No comments about Secrets of Lightning Scientific Arnis : The Dynamic Filipino Art of Self-Defense.

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.

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.

No comments about The Encyclopedia of Marble's Knives & Sporting Collectibles.

2 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!



2. This is a special hand made book by Tara Publications. As the title suggests it is a collection of the Beasts of India as they appear in Indian folk and tribal art. The book is in three parts.
   
   The first part is Gita Wolf's introduction. She talks in detail about how the book was born and the work that went in to the making of this book. More importantly Gita describes the difference between folk art, tribal art and traditional art. Growing up in India I have looked at many unique Indian art without consciously being educated about it. For the most part, it was just there, on bedsheets or table cloths or TV covers. But as I was reading Gita's introduction about tribal, folk and traditional art, I had vivid mental images. Reproducing every word would be the only thing that would do justice to Gita's introduction, but I will leave you with what she says about community art,
   
   "What is one to make of the mode of creation that is not concerned with the uniqueness of the art object or the artists vision? It takes its `aesthetic' status for granted, is not anxious about straddling different disciplines, about influence or imitation, and is very matter-of fact about its powers to suspend disbelief.
   
   This goes against the commonly accepted western definition of what art is: a one of a kind object made by a fiercely individualistic individual, engaged in the expression of some kind of truth telling.
   
   And yet these vibrant images with an indefinably unique quality must be called art, and remarkable art at that."
   
   She goes on to talk about how community art in India signifies the essence of India - `Everything and every person has a place in order to fit in to the bigger picture of things.'
   
   The second part is the pictures of Indian animals. What I liked is the way the pictures are organized. Tigers in Rajasthan's Pithora, MP's Gond, Bihar's Madhubani, Orissa's Patachitra and Jharkhand's Sohrai. Followed by the Lion, how the majestic animal is represented in different the regions, so on an so forth. It is easy to flip the book and compare the different styles. It is easy to draw conclusions. Even for a five year old it is obvious that the Gond is more intricate and detailed than the Pithora. A three year old can make observations that the Madhubani is partial to primary colors. Yes, I read it with my five year old and three year old and it appealed to them as well.
   
   The third part of the book is an index with the a thumbnail of the art and a blurb about the art work. Also the book comes with 5X5 cards of the a Madhubani snake, Gond deer, Pathachitra tiger and Pithora monkey.

1 comments about The Mahabharatha: A Child's View: Volume 1.

1. I discovered this book at a hotel in Pondicherry, another great project by Tara Publishing in Chennai. Besides being published on great paper composed of I-do-not-know-what-material (delightful to touch, and view, this is a great story. My congratulations to this young writer. For my western mind, even though this was a child's view, it helped me understand the great epic. I highly recommend.

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

1. 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.



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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. Grandmaster Leo Giron is one of a handful of key figures in the history of Filipino Martial Arts in America and this book preserves a snapshot of his teaching style and philosophy along with a visual record of how Giron himself performed fundamental techniques in his system. You will not learn Giron Arnis Escrima from this book alone, but I've found dozens of little bits of information in here that supplement the training I receive in my FMA class.
   
   This book is most valuable to the student or interested observer who wants to find out more about how a Master's philosophy of life colors his martial arts practice. This is bare-bones information -- less about 'secrets' as things that the master tries to hide from the public and more about 'secrets' that are subtle elements of the art that one only gets from observing someone who has achieved Giron's level of quiet competence in any situation. It's also one of the only records we have of this grandmaster's method and emphasis in his practice studio that was done while Leo Giron was still alive and teaching. It captures something that would otherwise be lost as his teaching is passed on and evolves from teacher to student.
   
   Somera is a competent and functional writer and the book is laid out in a logical manner. The photos don't show all that is going on in the techniques, but they do capture the most critical elements and are enough for a student to piece the techniques together with just a bit of qualified training and a patient and willing training partner.
   
   If you are interested in an engagingly written history of FMA in general then you would probably do better with one of Mark Wiley's books like Filipino Martial Culture (Martial Culture Series). If you are more interested in Leo Giron's life and how his combat experience in the Philipines during WWII helped to shape his art or details about the birth of American FMA in Stockton, CA during the '60s then you would be more interested in Somera's other book Giron Escrima: Memories of a Bladed Warrior, which covers Giron's life story in more depth and also talks about the cultural environment that led people like Giron and Cabales and LaCoste to open their schools. But none of these books offer a no-nonsense record of Giron's legacy of instruction the way that this book does.

3 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.



2. This is a fine book with a load of history on the FMA. I believe it has given me some bits and pieces that I had not got any ware else (in type,or video)This book "is" worth the cost. Knowledge is one thing (being able to use it is another).
   
   Semper Fi. Mike Tabor (PKS) Charlotte, MI.



3. I was hoping that this book would be a change from most of the Arnis/Escrima/Kali books that have multiplied over the last couple of decades, but no, there really isn't anything unique here. Everything here is covered in just about any FMA book out. This is NOT a bad book at all. It's just not something that is going to further anything for anyone with a knowledge of solo baston style fighting. The angles of attack and defense are there, grip, some defensive techniques, etc. The author puts a little bit of empty hand techniques in which I liked. He mentions other styles, including dulo dulo, which involves two small palm sticks with both ends pointed and it would have been nice to show just a little more.If you are looking for a book that is easy to follow, has solid fundamentals,and has a strong focus on single stick skill, this might be what you want. If you have these skills (or a book that details intermediate to advanced skills) skip it.

4 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.



4. Pathetic,pity I`m so far of in South Africa I wish I could send this book back for a full refund???

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

1. 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



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



3. Having trained in Filipino Kali many years ago I was looking for a book that could re-introduce me to this martial art. Although this book covers more then just stick fighting, I found this book to be a fine introduction to stick fighting essentials. The book does not get too intricate or technical, which I think is a good thing in any martial art book since the effectiveness of the more complex movements is founded upon the mastery of the simple basics. Also, in a real world situation it is always best to stick with the fundamentals. So one must master the basics first and Presas shows his mastery of this superb Filipino martial art (Arnis) with his ability to bring it up to date in a system he founded called Modern Arnis (which as I understand it is pretty much a combination of Shotokan karate, Filipino stick fighting (Kali) and judo). The book gives excellent basic instruction and begins with preparatory warm up and stretching exercises, then goes into the proper way to hold the baton. It further goes into basic stances, striking zones, sticking defenses, basic hand to hand combat, flow patterns and weaving using either sticks or empty hands, stick disarming techniques, and then ends with sword disarming techniques using sticks. As I said I liked the book because it stuck with the no nonsense basics and in my opinion that's the first thing that must be mastered in any martial art.



4. "Modern Arnis", by Remy Presas, presents compact flowing Arnis in a compact flowing book. It has very clear photos and prose -- precisely ordered on macro and micro scales -- from over-all patterns to small details -- from chapter to chapter. The angles of the moves, for each move-set, are some of the best I have seen of any defense/combative art.
   
   If, the essence of defense is to turn opposition [of opponents] away, down and out -- removing foes'-balance while keeping self-balance -- until "check-mate". Then, "Modern Arnis" shows how to do this -- in a streamlined way. Many move-sets end with the foe in check -- yet the final position [and the foe] could be easily extended in various directions. So, Remy Presas shuts-down foes' options while keeping his options open.
   
   I first learned a little Modern Arnis as part of an [informal] Kenpo Jiu-Jitsu off-shoot of Kosho-Ryu Kempo. My own small and casual Kenpo off-shoot of that lineage, like many others out of Hawaii, adds bits of other Arts with Kenpo. Core Kenpo Jiu-Jitsu inspired by -- a little Tibetan White Crane, Isshinryu Karate and Jiu Jitsu Complete and some Medieval Fencing, Savate and Boxing into "anti-grappling". We seem to search for ways to combine these aspects in a smooth, compact, and effective way.
   
   When going over all of my experience and tendency recently, I realized that Modern Arnis had worked-on and solved this kind of streamlined-combination spot-on. In "Modern Arnis" [this book], as well as in other Modern Arnis works, Remy Presas shows how to combine various Arnis Arts with some Judo, Karate, Jiujitsu, and Kenpo, into Modern Arnis -- Keeping In The Flow +++



5. I have been fortunate to have attended several Modern Arnis seminars with the late Remy Presas. He was a man of extraordinary skill. I had taken some Filipino stick and knife fighting lessons in the past from some other Filipino experts, and Mr. Presas's book helped to clarify the skills I learned with a hands-on instructor. This volume explains the basic principles and techniques of using the Arnis Stick in a wide variety of ways. In conclusion, this book used in combination with hands-on training with an Arnis instructor is the key to mastering this art, Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Hanbo-Jutsu Official Course Manual Bushi Satori Ryu, Yawara Stick Techniques, Univ. of IL Press, PR-24 Police Baton Techniques: Basic and Advanced Techniques, Univ. of IL Press, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques).