Reviews (9)

Tai Chi Touchstones: Yang Family Secret Trasmission
It is a very interesting approach to Tai Chi. It explains the philosophy and the basic. It is good for people that are starting with the study of Tai Chi.

A scholarly compilation of early Yang oral and written works
Though "secret transmissions" is somewhat of a misnomer, what the author presents is a collection of early published taiji material--mostly by Yang Cheng Fu, though there is one work Interesting Book
The books contains a few interesting passages, along with the common banalities that I hear all the time from anyone who knows what's what in Tai Chi.Read more

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

Reviews (16)

Good Read, Authoritative, Genuine
Aside from WKK's typical need for a better editor with a more daring hand, this is a worthy addition to any Taiji practitioner's library.
Recommended
This book is well-written, and recommended to students, beginning and advanced. Translating the eastern art into western written knowledge is a challenging task, and well-met by this author.
Buyer Beware (Note: Taijiquan = Tai Chi Chuan = Taiji)
If you're familiar with the writings of Wong Kiew Kit he often states that you can't learn genuine martial arts like Taijiquan and Shaolin Kung Fu from a book.You need to learn from a master because there are too many subtleties that will be missed without a proper instructor.So when Wong Kiew Kit states that:
Read more

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

Reviews (4)

For all the Shinsengumi fans
Shinsengumi is one of most popular historical figures in Japan like 47 Ronins.
A 'must' for any student of Japanese history and military culture
For over two centuries Japan was ruled by the Shogunate under a law of isolationism, but in the mid-1800s this policy was to change with the arrival of Matthew Perry and his armed warships from the U.S. Navy. Their arrival sparked a revolution and the overthrow of the Shogunate: SHINSENGUMI: THE SHOGUN'S LAST SAMURAI CORPS is the first English narrative of these events, tracing the internal conflicts within the Japanese world and the rise in murders, assassination and violence as a result. The Shinsengumi were the most dreaded security force Japan had ever known, and their power and effects are followed through one of the most confrontational periods of Japanese history. A 'must' for any student of Japanese history and military culture.
A propensity to kill...
Last year, the local foreign-language TV station here in L.A. broadcast an NHK-produced, fictionalized series about the Shinsengumi. The show was gripping, but it was obvious that the whole thing was highly romanticized. Since then, I've been looking for a more historically accurate account of the period, so I was delighted when I found this book.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Asia - Japan    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. Japan    7. Restoration, 1853-1870    8. Shinsengumi    9. ASIA    10. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (29)

The Jeet Kune Do Manual for the JKD student.
I study Jeet Kune Do in Denver Colorado. My Sifu referred me to this book. I do wish the book had more diagrams of some of the techniques. Overall it is the geatest book on JKD. Of course it is,it was written by the man who created JKD.
Wonderful book, not the key to martial art though.
I see that a lot of reviewers that gave this book low ratings seem to think that you can learn martial arts from a book. I will give you this warning now, you can't and never will be able to learn a martial art from a book, but this is a good starting place for beginners to see some of the techniques and ideas put forward in Jeet Kune Do. If you're someone with martial training as I am you can learn a number of things from this book. Most martial arts that are taught today are for exercise, fun, or competition, rarely are they taught for safety or other more historical reasons. This book can help you get back to those roots of your art.
Disorganised and rather painfull
Jeet Kune Do is a book full of insight into the martial arts through the eyes of Bruce Lee. It does contain many important aspects of martial arts. It appears to attempt to address very important topics which many martial art styles tend to ignore. Martial arts are more than lists of techniques and pre arranged kata. They are about developing fighting skill, and about how to train in order to perfect your agility, balance, power and timing. Volume three does address these concepts and more.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 1940-1973    2. Jeet Kune Do    3. Lee, Bruce,    4. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    5. Martial arts    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Lee, Bruce    9. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (23)

Sweet
It arrived to my destination within the allotted time period. I have found the book to be informative and I enjoyed the first couple of chapters that identified his thoughts about the arts and life. I found the book not as glamourous as other pressure point books and that for me was a good trait. I thought Rick Clark had some great things to say about the art in general.

A great start but not complete
Pressure point techniques, nerve manipulation, and vital area attacks are advanced, commonly misunderstood subjects in martial arts. Clarks book covers this complex topic in a well laid-out manner but the final result is not as comprehensive as I would have liked. Though it is probably not deep enough for most advanced practitioners, I did find a lot of useful information in the text that beginning and intermediate students could benefit from. Chapter 5, which covers the points themselves in great detail, would be massively better with illustrations to enhance the text. I think that is the biggest oversight in the book but also the most easily corrected. I hope the author publishes a new version someday with this refinement.
A good read!!!
This is a great book that covers a lot of information of pressure points and how it can relate to most styles.It breaks down some of the well known katas and puts them into good applications. The one thing I liked about this book was the first part that went through "Core Principles"--ie.Lateral thinking, out of the box thinking etc... One review that I read about this book seems to take a personal jab at this author.This to me is ashame because as an experienced martial artist that type of verbage is unprofessional and disrespectful to anyone. ... Read more

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

Reviews (15)

A Bible of Aristotelian-Like Virtues
This book is highly relevant to Japanese society today, and I'm glad that at least some reviewers have noted that fact.Nitobe writes in a style one would expect from a man educated in the manner of Edwardian England, but that does nothing to detract from what he says.It may give the impression that his message is dated, but the opposite is true: he writes clearly and directly and his laconic gems of expression lead straight to a solid undertanding of the modern Japanese heart.He manages to pull off this feat by using apt comparisons to our Western pre-Christian heritage, primarily comparisons to pagan Rome and Greece, writers like Tacitus, Polybius, and Aristotle.Nitobe also often quotes Shakespeare and the likes of Carlyle, Nietzsche, and Emerson, but almost always as an extension of his use of classical literature. If a Western reader wants to know what Western culture would have looked like without the Judeo-Christian ethic, this book is likely a window directly into that alternate universe. Under the best outcomes, Bushido appears as something like a combination of the spirits of Athens and Sparta in harmony.
Not only historic Japan, but also Japan at present
I am a Japanese graduate student, aged 24, who studies molecular biology. I would like to add to the excellent reviews so far that this book is full of insights to understand not only historic Japan but also Japan and Japanese people at present.
elegant, concise and informative
Not only does this book provide the philosphy behind Japanese culture, this philosphy still offers a reasonable ethic to live by. Certainly I do not recommend seppuku (ritual suicide) as component of a healthy value system. But rectitude(justice), courage, benevolence, politeness, veracity, honor, loyalty, education, and self-control are healthy values which Bushido is based on.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Asia - Japan    3. Customs & Traditions    4. Eastern - General    5. Philosophy    6. Sociology    7. Ethics & moral philosophy    8. Japan    9. Oriental & Indian philosophy    10. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (10)

IF Andy Stanford writes it buy it.
I am completely impressed with Stanford's work.Every book I have read written by him is excellent. If you want to learn about low light tactics, this book covers it all, and you must learn about low light tactics if you are serious about self-defense.Easy to read and understand. Well written. Buy this book.

Good basics on low-light operations
As this book is written by Andy Stanford, I had high expectations towards it. Partially the book was on par with my expectations, but partially I was a little bit disappointed with it. I was pleased with the way Stanford presents the issues he handles in the book, but disappointed with the fact that the book didn�t dig deep enough on many issues. Never fear the night
Some names stand out and speak for themselves, Gunsite, Gerber, Colt Andy Stanford, etc. Mr Stanford has done it again. Fight at Night is one of the best texts written on the subject of night fighting. It's very detailed and comprehensive. Not only are the topics of Firearms covered, but also how to use knives, flashlights, and your body as a weapon in the dark.Read more

Subjects:  1. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    2. Military - Strategy    3. Night fighting (Military scien    4. Night fighting (Military science)    5. Reference    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Shooting    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Technology    10. Combat sports & self-defence    11. Military tactics    12. Sports & Recreation / Shooting    13. Weapons & equipment    14. Combat   

Reviews (7)

100% Correct!
The title says it all. A very good book for anyone who is into physical conditioning using only body weight exercises!

Capoeira Conditioning
A very good book to learn the basics of capoira movements. It is great for general fitness for anyone of any age and fitness levels.
OK beginners book
Capoeira conditioning in a basic stretching and capoeira exercise book.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Capoeira (Dance)    2. Consumer Health    3. Dance - Folk    4. Exercise    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Training    8. Fitness & diet    9. Health & Fitness / Exercise    10. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (37)

Sort ofa "technique catalog."
Not a bad book, but like many judo & jujutsu books, it takes a sort of "technique catalog" approach, as opposed to a tactical or principles-based approach.Yes, there is some discussion of theory/tactics, but it is not really integrated with the demonstrated techs.
Excellent brief volume on the system
This is an excellent brief work on Prof. Jay's system. Although the book is comparatively short, at least 50 and probably more like 100 techniques are shown. Techniques are divided between throws, wrist locks, elbow locks, leglocks, and finger locks. Vulnerable areas of the body and how to attack them are shown also.
Small Circle or Kodenkan Yawara ?
I did not find what I was looking for here.I was hoping to find anentire book on "Small Circle JuJitsu" and instead found a book that was 80-90% standard Kodenkan JuJitsu at maybe the Shodan Level and only 10-20% of what I would consider "Small Circle JuJitsu".I was 20% satisfied and left feeling empty.Maybe I just lack the experience to understand what his two books convey?But I don't think so! ... Read more

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

Reviews (17)

Must Read to Understand Aikido
For me, this book is very helpful in helping me deal with my everyday conflict in the 'aikido way'. As an Aikido student, almost all the physical techniques I learn in class are mostly suitable for physical `attacks'. This book has `enlightened' me on how to handle non-physical `attacks' (communication, social confrontation, problem handling, etc). Complete understanding of both makes us realized that the aikido concept is almost complete for physical and non-physical `attacks' we face everyday.

A deeply meaninful book for me
As an aikido student, I found that this book has brought a new dimension to my practice as well as my ability to handle conflict in personal relationships.It incorporates the principles of aikido in dealing with conflict in relationships.I recommend this book for any aikidoist who wants to enhance his or her practice, or anyone who is interested in learning how to deal with conflict in ways other than fight or flight.

Fresh Air
A breath of fresh air for those that feel like fighting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aikido    2. Applied Psychology    3. Martial Arts    4. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    5. Martial Arts - Aikido    6. Psychological aspects    7. Psychology    8. Self-defense    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (26)

Makes Ninjas Look Bad
This is one of the few books I would give no stars. You will learn nothing from this book, and you will not have to read much in this book ( becuase there isn't alot of text). The most interesting thing about this book is that you can cut out the pictures, put them in order and make little bearded ninja flip books out of them. These will include crawling in the grass, climbing on a roof or walking past a guy with a big stick. Ooooh.
An Interesting Overview of the Exotic Arts of the Ninja
The Mystic Arts of the Ninja begins with a discussion of the history of ninjutsu and some of its historical figures such as: Hattori Hanzo, Fujibayashi Nagato, and Kato Danjo.This historical view of ninjutsu is then compared with the limited conventional view of the day revolving around moonlit nights with black masked assassins murdering their enemies.
Pretty good
I was trying to decide whether or not to get this book or the Ninja and Their Secret Fighting art also by Stephen Hayes.I didnt buy it off Amazon so I was able to look inside the actual books and see what they were like.The other book kind of seems to be teaching you about ninjas.(I know duh)It looked to me like it was just telling you about ninja stuff but not how to do it.(some of it did but....)I looked in this book and it had pictures and how to do stuff and everything.This probably isnt the greatest choice if you are already involved in martial arts, but it was perfect for me.I like it so much I think I'll buy another one of his books sometime soon. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Martial Arts    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Military Science    4. Ninjutsu    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Combat sports & self-defence    8. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (3)

BeginningT'Ai Chi
This book is excellent for beginners wanting to study the24 formYang T'Ai Chi. The drawings are most helpful. The descriptions of the drawings are easy to follow and execute. I would highly recommend the book.

The illustrations and the textare very easy to follow
The illustrations help show the flow of energy.The illustrations, together with the text, helps a beginning t'ai chi student proper form. Clear and concise tutorial for the 24-form.
This light-weight handbook is a clearly illustrated and concisely written guide to the 24-movement Tai Chi Short Form. Recommended as an easy-to-understand workbook for those learning, or wishing to learn, this popular form of taijiquan. ... 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 (29)

Excellent advice, but not really a book
This is a hard copy of a presentation.If you took out the drawings and put on 8.5x11 paper, it would probaby be only a few pages long.
Jeff Cooper is the best---but this is a pamphlet, not a book!
If you're looking for information from the best in his field, Jeff Cooper is the go-to guy.But DO NOT waste your money on this "book."This is a reissue of a 1989 training presentation that Cooper developed.
Short but Sweet (and I mean SHORT)
Good bedtime reading for my 9 year old son.He also liked the illustrations.... ... Read more

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

Reviews (13)

not a comprehensive handbook
mr. yumoto's work is very descriptive and pictures fill the pages more than text does.
GOOD SOURCE
A PERFECT SOURCE WHO WANTS TO LEARN ABAUT JAPANESE SWORDS AND THEIR HISTORY

confused...
I finished reading it yesterday. It is too much for beginner and not enough for intermediate or even expert...
Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Arms and armor    4. Arms and armor, Japanese    5. General    6. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    7. Swords    8. The Arts   

Reviews (3)

What is C'hi Kung? What can it does for you?
When I purchased "The Way of HeaIing" I was a hatha yoga practicioner for over 20 years. I was not very impressed with Lam Kam Chuen's exercices, because they seemed silly. However, I started doing the easiest exercices regularly, and after 3 months I was very impressed with the results. I was feeling better than ever, even practicing my yoga exercices. I then started practicing the more difficult exercices, those of Zhan Zuang. Well, after three years I feel really great. At a first glance, doing the exercices seems to be easy. This is not the case at all. It requires a good deal of effort and concentration. But the results are great for one's health, life quality improvement, better sleeping, better work and hapiness. I strongly recommend reading "The Way of Healing" BEFORE reading and practicing the exercices of "The Way of Energy", by the same author. The exercices of "The way of Healing" are easier and prepares your mind and body for the hardest Zhan Zuang exercices, described in "The way of Energy". Try practicising Lam Kam Chen's C'hi Kung exercices regularly (daily) during one year, and I assure that you will be very happy.

Sifu Lam has done it again
After reading Sifu (Master or Teacher) Lam's earlier work "The Way of Energy" I bought this book because it deals more with the healing aspect of Qigong (chi kung). a useful and clear book
As a big fan of master Chuen's previous book, The Way of Energy, I eagerly sought out this book when I learned it was available. It is a very useful companion book to his earlier one, and it stands well on its own, too. Itis a bit simpler in style and information, but contains additional usefulpractices and other interesting tidbits. It seems geared toward a readingaudience that would be more interested in a less intense chi kung regimethan that in The Way of Energy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Allied Health Services - Physical Therapy    2. China    3. Consumer Health    4. Exercise    5. Exercise Therapy    6. Healing    7. Health & Fitness    8. Health/Fitness    9. Mind and body    10. Qi gong    11. Qigong    12. Health & Fitness / Healing    13. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    14. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (9)

Disappointing
A few breathing exercises were OK, but not much instruction on developing a good practice. Most of the book explaining Taoistwater and fire methods put me to sleep. Was like New Age goobly guk.

A book every occultist should have
Every occultist who is serious about using breathwork may want to strongly consider reading this book and utilizing the practices found therein.
A Textbook for the Internal Arts
One of the best meditation and internal books I own.It goes through the process on how to stand and use the Outer-dissolving process.It also helps to develop your practice with regards to breathing which I have noticed many people have problems with.Although it is always better to have a teacher to teach you things like this; you could, with the Companion CD, practice these things with little problems. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Breathing exercises    2. Meditation    3. Religion - World Religions    4. Self-Help    5. Taoism    6. Oriental martial arts   

Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Consumer Health    4. Eastern - Taoism    5. Exercise    6. Healing - Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    7. Hygiene, Taoist    8. New Age    9. Qi gong    10. Body, Mind & Spirit / Healing / Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    11. Faith healing & religious therapy    12. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (21)

The devil went down to...Okinawa?
I had no idea that Charlie Daniels was a ninja.But, apparently he is.He sits in on this diatribe with the good "doctor."Doctor of what, they don't tell you.But, if "Dr." is good enough for the legendary fiddle player, it's good enough for me.Sign me up.

Wisdom and practice...
Everyone seeking wisdom in the art of Ninjutsu,i really reccomend this book since the Soke himself answers to many interesting questions. Everyone seeking to learn Ninjutsu through a book should instead train for real.
Whats Japanese for "Crap!"?
Hatsumi is right up there with scientology.Complete fabrication that people can't wait to pay for.Not one useful piece of information is this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1931-    2. Exercise    3. Hand-to-hand fighting, Orienta    4. Hand-to-hand fighting, Oriental    5. Hatsumi, Masaaki,    6. Martial Arts    7. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    8. Ninjutsu    9. Self-defense    10. Sports    11. Sports & Recreation    12. Combat sports & self-defence    13. Hatsumi, Masaaki    14. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (19)

Excellent Overview
Massad Ayoob provides an excellent overview of combat shooting.He covers the latest techniques, equipment and accessories.In addition, Ayoob does a good job of discussing most of the controversies: revolver vs. pistol, SA vs. DA, stock vs. modified, point shooting vs. aimed fire, etc...
informative, although too much on competition
This book covers a lot more competitive shooting, (haven't finished the book, so I gave it a 3) so far than self-defense and handgun tactics. However, there is a lot of information about handguns, and I think it will get more interesting as it goes on. Since I've never shot a handgun, I bought this book in hopes of giving me some basics so I can use this to help me train when I do go to the range. Since I don't know much about guns, I'd say this book does a good job of giving me an idea of what's going on and proper ways of shooting. Very informative. Again, I would've given the book a 5 star rating, but I haven't finished it. One bad thing is, the book seems SOOOOO old, kinda disappointed in the paper quality. But I believe if i finished the book, I would've given it a 5.

Full of Useful Info
This book not only covers the various aspects of handgun selection, but also the many ways to use it effectively.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Combat    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Military Science    4. Pistols    5. Self-defense    6. Shooting    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS