Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Great starting point for a complex industry.
A great textbook covering development within the area of sports venues, convention centers and entertainment facilities, this book provides great guidance for anyone from the novice/student, to the most experienced city planner.I've been involved in this industry for over 15 years, and found the author's unique insight and innovative case studies valuable in explaining both the "internal economics" of the developments and their impact on the surrounding communities.A must read for advocates, opponents, or the just plain curious. ... Read more

Book Description

There are great cars, and then there are sports cars, those that have not only withstood the test of time but steadfastly defied it -- cars that have remained desirable and valuable for more than 50 years, to become the most treasured automotive artifacts of our time. Many of the automobiles pictured in this book are stunning examples of the motorcar and require no further credentials. Others have been selected because they were benchmarks in the history of the sports car in this century. Illustrated throughout, with more than three hundred color photos, this gorgeous profile of the most highly coveted cars on earth is sure to evoke the dream of all car enthusiasts: speed and adventure.

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

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

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

Includes Exercises and Workouts for:

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

Customer Reviews (33)

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

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

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

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

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

Customer Reviews (8)

Nice Book
This is a good introduction to sports massage that should be helpful to athletes and massage therapists alike.

This book is for the layperson.
The author clearly states in her introduction that this book is intended for the everyday active person. So, therefore, it has been quite helpful. The review below did not comprehend it's intent.

Not meant for the professional
To say I was dissapointed is an understatement.This is definitely a laymans book.I had wanted a book for reference but this is about as non-specific as you can get. If you are a massage therapist, you do not want this book.

Her work has helped thousands of students of massage therapy
The text follows a logical and practical order to enhance the learning process. Even after using the text, one will always continue to learn. An excellent reference.

Easy self-help book to follow.
I really enjoyed learning from this book on how to massage. From this experience I am learning to work on all my friends! This is a great gift. ... Read more

Book Description
Porsche--simply put it is the quintessential sports car, sleek, shiny, sexy, and just plain fast. The striking looks of the car are matched by its superb engineering and performance, making it one of the world's greatest automobiles and a work of art on four wheels. The book tells the story of Porsche, from its creation by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche and his son in 1948, through forty-two models up to the 1997 Boxter. The story is rich with incident beyond the factory and the test track, including the years leading up to the development of the first 356 Gmund Roadster. Lucinda Lewis, one of the world's premier automotive photographers, lovingly captures the beauty of the most amazing cars ever built. This oversize volume features more than 225 color and 120 b/w photographs, many of which are full or double-page. It is an ideal book for car lovers, racing enthusiasts, and anyone who admires the very best in modern design and engineering. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

The fine art of the sports car
Of the 35+ porsche related texts I own and collect this is one of my favorites. Excellent photos, quality printing and readable history on a wide variety of models.

Mrs. Lewis has made some wonderful pictures here!
Although I have the spanish version of this book purchased in my country (I was unable to buy it brand new over the net) I must say this is one of the best Porsche book in my collection. The book is huge and complicated to handle but once you put it on a table and see the wonderful pictures it has (never saw pictures that large indeed) you know Mrs. Lewis has a special gift to captivate the beauty of these cars. The text is interesting but basic and there's a lack of info about some models as noted by other reviewers. A good point is Auto Union reference.

Almost.......
The book is VERY large & is mostly beautiful pictures spanning the Porsche history of classics from the earliest models to the Boxster...a little disappointed that: once again, a Porsche book that focuses a littletoo much on the 911. No 924 anything? & very little to say about theclassic 928! However, the pictures are beautiful & there is some greatinsight into the history of arguably the greatest sports car ever. You willpick this book up for years & reflect on the beauty.

Truly Beautiful
This is by far the best Porsche photo book I've seen. If you want technical info, get Paul Frere's book, but for stunning Porsche photographs, this book is outstanding. A must for every Porschephile'scollection.

The illustrations are wonderful.
I thought this book is great.It has tons of beautiful color photos and tons of interesting facts.I got a good idea of the history of Porsche.This book also has inside views of a lot of the cars and it had a lot of the technical data about the cars too. ... Read more

Book Description
Athletic Development offers a rare opportunity to learnand apply a career full of knowledge from the best. World-renowned strengthand conditioning coach Vern Gambetta condenses the wisdom he's gainedthrough more than 40 years of experience of working with athletes acrosssports, age groups, and levels of competition, including members of theChicago White Sox, New York Mets, and U.S. men's 1998 World Cup soccerteam.

The result is an information-packed, myth-busting explanation of the mosteffective methods and prescriptions in each facet of an athlete's physicalpreparation. Gambetta includes never-before-published and ready-to-usetraining approaches in

• sport-specific demands analysis,
• work capacity enhancements,
• movement skills development,
• long- and short-term training program progressions, and
• rest and regeneration techniques.

Customer Reviews (6)

Very Technical
This book is full of information, but I found it somewhat difficult to get through because it is very technical in nature.

Vern Gambetta, the E.O. Wilson of Functional Training
Vern Gambetta requires respect.His words and actions speak for themselves.This book doesn't do justice to the depth of his knowledge and experience as a trainer and educator.

One of the greats
The thing that makes this book so very exceptional is its seamless combination of the author's significant personal coaching experience and the state of the art in exercise and sports science.There is just enough theory and background to understand where the ideas come from, helping to put them into better context.

Although there is no formula that works for creating a training program for every athlete, this book probably comes as close as you can get to that goal.It provides you with the basic principles you need for assessing what each athlete needs in order to achieve their potential and training them to attain it.The components of performance are clearly laid out, along with the methods for developing them and also the places where qualities depend critically on other qualities.

The author addresses all of the usual questions along the way with unique and practical answers that can be applied to any sport once you understand the needs of that sport.Get realistic, effective answers to your questions about sets, reps, periodizing, plyometrics, machines, bands, weights, strength vs. power, functional strength vs. absolute strength, flexibility vs. mobility and stability; all of the important questions that arise in the mind of any athlete or coach who takes the training process seriously.

No fads here, just good solid principles proven by experience and explained in terms of current theory.No matter how much you already know, you can't help learn something about training for human athletic performance if you read this book.If you are a trainer, this book may well become one of your most treasured resources, a place to go to help cut through the fluff and fashions of the industry when you have a real question.

Great!
Vern has been around the block and he knows his stuff.Read every word of his book and let it sink in.

A Great CSCS Reference
Athletes, trainers, and anyone studying sports medicine should check out this guide to sports conditioning.It's a great help to prepare for the CSCS exam. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Must have for MDs on the mat
A fabulous book which explains the mechanisms of many common injuries in the combat arts and their immediate management on the mat. More importantly the book is both funny and understandable. I reccomend this to anyone who has been hit in the head or anyone who intends to hit other people in the head.

A MUST!!!
This book is an absolute must for anyone involved in combat arts such as wrestling, martial arts, boxing,etc.Estwanik has put together a thorough and comprehensive book that covers injuries that the fighter is likely tosuffer.Accidents happen and most injuries can be prevented if one knowswhat to look for-this book covers it. I recommend it for the student andteacher alike. ... Read more

Book 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

Book Description
This book is a must-have gift for anyone interested in skiing or in the art of the poster.Organized by country, it features the world's foremost winter sport by drawing on an unparalleled collection of 800 vintage posters and paintings.Amassed by Mason Beekley over a lifetime dedicated to the celebration of all things skiing, the collection is now housed at the Mammoth Ski Museum in California and open to the public.In the 1910s and 1920s, skiing became the "in" thing among the young and the fashionable, who made such glamorous resorts like St. Moritz, Chamonix, and Garmisch famous.Like car racing, skiing was one of the sports that defined the twentieth-century's notion of the modern.It combined fast-paced action with the need to appear in stylish, sporty yet appropriate attire.Since it took place away from everyday urban life in remote and breathtaking mountain locations, it also combined the romance of travel with the stylishness of après-ski social life and ski chalet rusticity. Even in the steamship era, skiing quickly jumped the Atlantic and spawned such now famous ski resorts such as Vermont's Stowe, Colorado's Aspen, and Canada's Banff and Whistler (all featured here in their pre-war glamour). The book is rounded out by chapters on the contemporary skiing scene and on skiing fashion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great book - fantastic gift for the skier fanatic!
This book has great visuals, from all different countries, and is a perfect gift for the skier you know who likes old-school stuff. I actually bought this for someone who doesn't understand English, but the artwork stands on its own. ... Read more

Product Description
The entertainment industry is a multi-billion dollar business that showcases the work, services, talent, and creativity of a cross-section of the international workforce. The modern entertainment industry is the convergence of the business of music, books, movies, television, radio, Internet, video games, theater, fashion, sports, art, merchandising, copyright, trademarks, and contracts. Employment opportunities abound in this vibrant, eclectic and exciting universe – open to anyone willing to learn and work diligently with creative enthusiasm. To be on the cutting edge of this ever-changing industry, one must possess an in-depth knowledge of the many areas that converge to form modern show business. Entertainment lovers of all ages will enjoy this engaging overview of an evolving industry; from its basic and traditional roots to today’s exciting technological innovations that rapidly and constantly influence the entertainment we enjoy. Experience a fascinating and enthralling odyssey while exploring dozens of artistic disciplines that can lead to success in the international entertainment field. A spotlight shines on a variety of business options, specific endeavors, crucial information, general knowledge, detailed advice, and the art of negotiating entertainment agreements. Discover the different types of jobs and careers available in the entertainment industry and the effective tools used to produce & market products. Learn the fundamental and essential provisions of publishing & intellectual property, including! deal-making and standard contracts used by professionals in the entertainment industry.ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY is the second in a series of books dealing with the entertainment business by author, musician, radio host, entertainment lawyer, and historian Mark Vinet. It offers an in-depth study and detailed analysis of the diverse, colorful, and creative art forms that fill the leisure and recreational time of North Americans.This book contains the author’s personal entertainment industry rules, tenets, advice, principles, opinions, philosophies, and concepts developed over a thirty-year career in show business as an artist, musician, writer, performer, businessman, manager, and entertainment/copyright lawyer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

good brief intro
Bought this book because I'm starting a new job in merchandising. This is really only an introduction read. 14 topics are discussed on less than 140 pages, that's about 2 pg per topic.
If you are a student or casual reader looking for an overview of the E industry - great book. If you are a professional I have to repeat that this book is really only a brief overview without depth.
Still, if you're interested in the E industry, Mark Vinet gives you a good comprehensive read.* * * *

Sleep Material
I kept falling asleep when I read this book. Although the author stresses that it's just a preliminary glimpse at the entertainment industry, I think he could at least make it more fun to read. I felt like I was reading a dictionary.

Inexpensive textbook.
Inexpensive one-volume textbook. Perfect for senior high school, college and university level courses. ... Read more

Product Description
This classic book by John Graden shows you step-by-step: Trial vs. Non-Trial Enrollment Strategies; How to Teach a Trial Lesson; How to Set Tuition; 12 Income Streams; What it Costs to Get One Student; How to Make Cash Outs Work; How to Improve Retention and Renewals; How to Design Your Curriculum for High Retention and Quality, plus a 100 question test to determine if you have what it takes to create a rewarding martial arts career. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Very good book!
If you have a martial arts school or just a club, this is a must have book! Go for it immediately!

The Truth sometimes hurts...
...and this time around it should at least ruffle your feathers!

John Graden, Martial Arts Master Teacher, has gone to the heart of what it takes to be an effective Martial Arts teacher today.Without completely disgarding the training ideas of the past, he instead shows how to build on these ideas, how to use what we know about the psychology of learning, the physics of motion and the economics of the 21st century to create a learning environment that firmly turns it's back on the "Dungeon Dojos" of the last century and creates a modern, safe atmosphere where serious, effective and (dare I say it?) FUN martial arts training can take place!

(Lest any naysayers regard the concept of "safety" and "fun" as somehow being contrary to "real" martial arts training, I refer them to the summary chapter entitled "A School Full of Pooh Bears"--it will open your eyes!)

There are lots of things to learn here, lots of great writing, too.If nothing else, I will always remember Mr. Graden refering to the war-like aspects of the Martial Arts and explaining that this doesn't mean that every class is devoted to destroying the enemy.He explains: "...that our foundation is one of peace through superior firepower."

I like that.Get the book.You'll like it, too.

John Graden does it right AGAIN!
John Graden has a unique way of showing you everything you need to successfully run a top martial art school in today's age.
He does it with the insight of someone who has obviously "been there and done that".
This new book can be used by any martial arts instructor, regardless of style, as a step-by-step blueprint for everything from how to negotiate a lease for your school up to how to train and compensate an employee/instructor.
No one else in the industry has his superb talents. The martial arts industry will forever owe a huge debt to this man for showing us how to be a professional success without selling out!

Just what I expected from John Graden - Excellence!
The content of this book accomplished two very important things for me, as a martial arts businessman - 1) it re-affirmed what I was already doing in my business and, most important, 2) it provided me with new concepts, methods and ideas that will help take my business to the next level. Awesome resource!

Great for All Instructors
If you are a martial artist who wants to make a living full time and not just do martial arts on the side then you NEED this book. You'll learn how to set up a very successful school that you can be proud. Every instructor no matter what should get this book!! ... Read more

Product Description
This set of books has the same contents as "Art for Fun Projects" divided into these 5 great titles published in hardcover.Start with Art Series introduces the young reader to some of the world's greatest artists, their techniques, and the materials they used. Each library bound book is filled with lots of practical step-by-step projects for the young artists.Recommended for Grades 3 to 6. ... Read more

Book Description
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art now spreading over the rest of the world, and is the only sport from Brazil that seeks Olympic recognition. Originally the preserve of the underclasses in Brazilian society, capoeira is now practised amongst the middle-classes, and even taught as a sport in schools. The author explores the history of capoeira and explores the conflict between traditionalists, who view capoeira as their heritage descended from the maroons, a weapon to be used against injustice and repression; reformers, who wish to see the spread of the sport internationally; and academics, who are attempting to discover the true history of capoeira as opposed to the myth. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Elitist
The problem with this book is that He is only using written accounts of Capoeira to validate his views.Many other reviewers mistakenly regard this as "scholarly".It down plays any other perspective about the history, origin, or practice of Capoeira as "questionable" because it was not written about at a certain time.

The problem with this attitude is that it leaves Capoeira's definition in the hands of the white slave owners of Brasil who were writing about it.It neglects the fact that just because someone did not write about something it did not happen.Capoeira's origins, as the author acknowledges is from Angola.These people were followers of oral learning not written learning.It is elitist to suggest that the writing (especially when written by outsiders who were also bias slave holders) is more valuable than the oral traditions.

Capoeira is African.And most of Africa is oral in traditions of learning and recording...thus it is only fair to acknowlege these oral legacies over the outsiders written response to a martial art he did not understand or respect.

a model for other martial art books

I've been reading martial art books for the past sixteen years, and this has to be one of the best.As a practitioner and an academic I have to say this is a welcome addition to any martial arts library whether or not you practice capoeira.This is an extremely well researched, well-footnoted book by a professional historian who has the requisite language and archival skills needed to do justice to the topic.It also traces the historiography of the art, i.e. it critically and convincingly addresses what other scholars have written about capoeira in English and Portuguese.
The price is an issue, and it is well known that books published by Routledge are outrageously expensive (which is why many authors try to publish elsewhere).But if you are serious about capoeira, or need to know how martial art books should be written, then spend the 50$.Although 224 pages doesn't sound like much, this is a book packed with information that has serious implications for thinking about how capoeira history has been appropriated as a political activity.For instructors of capoeira I would advise them to buy this book before they say anything more to their students about capoeira hitsory.

Fascinating history of the art...
Matthias Röhrig Assunção draws on historical fact to propose a view of Capoeira's development as a martial art.Through research, and much like many of us, through objective interpretation he ascertains what is reality, and what is fiction.Furthermore, he relates the common myths surrounding Capoeira to the people who need them, and proposes that at times myths are exactly what inspires individuals.He is, however, an advocate of fact, truth, and reality; and this shows in his work.

The book is by far the most in depth work on Capoeira written in English to date. (To the best of my knowledge)It's perspective is born of inquisition rather then the "gospel truth" word of mouth tradition so common in Capoeira circles.
Bravo !!!I am sincerely touched now that this book has been published, for I myself have been attempting various essays regarding some of the topics explored here.I am glad that the perspective came from a source so well educated, and through such a large spectrum of information.I have received educated reason to back many opinions I have had to date.

Salve,
Instrutor LoboGuara (Associacao Cordao de Contas do Canada)
Paul Bielak and David M. Cvet ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Another gem ...
I always enjoy Mr. Lowry's collections of essays. His work is always enlightening and thought provoking. I would enthusiatically recommend this book to anyone involved in the traditional Japanese arts, or anyone that is thinking of becoming involved.

It Speaks To The Heart...
This wonderful book speaks to the very heart of any serious martial arts enthusiast.This is the kind of book that will be read and re-read over the years.A truly wonderful book!

Wonderful Reading...
I recently purchased this book that was recommended to me by my sensei in Uechi/Shohei-ryu and I have to say I thouroughly enjoyed these great essays by Dave Lowry on different aspects of traditional budo.I read the entire book in three days and at the end wanted to read more so I plan to get other books Mr. Lowry has written..I love the respect for the arts shown and talked about in this great book and it's nice to see the traditional martial arts presented in the way they deserve to be and should be presented.In short this is wonderful book full of great and honorable lessons and I would recommend it to anyone who cares about preserving and honoring traditional ways...five stars for sure..

Jeff Miller
Greensburg, Pa

Required reading for the serious martial artist
As part of my preparation for promotion to ShoDan in Shiho Karano, I started looking for good books to broaden my overall knowledge about the martial Way.I wanted quality materials, so I took my time and searched for works by legitimate practitioners.One book I skimmed through was "Traditions", and after reading some chapters decided it was worthwhile.

I discovered that Sensei Lowry has been writing about the martial arts for more than twenty years.He's been a longtime contributor to various magazines, and has authored a number of books as well(after finishing this one, I ordered three of his other books from Amazon).In addition, he began practicing the martial arts back in the late sixties, so he's seen and experienced a lot in the intervening years."Traditions" is a collection of excellent essays that reflect his hard-earned and well-learned budo lessons.

"Traditions" is well written, and each short chapter clearly reveals many crucial martial arts insights. Indeed, even a non-practitioner would find it to be an accessible introduction to the martial Way.As for budo participants, anyone from white belt to seasoned veteran will learn something new or gain a different perspective on what they already know.Topics include proper etiquette between sempai and kohai, thoughts on learning, the reason martial artists practice barefoot, and the "why" behind the kiai.Sprinkled throughout the book are tales of legendary Japanese bugeisha that demonstrate important budo principles and character qualities.

Now that I've passed my ShoDan exam, I'm particularly impressed by one of Sensei Lowry's quotes: "When you get a black belt ranking it doesn't mean you've gotten a foot in the door.It means you have learned how to find the doorknob (pg. 144)."I'm glad that the black belt is a beginning instead of an end.This is the kind of martial arts wisdom that you'll find in "Transitions."If you're serious about growing in budo knowledge as well as technique, then this book will help you along that path.

With A Teacher's Wisdom
Dave Lowry's earnest love and respect for the martial arts shine brightly through this collection of short essays that could serve as your dojo encyclopedia. Never dull nor preachy, Sensei Lowry speaks with the wisdom of an old teacher--inspiring with every breath. ... Read more

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

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

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

Customer Reviews (17)

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

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

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

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

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

Paul Trogen, Ph.D.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Description
Incorporates lesson plan development, discusses instructional implications of learning style differences, and demonstrated how to foster an environment conducive to learning. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

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!!

The first book about instruction in martial arts- but...
For me this book is a little too heavy- too scientific - I'm teaching children most of the time - This book will enrich our knowledge beyond instructions - I like this book but I think I need to read and read again to catch the idea and use it in my class.

Informatively instructive & very strongly recomended manual
Their are many martial arts books outlining the basics of about any martial art you could wish to learn, but Lawrence A. Kane's Martial Arts Instruction: Applying Educational Theory And Communication Techniques In The Dojo is different from the rest. Lawrence A. Kane is a man who has taught and created martial arts classes and business seminars, and who focuses on the teacher of martial arts as much as the technique. Readers will lern just how to motivate and retain students, optimize time, and adjust to individual learning styles and talents using Martial Arts Instruction: is an informatively instructive and very strongly recomended manual.
... Read more

Book Description
Spanning time and technique, THE ART OF THE WESTERN SADDLE is a celebration and visual feast of the graceful artistry of the western saddler and his craft. Filled with detailed photographs and illustrations, this book celebrates the saddle as a decorative hallmark of subtle beauty while fulfilling the utility of its principal purpose. The ability for early man to domesticate and ride the horse created the rapid advancement of man's capability to travel and explore. The saddle-the epitome of form following function-evolved to meet the utilitarian needs of the rider and his tasks, be they work or pleasure.

Illustrated with historic and contemporary examples of saddle style and decoration, THE ART OF THE WESTERN SADDLE highlights the work of makers such as Visalia Stock Saddle Company, Meana, Miles City Saddlery, Porter, Hamley, Edward H. Bohlin, McCabes, and Keyston Bros., along with contemporary makers such as Chas Weldon, Dale Harwood, Chuck Stormes, Don Butler, Chuck Treon, Jeremiah Watt, and many others. Many saddles of the stars are featured from the golden age of the Hollywood Western; these include outfits belonging to the Lone Ranger, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Barbara Stanwyck, Ken Maynard, and Buck Jones.

THE ART OF THE WESTERN SADDLE also provides a look at the many exquisite and unpublished examples of the finest in silver and gold overlay and filigree saddle silver created by the West's preeminent metalsmiths. Featuring 300 photographs, this volume is an absolute must for all equestrians, as well as for collectors and admirers of this unique and totally American craft.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Beautiful Book!
This is a beautiful book and I've spent a lot of time with it. Lovely large photos, I especially like the double page spread of the Lone Ranger's saddles, those really brought back memories! I'm using the photos as reference for decorating a miniature saddle and its the perfect help. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

The Dirty Little Secret
I agree with all above that this is a fine book. I wish there were more such insightful forays into other sports. My one quibble with Pumping Iron is that whistles past the graveyard of the great dark evil, steroids. One reading this book would get the impression that all of the bodybuilders within had sculpted their physiques with weightlifting, diet, dedication, and genetics. The truth is, all the stars of that era relied heavily on steroids, as subsequent admissions by such as Arnold Schwarzenegger have revealed. That, and the near-death disaster to Steve Michalik from steroid overdose (the book attributes his great "sea change" gain of muscle mass to heavy weight training and eating a lot of chicken and tuna fish) are crucial facts for the reader to know. To ignore the dirty little secret of big-time bodybuilding is dishonest, and presents a disservice to the readership. I would enthusiastically welcome another edition of Pumping Iron, as suggested above- it's a fine book- but I would repect Messrs. Gaines and Butler the more if they would address the steroid issue.

These were the real champions
I book this book back in 1973 and then lost it in a flood but was able to get a copy at a used book store.These were the real champions and pioneers of bodybuilding; Arnold, Nubret, Columbu, Zane, Corney, Waller, Katz etc.You rarely see training photo's like this and heretofore, never saw bodybuilders depicted as real people as Gaines and Butler did with this work and the movie that followed.Pumping Iron and a Mega-Superstar German with a hard to prononunce last name literally took bodybuilding into the mainstream and turned the stars of our sport into household names.While I was lucky to find a copy of this book at a used book store, I really feel that Gaines and Butler should have a reprint for people who would like a new, first class copy; perhaps even a revised version showing where those champions are today.Great book Mr. Gaines and Mr. Butler.

Intriguing Look At Subculture Of Competitive Bodybuilding!
It is no overstatement to attribute to the publication of this book much of the fitness revolution that first began in the 1970s. It lionized the then relatively obscure sport of bodybuilding, and in particular made much notice of the then only marginally known figure of a relatively young Austrian muscle freak with the unlikely name of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The book proved such a trenchant and penetrating look into the shadowy subculture of fitness freaks and muscle-heads that it created a boom in the gym business, which previously existed only in a few locations where the numbers of bodybuilders reached enough of a critical mass to allow such a commercial venture. In fact, as Gaines points out in the narrative, most of the gyms were owned by guys like Joe Gold, who weren't in the gym business to make a profit, and who merely managed to eke out a living, and who rarely made much of a return on their original investment.

Of course, this affectionate and knowing look at the life and lifestyles of several serious competitive bodybuilders was so successful that it encouraged the photographer, George Butler, to try to find backing for a film version of the book. And it was a difficult sell, for the movie mavens had little appreciation for the degree of public interest in muscles and muscle men then. Indeed, the movie was never released for wide commercial viewing, but was rather relegated to showings at art cinemas and other venues. Yet the book was a resounding success, and was on the best-selling trade books for months and months.

The book can still be found in used bookstores, and is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in the history of bodybuilding or the lifestyles of the most famous musclemen of the late 1960s and 1970s. I have several copies, although I lost one in a fire last year. It is a shame it is now out of print, for the book (and the subsequent movie) capture the essence of the exotic little world of competitive bodybuilding as it existed in the days when the sport was marginalized, before it became big business, and before eager young men who want fame and riches got involved for that reason rather than because they just wanted to be bodybuilders. Ah, the good old days!Enjoy!

Brought bodybuilding into the spotlight
Before this book, bodybuilding was an obscure sport that nobody cared about or was interested in. Pumping Iron changed all that with it's realistic look at the sport with many pictures of the champions of the 70's& early 80's at work and play. Shattered many of the myths that peoplebelieved about bodybuilders and presented them as ordinary people with anintense drive and competitive will.

What Bodybuilding Is
This engrossing documentary/commentary of bodybuilding is the Bible of what bodybuilding IS. It does not drown you with technical detail, nor attempt to teach you HOW to bodybuild. What it does is bring you inside the gyms, (where the competitors work out) the arenas (where they compete) and inside their minds, where the peculiar and fascinating drive for the physical ideal finds its germination, growth and finally fruit on the posing platform. Why they do what they do, and just a smattering of detail of the equipment they use to accomplish their ends, rounds out this book. It is centered around a not-then-well-known Arnold Schwarzeneggar in his quest for the ultimate bodybuilding title, the Mr. Olympia. A few other competitors are also featured along with their quest for physical perfection and recognition of that by the bodybuilding contest judges. The well-placed and very informative pictures of the athletes at work in the gym, at play and in competition were a constant source of fascination to me as a teenaged boy, and I spent uncounted hours slowly flipping through the pages and examining every detail of what I thought a physique SHOULD look like. If you have ever been mildly curious of what essence makes men into bodybuilders, or have wondered WHY they do this, this book is for you. I recommend it very highly, and would probably be flipping through it right now if I had it, so inexhaustible is its supply of interesting information! ... Read more

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

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

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

This book will answer your questions about important topics including:

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

Customer Reviews (19)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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