Reviews (8)

Good for your health!
This book will give you a lot of clear insights into what the authors call the occult. I find most of their advice "common sense" but that does not mean it is common knowledge. This book will NOT make you feel more paranoid. It will make you feel more empowered, more centered, and more relaxed.
Take a look if you're having unexplained "bad luck" or.....
Sometimes I found myself feeling "down" or "problem-ridden" for some reason...my psyche/thoughts were being attacked!You need to know how to protect yourself from those with "negative" thoughts they may be sending you - and they CAN do it if they know how...know how to protect yourself!

Excellent, like so many of their other works
I have read quite a few books by Denning & Phillips, and I have to say that I am almost always impressed by them. Though the couple was steeped in the tradition of the Aurum Solis, and many of the exercises in this book (and others) are borrowed from that tradition, everything is pretty straightforward and *accessible*. The writing style is down to earth. I can't quite place my finger on what it is that I enjoy about the writing style of D & P, except that they are earthy, not pompous and almost parental in their guidance. Years ago, I found this book and since that time I have lent it out or given it to several people... something I just don't ordinarily do. The exercises are simple, little or no ritualism and, (again, that word) "accessible" for the average person.I'm confused by another reviewer whofelt the "tower of light" exercise was complicated or suitable for "adepts only"...I felt exactly the opposite. As other reviewers have mentioned, many topics are covered in this book, including psychic vampirism, negative group energies, even advertising pressures. Read this along with Denning & Phillips "Creative Visualization"...they work well together. Overall, highly recommended! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Affirmations    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Magick Studies    4. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    5. New Age    6. New Age (Self Help)    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Psychic aspects    9. Self-defense    10. Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies    11. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Reviews (1)

A thoroughly "student friendly" and recommended addition to any personal or dojo martial arts reference collection
Hirokazu Kanazawa was a close disciple of Gichin Funakoshi, considered by many to the founding father of the Shotokan school of karate. Kanazawa founded the Shotokan Karate-do International Federation in 1979, an organization that now has branches in more than 90 countries. In Black Belt Karate: The Intensive Course, Kanazawa draws upon all his years of experience and expertise to create a meticulously detailed and illustrated self-study training course is specifically designed for beginners that, if followed conscientiously and practiced daily, will result in their being able to attain a black-belt level of martial arts proficiency in karate. "Black Belt Karate" is a thoroughly "student friendly" and enthusiastically recommended addition to any personal or dojo martial arts reference collection.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Karate    6. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense    7. Travel, Sports, & Recreation | Sports | Individual Sports   

Reviews (3)

This is a classic
This book is a must have.The material on the lesser known spiritual origins of Aikido is something that few books discuss, on a subject that few aikidoka fully understand.If you don't have this book, you don't have an Aikido library.

Ueshiba Essence and his spiritual writings!
For those martial artists who admire Morihei Ueshiba and fans of the editor/writer John Stevens. I appreciated the interesting portfolio of ancient aikido art, photos of the founder of AIKIDO and his "dynamic quality," DOKA.I very much enjoyed Ueshiba's japanese poetry and the valuable interpretations of his exoticpoems. One may imagine learning some new insights into the fascinating art of aikido and spiritual poems of Ueshiba. World Class Aikido book! Mostly about the ESSENCE without the A serious study of Aikido with scholarly precision.
A venture into the mysterious depth of Aikido. A must for all serious scholars interested in the study of O-Sensei's work and art. Unsuitable for half-hearted novices as most contents require critical study. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aikido    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Martial Arts - Aikido    4. Psychological aspects    5. Religious aspects    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Oriental & Indian philosophy    9. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (2)

When you're looking for "deeper advice"...
I decided to purchase this book after 6 years of training in Tai Chi.I have found many low and mid-level discussions of Tai Chi practice, and some "high level abstract discussions" of proper Tai Chi practice (such as essays in Tai Chi magazine), but have rarely found a publication which discusses, in detail, the nuances of putting together all of the pieces of an obscure and unusual art.
Great book
A terrific book by sifu Loupos, covering many important topics and in great detail. The book should be most useful for the intermediate to advanced student. If you're a beginner, I would recommend reading his two other books first. But the first few chapters would also be useful for the beginning student.
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Subjects:  1. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    2. Martial Arts - Taichi    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Combat sports & self-defence    6. Fitness & diet    7. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (12)

This volume gives structure to the content of this series of volumes.
The Chapters are numbered from VI to XI.
Required reading
IN MEMORY OF MARIO PONTILLO How to clean up sloppy punching.
This is one of the better books out there devoted to actually being able to use your body's weapons with skill.The book starts off on body movements, stuff like footwork and distancing.It then goes into attacking with the hands, and then attacking with the feet.Parrying is also covered, and then targets and stances.This book is devoted to eliminating bad habbits, and has a lot of comparisons of JKD vs. classical martial arts.As I mentioned in my other reviews of "Bruce Lee's Fighting Method", this book works much better when taken with the series, as well as a couple of other early JKD books.However, it is useful to the average martial artist when it comes to making fighting movements more efficient, and more crisp. ... Read more

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

Reviews (6)

1st-class guide for energetic Qigong students
Having entered popular Western consciousness, the subject of Qigong is currently awash with fluffy, vacuous verbiage from pompous self-styled experts whose only real interest is cashing in on a lucrative New-Age trend. This volume, although dense and difficult, reveals much authentic and vital knowledge to those who have had some experience of Qi and are not afraid of patient study and experiment. Dr. Yang is one of a handful of authors in this field who is both qualified and willing to share significant teachings that have heretofore been kept secret or deliberately obscure. His material is presented in a format that, while extremely concise, assiduously avoids being cryptic. If you are a lazy dabbler interested in yet another mealy-mouthed, feel-good text weighted down with pseudo-exotica, promising everything and delivering nothing, avoid this book. But if you have perceived a little of the reality of internal Qi and desire to systematically expand your practice and understanding, you will probably find this volume unusually rewarding.

theory not practice
I am disappointed with newest Jwing-Ming book. There is a lot of scientific and theoretical reflections about all stages of Qigong, unfortunately practical ground is covered only at the beginner level.
A treasure
A very important book, especially for Qigong teachers. I doubt there is anyone at any level of practice who will not find something eye-opening and new in this book. Along with this one , his other two books, "Root of Chinese Qigong" and "Secret of Youth", belong on the shelves, no, in the hands of every practitioner who takes his/her Qigong even remotely seriously. I'm looking forward to his forthcoming Qigong books.Read more

Subjects:  1. Breathing exercises    2. Hatha Yoga    3. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    4. Meditation    5. Psychology    6. Qi gong    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Therapeutic use    10. Yoga    11. Oriental martial arts    12. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (8)

This is one of the best approaches to Tai Chi Chuan study ....
Even though there are many styles of Tai Chi Chuan, this book can help all understand how to approach the study. It's difficult but worth the effort to incorporate this book's contributions into your practice. An excellent guide!

Not written by master Kuo
I have been studying with Simmone Kuo for 2 years.Sifu Kuo's widow.She warned me about this book because it was written without the families consent and it has almost nothing to do with the late Kuo Lien Ying.

This is really a great book
This is really a good book. Read more

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

Reviews (25)

Excellent book!
This book is really indispensable for those who want to study Karate-do seriously, especially Shorin-Ryu practitioners. It includes historical data (Nagamine Sensei was a researcher, himself) along with moral and philosophical aspects of Karate-do, besides the technical aspects. After that, Nagamine Sensei shows the Kata of his branch of Shorin-Ryu, the Matsubayashi (may be some differences with other Shorin-Ryu schools in several Kata) along with some essential explanations. Readers must realise that the only way to learn Kata is training in a Dojo with a Sensei. However, this book is an excellent companion to remember and review aspects of the Kata and -as said- enter the realm of Karate-do as an art and a way of life.

A Must Read for Serious Karate Practioners
This book is a valuable must have item in any serious karateka's library.The book contains all the Matsubayashi Ryu's kata in clear details.To echo's the sentiments of Jugo Toma (Governor of the Ryukyu Island),Nagamine Sensei's book represents a scientific treatment of Karate-do based on genuine Okinawan tradition and on Nagamine Sensei's deep insight and inexhaustible research.
The Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu Bible
There are a lot of books out there on various martial arts. Most of which include pictures for their forms. "The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do" is no different - but having studied the style (under two different intructors) on and off since 1983, I rarely go to class without a copy of this book. I currently have at least 4 copies - 2 softbound, 2 hard bound.
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Subjects:  1. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    2. Martial Arts - Karate    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Karate   

Subjects:  1. Abdominal exercises    2. Eastern - Taoism    3. Hatha Yoga    4. Healing - Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    8. Perineum    9. Personal Health    10. Qi gong    11. Religion - World Religions    12. Taoism    13. Yoga    14. Body, Mind & Spirit / Healing / Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    15. Exercise & workout books    16. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    17. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (15)

The Way of Kata
Great resource, and a must read for all Goju-Ryu practitioners at any Rank!

A must read for any serious student or practitioner
For those just learning any martial art, this is a good book. But for those with some training already under their belt, this is even a greater book. And for fellow Yundasha, this book is where it's all compiled together in a "one stop shopping" book.Filled with relevant quotes, History & Fundamentals, Principles & Theory, Strategy & Tactics,, graphical illustrations and a few "There I was" stories, this book is a must read for any serious student or practitioner. Do not let yourself be limited by the title of this book, there's a wide swath of subjects covered, all relavant to "the source" (Kata).

One Path Toward Martial Realism
Caution!!! Pontification to follow !!!
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Subjects:  1. Martial Arts    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Non-Classifiable    6. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (90)

Great book on misunderstood subject
Morgan articulates the physical, mental, and moral aspects of the warrior way better than any book I've seen so far. He covers every aspect of the warrior's training, both physical and mental, showing how the true warrior lifestyle differs from others. Another thing I liked is how he clearly distinguishes between martial arts, mysticism, and religion. Americans are often confused on this point, as Morgan points out that true martial arts are not religions, and not even mystical, they are methods of waging war. Mysticism also has nothing to do with religion per se--it only means the belief that the truth is within each of us and can be discovered if one looks hard enough, a principle which many eastern and western thinkers and religions believe.
Excellent Book
This book is an excellent resource for any bookshelf.Even someone who does not practice martial arts can glean knowledge from this text that can be directly applied into their daily lives.I highly recommend having a copy of this book on your library shelf.

Great REad
This should be a must read for every martial artist no matter if your a novice or shodan. ... Read more

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

Reviews (2)

Author's Comments
Medieval Sword and Shield has been well received, but it is not the final word on medieval swordsmanship or on the I.33 system. Research into historical martial arts is like any other historical research. It is an ongoing process, which calls for open minded honesty, and a willingness to update your findings, even if that means admitting that you got some things wrong.
A Significant Contribution to the Field
People interested in European Medieval martial arts have to realize that these systems were kept secret at the time.Medieval manuscripts on fencing were written for a very select audience and are brief, deliberately obscure, and cryptic.It requires a great deal of effort and dedicated study to try to reconstruct personal combat techniques from period sources with any hope of success.Paul Wagner & Stephen Hand have done an excellent job in that regard with their book.Royal Armouries MS I.33 is the oldest illustrated fencing manual in existence and is devoted exclusively to a single weapon system: the arming sword and buckler.Wagner & Hand have studied all the available period sources on this weapon system and combined that with a lot of hands-on trial and error to come up with a complete and plausible interpretation of the system.Read more

Subjects:  1. Combat Sports    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Medieval    4. Medieval World History (Circa 450 - Circa 1450)    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. British Isles    8. Combat sports & self-defence    9. Warfare & Defence   

Reviews (7)

great follow-up to Solo Training
I loved Christensen's first book Solo Training and was not disappointed withthis one. He shows a lot of ways to make your techniques faster and stronger and how to use them in different situations.
Super
This is a great book. It's not only an excellent follow up to Solo Training, but it works well with Loren Christensen's DVD, SOLO TRAINING DVD.
Decent ideas
While some of this is of little or no use, most of the suggestions are very good. ... Read more

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

Reviews (17)

Good overview and translation of classic oriental book
This book offers a good overview of the original bubishi. It will give excellent historical reference that will build up on your knowledge of martial arts history. A big part of the book is taken by ancient oriental medicine recipies which are interesting to read but little practical use for people not familiar or interested in herbal medicine. If this book is for history or martial arts techniques, it's better as a supplement to other books fully dedicated to each of these two subjects, it'll help building your rounded understanding of martial arts but won't teach you specific styles or techniques.

Good book about history of Okinawan Karate
_The Bible of Karate Bubishi_ is a pleasant book to read. Patrick McCarthy is not the author, but the translator and commentator of a book whose original author & date of origin are unknown.
Great Knowledge!
This book is excellent for all martial artiest to read!Mr. McCarthy does an excellent job translating and explaining the translation of the material that is present.This is a good soource for introduction into the vital points of the human body.It also possesses great amounts of history on the white crane systems. ... Read more

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

Reviews (17)

A good book for fundamentals-and attitude.
I was prepared to be disappointed-but was pleasantly surprised. I have studied the sword for years, and yet learned something from this book. For a beginner, too, its clear, concise explanations, coupled with well thought out photographs, will prove an excellent study guide or workbook. There are minor deficiencies, occasionally, but they will provide the student an incentive to put down the book and physically explore what Lowry is trying to demonstrate.
Alright book for starters
The book starts with the history behind the bokken which I found interesting. It has nice pictures and explanations of the different types of stances and attacks. Even though the pictures are black and white, they still help quite a bit. I was some what dissapointed when it came to the chapter on practicing with a partner. I was expecting ways to block but instead I found ways to attack faster (strike first) against an opponent doing another attack. The images in that chapter seemed too far time lapsed to know exactly what he is doing. I also would have liked it more if there were phonetic spellings of each of the japanese names. I do not speak japanese and therefore I'm probably saying most of the names wrong. I'd recommend this book if you want to start suburi by yourself. Otherwise, find another book.

EXCELLENT BASICS FOR THE NEWLY INITIATED
BY THE TIME I READ LOWRY'S BOOK, I WAS A YEAR INTO MUSO SHINDEN RYU IAIDO, AND I FOUND SOME MINOR DESCREPANCIES IN THE HANDLING OF THE BOKUDO AND THE KATANA. MOST OF THE STANCES AND POSITIONS OR KAMAE VARY ONLY EVER SO SLIGHTLY. I FOUND "BOKKEN" TO BE VERY HELPFUL IN SOME AREAS AS IT IS FULL OF PHOTOGRAPHS SO THERE IS NO MISTAKING WHAT IS BEING DESCRIBED AS THE PROPER WAY TO HANDLE THE BOKKEN AND MOVE ABOUT. Read more

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

Reviews (4)

very good introduction
i knew nothing about kyudo and found this book to be very helpful.Concise and easy to read without too much mumbo-jumbo.After reading the book, I just might try the sport

A Must-Have-And-Read book for Kyudo beginners
Wonderfull book, covers both spiritual and technical aspects of kyudo practice. Dialogs with Onuma-sensei are very very valuable for real understanding of what kyudo is stands for, problem solving section helps a lot for technics. Very well done as a book - exceptional quality. A must have book...

Should be known as the Kyudo Bible.
This is one of the best books out on the art of Kyudo. I am currently in Japan teaching and have taken up the practice of Kyudo as a way to learn about Japanese culture. The book covers all areas of interest and is verydetailed with step by step illustrations. My instructor refers to the bookoften to point out my mistakes and highlight my improvement. If you arelearning Kyudo or just want to read about its history and culturalsignificance, then this book is for you. You will not be disappointed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Archery    2. Archery And Target Shooting    3. Japan    4. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    5. Philosophy    6. Religious aspects    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Target shooting   

Reviews (41)

Good, But disorganized
The techniques in this book are decent, great to add to your arsenal, but I wouldn't necessarly use them as a first choice.However, I would it is great knowledge in case the situation calls for you to use some of these techniques.
Best Self-Defense Book I Have Read
This is the best self-defense book I have read. It covers most (except for hair grabs) self-defense situations. Photos are excellent. Defenses are easy to find in the table of contents.
WARNING
I am a POLICE use of force instructor.I have been a Martial Artist for over 30 years and currently hold 3 Black Belts.Now, I own most of Peligro's books on the Gracie family and their art.In fact, all the books have been personally autographed by Peligro himself.I teach survival against armed individuals (Gun, Knife & Clubs etc), and I have to say that this is the worst of the series of books.Many of the techniques would get you killed if not seriously injured.The people who have rated this book before me saying the same stuff are telling the truth.In fact, I sold my book on ebay saying that the book was very bad, and some Gracie fan still bought it for the cover price.Do not buy this book, Royce knows his stuff in the ring.A place with rules & no weapons.His street techniques will get you killed.Don't buy this book. ... Read more

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

Reviews (8)

nice early translation
The tai chi classics are essential study for any halfway serious student of tai chi, martial arts, or life in general. There are now many translations of the classics - when this one was published there were few or none.
Great for Wing Chun Practitioners Too
I found that this book contains the best writings on Wing Chun available. It was recommended to me by my teacher's teacher.I know it's about Tai Chi concepts but the astute Wing Chun practitioner will benefit immensely from it. No it doesn't show any forms. It's not a "how to" book. It's a "learn deeper things about what you already know" book.

Susan Foe, who wrote the introduction and edited the book
was left out as a co-author, please remedy this oversight. ... Read more

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

Reviews (3)

Ego and the Dillman Series
I found the book informative after getting past all the who's who pictures in the first part. The first ten pages are of Dillman and the celebraties he has hob nobbed with over the years.
Everyone should know the basics of these techniques
George Dillman is a ninth degree black belt in karate and 1997 Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame Instructor of the Year.Together with Chris Thomas, a seventh degree black belt and writer, they have put together the definitive book on pressure point self-defense. Techniques for readers of all ages and skill levels
Collaboratively written by renowned martial arts instructor George A. Dillman and knowledgeable martial arts writer and teacher Chris Thomas, Humane Pressure Point Self-Defense is a straightforward, "student friendly" guide to applying knowledge of the body's nerve clusters and vulnerable areas to quickly and humanely protect oneself with low risk of causing injury. Step-by-step instructions are clearly illustrated with black-and-white photographs and expressly demonstrate "Dillman Pressure Point Method" techniques for readers of all ages and skill levels in the martial arts. An excellent and recommended reference, Humane Pressure Point Self-Defense is wholly dedicated to explaining, defining, and teaching an effective, practical, benign self-defense method. ... Read more

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

Reviews (7)

Pressure points made easy
This is just another example of the quality work put out by George Dillman.A must have for anyone who wants info on pressure points.A reference I use all the time.
Excellent w/ background in Wrestling, Hapkido, or Ju-Jitsu
I fail to see the reasoning from the review titled "It looks nice but.............., November 19, 2000" It looks nice but..............
Well let me start buy saying that the amount of information in this book could have been printed in half the space. The theory of striking pressure points on the body is nice and when done systematicaly with a cooperative person it looks good to,but I see little real practicle value in this book,the problem for me is Dillman claims that this is real self defence, well if he can hit someones arm or leg in a concise point against an opponent who wants to tear his face off I mean a real fighter then I stand corrected but I`m yet to see someone use a pressure point strike in a real spontaineous situation. Lastly I would like to address the Kata he attempts to give accurate applications,I think he has created his applications to fit the katas movements roughly,for a real insight into kata I suggest Nathan Johnsons"Barefoot Zen" for some fascinating insights into classical karate kata.My advice for readers look elsewhere. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Kung fu    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Self-defense    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Oriental martial arts