5 comments about Old Frame Chen Family Taijiquan.

1. Although this book deals with Chen,QingZhou's version of the Lao Jia YiLu I must say that it is indeed a well written account of the basics of TaiJi.
   This is not to say that he is not an advanced practitioner of Chen's TaiJiQuan. Au contraire! I have heard many fine things about Mr.Chen's (Mark's)skills as well as his teaching abilities.
   Having attended two of Grandmaster Chen,QingZhou's seminars to study the TaiJi Ball and TaiJi Bang (pronounced,"Bong"),as well as having "felt" his skills in "touching hands" with him and having several of his videos, I've eagerly awaited the release of a book detailing the performance of his routine.
   I especially like the way he explains the reason why some of the postures are done differently than some of the other Chen masters; also in defining the energy of "Kao". Practitioners of Chen Style know that Kao actually means "leaning", or "bumping" and can be done with any part of the body and is not limited to just a "shoulder strike" as some other styles of TaiJiQuan are wont to do. He also provides some excellent examples of several Chin Na techniques from the pushing hands.
   His approach is simple and direct. Especially when it comes to "telling it like it is", when it comes to the truth about gaining proficiency in TaiJi, and anything else you want to be good at. All it takes is alot of sweat and hard work. I thought that the first 39 pages alone were worth the "price of admission".
   And remember, although there are many photos and instructions to help one learn this particular style of Chen's TJQ, this is still no substitute for a good teacher.
   Many kudos to you, Mark Chen for providing us with an excellent opus. I hope that someday you can produce a book on the TaiJi Iron Ball.



2. This book illustrates the tai chi form... Chen Lao Jia Yi Lu. Chen old frame first form. It is the considered the oldest form of Tai Chi in existence, and its slow, graceful choreography is peppered with hard, fast strikes and stomps. The illustrations are clear, and I learned most of the whole form from this book (after learning perhaps the first twelve moves in a class). I then followed up with some videos and dvds to tie it all together.
   
   There is a brief historical introduction and some recommendations on finding a decent instructor, and the form is followed by a description of push hands and a few applications. I photocopied pictures of each movement and pasted them into the book where it just references something done before. Trying to learn that way was impossible.
   The pictures will just end at a random spot and say "repeat move 5 (1-6)" and I'll have to go back see what that move was and then find the page I was on again and try to progress until another annoying reference to a previous point in the text.
   
   I work from The Tao of Taiqiquan by Jou Tsung Hwa which recommends learning this Chen form first and then working through the other forms (in historical order). Though the content in that book is far more interesting and useful, the illustrations are somewhat difficult to follow so I picked this one up as a supplement. While Tao is often seen as mystical, Old Frame Chen Family Taijiquan in my mind is not mystical enough. Without that aspect Tai Chi is just another martial art is slower to learn than others and usually not as effective.
   
   As a side note, the author's tone is sometimes so arrogant it's comical. I'd quote some of the more outrageous lines, but if I did I might ramble on too long...



3. This book is a godsend to those wishing to study Chen style Tai Chi.
   
   It should be couple with Chen Style Taijiquan, Sword and Broadsword, by Chen Zhenglei (which really deals with the basic forms more than sword and broadsword) ISBN 7-5348-2321-8
   
   Between the two of them, you have everything you need to enjoy and understand Chen Style.
   
   Please note that Chen Style is the more martial, older form of Tai Chi.



4. It is hard for me to get past Mark Chen's black and white view of Taijiquan practice (and most of it is black). Yes, we're all doing it wrong here in the west, now if only we'd drop the metaphysical and get cracking we might learn something. Or we might not. Mark Chen is definitely the anti-Jou Tsung Hwa.



5. This will be a sobering slap in the face for all the new age wishful thinking chi-power hippie types. (Had to get that out of my system :)
   This book is a down-to-earth overview of the old Chen form (same one that was taught to Yang LuChan, founder of Yang Taijiquan.)
   
   At times Chen can sound cynical and critical, but I find this viewpoint to be very refreshing in the face of the current trend of new age b.s. and martial arts fraud. He covers the history of Taiji Quan with a very realistic attitude, debunking various myths and wishful thinking (Cheng San Feng, etc.) which is what draws me to his style of writing.
   
   His teaching approach is in some ways like William C. Chen, where he talks about the biomechanics of the human body, rather than obscure esoteric topics. He de-mystifies things, explaining them in a clear-cut language, making the content easy to grasp.
   
   The old form itself is demonstrated very well. Directional arrows help understand the transition between the movements, and the text explanations clarify anything in between.
   
   All in all, one of the best books on old Chen style available.

5 comments about The Essence of Shaolin White Crane--Martial Power and Qigong.

1. Being a marital artist myself for over thirty years I say this book has been most fulfilling after becoming bogged down in the working society and not having time to work out, I was greatly discouraged at the rate my knee joints developed arthritis like pain. Before reading the book I forced myself to work leg work to see what would happen and in a few short months I was walking without a limp. After reading the book I can see that in a few short years continuing down this route would soon result in painful joints again. Not only has this book pointed to a more complete and sensible direction for my martial arts, but also a way that has already improved the quality of my life.



2. The White Crane is a southern chinese kung fu style, and Dr. Yang's reference sets the standard. The White Crane style is a parent art from which many southern styles developed (including Wing Chun, Japanese and Okinawan Karate) so it is worth studying.
   
   Included is the martial theory behind the system, featuring lengthy discusssions on Qi & Jin and their martial applicability. A martial artist of a style that is descended from the White Crane will find much to enhance his own understanding of his art.
   
   This is mainly a reference material, as Books and DVDs do not make good primary instructional material for martial arts, so plan on attending a seminar or finding a good local school to get the most from this book.



3. This is another of Dr. Ming's excellent books on the Chinese martial arts. I have many of them, including his complete video tape series on chin na, and regard his books and videos as a source of quality information.
   
   There are a number of crane and white crane styles, such as southern white crane, northern black crane, eastern Tibetan white crane, and at least four styles of southern white crane are known. All have their own unique stylistic qualities but share with the others a common core of crane techniques and an emphasis on both hard and soft aspects. The feeding crane is a form rather than a style, and the "vibrating crane" is a fa-jing or explosive chi energy technique. (I don't propose to get into a discussion of chi principles here or their validity, I just mention this for factual purposes).
   
   I should mention right off that despite the title, most of this book is actually about white crane chi gung principles and practice. In fact, 178 pages of the book are devoted to it. There are separate chapters on stationary soft, moving soft, stationary hard, and moving hard chi gung, and a related chapter covers Jin, or energy and power production. Only the last 55 or so pages are actually devoted to the martial applications, so if you're primarily interested in those, perhaps this book isn't for you. However, the photos showing the martial applications are very clear and of value also.
   
   One interesting thing I noticed was how combat realistic the hard, moving chi gung was. Just from the photos, it wasn't easily distinguishable from a real white crane kung fu form. Oddly enough, one of the chi gung postures resembled one from Indonesian Panca Indra Suci Pentjak Silat, an interesting coincidence.
   
   White Crane kung is considered to be an especially refined style of kung fu. It has had an important influence on karate styles such as Okinawan goju-ryu and shorin-ryu, and also Yamaguchi's Japanese goju-ryu has at least one hakutsuru or white crane form. (In fact, I once saw a film of Yamaguchi's funeral and one of his top students performed a white crane form in his honor). Three of these occur in a number of variations in the Okinawan styles. (It's known that aged masters taught different versions to different students on the same day. Whether this was the result of age-related memory deficiencies, shall we say, or some other factor isn't known.) The white crane master, Go Ken Ki, is usually credited with introducing these forms into the Okinawan karate styles.
   
   In addition to its influence on karate, white crane is important in the history of the Chinese arts not only for its own stylistic innovations, but also for its influence on tiger-crane styles such as Hung Gar and other five animals type styles, which incorporate the crane as one of the five animals (the others being dragon, snake, leopard, and tiger). There is also the older Ha Se Fu or "5 Lower Tigers" style, which contains a white crane form. Unlike Hung gar with its extremely long forms (the first form in Hung Gar is over 200 moves long), their forms are shorter and have only one for each animal, which is kept separate from the rest, rather than integrated, as in Hung Gar.
   
   In addition to the above, there is also a chapter on principles and concepts common to all kung fu styles (such as hard, soft, jin energy training, chi, and so on), and there is also a nice history of white crane and kung fu, including some interesting stories about legendary masters and their exploits (which are basically de rigeur in any kung fu book).
   
   Overall, this is another fine book from master Ming emphasizing mostly the more advanced, internal chi gung training of white crane, which should be of interest mostly to intermediate and advanced students who already have some idea of the martial applications and perhaps want to know more about the internal aspects and mental training as well.



4. ...as usual, Dr. Yang does it again with this exceptional work. Buy his books...honestly, buy them all! You can read this many times over and still keep learning new things and getting new ideas. Pretty much like all of his books. Thank you yet again, Dr. Yang. You make me feel humble knowing there are still true masters living in this world.



5. This book is awesome , is perfect people this book word your money and time .

5 comments about The Power of One (Young Reader's Edition).

1. I read this book before the crap movie was ever released, and it's a good thing, too. Whoever says the novel is dead needs to take a look at this. Courtenay has written a brilliant bildungsroman that you literally can't put down. You might even end up re-reading certain passages over and over, such as the boxing match between the protagonist and a Goliath-like opponent. If you have a bright pre-teen, give him this, and I bet he'll enjoy it.



2. I have read the Power of One, the unedited version and it is brilliant, inspiring, and brutal - one of the best books I've read. However, this edition that is being sold here, is the Young Reader's edition, which isn't immediately obvious from Amazon's description or the picture. It does say so on the cover, but it's very small unless you enlarge the picture. So, my review gives it a 2 as it may be an unpleasant surprise for those who want to read the actual novel.



3. If Bryce Courtenay's The Power Of One sounds familiar, it's because this represents a young reader's condensed edition of a prior hard-hitter which became both an adult classic and an acclaimed movie of the same name. It's great to see such a powerful novel condensed with youth in mind: grades 8-12 will find compelling the story of 1930s South Africa and a boy who faces apartheid and prejudice in a country where his childhood is marked by loneliness and dreams of changing lives. A powerful story of courage and change evolves.



4. how you can feel with a little boy's hardship in a boarding school and how you hope for his stamina and how you love his intense friendships that bring him on his way.
   
   You really live with that life and that is best a book can do.



5. There are two versions of Bryce Courtney's "The Power of One"; the original version and this, the junior novelisation. The two are quite different so make sure that you double-check what publication you're getting before you order. I would suggest the older version for most readers, since this basically tells the same story in simplified form. However, in Australia and New Zealand, "The Power of One" has reached almost cult-status in terms of popularity, and some younger readers will leap at the chance to familiarise themselves with the story before they are ready to tackle the more complex and violent subject matter of the original. Furthermore, it is a perfect choice for school libraries and/or compulsory reading in classrooms.
   
   Like the adult version, the junior novelisation is concerned with the life of Peekay, a young boy living in 1930's South Africa, coping with racism, tension between the various social groups of the time (the Boers, the English and the Africans) and the growing threat of World War II. This younger version begins in the same place as the adult one, with Peekay being sent to a boarding school in which he is urinated on by his fellow students - a clear sign that Courtney is not prepared to soften the harshness and cruelty of the original book for the benefit of a younger audience. In comparison this story ends after the famous concert at the prison, the moment in which the adult novel really begins.
   
   The junior novel follows Peekay's journey from childhood into earlier adolescence and the beginnings of the adult world, told in significantly less detail and in more simplified language than the first "Power of One". On the way, he makes friends from every race and class, learning the most important truth of his life: to think with his head and then with his heart. In particular, he finds work in a jail, inventing an ingenious way to help the convicts communicate with their families on the outside, and discovers the sport of boxing along with the remarkable idea that you do not have to be the biggest in order to be the best.
   
   Courtney's gift comes from finding the grey areas in each situation, showing us clearly that one race, one country, one ideology is never wholly righteous; goodness can only come from an individual. Near the beginning of the book Peekay is persecuted by Nazi-supporters; later a dear friend of his unfairly is jailed for being a German. Humanity's overwhelming desire to classify and then judge people based on these classifications is never more frustrating than it is here, and it is a lesson well worth learning.
   
   Although this is a more-than-adequate introductory book for younger readers eager to tackle "The Power of One", I would recommend to anyone else over the age of twelve (or any confident reader under that age) that they simply pick up the first (and best) adult version.

5 comments about Combat Techniques of Taiji, Xingyi, and Bagua: Principles and Practices of Internal Martial Arts.

1. It is a good book, but it takes a long time to figure out what they are talking about. Don't get me wrong, it is a valid piece, but it is for someone who is already familiar with the Chinese internal arts. Not a price but for your money, you might want to go with something else.



2. This is an excellent book on several of the internal arts, and even goes into some other styles most people have probably never heard of, such as liu he ba fa, but it's not a good book for a beginner. If you're an intermediate student, this book will be fine, but for a rank beginner I think it would be too difficult. But even after a year of good training, this book might be okay (but the person would have to work pretty hard, though).
   
   That having been said, there's a lot of good information here, both about internal arts philosophy and their approach as well as about more practical techniques. internal principles get discussed in detail, and there is a nice presentation of the 16 form set, one I didn't know, and I know a lot of Chinese forms at this point, both in tai chi and kung fu. But the internal martial arts are far more diverse and broader than many people know, and no one can know everything.
   
   Someone commented that the writing wasn't that good, but I disagree. That had to do more with translating more literally from the Chinese into English, so the writing actually sounds in many ways more Chinese rather than like professional written English. And I have no problem with that, having studied a little Mandarin in college.
   
   I agree with Lawrence Kane's earlier review that material on actual combat techniques should have been included, and that the title is therefore misleading. Tai chi, for example, does have knife defense techniques that are rarely seen, and tai chi knife techniques also. (Note that I'm not referring to the tai chi "knife" form, which actually means the broadsword or saber, but smaller knives). But realistically, that would require another book just by itself.
   
   I really enjoyed this book, speaking as someone who has studied tai chi for over 20 years, and also I've had some exposure to ba gua, which I wish I could have had more of, along with hsing i. But perhaps some day I'll be able to do that. In the meantime, this book helped fill some of the gaps in my own knowledge and I can recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about the subject.
   
   By the way, Bruce Kumar Frantzis's book on the internal martial arts is also excellent and I can recommend that too, as well. There is now a new edition of the book out as well.



3. I would agrre with Magellans review, in addition I would say that no book covers it all and there is some interesting history here which will make for great disagreements for years to come amongst the experts but I think much of it possibly comes through Wang Pei Sheng who is the real gem of this book. He was there amongst the tigers and I've heard before he fought he would ask the person which style he would like him to use to beat them with. The history of Wudang technique was good because it is and always has been cloudy. Its true that there could be more information on Taiji but all three including Bagua and Hsingi are treated equally. I believe the author has deep knowledge and this is just the tip of the iceburg I will put it with my other favorites.



4. It s a great gift of Knowledge. Most people don't know there is different types of Tai Chi.



5. This is simply the best book of it's kind. There are few tomes as in depth as this one and even taking its subjects separately it is still far more detailed than many so called specialized titles. In regards to Mr.Lawrence Kane - author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction , whereas I sympathize somewhat with him the fact is that many of the Internal arts have moves that could and would and have blocked a knife (not from making contact with the blade duh!) or a gun etc. and rendered the attacker neutral or worse. Put a short rubber baton or knife in your sparring opponents hands and you will see the beauty of the moves and applications that are already there. But as most masters agree on the most gifted martial artists are those who blessedly never have to fight but if they do they will do so righteously and without hatred. Buy this book. Read it. Absorb it.

5 comments about Taiji Sword.

1. The beginning prefaces are informative. The stories of great Taijiquan masters are fascinating. The descriptions of the various postures are fairly clear. Unfortunately, the black and white photos accompanying the descriptions are faded and grainy. The hands, sword and body often disappear into the background leaving one guessing as to the correct form of the posture.



2. This book is a very interesting account of the Yang Style Tai Chi sword form. It is a translation of a classical account from the 1920's, and includes pictures of each of the postures of the form. The text is clear, and an interesting account of the form by an old master. As with most classical Tai Chi writings, it is more useful as a source of ideas for someone who already practices the form than as a beginner's teaching text. The translation is scholarly, and Ms. Davis has added a lot to this book with her footnotes and commentary. A very enjoyable read.



3. I bought this book along with a video on T'ai Chi sword. I bought the book for some stories not for instruction. There are a few stories which were fun to read but there is no reason to own this book. The only redeeming quality of this book is the old time T'ai Chi pictures which are cool! But not worth spending any money on.



4. I wish the pictures weren't so scratchy, but this is a facinating read for anyone studying Taichi sword.



5. 
   This is a very interesting book and very worthwhile to have if you are interested in Tai Chi Sword. Other reviewers have pointed out the limitation of detail in movement descriptions and grainy pictures. However, much more important is that it is a glimpse into the deeper moral and spiritual value that these great practioners held for the sword and how closely they were connected to the inner meanings of Taoist philosophy. It won't be a great resource for learning the form, but reading the words of these dedicated practioners from the past has a great and lasting value for anyone trying to gleen the meaning and value of Tai Chi Sword.

5 comments about The Karate Dojo: Traditions and Tales of a Martial Art.

1. The author's name is synonymous with the Goju style of Karate.
   The volume covers the dojo etiquette, the system of belts,
   kata and jiu-kumite. The Goju style has a progressive series of
   belts from white to green to green/stripes to purple to brown
   to brown/stripes and finally to the first level black belt.
   Incremental knowledge of the katas combined with excellence of
   execution are important distinguishing factors between the
   various belts. At the higher levels, candidates must have
   some formal teaching together with entries into various competitions sponsored by local, national and international
   associations in the art. Contestants have a separate karate
   etiquette to be displayed before the judges and their fellow
   colleagues.
   
   Master Peter Urban shows the all-important
   connection between excellence of execution of the kata and
   transferal of those skills to the formal jiu-kumite. The book
   contains a series of stories related by the author. These stories
   form an integral part of the book. Mastery of the art requires
   continuous practice and study on the part of candidates.
   The skills learned in Goju Karate can be transferred into life
   practices and habits. The volume is well worth the price for
   serious students of the Goju Karate. Read this book thoroughly
   and your Sensei will marvel at your progress in the art!



2. Peter Urban was a pioneer in American karate and helped not only spread the art of goju ryu, but the ripple effect helped the promotion of other martial arts as well in the 60s and 70s. While a little eccentric, Urban was true to the bushido roots, while adapting karate for an American population.
   
   This book covers karate philosophy in its mid-twentieth century form and promotes the positive aspects of discipline and etiquette. The book deals with attitude and motivation of spirit. The second half of the book has "dojo stories" that help embody the essences of karate training.
   
   This is just a nice and simple book worth the read.



3. As a ShoDan assistant instructor of Shiho Karano Kenpo Karate, I strive to educate myself about the martial arts. I've found some good books on the subject, and I'm always on the lookout for more. Since "The Karate Dojo" has been in print since 1967, I figured it must provide valuable direction. It does, mainly by portraying a snapshot of martial arts history that challenges the budo practitioner to forsake mediocrity for mastery and character.
   
   The book has three basic parts. First, the author provides a somewhat Karate-centric view of martial arts facets such as the dojo, belt ranking systems, and character self-analysis. In the second section are a number of martial arts parables that teach through historical narrative. Finally, Sensei Urban uses the last chapter to discuss the "contemporary" Karate scene (i.e. the mid-1960s). The overall theme is one of extreme discipline and perseverance within the martial arts, necessary to achieve a seemingly mystical level of physical, mental, moral, and spiritual ability. In other words, it takes hard work and commitment to become a "weaponless weapon."
   
   "The Karate Dojo" is a quick read - I finished it in less than a day. There are a number of stylized line drawings and black-and-white photographs to complement the text. It's a portrait of an era in Karate that seems to be almost mythical - and mostly lost, at least in the West. The author fondly discusses harsh daily training under the strict discipline of a revered master in a dojo where everyone's practically family. I've tasted some of that, but nothing close to what Sensei Urban describes. And that's where I differed with the author. Yes, optimal mastery of any activity requires the type of commitment he advocates, and that's OK for some. But I believe it's possible to benefit from a consistent and disciplined practice of the martial arts without making an all-consuming religion out of it.
   
   At any rate, despite some dated aspects and a monkish focus on martial arts that may be beyond what many would bear, "The Karate Dojo" contains worthwhile insights for the martial artist. If nothing else, its high standards may challenge one to take their current commitment and practice to a higher level.



4. As a black belt and teacher/student I constantly reference this book as a source of inspiration and knowledge as I continue on the warriors path. This is a must have book for anyone considering trying karate, wondering what the heck karate is, or at any level in their training. Participants of other martial arts would also benefit from reading and recognizing the shared characteristics and spirit among us.



5. Very good book for any martial artist, beginner or master. Great stories, I really enjojed it! A very pleasent and easy read.

5 comments about Complete Aikido (Complete Martial Arts).

1. This is another great work. Sensei Roy Suenaka gives a no-nonsense narrative of his history with aikido as well as basic technique and training tips. There is also reference to Seunaka's friendship with one of the founders of the Shorin Ryu style of karate and Suenaka's experiences with Sensei Saotome. Great history, Great technique advice and overall entertaining reading.



2. As a person who recently started training in Aikido, this book was suggested for me as a handy reference. As a beginner I didn't care much about the martial history or the various political factions - I simply wanted to learn Aikido - so I skipped right to the second half.
   
   Of course the book will never replace actual hands-on instruction but as a supplement to training I've found the second half of the book to be extremely valuable. Using it to learn the various Japanese terms, the order of the Taiso, and to see the written descriptions of things I had learned in class, allowed me to retain what I had learned faster, and to begin to see the overall pattern evident in the art.
   
   While this DOES NOT contain an exhaustive collection of Wadokai techniques, it DOES contain a large collection of pieces that the reader can use to discover new techniques on your own. Close study allows the reader to notice the similarities between various techniques, and to apply those principles in techniques not included (except in pieces) in the book. If the reader approaches the book as less of an encyclopedia of possible techniques, and more of a dictionary of individual linked components, he/she will not be disappointed.
   
   After a couple of months, I decided to read the first half of the book. I found it well written and highly entertaining. Despite my initial disinterest in the topic, I ended up reading the first half in less than a day due to these qualities. A good read for anyone who has trained for a while and is interested to learn more about the history of the art.
   
   Complete Aikido? No, of course not. Such a book would be 10 times as long, cost $200, and still omit various combinations and special waza. As a reference for people new to the art, or for people who have been training for years, it still has a lot to offer. Especially if you are creative!



3. This book details the life of Suenaka Sensei and his martial accomplishments
   including his relations to some of the greatest martial arts teachers of this century, most importantly his relations with Morihei Ueshiba and Hohan Soken, I don't think there is anyone else out there that has the martial knowledge and lineage similar to that of Suenaka Sensei. This is a excellent book and should be read by anyone who has interest in Aikido.



4. THe first thing that really took me by surprise when I started reading this book was the tremendous amount of detailed and quite open history of Aikido and the conflict that took place between different instructors after O-Sensei had passed on. Real eye-opening and quite disturbing to see how things basically fell apart and the ideals and principles of O-Sensei were basically disregarded. What a shame!
   
   The historical portion of this book takes up the first 118 pages and is by no means anything other than essential reading for the martial artist, and especially for the Aikido practitioner.
   
   The rest of the book focuses on the various aspects of Aikido from; ettiquete, principle and concepts, to breathing and stretching. After this section, the rest of the material is on the correct execution of the various Aikido techniques such as; Shiho-Nage, Irimi-Nage, etc.
   
   The layout of the information in this book is very well done and there is plenty of detailed text to go along with a plentiful supply of quality photographs showcasing the various techniques. An added bonus that I really enjoyed was the section of photographs which showed some common mistakes that are usually made when executing the various techniques.
   
   I would highly recommend this book to anyone practicing Aikido, along with the following two books.
   
   Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction
   
   Aikido Exercises for Teaching and Training
   
   Shawn Kovacich
   Martial Artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.



5. I really enjoyed reading Complete Aikido. Especially Sensei Suenaka's story. The demonstrations are well done, and I really like that they try to show you the mistakes that you should avoid. I think this book makes a great addition to your martial arts library.

5 comments about Judo Formal Techniques: A Complete Guide to Kodokan Randori No Kata.

1. i just bought this book from kinokuniya bookstore. it is a very good book, i think. it presents the detailed explanation of techniques involved in judo. however, i think you will benefit most if you could combine this book with the reading of another one - "The Secrets of Judo" - a masterpiece in illustrating the mechanical principles that underlies Judo.



2. If Draeger's grocery list was published, I'd buy it just because I have yet to read anything by him that wasn't great. Draeger Sensei lived and breathed budo/bugei and it shows in his writing. This is the most detailed and best laid out manual for the Kodokan kata available and is essential to any serious judoka's library.



3. This is a book for those who would like to know what Kodokan Judo differs from sport competition. As a sport Judo practicioner I could never expect so wide range of techniques and deep tradition. Now I can see the wisdom of Mr. Kano who preserved one of the best Japanese export products ever created -complete and powerful martial art! The photos, drawings and description are very clear and high quality. Absolute for every Judoka, regardless of rank and experience.



4. If you want a detailed study of nage no kata and katame no kata then this is the book for you. It is not for beginners, or anyone interested in just the basics. It is very comprehensive and authoritative. If you want to really understand the meaning of the kata, and every move in them, you will need this book. It does include general information about kata, but it does not give detailed information on any other kata besides nage and katame (known together as the randori no kata).



5. Running well over 400 pages, this book is a feast as well as a valuable resource for anyone interested in judo. The authors are both well know and highly respected martial artists and, in my estimation, this belongs on the shelf right along with "Kodokan Judo", "The Canon of Judo" and any other volumns you may consider indispensible to your judo library. Published in the early 80's it's not the easiest thing to come by, but is well worth the pursuit.

No comments about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Closed Guard (Book of Knowledge).

5 comments about Atlas.

1. The story of a dysfunctional family upbringing and a young street thug who would become the best boxing analyst and one of the best boxing trainers of the modern era. Teddy Atlas tells a great story in the same way he announces fights. He is a true master of the science of boxing. He can in a few seconds analyze and dissect a boxers strengths and weakness in the ring.
   
   He takes the reader on the journey of his gangster youth and to a point of enlightenment in which he realizes his path needs to change to avoid death or life in prison. The son of well to do doctor in Staten Island, Teddy feels he never got the full attention and love of his father, so he seeks excitement and acceptance in the street thug life.
   
   He turns his life around through boxing and then thru training young boxers. He eventually trains the Heavy Weight Champion of World Michael Moorer. He has announced the past 3 Olympic Boxing for USA.
   
   If you enjoy boxing or have enjoyed Teddy on ESPN Tuesday Night or Friday Night Fights you will enjoy readng the personal saga of Teddy Atlas.



2. This is not a boxing story, it is a life story, a great life story. The best thing about this book is the way the story was told. It is like I just met Teddy Atlas on a long flight, and he is the guy in the seat next to me that I hit it off with. The book taught me about some of the hardest life lessons and how an ordinary person can survive. This is not a person from the "Silver Spoon" set. This is a man that led by example, that made his own choices and was granted the pleasure of living with them. We could all learn from Teddy Atlas, and his father Dr. Theodore Atlas Sr., a paramount figure in the book that brought sobering clarity to a life with no apologies, a good life. This book is not serious and hardnosed all the time. It caused me to let out many boisterous laughs. The most important lesson in this book is loyalty. The book made me take assessment of my own character, and be sure to weigh and measure actions past and present. I read it all the way to the acknowledgements, and wanted for more.



3. Powerful, personal, and an excellent read. Good reading for anyone who likes sports and a sports figure who has overcome a lot of difficulty to become the really good person he was meant to be.



4. I'm a boxing fan and I know Teddy Atlas as a color commentator. The book closely mirrors his TV style. Very earthy language with simple but insightful observations on human nature as its appeared to him throughout his life. Its hard to say how this family of a successful Staten Island physician got so out of hand but the difficult journey is more interesting in its retelling than some sterile suburban tale. I find Atlas to be the best boxing analyst around. He avoids the hyperbole and romanticism that the likes of Sugar, Kellerman, and Merchant always want so inject into the sweet science. His penetrating insight into character and motivations shines through--a born trainer



5. Engaging reading. Never knew Teddy went through so much in life and the boxing world.