1 comments about Arnis Self-Defense: Stick, Blade, and Empty-Hand Combat Techniques of the Philippines.

1. Arnis is a Philipino system that is primarily based around the use of weapons such as the stick, the knife, and the sword. This book is an excellent primer, scratching the surface of many aspects of Kombatan, a system of Arnis developed by Ernesto Presas. The book beggins with several historical chapters that cover such topics as the name for Philipino martial arts ("kali" is apparently not widely accepted in the PI), some cultural information of the Philipino people, and how the system of Kombatan developed. Though this section is informative, I can't help but sense that there's a bias in the writting. Following that, we get to the technical aspect of Kombatan. The system seems to borrow from the Japanese Judo and Karate systems, especially in their stance, striking, and throwing techniques. Shotokan practitioners will find the stances very familiar. Single-stick work is given the most emphasis, with striking angles and gripping techniques being covered pretty well, as well as footwork. Knifework is covered next, and many of the strikes and counters are analogous to the stickwork. There's also a very good section on how to grip a knife without a cross-guard, an important distinction to make so that one doesn't injure oneself. The book finishes up with empty-hand work which, as noted, bears some resemblance to Japanese martial arts systems, and with some advice on training, weapons selection, and self-defense. One of the possitives about this book was that it often gave examples of impropper technique, which could aid students in understanding what they may be doing wrong. Overall, an above-average book that gives a broad overview of a deep system. Not a bad purchase for those new to Philipino systems, or for those interested in some weapons-based self-defense fundamentals.

No comments about Mano Y Mano - The Weaponless Fighting Applications of Modern Arnis.

5 comments about Professional EJB.

1. I agree that this book is very good at covering the topics that it sets out in the outline.

   This covers the EJBs in great detail - both 1.1 and 2.0. The knowledge of the individual authors definitely does come through - I have not purchased a Wrox title before, but I rather like the idea of multiple authors working on a book - I find the different views and experiences very powerful.

   I did find that at times it did gloss over topics - I would have liked more information on the different pieces of the J2EE architecture, but that may have lost the focus of the book I suppose.

   All in all, this book has been able to help us considerably in our development - it gives more than just 'theoretical' scenarios and has significantly reduced the learning curve amongst our team.

   I never give perfect marks - but this book is definitely one of the better books that I have purchased.




2. First 4 chapters of this book are confusing, compared
   to other ejb books from oreilly. don't pick this book
   if you want to learn ejb better.



3. This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. It is extremely detailed, clearly written, and well organized. If you're looking for a brief introduction to EJBs, this is probably not your best choice. But, if you want a thorough coverage of EJBs, this is a great choice. The book even covers EJB 2.0 which is not yet covered in most books.



4. I picked this up last summer as it was the only book at the time offering coverage of EJB 2.0.

   In the tradition of Wrox books, it offers good coverage of the entire EJB API. While some topics weren't covered exhaustively, that is not what these books are for. This book does provide *effective* coverage of almost everything in EJB 2.0. There is also coverage of design, which is a nice addition!

   It is GREAT for it's intended purpose. Highly recommended...




5. I'm beginner in EJB.
   Initial chapters were OK , which I was able to run all of them.
   But in Chapter 5, written by Daniel O'Connor doesn't even work.
   The source code in the book is different upsidedown from downloaded source code from Wrox.
   What is good for if I'm not even able to execute due to bug in source file.

5 comments about The Favor Factor: Living Life With God's Advantage.

1. I've read this book a couple of times now and I am amazed at the insight and enlightenment that the author is able to bring to this subject. I have read the book of Nehemiah many times, but the current application that he brings to this great story is fascinating. It is almost as though you are right there beside Nehemiah and you are able to sense the the determination, perseverance, and dedication that he had to accomplish this daunting task. Even if you aren't an incredibly religious person, if you practice the principles as they are laid out in this book, you will begin to experience favor in your life. A definite thumbs up on this one!!



2. I have read the book and liked it so much that I gave away several copies to friends. Like the book says you need to ask God for favor, after doing so many things have just happened in my life for the better. This is a great and easy read I think anyone can get some good stuff from this book.



3. When I finished reading "The Favor Factor", my first reaction was, "How in the world didn't I think about this before?" I thought everything was presented so well & in a way that is powerful yet easy to grasp. It was intriguing and kept me wanting to read more. The basic concept is giving your life wholly to God, sitting back, & waiting to be blessed. Who wouldn't want to make this a key aspect in their life? It also really made me look at Nehemiah (the book & the person) in a different light; "Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man" (Neh. 1:11). The entire premise is incredible. Arni Jacobson's stories also encouraged me that even if blessing doesn't fall upon me at first, it will in time. Patience. Patience is just as important as giving my life to God. I recommend this short read to anyone who wants God's blessing in life. Period. Excellent, relevant book!



4. Arni has done a great job of bringing universal Christian truths to light. This is a book that people of all faiths can apply to thier lives. I specifically appreciated his comments about truth vs. tollerance, and how righteousness will always find opposition.



5. The principles outlined in this book are simple yet often overlooked by Christians. This book is well written and easy to understand the concepts given. Arni Jacobson has done well in conveying the heart of God in this little book.

1 comments about Beasts of India.

1. I first came across this book in Pondicherry, India at a hotel--I was just floored with the marvelous drawings, like paintings, really, and the great paper and binding. And, you learn from the book about animals that are important in India history and mythology. I think many of the pictures would be marvelous just framed. I am not a child and would certainly put them in my library!

3 comments about Arnis: History and Development of the Filipino Martial Arts.

1. Be aware, the "editiorial comments" above do not accurately reflect the content of this book; I suspect they are based on another of Mark Wiley's books.

   There are no pictures in this book.

   This book is actually a collection of articles about various aspects of the history and development of FMA. Some of them are new and some have been taken from the pages of Rapid Journal (published in the Phillipines). Some of the articles are written by well known people on the FMA such as: Tony Somers, Krishna Godhania and Mark Wiley, other names are new to me.

   As the title suggests, the articles are about the history of the arts, not the technical side and as such this volume fills a gap in the reading of most practioners.

   On the down side, some of the articles are very thin; it hardly seems worth while to have bothered with the item on the history of FMA in Europe.(This is a real contrast to some of the others).

   I enjoyed the book, but was left wanting more.

   JB




2. Be advised there are no pictures in this book, it is an academic undertaking. If you are looking for something with visual historical material in it, try the two books authored by Mark Wiley: "Filipino Martial Culture" and "Filipino Fighting Arts: Theory and Practice".

   The placment of Mark Wiley's name on the front cover suggests he is the AUTHOR, where he is in fact, the EDITOR of this collection of articles (he is also a contributor). Not Wiley's fault--he credits the collective group in the introduction. Small point that only matters to us fans of footnotes, I know...now, on to assessing this collection of articles!

   In Part 1, writers offer perspectives on the origins of the Filipino arts, including five articles such as "A Question of origins", by Felipe Jocano, Jr., and "Questioning the Origins of Escrima", by Dr. Ned Nepangue, etc.. Part 2 focuses on Historical Perspectives with five offerings like "A History of Eskrima in Cebu and Negros", by Krishna Godhania. Part 3, Cultural Perspectives, includes eight articles by different contributors, including "Passion from the Crescent Moon" by Marilitz Dizon, and "The Making of the Batangas (Balisong) Knife" by Dr. Jopet Laraya. Part 4, Facing The Future, includes three articles including Combative vs. Competitive Escrima by Krishna Godhania, and "The Implimentation of Arnis in the Physical Education programs of Tertiary Schools in Cebu City" by Abner G. Pasa.

   Overall, this is a good collection of topics of a calibre more advanced than most newsstand martial arts magazines could tolerate. The tone is clearly academic in nature, although less than half of the article include notes of some sort at their conclusion. Wiley does include a well-rounded list of source materials for further reading. If you are tired of how-to manuals, here is a book which will present new information, even for those of us who have pretty well "been around the block" when it comes to learning about other cultures and practice. The variety of perspectives are insightful.




3. There is so much information that I read this book in a week. The other reviews of this book are correct. What I came away with this book is that Filipino martial arts(FMA)is hardly in danger of extinction although it is probably practiced by not a great number of people. It came as a surprise to me that some universities in the Philippines have FMA in their curriculum. There are gems in this book, for instance it identifies the earliest published book in the subject which is a tract entitled "Mga Karunungan sa Larung Arnis" roughly translated means "A Body of Knowledge in the Game of Arnis", it was written sometime in the 1950s. A book like this is appropriate for discussing FMA. A how-to book would not be instructive by the very fact that mere pictures cannot encapsulate the essence of the various movements. In early book on the subject Danny Inosanto wrote about it, in his book the most useful parts are the stories of the Grandmasters and history of FMA, and not the instruction with pictures. FMA can only be learned through corporal instruction, that is because FMA is a social martial art. That means that you are only as good as the people you are around you, that includes practitioners who you can steal knowledge from.

   I do have some misgivings about this book and that is when they discuss FMA in the United States, they only focus on California, particularly Stockton. They leave out the vibrant FMA community in Hawaii, which is very much a Mecca as Stockton is. They even cover the distant FMA communities in Europe and ignore Hawaii where many grandmasters reside.

2 comments about Warrior Arts of the Philippines.

1. Having trained mostly in Japanese martial arts I was not very familiar with Filipino styles. This book gives a very good overview of both the different styles and the people instrumental in their development. Some of the photo sequences are better than others but don't expect to learn any FMA from this book. That is not an especially negative comment because you can not learn most martial arts from a book. Its strong point is that it may help you decide which style you would like to explore and give you direction as you look for a person to study under. This book is also a very nice tribute to the people who have expanded and preserved their native arts.



2. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that Rey Galang is now my favorite author on FMA subjects. In this book, just in "Masters of the Blade", he did a superb job of giving an excellent presentation of several chosen styles and their most respected exponents. This book is less "techically oriented" than the MOB book, i.e. there is more history and philosophy explined, as well as some methodology of training in various styles, while in the MOB book, every chapter featured an excellent training section too. Still, this is not a bad thing at all, cause like this one gets inspired in another way. I would even say that Mr. Galang has succeded in making the reader feel the "breath of old times" of FMA. After reading the conclusion, I can only regret that some of the people who were approached for the book did not take the opporunity to be part of something so good, but that again, nothing prevents me from hoping there might be the Part II... nad, just to make sure that there can still be improvements, I think that it might be better to skip someone from being presetned alltogether, than doing it like in the case of the late Sonny Umpad.

3 comments about Classic Arnis.

1. I really didn't understand what I was buying when i ordered this book....but I'm so glad I did. This is the first written record of Arnis in the philippines, that can only be found in the Philippine national archives; originally in archaeic Tagalog that modern Filipinos can't understand. Rey Galang just brought all this wonderful mystery to the modern world. Believe there are no sticks here..this is all blade, all the time! Now I can really see what the old folks were talking about! The best part is the Classic Espada y Daga...not stick and knife. Sword and Dagger! Been looking arond for a real good book on Espada y daga this is it! Plus the extra Sinawali techniques...thank you Rey Galang I will be waiting for your next book...please don't stop writing.
   
   one word: QUALITY



2. This book is a surprise; it is all double blade work. Lots of information. On the down side, sorry but the Tagalog names are distracting. The pictures are too small; it's hard to pick up at times what each blade is doing. BUT......big but..... there is more good stuff packed in this book that in a good 90% of other books on the subject. Get it and get really good reading glasses : )



3. This is another excellent book by Rey Galang. I also received it in two business days. This is a must for any afficianado of the FMA (filipino martial arts). Just like his other books, Mr. Galang does a great job writing about and showing the techniques. This book is mainly about espada y daga, however, it also touches upon sinawali. I highly recommend this book (along with his others-Masters of the Blade, Warrior Arts of the Phillipines, and Complete Sinawali)to anyone wanting to learn more about eskrima, arnis, kali. One can use this book as a reference or actually use and practice the techniques shown.

5 comments about The Secrets of Giron Arnis Escrima (Secrets of the Martial Arts).

1. This book provides the reader with a very good taste of Grandmaster Giron's system of self-defense. It is particularily strong in the largo-mano or long range area, with clearly photographed techniques using sticks, knives and empty hands. In addition to the techniques, he puts his system into an ethical framework. The only part I would have liked to see more of was the excellent empty hands techniques present in the Filipino martial arts, including guntings and limb destructions. Nonetheless, this will make an excellent addition to anybody's library with interest in the subject matter.



2. This book is bad for beginner and practically useless for a master. There is no comprehensive description of training complexes, footwork drills and other important details, which were completely omitted. It gives just an overview of the system in general, so the reader can have some vague feeling of what Giron escrima is.



3. I`ve bougth this book in order to support my own escrima training. As a rookie in escrima, it gives you the basic understandings in the escrima-fighting art of Grand Master Leo Giron. I think it`s not written with the intention to replace training under a qualified teacher. In my view it supports your training as a beginner in the art. What's more, it gives you a good overview including the origins. Escrima has to be practised to be learned.



4. I really liked this book. I know it was not as deep in technique and theory as many would have liked, but for the price it is a great introduction. I would like to see a more in-depth version, akin to Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do the text book, or something as nice as either of the new Gracie Books. I am still waiting for the Filipino book that gives real grasp to the newbie, but still has a lot for the experienced player. In short I am looking for some thing with the thought and grace of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Theory and PRactice, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Self-Defense, or maybe a book as comprehensive in its coverage as is Simco's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Master Text.
   Never the less it is still good to see old Giron, moving around and swinging a stick.
   Nice job.



5. This book told a lot about the background and philosophy, but didn't offer a lot of instruction. It was also hard to read and understand.

5 comments about Modern Arnis: The Filipino Art of Stick Fighting.

1. Now over 20 years old, this was one of the first books in English on escrima. At just over 150 pages and with 9 chapters covering the different topics, Guru Presas packs much good information into this small book. Many of the most important topics and skills are covered, and the photos and decriptions are clear and easy to understand. Although I have a more recent edition, the photos are still clear and not too dark or too light, as sometimes happens with the plates with older books. Close-ups are used when needed to show the details of hand positions. There is also a brief history of escrima at the beginning of the book.
   
   Nowadays videos have in many ways replaced books as instructional materials in the martial arts, but video was still relatively new when this book was written, and it still stands on its own as one of the best early treatments of escrima. To see the actual movements, though, there is really nothing like a video, many of which are available used on the web for less than the price of the book. But books on the martial arts can still serve a useful purpose by discussing more technical matters such as theory, strategy, and topics like history, and perhaps as as catalogs and references for the techniques of a particular style.
   
   Among Guru Presas's many legendary abilities, he was perhaps best known for his ability to perform disarms, and this is covered in the last chapter of the book, in addition to hand techniques, flow drills, trapping, the various single and double stick techniques, and other topics.
   
   I have to mention that I had an opportunity to do a demo for Guro Presas back in the mid-80s with my teacher of Chinese Chin Na, the Kung Fu holding and locking art. As you probably know Guro Presas is also skilled in the Filipino version of this art, and was also a champion in Dumog, or Filipino wrestling and grappling, when he was younger. He enjoyed our demo and was very impressed with my master, Sifu Tony Ho, and his skill.
   
   I am also a certified instructor in Kali/Escrima through the Ted LucayLucay lineage under Chuck Gonzaga, and have studied Serrada Escrima in addition to Kali. Chuck is a great martial artist himself and I am proud to be one of his students and instructors, and to have had the honor to demo for Guro Presas many years ago when I was still a young martial artist.



2. Received the book in excellent condition and as described. Just needs to send an update via email of when the book was shipped.



3. .
   
   This book is a great way to supplement your formal instructions.



4. This is a good introduction to the system. It is unfortunate that master martial artists have not worked with professional writers to produce detailed volumes chronicling their systems. This, like most works of its kind- leaves the advanced student wishing MORE had been written.
   
   The book will be informative to the beginner of Modern Arnis and a source of fond nostalgia for advanced students who know that this great man taught us all so much MORE than the pages of this book contain.
   Filipino Combat Systems: An Introduction to An Ancient Art For Modern Times



5. Contains all the basics you need to start learning the art.
   
   Classic book!