
This book is a relief in todays world of Martial Arts liars, thieves, and charlatans.With a field that fosters making claims of magic and mystical powers, or in the least allowing the students or practitioners to go unfettered and run rampant with thoughts of Hollywood, Hong Kong, or Wu Xia Kung Fu this is a breath of fresh air.If you want solid groundwork for dispelling the myths and mysticisms of Chinese Martial Arts then this is the book for you.Well researched and full of great references, Mr. Kennedy offers an oft-times 'no holds barred' spotlight on an industry, sub-culture, phenomenon that has thrived in the shadows for too long.It's about time a book like this was published!

A book for every teacher who wants to go beyond the legends
It happens people think this book is the summa of the Chinese Kung Fu Manuals. Wrong.
This book analyzes the huge work done in Taiwan from the Lion pub on reissuing old CMA manuals in their original print. Some of them are today also available in English thanks to Tim Cartmell. The high value of this book is on analyzing the history and development of CMA by using documentation and not legends. The high value of this book is to tell the story of CMA historians as well as CMA master and famous people.
The way they lived, the way the got money...
Then the authors go trough the several manual by analyzing the content related to the time and environment when they were published.
Also exciting is the analysis of the different manual organization and the didactics related to the books: form the "hammering the back" body conditioning to the first schedule for drills. This book enlightens a reality a lot of practitioners wouldn't like to see by making more human and real. A book I find very exciting to read and I strongly advice to every western master who seriously want to know something more than legends about the CMA.
... Read more

Product Description
In every century there are unique individuals whose fatemakes them standing symbols of unique merit and accomplishment. RobertW. Smiths Martial Musings stands out as the sole literary workwhich offers readers a special perspective of martial arts as theyevolved during the 20th century.

Smith personally escorts the reader on a martial arts tour. He startswith his own initial involvement in the arts, then launches outward,across the nation, over to Asia, and eventually home again.

Some of the topics covered in the book include martial arts theory andpractice, portrayals of leading Asian instructors, profiles ofWesterners who studied the arts and brought them back to theirrespective countries and an historical record of the evolution offighting arts in the West.

Martial Musings represents the fourteenth book Smith has written onthe subject and is a broader, somewhat historical,semi-autobiographical commentary on martial arts in the 20th century.

But, what makes this book such a joy to devour is the literary relishSmith stir-fries in with the books basic ingredients. He astutelycouples combatives with literary panache, and a ready wit.

In short, Martial Musings introduces the reader to the individuals whoshaped martial arts in the 20th century. The hardbound book has 400pages and over 300 illustrations with a full-color cover and two-colortext pages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Overall I'd rate this a very good read
Robert Smith does inject his own personal
bias in a few areas which is something I
can accept because he does such a great
job overall.

Overall I'd rate this a very good read and
fills in a lot of gaps for martial arts
historians and puts many things and people
into perspective.

Walks his talk
Smith's Martial Musings takes a look at some of the seminal figures in the matial arts world. The book is a who's, who of martial arts practitioners, including the legendary Don Dreager (who purportedly held over 100 Dan rankings), Zheng Manqing (who Smith calls, "the most remarkable man I ever met") and numerious students of Manging's including Ben Lo, William C.C. Chen, T.T. Laing, Tam Gibbs, Wolfe Lowenthal, and numerous others.

Moreover, Smith presents his own story with his meeting with Manqing and tells us why he avoided him, because he thought the Master a fluff practictioner; it was only later that he learned otherwise, recognizing Zheng as one of the truly great Masters of Tai Chi Chuan, and its martial applications. Smith details an account where Zheng told him to attack, and hold noting back, reminding Smith, "This is no game." As a result, Smith found himself propelled against a nearby wall, wondering what happended.

In the lineage of Japanese martial traditions Smith discusses all the important styles and masters giving insight on the major figures of martial traditions within Japan including Aikido, Judo, and all the major Karate lineages. Smith also describes Japanese traditions as a poor sister in its understanding and development of Ki whereas the Chinese martial traditions have mastered and understand chi more deeply than the Japanese and tells us why.

Smith's style goes right to the jugaler, and he refuses to hold anyone's hand for them despite his persoanl bias directed at various martial artists who now make movies. In other words, Smith does not hold many in high regard.

I enjoyed the book and give it my highest recommendation, but especially if you are a martial artisit, I think this body of work holds some profound insight into some of the legendary martial artists of our time.

An Engrossing if Opinionated Autobiography
Robert W. Smith has never been one to mince words. Anyone having read "Masters and Methods", in which he describes many of the better martial arts teachers on the Taiwan scene around 1960, would definitely expect more of the same with perhaps updates or enlargements of his previous writings. The reader definitely gets this. He tells stories about martial artists he had the pleasure of training alongside, learning with, or those that he numbered among his friends. In addition, he comments on things like the late Bruce Lee, and later developments in the US along the lines of the NHB contests and their like. I think his vitriolic harshness about these subjects is that he doens't like martial art "superstars" whose primary purpose to him seems to be the acquisition of fighting technique for its own sake and fame as a secondary. This book is called "Martial Musings" precisely because the author intended to make commentary in the nature of opinion, rather than just report history. He does so with forthrightness, humor, and an evident bent toward martial arts for self-cultivation. His laments on how many martial artists have "sold-out" to pop culture are of course the most controversial. For those he treats less than kindly, he pulls no punches! On the other hand, Smith extols those who used their arts to become better people above those who merely wished to prove themselves the best fighter precisely because he believes that in a truly civilized world, that martial arts should primarily be about authentic self defense and self-improvement. He mentions Rose Li, the daughter of a highly skilled but relatively unknown Xing Yi practitioner specifically because she was uninterested in selling out and teaching people without also trying to pass along her martial arts' spiritual essence. I think the people are interesting, the stories sometimes "laugh out loud" amusing as well as informative. There is little here for those looking for techniques. I laud him for promoting martial arts as he learned it, rather than getting caught up in the "professional fighter" worship that many younger people seem to engage in these days. After all, all we see of those fighters is what they do in the ring, and we're left to decide for ourselves who they might be as people beyond their fighting expertise. This book is clearly for those who dream of a martial arts as being perhaps more than a means to become "the baddest dude on the block."

Martial Musings - Robert W. Smith
Mr. Smith is a "wordsmith" in the truest sense. You can feel the authors qi, as he writes about the chinese masters that he has inter-acted with over the years. It has been my pleasure recently to meet R. W. Smith and visit with him. This book is a must for the library of any serious person who studies any of the martial arts.
Phillip W. Koeppel

Avoid
Anyone who says that Muhammad Ali was an overweight light-heavyweight with the punch of a pillow and couldn't stand with the earlier heavyweights (who incidentally were smaller than Ali,"an overweight light-heavy")should not have there opinions on fighting arts taken seriously. ... Read more

Product Description

YOGA MARTIAL ARTS

excellent training for:

Aikido Judo Jujitsu Hapkido

Capoeira KarateKung fu

Muay thaiTaekwandoWushu

And all other styles

The Martial Artist's Book of Yoga clearly illustrates how yoga can improve your martial arts abilities.It breaks down universal martial arts techniques into six categories and offers specially selected yoga poses that directly address each area's core physical requirements.Incorporating yoga into your training will raise your physical potential and allow you to perform at a higher level.

• Smoother Throws
• Faster Strikes
• Higher Kicks

About the Authors

Lily Chou holds a second degree black belt in the mixed martial art of yongmudo (formerly known as hapkido) and is an instructor in the martial arts program at the University of California at Berkeley.Kathe Rothacher, a kinesiologist, teaches movement systems and methods, among them Feldenkrais, yoga, Pilates, and dance; she has been practicing yoga for over 30 years. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Integration of Martial Arts and Yoga
This book is a good book if you are wondering how yoga can help your martial arts skills. The main benefit that this book holds for the martial artist is that it shows the reader just how each yoga pose benefits the martial artist and which poses increase which skills. This book explains each pose, how to get into the pose, and the general benefits of the pose - general yoga stuff. The photographs are not very good quality and the smaller ones are fairly hard to see and figure out exactly what the person is doing. Overall, if you want to know how each pose is helpful to your karate skills, this book spells it out for you, but if you are interested in adding yoga to your training routine, you would be better off investing in one or more of the excellent yoga videos which walk you through specific workouts. In my opinion, they are much more helpful and easier to follow.

Bohdi Sanders, author of Warrior Wisdom: The Warrior's Path

Excellent Yoga Book
The Martial Artist Book of Yoga is one of the best books on yoga that I have found.It is a great way to really learn some of the yoga terms and how to perform them without an instructor.I've used it for a couple of weeks and have noticed vast improvement in my balance and I do not feel as tight when I exercise.The book does a great job of explaining each pose, what it stands for in yoga terms, and it helps in conditioning for Martial Arts.An excellent book for anyone looking to get into yoga or trained Martial artist trying to get an edge.

Good - but not Great
This is a good, but not great explanation of how yoga benefits a martial artist. Since a martial artist is about power, speed, balance, a bit more explanation of the kinetics would have been appreciated.

I've been studying karate for a while and yoga for longer, I know my personal yoga practice complements my karate. However, I don't know all the kinesthetics for why.

I am going to keep looking for a book that explains the why to me so that I can explain the why to my fellow karatekas.

Written by a martial artist for martial artists
Lily Chou is uniquely qualified to give us a guide to yoga specifically for martial arts. Her ten years of experience include cross training in Yongmudo, Taekwondo and over four years in Hatha yoga, coupled with her skills in editing numerous health and fitness books and participation in the UC Martial Arts Program is an exceptional combination for an author.Lily has divided her book not by the typical yoga poses, but by their application to specific martial arts skills. Thus, we find chapters on grappling and throws with the poses she and her co-author Kathe Rothacher (a yoga practitioner for over 30 years) see as most appropriate. The book is well illustrated with photographs of every position (including martial arts examples) and cross-referenced to other pertinent sections so that the reader may quickly move back and forth from the benefits of yoga to the details of each pose. While hardcore yoga practitioners may find the book too elementary, this is exactly the kind of guide practicing martial artists need to get them motivated to attempt something that is both beneficial and out of our comfort zone.

A creative blending of concepts
While I'm not convinced by these materials that yoga was the genesis of all martial arts, the author does make a compelling case that yoga techniques can complement martial training. The routines described herein can help improve body control, balance, flexibility, and strength. Not surprising since many of these techniques are already found in most traditional martial arts training.

There's really nothing earth shattering in here, but there is some good stuff that can help you become a better martial artist if you add it to your daily routine. It's pretty well written and easy to follow, an interesting and creative blending of concepts not generally associated with each other. On the other hand, I certainly would not consider it a "must read" by any means.

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

Product Description
While the old adage, "those who can't do, teach" is not entirely true, all too often "those who can do" cannot teach effectively. This book is unique in that it offers a holistic approach to teaching martial arts; incorporating elements of educational theory and communication techniques typically overlooked in budo.

Teachers will improve their abilities to motivate, educate, and retain students, while students interested in the martial arts will develop a better understanding of what instructional methods best suit their needs.

The author's approach balances the reality that martial arts instructors are responsible for ensuring the safety of practitioners who learn potentially deadly techniques with the truism that if their classes are not enjoyable and productive, no one will participate in them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

A Must have for ALL Martial Arts Instructors
I began reading this book several months ago and rather that just read it I decided I'm going to give it my all (except for the last few weeks where I was preparing for a Dan Test which I passed). I decided to put into play everything that was written about into play in my own dojo. And everything that was discussed in the book worked.

I have had students say that the classes are more exciting and interesting over the last month or 2 and thats thanks to Lawrence's book.

It may not be as indepth as other books that are on the market but what Lawrence does is make it "readable" in layman's terms and cuts out all the jargon etc.

The book will sell itself you like me when you have bought and read this book will wish that you had bought it earlier.

I fully recommend this book to Instructors new or old as you may find something in the book which has been the answer to a question you had for years

Osu!!!!

A Bible for any Martial Arts Instructor
A very professional & well compiled book useful for any martial arts instructor, but even more so for karate in particular. Lawrence Kane background is Guju-ryu.

The book is well illustrated with many pictures, diagrams & charts. From lesson planning to a typical karate syllabus.

No matter whether you've just started your own martial arts club or have been teaching many years, you will fair much better by delving into the dozens of useful exercise within these pages. Why re-invent the wheel when you can learn so much from other people's mistakes & problems that they have successfully overcome.

There aren't many other titles around on teaching & instructing martial arts classes, but you may also be interested in John Graybeals book on The Art of Empowering Children: A Karate Masters Secrets or a very good title by Carol Wiley's called Martial Arts Teachers on Teaching gives dozens of stories directly from other instructors' sucesses & failures. Also there are Sang Kims book called Teaching Martial Arts: The Way of the Master is about the only other decent book I could possibly recommend or his one called Martial Arts Instructor's Desk Reference: A Complete Guide to Martial Arts Administration

Chapters include;-
1) Understanding learning style differences between students.
2) Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
3) Application of the Six Teaching Styles to Martial Arts
4) Fostering a Positive Learning Environment.
5) Dojo Lesson Planning

Appendices include;- sample lesson plan, determining your psychological profile, kata of Goju-ryu, requirements through to Shodan.
A thoroughly enjoyable & highly informative book.

A must own book for every instructor!
I recently had the opportunity to read one of Lawrence A. Kane's books entitled, "Martial Arts Instruction: Applying Educational Theory and Communication Techniques in the Dojo" and found it to be a fantastic book for anyone involved in the teaching of students and not just those involved in the martial arts. This book is a fantastic source for reference material concerning the art of teaching, and yes, I do feel that teaching is an art form.

The approach Lawrence takes in this book is simple, yet loaded with an abundance of information that shows you various methods that you can easily incorporate into your own particular style of teaching regardless of what the particular subject is. I can almost guarantee you that if you purchase this book and study it for a few weeks, and then start applying the information that you have learned, that you will see a notable improvement in your own teaching ability, while at the same time see a marked improvement in your students.

When I first read this book, I identified with a lot of the mistakes that Lawrence mentioned concerning my own teaching style especially when I first started teaching students a little over 20 years ago. Although it is imperative that we as individuals make our own mistakes, it is not that easy or desirable to make mistakes when you are responsible for the development of another individual. Although Lawrence's focus is on teaching the martial arts, a lot of what he tells you could also be used when teaching your own children. However, you would have to modify your teaching method a bit.

The following is a brief review of each of the six chapters in this book and what there main focus is on.

Chapter One: Understanding Learning Style Differences

In this chapter, Lawrence delves into the different types of personalities that an instructor will undoubtedly find in his students, as well as, how to tailor your teaching style to best suit each individual personality type. He also delves into the use of the five senses in order to enhance your teaching ability so that your students not only retain more information, but also enjoy the lessons being taught.

The five senses are; seeing, hearing, tasting, feeling, and smelling. Although it isn't practical to employ the use of all five in every lesson plan, you should try and devise a few that you could use once every month or so. I used a similar approach once teaching a group of law enforcement officers and the response I received was very encouraging. It works so use it.

Chapter Two: Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Tool to Understand Student Predilections

This particular chapter is quite complex, yet Lawrence makes is all seem rather simple with his easy to understand explanation of the various personality types and how they are best suited to learn and retain information. In this section, Lawrence supplies you with some very good resource material to have your own personality tested in order to determine what type of personality you have and what method of teaching is more conducive to your ability to learn.

Chapter 3: Applications of the Six Teaching Styles to Martial Arts

The six teaching styles discussed in this section are; modeling, lecturing, cooperative performance, independent performance, knowledge capture, and role reversal.

Lawrence describes in detail each one of these teaching styles and provides good examples of when to teach that particular method and how to apply it to the teaching of the martial arts.

Chapter 4: Fostering a Positive Learning Environment

In my humble opinion there is one section in this chapter that perhaps says it all when it comes to the ability to teach another person, and that is the attitude of the teacher.

This was the single most important thing that jumped out at me when I read this book. Although there is tons of useful information provided within the pages of this book, none of it is going to be worth the proverbial hill of beans without the proper attitude being displayed by the teacher.

Etiquette or respect for oneself and others is so vitally important not only to the learning environment, but also the living environment where we have to co-exist with so many different people from a vast array of backgrounds and cultures.

Another great subject that Lawrence brings up in this section is the importance of a solid emotional and physical environment in which to teach your students. The one undeniable single factor that is prevalent in everything that Lawrence discusses is the teacher. He or she is the one who will make or break a class and/or the students in it. You can have the most exciting subject and something that you are hugely passionate about become the most boring and painful experience if the teacher is horrible. Or you can take the most boring subject and make it interesting if the teacher is passionate and knowledgeable about how to get his/her information across to the students.

Along with a lot more information on the role of the teacher, Lawrence also spends some time going over some very solid information on how to find the martial art and martial arts school that is best suited for you.

Chapter 5: Developing and Implementing Lesson Plans for the Dojo

This section covers not only how to devise, refine and implement a lesson plan, but also how to adapt when the plan you have is not working. It also covers a lot of really solid information on the martial arts itself and the various nuances that are prevalent within it.
Lawrence also has a lot of really solid useful information concerning the martial arts and their use in a self-defense situation. He gives a couple of really good examples from his own personal experience that shows what may be a preferable way to handle a situation rather than resorting to physical means. Although one must always keep in mind that no two situations are going to be identical and what may work well in one situation may not work well in another.

Chapter 6: Conclusion/Stages of Teaching

This section is rather brief as I am sure the author intended and merely goes over that which he has discussed in the previous chapters. However, there are some very good tidbits of information included here and in the next 40+ pages.

This book, like all of Lawrence's books, is filled with solid useful information concerning whatever subject he has written about. There is much that can be learned from them and I highly recommend that you purchase them and study the information contained in each one of his books.

Shawn Kovacich, martial artist/author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.

An essential book for the dedicated teacher
A good teacher should also be a good student, if they hope to convey and assist the development of correct principles in others. I believe that pertains not only Martial Arts, but to any aspect of life. The challenge, is understanding that not all students learn, process, or retain information the same way (regardless of age).

Lawrence Kane has created a tool for those serious about imparting knowledge to their students in ways they can understand...and excel. The valuable information in this book is essential to those of us who truly care about what (and who) we teach.

A highly recommended book.

A must read for any serious Martial Artist
Excellent, Excellent Book. Great insights for using proven teaching methods and applying it to Martial Arts.
Also other cool stuff!! ... Read more

Product Description
Inscrutable masters from hidden temples. Special Forces soldiers. Swashbuckling pirates. Bare-chested brawlers.
GURPS Martial Arts brings fighting styles from throughout history to Fourth Edition. From popular Asian bare-handed techniques to European combat arts to fantastic non-human training, this book balances realistic historical schools with cinematic feats from Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Hollywood. Recreate the greatest fighters in the world, or create a style to fit a new campaign, Martial Arts has the techniques and guidelines you need.
Not all combat options map to techniques and styles, however. Many require extensions to the combat system itself, so Martial Arts expands on the combat and injury rules from GURPS Basic Set. Some of these additions are highly realistic, while others are extremely cinematic - but they're all optional, allowing the GM to decide which rules apply. Customizing the GURPS combat system has never been easier.
This book replaces and expands on the information and rules from the previous edition of GURPS Martial Arts for Third Edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

GURPS 4E, MARTIAL ARTS
GURPS 4E, MARTIAL ARTS; is a valued addition to my GURPS 4E collection.It provides detailed information on numerous forms of armed and unarmed combat for player and Game Master (GM).It has realistic information that can be expanded to fantasic levels.As such one can make a Spartan Warrior of history or a Jedi Knight (TM) of Science Fiction.

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

Product Description
Mixed Martial Arts outlines the revolutionary system of fighting used by world-renowned fighter BJ Penn. 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 (51)

Better than I had hoped
Great book!Excellent photos provide step by step instruction.I study defensive jiu jitsu so it's really interesting to see the details behind the sport side.Plus, it's outstanding to learn from the Prodigy.Highly recommend.

MMA Bible
This book is everything you need to know if you want to fight in MMA or just want to understand the sport better.What makes this book so much better than other books are the images.The picture quality and angles are great.It goes step by step showing you all the different MMA moves and styles.

BJ also gives advice on how to mix up your routine while fighting.I have talked to other people who have looked at the book and the first thing that comes to mind are the images are so detailed.

MMA is the new Boxing.This book is great for the novice all the way to the advanced.Another great BJ Penn book.I have to give a big ALOHA to BJ for this book.

Best Book of MMA EVER!
Simple.This is the best book you could buy for yourself or anyone else.

perfect but a little bit inconsistent
First of all, I respect BJ Penn's heart and technics, he is one of the greatest pound per pound MMA fighter up there, together with Fedor Emalianenko, Lyoto Machida, George St. Pierre and Anderson Silva ( all are Affliction or UFC champion in different weight classes and have been reigning for the last two years, Fedor and Lyoto still undefeated!!). BJ's accomplishments are awesome, the progress, power and speed, technics are top notch.

The book is amazing! explaining from very basic to intermediate skill of striking and grappling, best of all, he blends them very well, great teacher and great technics but.... here's the hard part, sorry, BJ. In the introduction he shared his experience when he loss his second fightwith Matt Hughes mainly caused by his blown off ribs when he tried to get Hughes's back at the end of second round which he said he has less than a minute to finish Hughes up. Then Hughes utilized BJ's broken ribs so that BJ had to protect his ribs than his face and arm. I'm not sure I remember that, so I watched the fight again and it's clearly that BJ's out of gas on the third round and Hughes just keep punching and mauling BJ on his heads, not a single punch intentionally aimed to BJ's ribs. And the previous round, BJ has almost two minutes when he almost control Hughes's back.

But BJ did a superior job in this book, the way he explain his opinion and technic are great. Just a little bit misleading reason in why he loss his second fight with Hughes. I and almost all people will still admire and respect him evenif he admit that in that fight he wasn't well prepared for the stamina, it even make him a bigger man. That factor makes me give this book 4 stars , other than that, 5 stars!!Fedor's book is also very awesome, not as structured as BJ's but show and teach exactly what he does in the ring in a lot of his battles, great technics but not as much great introduction (or reason) for finding our own strength and training samples. One thing that I admire BJ a lot, he never really got cut or battered even when he loose, Fedor is undisputed till now ( and the next two years,too, probably) but in some fights he got battered, though (ex: Cro Cop fight, Nogueira even Hong Man Choi), winning riskier fighter ?? or BJ, mostly winning safer fighter? your choice. I admire them both but hopefully all of us can be better MMA learner or fighter (even analyst) from keep learning from the best. Thank you Victory Belt Publisher.

Fast Shipping, Great Condition
Thanks for the prompt shipping, and the product is in excellent shape. My husband loved it. Thanks ... Read more

Product Description
Fighting arts are as old as man himself and as varied as his languages. In Asia they developed to a degree of effectiveness probably unsurpassed elsewhere in the world. This book explains the relationships between fighting arts, assesses their strengths and weaknesses, and presents new material about hitherto unknown fighting methods. Written by two of the best-known and most widely published authorities in the field, it covers fighting methods and techniques found in eleven Asian countries-fighting techniques that range from the artful Chinese tai-chi and Burmese bando to Japanese jujutsu and the lethal pentjak-silat of Indonesia.

Documentation of these has been supplemented with a wealth of fascinating anecdotes. The reader learns of the daring exploits of the Japanese ninja, of Gama, perhaps the greatest of the great Indian wrestlers, of the Indonesian "trance" fighters-and hundreds of other tales that serve to illustrate some of the most deadly fighting systems that the world has known.

The volume is illustrated with over two hundred photographs and drawings, many of them depicting combat styles and techniques that have never been seen in the West. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts (Bushido - The Way of the Warrior)
Authors Donn F. Draeger and Robert W. Smith are well known experts in martial arts. The late Draeger was a recognized practitioner in several martial arts, a prolific author whose works are standard in aspects of the fighting arts.Smith, a teacher, author and expert on Chinese forms and techniques, extends his interest in this book to all Asian fighting arts. This extended edition in large paperback format,of the older version, Asian Fighting Arts, contains more than 200 photographs and drawings showing combat styles and techniques not seen before in western culture.
Considered a standard and definitive text in the field, it explains the relationships among the fighting arts, methods and techniques found in eleven Asian countries and a wealth of anecdotal material to illustrate some of the 'deadliest' fighting systems. A must for any martial arts library.

comprehensive, but ... accurate?
A nice overview of various martial arts taught in obscure and less obscure places. I think I most enjoyed the accounts of Pakistani and Indian wrestlers like Gama. These seem to be forgotten martial artists. There was also some interesting information about the martial arts of Indochina.

I give it one less star than perfect, as these same authors have been known to at least tell some tall tales under a psuedonym ("John F. Gilbey" is one of the two). Since I am no scholar of the martial arts, but rather a sort of consumer of them, I can't really tell if they're pulling our legs anywhere in this book. Some of the Okinawan stuff (which I am actually familiar with the history and practise of) was a bit sketchy, or at least poorly explained. I suspect the farther afield these guys get with the arts covered, the more stuff you might find like that. Who is going to check?

Good Study, Long on Scholarship
If you're looking for a how-to manual on any particular martial art or set of martial arts, go elsewhere. If, on the other hand, you're interested in a succinct history of martial arts from the Far East, then you're in luck. This is an older book in martial arts circles, but I think, if anything, that helps it. It's able to deliver its message without all the politics that have influenced martial arts over the last 35 years. On the other hand, there's been quite a bit more sholarship that would help the book considerably.
The book is well written. The authors provide plenty of english translations of the terms they use, so you're never left in the dark. I think the section on Okinawa, rightly seperated from China & Japan, was a bit short. This, and a bit of over emphasis on styles that didn't seem adequately representative of the art under discussion.
It's informative and a good read. Hard to say much more good about a book.

The best history of martial arts...ever
I found this book through a memorial to Draeger printed on a martial arts group. I bought several of his books but I am the most impressed with this one.Draeger and Smith do a great job of tackling an intense project.There is an overview of martial arts from around the world.The research for this is amazing.One may have faults with some of their statements but this is still a book that I return to again and again.If you want the history of martial arts then this is perhaps the only real choice. A must for your martial arts library.

Classic but outdated
Still a classic of martial arts literature after many decades.One reason the book has held up at all to time is simply that both authors are great writers and researchers as well as being accomplished martial artists.The writing has an academic quality not usually found in the martial arts books and magazines, which are often aimed at the lesser lights among us.In fact, I am too embarressed to be seen reading a copy of Black belt magazine nowadays, unless I have it hidden inside a copy of Hustler perhaps.

Yet the book has not held up in all aspects.Since it was written, there have been whole worlds of knowledge opened up to martial arts practitioners.This book was written in the dark ages, when real knowledge was kept hidden and what was taught openly was worse than garbage.Not only have many masters brought their arts into the open, but new trends have developed, new paradigms set, myths destroyed and more.

Something of this scope and quality is sorely needed today.Draeger is dead.Smith hasn't publshed anything recently that I am aware of.It may be up to someone else to do an updated survey of the martial arts.

Still a classic and a necessary part of any MA library. ... Read more

Product Description
Increase your strength, improve your health, and develop explosive martial power with Qigong - the cultivation of your body's internal energy. Renown Qigong and martial arts master Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming explains how and why Qigong can improve your martial training, and presents ten complete sets of proven Qigong exercises for martial artists and health seekers.

You'll gain muscular strength and vitality, increase your fighting power, and learn meditation training for improved concentration and longevity. This book also includes healing Qigong exercises and soothing massage techniques to help you recover more quickly from injury. In addition, Dr. Yang discusses Qigong and health, and charts the major cavities used in the martial arts.

* Develop explosive martial power.
* Recover quickly from injury.
* Choose from ten Qigong training sets.
* Easily integrated with any martial style.
* Over 200 photographs and illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

A great guide to starting in Qigong
The book starts with a great introduction on the history, creation and uses of qigong followed by introductions to the different styles as well. It then dives right into the philosophy and postures of two of the most popular forms (External and Internal Elixir) The book finishes up with two very different chapters; one on qigong and health (quite a bit on Chinese Medicine including acupuncture and acupressure); and finishing with a chapter on how qigong techniques can become a Martial Arts, including various ways to upset your opponents qi.
I highly recommend Dr. Yang's book to anyone looking to further their knowledge in qigong or anyone looking to know what this qigong stuff is all about anyways.

Interested in Learning about Qigong? Start here!
There's a lot of very interesting and useful information packed into this basic, fundamental guide to the science and use of Qigong. For anyone interested in learning about qigong theory and practice - for health and/or martial arts - this is an excellent place to start.

The author, Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming is a renowned martial arts and qigong master who possesses an incredible wealth of knowledge and many years of experience. His biography at the very beginning of the book highlights his years of training and hints at his vast store of knowledge regarding the interrelationships of qi, qigong practice, martial arts and eastern healing philosophies.

The first three chapters of this book present what I feel is one of the clearest and most informative introductions on the subject of qi and qigong theory and practice I have encountered. The book's introductory chapter, which includes an excellent historical survey of Chinese qigong, presents a clear and practical explanation of qigong and how it works. The 2nd and 3rd chapters introduce and explain the external and internal qigong practices for increasing and circulating qi in the body. Both Wai Dan Qigong (External Elixir) and Nei Dan Qigong (Internal Elixir) methods are explained and demonstrated with easy to follow photographs, diagrams and step by step instructions.

Chapter 4 offers an overview of Chinese medicine and includes sections on acupuncture, massage and the use of qigong for medical purposes. In chapter 5, Dr. Yang shares his knowledge of martial arts applications to introduce and explain the "cavity press" and "sealing the vein/breath" techniques, as well as the fascinating "iron shirt/golden bell" training system.

"Qigong for Health and Martial Arts" is a not only a comprehensive introduction to qigong, but also a "how to" manual and a standard reference for anyone interested in - or practicing - qigong.

Foundation
While I have studied martial arts for many years, I remain very wary when it comes to the subject of qi.I will not expound on my philosophy regarding qi except to say that I very much respect the concept and continue to explore it, and am familiar with writings on the subject.

Regarding Dr. Yang's text, I feel it is accessible, straight forward, and very useful for the serious beginner and beyond (for those beyond, because I believe the basics are really the start and finish).I believe regular practice of the core work depicted in this text will yield very positive results.I am not sure if Dr. Yang has produced a companion dvd for this book - if so, a moving picture is worth many thousand words - book and video would be a nice pair.

Great Informative Book
This book provides so much information: Qigong History, Wai Dan Qigong, Nei Dan Qigong, how to perform self massages and on and on. There are great illustrations, clear and detailed instructions along with good information on Chi and meditation.

Excellent overview
I have quite a few books about qigong, and I find this one to be the clearest explanation from a practical standpoint of how qigong works.There is a nice division of external and internal practices, and the diagrams and photographs are easy to follow. ... Read more

Product Description
In his follow up to the phenomenally popular Solo Training, Loren Christensen has dug down deep to come up with hundreds of more ways for you to rev up your training at home or in the gym. Solo Training 2 kicks off with a focus on building your body's core for stronger, faster and more effective grappling, kicking and punching. A strong core - your shoulders, chest, abs, hips, and back - is the source of your body's power, speed and coordinated movement. As a martial artist, a strong core helps you to get more out of your training and to respond instantly and effectively to the fast changing demands of competition or an explosive street encounter.

You'll also get over 100 ways to work your combinations, cheat speed, improve accuracy, fight from unconventional stances, practice grappling when you can't find a partner and get the most out of your mannequin bag. If hundreds of new training drills sound overwhelming, not to worry. Solo Training 2 wraps up with 8 workouts, each with a specific goal like the Free Hand Power Builder and the Boxer Workout. If you've read your copy of Solo Training to tatters, give it a little time off and dig into Solo Training 2, where Loren Christensen promises to take your fighting techniques and understanding of fighting concepts to a new level. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Solo Training
With Loren W. Christensen (Author) books, you can not go wrong. They are full of practical knowledge and useful ideals to help the martial Artist grow. Highly recommend his books.

Great book!
I realy enjoy this book it's great for martial artist added some new exercise and just a great way to stay motivated about working out and stay fit. I've been trying some of exercises so far for the abs and push ups and love it. I would definetly recommend this book to others. Great Book! It's Awesome!

Excellent!
I am 29 y.o., 2nd degree black belt in shotokan karate and have been involved in martial arts since I was 18. I'm sure many martial artists are faced with the same problem -- you reach a point in your training where progress slows down or stops altogether and you need a new source of motivation.

This book was a good helper in re-designing my training routine and schedule. I added a whole bunch of new exercises recommended by the author as well as employed a number of mind conditioning techniques (these are indeed very important).

After just a couple of months, I'm noticing improvement. My body is much stronger and I am able to perform many techniques and kata better than before.

Sometimes I'd overtrain and have problem sleeping afterwards. I picked up a few relaxation/meditation techniques from this book that help me to calm down after training and rest comfortably.

"Solo Training 2" is the great source of information that will help you improve your physical and mental fitness. I cannot really find any faults with this book, hence the 5 stars.

Buy the whole series
I have the whole Solo Training Series and the DVD and all of them have been jam-packed with great information and practical advice. I wouldn't hesitate to buy anything Loren Christensen has written, it's all first rate. He has a great sense of humor and an easy writing style. But content is king and there's plenty of it in here. I was concerned that the classic Solo Training title had already said everything there was to say on this subject, but I actually like Solo Training 2 much better. It's full of great exercises, practical advice and a huge range of extra topics like coping with stress and injuries. He also handles the mental game better than anyone I have seen so far, probably because he's actually fought for his life using these techniques as an MP and Portland police officer and not just in the dojo or in competition. Buy it now, you won't be disappointed.

Solo training
It's not a book for people who trains alone, but for teachers that want the best for their students. Both volumes are very complete! ... Read more

Product Description
The essence of 'Sir Brian Sterling's Mental Martial Arts', is to be able to use and control your mental agility in combination with the adaptive principles, tactics and strategic skills that are the embodiment of the Physical Martial Arts. In doing so you will be able to control, guide and re-direct the energy of other people, corporations or institutions so that you can gain the advantage, even against more powerful opposition, in life, love and business.Developed by multiple Black Belt and Guinness World Record Holder, Sir Brian Sterling, the Mental Martial Arts book is a complete motivational, strategic planning, business, executive and life coaching system, based upon the Shaolin philosophies together with the strategic and tactical principles of the physical Martial Arts.Mental Martial Arts will teach you how to:* Reprogram your mind for success with one simple technique* Get what you want every time - even with difficult people* Take back control of your life by redefining winning and losing* Learn the secret of Chi Magnetic Attraction* Master the art of total self confidence* Command your own prosperity and success* Regain harmony and balance in life, love and businessMental Martial Arts can be easily mastered by anyone regardless of age or physical condition and it simply is what it says, Mental Martial Arts, with no physical contact. 'Sir Brian Sterling's Mental Martial Arts' book will help to teach you these highly effective intellectual skills to help you create a powerful advantage in almost every aspect of life and business. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Personal knowledge of authors dedication to his field
I had the pleasure to meet the author & become a friend several years ago.In all honesty I have never met a more interesting & genuine man either prior or since.He has dedicated his life to his career & though as yet not read the book, have no doubt it is written with the same honesty to his life & experiences and the professionalism he dedicates to his career field .Would recommend any of his media work.

Brain Power
Brian Sterling's "Mental Martial Arts" is the clever application of the fighting disciplines he has learned, through his study of martial arts, to the worlds of business and self improvement. He writes intelligently and his ideas are both practical and thought provoking.
This is a book that could change your life.

Hugely qualified author
I have been acquainted with Brian thru a business relationship for over 10 years and know him to be a very dedicated and thoroughly educated trainer in many areas of physical fitness.Any concepts he can co-relate from the mental aspects of training can only be extremely useful in the business sector as well.

Valued information
Extremely well-written. Concise and to the point. Offers valuable insight to the key elements for success in life and business, by a well-known respected author, martial arts instructor and video producer.I found this to be a unique and effective technique, applying the basics of martial arts as mental exercise. Thank you for revealing new disciplines which I am utilizing to improve my life.

Sir Brian Sterling's Mental Martial Arts
I saw this guy speak in both Chicago and in Indianapolis for Lilly pharmaceutical corp.The program was superb and I got a lot of good information from his sayings and techniques.I would recommend this book for anyone looking to increase profit margin, looking to get ahead, or just looking for peace in their current situation. ... Read more

Product Description
Improving fundamental martial arts skills like strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, speed, and agility requires a wide range of specific exercises, which have never been compiled into one easy-to-use resource—until now.

Complete Conditioning for Martial Arts is the most comprehensive resource for preparing the body to excel in karate, taekwondo, judo, aikido, jujitsu, kempo, and other martial arts forms. Loaded with exercises designed specifically to improve the execution of martial arts techniques, this book supplies the workout prescriptions you need to excel as a martial artist.

Written by certified strength and conditioning specialist and black belt holder Sean Cochran, this book combines his expertise in both disciplines into one outstanding and widely applicable resource.

Develop the fundamental fitness and art-specific conditioning needed to master your discipline. With Complete Conditioning for Martial Arts, you’ll always be in peak form. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Some Good Stuff, Not Much
It's a decent book. None of the material in it is blatantly wrong. It's just not terribly informed or inspired. Also, it's much more about strength training than actual combat conditioning. Go check out Ross Enamait's web site & books for really useful information on these topics. Seriously, there's nothing horribly wrong with this book, but you can get so much more for your money.

Old school work out book
This book is dated.It's old and out of date information about working out is not helpful.Based on the cover it appears to be just the ticket for a martial artist wanting to build strength, but the reality is that this book is a blast from the past.After reading it I found that I had been transported to the 70s and that I would also have to purchase a complete universal gym as well as some odd medicine balls and Gawd knows what else.I do not feel it is useful book.

Good General Conditioning - Not Very Martial
This is a worthwhile book if you seek basic but general exercises for strength, power and flexibility.Unfortunately, the authors don't emphasize much martial arts conditioning used by boxers, wrestlers and other fighters.Fighters tend to integrate physical conditioning into actual fighting skills and drills.If you want to build speed, strength and flexibility also consider using the speed and heavy bags, weighted vests, kata practise with dumb bells, crowbars and other weights.A good instructor will focus on physical conditioning and diet/nutrition as an important part of any martial art.

Easy to understand and effective
I should say I don't study martial arts.I use this book just for it's good strengthening exercises (although it has good stretches in it, too.)This is a great book for strengthening, especially the torso.I like it because first, the things necessary to do the exercises are inexpensive, second it gives sets of exercises in 4s and 5s, so you can do 2 sets of exercises (I do one upper, one lower body) in about 20-25 minutes.They're very doable, and have a range of reps so you can do what you feel good about without overdoing it.I've been using it for about 6 months now and I love it.In fact, I'm here now because I accidently recycled my copy, so I have to get a new one!

A must read for rapid progress and injury prevention
Regardless of system, progress in the martial arts requires not only proper instruction, but a high level of general fitness.Many martial arts instructors neglect to tell this to their students, probably because they stick to "traditional" training techniques that were developed before the discoveries of sports science.

It is not enough to go to class 3 times a week and expect your body to perform at a high level when you need it to.The masters of old trained every day, and with the exercises in this book, you can too, and get even better results.

Read this and you will have the basic, scientific principles of athletic training at your fingertips.You will learn about the basic components of fitness (flexibility, muscular strength, muscular endurance, muscular power, muscle balance, speed, agility, aerobic and anerobic capacity), and how various systems emphasize different aspects of fitness.

Especially important--the joint stabilization exercises.You won't find very many instructors teaching these.I wish I knew these, as I dislocated my shoulder a few times doing judo and kung fu.They will improve your muscle balance and prevent dislocations.I've incorporated them into my workout routine. ... Read more

Product Description
The Martial arts Training Diary for Kids isdesigned to help children get the most out of theirmartial arts lessons and hve fun doing it. It is a bookchildren will love and their parents will treasure for alifetime because it helps young martial artist create alasting record of their journey from white belt to blackbelt and beyond. Regardless of marital arts style or rank,it will provide hours of entertainment for every youngmartial artist! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great for enthusiastic children
The Martial Arts Training Diary for Kids is an excellent book for children ages 9 to 11 who are avid martial artists.There are fun activities, such as crossword puzzles and word searches.The book includes Korean, Chinese, and Japanese terminology.There are great stories about other athletes who overcame to become excellent in their sports.The diary segments following the stories get kids to think and interpret the meaning of the stories--so they can relate to them personally.The sections on goals and progress charts are a good start, but they could use some improvement to make them more understandable for children.There is also a chapter on performing kata or forms; this segment has an area to write down forms and instructors' comments.The section on sparring is well written, and contains an area to record tournaments.I think that this book is definitely aimed toward the competitive young martial artist--as the book was written by a taekwondo instructor. ... Read more

Product Description
AWARD FINALIST

To truly understanding Kata means really knowing your history.

All too frequently, martial arts practitioners study their art without truly understanding where it comes from, how it was developed, and why it was created in the first place. Indeed, many don't care - and if you feel this way, you should put this book down. For the rest of us, who have taken our art beyond tournaments, it is reasonable to expect that we want to uncover the past. We want to understand the where, why and how of martial art development. We are intellectually curious about our combative history.

To study the combative arts is to understand the circumstances of their development and to gain insights into the views and ethics of the societies that created them. As we travel back in time, we see consistent evidence of martial systems being influenced by those that came before and/or invaded. We also see the use of 'pre-arranged' fighting patterns kata to transmit proven techniques from one generation to the next.

It is this transmission of martial knowledge, through kata and other forms of communication, that this book will explore. The author will demonstrate that pre-arranged fighting techniques katas were used by ancient Greek, Egyptian, Asian, African and European societies. And that Poetry, Dance, and Song were also significant methods of preserving and transmitting battle-tested fighting tactics through the ages.

The purpose of kata training is not to become bound by the form but to transcend the form itself - to evolve. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Interesting ideas, not much else
The book was ok, it had a few interesting ideas on development of martial arts and martial culture, but not particularly well written.

Disappointing
I was Very Disappointed in this book - the title and blurb seemed to indicate some actual kata application (bunkai) information would be present ... but there is not enough to matter to me. Reads more like a Masters dissertation than a japanese applied martial arts discussion.

Working insight
As a goju practitioner with over 25 years experience, I found much of this work to be confirming of exisiting knowledge.However there are many,many clear insights which have thown new light on old topics!I found the book to be easy to read, practical, and offering a clear and detailed insight into the world of kata.This book, is a must have for any goju practitioner looking to expand their knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of kata.The book is full of aggravating typographical errors...words missing and so on.The book needs revision with a view to correcting these mistakes which provide the reader with a source of real annoyance.Look past this, and the book should be on every goju teacher's desk for constant reference.Hooray!At last a classy text on goju! But martial artists of any style will find it excellent.Congratulations to the authors.Well done.

A thoughful and interesting review of the literature
The author has put together an insightful and thought provoking review of the available literature and provided some excellent commentary on the concepts involved in kata. A useful text for the professional instructor looking for deeper meaning as to the 'why'.

Exploring the deeper meaning of katas to gain insights
Written by a martial artist of 25 years' experience who has studied and practiced Isshin Ryu, Bando, Judo, and Boxing, Kata And The Transmission Of Knowledge teaches the reader about the deeper meaning behind ritual forms and pre-arranged fighting techniques known as katas. Chapters foster a better understanding of katas as means to transmit successful techniques from one generation to the next; the author scrutinizes katas that have been used in Greek, Egyptian, Asian, African and European societies since ancient times. Exploring the deeper meaning of katas to gain insights into the views and ethics of societies from which they originated, Kata And The Transmission Of Knowledge is especially recommended for martial artists seeking to better understand the nuances, purpose, history, and applications of the skills they pursue.
... Read more

Product Description
Introduction
In this volume, we take up the theme, "how to use weapons in Aikido and Chinese martial arts". Through weapons training, you will be able to understand about the following martial arts elements:
(1) The difference between body techniques and weapons training
(2) The difference between the Japanese curved sword, and the Chinese straight sword
(3) How to take a proper distance
(4) How to watch your partner's eyes
(5) How to grab your partner's mind
(6) How to mo e with good timing
(7) Proper traditional foot work
(8) Circular movements with the weapon
(9) A block should include an attack, an attack should include a block
(10) Long weapon's, and short weapon's weak points
(11) The weak points of armor
(12) How ancient people produced good steel about two thousand years ago with little technology.

In our training, we must vow to take responsibility not to use weapons for disreputable reasons. Our purpose of Japanese/Chinese weapons training should be for lifelong study and good health. Also, I challenge the readers to try and smelt their own iron and attempt to produce swords.--Tetsutaka Sugawara, March 15th, 1998 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Sword Defense Arts of Japan, China and Much More +++
Defense, in fullest meaning, is to deflect away, down and out -- via any "weapons" -- but especially via swords.

So, volumes one and two of this trilogy certainly cover that and much more -- of Japan, China and more sources -- and where they meet. Nearly all of Eurasia is at least touched-upon, including Korea and Tibet. The Scythian folks are especially remarked-upon in detail, as well as other related nomadic folks -- as having encountered, developed and spread Sword Defense Arts thru-out Northern Asia, including China, Korea and Japan. These horse-and-wheel iron-and-steel nomads are of Central Asian Indoeuropean origin and spread in all directions to Europe and Far East Asia. Layers of Asian, Chinese and Japanese history are uncovered in precise detail as background to the main title-theme. This includes the possibility that ancient spoken Chinese language has a Far Western influence [word-order and word-meaning building are much as in English for example] -- and that ancient written Chinese has a Far Eastern Ainu of Japan influence [Ainu symbols seem to match the early Chinese characters well]. China, in any case, is central to East Asian history as shown in "Aikido and Chinese Martial Arts".

We are seeing intensely devoted research and practice fully presented in "Aikido and Chinese Martial Arts". Central, primary and further strategy, tactics and methods are all covered in clear and sharp detail concerning Aikido, Kungfu and swords in respectful mutual appreciation. The main co-authors are from Japan and China -- EACH with deep training in BOTH folks Defense Arts -- especially Aikido and Kungfu, including weapons -- especially swords. In addtion, these authors have gathered quality academic research on topics relating to Aikido, Kungfu and swords -- especially near and far origins -- including great detail on cultural origins and transfer of iron and steel swords, methods and unarmed methods. Unarmed defense methods of Aikido and Kungfu are presented, compared and even combined in wonderfully singular ways. I especially appreciate Chapter 6 "How to use each part of your body and mind" -- and most especially the two sections on footwork [6.5 and 6.6] -- confirming and firming-up what I have figured out via long efforts in Western and Eastern Kenpo ["boxing-way"] +++

Not for you
This book has a lot of forms in aikido in case you want to learn them, it has some techniques from the chinese external. However, the whole book seems rather disorganized. I think the writer and his support could ve done a much better job, considering that the topic is very interesting for exploration.

What Fundamental Relations?
Somewhat disappointing as I was looking for a deeper explanation of the fundamental relations, as the book's name implies. Aikido and Tai Chi Chuan are both internal martial arts and I would have thought that the philosophies, techniques & applications would have been described in more detail than maybe the two sentences mentioned in the entire book. A great deal is discussed about the history of the Chinese Martial Arts and its influences into the Japanese martial arts, which is fine and perhaps from which the fundamental relations are drawn from. In this case, the book should have been titled - ..."The Historical Relations." Keep looking elsewhere if you are searching the true fundamental relations.

Covers Mid-Range Weapons of Aikido and Chinese martial arts.
Although this is still a terrific book for anyone with an interest in comparitive martial arts study, I didn't feel this volume was as thorough as the first in actually comparing Chinese Martial arts versus Aikido (Takemusu style).The second in a planned three part series on the Comparative study of Chinese martial arts and Aikido, this book includes sections on Aikido sword and jo (a staff about 36-50 inches in length), and Chinese sword methods.A paperback volume, the volume I own was printed on quality acid-resistant paper.I noticed an improvement in the quality of the pictures in this volume from those in the first.

Author Sugawara clearly states in the introduction that the theme of this volume is to introduce the reader to the "how to's" of weapons training in both styles, so perhaps volume three of this series will cover what I felt was missing.As per the statements of the author, this volume DOES give decent coverage to the weapons methods of both Aikido and Chinese Martial practice.Both Tetsutaka Sugawara and Lu-jian Xing are versed in Aikido and Chinese martial arts (each has extensively studied BOTH), and therefore have a good grasp on the methods and philosophies of both arts.This has probably helped this series avoid any competitive air between these martial arts, where one might try to "prove" that one method is any better or worse than the other.This is the first book that has broached the subject of Chinese sword and Aikido Sword in the same volume--I look forward to the third volume in this series.

Detailed Overview & Comparison of Chin-na & Aikido
This 332 page volume is the first in a projected 3-volume series.This first volume compares the philosophy of Chinese Martial arts with that of Aikido, and the empty-handed combative aspects of both arts.This volume is broken down into four sections.The first offers a historical context for both Japanese and Chinese martial arts, the second part deals with Chinese martial arts, and is heavily illustrated and includes descriptive narratives to accompany each sequence of photos.Part three deals with Aikido (specifically the Takemusu style), and illustrated by photos with explanations much the same as part two did for the Chinese arts.Part four includes direct comparisons of the most common techniques of aikido and Chinese Martial Arts.

This book is heavily illustrated, and apparently intended for people who have an interest in understanding the similarities and differences--in essence, the connections between different "styles" of martial arts.I do not consider this book to be instructional in nature.Someone without a basis in martial arts training might have difficulty understanding the depth or point of this book--both Chinese martial arts and Aikido are rather extensive in and of themselves.The authors of this book are also NOT concerned with proving that one art is superior in any way to the other.For those with a more studious bent who enjoy considering the possibilities, here is a volume you will enjoy.

A note on the co-author's relationship in research: Co-Author Tetsutaka Sugawara Studied Aikido under the arts Founder Morihei Ueshiba beginning in 1960, and has also studied Goju Ryu and Tai Chi--he is the founder of the Minato Research and Publishing Co (Now known as Sugawara Martial Arts Institute).Co-Author Lu-jian Xing studied Chinese martial arts under Chu-xinag Du, Yan-ling Xing, and others.He met Sugawara when he came to Japan in 1992 to learn Aikido as an Uechi-deshi (live in student) under Sugawara at the Sugawara Institute, and the two commenced their comparative study of these martial arts.The second volume in this series has been published, and deals with weapons aspects of both Chinese Arts and Aikido.I eagerly await the third volume in this series... ... Read more

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

Customer Reviews (6)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Product Description
From the author of "Opening the Energy Gates of Your Body" comes a book that introduces martial arts practitioners to three "internal" arts and their subtle powers. Inner martial arts rely on internal energy for power rather than on muscles or tension. 15 photos National print ads. Online promos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (50)

Interesting and Entertaining
This book offers interesting stories about Frantzis' encounters with legendary masters and others.Also, it provides some food for thought on the internal Chinese martial arts.On the other hand, it can be a bit verbose and most of what you read probably won't make much difference to your everyday practice.This is definitely not a "how-to" book on any of these arts.

More scholarly than practical, but informative
I think this is a book that would be most enjoyable to those who wish to add to their intellectual or theoretical knowledge of the internal martial arts. It may come as a disappointment to those looking for a "how-to" manual, and I doubt anything mentioned in the book really ranks as a true "combat secret." However, the book does contain a decent amount of information on a subject that normally does not see a lot of exposure (or at least not as much as many would like). While certainly not comprehensive (not all variations of bagua, xingyi, or tai chi are explored, which would no doubt be an exhaustive project spanning several volumes) it is useful as a comparative resource. I found the personal anecdotes charming and often inspiring, though perhaps lacking in credibility at times. Some things the author writes about may have to be taken with a grain of salt, but overall I enjoyed the text and found it useful. I would suggest, however, that those looking for actual techniques to practice look elsewhere.

Misunderstood, but great!
Sadly there are a lot of people who are misled but the subtitle that says: "Combat Secrets of Ba Gua, Tai Chi, and Hsing-I." And I see how it can be, I don't think this subtitle should have been used. Otherwise it's a very informative book.
People who posted negative reviews on this book do have points. The book does have structure issues. The book seems a bit chaotic when you read it. Another thing people mention is author's "self-praise." While I do find that there could have been less of it, I don't find it horrible or obstructing your reading flow.
This book is packed with information. Not much for practical knowledge, but there's a lot of info as far as theory goes. But what some don't understand I guess, is that it's an axiom. Even book on strictly technique can practically help you only so much. The book cannot develop your fast-twitch muscles, cannot give you sharp reflexes, techniques, or supply you with Chi (Ki, Hei). No matter how attractive the word "secrets" in title sounds, there's no secret or magical way to improve. What "secrets" means in this book is an explanation of energy work, the other way to view human body for martial applications and such. Also "secrets" in this book are the knowledge and wisdom of the great martial artists the author had privilege to train with. If you can see this knowledge and apply it to your training or not is up to you.
This is not a book about techniques of internal martial arts, but rather it helps you understand what are you learning: all the energy, technical or mechanical works behind internal martial arts. Kind of like explaining you how the plane works rather than teaching you to pilot it.
All in all it's a great book which is rather misunderstood (partly because of subtitle).

Hmmm..
A wise man once said something akin to "Those who know, do not speak. Those who do not know, speak." Another wise man once said "A teacher is someone who started before you."

Undoubtedly mr. Frantzis is an intelligent, talented, well-trained, eloquent person, fluent in so and so many languages. However, I find the amount of excessive pride either attributed to or claimed by the author himself (i do not know what is the case) somewhat troubling. I prefer my teachers humble and modest. Boasting creates unnecessary boundaries and thresholds that merely obscure the arts. Besides, how much time and energy is waisted because of protocol? I'm sure many people can relate to this (though protocol can be beneficial too sometimes).

The internal arts mentioned in this book to me seem to be all the more interesting and profoundly inspiring because they are accessible to all. We are all beginners in a field that knows no point of arrival, no stage of absolute attainment of perfection. I guess every field needs its gospel and prophets. What a shame. I wonder whether this is really something mr. Frantzis really aspires.

Nonetheless an awesome book, very inspiring and informative.

Strength of the Blade is not in the sword, but in the Arm that Weilds it!
This tome is of the Power within, recommended to those that follow Bushido and Chivalary.
To Thine I say these words
Be Strong, Be true
Never in Malice, Never in Hate , Never in evil shall this blade be raised. But in righteousness and Justice forever shall it shine
Be Victorious
Our time will come ... Read more

Product Description
This book is an essential reference for martial arts athletes, coaches and instructors. Written in easy to understand language, the guide addresses important self-care issues for the martial arts athlete including:

• Stretching: Over 50 essential exercises for building flexibility, preventing common injuries and rehabilitation

• Conditioning: Get the facts on using plyometrics, weight training, running, core strengthening, resistive bands, TotalGym and the exercise ball for building strength and speed

• Nutrition: Learn to safely cut weight, prevent dehydration, and eat like a champion

• Step by step instructions, including photos, for professional athletic taping techniques: ankles, feet, toes, shins, knees, elbows, hip, fingers, and hands

• Self-care: Ice vs. heat, identifying serious injuries, caring for minor injuries, training precautions when injured or pregnant

• Instructors and Coaches: Guidance on developing an Emergency Medical Plan, safety in training and competition, training your staff and building a qualified sports medicine team

Plus tips on coping with:

• Blisters• Ankle Injuries• Back Pain• Knee Injuries• Groin Pulls• Rotator Cuff Pain• Shin Splints• Dehydration• Athlete’s Foot• Asthma• Concussions• Head Injuries• Bruises and Swelling• Lacerations • Facial Injuries• Hyperextensions• Chronic Injuries• Emergencies ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good for all martial artists, especially instructors and coaches
"The Bare Essentials Guide For Martial Arts Injury Care and Prevention" by Trish Bare Grounds should be read by all martial art instructors and coaches, and is a handy reference to have at hand in any school.I'd encourage anyone involved in martial arts to give it a read, but especially instructors and coaches.The book contains basic knowledge, and many martial artists that are the level of instructor or coach will be familiar already with some here, but that does not mean it shouldn't be reviewed and kept handy for a reference.It wont' turn you into a doctor, but will provide the fundamentals which should be known by instructors and coaches.

The first chapter is on injury prevention.It makes sense, prevention is always better than treating an injury.The bulk of this chapter is on stretching.There are some basic guidelines for stretching, and some of the most common stretches are illustrated.No where near as complete as texts that focus solely on stretching, but good information nonetheless.There is also some good advice regarding equipment, workout surfaces, proper footwear, protective equipment, and jewelry in regards to injury prevention.

Chapter two focuses on strength and conditioning.The second edition expanded on the first edition that was less than 10 pages.However, much more information on this topic is found in other sources, but it is good to be included here because strength training and conditioning can help prevent injuries.

The third chapter is on eating to compete.Basics on eating geared to competition.Some good tips, but again very limited compared to resources that focus solely on eating and performance nutrition.

Chapter four was injury care, and this is one of the chapters I bought the book for.The chapter contains taping techniques for the ankle, feet, toes, shins, knee, elbow, wrist & hand, and fingers & thumbs.

Chapter five continues with the things I wanted from this book with care of injuries.Topics include discussions on sprains, strains, ruptures, types of fractures, ice & heat, and just all around good advice on how to care for a plethora of basic injuries.Like some of the earlier chapters, additional information was added to the second edition.

Chapter six was about some common conditions that may affect athletes.It was fairly short and provided some basics regarding asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and seizure disorders, and migraine headaches.If you have a student with one of these conditions, I'd suggest learning more than this book provides, but this does at least give you a little knowledge.

The seventh chapter contains some forms and information for school owners, including what your first aid kit should contain.Chapter eight is a few pages long and provides some information on organizing a sports medicine team for your tournament.And for the second edition there was a ninth chapter on pregnancy and the martial arts added before the conclusion.

I'm a firm believer that instructors and coaches should learn about injury care and prevention, and this book provides a good start.A couple of the chapters don't provide nearly as much as other resources probably already on many martial artists' book shelf, especially on stretching.However, the chapters on taping and injuries are must reading and not found in that many other sources.While I think the book could have gone a bit more in depth, I still think it is a very good resource and recommend it to all martial artists and especially those coaching or instructing.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks and the dvds: Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer. Alain Also wrote a series of articles called Lessons From The Apprentice.

Martial Arts Injury prevention
This book is in the category of "must have" for every Black Belt and dojo-dojang owner. The thorough coverage of pre-workout stretching, diet and injury care is something that senior belts in every school should know. While I learned much of the contents of the book in my years practicing Tae Kwon Do, this book makes a very good quick reference, with great pictures of just how to treat most of the common injuries.

Very highly recommended. ... Read more