Great for newbies and those who actually want to know the moves being called out
345032
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Yoga-Poses-For-The-New-Yogi-37-Wickedly-Effective-Yoga-Postures-To-Transform-Your-Day-Yoga-Fitness-Book-1/dp/B007RJODQY/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Yoga Poses For The New Yogi: 37 Wickedly Effective Yoga Postures To Transform Your Day (Yoga Fitness Book 1)</a>

The book is really nice, and gives you more than just some exercises, but also the reasoning behind it.

Easy to follow and great for beginners to more advanced yogis. I would recommend this for anyone who is interested in learning more about yoga, and earn a deeper understanding to it.

It also has illustrations that help show what each move is. I have taken yoga classes before, but I didn't always know what the moves were...now I have a little more knowledge going into the class.
2827224
I do not practice mixed martial arts, so I can't really attest to how well someone will hone their "competitive edge for mixed martial arts" but I found the book useful nonetheless for my studies of taekwon-do. I bought the book to get a better understanding of common taekwon-do techniques as well as how they may be used in self defense. Also, I bought this book to gain a deeper understanding of applications for taekwon-do patterns. I am glad that "Taekwondo Grappling Techniques" is now in my library.

The authors begin with a short introductory chapter that is worth a read. The section "How to Use This Book" challenges you think about the composition of each patterns such as "why a palm strike rather than a fist attack?" and "why all the different chambering for hand techniques?" The authors continue with a chapter on blocking techniques and a chapter on strikes and kicks, covering nearly three dozen individual techniques. As with any good martial arts instructor, the authors then built upon these individual techniques by using them in combinations. This is done by examining sequences of techniques in each of the first twelve ITF patterns (Chon-ji through Ge-Baek). For example, how can you use the high punch, double knifehand block, high punch combination found in Dan Gun to execute a choking technique or how perform a takedown using the hook blocks and reverse punch in Yul-Gok. Seeing how these familiar patterns may be used for locks, breaks, takedowns, and throws gives you a whole new perspective.

The DVD is good supplement to the book. It contains the videos of about a dozen basic techniques as well as a technique from each of the twelve patterns. My only suggestion is that they illustrate more of the book in the DVD.
4826090
SO I purchased this book with out expectations and I am pretty happy I did. The book is a quick read comes with lots of pictures and diagrams. It's a bit basic but it will allow you to learn how to swap movements and gives some really good websites and advise. Overall if your new to watch collecting and want to do basic maintenance this book is a great start. It you want to build or repair a movement you might try a different book out. If your looking to install new hands or switch dials ect and don't know where to start. START HERE!
1439068
I loved how the basics are explained in clear easy to understand language. If that wasn't enough, the workouts are also clearly explained with a picture of each exercise. I picked up this book on rebounding, because a friend recommended that I look into it for exercise but I didn't know much about it. I never knew that rebounding had so many great benefits or that it was so fun. I also love the support website mentioned in the book. I can't wait to read some of the future books in the series. This book is fun and it is worth taking a look at.
3613561
As a new epee fencer, I bought this book to better understand the lingo and terminology used in fencing. It was always great to illustrate standard moves found in fencing for both defense and offense.
208734
This book has a very simple purpose...to teach people about the fundamentals of parrying with hand held weapons and it does so in a very simple and direct way.  Have you ever heard the expression, "You don't know what you don't know"?  You would be surprised how many aspects of a functional parry there are that you wouldn't intuit on your own.  Fortunately, now you don't need to.  Luis Preto is the real deal; he knows his stuff and he knows how to teach it.

For people practicing HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) and attempting to reconstruct lost sword arts, Jogo do Pau (the art Luis teaches) is arguably the most relevant surviving Western art.  Its body mechanics (including parrying) are much closer to longsword work than is any strain of sport or even classical fencing.  The parrying fundamentals he teaches here are based mosty on this art, but Luis has trained with top HEMA fighters and teachers extensively and so when he says these skills apply to other weapons (e.g. longsword), he can be trusted to know what he's talking about.

You can't learn to fight out of a book, but you can ehance your abilities by obtaining new information if that information is worthwhile.  The information in this book is definitely worthwhile.
2680422
A good exercise for middle-game and tactics improvement. What you do not know will elude you until you learn it in a 2hr+ game either giving or receiving. This book provides lots of examples or positions that has the best move/continuation/course for decisiveness from the position. And the best part is that these are games played (mostly GMs and IMs) but you can see the position similarity in games you actually play and can now deduce what is possible and take it from there. Good exposure.
3321271
I've been playing very casually over the last 6 months or so. I've read&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Go-A-Complete-Introduction-to-the-Game/dp/4906574505/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Go: A Complete Introduction to the Game</a>,<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Graded-Go-Problems-for-Beginners-Vol-1-Introductory-Problems-30-Kyu-to-25-Kyu/dp/4906574467/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Graded Go Problems for Beginners, Vol. 1: Introductory Problems, 30 Kyu to 25 Kyu</a>, and&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Graded-Go-Problems-for-Beginners-Vol-2-Elementary-Problems-25-Kyu-to-20-Kyu/dp/4906574475/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Graded Go Problems for Beginners, Vol. 2: Elementary Problems, 25 Kyu to 20 Kyu</a>. While these books were interesting and of some value "The Second Book of Go" opened up the game to me. I now have a good basic understanding of what is going on and can generally follow online videos without wondering what just happened. My reading skills have vastly improved and I can't wait to play some real games with my new knowledge.

That said, this book requires from perseverance. If you are a beginner you will not be able to just skim through this and absorb all of the material. Don't let yourself get bogged down in the details the first time through. I suspect it will take most players a lot of time to understand the concepts but everything you need is in the text and diagrams. Study it until it until you understand. It may be helpful to play out the diagrams on a real board if you have a hard time visualizing. As others have mentioned it seems certain topics have been given more attention than others. Capturing races in particular has been broken into two chapters and is an in depth treatment. Don't be discouraged if you don't get everything on your first pass. Play some games and come back. Most of all, keep having fun. It is a game.
1484237
I've tried to learn tesujis from online go problem sites, but without further explanations I hadn't been able to apply them to my games. This book has not only opened my eyes to moves I wouldn't have considered, but it showed me when such moves are applicable.

The book divides the tesuji into chapters on when to apply them, not just how they work. (Example: Chapter 2 is "Capture the Cutting Stones," Chapter 13 is "Making Shape") This format has been great for me to learn and I've been able to use these in my games.

Each chapter ends with problems based on what was taught, so the book can also be useful for doing go problems on its own. Some problems are quite basic, but others definitely require time to read.

I would recommend this book to players around 5-15 kyu.
2245592
This book is a great source of information for anyone who practices Judo or Jiu-Jitsu.  Many throws, holds, sweeps, and submissions are demonstrated and explained.  You will probably find things in this book that you have never seen before.  My only complaint is that in some photos it is hard to figure which arm/leg belongs to which fighter.  A blue gi on one of the fighters would have made a big difference.  Add this book to your collection if you are serious about BJJ or Judo.
2793548
Had several ah ha moments as a newbie. The game made a lot more sense after I read this. It was recommended by one of the pros at my club and it helped me so much.
545124
Perhaps I was mistaken in assuming that a book titled "American Freestyle Katate A Guide to Sparring" would focus more on sparring and strategy and tactics over basics, but I'm glad I assumed the content would match the title. 'Cause it does.

A typical MA book demonstrates basic punches and kicks, maybe has a brief section on sparring and then hits you with a half dozen forms/kata and calls it a day. It's a rare thing when the content is mainly focused on helping the reader develop those skills that the reader is interested in furthering, and rarer yet when that information is useful. The example techniques depicted aren't nearly as useful as the theories presented, as the theories can be mapped on to any style that practices point or continous sparring.

If there's a better book on the subject, I haven't found it sitting on a bookstore shelf yet.
1303645
The author includes a history of the development of Tai Chi which makes the movements understandable.  He does explain the different moves but also explains their titles.  I find myself saying "Oh!" again and again.
2170519
In addition to all the wonderful things people have already noted about this book I wanted to add my perspective as a 120 pound white belt. I train off and on, but always feel I have to keep remembering the basics. When it comes time to roll in class I can rarely execute the tactics taught since I am easy to overpower. This book taught me how to survive and gave little snippets that I can easily remember when I am rolling. Another nice thing about the book is you don't have to read it cover to cover. You can pick a few pages to read through and have something to take to class with you. I definitely have more fun in class even when I am rusty because of this book because I am able to survive and escape. I'd also recommend&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Passing-the-Guard-Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu-Details-and-Techniques-Revised-and-Expanded-Second-Edition/dp/0972109765/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Passing the Guard: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Details and Techniques (Revised and Expanded Second Edition)</a>&nbsp;to further your knowledge after you have mastered the basics.
2892711
Lives up to its name, simple and easy to understand, for the bright beginner who wants to step up their game. Contains a number of new innovations. I liked it .
1579076
I like this, but it would have been great if it came with a short training video for stance, moves, etc.
3359766
Caveat lector:
I am familiar with other systems of stick and staff fighting but I am new to the Kukishin Ryu system of bojutsu. There are likely many aspects of this text that I lack the context to grasp the subtlety of. Please consider the following review from the context of a neophyte to this form. My hope is that this review may provide insight to others pursuing this martial art.

General overview:
The book "Stick Fighting: techniques of self-defense" seems to provide a good foundation in the basics of stick, not just hanbo (half bo), defense. The progression of the text is: 8 basic movements, 51 techniques, and 8 immobilizations. The basic movements presented are specific to strikes against the core body, striking fist, and a single directed thrust. Additional cursory research will show that this is only scratching the surface of stick fighting movements but they do thoroughly support the techniques presented in the text. The techniques described & depicted cover defense from: fist attacks, foot attacks, wrist holding, sleeve and lapel holding, seizure from behind, and stick holding. If you are new to this form then I suspect that you, as I have, will find great value in these pages.

Pros:
There is a nice progression from the basics, into fundamental techniques, then on to techniques using some more advanced body mechanics. The pictures give a movement by movement progression that the reader can follow along with in their practice. I also like that this is manual of technique, not a treatise on the theory of stick fighting. The approach is very much "someone is punching you in the face from the right, here is one technique that you can do." "someone is punching you in the face from the left, here is one technique that you can do." There's no pretense of perfection, no high handed discussions on the use of force. Another title for this could have been "So, you're holding a stick-like object and somebody is trying to hurt you... now what?"

Cons:
I have three gripes about this book, which kept me from giving it a 5 star, but I think they are all pretty minor and would not stop me from buying a copy for a friend.
1) Media production quality: I got the 2012 edition and while the pages are nicely printed with a good matte finish the book binding itself is lacking. The inside covers are thinly glued to the exterior cover and the leaves (individual sections of the book) appear to be just glued into the spine. Just be careful of how you treat your book. I've had other books of similar production just sort-of self destruct after a few years. Be nice to your things and they will be nice to you.

2) Translation and copy editing: I don't speak or write Japanese (Yet!) but there are some glaring errors in copy editing and translation. "Your partner punches straight at your face [...]" but the picture shows one person punching the other in the stomach. "The stick (Eda koppo technique) can be held between the little finger and ring finger or between the ring and middle fingers as shown." but the picture clearly shows the stick positioned between the little finger and thumb. Those kinds of inconsistencies are easy to sort out to the discerning reader but it's also the kind of errors that I would expect to be addressed in editing.

3) Some of the advanced techniques do not appear to be immediately practical. Block a punch? OK. Block a kick? OK. Get out of a grapple? OK. Block a strike, spin behind your opponent, wrap up their legs with your bo, drop them to the ground and immobilize them by pinning the ankles... ummm. As a new student, one of the primary audiences for this book based on the layout, I lack the ability to derive direct value from such techniques.

Overall: excellent content that is, for the most, accessible to all skill levels. Recommended.