5 comments about Muay Thai Basics: Introductory Thai Boxing Techniques.

1. The book first describes the development, the history and the rules of Muay Thai and presents the necessary equipment.
   In the second section, the fighting position, the steps and the fighting distance are explained.
   In the third section, the attack techniques are described in detail: fist techniques, elbow techniques, kick techniques, knee techniques and clinch techniques. Muay Thai champions demonstrate the techniques in numerous pictures. As a result, the techniques can easily be copied.
   In the fourth section, combinations for training at the sandbag and pads are demonstrated. The fifth section demonstrates a number of important defense and counter techniques. Additional techniques are demonstrated in the other book on Muay Thai written by the same author. The sixth section presents the content of a Muay Thai training section.
   
   The book is excellently structured: the Muay Thai skills are passed on step by step. I also find the book design excellent. The large book is in color throughout and the pictures are superb. This is the optimum book for beginners and as an accompaniment to training!



2. This is good book for MT starters. Also it price is very reasonable. In there are color pictures which is not very often. Very good topics on Thai culture and MT rituals.
   Techniques in there are basic: jab, cross, hooks, uppercuts, Thai round kick, front Teep, also very rare seen in MT bouts spining kick.
   The reason why I give 4 not all 5 stars is clinch work which is very basic thing in MT from Thailand and here needs to be covered more. Too little is written on it.
   I hope that in other book which I will order from same author it will be more clinch work.
   
   All in all from all MT books that I own, this is second in my ratings.
   Hope Cristop Delp will written more good books on national Thai sport.



3. I just started training Muay Thai and I bought this book to supplement my time in the gym. This book is an excellent addition to my training and I consider my self lucky to have found it when I did. The history of the art is great and so are the explanations of the techniques.
   
   This is a great book for those of us just starting out.
   My only caveat is that Mr. Delph goes to great lenghts to state that he feels Muay Thai was ruined in "certain English speaking regions". Then he goes on to demonstrate a hook and he is clearly hitting with the last two knuckles. These are the weakest part of the hand and in reality one would end up with a broken hand no matter how well wrapped it was. humpf!



4. I picked up this book to supplement my Muay Thai training. The books used a lot of glossy photos to demonstrate the technique. The section on stretching is nice. The footwork section left me with a lot of questions though(not too clear)!! It also includes an example training plan. IMHO, nothing takes the place of a experienced live instructor to help critique and correct your form. Hopefully, they will include a section on bag work in the next edition.



5. I have this book and its been very useful to learn the basics from as I work night shift and know of no muay thai school in my area. covered are basics strikes as well as drill with the pads

5 comments about Fight: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Ass-Kicking but Were Afraid You'd Get Your Ass Kicked for Asking.

1. The book is very good, but pages 38 and 39 were stuck together with glue.



2. I have seen quite a few books on fighting, and quite often they can be boring because they focus on only one type of fighting. What makes "Fight" so entertaining is that it takes an in-depth look at so many different types of fighting and so many different types of people. Hockey fights, boxing, martial arts, street fights - all receive coverage. The author even includes lists of famous fights, famous fighters, and famous fight scenes in movies. A fun read and a great book!



3. There's the type of person whose knuckles ache while they read Fight, and there's the type whose jaw throbs. It might be wise to find out which type you fall into while reading Fight rather than discover your alignment while engaged in active combat. One great trick accomplished by the author is that he maintains a sense of humor while never taking his subject less than completely seriously. If you must fight, you'd do well to have Eugene fighting on your side. And if you must not fight, then you'd do well to let Eugene tell you what it's all about. Either way, it'll be fun.



4. 
   Great fight book. Robinson is a writer and rock musician (whose band will either play a set or beat up the audience, according to the evening's ambiance), but for purposes of this book he's playing roving participatory reporter on all aspects of the fight scene. With an emphasis but not limitation to Mixed Martial Arts, but veering into all kinds of extremely interesting stuff, such as the eternal question - What is the real sh-t with that 52 Blocks thing?? And lots more. Tons more. He tell how to avoid or get into bar fights (depending on your preference), what it's like to be knocked out (tallies with my own sad experiences) and so much more. Just the few pages where he gets an emergency room doc to detail the worst fight injuries he's every treated are alone worth the price of the book.
   
   Key thing, Robinson, in addition to being a very experienced kick butt fighter himself, most importantly is a gonzo funny writer - and I love funny writing above all things. This book is way more interesting and vastly better written than the spate of other MMA related books that have come out recently - that I am too kindly to enumerate by name here.
   
   And while proffering practical information and being so highly amusing, Robinson touches on the deeper stuff which preoccupies me. Like: why are human males so obsessed with violence and competition? I mean I've dabbled in martial arts, including boxing and Yi Quan and other violent, competitive things like that. But you know, deep down, unlike Robinson, I don't really approve of it at all. I don't like it, I don't think it's good. Violence is bad.
   
   But I thank Robinson most heartily for throwing some light and laughs on our dark, dirty, dangerous path.



5. Here's a man that has too much time in his life. Good book and good advice. He is definitly full of himself. ( I hope I never have to fight him though!!!)
   Well worth the money.

No comments about American Son: My Story.

5 comments about My View from the Corner.

1. The best thing about pro boxing - besides two grown
   men beating the bejeebers out of each other - is the
   wonderful cast of colorful characters involved.
   Angelo Dundee's "My View from the Corner" does not
   disappoint in delivering numerous anecdotes that
   illustrate just how interesting these folks are. He
   tells stories that go back to the turn of the century,
   each describing the unique pro boxing fraternity.
   Also, he details the strategies deployed to win bouts:
   Some require hard work, others trickery. The book is
   well written and edited, which combined with Dundee's
   insight, makes it a pleasure to read.



2. As a guy who likes sports history, this book is well written and moves like a well trained fighter...brisk, sharp and pulls no punches. Bert Sugar has written a terrific biography about Angelo Dundee, the premier fight trainer for Mohammed Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson and George Foreman and describes the times,characters, good and bad during the most exciting time in boxing history. This book should be in every sports fans collection.



3. A very entertaining read. I highly recommend this to anyone who has been or is a fan of boxing. If my son were a boxer I would want him to be associated with Angelo Dundee. He is a wonderful man who can really tell an interesting story about the legends of boxing he has worked with. It is far more than a boxing book. A behind the scenes look at all time greats Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, George Foreman and others. I couldn't put it down and I was sad when it ended. I relived some very exciting times and came away with new insights.



4. Anyone who even considers buying or reading this will agree that Dundee is one of the most interesting of all boxing figures and his lead fighters (Ali, to name just one), are enough to make this a compelling read. Bert Sugar, who wrote much of the book with Dundee's cooperation, proved to be the book's strength. In the same vein as boxing's greatests writers, Plimpton and Mailer, this book is in the same league. It's a literary masterpiece, which surprised me. If you like reading and love boxing, this will be one of the best books you've ever read.



5. From Ali to Sugar Ray, this is the inside scoop from Angelo Dundee.
   Great memories from the 60's, 70's & 80's. Don't miss this one!

5 comments about A Fighter's Heart: One Man's Journey Through the World of Fighting.

1. I don't read many books all the way through because I feel most of them are over-written, non-fiction in particular. This book was so much different. I thought the book ended too soon. Sheridan gets into the lives of individual fighters while he journeys around the world in an effort to tune his own fighting skills. But the author finds a gracious way to write about his own journey while still taking a back seat to other, more accomplished, fighters. His humility seems genuine. Most important, the characters he writes about are interesting. He invites the reader into the early days of MMA and the purity and passion that propelled it before big money came into the picture. Even if you are not a fighter this book is worth the read. Enjoy!



2. This book is some of the best literature on a fighters mentality. It's a great insight into the world that if you are not a fighter very few people who do not fight can't understand. Guys give it to your mom and girlfriends who ask why we want to do it. And it has a ton of great quotes.



3. Sam Sheridan had the type of early adulthood that someone who it seems is building a life in preparation for a memoir. After graduating from high school, he worked at a merchant marine. He left the merchant marines for Harvard and after graduating from Harvard crewed on an antique yacht as it crossed the globe. Getting off in Australia, he got deeply into Muay Thai (Thai kick boxing) and that is where this memoir/meditation on fighting begins.
   
   Sheridan takes us from a training camp in Thailand, where he is one of a few crazy foreigners, through the mixed martial arts gyms of the Midwest, then to Brazil for Brazilian Jui Jitsu, on to Oakland for traditional boxing, then a detour into the world of dog fighting until we end up back where we started, in Thailand where the world of Muay Thai has changed, and foreigners are everywhere.
   
   This is a remarkably smart book and we see Sheridan's understanding of the nature of fighting change as he ages and becomes more aware of not only the glamour, but the price paid for physical combat. The early sections on Thailand and the MMA gyms in the Midwest have the sort of gallant devil may care attitude that only the young can afford. But latter scenes, including a haunting interview with a fighter who killed someone in the ring and has never gotten over it show you the dark side to all that violence.
   
   I found the chapter on dog fighting out of place and a little too detached in a professional journalism way. Dog fighting is disgusting, and Sheridan should have said so in a more straightforward way. That said, the rest of the book is really top notch with honest portrayals of Sheridan and the fighters he meets. If you're interested in the world of fighting, and what it means to be a fighter, either professionally or in the amateur arena, I highly recommend checking this one out.



4. I've been reading a few reviews and while some are nice the rest just don't understand what this book is about. This book is a book for fighters from a fighter. Sam actually lived the dream that most of us who practice Martial Arts and or fight have always had. To go to different parts of the world and train with the best. It reminds me of a quote I love when I hear some of the bad comments on this book:
   It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat." -Teddy Roosevelt
   
   And as far as the dogfighting goes, nobody hates dogfighting more than I do, I guarantee it. But Sam isn't saying that dogfighting is good. Sam explains how the dogs are seen in the fights. And he does this so he can understand why fighters have so much love and admiration for dogs.
   I absolutely loved this book, and if there is someone I would love to sit down and drink a cup of coffee with it would be this man, a Fighter.
   Another thing, fighting isn't about fluffy bunnies or happily ever after. It's a fighter thing you probably wouldn't understand. Also, if you liked the book don't forget to check out Fighting Fear an article written by Sam Sheridan, it's on his myspace page.



5. This book is great for anyone that has been a fighter or any type or is interested in getting into fighting. It gives you a great insight into what these guys go through on a daily basis and what it takes to compete with some of the best MMA fighters. It is also really well written because of Sam's level of education. I definitely reccomend this to any fight fan.

5 comments about The Contender.

1. Alfred Brooks, a teenager and a high-school dropout, knows that his life is going nowhere. He's had the same old job at a local grocery store, and there are no opportunities for advancement. He wants to be someone, someone special. When one of his best friends, James, starts hanging around with the wrong group of teens, and later is sent to prison for robbing Alfred's grocery store, Alfred knows that his friend's friends are not the kids to be with. To avoid being thrashed by James's possy, Major and Hollis, Alfred wants to defend himself. He doesn't want to be pushed around.
   
   Alfred decides he wants to be a boxer, and begins his training at Donatelli's Gym, a gym that has turned out three champions. At first, Mr. Donatelli tried to dissuade Alfred from boxing, by telling him the many triffles he would have to go through to become a contender, but Alfred still wants to try. He runs in the morning, eats a select diet, and after work, he goes to the gym to work out.
   For a long while, Alfred maintained his training. One night, however, Major and Hollis gang up on Alfred, and bring him to their clubroom. They keep Alfred there by telling him that James had just been let out of prison, and that he would stop by the club. While there, Alfred got drunk from vodka and got high from marijuanna, both of which he was unsuspectant of until James arrived. Before he blacked out, Alfred saw that James was fumbling with a bag of cocaine, and knew that his friend was sinking further and further in to drug addiction. Alfred was very spacey for the next few days.
   
   Later, Alfred resumes his training, and then is fitted for a custom-mouthpiece. This is a sign that shows that Alfred is close to fighting. After three professional fights, Mr. Donatelli states that it is time for Alfred to stop. He has proved what he wanted, to be a fighter. Alfred then went back to night school to finish his education.
   
   This novel is simply amazing! The book tells us that it is not the desire, but the effort to win that makes the man! This book is not just for sport lovers, but is for those who can comprehend the deep meaning of fighting and being a fighter!
   
   ALSO RECOMMENDED - THE BRAVE - THE CHEIF - Both books in this order follow after The Contender



2. This story is about a teenager named Alfred Brooks, and in the book he is simply trying to make a life for himself. He dropped out of High School, and he's working at a grocery store. To make things even worse, his friend is turning to drugs and he is getting harassed by a group of guys. Alfred decides to go to Donatelli's gym, because he wants to become a champion, a boxer.
   
   My english class read this book, and I enjoyed it. I think you should read the book, and maybe it'll make you think about reaching the goals of becoming a champion.
   [...]



3. Set in Harlem in the 1960s, The Contender is a moving story about a 16 year old named Alfred Brooks who lives with his aunt and cousins in a small, dingy apartment. His father has long since disappeared, his mother died of pneumonia, and Alfred, essentially a very good kid, has made some mistakes. He dropped out of high school and now works sweeping floors in a grocery store. His best friend James hangs out with thugs and drug users and is quickly becoming an addict himself. One evening when Alfred goes looking for James he finds him at the usual hangout of him and his thug buddies. While talking, Alfred lets it slip that the grocers he works for, the Epsteins, leave money in the cash register overnight on Fridays while they observe the Sabbath. The thugs, and Alfred's best friend James, decide to rob the grocery store. What Alfred forgot to tell them was about the new alarm system recently installed. So of course, after they are caught and arrested, and eventually bailed out, they come looking for Alfred. One night while they're chasing Alfred he runs into Donatelli's Gym, a boxing club where fighters train. And this begins Alfred's journey into fighting, not just boxing, but fighting to make something of himself when the odds are against him. Realistic and gritty, this novel is a wonderful book for young adults. I have read it many times with 7th and 8th grade, and 10th and 11th grade, language arts students and they love it, whether they are themselves from inner-city neighborhoods in Harlem or the Bronx, or from the suburbs. The consistent theme running through the story is the importance of striving to make something of yourself, to become a contributing member of society. It is extremely well written and a novel I enthusiastically recommend.



4. The streets of Harlem are a nasty place to live. Drugs, alcohol, and stealing are just a few of the problems that you would face if you lived there. This is where Alfred Brooks is living. He lives in a small apartment with his aunt Pearl and his three younger cousins. He is a high school dropout and is having trouble keeping his current low-paying job at the local grocery store. His only true friend, James, is slowly sinking into drug trouble.
   Things aren't looking up for him, to say the least. After some close brushes with the cops and some vicious thugs, he decides he needs to do something to change his life. Finally, he makes his way to a boxing gym on a street corner, not far from where he lives. Alfred has passed the gym before, but he has never gone in. From that moment on, he decides he wants to become a boxer.
   In The Contender, the writer really brought me into the story and made me feel like I was right there with the characters. He uses real-life type language and real-life situations that make sense. All of the characters that he introduces flow well with the plot and I became attached to them.
   I recommend this book to anyone who is even remotely interested in sports and the struggle to reach the pinnacle of your athletic ability. I give this book five stars.



5. the author of this book is a fantastic writer, but this book overall was nothing special. i was forced to read it for my 7th grade adv. Lang. arts class, and was a little disapointed. I ended up being bored to tears in class ,and got the cliff notes. I think I would have enjoyed the book better if I read it myself not in a classroom. I think it deserves 3 stars. Its ok thats it. It is about how a boy can change his life by taking up boxing. Good luck if you have to read it (=

5 comments about How to Succeed in the Game of Life: 34 Interviews with the World's Greatest Coaches.

1. Having read only excerpts, I was shocked to read that Tony Dungy was hired as head coach by the Indianapolis Colts in 2002 by owner Robert Irsay. Irsay had been dead for five years (longer than that mentally). Hopefully the rest of the book does not contain such shoddy information.



2. After buying a copy of this book for both myself and my father I was thoroughly impressed. The book was both an easy read yet very informative. I gave a copy of the book to my father, who is not one to read a book, and he was so taken back by how interesting he felt the content was. He picked up the book in the morning and had it finished by mid afternoon. He must have called me 15 times to tell me how inspiring he felt it was and how he was amazed at "all the tricks it taught an old dog"...He thought he had heard all there was to hear about inspirational quotes. We were both pleasantly surprised with how well written the book was. Both my dad and I would highly recommend this book with two thumbs up.



3. Game of Life is an insightful book on the thoughts of many of the world's best known coaches. It provides a biography on each of the 34 coaches (which I recommend reading first to gain a better appreciation of the field and achievements of each coach) and asks them a number of questions that can relate to both on the field and life in general. I have gathered a number of relavant quotes that I will use both personally and professionally. A highly recommended read for sporting buffs and managers.



4. A thoroughly enjoyable and motivating read. This is a remarkable collection of exclusive interviews with the best American sports coaches of the last 40 years. The author has packed a voluminous amount of wisdom, inspiration and facts into what amounts to a road map to a good life. "How to Succeed in the Game of Life" is a brilliant compilation of advice that offers inspiration at every turn.



5. This book went through various questions about succeeding in life and listed all the responses from each coach. It was interesting but somewhat repetitive in that many said basically the same thing. I enjoyed reading this book because it had a lot of good advice from a lot of successful coaches. The advice I remember most is to work harder than anyone else, never quit, always be honest, do your best, failure is opportunity for a comeback, and be passionate about what you do. All of them agreed that making a lot of money does not mean you are successful, but money can be a by-product of being successful. The last chapter included short summaries about each coach. My favorite chapter was the one of their favorite quotes.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone interested in philosophy, or who is looking for some advice or inspiration about success.
   
   Karen Arelttaz Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

5 comments about Iceman: My Fighting Life.

1. Not since Little Evil: One Ultimate Fighter's Rise to the Top - which chronicled the life of MMA fighter Jens Pulver - has a book been written with such lucidity and honesty about the life of an MMA fighter. This book depicts Liddell's life, from his early childhood influences to his lascivious escapades after his big wins. The book is written in a straightforward and insightful manner - it doesn't get boring or redundant. Every chapter has a little moral or lesson. In one chapter, for example, Liddell says, "to me, losing as a man is better than winning as a coward." This comment, of course, is an indirect reference to Tito Ortiz.
   
   This book is at the forefront of what appears to be a forthcoming flood of MMA biographies. It is a must read for any true MMA fan.



2. Being a big fan of UFC, I decided to pick up this book. It was a good book, but it was a very easy read. The childhood story of Chuck Liddell was very interesting but nothing suprised me of what he did growing up. I look forward to the releases of Tito Ortiz and Randy Couture's books being released in the next couple months. As for this book, definately worth picking up if your a fan of UFC and Chuck Liddell.



3. MMA icon and Mohawk-coiffed Chuck Liddell offers his first person autobiography in "Iceman." After reading the pathetic Matt Hughes book - "Made in America" - Hughes makes Liddell seem like freakin' William Shakespeare. "Iceman" is a highly entertaining read if you are a MMA fan, regardless of whether or not you are a Liddell fan. Liddell's rise in MMA has roughly paralleled the emergence of MMA as a fringe activity - "human cockfighting" - to a more mainstream sport.
   
   You get the inside story of Liddell's training methods, his preparations for his fights, what it's like to be on the set of "The Ultimate Fighter" and his friendship with Dana White. Chuck Liddell comes off to me as a fairly carefree happy go lucky guy who doesn't get too high after wins or too low after losses. He is no saint, and after reading the book you might suggest that his nickname not be "Iceman" as much as "Swordsman."
   
   The story is not complete, of course. At age 37 or 38, Liddell may have a few fights left in him. The book was written before he beat Wanderlei Silva in December 2007. If Liddell's career continues as long as Randy Couture's, he may have to sharpen the pencil for a sequel.
   
   If you are an MMA fan, you will enjoy and savor this self-portrait of a modern day gladiator.



4. I picked this up and read it cover to cover on a 6 hour flight.
   I am very impressed but at the same time intrigued by Chuck as he is an interesting character. It is not often a guy with a mowhawk and tattoos on his head scores a 1200+ on his SATs.
   
   The chapters are short and sweet, and each one tells a life lesson.
   If fact Chuck recommends ripping out the table of contents and posting it on your wall. There were some interesting stories about his no holds barred fight in Brazil, and his extreme training at the Pit, along with his acting career on Entourage. However, hands down the best story was about how easy it is to pick up girls on a fight night after you win the UFC championship.



5. I read this book in one day while stuck at the airport. I'm a UFC follower and I enjoyed reading this book. Chuck's got a great story. He's been there from the start of UFC.

5 comments about Training for Warriors: The Ultimate Mixed Martial Arts Workout.

1. Martin has once again out done himself. Training for warriors is a must have. This book is not only for MMA athletes and coaches it is for all professionals in the field of strength and conditioning. The quallity of information is second to none. Having over ten years of experience in the field of strength and conditioning and over twenty years in martial arts I can honestly say you are not going to find a more comprehensive and practical book. I consider this book, as absolutely essential for anybody serious about strength training. I use this book as a resource daily and strongly recommend it.



2. I must say that Training For Warriors is a fantastic book. The photography is great and the exercise program is simple to follow since it maps back to the book. The nutritional section really helped out and made adjustments to my diet. I started the workouts and the hurricane is challenging, but a great change from what I have done in the gym.



3. Martin Rooney's "Training for Warriors, The Ultimate Mixed Martial Arts Workout" is just that! Only those who truly understand training can lay it out in such a simplistic fashion. From the ease of the read, to the cornucopia of pictures, it is legible for all to understand, apply, and then reap the benefits from. I strongly encourage anyone interested in the arts or those who just desire to "train like warriors" to invest in the purchase. I promise, you will not be disappointed!
   Tom Myslinski, MS, CSCS
   Head S&C Coach
   The Cleveland Browns Football Club



4. Martin Rooney has once again demonstrated that he is the leading expert in the field when it comes to the training of combat athletes. His book, "Training For Warriors", is the most complete and thorough book ever written on the training of MMA athletes. I highly recomend it to any athlete who aspires to be a "Warrior" and consider it a must read for all professionals in the field of Strength and Conditioning.
   
   Ben Hilgart
   Head Coach- Sports Performance
   Arizona State University



5. I personally want to thank Martin Rooney for putting together such an outstanding and phenomenal book. The attention to detail for this type of training is long overdue and Martin went above and beyond the call of duty in that aspect. This book can be used for Warriors of all types and skill sets which is what sets it apart from the pretenders out there. The training program and content will not only challenge you physically but also mentally. Thanks again to Martin for creating such an awesome tool.

1 comments about The Boxer and the Spy.

1. When the body of Jason Green is found, his classmates, teachers and administrators at Cabot, north of Boston, accept the cops' official findings that he killed himself because he was juiced with "roids". Only student athlete Terry Novak disagrees with the prevalent suicide theory; he knows that Jason may have been a lover, but was not a jock so would not have done steroids to become a landscape designer as the teen planned to be. Terry wonders if his classmate he was murdered.
   
   Terry half persuades his best friend Abby to help him investigate the death. However, he makes little progress until his trainer retired professional boxer George encourages him to hold his head up, jab away, and not quit. Heeding that advice, Terry keeps digging not aware the danger he brings to himself and Abby by someone who wants the ruling to remain suicide.
   
   Obviously targeting the teen crowd, Robert B. Parker provides an engaging high school mystery starring a young sleuth trying to uncover the truth about the recent death of a classmate. With a strong support cast from George to cigarette smoking Beverly, Suzi and Tank to Mr. Principal and more, the story line is fast-paced from the first jab to the last as Terry and Abby follow clues that lead them to danger.
   
   Harriet Klausner