General Books - Page 12

Raising Cane - The Unexpected Martial Art

Octavio, Ramos

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great Book! 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

As someone who has had to use a cane at different times, I loved it.
I had tried to adapt Escima (stick fighting) as a defensive option when I had to use the cane with not much luck. I feel a little safer and will continue to use the workouts.
Thanks

Worthy despite shortcomings 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

"Raising Cane" (RC) documents the pedestrian and much underestimated art of cane defense. What could be more familiar than a crook-necked cane, or as accessible as 36" of hardwood resting at the ready in your dominant hand? Neither a knife nor gun has this advantage and the cane can be taken almost everywhere by old or young.

Topics covered: Basic terminology, stances, footwork, power strikes, flexibility (redondo) strikes, thrusts, blocks, use of the crook, use of the alive(free) hand, fighting scenarios, combinations and flows, disarms, conditioning/weight room work and a section on cane vs. knife. This is an ambitious undertaking in just 176 pages.

My first hours with this text were frustrated by the sometimes confusing illustrations employed to convey technique. I'm not sure if I'm doing the beginning strike series (Cinco Tiros) correctly. No doubt it is a challenging task to portray the dynamics of any martial art with static illustrations. And the style chosen--stick figure drawings viewed from a single vantage point--leave much to be desired. I simply could not decode some of the drawings, e.g. strong-side high-level strike (p48) and weak-side corkscrew thrust (p50). Both seem impossible as illustrated. In many illustrations there are missing critical frames showing the path the cane should take, thus leaving the reader to guess, fill-in or draw upon previous experience. Some drawings are mislabled (p117) and do not coordinate with text--poor proofing. (-1.5 stars)

RC desparately cries out for a companion demonstration DVD. All is not lost, the author does direct the reader to the Canemasters website where one can find instructional DVDs, which are not inexpensive, as well as a selection of robust canes which put to shame anything else I've been able to find.

A valiant effort but unnecessarily difficult to decode (3.5 stars).

Editorial Review:

When you think of a cane, do you think of an elderly person walking down the street, using the "stick" as a crutch? When author Octavio Ramos Jr. sees a cane, he sees a hard-hitting self-defense weapon with a crook and horn capable of incapacitating any opponent within a matter of seconds. This book teaches the art of one of the most unexpected self-defense tools ever created. Carried anywhere--into almost any situation--the cane rarely attracts undue attention...until you need it to.

Strategic Guard: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Details and Techniques

Joe Moreira, Ed Beneville

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The hallmark of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is the guard position. BJJ not only teaches you how to defend from your back, but how to be comfortable off of it and attacking from it. If you cannot fight from your back, you are not fully prepared to fight. Strategic Guard is a detailed, organized examination of the open guard with a particular emphasis on obtaining and maintaining the guard and attacking from the open guard. Strategic Guard features seventh degree black belt Joe Moreira's unique brand of jiu-jitsu, developed over the course of his 40 years of experience in iu-jitsu and judo. The essence of the guard is core body movement. Strategic Guard clearly and concisely demonstrates Moreira's methods for mastery of these core body movements, which make the guard the potent weapon it is. Strategic Guard is packed with over 2800 color photos arranged in intuitive, easy-to-follow spreads. Grappling Arts Publications prides itself on innovative visual presentations that have redefined how martial arts books are made, and this volume raises the bar again. Techniques are shown from multiple angles so you don't miss a thing. Illustrations highlight key points and demonstrate directions of movement and pressure. Thorough text descriptions provide insights and a wealth of detail for even the advanced practitioner. Topics are summarized into flowcharts using thumbnail pictures so that you can easily get the big picture. The secrets of obtaining and maintaining the guard position are organized logically and systematically. Subject matter is examined intensively. This is not some diluted attempt at covering all things grappling; it is a focused examination of critical aspects of the guard position. Table of Contents 1. Side Control Escapes 2. North/South Escapes 3. Deflection 4. Half Guard 5. Protecting the Side: Loose Passes 6. Protecting the Side: Tight Passes 7. Knee Through the Middle Counters 8. Under-Hook Pass Counters 9. Submission Counters 10. Sitting Guard 11. Sweeps (sitting guard)

Bruce Lee's Fighting Method, Vol. 4: Advanced Techniques (Bruce Lee's Fighting Method)

Bruce Lee

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A good martial arts book that everyone should own! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Being the author of several books on the martial arts and fighting, I am always looking for books of exceptional quality to add to my library. If I have a book in my library, it's definitely worth owning. One such book is Bruce Lee's and M. Uyehara's, "Bruce Lee's Fighting Method; Volume 4: Advanced Techniques." This book is a direct continuation of the previous volume and will continue where that one left off.

As is stated in the introduction to this and the other three volumes in the series, Bruce Lee never intended for these books to be published. However, since his untimely passing, his wife Linda decided that she would allow them to be published. Something we should all be thankful for.

What I will attempt to do in this review is to give you a well-rounded grasp of what Bruce has written and demonstrated for you in this series of books. Although nothing can replace the value of a qualified and competent instructor, a well written book can still provide you with a wealth of knowledge if you know how to realize it and obtain it.

12. Hand Techniques for Offense; Part One:

a. Set-up your primary attacks first.
b. Your primary attacks should be indirect attacks rather than direct attacks.
c. Basic principles involved in utilizing hand techniques effectively.
d. You should always be studying your opponent.
e. How to effectively utilize the Leading Finger Jab.
f. How to effectively utilize the Leading Straight Right.
g. How to effectively utilize the Leading Punch to the Body.
h. How to effectively utilize the Leading Straight Left Punch.

13. Hand Techniques for Offense; Part Two:

a. How to effectively utilize the Straight Left to the Body.
b. How to effectively utilize the Lead Jab.
c. How to effectively utilize the Backfist.
d. How to effectively utilize the Hook Punch.
e. How to effectively utilize the Uppercut.

14. Attacks with Kicks:

a. How to effectively utilize the Side Kick to the lead shin and/or knee.
b. How to effectively utilize the Leading Side Kick.
c. How to effectively utilize the Roundhouse (Hook) Kick.
d. How to effectively utilize the Turning Back (Spin) Kick.
e. How to effectively utilize the Turning Wheel or Hook (Sweep) Kick.

15. Defense and Counter:

a. How to effectively counterattack utilizing the Lead Finger Jab.
b. How to effectively counterattack utilizing the Leading Side Kick to the shin or knee.
c. How to effectively counterattack utilizing the Roundhouse (Hook) Kick.
d. How to effectively counterattack utilizing the Turning Back (Spin) Kick.
e. How to effectively counterattack utilizing the Leading Right.

16. Attributes and Tactics:

a. Discusses the importance of speed, attitude and tactics.

Like any well written book, as much as you can learn from this book by reading it, you can learn just as much if not more by reading between the lines. I particularly enjoyed the simplicity of what Bruce was trying to relay throughout this and pretty much all of his books. What may work well for one person, may not work at all for another. Therefore, you as an individual needs to research the techniques that are out there and find those that work best for you and use them. Remember, there are no superior martial arts, only superior martial artists.

Editorial Review:

This book presents the advanced techniques. Chapters include hand techniques, attacks with kicks, counters, tactics. Fully illustrated BEST SELLER!

Mastering Mixed Martial Arts: The Guard

Antonio Nogueira, Erich Krauss, Glen Cordoza, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

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Editorial Review:

Combining wrestling, boxing and ruthless ground-and-pound with world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Antonio Nogueira, current UFC Heavyweight Champion, has developed the most sought-after fighting system on the planet. In Mastering Mixed Martial Arts, for the first time, he unveils the guard segment of that system through more than 1000 step-by-step color photographs and detailed narrative, covering everything a fighter could want to know about developing and utilizing the guard. If your goal is to learn how to haul an opponent to the mat and put him in a world of pain, Mastering Mixed Martial Arts puts you one step closer to achieving that dream.

The Power of Internal Martial Arts and Chi: Combat and Energy Secrets of Ba Gua, Tai Chi and Hsing-I

Bruce Frantzis

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Originally published in 1998, this book has become a martial arts classic. It provides detailed descriptions of the three main internal martial arts—tai chi (taiji), hsing-i (xingyi) and ba gua (pakua)—and their sub-styles, as well as how they differ from each other and from such external arts as karate, tae kwon do and judo. Each internal martial art is analyzed in terms of its fighting strategies and applications. This revised edition includes 50 pages of additional material including a new chapter on martial arts and spirituality.This was the first book to provide in-depth information to Westerners about nei gung (neijiaquan), the sophisticated Taoist system developed in ancient China for working with chi in the body, mind and spirit. Chi helps build relaxed speed and power without the use of muscular tension or adrenaline surges. This gives many internal martial artists a powerful edge over counterparts trained in external martial arts.

The book provides vivid details about Frantzis’ personal training odyssey in the martial arts, including fascinating profiles of such renowned martial artists as Morehei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido; ba gua master Wang Shu Jin, who emanated chi so powerfully that on cold days his students could warm their hands by standing near him; and Liu Hung Chieh, the legendary master of the internal martial arts and Taoist meditation who also had a complete knowledge of traditional Chinese medical theory.

The new edition demystifies the technique known as fa jin, the storage and sudden discharge of energy without the use of muscular force, one aspect of which is demonstrated on the front cover. The new edition also adds a lengthy chapter on the spiritual development of a martial artist, and describes how the internal martial arts are linked to Taoist meditation.

Fencing: Steps to Success (Steps to Success Activity Series)

Elaine Cheris

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Learn the highly technical sport of fencing, in nine challenging and fun steps! Fencing: Steps to Success covers all of the essential skills of the epee and foil forms of the sport. The book is a perfect how-to guide for beginning and developing fencers, and a valuable reference for instructors.

Author Elaine Cheris shares the expertise that has made her one of the most prolific fencers and fencing instructors in the United States. In each progressive step, she explains the importance of a major skill, presents sequential illustrations to show you how to perform the skill, and then provides a series of drills to refine and master the skill.

Cheris has instructed many elite international competitors, as well as pop music star Jimmy Buffett. In Fencing: Steps to Success, you can receive your own personal lessons and start fencing the right way, right away.

This book is part of the highly popular Steps to Success Activity Series, which now has more than 1 million copies in print!

Xing Yi Nei Gong: Xing Yi Health Maintenance and Internal Strength Development

Dan Miller, Tim Cartmell

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 30 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Global coverage of Xingyiquan 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Tim Cartmell is always a must have when it comes to martial arts. But this book is very well written. He doesn't do what so many writers do. He gives parameters of what is and what is not acceptable in Xingyiquan. And not "HARD and FAST on what Xingyiquan is all about.
He allows the art to speak for itself.
This book is for anyone of any style Xingyiquan who is looking to better him or herself in this amazing Chinese Internal Martial Art.

A lifetime of health 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I have had this book for ten years and have been practicing the exercises daily for roughly that amount of time as well. Though I was never really a practitioner of the internal arts, I have a clear understanding of Chi-development.I notice that alot of the readers reviews state that they are practitioners of Xing Yi and for that purpose,this book is helpful in many ways. However, this book is not just for the Xing Yi student,it can be utilized just for the exercises alone as the book states.In the book there are case studies of different types of people most of whom arent martial artists and they have benefited greatly from these easy to learn exercises. If you are student of Xing Yi or any art and have at least some knowledge of chi-Gong and want to do exercises that will give you a lifetime of health and vibrancy, then this book is for you.This book is by far my most prized book. The exercises are easy to do and learn,and with consistent practice can give you a good sense of well being.

Editorial Review:

This is the most complete book on the art of xing yi (hsing Yi) available. It includes the complete xing yi history and lineage going back eight generations; manuscripts handed down from famous practitioners Dai Long Bang and Li Neng Ran; 16 health maintenance and power development exercises; qigong (chi kung) exerices; xing yi long spear power training exercises; and more.

The Whirling Circles of Ba Gua Zhang: The Art and Legends of the Eight Trigram Palm

Frank Allen, Tina Chunna Zhang

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Very good basic introduction 4 out of 5 stars.
16 of 16 people found this review helpful.

Level: Beginner

This is a clearly written, basic overview of BaGua. Essentially, it's written like an introduction of the subject to the Western culture-- a useful book for those who know little about BaGuaZhang. In the first part, we are treated to a very wide overview of BaGua's history, with a number of stories-- many with mystical flavor still intact. Given that BaGua is a relatively new martial art, the authors can go into some detail in a fairly short space-- roughly 15% of this book is history. They also, I think, fairly, speculate that the reason for much of BaGua's obscurity is the relative youth of this art-- what few masters that developed subsequently saw their skills lost over generations in the many Chinese cultural revolutions that ensued.

This is followed by instruction on basic concepts-- circle walking, stances, palm training, VERY rudimentary energetics. I guess I was hoping for more. For much more on biomechanics, see the books by Park Bok Nam. That being said, the instruction in this book is clearly stated.

Later, we are introduced to the Old Eight Palms of Cheng Shi family BaGua as interpreted by Liu Jing Ru. Some photos of Liu doing his stuff are included. Unfortunately, most of the photos are of the authors, and unlike on the cover, in the photos inside they are wearing very loose "tradiitonal" kung fu outfits that make it very difficult to discern what they are truly doing-- even basic spinal alignment. Me, I love going to seminars where the masters come out in sweats and a T-shirt. George Xu, for example, is famous for letting you put your hands practically anywhere on his body to feel what he is doing. The text of this book, while clear, is very basic.

Similarly, a basic overview of weapons, and a presentation of the Deer Horns Set (which is very similar to the empty hands set entitled "Cascading Palms" form, aka "Flexible Chain Palms" depending on your source-- which is a more advanced form in the system. Again, my same comments about clothing and content apply.

Incidentally, Grandmaste Liu has his own VCDs/DVDs and books now (all but one book in Chinese--available via Internet-- I got mine in SF Chinatown), and one can see him in action. He is quite good, and gives a fairly "pure" BaGua flavor. It is sometimes hard to find this flavor-- George Xu himself, for example, will admit his forms are all blends at this stage-- and his BaGua is heavily influenced by Hsing-I and Lan Shou, among others.

There is an overview of applications that is basic concepts but not really applications. Despite being familiar with BaGua applications myself, I had a hard time discerning what was really happening in the photos-- usually one or two stills for each application, and an explanation that basically said: "Thunder techniques have the quality of a shockwave..." Basically, not very helpful outside a a philosophical understanding of intention, but not the mechanics.

Finally, there is a translation of the Songs of BaGua-- historically the classic means of transmitting the basic principles of BaGua from generation to generation. Again, the translation is basic-- that is, without a lot of more in-depth discussion exploring details and experiences that might help the intermediate-advanced student.

This book did blend in concepts of BK Frantzis' water meditation techniques into circle walking to a more advanced levels-- concepts that I did not get even from Frantzis' two books on the subject. That alone gave me something to work on, and made this books worth it to me.

In summary, a good book as a reference to sequence for these particular forms, and especially good as a basic basic introduction to the BaGua concept, but not a hard core martial artist's book.

Editorial Review:

This is the most complete book on the art of Ba Gua Zhang ever presented in English. It tells the story of the history and legends of the art and its most famous masters as well as presenting the basic training, forms, fighting and weapons of Ba Gua Zhang. The text also includes a new translation of the classic Ba Gua 36 songs and 48 Methods as well as the Daoist meditation roots of the art and the method in which Ba Gua becomes at its ultimate level a physical and energetic manifestation of the Chinese Classic of Change, the Yi Jing. This book will be of interest not only to practitioners and enthusiasts of Ba Gua Zhang, but also to everyone who is interested in the history, philosophy and methods of Chinese Internal Martial Arts.

The Swordman's Companion: A Manual for Training With the Medieval Longsword

Guy Windsor

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Most illuminating 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Although I read this a few years ago, it remains for me the best book on the subject of swordplay that I've ever picked up. Although I may disagree with some of his interpretations (and that may simply be the result of his models handling blades too long to accurately demonstrate some of Fiore's guards), his decriptions of the fundamental principles of swordfighting are both elegant and insightful. This book was a pivotal experience in the evolution of my understanding of medieval swordplay.

Editorial Review:

How was the medieval sword used? Although many books have been released detailing techniques of the medieval sword masters, none of them can really be termed easily interpreted manuals of technique. For the beginner, they are hard to decipher and interpret. The well-respected founder of the prestigious Helsinki School of European Swordsmanship, Mr Windsor has offered a nuts-and-bolts approach to teaching Italian historical swordsmanship through drills, exercises. Based on the systems of Fiore dei Liberi, Fillipo Vadi, and others, this work should be one of the first books acquired by anyone wishing to explore swordsmanship as a practical art.

Chi Gung: Chinese Healing, Energy and Natural Magick

Lily of the Valley Carnie

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 22 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Chi Gung, taught as it should be 5 out of 5 stars.
30 of 30 people found this review helpful.

I find this book to be superb. I am particularly attacted to its flexibility, which fits in with the fact that the form of Chi Gung which Ms. Carnie practices is "The Flowing".
Lily Carnie is a skilled teacher unlike many who know *how* to do something but don't know how to pass on that ability. The Olympic coach Laurence E.Morehouse found that an extremely ineffective way to teach someone how to use their body is to tell them what to do with the various parts of their body. What works is to give them an IMAGE to hold in their mind. Ms. Carnie in her section on breathing, "... the most important skill you will learn in practicing this ancient art.", shows her awareness of this principle: "Imagine you are inhaling a delicate silk thread and if you breathe too harshly, quickly, or spasmodically, it will break."
What motivated me to write this review was the "Astonishing bad" review of Kenneth Robinson. I found his review "helpful" in recommending anything on Chi Gung by Lam Kam Chuen or B. K. Frantzis. I have to assume that, in sharp contrast to the flexibility of Lily Carnie, their works would exhibit the rigidity so dramatically displayed by Mr. Robinson.
But to return to "Life as it Should be" as we say in Maine, L.V.Carnie's "Chi Gung" will broaden the vistas of your life.

Editorial Review:

Discover a bottomless well of physical and psychic energy with Chi Gung, where you will find more than 80 different exercises using breathing, postures, and sensory awareness. You can slow the aging process; alter your metabolism; talk to plants and animals; move objects with your mind; withstand cold, heat, and pain; and even read someone's spirit.