An outstanding addition to your martial repertoire
919739
As the title of this fantastic tome describes, this material really is applicable to all styles. I primarily study Goju Ryu, an Okinawan form of karate that, while somewhat influenced by Chinese kung fu historically, is much closer to Japanese martial arts then it is to any of the Chinese styles. Regardless, while the terminology is a little different, the principles and techniques herein are directly applicable to my art as well kung fu, aikido, jujitsu, and many others.

Chin Na is the art of controlling an opponent, a practical and important skill. It is relevant to striking arts as well as grappling arts. Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming covers joint locking, vein/artery sealing, muscle dividing, and bone displacing in a comprehensive and easy to understand manner. His vast experience really shines throughout this outstanding work. He also offers an excellent series of exercises for strengthening the joints to protect them from damage as you integrate these techniques into your training regimen.

Applications include finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, neck, waist, and leg manipulations, along with muscle grabbing and cavity press (pressure point) techniques. He also discusses how to use Chin Na in a real fight, including defense against knives, kicks, and punches. One of the most unique and important aspects of this book is the section on injury treatment which covers joint, ligament, cartilage, muscle, and tendon injuries, artery, capillary, as well as organ ruptures, sealed breath veins/artery in the neck, and even "stagnant" chi (ki). This section isn't particularly long but it is very insightful. There is also an appendix on Chinese herbs.

Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming is a prolific author as well as one of the world's foremost kung fu experts. Highly skilled in Shaolin White Crane (Bai He), Shaolin Long Fist (Changquan), and Taijiquan and other forms, he has spent more than thirty years teaching his art to others. He has published 35 books and 75 videos on the martial arts. Dr. Yang is currently president of Yang's Oriental Arts Association headquartered in Boston, MA.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction
303233
FROM BATTLEFIELDS TO DUELLING: The evolution of Jogo do Pau is a great DVD that anyone in HEMA should be interested to purchase.

What we have here is a living European martial art that is taught by not only someone who is passionate, but also very educated in the field of sport sciences and coaching. He has a number of publications, all in modern English, and to boot hes alive.

So now back to the DVD, it goes through JDPs development as a martial art. What I love about this DVD is that Luis goes over reasoning behind tactical and technical actions. Luis doesnt just help develop knowledge on JDP but a working knowledge that can be applied elsewhere.

As a couple bonuses, Luis has included an analysis of German Longsword using a very effective flow chart, and a form interpretation in an outnumbered situation with a bladed staff.
3253303
I decided to purchase this book after 6 years of training in Tai Chi.  I have found many low and mid-level discussions of Tai Chi practice, and some "high level abstract discussions" of proper Tai Chi practice (such as essays in Tai Chi magazine), but have rarely found a publication which discusses, in detail, the nuances of putting together all of the pieces of an obscure and unusual art.

This book delivers, and is a treasure for anyone at an intermediate to advanced level of practice.  It contains details, suitable for all styles (although the illustrations appear to be primarily Yang style) on how to overcome many of the "sticking points" of Tai Chi practice :

- rooting

- flowing

- proper use of legs

- proper body alignment for power generation

- mental attitudes

The illustrations provided detail clearly the differences between "correct" and "incorrect" practice.  Two-person drills for rooting and alignment are detailed as well.

If you feel stuck, confused, or frustrated with your practice, skim through this book.  If you're looking to take your art to the next level, seriously peruse this book.  Compare what you're doing to what the author details.  The universal concepts, coupled with clear explanations and illustrations, make this required reading for most any long-term Tai Chi practicioner.
1584523
This review is for "Modern Judo: The Complete Ju-Jutsu Library" by Charles Yerkow. This reprinted version that  includes all three volumes;

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Modern-Judo-Volume-One-Basic-Technique/dp/B002XY27C0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Modern Judo: Volume One - Basic Technique</a>

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Modern-Judo-Volume-Two-Advanced-Technique/dp/B000JCBY4U/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Modern Judo: Volume Two - Advanced Technique</a>

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Modern-Judo-Volume-Three-The-Complete-40-Gokyo-Techniques/dp/B0027PZ8IK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Modern Judo:  Volume Three - The Complete 40 Gokyo Techniques</a>

This is an excellent three volume set for the martial artist or self-defense practitioner. This series at the time of publication in the 50's - 60's was one of the primary and comprehensive introductions to the science of Judo and Ju-Jitsu written in English. Since then it has remained a benchmark text, most books have copied. This series cover some elaborate techniques, as well as effective straight forward methods ideal for self-defense application. Of particular interest in Volume One - chapter six, offers what Yerkow calls self-defense Judo, which are very workable and tested techniques of Ju-Jitsu. Additionally, chapter seven also maintains the same theme of effective methods for self-defense.

Volume two is a superbly crafted book that continues from volume one, with advanced technique. The book covers details of low-line kicks and effective strikes, as well as some fundamental stick work.

Finally volume three deals with predominately traditional throws (body, hip, etc.) of Kodakan. I found the content of this volume to not be as applicable to self-defense like the first two volumes, but more in line with competitive application then that of self-defense.

Overall a lot has changed since the publication of these books but they remain relevant for academic study. All the books are clearly written, and provide clear instruction in the text, while being illustrated with numerous photos. This series is well worth a look.
3545338
Don't let the cartoonish cover fool you, this tome is as serious and substantive as any martial arts book that I have ever read, and I've read hundreds. It retells the author's pinnacle karate achievement, completing a 30-man kumite during which he successfully fought against 30 progressively skillful opponents in consecutive full contact bouts. Despite the fact that this feat is rarely undertaken, let alone pulled off, by even master martial artists, I found that the accomplishment is far less important for the reader than the way in which he got there.

His martial training began as a child with judo where he learned the fundamentals of fitness, balance, timing, and attitude. As a young man he switched to Kyokushinkai karate, taking on a full contact style that demonstrated the benefits of disciplined training and a strong spirit. Later on, tae kwon do taught him to relax, conserve energy, and flow with his techniques. Switching back to Goju Ryu karate he refined his posture and balance, learned the value of kata, and developed a refined sense of awareness. The sum of these experiences helped him develop the quintessential martial virtue, an indomitable spirit necessary to take on and overcome nearly any challenge, even the brutal 30-man kumite. He compares this spirit to a pilot light. No matter how battered and beaten you may become, with the right mental attitude your pilot light can still burn brightly. No opponent can ever reach in and blow it out.

The author's journey is one in which we can find great wisdom, information that all martial artists should know regardless of the length of their experience, the style they practice, or whether or not they ever intend to compete in full contact events. He makes full use of his formidable writing skills and martial knowledge, aptly demonstrating how he learned and grew through various trials and tribulations in a way that is entertaining, easy to read, and, thankfully, never self-aggrandizing or preachy. He demonstrates how he discovered the secrets of quickness and power, patience and perseverance, body mechanics and technique, in a way that anyone can truly appreciate, relate to, and learn from.

Very highly recommended!

Lawrence Kane
Author of Blinded by the Night, among other titles
2729816
This is the first review where I have ever given a DVD all FIVE stars. There are two primary reasons for this -
1. It is an excellent tutorial/training aid for anyone wanting to learn this form for health and fitness.
2. Ms. Liang's previous DVD on the 24 Simplified form, which I had reservations about regarding its martial applications content (see my review of her Simplified 24 Form DVD) has set the precedent for what her tutorials contain, so there should be no surprises for anyone who takes the time to check out her work. In other words, if you look up reviews of her previous DVDs, you should know what to expect - an excellent intro to tai chi for fitness.

The format is, again, pretty much perfect. The DVD has several useful demonstrations of the form (decent camera work), two are front views (one with a running commentary as she performs the movements) and a complete demonstration from a rear view. There is a section where she covers fundamentals, basic stances, talks about transitions and weighting, and throughout are various tips to avoid injury through improper musculo-skeletal alignment. The form is then broken into six very detailed section-by-section chapters, with about as much information and detail on the physical movements as you can offer through a DVD.

More than she put into this DVD would likely be going beyond an introduction to this form, and get into areas of training that should advise the assistance of a competent teacher. But there is more than enough here to keep someone busy for quite awhile, I would say.
As I stated about her Simplified Tai Chi 24 Form DVD -
if you are interested n learning this form, or reviewing it, get it.
3308250
This DVD is what I have been looking for since I began learning Tai Chi.  I study and teach a martial art called Kenpo and through that practice I was aware that Tai Chi had Martial applications.  I began my Tai Chi study about 10 years ago and the lessons I had emphasized the health and meditation benefits.  Don't get me wrong I love Tai Chi for these benefits.  But, I always wondered about the martial applications.  Several Tai Chi instructors I have had who were aware of my Kenpo background  even asked me if I could see the defense/offense movements in the forms. Although some of the applications were obvious...the subtle intricate movements were not as obvious.

So, getting this DVD was like manna from heaven.  Dr. Yang is amazing.  His knowledge is deep and his method of instruction is easy to follow.  It honestly felt like he was in the room with me providing personal instruction. He explains how to apply the defensive and offensive movements of TaiJi in depth.  He even discusses not just one but several applications for each move dependent on the way an opponent attacks.  This DVD has greatly improved my practice by adding information on "coiling", proper leg placement,intricate hand movements and many other important techniques of TaiJi.  I very highly recommend this DVD to Tai Chi practitioners or to those just wanting to learn Tai Chi for defense.
2119185
Unfortunately, anatomy and physiology is not commonly taught in martial  arts classes. The need for some knowledge of these fields becomes more  apparent the older the age of the student. Not only does the older student  take longer to heal from injuries, but repetitive stress injury becomes a  real possibility.
This book addresses these issues in a forthright,  helpful manner. Perry Sensei has put together a collection of text,  diagrams and photographs that illustrate the common ways that even  seemingly simple moves can be executed in a fashion that can cause  injury.
This information is totally applicable across the divisional  lines of modern martial arts. His Shotokan background speaks as strongly to  my Tae Kwon Do training as to his own discipline. I highly recommend this  work.
2202812
In a skillful conceived layout, Masatoshi Nakayama's book, Dynamic Karate lacks nothing in providing teachers and students with the smallest of details needed to master Karate.

The author's credentials for presenting the basics for a wide variety of Karate techniques include being a student of master Funakoshi Gichin who took the foundations of "Chinese Hand Techniques" and built Karate-do (empty hand ways), which is the style presented in this book.

The first part of this enlightening book, which deals with the fundamentals in great detail, devotes considerable text and images to assure the reader understands the importance of stance and balance. The section on using the hands and feet as weapons, which shows alternate techniques as well as the currently preferred technique, is clearly written and diagramed. The fifty chapter, which is devoted to punching techniques, provides insight on theory and practice. This is followed by a related chapter on the theory and practice of striking techniques. Chapter 7, which is devoted to kicking techniques, includes some fantastic images of kicking dynamics. Placed as almost an after thought, Chapter 8 provides great text and images of blocking techniques. In this chapter, considerable effort is made to make the reader aware of the differences between proper and improper form.

In the final part of the book, the reader is treated to the applications of the techniques describe in all the previous chapters. The book ends with chapters on basic training, calisthenics and exercises. Note that there are no chapters on forms; Nakayama presents forms in separate publications.

There are other great books on Karate (Tae Kwon Do by Richard Chun) but there are none better than this. If I could only afford to buy one book on Karate, this would be my choice.
3750091
I had the honor or attending Master Chun's original school on the upper east side of Manhattan NYC, in the 1970s. Those were the days when one might see the great tournament champion Joe Hayes or the actor Gregory Hines in class. It was a wonderful time for Tae Kwon Do as its growth and popularity was at its apex. This book is a great addition to any TKD collection. It is clear and consistent in its explanations and photographs. If you are looking for a very good primer on techniques from punches to blocks, from striking and kicking presented by one of the great masters of the art, I highly recommend Master Chun's books
1385265
I have studied in the martial arts for more than 20 years. I hold 2nd Dan black belts in two of the systems I have trained in and I am a certified US Army combatives instructor.

With that being said, I personally believe that the Mastering Krav Maga DVD set demonstrates a solid combatives approach to personal defense readiness.  The set is professionally filmed and produced, well balance of technique explanation and demonstration. Love the clinch and ground work!!! This guy really knows his craft and does a fine job relaying it through DVD. If you are looking for a well assembled, combat proven system, explained and demonstrated by a true representative of the system, then look no further. Mastering Krav Maga will NOT disappoint.

RET US Army Combatives Trainer!
3638901
I can't heap enough praise on this book. Well okay, this book doesn't cure baldness and raise the dead, but it is a true work of brilliance. Professor Hand has done something amazing - he has reconstituted a dead martial art, and a martial art that unjustly died out, owing to swordsmanship no longer being a true matter of life and death anymore after the ascendance of the gun, and to an over-fascination with foreign customs and as one contemporary put it, a desire to wear light swords that do not wear out your hose (pants!) The system in question is the use of the Sword - i.e. the cut and thrust weapon that has enough weight behind it to shear a limb off. It lost out in popularity in civilian life (where it was illegal to kill people with swords anyways!) to the Italian rapier and then to the French smallsword. These lighter swords were easy to carry around and even easier to use as their techniques were limited to just the thrust and a few basic parries and simple footwork. They were of course deadly enough to be useful for self-defence, but were seen as weak for the battlefield to which real swords were brought. This Sword-using system (the capital "S" is intentional here) was put into writing by a gentleman by the name of George Silver. It is the culmination of millennia of fighting experience among the English, refined and personalized to some extent, to be sure, by Silver himself, but according to his own claims, an accurate rendering of the traditional English way of Fencing. Unlike the Italian Fence-masters who advocated for the duel, Silver rails against it, only thinking fencing a fit practical skill for serving the nation on the battlefield, or as a last-ditch self-defence. He sees the health benefits (which are probably the main things we are interested in today regarding martial arts) as particularly salient, and the practice of cutting motions and the wide variety of footwork with the traditional English sword and its system as conducive, more than perhaps anything else to good health, physical and mental. I wholeheartedly agree with this assessment. Silver's system uses natural body movements - most steps are like natural walking steps, most sword attacks as natural swings through a natural arc. You don't crouch down low in awkward positions. The system feels almost instinctive. It's actually very subtle and counter-intuitive and tricky. It's a great core workout, and a fantastic all-body wholesome exercise. Its intrinsic interest which appeals to our sense of self-preservation keeps us interested and exercising, and its training makes us very strong, healthy both at limb and in heart and lungs, and sad to say, if the need arises, there is no doubt we can pick up some kind of object to use as a weapon, and use it spectacularly well! There are even not a few grappling moves. I've been a fan of Silver's old works for years but could never really understand them 100%. Well, perhaps I thought I understood them, but I obviously was not doing so. Professor Hand brings over 20 years of professional experience teaching and fighting referring to Silver's system to bear on this book. He has connected the dots. He has done the same as what a paleontologist does with dinosaur bones. Dinosaurs were once great animals. So too Silver's fencing method was a great school of Fight. Now we can enjoy it once again! I am noticing that it is helping me get better at kendo, and at judo too, believe it or not - judo being heavily dependent on subtle footwork and kendo on both subtle footwork and subtle sword work for success. Silver intended the training with the Sword to be the root of the study of all fights, and I am finding exactly this to be true, thanks to Professor Hand! I can't wait for volume II where Prof. Hand pits Silver's system against rapiers, and supplements the sword with daggers and shields! That will definitely be interesting!
1794457
Wow! This book is HIGH quality. A lot of times martial arts books are really hit-or-miss, but not this one. Paper and binding are high quality. Nearly every page is full color and their are hundreds of photographs throughout the book. But it's not just a photo/how-to book. There is text on grading criteria, history of the forms, and other topics as well. Forms are all well demonstrated, with intermediate positions in many cases. Each form is accompanied by a brief section on self-defense applications. This is an all-around OUTSTANDING book. If you're looking for a good Tang Soo Do reference, you really can't go wrong with this. Just keep in mind that this volume covers 2nd degree black belt through 6th - so it's not for beginners.
3439467
An absolutely fantastic training peice! I would highly recommend this for anyone who is either well-trained in the martial arts, or just starting out. It is well balanced, accurate to broadsword measurements, and easy to become acquainted with.
2477537
This book is an exemplar of the golden age of martial arts texts. The black and white photography is crystal clear, and there are stop action photos from every angle.

The author was a direct student of Jigoro Kano, and that shows before page one, in the quotation about perfecting yourself and contributing something of value to the world.

That's one of the reasons that judo and karate have flourished in the United States; the cornerstones of martial arts here in the United States started with perfection of character and moved from that point to technique.

In this little volume, the photographs are as clear as though the book were tabletop sized.

The book has a mass of information, including tips to get better results and common mistakes.

This is a book about the grappling techniques used in sport judo, and that is the focus of the book. If you're looking for a book about crushing throats or breaking necks and sentry stalking, look at book about World War II combatives, not here. Mind you, if you get a little frisky in competitions, you can hurt your opponent with these techniques, but that's not the goal of this book, which is designed to assist you in sport competition (where hurting your opponent tends to leave you without willing opponents, and you can't progress without training partners).

This is a breathtakingly beautiful and encyclopedic pictoral essay about grappling techniques used in sport judo (it's a rough sport, but it's a sport).

The currently-famous BJJ versions of this discipline spring from exactly the same roots as the techniques shown in this book. If you're studying BJJ, you may want to review this because the emphasis is a little different, and you may pick up one or two techniques that aren't frequently encountered in your competitions (and having an extra waza in your bag 'o tricks never hurts).

For those interested in sport judo, this is an excellent resource. For those interesting in seeing if they can find a new trick for street defense, this is a fully stocked larder; you'll need to sift, but this is pure gold. Note that using grappling in street defense is sometimes criticized as exposing you to the attacks of the friends of your opponent. On the other hand, if things went wonky and you're on the ground, having practiced these techniques could get you out of a tight spot.

The price-per-technique ratio here is great, and the quality of exposition is also world class.

Frankly, the only way you can go wrong with this book is if you want to learn dog grooming and get this book by mistake.
781906
I have had a life-long passion for the martial arts, (Judo, Jujitsu, Karate, Krav Maga, combatives, Defensive tactics etc), as well as self-defense weapons of all kinds including simple hand-held tools like the Persuader, Baton, Yawara stick, Short stick, Kubotan and this Defender 1 Personal Defense and Safety tool.

I was fortunate to have been one of the early users of this particular weapon. I had attended a seminar where this unique self-defense weapon was being taught.  I have also seen the DVD and worked with this tool for a short time.  I found it to be one of the most unique practical self-defense tools on the market today. I know it looks a little strange, but do not let that stop you from ordering this self-defense set of Defender and DVD.

 There is a lot to like about this self-defense tool.  (1) It is very light in weight and easy to carry in your pocket. (2) It is made out of hard plastic and is very durable.  (3) The techniques are simple to use and are highly effective. (4) You can use this tool to strike with but it is most effective when used as a pain compliance tool to break holds and grabs.  (5) It is reasonably priced. (6) The beauty of this self-defense tool is that it comes with a DVD showing how to use this weapon.

In conclusion, if you are seeking a highly effective and simple self-defense tool that you can easily carry with you at all times, you may want to check out this excellent product out. It is also highly recommended to seek out an instructor of the Defender 1 in order to have some hands-on training with this tool.

Rating:  5 Stars.  Joseph J. Truncale (Yawara Stick Techniques for Law Enforcement, Univ. of Illinois Press,  An official manual of Bushi Satori Ryu)
2636542
I have been involved in numerous martial arts (Karate, Judo, Jujitsu, Wrestling, Boxing etc.) for more than sixty years, both as a student and instructor.  In my search for more knowledge, besides having actually trained in them, I also have read thousands of books in the martial arts fields.
The late Bruce Tegner has often been ignored by the traditional martial art community; however, he has contributed an enormous amount of information with his many published books.

This one (Karate and Judo Exercises-a 128 page manual) shows numerous practical exercises which Judo and Karate students often practice as part of their training programs.  Even though I was familiar with most of the exercises, I was pleasantly surprised on some of the unique drills shown in this book.

There are exercises to develop coordination, endurance, balance, flexibility and strength building in this book and most of the black and white photographs were clear and easy to understand.  One of the many things I like about Bruce Tegners teaching approach in his many books is that the information is straight forward with no mystical mumbo-Jumbo.  He always took the practical and a more western approach to teaching the martial arts.

If you are seeking a practical and easy to understand book about Karate and Judo exercises you might want to check out this book.  A good reference source of exercises.

Rating:  4 Stars.  Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Martial Art Myths)