Product Description


Roundhouse Kick is the ninth volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of martial arts related books.

Roundhouse Kick, along with the other nine volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, goes into intricate detail over all aspects of executing the primary kick, which in this case is the Back Leg Roundhouse Kick, and several of its main variations.

Starting with a basic anatomical analysis of this kick, you quickly progress to the basic principles associated with the Roundhouse Kick, and then you dive right into learning the proper execution of the primary kick, Back Leg Roundhouse Kick.

Once you have finished with this section, you are taken to the variations chapter which builds upon the primary kick, Back Leg Roundhouse Kick, by teaching you 10 of its main variations. From here you are taken to the Training and Practice Methods chapter for a look at some very simple, yet effective methods for adding speed and power to your kicks.

Your next chapter takes a question and answer approach to some of the most common problems people have executing the Roundhouse Kick and the solutions to correct them.

The next chapter in this book deals with a very brief and basic application section for the Roundhouse Kick and each of the variations previously detailed in this book.

NOTE:

The combat/self-defense applications of the Roundhouse Kick are discussed and demonstrated in much greater detail in the companion book to this book, Roundhouse Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 9, which is Roundhouse Kick: Applications in Combat: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 19. This book goes into intricate detail over all aspects of applying the primary kick, which in this case is the Roundhouse Kick, and several of its main variations, against twelve of the most common attacks that you are most likely to face in an actual unarmed self-defense/combat situation.

At the conclusion of this book you are given a sneak preview of the next volume in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, which in this case is the Side Kick. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Excellent Subject Presentation
As are all Mr. Kovacich's kicking books that I have read, Achieving Kicking Excellence - Roundhouse Kick is a must read for the martial arts practitioner.The Author provides a very detailed breakdown of the roundhouse kicks and variation.As this is one of my most used kicks, I found this publication useful in understanding what I was doing right and what was wrong. I highly recommend this book to all that want to master this important kick.

Excellent......
There are four kicks that are the bread and butter of kicking. The front kick, the side kick, the back kick and the roundhouse kick.Shawn has managed to convey to the reader the mechanics of all four and with this book the roundhouse kick.If you have never learned the roundhouse kick try the instructions Shawn gives you in this book.When you think you have it go to a martial arts school in your area and try it.I'm not asking you to challenge anyone, just try the kick.See if yours is at least as good if not better than theirs.This doesn't mean you don't need a teacher only that, this is a good substitue until you can find a teacher to your liking.

Shawn gives you solid training techniques to learn the roundhouse kick.You get to see the progression of the kick in pictures.Shawn also asks you at the end of the book if you see anything improper.That helps to train you to look for errors in your kicking.Shawn Kovacich, has done his research to make sure you have the best information to perform the roundhouse kick correctly.The only way to get better is to get a teacher or at the very least a training partner.

Shawn has done you a service by repeating certain training techniques throughout the book and the series.You don't have to keep flipping pages to find information you need.That was done, I believe, intentionally because this is a reference book.Something to be referred to again and again to help you learn the roundhouse kick.
Note: For those of you who have an awesome kicking regimine might I suggest you try Shawn Kovacich's kicking application series, who knows you might learn something your classmates don't.

A great book a great series of books
As a student of Martial Arts holding 2nd Dans in Taekwondo and Shotokan Karate and a amatuer competitor in sports karate ,I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Kovacich's books.
I own several of Mr. Kovacich's books , Axe Kick , Back Kick , Crescent Kick , Front Kick ,Hook Kick ,Roundhouse Kick, and Side Kick .
each book stands on its own fully describing each particular kick to the nth detail.
The muscles needed to throw the kicks , the proper methods to throw the kick different various ways to throw the kick for example front leg , rear leg , spinning , jumping etc are fully described, the strength and conditioning exercises used to help develop the kick. Even common mistakes are discussed.
I really feel its must reading for any serious student of Martial Arts that uses kicking as a technique to really amp up their kicking abilities.
Im actually hoping my competitors don't read these books.
Seriously a great read.
Well Done Mr. Kovacich . OSU

Extremely detailed and helpful
After reviewing this book I can't without hesitation that I learned quite a lot about the proper execution of the roundhouse kick. For a kick that I thought looked simple, I was surprised to see how many details there are to it. It's a surprisingly technical type of kick that requires much practice to deliver it properly.

I've been doing martial arts for the past years and I've had competent instructors show me how to perform the roundhouse kick. However, I was never told the little details about the kick that really makes it work correctly. Either my instructors didn't tell me the details or they were unaware of them. That is why I think it's very important to read this book if you want to learn the roundhouse kick properly because even instructors can miss details with techniques.

The roundhouse kick is broken down into various stages of it's delivery, Shawn writes each stage in extreme detail covering everything about the roundhouse kick. Also included in the book: the basic anatomy of the kick, warm up and stretching, variations of the kick, training and practice methods, trouble shooting guide and even a small section of the applications of the kicks.

Reading this book has definitely improved my understanding of the roundhouse kick, it was very helpful for me to really understand why the kick is done the way it is. Now that I have a better understanding of it, I just need to practice thousands of repetitions :)

Whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced martial artist you will still benefit, even advanced students will learn something from this book.

While it is important to train hard, it is even more important to train smart. This book will show you how.

Thanks Shawn

everthing you ever needed to know about kicking
I have been practicing the martial arts since the age of 14. This year will mark the 40th year that I've studied one system of combat or another. Additionally, I have been a police officer for 31 years and my profession has occasionally offered me the opportunity to use the thingS that I've learned in the Dojo. I have an entire set of Shawn Kovacich's superb series on AchievingKicking Excellence (Vol. 1- 10) and can truthfully say that I have seen no more thorough books on the art of kicking in the all my years in the martial arts. The kicks covered (one per volume) include the back kick, the heel kick, the axe kick, the crescent kick, the reverse crescent kick, the front kick, the hook kick, the hatchet kick, the round house kick, and the side kick.
Each volume begins with an overview of the kick and instructions on how to make the best possible use of the kick. Chapter 1 delves into the anatomy of the kick and which muscles are used, and in what manner, to achieve the maximum possible efficiency in kicking.
Chapter 2 outlines a stretching program and offers helpful tips in that area for the student. Chapter 3 deals withthe basic principles of kicking movement. These include the striking implement, target areas, stability (a biggie!),balance, alignment, sequence of movement, accuracy. Strength, speed, timing and distance, impact, retraction, and visualization. Each area is explained in detail as it relates to developing your kicking ability.
Chapter 4 deals exhaustively with the primary kick. It follows the kick from initiation through each phase of the kick to impact, recoil, and recovery. He troubleshoots the problems that many martial artists experience with the kick at each phase and offers corrective actions for each problem.
Chapter 5 goes over pretty much every variation of the kick known to man and these are dissected with master Kovacich's usual thoroughness.
Chapter 6 is one of the strongest parts ofthe book for me. In this chapter, Master Kovacich discusses training and practice methods. He details skill, strength, speed, and power training. Learning how to do the kick is only half the battle.Developing the kick through specific training methods and exercises is the other half and is usually overlooked by other authors.
As if he hadn't already done enough in this area, Master Kovacich outlines further specific trouble areas for the student in chapter 7. Chapter 8 covers kicking applications for tournament and street.. Master Kovacich shows how the kick is set up and how delivery can be affected by your opponent's actions as well as your own.
In chapter 9 you can see why Master Kovacich's kicks are so good and why you should pay attention to his advice. He is in the Guiness Bookof World records for throwing more high kicks in an afternoon that I believe I have thrown in my life.
If you desire to become a more powerful, competent kicker, then these books represent an important investment for you . I can tell you that, even after 40 years of fighting experience, there are things in these books that have made me re-think some of my training methods regarding kicking.
Master Kovacich will be coming out with a new series of books dealing with the combat applications of each kick in the near future. As I'm sure these books will cover combat applications with the same thoroughness of this series, I eagerlyawait their publishing.


... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Written by the British team coach for the American Kick Boxing Association, this is a comprehensive manual of techniques, methods and practices for beginners and those searching to achieve their potential. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good book for beginners
Good book for those who have never done kickboxing before. It was very informative and provided lots of helpful tools to use such as dietand exercise routines.

Packed full of info
This is a book on full-contact rules kickboxing, meaning that all kicks, save foot sweeps, are aimed above the waist.O'Keeffe was a world-class competitor during the heyday of this form of kickboxing, and certainly knows what he's talking about.This book covers a variety of stances and guards, basic punching and kicking techniques and their variations, defensive techniques and counters, combinations, footwork, equipment, drills, conditioning, and fight prep routines.He basically takes the reader through a journey from their earliest learning stages to their fight career.On the downside, the text seemed occationally disorganized and unclear.I also feel that some of the combinations were too excentric to find much real use.All the same, it's a very good book, one I'd recomend to those interested in FC rules kickboxing, or maybe to add some spice to their Muay Thai or karate techniques.

An Excellent Introduction to Kick Boxing
This is a remarkably well illustrated book which provides an excellent overview of kickboxing, The book begins with a concise discussion of the history of kick boxing and then leaps right in to chapters on "the fundamentals", "secondary techniques", defense and counterattacks, "speed and power" and "conditioning" to name a few. The techniques described virtually always include sequential photos demonstrating the particular move which will be of great value to students of this combat art. Many of the conditioning techniques and as well as the training schedule detailed in the book would likely be applicable to many other martial acts as well as those readers just interested in general fitness. The book even includes a chapter on the role of the coach. This book is certainly recommended reading for all present students of kickboxing as well as those who are curious about this martial art or just interested in physical fitness

Among the best introductory book on kick boxing
Written by a successful trainer, this book contains all the necessary ingredients one needs to know about kick boxing. It covers the physical, technical and tactical aspects in a clear and comprehensive manner.A definite must-have for all kick boxing enthusiasts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT BUYING THIS BOOK
I thought this would be an instructional book, but it's not even close. The book is only 32 pages long, I wouldn't even call it a childrens book.Luckily I bought it used for a couple of bucks, and that was even a waste. ... Read more

Product Description


Hatchet Kick is the eighth volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of martial arts related books.

Hatchet Kick, along with the other nine volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, goes into intricate detail over all aspects of executing the primary kick, which in this case is the Turning Hatchet Kick, and several of its main variations.

Starting with a basic anatomical analysis of this kick, you quickly progress to the basic principles associated with the Hatchet Kick, and then you dive right into learning the proper execution of the primary kick, Turning Hatchet Kick.

Once you have finished with this section, you are taken to the variations chapter which builds upon the primary kick, Turning Hatchet Kick, by teaching you 10 of its main variations. From here you are taken to the Training and Practice Methods chapter for a look at some very simple, yet effective methods for adding speed and power to your kicks.

Your next chapter takes a question and answer approach to some of the most common problems people have executing the Hatchet Kick and the solutions to correct them.

The next chapter in this book deals with a very brief and basic application section for the Hatchet Kick and each of the variations previously detailed in this book.

NOTE:

The combat/self-defense applications of the Hatchet Kick are discussed and demonstrated in much greater detail in the companion book to this book, Hatchet Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 8, which is Hatchet Kick: Applications in Combat: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 18. This book goes into intricate detail over all aspects of applying the primary kick, which in this case is the Hatchet Kick, and several of its main variations, against twelve of the most common attacks that you are most likely to face in an actual unarmed self-defense/combat situation.

At the conclusion of this book you are given a sneak preview of the next volume in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, which in this case is the Roundhouse Kick. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

everything you ever needed to know about kicking
I have been practicing the martial arts since the age of 14. This year will mark the 40th year that I've studied one system of combat or another. Additionally, I have been a police officer for 31 years and my profession has occasionally offered me the opportunity to use the thingS that I've learned in the Dojo. I have an entire set of Shawn Kovacich's superb series on AchievingKicking Excellence (Vol. 1- 10) and can truthfully say that I have seen no more thorough books on the art of kicking in the all my years in the martial arts. The kicks covered (one per volume) include the back kick, the heel kick, the axe kick, the crescent kick, the reverse crescent kick, the front kick, the hook kick, the hatchet kick, the round house kick, and the side kick.
Each volume begins with an overview of the kick and instructions on how to make the best possible use of the kick. Chapter 1 delves into the anatomy of the kick and which muscles are used, and in what manner, to achieve the maximum possible efficiency in kicking.
Chapter 2 outlines a stretching program and offers helpful tips in that area for the student. Chapter 3 deals withthe basic principles of kicking movement. These include the striking implement, target areas, stability (a biggie!),balance, alignment, sequence of movement, accuracy. Strength, speed, timing and distance, impact, retraction, and visualization. Each area is explained in detail as it relates to developing your kicking ability.
Chapter 4 deals exhaustively with the primary kick. It follows the kick from initiation through each phase of the kick to impact, recoil, and recovery. He troubleshoots the problems that many martial artists experience with the kick at each phase and offers corrective actions for each problem.
Chapter 5 goes over pretty much every variation of the kick known to man and these are dissected with master Kovacich's usual thoroughness.
Chapter 6 is one of the strongest parts ofthe book for me. In this chapter, Master Kovacich discusses training and practice methods. He details skill, strength, speed, and power training. Learning how to do the kick is only half the battle.Developing the kick through specific training methods and exercises is the other half and is usually overlooked by other authors.
As if he hadn't already done enough in this area, Master Kovacich outlines further specific trouble areas for the student in chapter 7. Chapter 8 covers kicking applications for tournament and street.. Master Kovacich shows how the kick is set up and how delivery can be affected by your opponent's actions as well as your own.
In chapter 9 you can see why Master Kovacich's kicks are so good and why you should pay attention to his advice. He is in the Guiness Bookof World records for throwing more high kicks in an afternoon that I believe I have thrown in my life.
If you desire to become a more powerful, competent kicker, then these books represent an important investment for you . I can tell you that, even after 40 years of fighting experience, there are things in these books that have made me re-think some of my training methods regarding kicking.
Master Kovacich will be coming out with a new series of books dealing with the combat applications of each kick in the near future. As I'm sure these books will cover combat applications with the same thoroughness of this series, I eagerlyawait their publishing.

The best


Shawn Kovacich is a long-time martial arts veteran who has faced many formidable opponents in tough bare knuckle tournaments and as a bouncer working in places most people avoid. Just to see if he could do it, he set a world records for the Guinness Book of Records, throwing 11,000 high kicks in 5 hours. He shares his superb knowledge of kicking in a 10-book series he calls "Achieving Kicking Excellence."

In the Hatchet Kick volume, Kovacich has included something for every martial artist. If you like how-to-do books with lots of detailed photos, you will find that here. If you're looking for a technical explanation of how to execute this difficult but highly destructive kick, this book is for you. My favorite feature, and one seldom found in martial arts books, is the section that explains which precise muscles are involved and how you need to align your body to maximize whichever variation of the kick you're doing.

The book also includes exercises - weights and free-hand - that target the specific muscles needed to develop your power, speed and accuracy in the hatchet kick.

Not only does the author show you several approaches to launching the hatchet, he also shows how to apply it against an opponent. And as he does in this entire series of kicking books, Kovacich includes a Trouble Shooting section to answer the most common questions he has received over his long teaching career.

Achieving Kicking Excellence Hatchet Kick is a complete book on developing and delivering this exciting-to-do and exciting-to-watch kick. Every martial artist - veteran and newbie - will benefit from its insightful instruction.

I've been training, teaching and writing about the martial arts since 1965 and I highly recommend this book.

Loren W. Christensen, author of over 40 books, martial artist, 8th dan.

A Master Athlete and Teacher Shares His Art
Shawn Kovacich is a committed, highly regarded and honored practitioner of martial arts with a specialization in Kicking. Yet not satisfied to have achieved the degree of excellence in his craft, Kovacich has devised a series of books that extend beyond the usual 'self-help' category of writing. His considerably cautious eye and sense of balance, in sport and in life, has resulted in his publishing a series of books - ACHIEVING KICKING EXCELLENCE - that at this point are ten in number but promise in the near future to be doubled in amount. Each of these books, handsomely designed and with excellent photographic illustrations, takes one type of kick at a time and explore not only the development of that kick, but also inform the student reader the kinesiology of that kick as well as slowly advising how to develop and master that kick.

Most books on martial arts fall into one of two categories: some are written in a format that is beyond the understanding of the reader who may be completely new to martial arts while others dumb down the reader with superficial 'quick fix' problems thinking the reader is already proficient in the fundamentals of Martial Arts. Kovacich respects his reader/pupil, and with great dignity of writing style and unfolds each kick mastery with surety of developmental skill and encouragement of each aspect of a single movement. This allows the reader who may be proficient in Kicking to buy just the one book written for the type of Kick the reader finds difficult to master: buying the entire set of books assures the reader that each stage of development will be respected from the beginning to the mastery of the ten Kicks Kovacich addresses.

Each of these ten volumes is equally excellent. The ten volumes include Back Kick, Roundhouse Kick, Front Kick, Side Kick, Crescent Kick, Reverse Crescent Kick, Hook Kick, Wheel Kick, Axe Kick and Hatchet Kick. Having exposure to each of these ten volumes gathers respect for Shawn Kovacich not only as a man who is able to master a tough medium of sport, but also one who has discovered the perfect manner of teaching and communication. The ten volume set is well worth the investment, monetarily and educationally. Grady Harp, May 09

Exceptional Instruction on the Hatchet Kick
What exactly is a hatchet kick?It is not as well known as your common side kicks and popular roundhouse kicks.Nor is it as self-descriptive as a front kick.So how do you describe it?Guinness World Record holder, black belt, and author Shawn Kovacich describes the hatchet kick like this, "A properly executed hatchetkick performed by a man (or woman), can be compared to a hybrid combination of a turning wheel kick and an in-to-out axe kick."If you are still uncertain just what a hatchet kick is or how to execute it properly, Kovacich's eighth book of his impressive Achieving Kicking Excellence series will ensure you have every component to master this kick.

Hatchet Kick by Shawn Kovacich is similar to the others in the series in that it is a stand alone volume that focuses on all aspects of performing the hatchet kick and ten of its main variations.Like the other volumes, this book contains short chapters on anatomy, warm ups, stretching, strength training, speed training, and power training.

The meat of the book howeveris the detailed descriptions of how to execute the hatchet kick and the variations.Kovacich breaks each kick down into its parts and illustrates these components with detailed photographs.I have not seen any other text illustrate kicking with such detail.The kick variations that Kovacich includes are: Step-Back Hatchet Kick, Spinning Hatchet Kick, Hop/Slide Forward Hatchet Kick, Hop/Slide Backward Hatchet Kick, Front Leg Hatchet Kick, Back Leg Hatchet Kick, Switch Hatchet Kick, Off-Setting Hatchet Kick, Jump Turning Hatchet Kick, 540 Degree Jumping Hatchet Kick, and the Spinning Hatchet Kick (with the left leg).

The book is full of notes and illustrations to assist you with mastering this kick and to be able to use the kick in various situations.Kovacich includes some of the applications for the hatchet kick near the end of the text, right after he addresses some common problems with the kick in his troubleshooting guide.

This volume is another exceptional book on kicking and as I said is the eighth of a ten book series on what Kovacich calls the basic kicks.This book and the rest of the series makes a superb resource for anyone who practices a kicking art.Even if you perform kicks a bit differently than Kovacich's style, you will learn things to make you better.If you teach kicking, Kovacich's books will aid you with imparting kicking knowledge to your students.I highly recommend this book and the entire set to all martial artists.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, 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.

Hatchet Kick: Devastating Heel Impact!
Author Shawn Kovacich has exploited an important niche in his "Achieving Kicking Excellence" series of martial arts instructional texts.

Shawn is quoted as saying "In an unarmed self-defense encounter, your kicking skills or lack thereof, can be the deciding factor between victory and defeat. In today's society, kicking is not only used more frequently, but it also ranks as perhaps the most versatile and underrated weapon that you have in your arsenal." I agree with him.

I found "Hatchet Kick" (volume 8 of 10 in the series) to be so highly detail oriented that it overcame any presupposition of dryness and boredom to which I initially attributed to it. In short, I was "hooked." Laid out in terms that the novice can easily follow and the practicing martial artist can incorporate into his or her regimen, Shawn starts out with the historical background of the Hatchet Kick and then introduces the reader to the physical and physiological body movements and mechanics associated with the kick.

Providing tips on conditioning and training, Shawn demonstrates foot movement by foot movement the Hatchet Kick's basic principles and then introduces the primary Turning Hatchet Kick to his audience and follows with eleven variations; (some of which I have never even heard of!).

Shawn demonstrates the principles of each kick with clear photographs that leave nothing to the imagination. Fortifying the text with chapters on "Warm Up and Stretching," "Training and Practice Methods," "Trouble Shooting Guide," and "Kicking Applications," to name a few, Shawn provides the reader with more than a full understanding of what could and mistakenly be known as a "simple kick."

Totally complete at 224 pages, and chocked with all sorts of valuable information from the "nuts and bolts" of technique description and demonstration to body dynamics, this is without a doubt the "gold standard" by which any examplar of martial arts kicking should be judged by.

This book can stand alone or be incorporated within the series. I rate it at five stars without hesitation or reservation. Well done!
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Product Description
Describes the sport of kickboxing, including its techniques, rules, competitions, and safety information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Practical Kickboxing By Benny Urquidez
This is an excellent guide to develop Kickboxing skills. Mr Benny Urquidez is an excellent Instructor & World undefeated Kickboxing Champion. He has bested the best in Kickboxing Worldwide.
This Book will teach you everything from:stretching, fighting techniques, strikes, Using focus pads, medicine ball, speed ball, punching bag, Body Shield. You name it.
His techniques are incredible. You will be glad you got this book.I also recommend this book for students of Muay Thai Kickboxing & Japanese Kickboxing.
However Karate & Tae Kwon Do Students will also find this book Useful. I reccomend that all serious Martial Artists Buy all Benny Urquidez Books & training Tapes & if possible go study at the Jet Center.
Buy the book & you will have your eyes open to incredible fighting combinations.
Good luck in your training.
Phillip Bastians.

Not bad
This book gives you a good understanding of the basic techniques in kickboxing.It goes into some advanced combonations but mostly basic.There is a brief section on training with thai pads,power shield, and punchingbag which gives you a basic knowledge of how to do them.But if you want agood training book, get "King of the Ring" by Benny "TheJet" Urqidez which will go in depth on training with bags andpads.This book is overall pretty good but Benny's book "KarateDynamics" covers all of the striking techniques plus more. ... Read more

Product Description
Cliff "Magic" Thomas was arguably the best kickboxer of his time. His zest for the sport and internal sacrifice to be the best is the stuff that makes legends. Thomas McKay captures the very essence of Cliff Thomas' magical career and brings to the forefront the explosive sport of kickboxing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Rational Savate Kickboxing +++
Evan Baltazzi, the author, states that he has a substantial Savate background, as well as a university academic research background. The author states that he was also involved deeply in Judo, Aikido and Fencing Arts -- even a top coach in Britain and America for Judo. He found that many interested folks in Britain and America would lose interest in such Arts as Judo and Aikido -- upon seeing how complex and "fuzzy" they seemingly are -- while still admiring such Arts in style and action. I have felt for quite some time that Kickboxing, Aikido and Judo had something quite special in common -- likely a fluid adaptation to sharp opposition deriving from their [Western or Eastern] Medieval sword-combat origins. So, it would be great if they could be directly combined somehow in a streamlined compact rational way.

As another reviewer has stated, this fine manual really covers a particular version of Savate Kickboxing. However, the author, Evan Baltazzi, states he spent a great effort to put his experience and understanding of Western and Eastern Martial Arts thru a detailed review and primary analysis in order to create a system worthy of modern folks wanting to learn and practice a rational streamlined discipline. Traditional Savate methods, such as Chasse'-Croise', do reappear -- via the "Gunsight" stance for Chasse'-Croise', for example. There are also a few"jamming" takedowns good for quickly exploiting kickboxing-openings. So, yes, a bit of Aikido and Judo-like movement reappears in smooth combination with the Savate Kickboxing. The manual, itself, is very orderly, sharp and clear as the author intended.

The ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman folks had fairly complete kickboxing-and-grappling Arts. There were aslo fairly complex and complete jiujitsu-like striking-and-grappling systems in the Medieval West -- such as shown in the Codex Wallerstein -- a Medieval Western "Fightbook" -- and in following Western self-defense manuals -- and in older versions of Savate and Boxing up until bare-knuckle prize-fighting. Recent full-contact sparring seems to have rediscovered such "rational streamlining" versus sharp opposition -- with various kickboxing styles doing very well for coverage and leverage versus close-range and grappling. "Kickboxing: A Safe Sport, A Deadly Defense" seems like a concentrated purified blend in sync with this ongoing trend +++

This Is A Book On Savate, Not Western Kickboxing
First off, this book really should have had SAVATE somewhere in the title as that is what this book is about, the French art of foot fighting or Savate, and not the western style of kickboxing, which is the misconception that I was under when I first purchased this book.

Now having said that, this is a fairly good book that gives you a pretty decent overview on the martial art of Savate. The author provides a pretty detailed description of the various techniques which he demonstrates in this book and that was a real pleasure to see when so many others seem to skimp when it comes to providing detailed descriptions in their books.

The author really does a great job on explaining the physical basics of Savate and he also provides a lot of information intended to prepare you and your body for the rigorous training that comes with learning Savate. I would recommend this book to anyone first learning Savate as a good reference manual and guide.

Shawn Kovacich
Martial Artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series. ... Read more

Product Description
The martial arts are among today's most exciting exercise regimes and are fast becoming the most popular way to get and keep fit. New Holland's new Martial Arts series, aimed at both men and women, uses specially commissioned full-colour sequence photography and expert text to introduce the newcomer to the techniques. This book focuses on the technical elements of the sport, from kicking and sweeping techniques to elbow strikes, using photography to demonstrate graphically how to perform each move. The book includes training and sparring routines, grading and competitions, and the role of the coach. A short chapter introduces close combat and self-defence techniques. The fascinating history of kickboxing and its various disciplines, such as Thai boxing, are also covered. Clear instructional photographs and precise text make this an invaluable and inspiring book for any beginner. ... Read more

Product Description
Provides an introduction the history and martial art of kickboxing. Includes information on the equipment needed, some basic moves, and some of the competitions found in the sport. ... Read more

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

Customer Reviews (4)

good book
knew most of the things in this book, thought it would be different.good for a begginer or someone who wants to jsut read up on info regarding stretches and exercises for the martial artist

Basic, Basic, Basic!
Allow me to start off by stating emphatically that this is not a bad book at all, it's just simply a very well done book on nothing more than basics, basics, basics! If you are new to the martial arts and training, then this would be a great book for you to own, but if you have any experience at all, then you will probably find this book of little use to you.

The layout and format are very well done and the photographs are in color and printed on glossy paper, always a plus. The author covers such fitness areas as; stretching, dieting, weight training, aerobics, etc. However, these areas are not really gone over with any great detail and as I said before, are pretty basic in nature. This book would be of a greater benefit to someone who was involved in kickboxing, more so that any other martial art, and that is exactly what the title implies.

Here are some additional books on training that you may want to check out as well.

Practical Programming for Strength Training

Starting Strength (2nd edition)

Ultimate Flexibility: A Complete Guide to Stretching for Martial Arts

Fighter's Fact Book: Over 400 Concepts, Principles, and Drills to Make You a Better Fighter

The Fighter's Body: An Owner's Manual : Your Guide to Diet, Nutrition, Exercise and Excellence in the Martial Arts

Timing in the Fighting Arts: Your Guide to Winning in the Ring and Surviving on the Street

Just to name a few!

Shawn Kovacich
Martial Artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.

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

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

Product Description
Kickboxing is an invaluable guide for all those who are starting out in this exciting sport or wish to refresh their skills and knowledge. Like any martial art, kickboxing has associated risks, particularly for the untrained or unwary.

Written by an experienced kickboxer and kickboxing instructor, this book offers detailed step-by-step instructions, with practical advice on all aspects of technique, strategy, exercise and training. The clear and concise text is complemented by specially commissioned, full-color step-by-step photography.

For novices, this book contains instructions on how to begin and how to progress; for intermediate kickboxers, it offers a way to brush up on skills and extend their existing knowledge and fighting expertise.

Ideas on how and where to train, information on equipment, combat techniques, training schedules and guidelines, as well as the underlying philosophy and attitude required for this demanding sport, are just some of the features presented in this book. Beginners and intermediate kickboxers alike will find it an indispensable and motivating title. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

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

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

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

Product Description