Reviews (3)

Good book but not much new stuff
I am a submission grappling student and thought I could benefit by adding a few sambo techniqes to my repetoire.The problem is that 90%+ of this book is standard jiu jitsu/BJJ techniques with a different name.I should not be surprised since most efficient grappling techniques exploit the same weaknesses of the human body.It covers the guard, side mount, mount and north-south positions (from a hold/pinning viewpoint) with different names for the positions but you'll recognize them.
Tons of content
This book teaches high ratio of success techniques that work for sambo, judo, and jujitsu without a lot of fluff.I highly recommend it as a study guide.

Outstanding!
Excellent guide for anyone wanting to compete in Sambo or anyone looking for skills to win fights in the real world. The technique descriptions and photos work for anyone, with or without groundfighting experience. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    2. Martial Arts - Judo    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Wrestling   

Reviews (13)

Drift with the wind, float with the clouds
David Carradine was an actor in the original "Kung Fu" television series of the early 1970s. Although Bruce Lee introduced martial arts to mainstream American living rooms as Kato in "The Green Hornet," this program had a deeper martial arts theme, and the show was very popular. Mr. Carradine was asked by his martial arts master, Sifu (Master) Kam Yuen, to write a book that would present the teachings and principles of Kung Fu. The book is divided into three parts: Stories, Ancient Wisdom, and Lessons. I will devote more commentary to the last two sections. This work was published in 1991. At the time, Mr. Carradine had studied Kung Fu and related martial arts for 18 years.
This book has something that many martial art books do not
It has authentic convictions that are expressed out of personal experience regarding many spiritual, motivational and practical matters. The content veers away from trying to express what is most commonly accepted through traditional teachings and instead offers an honest insight into the personal take on the full spectrum of the martial arts as a very human way of life.
Too shallow Grasshopper
I found this book slightly misleading from the title but should have known considering books like this are a dime a dozen. This book starts off basically giving a low-down of Carradine's start with the Kung-Fu movies and TV series and then discusses some of his other films involving martial arts. From there it proceeds to give general lessons and personal musings on what kung fu is and encompasses. There are some historical mentionings like Bodidharma spreading the art to China from India, the significance of the Tao Te Ching, and a general history of Kung Fu. This book is by no means comprehensive and lacks that extra depth that is appealing for novices wanting to learn more about the art. I found the book to contain profound truth on many subjects but never really felt the message as most of it seemed like recycled cliches and stories you've heard a million times if you are familiar with the Eastern arts. One particular gripe I had about the book involves lack of accuracy. On page 92 Carradine writes, "The limitation of karate stems, at least in part, from its association with Japanese-style Buddhism, which ignores or forgets the Chinese Taoist principles and replaces them with specific, and generally radical, ideas peculiar to the Japanese culture, i.e. Zen.Much could be said about the subject of Zen, but we are interested here in kung fu, so best look elsewhere for that."This is simply not true. There is a large body of work out there related to and examining Zen Buddhism. In this work you'll find that it's common knowledge that Zen is a combination of Chinese Buddhism and Taoist principles. Thus the word in Chinese for the Japanese Zen is Chan. Furthermore, Japanese karate is not necessarily limiting. It's just an evolved development of the spread of martial arts from the mainland to an island. The same philosophical lessons and achievements to be gained in kung fu can also be gained in Japanese karate with the proper attitude and focus. Anyway, this book reads pretty quick and if you are interested in some light-philosophical reading that you shouldn't take too seriously you might enjoy this book. Otherwise, delve into the fascinating martial arts by reading other material. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. General    4. Kung fu    5. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    6. Martial arts    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. New Age / Parapsychology    9. Religious   

Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Philosophy    4. Philosophy / Eastern    5. Taoism   

Reviews (12)

excellent!!!
...as usual, Dr. Yang does it again with this exceptional work. Buy his books...honestly, buy them all! You can read this many times over and still keep learning new things and getting new ideas. Pretty much like all of his books. Thank you yet again, Dr. Yang. You make me feel humble knowing there are still true masters living in this world.

Another fine book by Dr. Ming
This is another of Dr. Ming's excellent books on the Chinese martial arts. I have many of them, including his complete video tape series on chin na, and regard his books and videos as a source of quality information.
A valuable White Crane reference
The White Crane is a southern chinese kung fu style, and Dr. Yang's reference sets the standard. The White Crane style is a parent art from which many southern styles developed (including Wing Chun, Japanese and Okinawan Karate) so it is worth studying.
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Subjects:  1. China    2. Martial Arts    3. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Oriental martial arts    7. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (19)

What Traditional Jujutsu is SUPPOSED to Look Like
I saw one of the reviews on this page that gave the book one star because he said it looked more like karate than jujutsu...which tells me right there that this person (the reviewer) has no clue what real jujutsu is all about.Because of Brazilian JJ and mixed-martial arts too maybe folks today think Jujutsu is all about rolling around on the floor; but a study of the traditional ryu shows that atemi-waza (striking) and keri-waza (kicking) were ALWAYS significant parts of the art. How much of an idiot would a samurai (the originators of the art) have been if they did matwork on the battlefield?For them it was all hit, move, hit, kill, move.
Great Book on JUJITSU
I don't know what some of those other guys were talking about, this is by no means a karate book. It tells the history if Jujitsu, how the basic principles work, and shows a lot of the basic and advanced techniques. It's not a strict how-to book (you need a class for that), but it's great as a how-to-understand how-to book, if you get what I mean.

Smart Book for Jujutsu People
This is a different kind of martial arts book.It goes for the brain rather than the fist.Instead of a how-to book, it's a book on how the art itself works, from the core.Very nice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Jiu-jitsu    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense    6. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    7. Sports & Recreation / General   

Reviews (1)

Exceptional work Deserves to be widly known
Though designed for the martial arts audience the work actually encompasses a profound religious view that many who have only a marginal interest in the martial arts would find inspiring.The work is by turns a funny, brusque, burlesque and serious.If one has an interest in Zen one will find this little volume of interest. Read more

Subjects:  1. Early works to 1800    2. Japan    3. Kendo    4. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    5. Military art and science    6. Philosophy    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Oriental martial arts    10. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense    11. Travel, Sports, & Recreation | Sports | Individual Sports   

Reviews (3)

Twelve Unique Old Translated Writings on Bushido
Translator William Scott Wilson offers us something unique with this book, first published in 1982 by Ohara.I can't recall any other source which includes this many specific writings on bushido (the warrior-gentleman's path)--there are 12 documents in this book, all written by different members of the warrior classes, dating from the 13th century (Hojo Shigetoki's "Message of Master Gokurakuji") to the 17th century (Kuroda Nagamasa's "Notes on Regulations"). Read the translations and make your own interpretations
Unlike the many books on bushido I have bought, this is a collection of short writings translated with no interpretation, other than an introduction.There are no great descriptions of great battles fought. The passages tend toward the more mundane business of being a feudal lord. Several are 'last statements' which gives you insight as to what the Samurai really wanted to be remembered for.And you will remember the quotable word bites. There are several B&W reproductions of paintings of the authors.

A living Samurai spirit
This wonderful book is a prove that spirit has its reserved place on world history and in the mind of whose want to live a honrable live code. Not a mere historical report but a sensive demonstration of respect by alife-style ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bushido    2. Conduct of life    3. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    4. Japan - History    5. Philosophy    6. Samurai    7. Combat sports & self-defence    8. Japan    9. World history   

Reviews (7)

Thank Goodness for QiGong
This book was my intro into QiGong and after 10 years I can see how the standing form has helped me become the successful person I am today.
Beware, Major typo.
During the section on Nei gung, the illustration shows the ming men point in the wrong place (way too high-opposite the heart.) Useful introduction to Quigong, if a bit erratic.
This book is not going to be the only Quigong book in your library.However, it is a useful one.Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Qi gong    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Exercise & workout books    7. Oriental martial arts    8. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (11)

The Reference for Tae Kwon Do
I bought this book (copyrighted 1976), in 1985, and here in 2006, I still consider it to be THE reference for Korean Martial Arts. In addition to its merit as an outstanding reference, the book was manufactured with high, lasting quality. While many martial arts books have come and gone, this book is one of a handful worth keeping.
Quality Book Containing Quality Information
In an age where low quality has become the rule, Richard Chun's Book "Tae Kwon Do: The Korean Martial Art" is an exception.This was the first of the widely available large taekwondo books covering World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) style. Tae Kwon Do The Korean Martial Art
I used this book years ago when taking the sport myself and now my children are referencing it with great success.Excellent illustrations of basic stances, kicks, punches, etc.Outstanding section detailing Pal-Gwe forms.The down side is, Taegeuk forms are not included. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Karate    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Martial Arts - Tai Kwon Do    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Tae kwon do    7. Oriental martial arts    8. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (6)

Becky Stringer"olillulu"
I thought that this book reviewed a lot for me and explained to my husband the difference between my Ju-jitsu and his ta kwion do.

Good follow-up to Kirby's basic book on Jujitsu
This book contains some valuable techniques and is worth owning (in my opinion).I personally use some of the ideas taught therein.For a Jujitsu book even more replete with techniques, however, I recommend his basic book on JuJitsu.I use several ideas from that guide, too.

Excellent approach to jujitsu
This book does not attempt to cover the entire jujitsu syllabus, but addresses specific topics, such as dealing with multiple attackers, varyations on techniques and self-defence situations.Read more

Subjects:  1. Jiu-jitsu    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (4)

Still the Best Introduction to Hung Gar for the Actual Student

Excellent Book on Hung Gar!
Of all the older style martial art books that show many pictures and techniques, this one is one of the best.Sifu Buck Sam Kong has been known to be open and honest about his art, and this book is a reflection of that.Of course, one should not hope or desire to learn an art form from a book--particularly a martial art form--but this text is pretty darn clear about what Lau Gar Kuen is about.Expressed in the photos as well is the kind of physical endurance one will need to practice the art: low stances, powerful hands and arms, and fierce determination.

Excellent book
This book is a great book for the introduction to Hung Gar, or a student already adept in it. The book covers the history of the 5 animals used in Hung Gar, as well as the footwork of each animal and attacking patterns of each animal. This book also discusses the philosophy of Chinese Boxing/Hung Gar plus the foundations of the system. I highly recommend this. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Sports    2. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (5)

Beautiful beginner's book on Aikido
I bought this book after comparing it with other similar books, including "Best Aikido" by this book's author & his father.I decided to buy this one because the photography was far better, and much of the presentation struck me as more clear and detailed.
From fundamentals to basic techniques to applied skills
The Ueshibi family as continued the Aikido tradition founded by Morihei Ueshiba, handing down the lessons learned from O-sensei and presenting his art and philosophy to a greater world audience. This book, "Progressive Aikido," was written by his grandson Moriteru Ueshiba.
Another Kodansha re-packaging of the same-old
First, this review is not meant to defend or rationalize aikido as a martial art, to compare its effectiveness against MMA, Jeet Kune Do, or anything else for that matter.This review is intended for fellow aikidoka looking for quality research books to add to their library.
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Subjects:  1. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (27)

Entertainment and Advice
After reading several of his books, I feel like I've come to know Animal. I'm familiar with some of his old stomping grounds in Ventura and have met the acqaintance of people like him. The real tragedy is that there are areas across the U.S. that breed brash troublemakers who not only put you in the precariouis position of haing to defend yourself with a crude weapon like a knife, but themselves. Many such punks routinely bite off more than they can chew, relegating them to mere predators, and not too smart ones at that.
Very good book by "Animal"
Well,
His Other books are better
I think this book was all the extra manuscript (read 'stories') that Animal had left on his computer. It's okay as far as content, but his other titles are much, much better. His web site is just as inclusive and actually serves as a clear guide to his personal philosophy and approach to fighting and combat. I now have ALL of his books. This one might gather dust, whereas the others will continue to be dog-eared, high-lighted, well-read and savored for their wisdom. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. Hand-to-hand fighting    3. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    4. Personal & Practical Guides    5. Reference    6. Safety    7. Self-defense    8. Combat sports & self-defence    9. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (26)

Definitive guide to Kendo
This book really is the definitive guide to Kendo. It has all the basic techniques and more technical stuff. Also contains all 10 Kata and dojo etiquette, all rules and details for competition Shiai. A perfect book for Kendo beginners and an interseting read for higher grades.

A solid introduction to kendo
This book is a really solid introductory text covering everything from kendo history to how to wear the hakama and protective gear to step-by-step technique explanations. It's no substitute for hands-on instruction yet it is an outstanding complement to dojo training. This text and a few notes of your own is all you'll really need to remember the important fundamental concepts of the art. It is broken into five sections, basics, stretching/warm-up exercises, waza (techniques), nihon kendo kata (form work), and keiko (practice). There are appendices on competition and judging, international kendo, and a glossary of terms. The book is not only well written and reasonably comprehensive, but it also contains clear line drawings that ensure you'll really understand the concepts. Surprisingly, there is no index, so you'll probably want a highlighter and a pad of sticky notes to mark the stuff you'll want to refer back to.
Great Book
This book has helped me greatly in my Kendo training. I recommend this book to anyone that is or is going to attend Kendo. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fencing    2. Martial Arts    3. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Oriental martial arts    7. Kendo   

Reviews (19)

Alook at the mind behind the legend.
This book has great insights to many aspects of life. It is a must have for all martial artists, both teachers and practitioners. Mr. Lee was a very profound man, with not only insights to martial arts, but into life as well. These insights came from his ongoing quest to learn and progress not only as a martial artist but as a person aw well. This book provides people with a look at the mind behind the legend. If you are looking for insights, philosophies, or simply quotes this book is for you.

The breadth of the Dragon
Bruce Lee's viewpoints on life,collected by John Little and put together in this book,is absolute inspiration.No matter what religion you believe,no matter who you are,unless you're out of touch with your heart,you'll love this book.My brother always would quote the Bible and now that I bought him this book, he quotes that as well,oddly not being a fan,he quotes Bruce Lee more than the Bible now.I always have anyway,I caught Lee's message long ago.Now in this book,it's all laid out for anyone. You don't need to be a fan or a martial artist to treasure this wisdom,all you gotta be is a human-being."I want to be remembered not as a martial artist,but as a human-being."-Bruce Lee

Jealous?
A Reader,reguardless of your "He wasn't an actor. He portrayed one" speech, not even your mother would believe that you could beat him. I don't care if he was really a trashman.He was conditioned as a martial artist. It's not like he was so out of shape that believe in his actual skill is impossible.He was fit like a demigod. Besides, I'm sure you know what Jeet Kune Do is.Who's the master? He'd whip your a** from Hong Kong, west to New Mexico,and take two lefts at Albuquerque. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History & Surveys - Modern    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Philosophy    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    7. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (4)

The Facts
Not sure if this is the best book but it is one of the best. Speaks of the truth to what a ninja is and about the myths.
Hayes' Ninja series, part 3
From the Table of Contents:
Skip it
Do yourself a favore - skip any ninjutsu/ninja books not written by the Grandmaster, Masaaki Hatsumi. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    2. Sports & Recreation    3. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (3)

Clear Explanation
Tai Chi has been important to me for decades, and I respect my teacher (not Mr. Horwood).Nevertheless, my practice has attained only a modest level of sophistication, and the benefits I have derived have been modest.In searching the literature for help, I have found no shortage of impenetrable and flowery metaphor.I've found very little that is really practically helpful.This book is short, but it is very tightly written.It gives enough history to understand the many different guises under which Tai Chi appears. It explains clearly just WHY my practice is of limited value.It gives extremely accessible and functional approaches to improvement.Along the way, it imposes a body of knowledge of related symbols that is quite extensive.This "symbolic logic" has to be more than just memorized.A person has to "soak it in" so that it becomes a sort of second nature.If I can make an analogy to the production of a fine violin, the "symbology" is a "finish" that must not be "on the wood" but actually a "part of" the wood itself.Having prepared properly, the forms can then be used harmoniously.This seems to me a very excellent and expeditious approach.In only a couple of years of dedicated (extensive) practice, important gains can reasonably be expected.I have found nothing else like this---nothing nearly practical.It is a gift, but it isn't a free gift.Lots of study and lots of practice are needed, too.As Mr. Horwood says, if it were easy, it would hardly be worthwhile.Thanks so much.

Relieves Stress
I work for a Stock brokers in the city of London and can finish the day extremely stress out. Graham Horwood's book gave me an incite into relieving stress, through both exercise (Tai Chi) and healthy eating. I highly recommend this book.

Amazing!
This book is extremely spiritual and interesting. The book has actually changed my life. Before reading this book I was remarkably unhealthy and often had health complaints. Since reading this book I have completely changed by dietary and exercise patterns, with a surprisingly positive result. It took some time and a lot of dedication and perseverance but the result was astounding. Graham Horwood is a genius and I feel I owe him a great deal, as he not only changed my outlook on life but also improved my health and vitality, which after all is the most important aspect of living a good life. An absolute must buy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Martial Arts    3. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    4. Martial Arts - Taichi    5. Spirituality - General    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (2)

Best Qi gong resource of theory
For me its the best book ever, it doesn't contain almost anypractical exercise, it explains why they work, like how to make roots on earth to have more balance , and really advanced theory of chi, it responds to a lot of medium to advanced questions. You will gain profit only if you are not a beginner qi gong practicer.
This is the book to read if you want to understand Chi.
This book gives an excellent explanation of Chi and Chi Kung from both the Western and Eastern point of view.It is recommended reading for all martial artists and is especially beneficial for someone just beginning to examine Chi and/or Chi Kung ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. General    3. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    4. New Age / Parapsychology    5. Qi gong    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (28)

When Spirituality Meets Logic
I'm not the type to buy into 'new age mysticism' or even organized religion in general.I tend to question any organization that bases their beliefs on faith over fact, all while looking for donations.However, like anyone I still have spiritual needs.
Most Valuable Book
This was the most inspritional book I have ever read. I give as a gift to everybody I haven't already givin it too. BUY this book and if you don't like i will buy it from you!

Wise words greatly needed now
I read this book for the first time in the early eighties on a flight to Dallas via San Antonio, San Marcos and Austin (cheapest ticket).It was not my first contact with Eastern Philosophy.I attended several TM classes as a senior in high school and had always been very interested in Tibet and Buddhism.
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Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. Philosophy    3. Religion - World Religions    4. Buddhism    5. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense