5 comments about Attack Proof - 2nd Edition.

1. First off major kudos to everyone involved in the making of the second edition. You have produced something truly awesome.
   
   I received my copy about a week ago now and recently finished reading it from cover to cover. While I didn't think it possible, the second edition absolutely trumps the first. (It takes everything that was great about the first edition and goes above and beyond.)
   
   The first thing you will notice is the enhanced readability thanks to the improved formatting, which consists of a single column layout on the chapter intros as opposed to the two column layout in first edition. Also, I may be nitpicking here but I really found the smaller more subtle arrows in the pictures to be a welcome change. They don't outright dominate the picture and allow the reader to focus on what is trying to be conveyed.
   
   Second, the amount of information covered in each chapter has been greatly expanded. For example, chapter 2 is 11 pages longer this time around and with those extra pages you get stuff like CCUE (Close Combat Universal Entry) and a section on Close Combat Battlefields, which includes an impressive piece regarding self-defense aboard airliners. Practically every chapter has new nuggets of information you will want to read.
   
   Distance learners, like myself, will absolutely benefit even more from the second edition. Think of it like a great new upgrade.
   
   I have no choice but to simply say buy this book! It will definitely have you saying "holy $#!%".



2. I am a co-author of Attack Proof. The following highly relevant review was written by a New York Supreme Court Justice and is viewable on our website at attackproof.com:
   
   "After only three months of training in the principles and methods of Guided Chaos, I feel compelled to write a brief testimonial designed to thank Grand Master Perkins and members of his Guided Chaos Community for what they've taught me already, as well as to publicly acknowledge that Grand Master Perkins is, in my humble opinion, the most unique figure in the world of Combat, Combatives and Surviving violent encounters. Grand Master Perkins is unlike anyone I have ever met, trained with, know about, have read about or that I have even heard about. Grand Master Perkins possesses a unique knowledge and understanding of real world violence and violent encounters and combines that knowlege with his unsurpassed skill in understanding and developing exercises that truly train the mind, body and soul for not only surviving, but for prevailing in, real world violent encounters. Grand Master Perkins is unique in the sense that his mastery of the principles of combat and combat training have not only made him one of the deadliest men alive, but unlike so many others, Grand Master Perkins is able to communicate his principles and training methods to his students in such a way, that they are able to develop superior combat skills as well -- and I truly mean superior.
   
   By way of background, I am a 40 year old Acting Supreme Court Justice in the State of New York. Prior to becoming a judge, I worked as an attorney in both criminal and civil litigation; I was a Law Clerk/Court Attorney, Child Support Magistrate and Senior Assistant District Attorney. While I've never been in an all out, life or death fight as an adult, I live day to day with the reality that my work as a Judge, particularly in a Criminal part where I've presided over some of the most serious types of felonies (rape, assault, murder and the like) and my work as a prosecutor -- prosecuting the same types of cases -- has put me in harm's way. Through the years, I've received numerous direct threats; there have also been circumstances where I've been confronted, followed and otherwise placed in fear for my safety.
   
   As a result of the foregoing, I have spent many years studying various martial arts, self-defense systems and other forms of combat. My studies have included group classes, private lessons, seminars, videos, books and various obscure texts. I've collected as many manuals and/or books about Military Combatives as I possibly could. I have explored methods of unarmed combat such as boxing, kickboxing, traditional (and not so traditional) martial arts, wrestling, grappling and other forms of groundfighting; I have explored combat with weapons -- knives, firearms, improvised; I have studied general principles of survival -- awareness; avoidance; use of canines, lighting and alarm systems; emergency medicine and disaster survival techniques.
   
   For what it's worth I hold various ranks in Kumite-Ryu and Vee-Arnis Jitsu, Kenpo Karate (Parker System), Daito-Ryu and Hakkoryu Jitsu, Jeet-Kun-Do Concepts (Vunak); Modern Arnis (Pressas); and American Military Combatives. I have also studied Systema, Escrima and Kali, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Dog Brother Martial Arts, Savate, Wing-Tsun, Jeet-Kun-Do(Inosanto), Kun-Tao, Kendo and various Reality Based Systems.
   
   I take nothing away from these great arts, their masters or their followers. Each has provided me with a tool that can be used in a violent encounter. However, tools without the knowledge of how they're used, why they're used or when they're used; without the knowledge of what they're used for, or why they work the way they do, are (to put it bluntly) useless. Sculpting tools in the hands of a painter are useless, brushes in the hands of a carpenter are useless and "self defense" techniques in the hands of someone who does not understand (or more specifically has not absorbed) the basic principles at the core of Guided Chaos -- sensitivity, looseness, balance and body unity -- are useless. I stand nothing to gain from writing this acknowledgment; it is those who are reading it now, who stand to gain something. Guided Chaos is a science raised to an art form -- not a method of combat reduced to an art.
   
   Grand Master Perkins has fused physical, basic combative techniques with forensic knowledge and principles to create the most unique, effective and complete combat system in existence today. I implore anyone who is truly interested in understanding the what, who, where, when, why and how of surviving a violent encounter to not only study the Guided Chaos materials available but more importantly to seek out Grand Master Perkins or one of his Master students. As little as one hour of "hands on" training with Master Perkins will change your understanding of combat forever.
   
   I would to like to stress that I am not being critical of anyone who has ever spent time teaching me their art or who has shared their knowledge with me in the past. I am simply thanking Grand Master Perkins for welcoming me into his community and for sharing his knowledge. Grand Master Perkins is available, accessible and unlike many Grand Masters, still teaches group classes to beginners in addition to his more specialized private instruction or training for law enforcement personnel (state and federal), military personnel, and high level personal protection specialists.
   
   Once again, thank you Grand Master Perkins, as well as all those in the Guided Chaos community for selflessly teaching the science of survival to those who need it most."
   
   Yours humbly,
   The Hon. RJB



3. I had 15+ years of experience in various martial arts when I read the first edition of "Attack Proof". I immediately knew it was going to be a classic because of its unique and practical approach. Even nine years later, there is really nothing comparable on the market - and the second edition is even better than the first with more material and better explanations.
   
   What I think is unique about the "Attack Proof" system is that it approaches self-defense from two different, but complementary, angles:
   
   1) The `simple' techniques of close combat which are designed to be learned and applied relatively quickly. I say `simple' not because they can be mastered immediately (they can't) but because with fairly minimal training they provide some usable self-defense skills. This also includes a lot of practical information about avoiding trouble to begin with.
   
   2) Guided Chaos drills. These are not necessarily difficult to perform - in fact they focus on very basic principals - but with diligent practice they quickly increase martial effectiveness. Yes - there are limits to what you can learn from a book. However, I personally know people who have achieved outstanding results by practicing what is taught in the book & supplementing with occasional visits to qualified instructors. The attackproof website has other resources for those who don't live near instructors.
   
   The authors keep their focus on the realities and dynamics of self-defense. In this edition they cover new topics like fighting on stairs, airplanes and other special circumstances. This focus on the dynamics of violence separates them from many well intentioned instructors who would rather learn ten new wrist locks than consider something as "outside the dojo" as fighting on a stairway. The "Attack Proof" authors have not only thought of such things - they have experienced them.



4. I have to admit that before I had a lot of martial arts experience (10 years in about 6 different arts), this book would have made less sense to me. I would really say that the more MA experience you have, the more you will "get" this book. Also, the more real-world street "situation" experience you have, the more this makes sense. There are a couple of things that I think of as being really big. One is for instance the "anywhere strikes". That is very, very useful, because a real fight is very, very chaotic, and you will find yourself fighting at "weird" angles, and being able to hit from such an angle is hugely important. I also like the idea of the "Jack Benny stance" - i.e. the PRE-fight stance that you get into. This is hugely important. I know a guy who lived in my apartment building and would go out and do MA workouts in the park near the building. He once was accosted by a large dude who for some reason took offense to his workouts. The bad guy approached my buddy, and my buddy said something like "what is your problem ?". Just as he said that, they guy slapped him really, really hard (knocking him over) [had my buddy used the Jack Benny PRE-FIGHT stance, the bad guy either would not have struck, or his attack would have been blocked !!]. Fortunately, my buddy was able to - as he was falling - leg lock the guy with his own legs and take the bad guy down. But my buddy told me, "If he had had a knife, I would have been dead". This story I think illustrates a lot of what this book is about. Get into the PRE-fight (Jack Benny) stance right away, as soon as you have any inkling of a self-defense situation, and then once you are in it, be ready to use the techniques this book shows.



5. After reading all the hype in the previous reviews and after getting the book, I was disappointed. The moves supposed to be easy moves. They look more like the flowery moves of kung fu. They supposed to be so devastating, but I have saw more effective and easy to use techniques elsewhere. You can see similar moves in some of Bruce Lee's books from many years ago. The only reason I gave it one star is the chapter on awareness is good. If I had to do it all over again, I would have spent the money elsewhere. From the techniques I have observed in this book, it will get you hurt in a real encounter. I work in corrections and see violence on a regular basis, just like the "police officer" that wrote the book. I dare say if you attempt to use most of these tactics where I work, you will have some time "off work" but not the way you would want to spend it! We have what is called P.O.S.C. where I work and it has already got a few hurt from trying to use it. There is much better out there. Save your money and don't get caught up in the hype as I did by reading these "reviews" that say it is so great!. Israeli Krav Maga is better! I have been involved in martial arts and boxing for almost 40 years and there is better out there. To each his own I guess. But I was not a bit impressed.

5 comments about Complete Krav Maga: The Ultimate Guide to Over 230 Self-Defense and Combative Techniques.

1. Negatives:
   Text is too brief sometimes, it leaves you guessing as to exactly how a technique is done.
   Positives:
   Good price for what you get. Excellent overview of the system with well done photos to demonstrate the techniques.
   Recommend it:
   Yes. Very helpful for your KM solo training.



2. Many years ago I had the pleasure to train under Darren Levine in an intense 60 hour 6 day course held for defensive tactics instructors at the Illinois State Police Academy. This text provides an excellent guide to achieving belt ranks in this martial art system, if that is your goal. Though I can understand some of the critical reviews of this book; however, no matter how good or bad a book may be, it can never take the place of actual intense hands-on training under a competent instructor. The reason this book should be read by anyone interested in Krav Maga is because it is organized into specific skill levels that a student should master before moving on to the next section. In conclusion, the real value of this text cannot be appreciated without actual physical training under a krav maga instructor. Rating: 4 stars. Joseph J. Truncale, (Pro-Systems Combatives: Author: Monadnock Defensive Tactics System & Advanced PR-24 Baton Techniques)



3. If you are new into Krav Maga, this book will let you understand it's approach to personal defense and will introduce you to basics involving this great method. A must have!



4. This book is complete. I'm a krav maga pratictioner in Brazil, and the details of the book make it's very easy to learn. With photos that explaines step-by-step the punch, kicks and everything. Better than any book i ever seen.



5. I like Krav Maga and treat it with amazing respect. Honestly, the authors did a fine job trying to put Krav Maga into a book for us. Still, after reading it Twice, I think the problem is a basis on techniques and less on principles that make it work. I know there's even a part on the approach on principles, but they don't explain the physics or reactions to the degree I feel is needed. The focus should be on how to get a result, in this case the end of the attacker.
   
   Will the moves work, of course they will. If and only if everything goes as planned. Sadly, it never does.Get this book, but try to look below the surface techniques and go into why it worked with what happens to the target.
   
   Still a decent self defense book. By it used or glance at the first few techniques and see if you can do them when attacked.

5 comments about Meditations on Violence: A Comparison of Martial Arts Training & Real World Violence.

1. This book contains information that could save your life. No, it doesn't teach techniques. It tells you what violence is really like, what works and what doesn't, and why. The author talks about the criminal mindset, your mindset, and how to mentally prepare yourself. The essential knowledge of how to avoid violence in the first place is given, as well as what you need to do and think in order to survive.
   
   The author works security in a prison, has had his share of encounters outside that environment, and give numerous examples of what really happens, even to trained individuals. I urge you to purchase this book, absorb the lessons, and pass the book on to loved ones.



2. If at any moment you considered the martial art you are practicing or about to practice, read this book and think again.



3. While the author clearly knows what he's talking about, his experience and consequently his book is not very useful to the reader. Why ? Because first of all there is a very wide gap between knowing and doing. Secondly the book gets quickly repetitive and confusing with a series of what the author calls matrixes which may have been intended to look scientific and serious but they are actully more of a hindrance than a help ... Couldn't finish the book.



4. Insightful, easy to read and great content. I would recommend to any martial artist or individual interested in self defense. A great compliment to Grossman's On Combat and On Killing.



5. 
   Rory Miller is a veteran corrections officer, and spent the better part of his career facing the dregs of humanity on a daily basis. "Meditations on Violence" is intelligently assembled, Rory never loses us in technical language or spiritualistic babble and he always makes room for the novice.
   
   It's difficult to write a blanket review of this book, it's got such a diverse range of subjects and Miller really covers his bases when he presents his argument. I have read it cover to cover several times, and there are many points Rory makes that have altered my approach to teaching, training, and defining what it is I'm actually promoting in my school.
   
   There are many places I disagree with Rory, but none where I can't at least understand his point of view. His experiences led him to his truth, mine led me to another. And even in disagreement, I have to admit: I'm not in a line of work that exposes me to this level of violence every day, like he is. If I were, my opinion would probably be closer to his.
   
   Much of the writing style is in-your-face, even combative at times, and like all authors who are martial artists with jobs in high-risk facilities, Miller can get a bit preachy now and again. But it's never without reason or intelligence, and he never plays the "I'm better than you because I been down this road and you ain't" card. In fact, given his training and experience, Rory Miller is a bit more self-effacing and humble than I would have expected from the gun-toting, law enforcement, snap-your-neck-in-three-different-languages crowd.
   
   Rory's life experiences earn him the right to preach, but even when he gets on a pulpit about something, it's always a worthwhile sermon. He writes with authority on a subject that is flooded with armchair warriors, half-educated streetfighters and kung fu wannabes. Whatever your occupation, gender, martial system or religion, I can say this with full confidence: This book will change your views on violence, Martial Arts, teaching, and probably half a dozen other things as well.
   
   There is a particular section that I want to write about here: The "go" button. It's arguably the most critical element in real self defense, and it's so seldom addressed that I question the validity of a martial arts instructor who doesn't preach it. Rory gives it good service here, and I wish this was a case where he got more wordy with it. There's no need, he makes the point, but in my opinion...It just can't be stressed enough. However, he tells it like it is: YOU DECIDE NOW, AND TRAIN FOR IT. The last page of this chapter has a short essay on "Permission". Buy this book, if for no other reason, to read it. Take my word for that.
   
   Let me insert a caveat here; This book is not for everybody. Gritty and unrelenting, Rory has absolutely no sympathy for his readers' psychological health, and many of the anecdotes contain scenes of horror that linger in your mind longer than you might prefer. I have certain parts earmarked to avoid because I usually need several stiff drinks afterward.
   
   Having said that, I can recommend Miller's book without hesitation.
   
   Rory's tales are captivating, but harsh. If you don't normally read things with an over-abundant amount of physical gore or psychological horror, then parts of this book will leave you stunned after reading them. Especially considering that he's not making this stuff up; There are people like the ones he writes about on the streets in your town at this very moment. You are almost certainly not prepared to deal with them to the extent that they are for you, and even the most experienced "Karate Sensei" will find it tough to swallow. But they would be doing themselves and their students an injustice to face it, because there are things in this book that every instructor needs, regardless of the art they teach.
   
   Meditations on Violence was really the right title for this book, it's abundantly clear on every page that Miller has put time, effort and thought behind his words. If you want to know why this is so important, and the rarity of such a book covering this subject so well, go read a few of the other streetwise, self-defense style publications on the market today. Rory never comes across as a self defense blowhard who can't see past his own ego, his book sets a standard that the typical "martial arts for the street" category seldom attains.
   
   Meditations on Violence demands to be READ, not just scanned. It's an honest, unrefined dose of the real world coupled with insightful training guides and advice. I could go on for pages touting the depth of knowledge in this book. Even the preface is an attention-grabber.
   
   If you are a martial arts teacher, law enforcement officer, or just a concerned civilian interested in physical violence and the steps necessary to avoid it, this book is a crucial must-have.

5 comments about Lessons from Armed America.

1. Today, (1/17/10) I finished reading Mark Walters and Kathy Jackson's book, Lessons from Armed America.
   I found this book to be extremely enlightening, especially for those of us new to carrying a lethal firearm. Mark Walters provides a series of quick case studies of an actual lethal encounter and Kathy Jackson follows up each scenario with a detailed dissection of the issues and ramifications.
   As I read through each chapter, I learned more and more. The thing I liked best is the heavy use of footnoting. These notes drive the reader into deeper research through other books by different authors or websites.
   Overall I found this book to be a bargain! Mark and Kathy, I can't wait for an encore! Lessons from Armed America 2? Seriously, you guys did a marvelous job on this book.
   
   Best,
   Donn Boyer
   Member USCCA



2. This is a must read for every (armed) American. No insult to Mark Walters' commendable contributions to it, but I was especially taken with, and informed by, Kathy Jackson's chapters: "The Unarmed Alternatives" (Ch. 6), and "The Physiology of Danger" (Ch. 8). She provides excellent overviews and explanations of these vitally important topics, as well as URLs for key source studies and data.
   
   I have been researching firearms topics and teaching concealed weapons courses for a decade, and this is one of the best books on the subject that I have found.



3. Well written, informative book that will solidify your CCW or convince you to start carrying everyday. It will tell you why you should carry, how to be ready in the moment for why you carry and how to be ready for after that moment.



4. This book is a MUST READ for EVERYONE who has a concealed weapons permit or is thinking of getting one. The lessons learned from others experiences are priceless and just may save a life...and it could be yours!



5. I just finished my first reading of the book and have begun the second.
   
   I have been reading and recommending Ms. Jackson's writings on her website , The Cornered Cat, for a while now and expected a good read, but she has truly outdone herself here. This is possibly the best book on the defensive mindset that I have seen.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone who owns a firearm, is thinking about owning a firearm or even who wonders why a reasonable person would wish to carry a handgun.

5 comments about The Little Black Book of Violence: What Every Young Man Needs to Know About Fighting.

1. The so-called `little black book' is actually a weighty tome, and if you're looking to understand violence and how to deal with it, this volume has pretty much got it covered.
   
   Expert advice and real-world insights are delivered in true Kane and Wilder style. Working on many levels, they connect the wisdom of ancient masters like Sun Tzu and Miyamoto Musashi with leading modern-day martial artists and self-protection gurus to paint a truly complete picture.
   
   The book spotlights the real cost of fighting in graphic and sometimes gruesome detail, with photos to match. The aim is to familiarise the reader with real-world violence and give them the tools to make the right decisions when faced with a potentially violent situation.
   
   The question of when to fight (and when not to) is given the careful consideration it deserves and is one of the highlights of the book. The writers take into account the important factors of youth and pride, especially in young males, and provide a realistic framework for judging the right course of action based on reason rather than emotion.
   
   Personal anecdotes abound -- some humorous, some profound, many shocking -- from martial artists, security personnel, law enforcement and armed forces. The issues of weapons such as knives and guns is included throughout, along with advice on dealing with wounds, psychological trauma and the tricky matter of the law.
   
   The text is so comprehensive that several readings and regular revisions would be the only way to truly know and digest the wealth of information contained within. The Little Black Book of Violence is one very big, very credible source on the subject, and comes with a big recommendation.
   Goran Powell, author of Waking Dragons: A Martial Artist Faces His Ultimate Test



2. A very well written book on the violence cycle. This book is written for 'young men' but there is a lot of totally relevant information for women here and it is so easy to read! Granted, the humor is male oriented (as it should be for the target audience) but you will be hard pressed to find so much information in one book elsewhere. I thoroughly recommend this book for beginner to advanced in the field of self defense.



3. After reading more into an overly broad mention of this book on Glenn Reynolds "instapundit" I picked up a copy and finished it last night.
   
   Let me take a page from the author's book as it were.
   
   Violence is a horrible thing. Its messy, its gory, it is painful, and it often results in death, disfigurement, and legal action. The taking of a human life is not a decision that should be arrived at easily nor quickly. Even the attempt to kill in "sanctioned" situations can lead to emotional, physical, and spiritual distress of an individual.
   
   However, for the horrors of violence, there are often times where violence is the correct answer, the best choice. Believe it or not (and the authors would have you believe not) violence isn't a tool of last resort. The authors would have you believe that you should only fight when backed into a corner trapped, with no other way out. They further pontificate that you should change your life, avoiding certain places, people, and things. You should be afraid, avoid going out after dark, and avoiding new places and new situations, all so you can avoid violence.
   
   Be a coward. But at least you'll be alive.
   
   I don't agree, at all. Somethings are worth fighting for. Somethings are worth killing for. Somethings are worth dying for. And not as a last resort either.
   
   I think the authors and I would agree, that your life is worth fighting for. That is the premise of the second half of their book anyway, what to do once you find yourself in a situation where a fight is unavoidable. But even then I disagree with their "mental and verbal judo" approach to things. They would rather have you let your enemy control the battlefield, allowing them to be the aggressor, putting you into a position from which you react to them rather than initiating or escalating the conflict.
   
   The book however, isn't a complete waste (hence two stars rather than one), just misdirected. The sections on situational awareness are very good. They stress that you need to be situationally aware at all times, and not just when on unfamiliar ground or in new situations. They preach the credo "Trust in God, but everyone else needs to show their hands" and more importantly to check the hands, check the feet, watch the posture. Don't be lulled and to be prepared.
   
   As far as their self defense teachings go...its hard to learn this type of stuff from a book. Really hard. As a matter of fact I can only think of one or two ways worse than learning self defense from a book, and that would be to teach yourself, or to learn it from watching "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon"...
   
   That really isn't a fault of the authors however. Thats a limitation of the medium.
   
   If I were to get off my lazy butt and write a book of this nature, here's the way I'd do it.
   
   1) Understand what it means to fight for something. It means being willing to accept death, dismemberment, and legal action. It means being willing to hurt, maim, or kill.
   2) Decide what is worth fighting for. This is on the individual to decide and to determine. For me, life, liberty, family, and country are worth fighting for. The three bucks in my wallet? Probably not.
   3) Prepare yourself to fight for those things. Be situationally aware. Be prepared to end the fight quickly by any means. Be prepared to make the decision to fight before it is forced upon you.
   4) Know how to fight. Take a good self defense program/class. Avoid competitive martial arts.
   5) Read "The Gift of Fear" and "On Killing"
   6) Live you life how you will, without regret, and without some book (or some reviewer on Amazon) telling you how.



4. The information in this book can go a long way to helping one understand the realities of violence. I know that many young people get involved in martial arts with the misplaced notion that they are going to become a well oiled fighting machine. This book would be great required reading to help such individuals develop a better perspective of the true value of the martial arts.



5. Kane and Wilder really made me think about fighting in a way that I never have before. The authors lay out the cost of violence in stark, realistic terms. It is scary stuff, but it ensures that we understand the full ramifications and consequences of violence so that we can make smart decisions about fighting. I got a little queasy reading some of the author's examples and viewing some of their pictures was downright disturbing (thank god they are not in color), but I learned a LOT from the experience. And I know that I am better off for it too.
   
   The title is catchy, but don't let it mislead you. Far from little, it is a weighty tome, almost 400 pages long. And it is packed with invaluable information. There is a non-judgmental survey to fill out before and after reading the book that helps us determine what we are willing to do or not do, and what we are willing to have done to us or a loved one. I really loved that part. It is a fantastic way of sorting out what is worth fighting for and what is not. Such choices cannot rationally be made during an encounter, so we need to think about it ahead of time. This book truly made me think.
   
   I cannot recommend The Little Black Book of Violence highly enough. It is particularly useful for young men and anyone who works with at risk youth such as social workers, teachers, administrators, but to be perfectly honest anyone can benefit from the information. The tone of the book is not aimed at women or older adults, but the material is appropriate for all people of all ages who are serious about self defense.

5 comments about Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding: The Complete A-Z Book on Muscle Building.

1. Kennedy does/ has done a good job of covering most of what you want to know about bodybuilding with articles and photos of well known current Pro BB from around the world. For those that want to know more of what a pro life style is like this book provides some of the answers of what ones must do and scarifice to get at the pro level. Looking at the pictures you can see that many are of the current freaker muscle type achieve through the assist of steroids which is basically covered in the book- not a lot of depth here as to what really goes on to make it to this level of BB, which has always had a no tell policy on what one must do to bring it to the edge at the pro level.
   
   On the history of BB the major players like Arnold is covered (known steroid user who had his pic removed from the Gold's Gym- guess he doesn't wnat to be remember as such) while leaving out such greats as Bob Paris, who lets you see the other side of BB in his book "Gorilla Suit- My Adventures in Bodybuilding", not just the idealistic views we get from the media and the BB mags.
   
   The book is well worth the money for what you can get it on line, it will inspire anyone trying to body shape themselves, and insider look of how to get there, but not a complete one even with all the photos and well written 800 pages.



2. I gave this book to my son for Christmas and he has not put it down except to go to work, so it must be pretty good. He is into fitness big time.



3. This book is very good. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in bodybuilding. Whether you are a beginner or experienced you will find this book helpful.



4. This book certainly covers just about everything concerning bodybuilding. Hence why I give it four stars. To read more about that, other reviewers have done well in explaining them. I do want to add two things however that haven't been addressed. In favor of the book, the author emphasizes THROUGHOUT the book about not overtraining. This is a great facet of the book as compared to Arnold's book who's workouts are clearly from his own workout regimes when he was taking steroids.
   
   I, however, took away one star because the ONLY pictures that are in the book are ALL from bodybuilders who take steroids. The author spends a chapter discussing the side-effects of steroids and clearly speaks out against them, but all of his pictures of exercises and competitions are with those who use the drug enhancement drugs. Moreover, the author explicitly states in that chapter that professional bodybuilders all use steroids. That is an outright lie as "Natural Bodybuilding" is a growing sport with national competitions. One doesn't have to go far on google to find this fact and to see the difference in looks between the natural bodybuilders and those who use anabolic steroids. I believe it would have been more encouraging and motivating to hit the gym after reading through the encyclopedia if Natural Bodybuilders were shown rather than the people who I will never look like.
   
   So overall it is definitely an informative book. You will not waste your money in purchasing it. My reservation is merely its indirect support of those bodybuilders who are heavily dosed on drugs.



5. I bought this book after reading reviews that it was full of great information and better than Arnold's encyclopedia. Well it isn't. Looking for information on the pages is burdensome because of the excess of graphics surrounding the information and constant changes in font size/color meant to draw your attention. I'm not putting down the content. That I do believe is solid. I just hate the format.

5 comments about Got Fight?: The 50 Zen Principles of Hand-to-Face Combat.

1. I love Forrest as a fighter and an author. His humble down to earth personality is well reflected in this book. He has had his share of ups(having the light heavyweight title) and downs (being run out the the ring by Anderson Silva). This book deinitely represents these ups and downs very well. He shares his weaknesses with the reader which definitely makes them strengths. This book gives the reader the whole range of emotions. From his introductory test where I was laughing my balls off at his questions to the moment I began crying when I realized I had failed his test and should go home crying to my mother. If you are looking to become a better fighter or martial artist because of this book I think you should look elsewhere. While he does share some martial arts techniques in the pages of this book, it is his humor which creates the awesomeness of this book. His writing style is second to none. He kept me drawn in the entire time and I read the entire book in three days. If I wasn't such a slow reader I probably would have read it in just a few hours. I really hope that he writes another book. Please Forrest Please!



2. Knowing Forrest Griffin's personality from his Ultimate Fighter and UFC days, I was not expecting a serious book by any means. However, I felt that the antics and silliness of the book got in the way of the actual methods and techniques.



3. We got this for a Christmas present for my husband's brother. He loved it! My husband also loves this book and this is his favorite fighter.



4. I'm not normally a book reader. But when this book ended I was a little upset, and not in a bad way. I never thought that I would wish that a book was longer but I felt that way about GOT FIGHT. Usually I think all books are too long or written for some other person. I never once felt that way while reading this. It is not a book for those trying to learn about some magical technique to stop your opponent cold in its tracks. If that's what your looking for than I would suggest sticking with video games or the fantasies in your head. *Cough* LOSER *COUGH*. Instead though if you want something to read that speaks to the side of you that no one ever seems to understand. That side of you that you can never properly explain to anyone when they ask "why?" why do you fight, why do you put yourself through all the pain an sacrifice then this is for you.



5. Forrest Griffin is one of the few UFC fighters that will draw my attention to a UFC fight. More than dedicated MMA fans will enjoy this book.
   
   [...]
   
   Got Fight?: The 50 Zen Principles of Hand-to-Face Combat

5 comments about Body by Science: A Research Based Program to Get the Results You Want in 12 Minutes a Week.

1. This book claims to be dead on scientific. Unfortunately this is not the case. One example is at the beginning when the writers claim that walking a mile and running that same mile will burn the same number of calories. This could not be further from the truth.
   
   The book itself is well written but some of the arguments have too many flaws. It was a good read in the sense of learning another point of view in the lifting world but there are much better HIT books out there that fundamentally make more sense. I suggest Ellington Darden's The New HIT.
   
   I also think it is ridiculous that John Little is using this book (Body by Science) to employ his entirely non scientific and non physiological based styles of training such as max contraction. Anything good in this book has been ruined by all the mythical garbage placed in it. Your much better off going and reading a physiology text book.



2. I'm a little perplexed by the reviews stating that this book isn't very scientific. But I was more amused than perplexed by one of the pieces of "evidence" presented - that the book was incorrect in stating that walking and running use about the same number of calories. Actually, it IS true that, in general, walking and running use about the same number of calories (within 10% or less, depending on your walking and running speeds, body weight, etc.) as long as you're counting them over DISTANCE, not time, which is what this book states. Don't take any one person's word for it - there are dozens of reliable sources for this info. If you walk or run the same amount of TIME, you'll burn more calories running, but that's another matter entirely.
   
   All this is, of course, not really relevant to the real content of this book. It IS, as its title suggests, a book about the SCIENCE of fitness. If the book itself isn't scientific enough for a particular reader, perhaps the 125 or so sources referenced in its extensive bibliography, most of which are research papers, would be a good place to begin to "dig a little deeper", in which case some admission of the fact that he or she is perhaps ever so slightly outside the intended audience of the book might be appropriate.
   
   I don't claim to be an expert in the field of high intensity training, but the authors of this book do. In that light, the book is extremely effective in presenting a case for their viewpoint, and is an excellent read. If you're looking for a book that recommends the "old school" of 3-6 workouts of 30-90 minutes each per week, well, as the saying goes "There's a million of 'em." If you're looking to explore the science of high intensity training, there may be better books out there, but I don't know of one.



3. I found this to be an utter embarassment to the field of exercise science. So full of contradictions I wouldn't even know where to begin. Leads people to believe that minimal investment is needed to remain fit for life. So far away from reality!!! I wouldn't recommend this to anyone interested in improving their fitness level. There isn't an athletic population that I have ever worked with at any level from recreational to professional who would follow a program like this.



4. I have been lifting weights for about 2 years on a multiple times per week basis. I have a home gym with both a Vectra machine and bench and free weights. I am a victim of Dr. Kenneth Cooper's aerobic revolution of the 70's and 80's, now with bad knees and bad ankles and chronic tendinitis and 2 herniated disks and spinal arthritis, which is what brought me to weight training in the first place. Over the years I have tried my own program, and I have purchased several programs from the "Guru's" and I pretty much always wound up either injured or I would make progress for a while and then it would seem I would start going backward. My most recent program was the New Rules of Lifting program which I have found to be a very good program. I've done that for a year and have made progress and remained injury free. That program is basically a two or three times per week program and I noticed that I needed the rest between sessions to keep improving. Sometimes I would go down to one session per 5 or 6 days and I found when I lifted next it was easier to make an advance. That couple extra days allowed a more complete recuperation. The exercises in the new rules program are basically the big 5 that is described in the Body by Science program, so over the course of the year I have developed good form with each exercise and a good knowledge of how my body feels during the lift and post lifting.
   
   When I read this program it seemed to fit well with what I had been doing. I was of course skeptical of the 12 minute claim as the New Rules program is a timed set of reps across the exercises of about 45 minutes per session. In the New Rules program if you were anal about the timed aspect you would be forced into an anaerobic state of metabolism which I think is desirable in a workout. You can tell you've gone anaerobic when you quit lifting and ten minutes later your respiratory rate is still elevated. Your body at that point is working off the metabolic acid load it accrued during the anaerobic activity and converting it to CO2 and that extra CO2 load is being expelled by your increased resp rate. I could tell the by the way I felt that was the hormonal changes and increased metabolism associated with micro damage. I decided to give slo mo pumping as described in Body by Science a whirl. What it claims is true. I do 6 exercises bench press, reverse grip pull down, overhead press, seated row, squats and dead lifts, using the time under load method of accounting and trying to maintain 10-15 seconds during reps and it kicks my hind end. I go deep into anaerobic metabolism as I start huffing like a choo choo. I can also tell I am going deep into anaerobic metabolism because I get hot and start to sweat, signs of big sympathetic outflow and my heart starts beating like a trip hammer. I can tell the muscle micro damage and metabolic changes are greater with this slo mo methodology and I find I NEED a week to recover. I could probably compress that to 5 full days but the difference between 5 full days of rest and a week is not enough to push it. I'm still getting into the method trying to keep my form perfect during the time under load.
   
   I am a physician, so I read with interest the physiology described in the book, and what is described in general is correct. I'm not sure I would hang my hat on the "fact" that we grow big muscles so we can run away from tigers, in fact to me that is an unlikely reason. If you have to run away from a tiger once a week in order to build big muscles its unlikely you are going to escape from being dinner. I think it is probably more steeped in a protective adaptation to inflammation response that lifting causes, than running away from tigers. The cardiovascular information is absolutely true in terms of this kind of training being better than the typical "cardio" kind of exercise. Your heart responds to the demand of your muscles. The whole reason you have a heart and lungs is to deliver 2mm of Oxygen tension to the mitochondria in your cells to provide for aerobic metabolism and to wisk away CO2 and metabolic byproducts. When your energy utilization overwhelms your aerobic potential that is when your muscles need more oxygen than your heart and lungs can deliver that is when you get a cardiovascular adaptation. Aerobic exercise by definition NEVER gets you there precisely because it is aerobic. If you ain't huffing like a choo choo (the sure sign of anaerobic metabolism) you may as well be sipping a drink by the pool in my opinion. I also believe every single beneficial claim proposed in terms of anti-hypertension and anti-diabetes improved flexibility and relief from back pain etc etc to be true. I have a pain management practice and I encourage my patients to do weight training to the extent they can, especially those who have managed to escape surgery.
   
   So I think this plan is a worth while plan. I think if you are not well trained in weights you absolutely MUST have someone who truly knows about weight training train you. If you go off half cocked in this kind of program eventually you will hurt yourself. If you have a home gym like I do then I think you should spend 6 months learning how to lift with perfect form using something like the New Rules program before you venture into the Body by Science program. If you have a trainer he can adjust you during an exercise, but if you don't then you need to take a good while getting to know your own body and lifting with not other expectation than developing perfect form until it become second nature. Once you get into lifting it will become a long term part of your life so there is no reason to be in a hurry and not learn to do it right.
   
   I think the exercises proposed are the exact correct exercises. I am a big fan of multi-muscle complex exercises like the dead lift as opposed to doing a billion of hammer curls with a dumbbell trying to increase the size of the third head of the triceps (total waste of time) I have also come to believe based on my experience over the past 2 years you won't see results quickly if you over train. In other words you need the time for the biochemistry to work and to let the damage you are producing heal. If you sprain an ankle (a big injury, not a micro injury) it doesn't get better in 2 days in gets better in 3 to 6 weeks. In other words you need to give your body the real time it takes to heal and that is based on its own physiology, not on some artificial schedule of lifts per week. If you are an old pro at lifting then before each exercise run over in your mind what perfect form means. I like to take 5 seconds to read a card I have prepared that forces me to think about the few things that define perfect form for each exercise. It takes me out of remote control mode and brings my focus back to the task at hand. Finally for this exercise regimen I have a big clock with a second had sitting right in front of each station, and I keep records so I can watch my progress.
   
   As to the diet, I'm less involved. I like the idea of eating non processed food, but I think a ration of about 1:1:1 of fats, carbs and protein on a calorie adjusted basis is probably easier to maintain. I think the problem with processed foods is they tend to really concentrate the calories



5. I really enjoyed this book, and decided to put it into practice. Here is what I found:
   
   - I used to hate dragging my butt to the gym - but being only allowed to go once a week made me impatient to get back. So it is a very easy program to follow from a motivation point of view
   - it is definitely very effective. I doubt I'm pushing myself quite as hard as the authors suggest, but even so I feel stronger than I have ever felt (I'm 45).
   
   I couldn't keep to the once a week regimen. I am now at two 20-minute workouts a week. The authors suggest very rapid transitions between exercises which aren't practical at my gym, or the time might be closer to 12 minutes. I've done 18 workouts so far over about 3 months, and my lean body mass percentage has increased considerably and my love handles have all but disappeared. Very very happy that I read this.

5 comments about The Book of Five Rings.

1. I was drinking tea at Samovar Cafe in San Francisco when I read a quote from this book in their menu. It got me quite curious about it and purchased a copy. I understand that it is a seminal piece of work during the time it was originally written. Apparently, there has not been much analysis of strategy for war/combat prior to this book. However, I think my expectations were not in-line with what I got out of reading it. There are some chapters on sword fighting techniques. And, there are also sections that can be best described as zen-like philosophy. But, I find it hard to absorb most as it is very sparse and have little to no elaboration (for example: If you are going to battle, you should learn everything about every weapon...period). Perhaps the knowledge contained in this book is best discussed within a group or to come from a mentor who has some knowledge about the subject. Having said that, I still did pick up some important learning from The Book of Five Rings. The one I will take away with me is the importance of infecting others (as opposed to being infected). As I understand it, Miyamoto asserts that your thoughts, mood and behaviour should always be consciously monitored and used to influence your surroundings and people around you. And on the flip side, also be aware of others not infecting you in a similar sense. It may sound basic but I do believe it is an important skill to learn...either for war, business, or just everyday interactions.



2. 
   The book appears at first to be written simply; it stated the obvious. Written at a time when perhaps things were simpler.
   
   This is NOT a book to read in one sitting, though you easily could.
   
   Read just a bit, then put it down and walk away. Allow what you have read to be mulled over in your mind.
   
   The book is really complex. It contains secrets to living every day, for dealing with everyone you encounter no matter what their state of mind is. It contains secrets about how to do business.
   
   The title is a translation. Like English, words can have multiple meanings. What is translated into the word "ring" can also be translated into "spheres" which I think is a more appropriate translation. The sphere is the most perfect thing in the universe. Beginning at a point and drawing the ring/sphere/circle you will get to a point where the line begins again upon itself. This is a key to understanding the book.
   
   Cleverly written, it holds the knowledge to live at peace with the universe.
   
   An excellent read and mental workout.



3. This is a great book. Makes you really think about life in a different way. I think everyone should read this book.



4. This book is based on the writings of a 16th centery master duelest, but is a little long from a narrative point
   
   the shipping could be improved on this item. 17 days is just to long when it was shipped from a 10 hour drive away.



5. I was really excited about reading this book and it lived up to the expectations. Granted, it wasn't the fastest reading book ever printed, but it was very thoughtful and inciteful. I will absolutely read this book again in the future. But for five dollars, the book was worth every penny.

5 comments about Jiu-Jitsu University.

1. I really like this book. The first chapter alone is full concepts that I personally haven't been taught in classes. I have been training long enough to know that I wish Saulo's ideas about survival had been the first things I learned in jiu jitsu. I ordered his Jiu Jitsu Revolution dvd because of this book. Thank you, Saulo Ribeiro.



2. The way this book is organized is very helpful. The author leads the reader along an in-depth and comprehensive organization that takes advantage of the natural progression in learning this martial art. The photos and angles of the photos are good. I would recommend this book.



3. This book is fantastic, reccomended for any brazilian jiu jitsu practicioner... Saulo's knowledge and love of this amazing gentle art really shine through. Buy it.



4. I'm very happy with the book. I'm a Judoka and sometimes train with (and admire) BJJ fighters and wanted an overview of the moves, nomenclature and strategy/philosophy. this booked seemed comprehensive and has lived up to my expecations. a well done publication and very effective format - using 2 photos of each step taken from different angles. I recommened it.



5. I have many good jiu-jitsu videos and books, but this and the Demian Maia videos are the best.
   
   In this book, the first two chapters (white and blue belts) deal with survival and escapes. I'm a white belt, and with this book in only three months of training I could put a very good defense against very good purple and brown belts. This book is very dense and requires repetitive reading to absorb all the knowledge, like all good books.
   
   It's worth every penny.