Reviews (7)

Great Book!!!!
This is an awesome book!!!It is well organized and very clear in its presentation.The photos and descriptions are very instructional and easy to understand.I would recommend this book to ANYONE interested in learning the use of the rapier.

A Great Place to Start
OK, I'll start by saying that Bill Wilson is a friend of mine, but having said that, I probably wouldn't have become friends with him if he didn't do top quality research, teaching and fencing. Arte of Defense: A Manual on the Use of the Rapier
An excellent resource with a wealth of knowledge. If you ever wanted a "how to" guide on starting rapier this is the book for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fencing    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Sports & Recreation    5. History of specific subjects   

Reviews (7)

If you want better information you need to go to Japan
This book contains detailed information on the kendo katas.It has all the notes one would like to have on how to perform each one.With this I do not need to worry about taking notes after classes and I can focus on performance.I especially like the shidachi and the uchidachi shown in opposing pages, so one can view the complete sequence at a glance.It also have interesting historical information with pictures.This book is a "must have" to practice far from Japan.

great details on kata
but.. i would rather suggest dvd rather than trying to read and learn from any book. best way to learn kata is, of course, from sensei at dojo.

Kendo Kata
This is a very informative book for those kenshi studying the Nihon Kendo Kata.Most do not devote enough time to the study and practice of the kata and this book is a valuable aid for this purpose. ... Read more

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

Reviews (8)

Nothing that resembles Ninjutsu
This book seeks to offer a quick ninjutsu solution to the uninformed. If you're looking for REAL ninjutsu(and I do wish to stress REAL) then search out any book written by Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi.

Fun and quite interesting, but I won't be leaving it out on the coffee table....
One of the great things about Amazon is the ability to order books that you might feel a bit red-faced about buying in the bookshop.
mind manipulation
mind manipulation is one of the best books i have ever saw by dr. haha lung but DO NOT buy black science it is the same info just diffrent book title. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    2. Motivational & Inspirational    3. Personal & Practical Guides    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Mind, Body, Spirit   

Reviews (35)

From a giant wimp to movin like a chimp
I was able to lift 10x the weight of my car and run faster than my house plant but I could never reach the cereal bowls in my kitchen cabinets.With this book I am still unable to reach the bowls and I have a massive debilitating tear in my lower back.This book ROCKS!!!!!

Pure Power Stretching
I you have the time read the first chunk of text, otherwise read only the end.
Best stretching book
I used to do an hour of yoga a day to loosen up, now with this book I only spend 15 minutes a day stretching and I am getting better results. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Physical education and trainin    4. Physical education and training    5. Physical fitness    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Stretching exercises    9. Training   

Reviews (10)

Excellent book on the short form
Charles Tuttle has a long tradition of publishing quality martial arts books, and Nishiyama and Brown's Karate, The Open Hand and Foot Fighting, published in 1960, if I remember right, was the first large hardback book I had ever seen on the subject. This book is no different and continues the Tuttle tradition of publishing quality books in the martial arts.
A great resource for Chen students
I think that a lot of people who purchase martial arts books are hoping to find some special or secret information that will provide them with insight into what is missing from their training.The secret though to Chen Style, like almost anything else, in my opinion is continuous correct application of tai chi principles and the maintaining of correct structure.Without maintaining the principles of tai chi and your structure, no matter the number of books, or the hours of practice, you are not going to get very far.I think this is where this books stands out.This is a workbook for the serious practitioner who is like most people can not train in Chen village or with a proficient master everyday of the week.This book provides people with accurate and detailed images and descriptions of movements by one of Chen Styles premier practitioners providing an excellent reference point and guide.
Powerful Book Answers All of Your Questions about Taiji
It's rare that a martial arts book invites such different reactions: You either love or hate this book. Yes, you can get through this rather short book quickly. Short though the book might be, it is an informative ride. Unlike many Taiji books out there, this book offers a clear depiction of the form, with clever and practical applications, performed in regular (street) clothes . . . Cool!This alone not only makes the book stand-out from the other Taiji books available but makes the book a very practical learning tool. Cool clothing aside, the content (more so than the technique presentation) was really important to me. The sections on history, training, theory--albeit brief--really shed light on many issues that (Chen) Taiji practitioners expend way too much energy trying to figure out.Read more

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

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Eastern - Taoism    3. Healing - Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    4. Health    5. Kung fu    6. Martial Arts - Kung Fu    7. New Age    8. Personal Health    9. Religious aspects    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Taoism    12. Body, Mind & Spirit / Healing / Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    13. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (20)

Good Resource
I think this book does a great job of presenting an overview of the self defense techniques and the overall philosophy of Hapkido.I also like the history of hapkido that is presented in this book.It does a good job of providing the reader with a deeper understanding of the art.
Not in-depth, but good.
This very thin book covers some good variations on locks & throws as well as some interesting self-defense options. The information is a good supplement if you already have a strong foundation in these types martial arts techniques.
Understandably Good
As one of the few practitioners of Hapkido in Hong Kong I have read Scott Shaw's articles on Hapkido in magazines like Black Belt and Taekwondo Times for years.So, it was no surpirse to me when I picked up this book that I found it to be well put together and a great source of information on this advanced system of self-defense.There are two things I really like about this book.The first is the presentation of the true history of Hapkdio.The second is that each self-defense technique is clearly and completely described.This book is a great source of reference on Hapkido.RECOMMENDED. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Hapkido    2. Karate    3. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    4. Martial Arts - Karate    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Korea    8. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (8)

Great Book for the Intermediate to Advanced
Let me just say this..... I really like this book.
not for beginners
a alll around good but don't let this be your first book on submissions, its not geared towards beginners and will cause confuion

Not a useful book
Even though this book is inexpensive, I was very disappointed.Most of the moves are not true submissions.The neck cranks and chokes that are shown don't seem like they would work even on the untrained.The straight and bent armlock are covered, but nothing you haven't seen before.Bottom line: this book is cheap, but it will just take up space and collect dust in your apartment. ... Read more

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

Reviews (2)

a model for other martial art books

Fascinating history of the art...
Matthias R�hrig Assun��o draws on historical fact to propose a view of Capoeira's development as a martial art.Through research, and much like many of us, through objective interpretation he ascertains what is reality, and what is fiction.Furthermore, he relates the common myths surrounding Capoeira to the people who need them, and proposes that at times myths are exactly what inspires individuals.He is, however, an advocate of fact, truth, and reality; and this shows in his work.
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Subjects:  1. Brazil    2. Capoeira (Dance)    3. Dance - Folk    4. History    5. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    6. Performing Arts    7. Social aspects    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Sports & Outdoor Recreation    11. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (12)

Great book, but read his other one first....
While this is a great translation of the classics, and has a good history and perspective on Taichi, the jump into cultivating and applying Jing is fairly advanced.I recommend reading his new book "Chi-How to Feel Your Life Energy" first, and then Taichi Classics...whether you are a beginner or advanced practitioner.Why?Becausein it, he gives a thorough overview of Chi, where it comes from, how Taichi helps strengthen and purify life energy, and why this is important for health and spiritual development, and also discusses applications of Chi -- such as martial arts and healing-- . These fundamental yet profound concepts will give you a better feel for the internal art perspective Liao is coming from.His newer books, even Nine Nights With a Taoist Master, are available here now, so you don't have to go through insiders or other websites to get them. Just do a search on this site.

Some useful commentaries
After a brief consideration of the history and origins of tai chi, the author proceeds to explicate the most important principles of tai chi through a presentation of the three most important tai chi classics, along with modern commentary written by the author. I found his elaborations on the more condensed and sometimes cryptic sentences and paragraphs in the original classics very helpful, and in fact, most of the text in these chapters is actually his, not the classics themselves. The chapter on jin theory and its many types and their nature and applications was also excellent.
The essence of Tai Chi from a *true* master
SIMPLY, ONE OF THE 3 BEST BOOKS ON ORIGINAL TAI CHI AND INTERNAL POWER I'VE EVER FOUND.
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Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. Exercise    3. History & Surveys - General    4. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    5. Philosophy    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Tai chi    9. Oriental martial arts    10. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (10)

Great source of Yi Quan History and Training
I have purchased many books on the subject of internal martial arts, specifically in the Xing Yi, Ba Gua, Tai Ji and Yi Quan.Yi Quan is an elusive subject, with very few chinese texts translated.This book provides a refreshing look at the history and sources of these arts.The book is a great read simply for its profoundness.Its not loaded with abstract thoughts on the subject of Yi Quan.It does a great justice to this seemingly lost art.

A few comments
Very helpfull whatever your level is
I can only copy here what I already wrote about the other Diepersloot's book. Read more

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

Reviews (1)

Very good forms reference
Most of the book covers the forms (Kibon, Taegeuk, Palgue, and the Black Belt ones). It has about 200 pages dedicated to forms (as a comparison, 13 pages to basic techniques - stances, blocks, strikes, and kicks). For more detailed descriptions of the "hows" and "whys" of each of the basic techniques, I'd recommend the "Taekwondo: The state of the art", ISBN 0-7679-0214-9.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Sports / Recreation    2. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    3. Martial Arts    4. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. JUVY-NON FICTION - JUVY-HUMOR NON FICT    8. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (26)

Love it
I grant I'm starting out but this book has amazing insight on the philosophy and moves. Reminding that creativity is as important as learning the moves that have come from those before us. He also gives exersies that can be done when a person can't get to the roda of his instructor/mestre. After this book I'm gonna have to read more books about capoeira as well as from Nestor cause he was able to explain more than I thought could be put in a book.

Newbie and I got it!!
This book has been out for quite a while now and even now, in 2006 the book is still helpful.I'm new to the Capoeira lifestyle and reading this book has been extremely helpful in gaining more knowledge about the history as well as the many different movements involved with this awesome martial art.
The Little capoeira book
Good synopsis of the bare basics of capoeira. A must for those new to the game and needing to know what all those new moves are called! No substitute for the practical side but a good accompaniment with classes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brazil    2. Capoeira (Dance)    3. Dance - Folk    4. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    5. Martial arts    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (12)

Some good insights not obvious to martial arts beginners
Deshimaru Roshi (Master Deshimaru) teaches a few lessons on Zen, and its connection to the tradition of martial arts in Japan. He explains that without cultivating the spirit, any martial arts is just a sport which could eventually deplete the body of energy. Instead, the samurai in medieval Japan were taught martial skill and civil education (caligraphy, history, music, etc.). Unfortunately, he says, the real spirit is going away even in Japan, let alone in the West. He shares some nice stories - he has a preference for cats, it seems :).Cultivating the mind through zazen practice is at least as important as practicing a martial art!
Essential reading if you aspire true Bushido
Marial arts have for the most part sunk into mere sport.True, traditional martial arts training strengthens Ki, destroys egoism and fear, moves the student beyond dualism, and develops a consciousness that has forgotten the self.This slim book is a jewel for those willing to start this arduous life long journey.

Somewhat Good
I felt this book was pretty good. It is easy to read with its conversational tone. There was no new information that I found in the book. I think if someone has been involved in traditional martial arts for an extended period of time this book will not offer much new information. For people who have recently entered into martial arts I believe there is some useful insights. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Martial arts    4. Philosophy    5. Reference    6. Zen Buddhism    7. Oriental martial arts    8. Philosophy / Zen   

Reviews (18)

Just what I was looking for.
I need this manual to aid me with a form of fitness that is not to hard for me to use for health purposes.

Good little book
This is one of those cutesy looking tai chi picture books that most serious practitioners seem to hate. I agree with the one writer who said this wasn't a good book for a beginner, since the drawing sequences in books like these or even photos just don't do justice to the actual moves, and are just too hard to really learn from. But then that makes it no different from all the other hundreds of similar tai chi picture and photo books out there. A video on tai chi that you can buy used on e Bay or here for a reasonable price is better to see the actual techniques. Many teachers have made these videos and I have seen them in the video sections of large bookstores too.
Step-By-Step Tai Chi
Great book! Very easy to understand and follow the movements.I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn Tai Chi or for someone who wants practice at home.A++ ... Read more

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

Reviews (4)

Good for All
This book is a great read for all students!It has good advice for students of any style and of any rank!

Mandatory for martial arts teachers
This is a short text that can, in principle, be readed in about 10 minutes. Nevertheless, full comprehention will probably demand new readings and long periods of thinking.
Short but sweet
This elegant book is a great treatise on the spiritual and mental aspects of traditional karate. Funakoshi, founder of the Shotokan School outlines the principles he felt exemplified the true spirit of karate. This is not "how to" book nor is it about technique. It is, however, an insightful easy read. I recommend it for those students who are interested in the deeper meaning of martial arts beyond just the techniques. I only wish it was longer.
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Subjects:  1. Sports    2. Martial Arts - Karate    3. Philosophy    4. Eastern - General    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Karate    7. Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (15)

guide for Mcdojangs.
This book is helpful for beginners in Tae Kwon Do, It gives you a brief base on Tae Kwon Do in a way. It is not a book I recommend for Advance Tae Kwon Do Practitioners, people who have been doing TKD for a long time will find this book useless, I almost found this book offensive in a way that it portrayed TKD, and the fact that this books seems to base its validity on the accomplishments of Keith Yates who is a "10th Degree" black belt, regardless of the fact that no respectable TKD organization has a higher degree than 9th (and has very few ninth degrees at that). In my Honest opinion its just another person trying to profit off of the American Mcdojang.

For someone who isn't sure whether they want to take TKD
I was a little disappointed in this book.I have been practicing Taekwondo for the past 3 weeks.I was hoping to get some information on forms and some more technical aspects, in order to advance in the class.Instead this book sounded like it was for someone who never took a class before in their life, and was not sure if they wanted to start.Although I am no expert, the book seemed to focus on just explaining how wonderful Taekwondo is, and some other basic information.Also, I found it focused too much on Taekwondo as a sport instead of an artform.As the title suggests, it really did seem a like the perfect guide for an idiot.

great beginner's guide!
Keith D. Yates -- 10th degree black belt, an inaugural member of the Texas Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and one of the most respected martial arts leaders in America -- and co-author Eden have written a superb beginner's guide and introduction to Tae Kwon Do.There's a lot of good material in this book, including basics on blocks, hand-techniques, kicks, one-steps, free-sparring, self-defense, and beginning forms for several styles.I highly recommend this book to anyone exploring the martial arts, especially new martial artists, and parents interested in enrolling their kids in martial arts.For an in-depth book on forms (kata), also get Mr. Yates' excellent "The Complete Book of Tae Kwon Do Forms." ... Read more

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 (10)

A book with pictures
With regards to some of the other comments:If you want a Chen-style Tai Chi book with lots of pictures of the form try "Old Frame Chen Family Taijiquan" by Mark Chen.

A classic, well written, good primer. MUST READ!
I am a beginner who simply loves to read books about martial arts to learn different perspectives and approaches.This book has a lot of great qualities and it was well worth the time and money investment it took to read it.
Excellent intro to Chen's TaiJiQuan history and philosophy
Very few books are available to the public, which are written in English, about Chen style TCC. This is a very good reference book for both beginner and advanced practitioners of this or any style of TCC.Read more

Subjects:  1. Chenjiagou (Henan Sheng)    2. China    3. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    4. Martial Arts - Taichi    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Tai chi    8. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (14)

Simple is best
I got this book several months ago and it could have saved me many years of looking for self-defense instruction that was worth anything.It is very simple, and in a real adrenaline situation, that is all you will have time for.Don't waste years learning 100's of throws and wrist-locks...they WILL GET YOU KILLED in today's world.There is a reason dogs and tigers go for the throat....

not as good as i thought it would be
I read all the great reviews about this book, but what really made me buy this book is because one reviewer described how he/she trains in martial art for so many years and this book offers effective and deadly self defense moves with no training required. ok, so i bought the book for about $13, when the book arrived I was surprised by how small and thin it was, yeah its only 96 pages, but its half the size of a notepad. Anyhow, its the content that count right? Well, I read through the whole book in less than a hour, the book does help set your mental state and mental awareness, it describes different situation and how criminal now are more violent than ever. It uses the scare tactic to prepare your mind into thinking: "fight to kill, or be killed". Everything is great until I get to the actual 12 technique section...then it starts getting disappointing....its like technique #1: kick, #2, punch, #3 poke eye, #4 punch some more.....you get the picture. Then you get to the pictures section, which pretty much look all the same except in a different scenario. Just click on the available "Search Inside" Amazon images and that's basically it. Pull hair, hit throat, poke eye, kick inside knee...ok, maybe I knew more about self defense than I thought I did, all these techniques are very effective but I consider them as survival instinct and second nature, I was hoping for so much more based on the review. In the book it mentions being approached by multiple aggressor, but no where does it teach or show you how to defend against multiple aggressor.
Larry Jordan's Dirty Dozen delivers!
This is a great book whether you are a serious martial artist or someone who simply wants to learn a handful of extremely effective self defense techniques.I am a practicing mixed martial artist with training in judo, wrestling and Kenpo Karate.My experience has been that formal training, particularly in the martial arts, can be too time consuming and cluttered with useless detail and information.After almost 6 years in one particular art I can tell you that the techniques presented in this book are right on the money in terms of simple, fast and effective as well as easy to learn, practice and execute.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Safety    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Combat sports & self-defence    8. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (4)

Okay book to learn the basics
I picked up this book to supplement my Muay Thai training.The books used a lot of glossy photos to demonstrate the technique.The section on stretching is nice.The footwork section left me with a lot of questions though(not too clear)!! It also includes an example training plan.IMHO, nothing takes the place of a experienced live instructor to help critique and correct your form. Hopefully, they will include a section on bag work in the next edition.

Fills in the gaps
I just started training Muay Thai and I bought this book to supplement my time in the gym. This book is an excellent addition to my training and I consider my self lucky to have found it when I did. The history of the art is great and so are the explanations of the techniques.
Good book for beginers
This is good book for MT starters. Also it price is very reasonable. In there are color pictures which is not very often. Very good topics on Thai culture and MT rituals.
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Subjects:  1. Boxing    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Muay Thai    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Thailand    7. Oriental martial arts    8. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense