Product Description

Product Description
This book investigates the weapons, history and development of the English fighting system and some of the beliefs and social pressures that helped mould it. The second half examines various English fighting techniques drawn from historical texts and manuscripts including bare-fist fighting, broadsword, quarterstaff, bill, sword and buckler and sword and dagger. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

A Classic
This book gives an introduction and brief history of English Schooles of Defense.The history was a fun read.The practical sections, which contain reconstructions of various CQC techniques as the records indicate they were taught, are presented in a clear pictorial format which makes them easy to learn and analyze.If you are interested in historical combat, this is a book you will reference again and again.

At first I thought it another poncey fighting book
How wrong could I be.Having practised re-enactment martial arts for 24 years I thought I'd seen it all... you live and learn.

The techniques described in the book are brutal to say the least.The knee stamp when the opponent is down is my favorite.

There are chapters divided into historical references for each weapon(including fists).Adding to this there are clear photographs of the strikes and blocks.

If you are re-enacting later european medieval history this is the book for you.

For any Scholler of the Arts of Defense, English Martial Arts is a `must have' resource.
"No man travelleth by the waie without his sword or somesuch weapon except the minister who commonly weareth none at all unless it is a dagger or a hanger at his side." - Aylward [English Master of Arms]

Terry Brown's `English Martial Arts' is an outstanding book about a little known topic.Beginning with an excellent overview of the background of English Martial Arts, we are then introduced to the weapons of the English man at arms:

>>Broadsword
>>Quarterstaff
>>Sword & Dagger
>>Sword & Dagger vs. Sword & Buckler
>>The Bill
>>Bear-Fist Fighting
>>Stances

Terry Brown then introduces us to the `Principles of True Fighting' and demonstrates the techniques of the weapons listed herein.A series of clear photographs demonstrates the effective application of techniques, allowing the student to develop sufficient basic skill to seek entry to `The Company of Maieters' [http://www.maisters.demon.co.uk/] as a Free Scholler.

Finally, English Martial Arts closes with "Words of Wisdom" from the English Masters of Defense such as Silver, Godfrey and Lonnergan.

For any Scholler of the Arts of Defense, English Martial Arts is a `must have' resource.

good book
I read through the book and I must say that it is pretty good. I've read the original manuscripts from which this book drew its techniques and the stuff for the long and short weapons (like the broadsword, dagger, pole-arms, ect.) are very precise and accurate.
His first few chapters are an overveiw of some of the historical roots of English Martial Arts. Not bad.

*edit* I had to edit this reveiw because previously I mentioned that there was no evidence for the blocks in the pugilism described in this book. Mr. Terry Brown sent me solid evidence that contested my statements, therefore I must change them. It seems that the boxing of the older world is indeed a bit different from the boxing of the modern world. I would change the review to five stars but it wouldn't let me do so.

My advise is this, if you want to train in an all european martial art I suggest training in western boxing, catch wrestling, and take the general concepts of what is demonstrated with the long and short weapons and apply them to a machette, bayonette, and military knife. Don't dress up in anachronistic clothing either....the key is to train for battle not play dress up. Rather, one should wear either BDU's, street cloths, or a loose-fitting "uniform" which consists of sweatpants and a t-shirt which has the name/symbol of your school on it.

The best kind of school that you can find will be rooted in Tradition but open to Innovation. This way you won't "re-invent the wheel" but at the same time you won't be stuck on the outmoded and anachronistic. I call this Renovation.

Overall the book isn't bad and its a good way to connect with your English roots. Learn from the past, be willing to innovate, and act in the now. This is the best advise that I can give.

Also, check out www.amerross.com . ROSS Concepts have some good stuff (like clubbells and biomechanical exercises) that can transfer into ANY martial art and are invaluable to the western martial artist.

Very Clear and Sharp +++
I find 'English Martial Arts' to be very clear and sharp in its accuracy, presentation & applications. Also, it is greatly enhanced via traditional rational strategy and tactics. The photography and explanations are superb. With some imagination and practice, much of the book can be applied via cane or fist, as well as the great traditional [well-armed] usage. In any case, there is a great section on old English bare-knuckle boxing [no-rules using kicks, fists, cuffs, flips and turns]. Yet, this excellent book is quite streamlined. 'Simplicity is efficiency's best friend' --- ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

Tim Tackett is NOT an original student of Bruce Lee's
I just wanted to address a common mistake regarding Tim Tackett. Tim Tackett is NOT an original student of Bruce Lee's. He began his training under one of the only 3 people certified to teach Jeet Kune Do by Bruce Lee, Dan Inosanto in 1970 at Dan Inosanto's backyard training class. He was certified in JKD by Dan Inosanto. I'm pretty sure he never attended the Chinatown Jun Fan Gung Fu school.

Solid L.A. -era info
I have enough JKD books to start my own bookstore, but this is by far one of the best. The info is clear, complete, and flows nicely.

I've practiced JKD since 1990 with instructors from all 3 periods of its' development (Seattle, Oakland, and Los Angeles). This book is a pure L.A.-era study. Everything is covered from footwork to philosophy. You can tell Tackett and Bremer were very good students of Bruce Lee and Dan Inosanto, because the content of the book is excellent and does not leave anything out or mislead with bad information. The diagrams are excellent, showing good detail as well as showing common errors. This is a great introduction for a new student, or an excellent reference for better students.

THis book is long overdue. A JKD source of this caliber has been missing for many years, and maybe it will straighten out the mess JKD has become.

The fundamentals of JKD
"Chinatown Jeet Kune Do" was written by two of Bruce Lee's original students: Tim Tackett and Bob Bremer.By pooling their decades of knowledge in JKD, they have written a book that covers both basic and advanced principles.The book begins with the basics: stance, footwork, basic striking tools.About halfway through the book, we start getting into advanced principles, like the five ways of attack, JKD defense, and some specialized tools such as the leg obstruction.The chapter on trappling may be the best I've ever read on a realistic way to apply the Hand Immobilization Attack.While there are parts of this book that I have problems with, mostly the notion that trained grapplers and MMA fighters who are used to blocking punches or controlling their opponent's hands would not be able to defend against an eye gouge, I do believe that the majority of the principles found in this book can increase one's own understanding of Jeet Kune Do.Even for non-JKD practitioners, quite a lot can be learned, especially in the area of footwork, angles, and defense.

Great Book!
I am a TKD practitioner and former police officer who knows what works in real world applications. TKD is a fantastic art and I love it but just like all other martial arts that use forms and choreographed movements they are limited and not realistic. I always wanted to practice JKD because of it's fluidity and simplicity. This book is very concise and a easy read. The instructions are clear. I now combine my TKD experience with JKD and have never been happier as a martial artist. Well worth the money spent.

Another Great Jeet Kune Do Book!
This is easily one of the best books on Jeet Kune Do that I have ever owned!I have all of Tim Tackett's books, and once again, he has not let me down!He and co-author Bob Bremer have presented in this volume some of the most valuable information on Bruce Lee's martial art ever put into print!The book is very well done, with precise, in-depth text and clear, well sequenced photographs.As a Full Instructor of Jeet Kune Do, I will be referring to this book as a teaching aid for years to come, and it is already required reading for all of my students!My suggestion to you is ... BUY IT NOW! ... Read more

Product Description
This book shows readers how to make and use ingenious home training aids--from easy to find objects such as grocery bags, towels, and tires--to enhance their martial arts practice. Included in this book are simple instructions for a wide array of equipment for the home martial arts studio, including:
* the shadow boxing towel
* the footwork, balance and leg developer
* the precision blocking stick
* heavy-duty striking post
* small hanging bag
* and more.
Martial Arts Home Training also sets out the author Mike Young's patented "rock & roll" training methods for getting the most out of your training equipment and training time. Young also provides a discussion on maintaining the diligent yet playful attitude necessary to get the most from developing home training equipment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Kelly McCann's Combative for Street Survival
One of the best books I have ever read in the area of combative survival techniques.

Nice info but hardly "Complete"
"The Complete Guide to the Construction and Use of Home Training Equipment"
I preface my comments by stating that I was expecting a more formal guide to constructing equipment, similar to what is available in the weight training area.
I agree with everything that reviewer P. Edwards states; however, I would add that, from such a book, I was expecting more breadth of coverage on different training apparatus.Mr. Young showed only 7 items of training equipment (or 10, as he showed three completely different uses for one).Although I found the heavy duty striking post interesting, I would have appreciated some additional alternatives, such as more traditional makiwara designs or wing chun dummies.The internet is a better resource for construction ideas.
Although most of the materials are easy to come by, I would have also appreciated some guidance on where to find some of the materials for the only "complicated" piece of equipment, the heavy duty striking post.Duct tape I can handle but it's not like I can run down to Lowe's for a 6ft section of telephone pole.
Overall, an interesting read but disappointing.

4 Stars only if....
...you are homeless and want to practice martial arts but don't have any money to spend.

Great idea, good book
This book does offer some insight to training equipment that can be built/used at home.The first 22 pages are spent convincing you of the need to train; this seems out of place for this book.The next 10 pages discuss using a towel, a fairly common technique, I thought.20 pages are spent on "blocking sticks", this should not be new to anyone who has trained with a competent instructor.These pages were not very helpful and could have been put to better use in my opinion.BUT - this book shines in the chapters that cover "Heavy Duty Striking Post", "Choking Dummy" and "Small Hanging Bag" construction and use.The directions are clear, the techniques simple, and the materials readily available and cheap!This is what makes this book worth the price.If you are disciplined enough to work out at home this book will fill a need.

Essential Book on Home Training!
Mike Young has certainly put together a valuable reference book for martial artists of any style, beginner to advanced practitioner. To his credit, Mike stays away from system-specific dogma and does not tell the reader that they must train a certain way with a certain piece of equipment. In fact, he does the opposite: he explains the dynamics of each piece of training equipment, offers some ideas on how to train with them, then inspires the reader to develop a program that will fit their own specific development needs.....

Martial Arts Home Training is a book that all martial artists should have in their home or gym bag, and refer to it for ideas and inspiration throughout the years. Blindly following a teacher will get you only so far; you must develop and experience "the feel" of the arts within you, and this book shows you how! ... Read more

Product Description
There’s plenty of good reasons that millions of people around the world study martial arts.  Besides the fact  you can get a great workout when you stuffy a martial art, you may also experience a rewarding balance between your mind, body, and spirit that you just won’t  find anywhere else.  Plus, it can be a lot of fun!

No matter what shape you’re in, martial arts is a great way to drop extra pounds, learn to defend yourself, and develop personal and physical discipline. Whether you’re already studying a style of fighting or you’re just considering it, you’ll find everything you need to know in this helpful, friendly guide (including which movies to check out!).

The book breaks down the differences and presents the basics of each style of fighting, so you can make an informed choice about which style you want to study. You’ll also find out what makes for a good instructor, so you can be sure that you’re learning from the best. And there’s much more.  You’ll find out:

• What martial arts is and is not
• Five resolutions you must accept
• Understanding the role of the instructor
• How to set goals for yourself
• All about the proper clothes, shoes, and equipment
• How to preventi injuries
• The philosophy of self defense
• All about competing in tournaments
• About Meditation and breathing techniques
• The lowdown on weapons

There’s also a helpful glossary of foreign-language terminology that you’ll frequently encounter in the dojo –  that’s the training hall – so you’ll always be prepared. Whether you’re looking for a new way to get in shape, or a new way to sharpen your mind, Martial Arts For Dummies is all you need to get started in Karate, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, or any other style! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

This was okay.
This was a reasonable overview on a number of the martial arts.The instructional pages were more like filler and found myself bypassing them.I noticed that Jennifer Lawler gave tribute to a good number of marial artists some of who were famous such as Bruce Lee and others I have never heard of.I found it strange that Chuck Norris was given no mention in this book at all.It almost seemed that she intentionally left his name out, which I think hurt her credibility a bit here.He was a seven time world champion.

Great for those looking to start with martial arts...
This book is great if you're looking to start training in martial arts.It gives very useful tips for determining the right school and right instructor.It gives summaries of several different martial arts styles and even explains what skills, such as flexibility and endurance, are needed for a few of the styles covered.

A Good General Introduction to Martial Arts
This book provides a good overview of martial arts.It is a particularly good book for someone who is just thinking about getting involved in martial arts training.The author gives a brief introduction to a wide variety of styles and what to expect from each.

Ms. Lawler also gives very helpful information to a prospective or new martial artist on ranking systems, training routines, competition, and even some self defense basics.

I think that this book is even good for more experienced practitioners of the martial arts.It covers a lot of interesting information on history and various tidbits on the martial arts culture and different styles.It is definitely a worthwhile purchase.

A great place to start
Better than I expected. This book is a cogent and pithy overview of martial arts, what they, what they are not, how to get involved with them, and how to succeed if you choose to do so. It covers the basics of a good cross-section of styles including karate, kung fu, tae kwon do, judo, akido, escrima, hapkido, hapkido, muay thai, jeet kune do, and tai chi, all the major players. The author briefly discusses the martial culture, uniforms, and ranking systems so that you know what to expect. Further, she helps you understand how to pick a style and instructor, make the most of your training, know when/where you should use your martial knowledge, and how to avoid injuries during the process. It is comprehensive, well-written, and generally entertaining.

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

Informative and educational
Martial Arts for Dummies is a delightful and educational book that dispels many of the myths the uninitiated may have heard about the martial arts. The book includes examples of common situations you may run into when first entering the training hall. For example, how to choose a school or art that is right for you, what to look for in a good martial arts instructor, and the meaning of the belt, uniform, and rituals.

The easy, conversational tone of the text makes it difficult to put this book down. After fifteen years of everyday training in the martial arts, I read this book cover to cover and found myself thinking "yes, that's how it is." The chapters on "The Part of Tens" toward the end of the book provide an excellent quick reference whenever you need that energy boost for tonight's class. I would enthusiastically recommend this book to both beginners and advanced students of the martial arts. ... Read more

Product Description

Aikido is the peaceful martial art. There are no attacks in aikido, onlydefense, and this defense should be so gentle that even the attacker isdelighted by it. It is an art that takes a lifetime to learn, and it getsincreasingly fascinating by each year. This book presents the principles andfundamental concepts of aikido - deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy and therefined ideals of the samurai.

The first part of the book examines the aikido principles of how tofind the peaceful solution, and how to enjoy aikido practice to the fullest.The second part explains the Japanese concepts used in aikido, such as ki,life energy, tanden, the center, and many more. There is also a chapterabout kototama, the spiritual cosmology that was central to the founder ofaikido. The third part includes an aikido glossary.

Stefan Stenudd is a Swedish aikido instructor, 6 dan Aikikai, and member ofthe Swedish Grading Committee, the Swedish Budo Federation Board, and theDirecting Committee of the International Aikido Federation. He has practicedaikido since 1972. He is also a writer of both fiction and non-fiction.

Customer Reviews (5)

Very readable, great for, but certainly not limited to, beginners
What you will notice immediately when you start reading the book is how easy to read it is. Or perhaps you will not notice at all, only to find yourself in the middle of the book after what seemed like a short while.

After reading, or at least peeking into, several books about martial arts and eastern philosophy, I can tell that this alone is a remarkable achievement.

Some books about martial arts are filled with unexplained terms, some are terse or even enigmatic, some focus on more or less precisely describing techniques, etc. Based on what one expects from a book about aikido this additional burden on the reader may be justified, but it certainly does not mirror the experience of aikido training in practice. The spirit in which this book is written comes very close to this natural, immersive and fun experience, and this makes it a perfect book for an aikido beginner. It is not a manual, instead it focuses on the principles and basics and does it very well. I believe that anyone doing aikido, no matter how advanced, can enjoy it. It could also be a great book for someone wants to have an idea what aikido is about without or before practicing it.

Now you are probably wondering whether this book isn't just a watered down version of the other more technical books. It is not, it just focuses on different parts and is written to be read from cover to cover. There is a downside to this: I'm not sure whether I would really benefit from reading the whole book again and it also isn't very suitable for looking up specific bits of information. At times it also seemed a bit too repetitive, but that's alright, and even helpful, as long as you read it for the first time. That shouldn't stop you from buying the book.

That said, there are parts of the book that I will return to, to name at least two: for practical reasons-the glossary (about 18 pages) which covers more vocabulary than you will encounter in the main text and one chapter that stands out: Kototama - the soul of words. It makes for a wonderful ending and it made me curious to learn more about how aikido was developed, about kototama and Osensei.

I'm giving the book four out of five stars because: (1) I probably won't reread it (packing more information in the 200 pages wouldn't make sense, but I can imagine a bit longer version I would return to). (2) The quality of typography and print (especially the cover) doesn't make justice to the content, that's a shame.

I've been learning aikido for about two months and I feel that the book helped me to have a more complete picture and to know what to focus on during the training. At the same time it was fun to read. If you are in a similar situation, don't hesitate and buy it!

good to know
is a basic book like many ,buts still there is a difference
it at just a little more then ,end that is what make the book good.

Your Opponent Unwittingly Guides Your Way to Unification of Self
Stefan Stenudd's "Aikido: The Peaceful Martial Art" is patently clear--more so than any other Aikido books, DVD's, and/or articles which I have studied and to which I have been privy to benefit from their tutelage--about the imperative truth of the CENTER as the source and the ultimate return destination of all Aikido movements, after they have traversed their elliptical and spiral-configured paths.This abiding awareness itself is what makes Stefan Stenudd's insights golden.The reader then is able easily to fit into the otherwise confusing dynamic context of the pragmatic art of Aikido the over-arching principle of CENTER.When this is done by the reader's holding the concept of CENTER uppermost in his/her mind, the art and practice of Aikido congeal into a fusion that brings you to the realization that it is your opponent who unwittingly guides your way to the unification of self at your CENTER.

The inner part of aikido
Nowadays there are many books available on the subject of aikido. The greater part of them is more technical, with lots of pictures showing the visible part of aikido. But aikido (all martial arts) has also the invisible part, inner elements, difficult to catch when only watching and that is what this book is about. It definitely belong to the smaller group of aikido books, which try to deal with subjects like Ki, Ai, Do, Tanden and lot more - that what may call the very principles of the art. I am not afraid to say, that author was quite successful thanks to being both - profound martial artist and writer.

Welcome Addition
Aikido: The Peaceful Martial Art has long been a popular title in Sweden, so I was pleased when it was recently released in English.Both of my sons also own a copy of this title.It provides an excellent foundation for the beginner as well as insight for the more experienced practitioner.What makes this book unique, and sets it apart from other titles on the topic, is the very personal narrative from the author of his own journey of discovery. ... Read more

Product Description
Featuring interviews with a wide range of best-known names inthe modern Martial Artsl arts world, Martial Arts Talk offers a closelook at the people behind the most famous and most important of themodern Martial Artsl art styles.Read what Alexander Co has to sayabout Kung-Fu in the Philippines or hear Bill Wallace's views onAmerican Martial Artsl sports.Other interviewees includeJ. Christoph Amberger, Cheong Cheng Leong, Hawkins Cheung, MarkDacascos, Christopher D. Hess, John Little, Patrick McCarthy, AndreMorgan, Hayward Nishioka, Meik Skoss and Liam Keeley, and CurtisF. Wong.None of these interviews has appeared in magazine form, andall will offer a fresh look at today's heavy-hitters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A valuable book for any martial artist!
In this book, Mr. Mark Wiley interviews some of the leading people who are currently shaping the martial arts in the United States and abroad. Fourteen indepth personal interviews with the top people in the martialarts covering everything from research and publishing to sport andentertainment. Bruce Lee fans will love the interviews with John Little andHawkins Cheung. Andre Morgan, Mark Dacascos, and James Lew give a candidlook into the martial arts movie industry from a behind the scenesperspective. The history or Okinawan karate is covered by Patrick McCarthyand European sword arts and duelling are covered by J. Christoph Amberger.The study of Hoplology by Hunter Armstrong and martial arts sports scienceby Christopher D. Hess. This book has a little of something for everyone.It's a book not to be missed!

Unfortunately, Not Very Good.
I truly hate to say negative things about the writings of a fellow Martial Artists.But, this book is not very good.I am sorry that I purcahsed it.The leading problem is that Mr. Wiley does not interview the individualswho truly came to define the modern Martial Arts in the late twentiethcentury.Certainly, a person like Marc Decosco is a great Action-AdventureActor, but it was his father, Al Decosco who truly helped to formulate thetrends in the modern martial arts.Yet, he is not interviewed.James Lewis a well known Martial Art Stuntman, but talking about how he has aMartial Art clothing distribution company does little to advance the mindof the reader on the whole.Curtis Wong, is a publisher of some veryimportant magazines.The questions that are asked of him, however, revealnone of his trial and tribulation and how he came to help define an erawith his magazines.

I am truly sorry to say that this is not a good book. I had anticipated more.The people questioned and the interviewsthemselves are extremely limited.

Hitting The Martial Arts Mark
Mark Wiley is an unacknowledged American martial arts treasure.

In a field cluttered with wannabes and self-promoters, nobody can touch Wiley's depth of research, personal committment to the arts and ability to strikeoff telling, ultra-readable prose.

The 14 interviews in this current workcut vectors of enlightenment through every main vein. Here are thesubheadings: The Martial Arts of A Country; On Individual Systems andStyles; Martial Arts As Sports; Martial Arts And Entertainment; MartialArts Research And Publishing; and Martial Arts And Life.

In other words,inclusive to the max. There's no better way to get an entertaining andaccurate cross-section of the state of the Arts today.

Great work! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Hours of entertainment, Tons of information
This is simply an excellent book for the martial artist.
No,theres no secret techniques,or directions to inner strength.But there is a hell of a lot of info in there.
I picked this book up in the early 80's.Back then,in the dark days,there was very little in the way of publications that gave the student anything more than spinning kicks and boardbreaking.Many of the books published were for the most part,entirely useless.
If you were looking for something that gave you insight into the origins of various arts,or the names of pioneers of the martial arts you were pretty much S.O.L.
Sure...there were a few books,but they were so loaded with misleading and cryptic information that they were completely confusing.
Then one day, after turning away from the bookrack full of nonsense that usually populated the local mall bookstore,I came upon this in the "Coffee table books" section.There,sandwiched between a hardback compilation of "Dear Abby" letters, and directions on how to build your own backyard deck,was the very thing I had been looking for.The name says it all: "Martial arts:Traditions,History,people".At first I thought I was
hallucinating.Whats this? Could it be? and what the hell is it doing here?
Grabbing it and literally dashing to the checkout counter I purchased my
newly found holy grail.
I read this book till it fell apart.I've trained my whole life.Acquiring Shodans, Nidans, and Sandans in various arts though the years,(Its not the destination...its the journey)But still,this ragged out text followed me.During heated discussions it proved me right,and in moments of confusion gave insight. I really cant say enough about this book.It has proven itself worth every cent I spent back then.Later,(Much later),when I started shopping on Amazon, I replaced it with another copy.It still proved itself to be well worth the effort.Sure,its out of date nowadays,but I really couldnt care less who the martial arts movie master of the minute is.I look to this book for the info on the guys who matter.The real masters who put their very lives on line in the process of discovery.
If you havent read this book,or at least looked through it,then you really need to take the time and give it a shot.I cant imagine somebody not finding something here that will amaze and inform them.

Please correct a mistake in my review.
Dear Sir:

I made a mistake and added the phone number of the new publisher in my review of this book. Could you please just delete the phone and publish the rest of the book review.

Sorry, and many thanks.

JohnCorcoran Co-Author: "Martial Arts: Traditions, History, People"E-mail Address: JCorco4234@aol.com

Considered one of the bestreference books on the subject.
Co-author Review: This definitive volume, which contains over 1-million facts, has been republished by Pro Action Publishing of Los Angeles (213)666-7789 and is available for both single-copy and wholesalepurchasing. The new title is "The Original Martial ArtsEncyclopedia."

This is a massive reference containing over 1,000individual bios of famous pioneers and champions; over 1,000 photos, manyof rare vintage; detailed histories of martial arts development in allmajor countries including the most complete overview ever of U.S. martialarts history; and hundreds of entries detailing arts and styles.

Plus, ahuge Bibliography featuring 1,183 English-language martial arts bookspublished from 1898-1980, organized by 26 categories.

This book took 10years from concept to completion in the pre-computer era, and it shows. Ithas won industry-wide international acclaim for its global thoroughness anduniversal appeal to everyone from beginners to veteran blackbelts.

Reviewed by co-author John Corcoran on 2/2/99. ... Read more

Product Description
For the general reader and specialist, this anthology presents, in the words of the masters, the basic philosophies behind each martial arts discipline. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A GREAT overview
A strong sampling of some of the best martial arts books around really speak to the reader.There are 4 sections, titled:

Part 1: Culture and Conflict: The Histories
Part 2: Master and Students: The Philosophy
Part 3: Training and Discipline: The Way
Part 4: Other Aspects

Each section includes some of the finest writing on the martial arts I've ever read.I own many of the books that are exerpted here and was introduced to others in these pages.

Authors include E.J. Harrison, C.W. Nicol, Eugen Herrigel, Herman Kauz, Maxine Hong Kingston, Dave Lowry, Terry Dobson, T.T. Liang, and Linda Atkinson.

A very informative book.
This book provides portions (usually a chapter) from the writings of martial artists.Some of the authors are founders of systems, such as Jigoro Kano and Gichin Funakoshi.I found many of the writings to be veryinsightful and they seemed to have more depth than many of the martial artswritings that you see today. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Outstanding for Developing skills
This book has 300 puzzles, similar in difficulty to 4-5 star puzzles in the paper. The paper quality is good, and the boxes are big enough to list candidates.This is a great book to help you sharpen your skills. ... Read more

Product Description
On one of his missions, Xiao (the Eleventh Son, known as the Great Bandit) meets Shen, the fairest woman in the martial world. By the will of fate, he rescues Shen several times, which plants the seed of love in both of them. However, Shen is married to a rich young man who is also an outstanding martial artist. As if things were not complicated enough, Xiao has his own secret admirer, Feng, an attractive swordswoman with a quick temper.

Xiao is drawn into a messy fight for a legendary saber, the Deer Carver, and is accused of stealing it. Xiao finds out that the person who has set him up is a mysterious young man with an angel’s face and a devil’s heart. Before he can pursue any further, Shen’s grandmother is murdered, and Xiao is named the killer. It appears that things are spinning out of control… ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Modernist take on Wuxia.
Many write off Gu Long for being overly modern, and if your looking for a martial arts novel that goes into encyclopedic detail on the world of wuxia this is not it. Gu Long's approach to the wuxia novel appears to be extremely dry and terse at first glance, but this novel reveals itself as a contemplative work on human relationships and gender.

If what I have said holds any interest to the perspective buyer then the novel should hold interest as well.

Brilliant!
The Eleventh Son: Xiao Shiyi Long, the master swordsman, is starred in this wonderful translation of Gu Long's masterpiece.A richly assorted set of villains await: the Little "Mister", the Hawk King, and, the cleverest of all, Count Carefree.Although one of the focuses may be wuxia, it also delves into character issues, romance, and psychology.Tai has translated this classic to be understood and treasured by all.

Typical Gu Long....Excellent!
I think those who are criticizing the story are all new to the "Wuxia" novel genre, and unfamiliar with the writing style of the venerable Gu Long.Short paragraphs and short fighting scenes are two distinct traits of most of his works.If Jin Yong is the harbinger of light or optimistic writer in this genre, then Gu Long would have to be the ambassador of darkness and pessimism.

The one reviewer is correct that Gu Long is a polarizing writer, but in my case, my Chinese friends all love him --as do I.I have a hunch that Ms. Tai chose this novel to translate, because more than any other, it more a story of unfulfilled love than it is a story about martial arts.

The translation of this novel is first-class, and if not for Ms. Tai's efforts, I sadly would never have had the chance to enjoy it.I heartily recommend this for those who want to explore this untapped, yet rich genre of literature.

Which is the more sensitive gender?
I am the translator. I appreciate every reader's comments about this book. It's not my place to judge the value of Gu Long's work. I was just trying my best to translate Gu's story based on my own understanding and interpretation. However, I do have to defend my translation. Gu never wrote "Men are more sensitive than women." The comment in question is from p. 217. Please see the third line from the bottom of the page. I will give the quote here: "Women are much more sensitive then men." I wouldn't say this comment is universal truth or common sense. No matter what Gu did write, someone would be offended. However, to tell the truth, if Gu had indeed said it the other way around, I might not have been inspired to translate this novel in the first place.

For those who are curious about what this story is really about, below is a book review from YellowBridge, a Chinese-American guide:

Despite the popularity of movies such as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "House of Flying Daggers", the English reader does not have too many choices when it comes to finding the martial art novels that inspired these type of movies in the first place. The first modern master of the genre to be translated into English was Louis Cha, who was based in Hong Kong and is the undisputed giant of the genre. With the translation of "The Eleventh Son", we have an excellent sample from another great writer, Gu Long, who was based in Taiwan. Gu Long ("Ancient Dragon") was the pseudonym for Xiong Yaohua (1937-1985), who is considered one of the top martial arts novelists. He wrote sixty nine over a twenty-five year career that was cut short at age 48, when he died due to liver failure caused by excessive drinking. "The Eleventh Son", published in Chinese in 1973, was a popular source for several movies and TV series, including Swordsman and Enchantment, a 1978 hit movie. Gu Long also published a sequel to the novel in 1976 but "The Eleventh Son" stands complete on its own.

The title character of "The Eleventh Son", Xiao Shiyi Lang, is an atypical hero even in the colorful pantheon of kung fu heroes. He is a true free spirit who, having no permanent home or family, aimlessly roams the land as he likes. He is highly skilled in the martial arts but he does not have the reputation for selfless service we come to expect of kung fu heroes. On the other hand, the established martial arts community is led by a group of exalted gentlemen whose martial skills are apparently only matched by their virtues. In fact, their reputation is such that the core group of six members is known as the "Six Ideal Gentlemen". Although Xiao's alleged crimes have never been witnessed by anyone, the "Ideal Gentlemen" have already labeled him as the "Great Bandit", a ruffian that needs to be stopped lest he sully the reputation of the whole martials arts community.

These two worlds collide when Xiao happens to rescue Shen Bijun, the most beautiful woman in the martial world, from repeated kidnap attempts. Shen is the daughter of a prominent family and happens to be married to Lian Chengbi, an accomplished martial artist from an equally respected family. In other words, Shen was already married to her perfect match, at least by the standards of Chinese society. Unfortunately for Xiao, Lian also happens to be one of the "Six Ideal Gentlemen" who are out to get him. Because of injuries they sustained as well as lies spread by Xiao's enemies, Xiao and Shen spend weeks on their own and on the run from the "Ideal Gentlemen" as well as from the person who tried to kidnap Shen in the first place. Although Shen is never unfaithful to her husband and Xiao's behavior towards her is always aboveboard, Gu Long is able to weave an ever more intense web of emotions between the characters even though they never actually reveal their inner feelings to each other. To make things more complicated, Xiao is not without his female admirers. His sometime drinking buddy and probably only friend is another free-spirit martial artist called Feng Sinian, who is probably secretly in love with him. It was Feng's scheme to steal a famed sword that put Xiao in the path of Shen Bijun in the first place.

The powder keg environment that Gu Long has created is perfect for the novel's twin themes of love and hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is dealt with straightforwardly. Without giving too much of the plot away, we can say that the "Ideal Gentlemen" simply aren't so ideal after all. They all have skeletons in their closets that are the real reason they are all so bent on killing the presumed bandit. But in the subject of love, and more specifically, the pain of love is where Gu Long really shines. I have never read a novel in which the pain is so palpable even though the presumed love between the two protagonists is never actually spelled out. Both Xiao and Shen are mindful of what the proper behavior between two unrelated person of the opposite sex would be. Neither ever considers running away with the other. There's never a spoken expression of love or even a kiss. And yet no stronger bond of love could ever be created. Each is prepared to sacrifice himself or herself to save the other. Whereas many a writer has written about unrequited love, Gu Long has made a strong case that requited love can be even more painful.

As only the second martial arts writer in English translation, Gu Long is certain to invite comparison to Louis Cha. The two writers, who actually knew each other, are equally adept at surprising and entertaining their readers but use very different techniques. Both writers were well-read in both Western and Chinese novels and thus brought new vigor to the Chinese novel. Louis Cha tends to infuse his novels with historical facts and freely weaving historical personages, both real and mythical into novels. His novels tend to have a large cast of characters and they often interact with the historical figures. The result is that his novels tend to have an epic quality to them. Gu Long, on the other hand, as the translator reminds us, was very conscious of how novels, even those set in ancient times could be interpreted by government censors as commentaries on the present. To avoid possible censorship, he explicitly avoided historical references. As a result, the novel does not give much clue to identify the specific time period. The number of key characters is relatively small but they are described in rich detail. There's also an underlying sensuality that is usually lacking in kung fu novels. The overall effect is a much more human-scale novel that is the perfect laboratory of human emotions.

As translator Rebecca S. Tai writes in the introduction, Gu Long, introduced a unique writing style characterized by very short paragraphs, many just one sentence long. Gu Long also sprinkles very interesting personal observations about human behavior throughout the narrative. His wry observations, a few of which could appear dated or politically incorrect to a Western reader, help understand the motivation behind his characters.

Poor story, contrived characters, but good translation
Few martial arts novels by major writers have been translated into English, so we're grateful for the few translators like Rebecca Tai, who does a great job translating this novel into idiomatic English. Unfortunately, content-wise, the novel's characters start out interesting but become increasingly contrived as the story progresses, which sucks both the fun and the drama out of the story.

The story starts out with a description of Feng, a wild, uninhibited and beautiful bandit girl who is a great, fun character.She has a crush on Xiao Xiyi Lang, an infamous bandit and awesome martial artist who is the "Eleventh Son" of the title. The book is fun as long as these two bandits are flirting and quarreling.

Unfortunately for the reader, two things happen: First, the fun Feng disappears from the story.The major female character becomes Shen, beautiful, married and virtuous, and much more boring than Feng.Second, Xiao Xiyi Lang's character changes: he ceases to be a wild, fun, uninhibited bandit and instead becomes a noble, misunderstood sad sack, a morally perfect saint and object of pity who is unjustly accused of countless crimes he did not commit.

After the fun Feng disappears from the story, we meet the married and virtuous Shen, "the most beautiful woman in the martial world", but whose martial arts are overrated-- her only skill is hurling golden needles.When she runs out of needles, as she does early on, she's a helpless damsel in distress, so Xiao must rescue her over and over.(At least Feng, though less beautiful and less virtuous, could take care of herself-- I guess beauty and virtue are inversely proportional to self-reliance.)

Early on, we are led to believe the story will center around a famous blue sword called the Deer Carver.Xiao Xiyi is framed for its theft.But the story thereafter becomes centered on Xiao saving Shen over and over. A romantic conflict is set up as Shen feels attracted to him, but she is too virtuous to cheat on her husband.The plotline about the Deer Carver is abandoned; we never find out what happened to the sword, who stole it, etc.Instead, the plot mostly consists of Shen learning over and over how misunderstood and unfairly slandered the hero is.

Xiao is made into an object of extreme pity, rather than a real, breathing person.Nobody, nobody, understands poor Xiao (except maybe the beautiful Shen.) He is framed and victimized by all the book's other male characters. It's not clear why they all pick poor Xiao Xiyi Lang to frame for crimes, but anyway, the world is against him.

The protagonist is an alcoholic, and given that the author Gu Long was an alcoholic, one cannot help feeling Xiao is a stand-in for the author. This by itself is not necessarily bad, as many drunk authors have created drunken alter-egos of themselves. But if we compare this with, say, F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Tender is the Night" or Kerouac's "Dharma Bums", those authors create drunken alter-egos, but do not encourage us to see them as victims of external cruelty. When an author creates an alter-ego, he must observe two rules: A. don't make him the noblest person in the room, and B. don't ask us to see him as a pitiful victim of external circumstances. Gu Long breaks those rules, and portrays alcoholism as a sentimental malady, a symptom of romantic disappointment. That ain't realistic.

As for the writing style, as others have pointed out, Gu Long has a unique style, consisting of short paragraphs maybe containing just one sentence, and minimal description, with the kind of spareness that some consider profound.Rebecca Tai's translation captures the feeling of the original style, so my Chinese friends tell me. But you may not like the style.

The author constantly inserts comments about human nature, psychological/emotional "insights".Some of these "insights" are obvious, and others are questionable or wrong. On p.302, he writes, "Most women are slightly more optimistic, because they don't look as far into the future." Now that point I dispute. Most women think further into the future than men, worrying about house downpayments and/or having babies etc., while most men rarely think further into the future than the next orgasm. (Note: when I first wrote this review, I misquoted this, getting it mixed up with the quote on p.217, "Women are much more sensitive than men," a point I do not dispute.The translater, Ms. Tai, pointed out my mistake.)

Later on p. 302 he writes, "Dying is a painful thing for most people." Gee, ya think?

Clearly Gu Long's style is very polarizing, some love it, some hate it. Most of the other reviewers posting below love him. The Chinese people I know (who have read the original) hate him.

There are few enough martial arts novels translated into English, and I would hate to discourage the few translators in the field like Ms. Tai. So I don't much enjoy giving this book a low rating. But a man's gotta be honest.

At any rate this is not the translator's fault, and I hope she goes on to translate more martial arts authors. ... Read more

Product Description
This comprehensive manual covers everything from the history and development of the five most common throwing weapons--spears, knives, tomahawks, shurikens and boomerangs--to their selection or manufacture, grip, distances, throwing motions and advanced combat methods. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Big info, small package.
Being a self-tought thrower, I found alot of useful information as far as grip and stance.The directions for how to make a light spear has given me the idea to start spear throwing.This is a great book for beginners, butpeople who can stick 8 out of 10 times or better will find little use forit.If you stick less than 50% or want to try throwing spears, hatchets,tomahawks, shuriken or boomerangs for the first time, you will benefit fromit.If you're a fast reader, you'll be done with this in 30 minutes.It'sless than 100 pages. ... Read more

Product Description
In the tradition of The Martial Artist's Book of Five Rings, one of America's most experienced teachers of karate offers new interpretations of fundamental martial arts texts. The book includes new translations of essays on leadership, correct behavior, character, and values. "Hereditary Manual of Fighting Techniques" by Yagyu Tajimanokami Munenori explores the relationship between Zen philosophy and warfare and the mental preparation for successful fighting. In "The Ultimate Sword," Takuan Soho describes the unremitting effort that must be undertaken to become a true master of strategy. He uses key aspects of sword-fighting strategy to shed light on the path to self-realization in "The Miracle of Immovable Wisdom." Kotoda Yahei Toshisada emphasizes the importance of training and learning techniques over theory in 'Technical Study of Kenpo." In "The School of Two Heavens," Musashi Miyamoto applies the principles of sword fighting to military arts and politics. Mastuura Saizan focuses on strengthening the weak points of the human mind, and exploiting the natural movements of the human body, in "Jyoseihi Kendan." And "Tengu's Dialogue on the Martial Arts" by Issai Chosanshi is a manual for students of the martial arts, presented in the form of a dialogue with a master. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

one of the best books i've read
This book was recommended to me by Sensei Noone; who was one of Tabatas students.. And it goes without saying, its phenomenal. It's a combination of old and new wisdoms, "five rings" style and references but with a modern and current twist.

Masterful Collection of Samurai Philosophy
If you like warrior philosophy this is a must own book.It is designed to reread and contemplated, and it is not a flowing story for those looking for entertainment or history.The author's intro sums it up:

"The most important factor in studying the martial arts is not merely to understand, but to transcend rationale and technique.Mastering both of these concepts is necessary and, like the two wheels of a cart, neither will be useful if one is missing.
"In the martial arts, the spiritual aspect is the most important, and our forerunners, who were swordsmen of genius, have left legacies gathered from their personal encounters.Here I have collected works that I feel are most pertinent to the true understanding of the martial arts. These books were written between the 15th & 16th century, a time in Japanese history of Warring States and attempts at unification.The art of war was not merely a sport or spiritual training; this was a time when one's existence depended on one's skill in destroying the enemy.These works, the records of men who lived by the sword in harsh times, contain valuable lessons for us today."

My one complaint is I already own some of these excerpts from their original source, so their is some redundancy.Nevertheless, it is an outstanding collection.The book has the following chapters:

1) Hereditary Manual of the Martial Arts -Yagyu Munenori
2) Technical Study of Kenpo -Kotoda Yahei Toshisada
3) The Miracle of Immovable Wisdom -Takuan Soho
4) The Ultimate Sword -Takuan Soho
5) School of 2 heavens -Musashi
6) Jyoseishi Kendan -by Matsura Seizan (possibly based on an early Shinto Ryu system?)
7) Tengu's Dialog on the Martial Arts -Issai Chozanshi
8) Secrets of Tactics -by the author
9) Hagakure excerpt
10) A study of Leadership & Politics -Le Sei Min (known in Japan as "Taisou", he was a Tang Chinese ruler)
11) Gichou (a prime minister of Taisou)
12) Sai Kon Tan -Kou Ji Sei (Ming Dynasty China)
13) The Levels of Enlightenment -Kok Yim Ci Yuen (13th in succession from Buddha)
14) Satori

If that doesn't get you excited, this book is definitely not for you.

Full of Wisdom for the Warrior
This is a great book! It contain several texts/teachings from the great masters of martial arts which are just as important and helpful today as the day that they were written. I would highly recommend this book to any practitioner of the martial arts, and especially to those who are truly interested in the warrior lifestyle. Kazumi Tabata has done a great job in compiling and writing this book and I enjoyed it very much and frequently refer back to it for motivation. The format is good and it is well organized and easy to read. Secret Tactics is simply packed with useful wisdom for the martial artist and the layman alike.

This is a great addition to any martial arts library and I highly recommend that anyone interested in martial arts check this book out. You will not be disappointed!

Bohdi Sanders, author of Warrior Wisdom: The Heart and Soul of Bushido

Wow....
This may actually be the best book I have ever read.The principles can be applied to all aspects of life, so it's certainly for anyone.It's a shame that it's not more widely known, but word of mouth should help to make this book the classic it should be.

Okay, for those of you wondering what's in the book, it has a lot of very insightful information and it is written very well.Lots of books such as these may babble on and on about some of the philosophies, but this book is very to the point.It doesn't, by any means, skimp on information, it's just very direct and efficient.The writing in many ways is consistent with the teachings within.Read the book...... EVERYONE!!!!

A Must
I agree that truth prevails over deception, but this book isn't about spreading the Good News, it's about learning how to train your body, mind and spirit in the ways of martial arts, but not just in that specific field but in any, you would only have to replace words in the text with their corresponding counterparts for the situation.

I find that anybody learning martial arts would definetly benefit from the teachings from this book, especially those learning any art focused around a sword (Iaido, Kendo, Iaijutsu, ...). Also, the leadership area of the book is great and easily transposed to any field.

If you are a Martial Arts instructor I suggest reading a teaching from this book to every class you teach and if possible, focus the training of the day on that which was read or will be read afterwards.

I hope this is useful for you... ... Read more

Product Description
This moment of perfect clarity that is the force behind all the traditional Japanese arts—from archery to flower arranging—is celebrated here in Dave Lowry's exploration of the common principles shared by calligraphy and the martial arts.

Forty-two examples of Lowry's calligraphy, accompanied by his essays, show how the way of the brush reflects the strategic principles of the way of the sword. Each calligraphy represents a term from the martial arts—such asdo, the way, orwa, harmony. The accompanying text amplifies our understanding of the term, what it meant to Japanese warriors, and what it means to practitioners of calligraphy and the martial arts today. What becomes clear is that these two seemingly unrelated disciplines actually partake of the same profound elemental spirit. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

A thoughtful guide to the relationship between Budo and Japanese calligraphy.
Having read and reviewed many of the author's books on martial art traditions, this volume has become one of my favorite books.It covers forty two martial art concepts and relates the principles to the art of calligraphy.Indeed, it has been said that the cut of the sword takes the same skill as the stroke of the brush.The author provides an essay on each of the forty two martial art concepts along with his calligraphy. This book covers such as areas as Do (the way), Bu (Martial), Kata (form), Oku (the secrets), Ken (the sword), Jujitsu (Art), Rei (Etiquette) and much, much more.In conclusion, this is a book every serious martial artist will enjoy.Rating:5 stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author:Season of the Warrior: A poetic tribute to warriors, Walking with Warriors: the best of the street warrior newsletter, Myths in the martial arts and self-defense, PR-24 police baton advanced techniques, Use of the Monadnock Straight baton).

Both the Sword and the Brush becomes an extension of the self.
This is a must read for any serious practitioner of budo.

Dave Lowry is in top form as he explains the the deeper meaning of Kanjis that a budoka might encounter as they progress in their training.

This is an essential guide to understanding what we can learn from the time spent "In the Dojo" and how it could transfer to our daily lives.

Wonderful food for thought
Lowry has created a series of 2-3 page mini-essays comparing and contrasting the budo and shodo, the art of Japanese caligraphy.

A wonderful inspiration for the beginning or advanced martial artist alike, he provides another delightful vehicle for reflection.A book to be read slowly and savored.

A lack of familiarity with the written Japanese language is no impediment to the enjoyment of this book.In fact, it may serve as something as a primer for the novice.

Worth multiple readings
Dave Lowry has written an excellent book that I've read on more than one occassion.As a bugeisha (one that studies the traditional Japanese martial ways) this small treatise on terms, kanji and philosophy used in most budo settings is quite enthralling.

I've found that as I've progressed in my own training, Mr. Lowry's "Sword and Brush" becomes even more profound.Going to my bookshelf, dusting off the book cover and reading it each year has proven fruitful.His simple and direct approach provide insight into shodo (the way of the brush), a particular kanji(s) history, which allows the reader to visualize the origins of the pictograph, and its transcendence into the combat ways of Japan.Each philosophical overview imparts a wisdom found by one who has truly studied the arts and can teach intricate meanings to the reader.

Lowry is a true student of the arts; an individual steeped in budo and bujutsu.He gets "it," and tries to share his knowledge with others.

Buy this book, you won't regret it.

The way of calligraphy illuminates the way of the warrior
This elegant book from renowned martial arts author Dave Lowry is both enlightening and pleasing to the spirit. Mixing examples of his masterful brush work with insightful and thought provoking stories, Lowry delves into the deeper meaning of common martial concepts. It is easy reading yet profound. I read it for the first time nearly a decade ago then recently picked it up again. I do not know if it is the natural maturity that comes with age or through the furtherance of my martial training but I have found it even better the second time around. If you are looking for deeper meaning in from your budo training, this work belongs on your bookshelf!

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

Product Description
This is the highly anticipated follow-up to the best-selling title Martial Arts Around the World.Like the first volume in the series, Martial Arts Around the World, Volume 2, explores the martial techniques and philosophies developed over the span of history by different cultures around the globe.This time, we take you to Africa, Europe, Asia and South America to reveal the exotic and lethal arts each of these continents has produced.And as an added bonus, we focus especially on those martial arts that have proven their effectiveness through no-hold-barred combat. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

excellent
First off I think that the Indian fellow that rated this book a 1 star is angry because it doesn't acknowledge India as the birthplace of martial arts.This book gives you an excellent view (although limited due to length of the book)into various martial arts.The rare glimpses into the African martial arts alone are worth the price of the book.

Outstanding information
This book is not only perhaps the most historically accurate on the market, it is a refreshing change from the "my style is bettter than your style" or "this is a fact because Sensei Nobody told me so."Author Soet depicts modern techniques in an easy-to-follow, easy to learn form format -- he ranges from mixed martial arts to African martial arts to the latest innovations!The entire martial arts field is so overrun now with people who know just enough to get themselves into trouble setting themselves up as authorities -- I was so glad to see a legitimate authority finally put together a competent work. I have perhaps over 200 articles saved in my files, at least half of them authored by John Soet.

not as good as it sounds
The book is basically a collection of few techniques of various styles and not many styles are covered.The author has misrepresented many facts regarding the orgin of martial arts,he needs to do a lot of research beforecoming up with his theory . ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great little book - well worth the money
There aren't that many martial arts dictionaries to begin with, but this one is really quite nice.It has a 6"x4" form factor and is a little under an inch thick.At 318 pages and 7000+ definitions, it packs quite a punch and I've found it very handy.

Definitions are given with their Language of Origin (Japanese, Okinawan, Korean, Cantonese, Mandarin) and includes pronunciation guides for the same.As far as printing, it's on quality paper with a clean font and the printing is quite exceptional compared to a lot of rag books that seem to pop up in the MA world.

With this many definitions, it covers a lot of ground.I wouldn't mind it including more phrases, especially terms from particular styles.However, when it does have phrasing, it tells you if it's commonly used, or particular to a given style of MA.

I love the size and it's a nice addition for any student.Certainly it's worth it's price.One might think it would be helpful to include the native language pictograms, but with multiple languages, this could be confusing.Those typically take up a lot of space and for the most part, English speaking martial artists don't tend to need that information.If you do, I recommend you pick up an accompanying dictionary for the language you need.

I lament only one thing about this book, and it's why I can't give it a 5.Although the pages of the book themselves are bound and cut very nicely, the cover gluing is brittle and the cover came off of mine amost immediately with use.It's hanging on by the edge of the front cover, and I'm certain I'll need to glue this up on my own to repair it.I may have simply been unlucky.Either way, it can be fixed and shouldn't detract from your consideration to purchase this book.

Good book to keep in Karate bag
Easy to find words and handy size to keep in your Karate bag. Doesn't cover all but does a good job covering most of the common names. Has blankpage at the end to make notes. Well worth the money. ... Read more

Product Description
Though generally perceived and advertised as means of self-defense, body sculpting, and self-discipline, martial arts are actually social tools that respond to altered physical, social, and psychological environments. This book examines how practitioners have responded to stimuli such as feminism, globalism, imperialism, militarism, nationalism, slavery, and the commercialization of sport. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

John F. Gilbey would be proud!
The publisher's review of this text does not even come close to capturing the spirit of the essays contained in Martial Arts in the Modern World.Editors, Thomas A. Green and Joseph R. Svinth, have written and collected a veritable treasure trove of material that examines popular, and some not so popular, martial arts from a fresh perspective.The book's dedication, to John F. Gilbey, serves as a good preface to what one can expect from the work.

As Dr. Green states in the introduction, this is not an instructional book but one that examines "the forces and philosophies that shaped the fighting arts of the twentieth century."His opening essay on "Sense in Nonsense" looks at the functional role of folk history within martial systems and sets the framework for a more critical analysis of present day martial systems.The papers presented take a look at the role of civil combative systems within the modern world, from the ubiquitous judo, kendo and karate to the less well-known capoeira to the more obscure arts of Indian wrestling, kalenda and "knocking and kicking," and how they have influenced the contemporary martial mundi. This is not to say that the tone of the text is dryly academic.Indeed, the essays are easily digested and thoroughly good reading.

The origins of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in classical judo cum professional wrestling, via Maeda Mitsuyo, are examined in "The Circle and the Octagon."The origins of Taekwon Do from classical Japanese karate are presented in a paper by Eric Madis. Joe Svinth looks at boxing in Imperial Japan in "The Spirit of Manliness."An article on "The Little Dragon: Bruce Lee" is not the idol worshipping prune whip that one would expect from a piece with that title.Instead, it is a thoughtful essay on the humanness of the man that has become an icon in popular martial culture.Yamada Shoji's piece on "The Myth of Zen in the Art of Archery" debunks the paradigm of mysticism that has surrounded Japanese archery in the West.(This is a good companion piece to William Bodiford's entry on "Religion and Spiritual Development: Japan" in Dr. Green's, Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia.Bodiford, among other things, looks at how Suzuki did to kendo what Herrigel did to kyudo, that is, create a nationalistic mystique around a utilitarian technique.)Dr. Green's articles on "Surviving the Middle Passage: Traditional African Martial Arts in the America" and "Freeing the Afrikan Mind: The Role of Martial Arts in Contemporary African American Cultural Nationalism" are a glimpse into a heretofore unexplored martial cultural heritage within the African American community.

Also included in the text is a paper on the great Indian wrestler Gama, "Lion of the Punjab," by Graham Noble, and his introduction of the art of Indian wrestling to England in 1910."The Martial Arts in Chinese Physical Culture, 1865-1965" is examined by Stanley E. Henning.Jennifer Hargreaves takes a serious look at the history of women's boxing, from eighteenth and nineteenth century prizefighting to boxerobics. Tony Wolf relates his philosophy of performance combat, as applied to his work in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, in "Action Design: New Directions in Fight Choreography."The development of "Kendo in North America, 1885-1955" is discussed by Joe Svinth.And Richard Bowen looks at the "Origins of the British Judo Association, the Judo Union, and the International Judo Federation," with an emphasis on his perception of how the philosophy of the organization changed with its titles.

Perhaps the most confusing article in the text is "Martial Arts Meet the New Age: Combatives in the Early Twenty-first-Century American Military."The text, itself, isn't confusing.Svinth does his usual superlative treatment of the subject.But even with Svinth's writing to try and explain it, the adoption of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu by the U.S. Army for combative training remains mind-boggling.

Definately check it out!

Chop wood, carry water, buy the book.
If the table of contents were listed here, I honestly don't think a review would even be necessary, except to mention that the articles go above and beyond the reader's expectations. But it's not, so I'll give a few topics just to show the breadth of coverage.

Articles include: folk history in the MA; cutting-edge research on Maeda's role in the formation of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu; a new and intimate view of Bruce Lee; an examination of traditional African martial arts elements that survived the Middle Passage; and ground-breaking research in the unexplored field of modern African American martial arts (think Jailhouse Rock, 52 Blocks, Kupigana Ngumi, etc.). And that only touches one-fourth of the articles published here. Whenever an article by Jennifer Hargreaves on women's boxing is left out of the highlights, you know the rest must be good.

So who is this book for? Well, if you're familiar with publications like the Journal of Asian Martial Arts, Classical Fighting Arts, EJMAS.com, and the like, then this book is undoubtedly up your alley. If you're not, then you ought to be and this is an excellent place to start.

Martial Arts in the Modern World
This book is a 'Must Have' for those seriously interested in the academic side of the Martial Arts.The 18 or so articles gathered, explore and enlighten the subject matter from the historical to the psychological; and include varied subjects from the Olympics through the Art of Kendo to Bruce Lee, and more.

The monographs collected form a secure foundation for a collection rooted in the field of comparative cultural anthropology, and will definitely be an introduction to a new reading experience for many. Some of the leading names in Martial Arts research are represented in this collection.The ideas and research exhibited by the likes of the editors (Dr. Green and Mr. Svinth) together with established notables like Graham Noble and Dickie Bowen provide a collection rarely seen anywhere else. As a bonus, an original monograph by the Japanese educator and Founder of Judo, Jigoro Kano, is also included.

As an example of the book's intellectual diversity, I, as a Korean stylist, have long been aware of the Japanese connection to my art and the research of Mr. Eric Madis in this specific area is provided in a thought provoking, enlightening and compelling article. It will certainly be an 'eye-opener' to those studying what they have been told are Korean arts, with 2,000 year old roots.

In contrast and addition to the other areas of subject matter, we are treated to special insights concerning the specific area of African-American martial arts, including the history and influence of these arts which are also contained in this interesting collection.

In summary, I rate this work 4 stars, because of its many positive contributions and interesting reading matter.I withhold 1 star from the highest rating possible, due to the fact that the this material is only available in a somewhat pricey hard cover edition.If a soft cover, and correspondingly, cheaper version of this work, were offered I feel it would be a 5-STAR Home Run. ... Read more

Product Description
This broad survey of martial arts traditions and their evolution to modern Western practice challenging the purpose and effectiveness of many martial arts activities and training methods used in the U.S. today. By focusing on the most effective and relevant way for Americans to pursue the various martial arts, Orlando's useful insights penetrate a subject too often shrouded in mysticism and marketing hype. 30 photos. 79 illustrations Author publicity. . ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Very Thought Provoking Look At The Martial Arts From A Westerners Eyes
I found this to be a very interesting book in its approach as it takes a very practical and realistic look at traditional martial arts attitudes, philosophies, and practices as seen and analyzed from a western perspective. When I read this book I didn't see it as debasing the traditional eastern approach to the martial arts, but more of a non-traditionalist look at the martial arts that both viewpoints enjoy so very much.

Now although I don't necessarily agree with chapter and verse what the author says, I did thoroughly enjoy this book and would highly recommend it to every martial artist regardless of style.

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

Muat read
Terrific book. All martial artists should read this book. This book will not teach you how to throw a punch or kick but explains the questions that most of us had for our teachers and instructors but were always too afraid to ask either out of fear or out of respect.

Good book for newbies
I picked this up at used bookstore for $5 for a quick read. I've been in martial arts for over 30 years, spent about 5 years as an amateur boxer in my teens and have since kickboxed, and studied shotokan and japanese ju jitsu. Although the book was entertaining and well written, I can't say there was much new information in here for anyone who has been practicing since the Bruce Lee revolution. Mr. Orlando addresses topics such as classical versus western, practical/traditional, chi, kata, street clothes versus gi, barefoot/sneakers, sport karate/self defense, finding a dojo and style, etc. The advice is all good, and whether you agree or not with his conclusions, if you've never trained and are confused by all the options and styles, it is good food for thought and a good introduction to the modern state of training.

However, if you've been at it awhile, these are all issues that have been considered by the martial arts community since the 1970s, in magazines, books and dojos. Beginning with Bruce Lee and Ed Parker, and extending through to the current MMA revolution, American martial arts have come a long way since I was 12 and the only dojo in town was a Tae Kwon Do studio with a Korean master whose demeanor was 'my way or the highway'. Personally I think each person finds his or hers own path after years of training. I still love my traditional Japanese ju jitsu training, and am content with addressing my (American) teacher as 'sensei' on the mat, bowing in and out of class, using Japanese terminology and meditating for 10 minutes after each session. However, I also enjoy occasional Krav Maga classes, training balls out in sweats and sneakers and calling the instructor 'Jim'. The martial arts is a big ocean, and there's room for everybody, which I think is Orlando's point. He does a good job of pointing out the differences, similarities, pros and cons, and potential ripoffs and pitfalls. I would recommend this book to anyone thinking of starting out in the martial arts.

Disappointing
While this book makes some interesting points it comes across more as an anti-tradition propaganda piece than a useful treatise on martial arts.While the author is an experienced, highly knowledgeable practitioner, his understanding of the traditional martial arts that he rails against is incomplete and oftentimes inaccurate. Don't get me wrong; I certainly do not believe that the author is an idiot.I believe that he is the victim of bad teaching, an all too common occurrence in martial arts.

For example, he states that, "today's full-contact fighters throw devastating, lightning fast punches from a distance of less than two feet.Against this kind of speed, classical blocks and punches simply do not stand a chance.What amazes me is how a flaw of this magnitude - and one that is taught to thousands of unknowing students every day - still exists in what are, otherwise, extremely potent arts..." This is just flat wrong.

Contrary to Mr. Orlando's understanding, in classical blocks the hand that is out (e.g. just punched or blocked) performs the actual block, check, or deflection, while the hand that is in chamber executes a technique designed to control the opponent's limb.Even though it is often hidden, almost all blocks in traditional karate styles utilize this check/control methodology.In all cases, there is never ever any "wind-up" preceding anything.In most traditional schools all but the most junior students understand that simple fact.

To delve deeper, the word "uke" translates more accurately to "receive" than it does to "block."When viewed in this context, it may be easier to understand that practitioners typically check, deflect, or control an attack rather than meeting it force-on-force.Using the traditional check/control methodology, a practitioner's outstretched hand need only deflect an attack by a few inches to spoil its effect when contact is made close to an opponent's body.In this fashion karateka can easily avoid being hit by even the most "devastating" of punches no matter how fast, or how powerfully, or even how unexpectedly they are thrown.

Common misconceptions such as this one are the reason that I believe it is imperative to supplement the traditional modeling approach to instruction with interactive discussions and other teaching styles.Regardless, I hate to see this sort of stuff perpetuated...

Now that I've ripped him down, I will point out that there are some redeeming concepts in this book.For example, the author also promotes practicing martial arts in the same sort of attire one might be wearing in real life.If you have spent your whole life barefoot in a dojo, training with loose fitting clothes, you may well be in for a shock the first time you have to fight in tight-fitting jeans wearing boots.This is a very valid point.I wholeheartedly agree that practitioners should devote some of their training to more realistic conditions though that often must occur at their home rather than in a tradition karate school.

All in all, however, there is not enough meat in this book for me to feel like I got my money's worth from purchasing it.It was disappointing. Get Sifu Orlando's book "Indonesian Fighting Fundamentals: The Brutal Arts Of The Archipelago" instead. It's a great read and well worth buying.

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

Ever Wonder about Tradition vs. Modernity in M.A.?
Have you ever done a technique and known in your heart of hearts it was highly impractical?Have you ever guiltily wondered about some of the promotion, rank, and respectibility games some martial artists play?Have you ever felt torn between ancient methods and recent technology?Bob Orlando broaches many of these unspoken topics which affect martial artists today.

While this book does not tear down and dismiss altogether the traditional methods of training, Orlando offers insights into many of the concepts and practices traditionalists (including myself) have been wrestling with for a long time.Morover, Orland serves up these topics with good humor, and does not pretend to be feeding his readers any absolute answer.As a long time student and teacher of the martial arts, I found these views helpful and long overdue (in print, at least).It is nice to know there are others out there who often wonder about and question our "sacred cows", and it is good to see someone who can do this without the snobishness of some so-called "modern" martial arts practitioners.

Orlando's background includes Chinese Kenpo-Karate, Kung fu under Al Dacascos, and Chinese Kuntao and Indonesian Pentjak Silat under master teacher William de Thours.Here is a quote which I really liked: "Rank[...] is excess baggage.It becomes a hinderance to learning because everyone expects that you already know everything". ... Read more

Product 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 (31)

Fueling the machine
This is a great introduction into the overwhelming but important world of nutrition. like many others posted, it always keeps in mind the needs of a martial artist, and always reiterates the importance of nutrition as a a martial artist. It is very blunt and simple to comprehend, making it applicable to a wide variety of audiences.

My knowledge on the subject has expanded much wider and i feel alot more confident being able to distinguish between facts and myths of the nutrition world. by adding a bit of humor into the writing, the authors also keep it entertaining and enjoyable.

My only complaint is the repetition of some information, which is counterbalanced by the fact that the repition helps in remembering the information, however it just seemed tedious and annoying while reading the same exact sentence 2-5 times within a 'chapter'

all in all, it is a great book, this is my first review, and the reason i chose to review this book in particular is because i found it informative, fun, and a great referance to keep around the house.

Good book but nothing new
The only benefit this book really has is that it occasionally makes references to martial arts. The material in the book can be found in dozens other health/fitness books, with the exception of occasionally saying "since you do martial arts you may look into this more" which is something the other books overlook.

A great book though by all means for those who do martial arts and I highly recommend it. However, if you have a lot of knowledge on health/fitness already, this book will provide little new information.

Great general nutrition info for everyone, not just for Martial Artist
First of all, don't be decieved by the title. Yes, it was written especially for the martial artist and mixed martial artist, but this book has great basic diet information. By diet I am not referring to any of the "fads" out there, though the book talks aobut those, too. This book gives you the basic information about calories in carbs, protein, fat and how to find a proper balance. there is a whole section on fad diets--the good, the bad and the ugly. They address vitamins, minerals and hydration. They they move on to creating a personalized diet plan (how to create one for yourself). There are a couple sections that you can skip if you're not into martial arts, but there is still more than enough information in this book to help anyone who wants a healthier lifestyle.

Very Good Explanation Of Nutrition and Conditioning Concepts.
This book really surprised me. It is well written and thoroughly explains nutrition for the martial artist/ fighter as well as some very good conditioning techniques.
If you're nutritional knowledge is lacking, then this book is a very good place to start.

Really useful book
This book is full of information that is very useful in managing your body. I compete in Taekwondo, and this book covers managing your diet while increasing, maintaining or dropping weight. After reading this book I dropped my weight from 100kg to 80kg and felt great the whole time I was dropping. It explains a lot about how your body works and what it needs. The only thing I've found that probably doesn't agree with other references is the amount of your calorie intake that should be taken as protein. This book recommends a higher number than a lot of other references.
Overall, it is excellent. ... Read more

Product Description
Have you ever seen an action-packed kung fu movie? Have you seen people moving their bodies in the calm motions of tai chi in a park on a Saturday morning? You might not think these two practices have much in common, but they do. They are both styles of the ancient Chinese martial arts of wushu. Discover the sports in which the "hard and stron ... Read more