Reviews (9)

Had the book since it's release
Excellent...
A masterwork
This is clearly the best book on Brazilian jiujitsu I've ever read, or even seen.It covers everything and really makes clear the process of going from first touch to winning pin.Everyone should have this.

This is a great collector's item!
Very good book! It's a great book for all of those Jiu-Jitsu or grappling enthusiasts and a great collector's item as well. The book emphasizes more on street self-defense rather than a full grappling instructional book as it was intended by Master Helio Gracie. So, again if you are looking to learn total grappling by the Gracies then this is not the book for you. I personally bought this book more as a collection, because I believe that Master Helio Gracie is a big part of the martial art history. I am an Aikido practitioner and I have a lot of respect to the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. I realized that no matter what art you practice, it is still important to learn the proper way of ground self-defense and the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has it all. ... Read more

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

Reviews (13)

Excellent Authentic Treaties on Shaolin - Philosopy, Historyand Overview type Information on Kung Fu (Gung Fu)
As you may be knowing, Shaolin temples have been the source and fountain heads of the martial art of Kung Fu (Gung Fu) for centuries.
A Solid Foundation for Shaolin Chan Practice.
This book, "The Shaolin Grandmasters' Text: History, Philosophy, and Gung Fu of Shaolin Ch'an" is extremely well written and covers all the basic of Shaolin Chan. (Chinese Zen Buddhism as Practiced in the Shaolin Monasteries.) The book covers, as it's title implies, the history and philosophy of both the Buddhist practices and the Gung-fu practices as well as how they are interrelated. The dharma lessons are intriguing as there are a number of lessons from texts dating back to Tamo (Bodhidharma) and his direct disciples. The information on the Gung-fu is very fundamental and explains the history, traditions and philosophy of the arts. This is NOT a how to manual.
New way of thinking about Shaolin
To the comment about negative aspects of shaolin, yeah, they're not perfect. The Shaolin wanted to write a book about what they thought was the true in a pure attempt to dismiss falsifications about their order. They are a group of guys in Oregon the ARE the real shaolin. If you'd like a book by the REAL Shaolin in China, perhaps you'd also like to buy an authentic bottle of Shaolin Coca-Cola the Chinese government has right outside the REAL temple. I realize it's hard for people to imagine that The Order has relocated to Oregon, but that's just the way it is. It's not quite as romantic to us as if it were in the back country of China, but that's just the way it worked out.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Buddhist Philosophy    3. China    4. Martial Arts    5. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Zen Buddhism    9. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (13)

Requires re-reading and reference to the other volumes also
Review of Bruce Lee's Fighting Method, Volume 4,Advanced Techniques
Required reading
IN MEMORY OF MARIO PONTILLO Another good book in a series.
This is a book that is almost immediatly applicable to a point sparring situation, but also just good for learning one-on-one fighting techniques.I think the only "advanced" principle is feinting, and maybe the parts on stop-hitting and dealing with different kinds of fighters.I consider this book as part of a whole, although it can stand alone for the average martial artist.The basic techniques, such as the side kick and backfist, are probably familiar to most "hard" stylists, but I think the idea of having your dominant side forward, and striking primarily with your lead weapons, may be new to some.This approach to JKD emphasises fluidity and adaptability, and some of that comes out in this text.I would recomend also picking up the other books in this series, as well as "Tao of Jeet Kune Do" for a more complete coverage of this unique style. ... Read more

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

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (24)

publication misprint
whatever your view of this book,it is important to make sure you have the book in its entirety. i purchase this book on Amazon. The version i got was missing 32 pages. the pages go from 1-32 then it repeats pages 1-32 then it jumps to page 65. it is missin pages 33-64. make sure yo ask the sellers to verify that their editions don't have this problem.

Original Classic Intorduction to Wing Chun
This book sadly, is the only book written by James Yimm Lee which is still widely available to the public.Considered a classic, this was, unfortunately, James Yimm Lee's last book.James Lee was an avid student of physical culture as well as one of T.Y. Wong's Sil Lum students during the 1950's and early 1960's.He also befriended, influenced and was influenced by a young man by the name of Jun Fan "Bruce" Lee.In return for teaching Bruce how to break bricks, Bruce taught James a popular for of Chinese boxing called "Wing Chun".James Lee also helped Bruce publish his first book, "Chinese Gung Fu: The Philosophical Art of Self Defence" in the early 1960's.
Interesting for historical reasons, but not much else
This book is a mixed bag, with many pluses and minuses.
Read more

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

Reviews (22)

I live only a mile from a "Civilian War Zone".
Ah ha! Now this book caught my eye in a way you wouldn't believe! Most of you already know that I live in a city called Ferndale in Michigan. I live by 9-mile road, which is exactly one mile from...you guessed it: the dreaded 8-Mile road. 8-mile is a very long road that spans a huge distance. On the north-side of it, where I live, it is relatively calm and easy-going. But on the Detroit side, Whoa man! Crime and homeless people EVERYWHERE! Apparently people can just come up to a building and paint their name on it, and break glass all over the street, and even come up to your car at a red-light and ask for money and rides and cigarettes. Basically it seems to me that there are NO rules and NO sense of order, thus making it: A Civilian War-Zone, just like the title of this book.
For specific audience.
Interesting book. Many ideas and techniques can be implemented in Israel only because laws will prohibit to use them here in US.
Entertaining and Educational
There are two "must have" books I recommend to anyone wanting to buy and keep a gun for self defense: Secrets Of Street Survival-Israeli Style: Staying Alive In A Civilian War Zone, by Eugene Sockut, and In the Gravest Extreme, by Massad Ayoob. Both are common sense guides to people who want to protect themselves and their families in difficult times.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. History    3. History: World    4. Israel    5. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    6. Military - Weapons    7. Safety    8. Self-defense    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Weapons    11. Combat sports & self-defence    12. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense    13. World history   

Reviews (3)

Yang Chenfu for English readers

The Essence and Applications of Taijiquan
I have only been taking Yang Style TaiJi 108 form classes for 8 months now. This book reinforces the basics and fundamentals that I have been repeatedly taught all this time. But the book goes beyond that because it helps me to visualize the "opponent" against whom the form is applied.
Yang taichi bible
This book is the second, and the most complete book written by the founder of Yang style taichi chuan, Yang Cheng Fu.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Tai chi    5. Exercise & workout books    6. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (10)

Pretty Good Instructional Book
This book does a pretty good job of showing technique and providing helpful tips.However, one will not get very much out of it w/o already having a solid grasp of grappling basics and concepts.It does a good job but must be supplemented w/ actual practice... of course.

Ultimate Fighting Techniques (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu series)
this book is a complete guide to the best teckniques out there.
Well done and attractive book
As the other writers here have commented, this is a well written, very clear, and complete presentation of the most important jijitsu techniques. The book is beautifully illustrated with superb photos on nice, high quality, glossy paper, unusual in a martial arts book. But they obviously want these books to stand out both technically and in terms of the book production qualities. That makes them about $8-$10 more expensive than your usual large format paperback, but it's worth it. The organization is good also, making it easier to see the overall picture and "the hierarchy" of positions, as Gracie calls it.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Brazil    2. Jiu-jitsu    3. Judo    4. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Combat sports & self-defence    8. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (41)

Great defensive techniques and philosophy, but greater force may be needed
Krav Maga: How to Defend Yourself Against Armed Assault is straight from the horse's mouth.Krav Maga is a "combatives" system of hand-to-hand combat.I refer to fighting systems as "idiot systems" and "expert systems"-not very flattering, I know.The idiot systems are quick to learn and easy to retain and effective when used ruthlessly.The expert systems take a long time to learn and consistently dedicated refresher training to retain, but when mastered are more effective than the idiot systems.I prefer the idiot systems, myself.These idiot systems include combatives such as Krav Maga, Russian Sambo, and the various hand-to-hand combat systems used by the world's militaries.I must explain that my background is military-hand-to-hand combat includes both unarmed fighting and weapons used in close quarter combat.
Good companion to the class
I picked this book up a couple months into my Krav Maga training, and it has helped me to learn some of the more advanced techniques. True to the book's title, there is really nothing on defeating an unarmed adversary, but that probably wouldn't have sold as well.
Krav Maga: How to Defend Yourself Against Armed Assault
This is an excellent book.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Israel    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Safety    4. Self-defense    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Combat sports & self-defence   

Reviews (13)

A good fiction type book being sold as a reference on Martial arts or Kung Fu
Hi,
Please read this full message if you have any previous martial arts knowledge
There are many good kung fu books, however, this isn't one of them.
Great General Overview
This is a great backgrounder on the subject of Shaolin Kung Fu and on how to recognize and zero in on your own approach to learning and training. Don't expect it to be annotated reference work, but rather a general history and exposition, which is quite a lot for any book on a topic as vast as Shaolin Kung Fu. Historical exactitude is not always the order of the day as you read this, but generally speaking, it reflects the veteran Chinese understanding of Shaolin, which is way better than you would typically get otherwise, plus a reasonably accurate historical view, nonetheless. Not utterly engrossing 100% of the time, but more like 80%, which is still very good.
Read more

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

Reviews (22)

Wonderful Book
I have several books on Chi Gung and this book compliments the rest. There is always more to learn and I did. The author writes beautifully and with enthusiasm. My Brother is a doctor of Chinese medicine, acupunture and also teachers Chi Gung and Tai Chi. I sent a copy to Shanghai for him to read, he said it is a great addition to his library.
Still the best book on qigong (neigong) around
Most people will not have the discipline and patience to work through this workbook on qigong, but for those who do, this is absolutely the finest presentation around.Even more advanced practioners will want to refer to this fundamental book again and again.
Chi Gung Demystified!
An excellent book explaining chi gung and how it works - great for both beginners and veterans of the art. I have read many other books on chi gung and always recommend this one because of it's clarity and authenticity. It's hard to find a book on chi gung that really explains what it is about, instead of just presenting moves that are hard to do without a teacher. A rare gem. ... Read more

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

Reviews (6)

A Bit Overblown But Interesting
Ken Shamrock gives a short autobiography to start out the book.The story of his life is interesting but he seems to overstate many aspects of his life and fighting carreer.His stories are at times not believable and he makes excuses for every fight he has ever lost.Using excuses such as being hung over, bum leg, took fight too soon, other guy on pain drugs etc., Ken comes off as a sore loser quite often.Regardless of his padding his own stories, it is interesting none the less.
What "Inside" should have been
Having read "Inside the Lion's Den" years ago, I was very happy when this book came out.It makes Shamrock's first book seem like an abridged version of this one.
Tall tales and Good Techniques
A lot of the biographic info in this book comes off as just silly.Am I honestly supposed to believe that Ken Shamrock showed up to the 1988 Olympic wrestling tryouts drunk, armed only with High School Wrestling experience and nearly made the team if it weren't for that "lame" point system?
Read more

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

Reviews (4)

The best by far.
After viewing many jiu-jitsu books and videos I find the Joe Moreia's teaching technique is the bestunderstood and when applied correctly make you a force to be reckoned with on the mat.

Well Thought Out and Presented
This book is certainly worth the money and is a great study of the guard position.The authors are thorough and systematic in their coverage of the guard.
Picks Up Where Volume 1 Left Off
Having thoroughly read Volume 1: 'Passing the Guard' (and still working on it, daily), I awaited Volume 2 eagerly. Beneville had teamed up with Tim Cartmell for the first book and has done even better here, documenting some of the game of the legendary Joe Moreira.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Martial Arts    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Martial Arts - Judo    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense    7. Brazilian    8. Jiu-jitsu   

Reviews (41)

Excellent
I read through this book once, then I read through it notating specific anecdotes that stood out to me and ended up marking about half the book. There is a ton of wisdom and insight into not just the Samurai way of life, but the way people - particularly men - have changed (mostly for the worse) over time. This book is not about how to fight, or even being a samurai so much as it is about spirit, and courage in the face of life as well as death. There is an occasional absurd anecdote, but 99% of this book is insightful to this day. Above all, this book is about being a man of principle, courage, and usefulness.

everyone should read this book
if you can't finish reading this book, then you are useless. if you don't like it after you've finished it then you are a useless fool. if you don't understand it, then you are a cowardly useless fool

Ignore the cheesy title...
If one had to choose a single text to be stranded on an island with, then you could find no better work than this. The more I read this book the higher up my 'ranking' it goes, to the point where it has toppled Mencius:Mencius (D.C.Lau translation) of the top spot and pushed Confucius:The Analects (D.C.Lau translation) into third place. Congratulations HA GA KU RE!
Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Philosophy    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Asian / Middle Eastern history: c 1500 to c 1900    7. Japan    8. Military life & institutions    9. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    10. Oriental martial arts    11. c 1500 to c 1600   

Reviews (5)

Good info despite pompousness
This book has some interesting anecdotes and good herbal remedies and qigong exercises.I did not care at all, however, for the pretentious "I'm so modest I must be great" style the guy has.This made me suspect the credibility of his tales.And this is too bad, because qigong is all that and more. A book that I could not put down!
With each page I read I felt that this could work for me. I have Lupus and I am desperately searching for a way to at least, stop the pain, and to come back to the living.This book has given me hope.I am truly amazedat the things that Dr. Liu has done in his life, but I know that it is notimpossible. I do believe in miracles. I wish that I could meet himpersonally. Thank You Dr. Liu, the book was wonderful!

Very interesting book
This book served as my introduction to Qi Gong.I had never heard of it before but since I have been searching for some pain relief I expanded my reading to healing techniques used by other cultures.I loved the authorsdescription in the first part of the book about becoming a Qi Gong master. After reading the book I became very interested in some of the exercisesand have included them in my exercise routine and have read more on thesubject of Qi Gong(Ken Cohen's "The Way of Qi Gong" is good). Most of the book is very easy to understand and implement.I have nottried any of the herb "remedies" he writes about because I don'tknow enough about them yet but feel the exercises are helpful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies    2. Exercise Therapy    3. General    4. Healing    5. Health/Fitness    6. New Age / Parapsychology    7. Qi gong    8. Systems Of Medicine    9. China    10. Complementary Medicine    11. Oriental martial arts   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (30)

too much long form tai chi
sirs: i was very disappointed in the contents. first of all i was looking for the 18 step chen style which is the simplest style.secondly i wanted to learn more about ki gong, and there wasn't much written.

Not true Tai Chi
The author continues to cover the same ground on how good Tai Chi is for one medically.After about the 10th time it becomes over kill.I haven't finished the book as I'm turned off by the lack of information that is true information on how to practice Tai Chi, look for a teacher, etc.As I have now found a true Tai Chi teacher, I realize how poor this book really is.This is the authors own style and does not necessarily reflect the main Tai Chi styles taught.If you're looking for a book on "real" Tai Chi, this isn't it.

Best Book on the Market for a Beginner
I consider Bill Douglas's "Complete Idiot's Guide to Tai Chi and Qigong" the "best book on the market for a beginner" precisely because it doesn't just teach a form.It does show one form, the Kwang Ping long form, in considerable detail; but the real value of the book is that it covers a lot of territory relating to tai chi and qigong quickly and amusingly.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise    4. Martial Arts    5. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    6. Physical Fitness    7. Qi gong    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Tai chi    11. Health & Fitness / Exercise   

Subjects:  1. Judo    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Combat sports & self-defence    6. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense