Reviews (33)

Works only if you are Bruce Lee or able to spend years perfecting techniques
If you have the technical skill of Bruce Lee, or look forward to attaining that level, then this book is for you.If, however, you are like 99.99999% of the rest of the human race, then the techniques in this book are impractical and trying to apply them will get you killed.Look for something else that is suited to the time and effort that you will put into learning how to defend yourself.

Bruce did not write this!
I really don't have much to say other than Bruce Lee did not, and could not have written any of the books in this series, Bruce's first book "Tao of Jeet Kune Do" as far as I know is the only real book written by Bruce Lee and that book wasn't even released until after he died, so I'm only writting this review to say don't be fooled please!

This book is truly about self defense without all the martial art B.S.
Bruce lee was had the right idea about the fundemental of self defense instead of a bunch of martial art B.S. the reason why i say this is because after taking 3 years of karate it dealt at a minimum with the fundementals of self defense but with pretty much worthless technques and katas,stances etc.
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Subjects:  1. Juvenile literature    2. Karate    3. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (106)

Tremendous Supplement for getting started at BJJ
This book is not intended to be your main instruction, but when used correctly, it helps your game tremendously, in the month and a half I've owned it, I've referred to it many times, and my BJJ game has improved quite a bit. The intructions both written and photographic are tremendous. If you're just getting started in BJJ this is a great book, Renzo and Royler are great at demonstrating these moves in the book.

A great book without good order.
Obviously written by some of the best in the business, BJJ: Theory and Technique is an excellent BJJ resource. From beginner submission to black belt level sweeps you will find very well done break downs with excellent photography of every move.
Very Good
This book is great because it shows, you every little detail, step by step, and even has close ups of what things should look like, and they also show you the move from different angles, and explain that some moves only work in certain situations, so this way you don't go out and try the move and when it doesn't work wonder why. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brazil    2. Jiu-jitsu    3. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Judo   

Reviews (26)

Good
The author does a good job translating the text into modern day principles.Definitely a good read for those interested in Bushido and it's ideas.

Interesting
I found this book educational, comical, and well worth reading. In less than a hundred pages it taught me a lot about medieval Japan. What I enjoyed more is the way its original author's voice comes shining through in the text. His condescension, his bluntness, his matter-of-fact all make for a hilarious introduction to the mind of the samurai. Some of the statements that come out of Shigesuke's mouth are a world apart from what we hear in textbooks today. He has no problem telling the student that he is a "lazy" "moron" "coward" unless he is exactly what a warrior should be. But beneath all this there is wisdom here. A very interesting book.

informative and delightful
Wonderful read, and unlike such weightier classics as THE ART OF WAR or THE BOOK OF FIVE RINGS, this one is readily accessible to the western mind.
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Subjects:  1. Bushido    2. Conduct of life    3. Eastern - General    4. Japanese Philosophy    5. Martial Arts    6. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    7. Philosophy    8. Samurai    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Customs    12. Japan    13. Oriental & Indian philosophy   

Reviews (17)

redefining
After taking me the first 3 chapters to get going, I found that I couldn't put it down.I never really thought about how I fight and what I fight for.What an eye opener.

More than worth the read!
"Fight Like a Girl" is empowering, honest and relateable. Once again, Lisa clearly communicates truths that so many women are searching for. In an understandable ways that encourages your intellect without insulting your intelligence, she encourages you to be the women you are. Femininity is strength. Kudos to Lisa for once again succeeding in reaching each and every generation and blessing them with a strength that can alter the course of their lives for the better!

Lousy
How could any educational book be taken seriously when every other work in it is god? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian Life    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Women's Issues    4. Inspirational - General    5. Religion    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Women And Religion (General)    8. Women's Studies - General    9. Combat sports & self-defence    10. Religion / Inspirational    11. Women's studies   

Reviews (5)

One of the best!
This is the first book to provide a solid understanding of the Survival Stress Reaction. Aside from the new book "On Combat" by Dave Grossman, there are few books that compare. I would recommend this title to anyone who may be forced to face violent or life-threatening situations in his/her lifetime. The information is necessary for law enforcement, military, security officers, bouncers, and others who may work in similar fields. Get this title along with the Grossman title just mentioned above and you will have a physical and mental edge on most situations. That is assuming that you apply the knowledge that these great books offer.

Great Guide
I have owned the book for years and review the text constantly as a Police Academy Training Coordinator. It is a wonderful guide and reference regarding police use of force training and practical self defense mindset, the "warrior spirit".
Groundbreaking Examination of Stress Response
I'm glad this book is back in print. I thought I'd lost my copy of it about a year ago, and when trying to replace it through some of the used book websites, discovered the used price had climbed well into the three figures. Buy this book if you have any interest in this subject whatsoever. It's that good.
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Subjects:  1. Psychology    2. Combat sports & self-defence   

Reviews (6)

Easy to understand
I have read several aikido books that demonstrate visually, proper aikido techniques.This is the first book I have read that was easy to follow, easy to understand and easy to remember.Although it was easy in all these areas, it wasn't at all lacking.The information in this book is "must have" for any beginning aikido practitioner.

Best Book on the Basics of Aikido
I have 4 other titles on Aikido and have browsed through quite a few others.I must say this is by far the best on the basics of Aikido.The pictures are reasonably clear and the descriptions are reasonably detailed.However, I would have liked all the techniques executed (and pictures taken) without the hakama on so that the readers can have a good look at the footwork as well.

The Fundamentals, from the second Doshu
_Best Aikido_ is a fine translation of the original Japanese textbook by the noted scholar of Buddhism and aikido, Dr John Stevens.Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (28)

A blend of fitness and self-defense
I have to start by saying that I love this concept.I am so tired of hearing products pushed in the fitness industry.The latest ab machines, cardio machines, etc. are all pushed as if no decent workout existed prior to their invention.David Kahn gives his readers a path to a phenomenal workout using nothing more than a few feet of space and their own body.Now there is NO excuse.You have enough room to perform these workouts in your own hotel room, and if you don't you can always walk outside.
And after 30 pounds less....
I originally got into Krav Maga as a mean to help me reduce weight while doing some type of "useful" workout.I mean by useful some type of workout that I could get something out from it besides the original purpose of losing weight.In this case it was personal defense.
The very best Krav Maga book you can buy!!
A truly inspirational book!
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Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health/Fitness    4. Krav maga    5. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    6. Safety    7. Self-defense    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Combat sports & self-defence    10. Exercise & workout books   

Reviews (17)

The search
This is a great book as an encyclopedia dealing in the development and history of Chinese Chi Kung, at a practical level I prefer the tapes of Al.

Great book
I've been studying Qigong for a while now and credit Dr. Yang for most of my progress. His books and DVDs are packed with accurate and substantial information with good form and detail. However it is obvious that Dr. Yang did not write this by himself. No offense to Dr. Yang but he can barely speak English and while he is able to communicate effectively verbally he is not by any stretch of the imagination fluent.
Highly Recommended
Very detail book for anyone practicing Qigong.It is a "must read" copy.If you need to jump start this book, go straight to Page 101 and thereafter. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies    2. Exercise    3. General    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. New Age (Self Help)    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Qi gong    9. Health & Fitness / Healthy Living    10. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (12)

Masters are masters
This book is the authority of Tai Chi Quan.Thorough and explicit, it is the bible of practising Tai Chi Quan. Serious stuff! I wish it could be more lively and fun to read through.

One of the best books on tai chi
This book presents the 24 and 48 posture tai chi form. The 24 move form is good for busy people, but the 48 move form is even better because it combines movements from the 3 most popular styles of tai chi, Yang,Wu, and Chen, so the student gets some background in each. At 150 pages long in large paperback format, this book packs a lot of info between the covers. For example, I learned that in addition to the Wu style, there is also a W'u style, which I didn't know, although I've studied both Yang and Wu style tai chi.
Worthwhile
The simplified, widely practiced 24-posture form was devised by the Chinese government in the 1950's due to a shortage of doctors.Founded primarily on the Yang style, it takes 5-10 minutes to practice, less time than for the 37- and 108-postureforms.
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Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Martial Arts - Taichi    3. Self-Help    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Tai chi    6. Oriental martial arts    7. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (35)

Founder of Modern Day Karate
Gichin Funakoshi, an Okinawan transplant who was later known as the Founder of Modern Day Karate did a great job of recording hisdaily habits and personal thoughts which many pertains to the training of karate.This book did gave me a small insight of what and how Funakoshi Sensei lived his life.
One of the First Men Who Brough Karate into the Modern Age
Funakoshi Gichen was many things to many people.Although today he is for the most part remembered and respected as the founder of the style we know today as Shotokan, Funakoshi Gichen was also a school Teacher, a family man, a man educated in the Confucian classics, a practitioner and teacher of Karate, and an Okinawan who undertook the task of bringing the art of Karate-Do from its native island of Okinawa to the Japanese Mainland in his later years.
From the Mouth of the Master
Ginchin Funakoshi has been credited with modernizing karate.He is also the first to open a dojo (karate school) in Tokyo.Whether he is actually the father of modern Karate or not is not relevant because he is truly a recognized Grand-Master.This is his story of both his life, karate, and the philosophies the martial artist follows.He also explodes some of the more famous myths that seem to surround karate and other martial arts such as ripping a man's heart out with your bare hands.
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Subjects:  1. 1868-1957    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Funakoshi, Gichin,    4. Karate    5. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    6. Martial Arts - Karate    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Biography: sport   

Reviews (87)

A Modern Classic
This is a simple little book, easily read in a single sitting, but filled with memorable lessons that will remain with you for a lifetime.I especially recommend this book to the beginning martial artist, and have given many copies away.I read Zen in the Martial Arts very early in my training and it affected me greatly.It made me a better martial artist and a better human being.More importantly, it started me down a path towards greater self-discovery.That was twenty years ago.I still own a copy of the book and refer to it from time to time.
Excellent!
"Zen in the Martial Arts" is the sort of book that you read to remind you why you began the martial arts to begin with.Hyams writes about his brushes with such luminaries as Bruce Lee, Ed Parker (Elvis's bodyguard and sensei) and screenwriter Sterling Silliphant ("The Poseidon Adventure").Hyams's storytelling technique is somewhat like biblical parables, where each chapter tells a little story and has a lesson woven within.Hyams explains how the martial arts took him from being a stressed-out, excitable person to being serene and more type "B".And excellent little book!

My review
Excellent book really changes the way you look at karate in a whole the stories and the things explained are good. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Philosophy    4. Oriental martial arts    5. Philosophy / General    6. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (6)

Excellent
As a long-time researcher and historical fencer, I can say that this is simply the best non-monographical book on the longsword out there. Guy Windsor is a first-rate teacher, and this comes across plainly in his writing and in the organization of this book.
A great book for those who want to learn real swordsmanship
I just got my copy of this book, and I am suitably impressed. This book is mainly based on the Italian masters, notably Fiore di Liberi's work. And as such, the terms given here for the guards and cuts are in italian. Initially described in english as well, but italian after that. Now, this may be confusing for those who are beginners or non-italian speakers. More on this in a minute.
A True Manual
Guy Windsor's book on Italian Longsword (a light two handed sword) is the perfect starting place for anyone wanting to study this weapon. Guy's understanding of basic body mechanics is extraordinary and these are rightfully emphasised. Based firmly in historical Italian sources, Swordsman's Companion contains a sequence of drills, logically ordered and clearly illustrated and explained.
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Subjects:  1. Martial Arts    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Medieval World History (Circa 450 - Circa 1450)    4. Modern - General    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Fencing   

Subjects:  1. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Combat sports & self-defence    5. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (22)

Great reference and instructions!
I'll start off by mentioning the only negative I can think of or noticed:
Great Study on an Important Facet of Groundfighting
Too many books try to cover too much in their text. This often results in poor details, a small snapshot of someone's game, or unconnected techniques that don't integrate well. It is a fantastic idea to spend an entire volume on one aspect of the game.
Best Single Subject BJJ Book out there
This is probably the best single-subject BJJ book on the market.
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Subjects:  1. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Wrestling    5. Jiu-jitsu    6. Judo    7. Sambo wrestling    8. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (8)

This guy knows Japanese
I've read several versions of this book and William Scott Wilson seems to have the best understanding of the Japanese language and desire to keep it as "word for word" as he can keep it without making the text obscure. I highly recommend this translation. Oh yeah, and this book is highly valuable for philosophers and martial artists alike. Musashi was a genius of both martial arts and life.

Best translation available
I have studied this book for years, and have read five different translations. The William Scott Wilson translation is by far the best. I always get the feeling that other translators are putting too much of themselves or their ideas about what Musashi is saying into the translations. Wilson's translation is clear and concise and yet does not feel filtered.
Master
There is only one reason to fight an apponent and that is to cut him down and win.The "Way" is the only way to assure victory in any engagement, at anytime, anywhere, with anyone.One must dedicate and commit all one has to living the "Way" and then one can reach the level of complete mastery over oneself.Nothing else matters.Not fighting stances, thoughts, beliefs, but only the single determintion to cut down your opponent and win.Nothing can come between your goal and the outcome you desire.If you think about doing anything, you have lost before you have started.While the other person is thinking about how to strike, or how to stand, or where to look, you have already cut him down.He's dead or close to it.
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Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. General    3. Philosophy    4. Japan    5. Oriental & Indian philosophy    6. Oriental martial arts    7. Other prose: 16th to 18th centuries   

Reviews (14)

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

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

Somebody get this guy a copyeditor!
This book had its moments, but the writing needs a lot of cleaning up.In particular, the consistent misuse of "it's" was very distracting to me.Also, one of the pages repeated the last few lines from the previous page.
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Subjects:  1. Aging    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Martial arts    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Exercise For Older Adults    7. Exercise for middle aged perso    8. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (43)

very good martial art book
This is very good book for all judo and grappling practioners out there.... It gaves you little history about Judo, and plenty of waza with pictures. if you are true martial artist, you need to know about throwing and submission on the groud, this is a good
THE reference source
What can I say?This is the BIBLE for Judoka, and very useful for jujutsuka (like me).A classic, now and forever.

Excellent book of Judo
The book is very useful for judo's practicers, from the beginners to the more experts. Very detailed approach on the katas (forms). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Judo    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Martial Arts - Judo    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (13)

Excellent!
A clear book with the basis drills without sticking any martial arts shool in particular.
Extraordinarily average
Despite the fact that it claims to have some advanced techniuqes this really is a very basic book of sword drills. The writing is adequate, the knowledge is for the most part correct, the pictures while small and elementary are serviceable, and the information is okay but frankly nothing in this book stands out as special at all. There are stepping/footwork drills, solo drills, and two person drills that are usable as a supplement for just about any Japanese sword art. There is nothing truly wrong with this book but in my mind it is about 100 pages of extraordinary averageness. Find it used if you want to pick up a copy.
For the record
For the record...
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Subjects:  1. Combat Sports    2. Fencing    3. Japan    4. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Swordplay    8. Oriental martial arts    9. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (7)

Excellent Training Course!
I bought the book and the DVD and I am thoroughly impressed with the level of detail Alan goes to in both. Anyone who has seen a demo of Alan hitting the speed bag knows he is exceptional at this skill, but what became clear to me after reading the book and watching the DVD is that he is equally skilled at teaching novices how to master the techniques and nuances of the speed bag.
Put A Little Rythm In Your Workout!
I was trained to hit a Speedbag by my ex- Father-in- Law Raliegh Martin, when I was in my twenties.He also taught me street stuff he had picked up through life.Very different to the Taekwondo and wrestling I had previously studied.He began boxing at twelve years of age and boxed eleven years in the Navy, and he also learned Navy Jujitsu.My Ex-Father-In-Law used to take nitroglicerin pills after we worked out, but when his daughter and her mother would go to town we always forgot about any health problems or pain.He was disappointed when his daughter decided it was too much of a strain on his heart.He told me that his brother George was more skilled than he was, but that they both could hit a speedbag fast years prior.Well, that was years before I knew him.I have seldom seen anything close to what Alan Kahn shows you in his videos.The book breaks down the details of what you see in the videos.Your hands will know what to do when you include the speedbag in your workout, and you will know a real confidence! Definitely, THE bible of speed bag training...
The speedbag has always been the most technically baffling devices for boxing for me. I could never figure out how to hit the bag, the timing, and how to control it. But after reading this book, I have alot more confidence in my speedbag training. Alan definitely breaks down the do's and dont's to speedbag training right down from equipment to proper punching technique. He gives little tips on the advantages/disadvantes of wall speedbag platforms and freestanding platforms, s-hook/chain link swivels, speedbag covers, etc. He also deals quite a bit on proper safety and common injuries associated with speed bag training. Definitely answers alot of questions for those wanting to buy their first speedbag set. In his techniques section, he goes over all the basic punch/elbow combinations, their rhythms, and how to flow from one technique to the next. Let me tell you, the first four chapters deal mostly with basics but the later chapters are filled with different punch combinations that everyone from beginner to advanced people will be challenged. And he really does create an interesting technique of blending music like reading to his speedbag sets. At first it might seem daunting, but if you really do spend time in his techniques section, which he recommends, you'll be able to read and follow his routines like second nature. Near the end of his book, he'll also include some applications for the martial artist as well as setups on different workout devices like a stationary bike to include speedbag training. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it as a must buy for the basic boxing fan to the regular fitness enthusiast. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Sports & Recreation / Boxing    5. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense    6. Boxing    7. Exercise    8. Handbooks, manuals, etc.    9. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    10. Martial arts    11. Training   

Reviews (1)

Excellent
A great resource for martial artists and Japan aficionados alike, this book covers all aspects of etiquette and tradition in the classical Japanese martial arts. If you plan to study aikido, iaido, judo, karate, kyudo, or kendo this is a must read. Subjects include layout of the traditional dojo, accommodating visitors, wearing traditional uniforms, handling weapons, the Shinto shrine, contemplative meditation, ritual bowing, martial language, interacting with teachers and other students, and training fees. The author covers not only the obvious traditions but also the "unwritten" behavioral expectations as well. You will also learn a whole lot of useful Japanese words and phrases. The book is a very easy read, filled with colorful vignettes to entertain as well as educate.