Reviews (9)

Amazing Regard to Details
This book is going to greatly improve your understanding of the guard, wow, all the small details, and focuses on different aspects of the guard makes this book a must have. It is all done with the Gi. I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in improving their game.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Master Techniques: The Essential Guard (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Master Techniques series)
Its ok but I was hoping for some escapes from guard as well and there seems to be none in this book.

It's a must buy if you want to improve your game!
Kid Peligro's books just keep getting better and better.More organization and picture quality than previous books. ... Read more

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

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. China    3. Exercise    4. Healing - General    5. Martial Arts    6. Medicine, Tibetan    7. Meditation    8. New Age    9. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    10. New Age Movement    11. Self-care, Health    12. Tibet    13. Yoga    14. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (8)

Nice for the pictures, but otherwise not clear
Cheng Man-Ch'ing is a cult figure in taiji, with a fiercely loyal group of followers.Certainly he was a master, and this book provides excellent photos of him doing the form.But taiji is all about movement and feeling, and still photos can't convey the quality of movement or hint at the internal mechanics of the art.So if you want to use the book to learn the form, forget it.If you have a good teacher, and want the book as a source of inspiration, by all means, buy it.If you're a Cheng Man-Ching fan, keep in mind that he talked and wrote about taiji, but much of his power was derived from nei gong, including the small and great heavenly circulations, that he kept a closely held secret, for reasons that remain unclear.Temper what he says with the understanding that he held back as much as he offered, and you won't be frustrated by doing the form over and over without getting anywhere near the benefits Cheng derived.Bottom line is that the book is an artifact and a good one, and it was one of the first books in English on taiji.As a learning tool, it is limited.

Classic work
This might have been the first work in English on tai chi, and Smith was Cheng Man Ching's first western or American student. It's still one of the best introductory tai chi books out there. The photos of Cheng's form are worth the price of the book by themselves, his form being impeccable as usual and a high benchmark we should all strive to attain.
not that clear
I've practiced CMC's short form for a few years before I read this book. The bulk of the book is form sequence pictures, but as another reviewer wrote, these are mirror-image pictures and are awkward to use. Another book, "The Tai Chi Book : Refining and Enjoying a Lifetime of Practice" by Robert Chuckrow, explains the tai ji concepts clearer and the form sequence pictures are not mirrored even though he's writing about the same thing and the same 37 posture form. Learning the flow of the form from any sequence of pictures would be difficult, but comparing body positions to pictures can be useful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bodybuilding & Weight Training    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. General    4. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    5. Martial Arts - Taichi    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (31)

Good book for those who search details about all Iaido Katas
A well written book with good hints for those who are well qualified in Iaido and just need some very details about the Katas. The book covers all levels and all major Katas. Probably due to size limitations the number of pictures are less than enough to follow in detail the actions. The posing helping staff in the pictures are beginners which greatly hinder the understanding of the real meaning of the bunkai (applications).

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!!!!!
If you are, or ever have been interested in the art of samurai sword fighting, this book is definately for you!It has great introductory chapters discussing the samurai/eishin-ryu-jutsu philosophy and way of life, as well as excellent instruction on cutting techniques.It gives you a new respect and outlook on life, and teaches you to truly respect your katana; if, in fact you have one; as an entity of its own, as well as an extension of yourself.If you have ever been interested in samurai swordsmanship, BUY THIS BOOK!!!!

Excellent Book!!
It is a great reference for anyone who wants to learn about martial arts history, bushido or start in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaijutsu. Highly recommended! ... Read more

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

Reviews (17)

Straight to the point!
This is THE book for self defense and street fighting basics. Simco tells it like it is, focusing on techniques that work not "religion and theory". Simco has a gift for explaining the techniques he uses in an easy to follow manner. I'm looking forward to purchasing more material from this author.

Complete but not extraordinary
It's a good book. It gives coverage to basic and practical techniques. For the motivated beginner, it will give as much information they can hope to obtain outside of sparing and practice. I think the DVD could have been more informative and less a sales vehicle for a set of DVDs by the author. I couldn't give this product 5 stars, because I had hoped to see more photos with descriptive narrative on the reason for changing levels and what counters to avoid if one attempts any technique. But these shortcoming are overcome by prctical advice throughout.

Book Overview
Overall, this book is exactly what it says it is and shows the techniques of Brazilian Jujitsu that are best used in MMA and Self Defense.
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Subjects:  1. Martial Arts    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Combat sports & self-defence    6. Judo    7. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (7)

One of the best
This is one of the better books I've bought and read on the art of the ninja and I recommend it to anyone. The basic training drills will help any new student of the art progress. While I somewhat agree with some people that learning from a book is not the best way to learn any martial art, I believe with the right intention anyone can gain good knowledge and even master some techniques through this book and others by this author.

yeah it was good
this shows some basic moves of taijitsu but thats pretty much all no advanced moves then again sometimes basics are quick and effective oh and uhhh gobli are you retarded

Eh..
This book has some good notes on condiitioning. The rest is just a poor attempt at trying to teach you how to fight. You can't lean that from a book, esspecially from this "Taijutsu" fighitng system their promoting. Don't buy it, get a Bruce Lee book to make up for the fitness tips your missing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Martial Arts    3. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    4. Military Science    5. Ninjutsu    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. United States - 20th Century/WWII    9. Oriental martial arts    10. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (73)

Nice alternative to the Gracie books
I had two Gracie Jiu-Jitsu books, but there was always one thing that bothered me about their philosophy and approach, they always make it seem as if all you need is really good technique and nothing else matters, and I just can't agree with their idea that weight training and muscle power aren't really that important? I think having a strong body is equally important to good technique so I thought maybe Ken Shamrock's book would incorporate that more (obviously by looking at his body that must be part of his training) Sure enough this book gave me what I was looking for, some insight into how a power wrestler/fighter goes about things. If you are sick of the wimpy Gracie way then this gives you some good perspective on the power game.

Wonderful Insight Into The Man Personally & Professionally

not quite in line with reality
This is a great book for early history points of the UFC and to give an idea of some of the training that goes into this type of fighting, but the rivalry with Dan Severn is mis-portrayed.
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Subjects:  1. 1964-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    5. Martial artists    6. Martial arts    7. Shamrock, Ken,    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Sports - General    11. United States    12. Biography: sport    13. Oriental martial arts    14. Shamrock, Ken   

Reviews (5)

Great Reference for Instructors and School Owners
I found this book to be a great reference in running my school.I have made it required reading for all my instructors and staff members.I highly recommend this title to all those running a martial arts school.

Don't Even Hesitate
If you are a martial arts instructor - or soon to be one don't hestitate to buy this book.The book has an incredible amount of school operations widsom.It is obvious the author is a seasoned martial arts instructor.

Use it daily
I've had this book for only a few weeks and I find myself using it daily, especially the sections on class drills and marketing ideas. I love the way its set-up - no heavy reading, no long theories to wade through, lots of bulleted lists and short articles that I can read while I'm stuck on hold with the phone company or waiting for an appointment. Not to say there isn't in depth information - the articles teaching ADHD kids and kids in general are excellent, as are the class management articles. Overall, this is an invaluable reference for instructors who have their own school and even for those teaching at school owned by someone else. Another excellent reference by Sang H. Kim. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Administration    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. General    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    6. Martial arts    7. Martial arts schools    8. Reference - General    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Study and teaching    12. Combat sports & self-defence   

Reviews (32)

Money Well Spent
I purchased this book from Amazon. Amazon provides a wonderful service, allowing any of us not only to purchase books at excellent prices but to give our respective reviews, even if we didn't purchase any given book from them.I believe optimum benefit for all will be realized if we judge the author on actual merit.
I believe it is the best book of this genre available.
As I progressed in the book, it read like an infomercial, the kind that writes reams of words just to finally tell you that you need to buy a bunch of CD's to get the real dope. He would mention a technique like pocketing and then say he would cover that later. Well, the good news is that he really does cover it later. The format is not to my liking, but what makes this five stars is that, after reading other books on self-defense, I have to admit that this book prepares you best for the real conflict. He covers all the real events that occurs in an attack like fear, panic, and how chaotic and unstructured an attack really is. He prepares your mind for the conflict and then gives you tools to do in the conflict to take the assailant out so you can escape. He arms the untrained citizen, with zero martial arts training, the confident ability to overcome an attack. The book drags a bit but stick with it; it is worth it.

Real World Violence not Dojo Dancing
This book is what I have been looking for.As a former Marine, SWAT team member, and a reservist I have trained, studied, and researched martial arts and fighting for over twenty-five years and have always felt that something was missing.I have studied Tae kwon do, boxing, Ninjutsu, Muay Thai, and Jujutsu, and while I learned something from each art, the number of techniques I found to actually work in a real fight was very few, even though I became very proficient at utilizing them in the dojo.The dynamic violence of an actual physical altercation can vary so widely that you cannot train or prepare through the use of repetitive action-reaction training.The missing link was filled by the drills and training in Attack Proof.
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Subjects:  1. Body Movement Education    2. Crime prevention    3. General    4. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    5. Personal & Practical Guides    6. Prevention    7. Reference    8. Self-Defense    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Violent crimes    12. Combat sports & self-defence   

Reviews (26)

An enduring classic
Gozo Shioda's masterful presentation of the fundamentals of Aikido is profound.The reader is drawn into a world that is both complex and very simple, through techniques which require great skill to perform but which flow like water when done right. The Ai (harmony) element is present throughout the book, and I now recommend this book to my students and give it as gifts to my friends.

A brief comment
This is a very fine book on aikido. Clear text, crisp and easy to understand photos, and detailed and well written text. I had a specific reason for reading this text--I needed help with all the Japanese terminology for the moves, which I'm weak on--and this book presents that quite well. Both the attacks and defenses are given the full names. I note one reviewer here who says that the spelling for some of the techniques is slightly different from what he's used to. There is also better and more complete coverage for all the moves. Most aikido books seem to present only a sampling of the various techniques. This book is takes a more systematic approach. Aikido especially is one art you can't learn from a book, or even good videos, but they can help you with your training in the dojo. I've also found the videos of Ken Ota, Robert Liedke, and Rod MacEwen helpful in that regard. Overall, a fine book and a worthwhile addition to your martial arts library.

Total Aikido
As a practitioner of Aikido and Aikijutsu I find "Total Aikido: The Master Course (Bushido--The Way of the Warrior)" a useful reference point.Any student of aikido will find the details in this book golden. ... Read more

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

Reviews (25)

Great book for beginners
Excellent summary of TKD techniques, philosophy and forms, however advanced TKD practitioners may find it too basic and lack of deepness. Illustrations are great, it was a superb idea to substitute photos with drawings since important details can be pointed out more easily.

Great "after class" reference
It is hard to remember everything that you learn in an hour class.This book is a handy reference for the things that I have forgotten!My daughter, who is five and also a student in the class, has found the pictures to be easy to follow!
The best of the many Taekwondo books I have read
I read this book shortly after it came out, when I was a white belt.At the time it was the only book about Taekwondo that I had read, and while I enjoyed it very much I had little to compare it to.
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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 (17)

martial arts guide
I bought this book for my son who is a Wing Chun practitioner and he thought it was VERY informative and helpful. A great resource guide in his opinion.

The BESTEST book about Wing Chun
First of All I would like to thank the Author of the book. This book opened my eyes from every direcgtion towards Wing Chun. I recommend Any Wing Chun student to read this book and benefit from its Treasurous Information. Previously In my Wing Chun Book's Favourites I had Sifu Shaun Rawcliffe's Book" Simply Wing Chun Kung Fu", now I have 2 In my MOST Favourite books.
A very smart book
This is one of a very few books on Wing Chun that treats the art as a science and not just a collection of techniques.This book really does penetrate to the core of Wing Chun, and it will be a great resource for my students. ... Read more

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

Reviews (17)

Knowing 'why' a technique works makes it work better
Most martial artists know that Miyamoto Musashi, arguably the greatest swordsman of all time, advocated quickness and power as superior to strength and speed. As a practitioner, I have known for years that sheer size and brute strength meant very little to accomplished martial artists, yet I never truly understood why. Having finished this excellent book, now I know.
Disappointing... and sometimes wrong
This book was generally disappointing.It explains in a very qualitative way why certain martial arts strategies are effective.Although the book purports to be 'The Laws of Physics for Martial Artists' (front cover), there isn't a single numerical physics example.Chapter headings such as 'Conservation of Energy' may sound very scientific, but I'd hardly call dominating the center of the ring a scientific strategy.
A note from the author
As the author of Fighting Science, I would like to comment on the review titled "Fight with questionable physics?" from Quasi-recluse. This book is not about fighting strategy primarily, but about applying the laws of physics to your martial art. It is important that information seekers in any area understand that failing to agree on a definition often leads to misunderstandings. For example, the reviewer states that the title of the book is a misnomer, and that the techniques are not about fighting, but more about tournament fighting. But that is only true if we define fighting ONLY as self-defense, and science ONLY as strategy. It is equally possible that fighting means karate, kung-fu, Thai-boxing, grappling, or modern wars. So if a person desires to buy a book that deals primarily with self-defense, he might be disappointed if he finds that the book is more about martial arts in general. The same is true regarding the word science. Science could mean tournament fighting tactics or street tactics, but it could equally much mean equations in physics. Whether or not the title is a misnomer therefore depends on the meaning you assign it based on what you are seeking. However, the meaning intended has been clarified through the subtitle: The Laws of Physics for Martial Artists.
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Subjects:  1. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    2. Martial arts    3. Physics    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Combat sports & self-defence   

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

Reviews (10)

Most comprehensive Wushu/kung fu book in the English Language
I train with Master Wen-Ching Wu, the second listed author, and i have trained a little with Grandmaster Liang, and I have not been able to find any books that surpass the ones that they have written.Together they have an incredibly vast knowledge of martial arts and Qigong and share it quite willingly in their fantastic books.

Kung Fu Elements purchase
The book is good and it came in a timely manner in good condition.Two thumbs up!

A lot of good drills.
If you're looking for drills and ideas to strengthen your foundation in Chinese Martial Arts, this is a great all-around book.I've been studying CMA for over 10 years and I still found this book to be refreshing.It's all about the basics and ways to strengthen the basics.It's those types of drills that, if you practice them diligently, will give you that edge in competition.At the higher levels, it's the little things that matter ... Read more

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

Reviews (6)

Worth a look
Good writing style, good wit, good demonstration and explanation of technique.You can tell there is a ton of research and experience behind every book.The author has consistently given a solid quality product. Good for him!

Good basic book for boxers but weak for grapplers
I like Hatmaker and enjoy his easy writing style and ability to simplify fighting concepts. This book is a nice catalog of takedowns for someone who is used to stand up fights and wants to learn how to take his opponent to the mat. Boxer, kick boxers and karate grounded guys can see a wide range of techniques.
More splendid work from Mark Hatmaker
Very good book.
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Subjects:  1. Handbooks & Manuals    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Wrestling    6. Combat sports & self-defence    7. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Subjects:  1. Martial Arts    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Martial Arts - Taichi    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense    7. Tai chi chuan    8. Tai chi   

Reviews (6)

Quality
This is an excellent book by an excellent author.It is a pity though that Lowry's attention to quality did not extend to the printing of the book.The pictures look like photocopies and the paper is all too thin.The cover gets bent out of shape far too easily.
Good book for returning martial artist
I am extrememly glad that I brought this book not long after returning to the martial arts after many years away.It allowed me to improve my kata and stance work at a much faster rate than I had thought possible.Practicing in front of a large mirror at my local gym also helped.
It's not the size of your staff, but how you use it!
I greatly enjoyed this staff-fighting tome.I'm no martial artiste, but like to read about different techniques and schools of fighting that developed in different cultures and ages.Dave Lowry has a clear mastery of this subject, and his respect for this Japanese art comes through in his scholarly historical presentation and masterful exposition of technique.Which makes it all the more surprising and dissapointing that Mr. Lowry continues to perpetuate the insulting "short staff" stereotype of the Japanese.
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Subjects:  1. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    2. Sports & Recreation    3. Fencing    4. Japan    5. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (47)

Strength of the Blade is not in the sword, but in the Arm that Weilds it!
This tome is of the Power within, recommended to those that follow Bushido and Chivalary.
Interesting but not very structured
This book has a ton of information on not only internal martial arts but their external brethren.The way the book was written gives me the impression that Mr. Frantzis is very big on two things, functionalism and fighting applications.Truth be told, the way the book is written is very scattered and dry.It is on the scholar level, so for those who haven't yet experienced the martial arts (internal or external), this isn't the best book to begin with.Without a doubt, there is a lot of good info on the three bigger styles (Hsing-I, Ba Gua, and Tai Chi),the comparisons of the three is extensive enough to give any one an idea of which style suits them best, and the author speaks lot of other styles that most people have never heard of here and there.If you can get past the organization glich and the dry conversions, then this might be the book for you.

best by far on the market today
The martial arts community should applaud the appearance of this book. If you truly want to know what it's all about, and jealousy is not your thing, this is the book to read and reread. ... Read more

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

Reviews (11)

Different is good! It's basic, but insightful!
Basic Stick Fighting for Combat
The Legend of Echanis
Echanis is a Legend in the Martial Arts world and many other Martial Artist are very, very, jealous of him even though he has been dead since 1978. While doing CIA Black Bag Ops he was killed in a airplane over Nigaragua by a planted Terrorist bomb on the plane. Good book( learn to use a cane as a weapon too)
IN MEMORY OF MARIO PONTILLORead more

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