5 comments about Hap Ki Do: The Korean Art of Self Defense.

1. This book is straight to the point on joint locks and take downs. The book is broken down into chapters by how the joint is locked with varying grabs and attacks. One must already have good control and be familiar with stretching, striking and falling before applying this text. Master Choe's other book (Practical Hapkido Textbook) is a better introduction and includes some striking and falling techniques.



2. Excellent Hap Ki Do book. I'm a taekwondo'er and found this book very easy to understand with big clear pictures for illustration. I've purchased all three of Master Choe's HKD books and found a certain amount of redundancy in the techniques, but highly recommend all three any way. I originally found one of these in the library and realized right away that these books were the best I've found.



3. I would say if you are new to Hapkido, or looking maby to join a class then this book is a must. I just started several months I use it as a reference. The one thing you will find about Hapkido is there are slight varations fom school to school. The one thing I do recomened is if you are going at a school look at what federation your school belongs to. Just happends my school belongs to this association. I gave this a five rating for couple reasons. The pictures, directions are easy to follow,great if you want to have a reference,or you want to get a friend willing let to practice.The one negative I did find on this book was that it should went over breaking falls better. There isn't to many Hapkido books out there good as this! IT was money well spent, I am giving it ***** !



4. A complete waste of money. Way too basic to learn anything new for anyone that has even minimal experience in Hapkido. And some of the pictures were poorly taken and made it hard to see the grip applied throughout the entire technique. I looked at this book for all of MAYBE 5 minutes!



5. The title is a little disinformattive - this book is very good as a "traditional" Hapkido reference, but if you're looking for self-defence - try something else. Lucky for me I was aware of that fact when buying the book :)
   Nevertheless, it is a nicely written book that will give You a good overview of Hapkido from one of the its great masters point of view. So it is definitely worth buying.

5 comments about Sonny Liston: His Life, Strife and the Phantom Punch.

1. I purchased this book to kill time while waiting for the bio's of Joe Gans and Harry Greb to be released, and didn't expect very much from it since no one had bothered to write up a review for it and because it's only 233 pages and was written by a sportswriter with whom I am unfamiliar. Well, I was right not to expect a whole lot. As author Rob Steen admits in the book's first chapter, "The Sour Science", he holds antipathy for the sweet science and this is evident throughout the book. I would have been willing to put up with this bias ('tho I am a big fight fan, I am not blind to its problems) if Steen were a master storyteller and a good writer, but he is not. This left me only to hope that he would reveal enough information with which I was not already familiar to justify the $20 that I had shelled out. Again, this was not the case. The only thing that Steen revealed that had not been mentioned in most of the articles and TV programs about Liston was that he had insisted that a clause be inserted into the contract between the company that held the rights to the closed-circuit broadcast of his first bout with Clay/Ali and the individual venues that would screen it that stipulated that those venues could not segregate their patrons by race (which demonstrates that the 'Bear' did, in fact, take a stand on civil rights) and Steen also provides the reader with the long-forgotten opinions of Marty Marshall, Liston's first conqueror, on his bouts with him.
   One is also left feeling disappointed by the brevity of Steen's accounts of each of Liston's 54 pro bouts (save the ones with Marshall), particularly since he spends so much time writing about Liston's mob connections, the mob's control of boxing, and Clay/Ali's ties to the Black Muslims (given that these aspects of Liston's and Ali's respective careers/lives had been so well documented by others, I would have thought that they would have been given short shrift by the author to allow for a greater discussion of other aspects of Liston's life).
   All in all, the book is a decent read, but if one were desirous of learning about Liston's life and career, but unwilling to spend $20 or the time it would take to read 233 pages, I suggest that one go online at their local public library and read William Nack's article on Liston, "O Unlucky Man", which ran in the February 4, 1991 issue of Sports Illustrated and from which Steen gleaned MANY passages for his own book.
   
   
   February 2010 Update:
   
   In its review of (the reissue of) this book, the March 2010 edition of The Ring Magazine more or less corroborates what I "penned" above and also mentions Nack's SI article.



2. Questions abound around Sonny Liston's memory almost forty years after his death. How good was he? where does he rank in the hierarchy of al_time heavyweights? How did he die? How shadowy was his existence?
   
   This book answers few, if any of these questions, but Liston deserves examination in boxing history, perhaps as the first felon heavyweight champion, and this book is a start.
   
   Sonny liston terrorized the division in the late 1950's and early 1960's, and most white contenders, as well as the reigning champions of the time, Floyd Patterson and Ingomar Johanson, gave him a wide berth. His menacing, baleful stare kept the white sports media and the advertisers of the day away from him.
   
   Yet, the adjective most common in describing him was "intelligent". Not in the literate, well-educated sense, he could neither read nor write, but in the sense that he realized what his own persona was, and that he had a quick wit.
   
   This book delves into his personality as deeply as it can. He trusted few, and had almost no friends, aside from his wife. He was clearly a "bad boy." although with some redeeming qualities.
   
   There are several authors to read if you want another glimpse into the life of Sonny Liston. A.J Liebling held Liston in high esteem, and wrote some revealing articles in the twilight of his life. The book "The Cold Six Thousand", by James Ellroy takes a darker, if fictional, look at the Liston character.
   
   This book gives the reader the primary knowledge of Sonny Liston. Look at it as Liston 101, or the Liston Clif notes. It is a quick and fairly entertaining read.



3. 
   In 1987 I had the pleasure of having a rather long conversation with Floyd Patterson. Floyd strongly felt that Liston threw both Ali fights (he also correctly predicted Tyson would easily defeat Michael Spinks more than a year before Tyson did).
   
   Liston had no idea what his age was. Certainly, looking at Liston's wrinkled, jowly face when he entered a Chicago ring in Sept 1962 to blast Floyd, Sonny was already in his mid-40s at least. A Reno talk show host in 1990 (who had met LIston) said Sonny was killed for not throwing his last fight (Chuck Wepner).
   
   A topic no one touches is the preferential treatment Ali received throughout his career. Ali's last fight before his title shot was a losing effort against veteran Doug Jones (news reports of the fight stated the crowed booed and threw soda cups at Ali) however Ali got the very unpopular decision. Jimmy Young, all of the three Norton fights, the second Frazier fight (Ali had over 120 clinches in that fight, any referee should never have allowed that)...there were several fights Ali could and should have lost.
   
   A free casino gambling magazine in 1991 had the story about one of Ali's cornermen telling everybody before the first Liston fight that Sonny would intentionally lose.
   
   Boxing is a cruel sport, as detailed in Mark Kram's great book, Ghosts of Manila, Joe Frazier was blind in his left eye for most of his career.
   
   If the boxing powers had allowed Liston to get his title shot in a timely manner Sonny would have been champ for almost ten years, most likely. A tragic, cheated figure who never embarrassed boxing after he became a contender unlike so many today like Evander Holyfield who is still trying to fight in his late 40s after wasting almost $100 million dollars, fathering about ten kids by several women while proclaiming his Christianity and building a ridiculous 100 room Georgia mansion he is losing to foreclosure.



4. The author gives us some very good insight on Liston's background and his connections with the worst elements that have infiltrated the boxing business since it became a money making business. The problem I had while reading the book was, as a person who has followed boxing for some forty-five years, it's apparent that the author is really not one that follows the sport. I'll list just a few examples. Steen (the author), states that when speaking about Nevada world title fights, that "Jim Corbett had reduced Bob Fitzsimmons to a state of near-paralysis in the fourteenth. Jim, the Cornishman remarked after rescrambling his senses, you gave me a bloody good licking, I will never fight you again." Problem is, it was Fizsimmons that knocked-out Corbett in that classic encounter!
   Another example; The author states that Leotis Martin, the last fighter to defeat Liston, had "kept Joe Frazier at bay for almost nine rounds in the 1st section of the WBA heavyweight tournament" Martin never met Frazier in the ring and Frazier never was even in the tournament. Another example; Speaking about a $10,000 bet that Liston laid on heavyweight Mac Foster to defeat contender Jerry Quarry, Steen describes the fighter Quarry as "ageing and cumbersome". Quarry, at that time was in his early 20's, actually at his near peak, and was hardly "cumbersome", with two of the fastest counter-punching fist ever seen in the heavyweight ranks. With numerous, even very obvious errors in the book, one has to wonder about the authors many other facts and revelations ? I would not be so sure that a good deal of what the author states is completely true fact. But, much of the Liston story is well known anyway and the author's telling gives us some good food for thought. His literary style is good and his personal analogy of boxing in its violent form is spot-on. Despite Steen's apparent lack of historical boxing knowledge the book is still worth reading.



5. The author writes with the sometimes over-the-top language of a boxing journalist. But this is no highly opinionated piece, as I at first feared. As I got further into the book, I realised I was reading a detailed review of Liston's life. Frequent quotes from the people who knew him, newspapers and Senate investigations. The author searches into his Mob connections and why this impacted the way it did on Liston's standing at the time. I finished this book feeling I had been given a real insight into this enigmatic man. The book's main shortcoming, which the author acknowledges from the beginning, is that he was unable to interview Geraldine, Liston's wife. With her input, this would have been a 5 star book.

5 comments about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: For Experts Only.

1. If, by secrets, we mean quality, high percentage techniques for BJJ, submission wrestling and MMA, then this is true. As well as being an elder statesman of the legendary Gracie family and well recognised master of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Carlson is also the coach of many top BJJ, submission wrestling and MMA champions.
   
   Names like 'Ze' Mario Sperry, Murillo Bustamonte and Rodrigo Medeiros are just a few of Carlson's fantastic stable of students. In this book, we see why they're so successful.
   
   The book is in three parts and starts with Carlson demonstrating techniques for sport Jiu Jitsu. This section covers takedowns, guard work, sweeps and reversals, chokes and cranks, and arm bars and ankle locks.
   
   Carlson demonstrates (or has his students demonstrate) simple and effective techniques. Often, you'll see something done slightly differently to what you're used to. IT's a little light on description. That's a bit of a pain, but it's also part of the reason this is for "Experts Only".
   
   I especially liked the section on the "Jello Guard". Some open guard techniques you've seen before at the big competitions, but performed by the guy who developed them and refined them, giving you details on how to make them work.
   
   The submission wrestling section covers guard work, escapes and defences, chokes and cranks, and arm bars and wrist locks. This section is mostly demonstrated by Carlson's students, but Carlson demonstrates a number of techniques.
   
   Same comments as the previous section. Great, simple, effective techniques. Light on description, but those with some exerience will be able to pick up plenty of detail. Perhaps you'll even pick up a great technique you haven't seen before to add to your arsenal.
   
   The MMA section is my favourite. It covers the clinch, takedown defence, guard work and side control/knee on stomach. The first two are subjects you don't usually see in Jiu Jitsu manuals. The other two parts are covered in a way I've only seen covered by Mario Sperry in his Vale Tudo series.
   
   The standing techniques incorporate strikes that are simple enough for any grappler to use. The takedown defences and clinch techniques are simple and very high percentage.
   
   As I said earlier, this section reminds me of Mario Sperry's Vale Tudo Series. The techniques are simpler and different, but you can see where Ze Mario developed his philosophy.
   
   This section includes THE ABSOLUTE BEST coverage of guard use in MMA/NHB I have seen in a book.
   
   All in all, the photography is good, the techniques are great. The book doesn't teach you how to string techniques together very well, though. They're more a set of ideas to add to your game. The book loses a star because I thought it needed more detailed descriptions in a lot of areas.
   
   Don't let that deter you, though. Especially if you're a somewhat experienced grappler who wants to add to his or her gam or to see how to implement your existing game into MMA/NHB.



2. The Carlson Gracie style of BJJ is an "aggressive" style which differs from the BJJ taught by those under Helio Gracie. Due to its more aggressive nature, there are more pictures in this book than most other BJJ book to show the techniques more clearly. Of course, there is no replacement for time spent on the mat but this book serves as helpful reminder to the different techniques taught by Carlson Gracie Sr to such champion like Mario Sperry(BJJ Champion),Vitor Belfort(Former UFC Champion)etc. This is the only book written by Carlson Gracie, the insight into the techniques of the Grand Master of BJJ is priceless.



3. ...why this book has so many great reviews. Don't get me wrong, it isn't a bad book, and is actually a very good book for beginners. But really it just shows the same stuff that is in 99% of BJJ books...nothing really new or innovative. Carlson himself was an amazing guy and coach, and everyone who does this sport owes him. Buy the book for the great intro and in memory of Carlson, but don't buy it expecting new moves, variations, etc.



4. I found this to be a very interesting book. It starts off explaining Carlson's thoughts and theory on what he is looking for in an individual that wants to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Submission Grappling, and MMA. It all starts off with the title "For Experts Only" it doesn't really mean that this is for experts but it's meant to scare off people that aren't ready to work hard for what he has to teach. Next, he goes on about how he likes to teach without being to wordy. Carlson seems to feel that words can be misinterpreted and distract from the physical truth that one learns on the mat. Third, he doesn't want you to think to much when you compete but instead he wants you to practice a lot so that your body does these move automatically. Last, this isn't to cover everything about BJJ, Submission Grappling, or MMA. It mostly goes over his favorite techniques.
   
   Pros: True to the intro, this book is very picture driven with a minimal amount written. The good thing about this is that they often use about 7 to 12 pictures for each move. This book is easy to read, visually appealing, and is laid out in an organized manner. I like how he broke to book up into 3 sections which are BJJ, Submission Grappling, and MMA with subsections for each area. I really enjoyed reading about his teaching style and his views on how to learn.
   
   Cons: I wished they showed the moves from multiple angles and not just the one angel that most moves have. Even though I know they wanted to teach by pictures and not be too wordy, I wished they added more to the explanations. At times it is hard to pick up the details of each move.
   
   Notes of Interest: I'm writing this review in 2009 and this book was only published in 2004 but it already seems a little dated. Not in a bad way but in a way that you can see how the sport of BJJ, Submission Grappling, & MMA have evolved in such amount of time. The other interesting part is what Carlson referred to as the Jello Guard. Today most people refer to this as the Da La Riva Guard but Ricardo Da La Riva who made the Da La Riva Guard well known is a Carlson Gracie Black Belt.
   
   I felt that this was a good book but not great. There are many newer books that can give you more but this book still has a lot to offer people.



5. Great Service!
   Delivered in time (maybe earlier than expected) without problems.
   The book is OK, if you are an expert you will probably find a few techniques that you may have otherwise put in the back of your mind, so it's nice to have the refresher.
   It may be also helpful to freshen up if you are teaching classes.
   Otherwise, as a former student of Carlson, it was nice just to have his book in my collection.

5 comments about Beginning T'ai Chi.

1. I use this book frequently, and find it answers my questions. It is very helpful when the instructor is not available.



2. This book is, as it says, a good beginning for someone unfamiliar with Taiji Quan. It demonstrates the Beijing 24 movement form. This was in fact, my very first book on the subject, and gave me a basic understanding of Taiji Quan form and movement, before I was able to find an instructor.
   
   Overall, the material is easy to follow, the illustrations are clearly drawn, the directional arrows are a big help in determining proper transition between the forms.
   
   If you are completely new to Taiji Quan and have no access to a teacher, you will find this book a good starting point.



3. This is a very detailed book on 24 forms tai chi., but it is still a book and therefore two dimensional. I found that I cannot wrap my mind around the pictures and need a three dimensional learning tool. For those who can learn from diagrams, this should be a very useful and inexpensive tool.



4. As a teacher of Tai Chi and having read numerous books on this topic, I recommend this book highly to all beginning students. It is very difficult to learn any psychomotor skill from just a book; however, this book is an excellent addition to those who are taking Tai Chi and are learning the basic 24 movement form. The drawings are a lot more clearer than any photograph showing the Tai Chi Forms, and I found the instructions are helpful to follow the movements. Rating: 4 stars, Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Season of the Warrior, Walking with Warriors, PR-24 Baton Advanced Techniques, Never Trust a Politician).



5. This is really good read if you have never been exposed to Tai Chi. It does not explain though what type of style the forms come from but I believe they are the ones that were released by the Chinese government. Good to start practicing Tai Chi with as a ultimate beginner or an enthusiast.

5 comments about Filipino Fighting Arts: Theory and Practice.

1. If you're looking for a somewhat detailed look at Filipino Martial Arts, whether it be Arnis or escrima, you'll love this book. It's packed with different sub-styles of Escrima & Arnis. If you want to learn Filipino MA, go to a qualified instructor. Don't learn from a book.



2. In the introduction of his third book, Author Mark Wiley states that his purpose is not to rehash materials already presented in his previous two books ("Filipino Martial Arts: Cbalas Cerrada Escrima" (1994), and Filipino Martial Culture" (1996)). Unlike his volume "Filipino Martial Culture", the focus of this writing is on 27 different specific Filipino arts, rather than the history of the masters or organizations which propagate them.

   Wiley admits his work is not exhaustive, but it is (as I write) the most exhaustive guide to concern itself with he stylistic differences between different schools of Filipino arts. Wiley describes training, training methods, theory, fighting concepts and progressions, strategies, and photographic depictions of fighting techniques. You will gain as I did, a better understanding of the similarities and differences between different schools, from practice and theory to custom and tradition. The closest I have come to seeing a collection Like Wiley's is the out-of-print book, "Masters of Arnis, Kali and Ecrima" written by Edgar Sulite of the Bakbakan, which focused on teachers and styles of Filipino fighting. It is nice to be in the middle of the Filipino arts renaisance, and finally have the resources available to understand these practical combative methods.




3. the book is very informative on filipino martial arts.some of the photos were hard to follow?? anyone who is interested in studing filipino martial arts will enjoy this book and the many different styles to choose from!!



4. This is a very good book about kali and Filipino martial arts. I wish that there would have been chapters on Villebrille, John LaCosta, and Tuhon Leo Gaje, three of the main Filipino M.A. greats. Maybe in the next edition.



5. This book gives an excellent insight into the various forms of Filipino Fighting Arts. It examines 27 different styles, giving a brief description of the history of the style, training progressions, training methods, fighting strategies and free sparring. The only downfall of the book is that due to the wide range of styles discussed, it does not go into depth on any of the styles. However, once you obtain this background, you can then select books that are more in depth on a particular style. I enjoyed see the stylistic difference and learned some of the background of each style.

5 comments about Bokken: Art of the Japanese Sword (Literary Links to the Orient).

1. Famed swordsman and Black Belt magazine contributor Dave Lowry chimes in on the use of the bokken--the wooden samurai sword. Practicing with the bokken is obviously safer than practicing with a "live" katana, but it also develops stamina, technique, and an appreciation of the weapon's history. Ancient samurai warriors used the bokken (remember Tom Cruise's repeated beatings in The Last Samurai?), and so should you. Lowry also wrote The Best of Dave Lowry, which is an excellent compilation of his Black Belt articles.



2. An excellent introduction to one of the most uncredited training tools of budo and bujutsu, the Bokken (pronounce bow-ken), or wooden sword. Author Dave Lowry is a dedicated practitioner of Japanese martial arts and culture, the perfect person to explain the history, usefulness, and general merits of the Bokken, an implement which is commonly used in Aikido as well as many Kory (pre-Meiji martial arts schools) in Japan for a variety of training and partner exercises.
   
   I suppose Lowry could have made another book on Iaito with a live-blade sword, or otherwise spiced up his book with tall tales to sell better to teenage mutant ninjas...thank goodness he avoided the norm and instead presented thoughtful material a generation of serious budoka can appreciate. As Lowry observes concerning the joys of training and appreciation of heritage for the dedicated budoka of any art who takes up this practice:
   
   "Certainly one of the most fascinating and rewarding lies in Suburi...with the wooden sword, or Bokken. True, the student of suburi used this practice weapon instead of a live sword (katana) and the movements are not so clearly lethal as those of the feudal warrior's art, but with his bokken, the modern budoka may train on two important levels. On one, he builds the physical stamina, body rythms and adroit body movements of traditional swordsmanship. On the other he achieves something f the animating spirit of the traditional swordsman. He is, through the refinement of his practice, linked in a very real way to his past, for it is through the principles of his swordsmanship that the budo of today have based their teachings, no matter what their present form". (page 13)
   
   That Lowry's earlier works tend to be technical instructional manuals (his other early book "Jo: the Art of the Japanese Short Staff" is also recommended) while his later books delve deeper into sharing his life philosophy through personal experiences and observations is worthwhile noting as well. I know of no better teaching tool than to teach through example, sharing a thought, a technique or a story.
   
   In my time, "Bokken: Art of the Japanese Sword" has garnered the appreciation of experienced and aspiring Kendo-ka, Aikido-ka, Budo-ka, and simple individuals who have decided that mastering a discipline would enrich their lives. Those who practice bokken don't expect to become kenshi: we simply do with appreciation. Thank You Mr. Lowry!
   
   As an aside, also the perfect accompanyment to the wooden suburi or bokken you give your kid for the holiday or birthday when you don't think s/he's _quite_ ready for a live blade yet :)



3. I know that Dave is very respected etc. I also practice Shinkageryu.
   Yagyu Shinkageryu and the Marobashikai branch of Shinkageryu that I practice do have some slight differences but but use the same Kata. I am not disputing that Dave is Yagyu Kai although I have not been able to confirm that either.
   
   Regardless the way he advises to hold the Bokken is somewhat horrid. Curl the pinky under the hilt? Am I missing something here or are you supposed to break your finger in the dojo? Also I have been instructed to not stick out your fingers as this can lead to getting them cut off. Although it is true Yagyu Kai do slightly keep the index finger loose the rest of Daves instructions to hold the sword are terrible. Any half azz Kendoka knows to squeeze in the wrists similar to turning a motorcycle throttle. I can not begin to explain the importance of turning in the wrists while holding a sword. Experienced swordsmen know what I am talking about. Anyways once I got past the horrible grip instruction I started looking at his sloppy posture in the pictures. It makes me embarrassed that he claims to practice Shinkageryu and publishes a horrible book like this. Sure if you do not know anything about Kenjutsu you might like this book. But because he is teaching an improper way to grip the Bokken. And because the way he instructs could lead to injury if you actually struck something I must give this book the lowest rating possible. Dave Lowery you either have to know better than what you are saying or you are a complete fake. In either case shame on you! I never finished reading the book but many people in my dojo have laughed over your silly instruction.



4. The book arrived very fast. The book is in excellent condition for a used book. Actually you can't really tell that it is used. It has real people in it and I am real pleased with this purchase.



5. This book is simple and elegant like the techniques of the Japanese swordsman. Beyond a couple of pages at the beginning of the book introducing the bokken and how to choose one, there is little said in the book other than through the captions to the many photos. This book allowed me to pick up my bokken cold, easily walk through the basic mechanics of the basic techniques and provided me with a foundation of technique from which I could practice to improve my flow, power and focus.
   
   I like this book very much simply as a practice guide. If you are looking for a deeper treatment of philosophy of swordsmanship or history you will need to find it elsewhere, but for techniques and drills this is a very good piece.
   
   Kevin Brett
   CEO, Kevin Brett Studios, Inc.
   Author: The Way of the Martial Artist: Achieving Success in Martial Arts and in Life!
   
   The Way of the Martial Artist: Achieving Success in Martial Arts and in Life!

4 comments about SPADA II: An Anthology of Swordsmanship (v. 2).

1. I did historical reenactment armored combat in groups like the SCA and ROC for about fifteen years before deciding to focus solely on traditional Asian martial arts yet I still have a keen interest in the art of European swordsmanship. Editor Stephen Hand has gathered together some extraordinary historians and medieval/renaissance fight experts to create this fascinating collection. Authors include Gary Chelak, Tom Leoni, Linda McCollum, Paul Wagner, and more. The book covers everything from the medical implications of historical wounds to realistic sword/shield combat to fencing and even broadsword work. Very well researched, interestingly written, and nicely done. A worthy follow-up to the original SPADA anthology that should be appreciated by reenacters, fencers, and martial artists alike. Huzzah!
   
   Lawrence Kane
   Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction



2. This anthology, SPADA, is a collection of very fine articles. I confess a bias in that I have met most of the authors and am generally enchanted with Western Martial Arts (WMA) aka Historical European Swordsmanship (HES).
   
   Although these fighting arts have been without a living tradition for centuries, the magnificent work of the people contributing to SPADA is laying a foundation which can be build upon by researchers, historians and martial artists.
   
   Every article in here is subject to critical peer review. Research is constant, and interpretations of the historical material are changing all the time, but the reliance on the original material does not. I cannot recommend SPADA highly enough.



3. First and foremost, this is an anthology. As such it has something to offer across a wide scope, but not all of it may be of interest to any given reader. Nota Bene: I am evaluating the areas in which I am inexpert by the depth and detail provided for those weapons or matters that I do understand.
   The features include articles on historical fencing from Spain, Italy and England.(Not my forte, pun intended.) There is an excellent article on the use of various large shields from 600BC to 1300AD. Some of the material that Wagner and Hand covered in their Medieval Sword And Shield (from the 13th C MS I.33) is developed further and corrected. I was particularly impressed by the study of historical and modern wounds. (Not for the squeemish.)The piece on partisans, most of which could be applied to any polearm, was fascinating; I was glad to see what I have been doing right and intrigued by moves I had not considered.
   If you are new to the study of Western historical martial arts, or if your experience has been within a single weapon or tradition, I recommend Spada 2 for your consideration of the kinds of material available.



4. Unfortunately, the doorman made a mistake (he didn't tell me that I have received the book) and he sent it back.
   I will definitely buy this book in future.

4 comments about Duellists Companion: A training manual for 17th century Italian rapier.

1. This is a great book for learning period sword fighting. Guy Windsor logically breaks the book down into usable and easy to understand drills lessons and exercises.



2. As someone who enjoys historical weaponry, I found Windsor's book to be of particular use, and his update and translation into a modern day training guide of Ferro's work is wonderful. The descriptions of techniques are easy to follow, and the illustrations are both plentiful and helpful. All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to any enthusiast out there.



3. This book is an invaluable resource for the beginning fencer or the intermediate looking to improve their game. It focuses heavily on building basic muscles, techniques, and mindsets, with useful pictures both of period plates and modern photographs.
   
   I fence with rapier in the Italian style in my local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism, and have found this book an excellent supplement to our weekly fencing lesson. If you learn better by reading than by doing, I recommend this book highly. Windsor does seem to assume that his reader has 12 hours a day to do exercises and a full-size, fully-equipped fencing salle to practice in, but taken with a grain of salt, his fanaticism is helpful, rather than hurtful. ;)



4. This book is a must have for anyone interested in historic fencing. It puts the often difficult descriptions of fencing technique into practical methods that you can use and incorporate in practice. The book includes drills that put the description to practice and leads one to improve their skills. The only improvement I would like to have seen is an actual translation of Capo Ferro's work. This does not eclipse the books usefulness though. This is definitely a book worth including in your collection.

5 comments about Rocky Marciano: THE ROCK OF HIS TIMES (Sport and Society).

1. By:Ryan Lemery
   This was a very good book. it was entertaining as well as informational. I especially liked how it talked about racism and the struggles of being a boxer in that era. I liked how Rocky was known as the Great White Hope. But there were a few things that i didn't like. Things such as how a whole chapter would be about one thing that didn't even pertain to Rocky. I also didn't like how Al Weill was taking Rocky's money and using it for his own pleasures.Thank god Rocky found out about it. That was pretty much the only sad part in the book. Besides the part where Rocky died in a plane crash. And on his Birthday! I think that I almost cried. I really liked this book and i think that many people should read it. It would be a good book for people with big dreams, and big hopes.



2. This was a good bio of Rocky Marciano. There really never was a more unlikely guy to become one the great heavyweight champions if you think about it. He had very little in the way of amateur fights and really didn't start boxing till he was in his mid 20's. He was very small for a heavyweight, even for that time. Marciano was the only heavyweight champion to never lose a fight and retire undefeated. He was one of a small handful of boxers that transcended the sport and became American icons that were synonymous with the times in which they were champion. Anybody that disparages his ring accomplishments either has an anti-white agenda or knows NOTHING about boxing. He had victories over fighters who are arguably the three most skilled, ringwise and crafty heavyweights to ever get in the ring, Joe Walcott, Ezzard Charles (he beat Walcott and Charles twice) and Archie Moore. I do not consider Marciano to be the greatest heavyweight ever but his ring accomplishments can't be denied.
   
   But besides his big fights which were talked about in depth among other things it also goes into his life growing up in a poor Italian-American family. The very methodical process in which he was brought up through the ranks of the fight game after he turned pro. The likliehood that the main reason he retired was because he was sick of dealing with his over controlling manager. His penchant for being incredibly cheap and frugal. As well as his tragic death in an airplane crash.



3. AS a boxing historian I have often seen Marciano placed in one of two groups, either Mt. Olympus or the 20th row ... boxing is a sport often divided by racial and ethnic lines and there is a tremendous Marciano fan base that irrationally places him in the Parthenon of fighters and use his undefeated record to justify it. No rational discussion of physical limitations or quality of opposition matter. Other's dismiss him altogether. What is so good about this book was that the author did a terrific job keeping rational level of perspective. He did not preach one way or the other, he reported as it was covered at the time so the content remains objective. As a result, we get an accurate, detailed account of a legendary champion and his times. In addition, we also enjoy shorter but interesting insights into many Marciano's opponents such as Ezzard Charles, Jersey Joe Walcott and Archie Moore, legends in their own rights....
   
   It is a highly recommended read along the lines of "John L. Sullivan and his America" and "Papa Jack."



4. "Rocky Marciano The rock of His Times" by Russell Sullivan is a masterpiece of Sports Biography. Russell Sullivan "dosn't pull any punches " in this explosive story of a simple-man trying to make a "simple-living" in a very complex barbaric industry!
   
   Sullivan knows his subject from all sides of the ring... and out. Not only does he know boxing, he knows the human spirit that envelopes it. This is a real "page-turner" and there is a wallop in every chapter! From Carmine Vingo to Roland LaStanza, and on to Archie Moore, the bell just keeps on ringing!
   
   It's not just a story about boxing; it's a real tale about a contemporary "Lancelot" fighting his dragons from every direction.
   
   "Marciano came to symbolize early-1950's simplicity. He was indeed, the rock of his times." (p.305)
   
   Russell Sullivan does a superb job of bringing back those restless spirits at Madson Square Garden. "And in this corner, from Holyoke, Massachusetts:
   R O C K Y ...........M A R C I A N O...........!!!!!!"
   
   If, you haven't found a good book to read in a long time, don't "throw in the towel" just yet! Buy this book, it's a great read.



5. Every boxing fan should know about The Rock, the only undefeated heavyweight champion of the world in history. So is he really better than Louis, Ali or even big ol' earbiting Mike? No one can ever tell.
   
   What can be told is the sole story about Rocky Marciano. This book covers as much fighting, personal, social and cultural details one could ask for. After a while, some repetitive statements get boring. Sullivan also takes away some of his glamourous stats by stating in great detail how his fights were fixed with lesser opponents. I personally just think he filled the void between Louis and Ali, but nevertheless was a great champion.
   
   You want to relive the 50's and have a good time about reading one of the world's greatest boxers of all time? This is your book.

5 comments about The Secrets of Kalis Ilustrisimo: The Filipino Fighting Art Explained (Tuttle Martial Arts).

1. The book is OK as an introductory overview. The first guy who made a review was mistaken because despite all the videos and books circulated by authentic arnis/eskrima masters, they were never meant to impart more than a little peek into the art. For sure, they never meant to teach through books or videos, hence don't be surprised if this book is just 200 or so pages.
   
   It's true that the Kalis Ilustrisimo masters learned by watching and videotaping Tatang Ilustrisimo. Most westerners like the first guy assume that arnis/eskrima has to be taught like a course or school subject. Sorry, but wrong. Arnis/eskrima is often self-learned in the Philippines by watching and training a few times with a few masters on sporadic instances. What makes them different from the much-looked down upon "seminar student" in the USA is that in the Philippines, you back up your training with LIVE and REAL sparring. Whereas in the US, they just attend seminars and collect certificates, videotapes, and photographs but don't spar w/o armor. Some masters and grandmasters here in the Philippines learned by just watching others practice or teach, and by imitating the moves and making them their own, AND THEN proving these techniques in sparring.
   
   The students of Tatang didn't split up. Sagasa is not a school of Kali Ilustrisimo practitioners; it's a kickboxing style taught WITHIN and AS AN INTRINSIC PART OF Bakbakan International. Although not all Ilustrisimo practitioners are members of Bakbakan, they all interact together to this day since they all know each other personally.
   
   Lastly, just because the late GM Villabrille was a great fighter, DOES NOT mean that he's incapable of telling tall tales. It is a very Filipino trait to tell tall tales especially in the FMA world where one-upmanship is the name of the game. The Filipino penchant for tall tales can be seen in the review posted by the Hawaiian first guy for this book, in which he describes the country of his ancestors' origins (I assume he's Filipino in ethnic descent due to his name and exposure to FMA, as well as his Hawaiian location) as NOTHING MORE THAN A COLLECTION OF GHETTOES. Exaggerated, isn't it? As I write this I am in the 52nd floor of an intelligent skyscraper in Manila.
   
   It's safe to say that ALL the masters exaggerated their stories of achievement. The notion that GM Villabrille invented the word "kali" has enough basis although that notion isn't final as proven yet. The exaggerations come from the fact that they are all Filipinos, that they were recalling the stories from old memory hence getting some details mixed up or exaggerated, and that there was a language and conceptual barrier considering that 99% of FMA grandmasters who made FMA famous in the West were unschooled and practically illiterate. That's why the only jobs they got were not U.S.-educated "pensionados" but rather Hawaiian and Californian fruit pickers and harvesters.
   
   All in all the book is great as an introduction and overview, and let's not begrudge the book's good traits just because we were hoping to learn Kalis Ilustrisimo from the book's contents. No, siree. If you want to learn Ilustrisimo, get yourself an AUTHENTIC teacher and train. Use the book only as reference and as a sort of primer on the style. Do not treat it as an instruction manual.



2. This is an interesting book. As Grandmaster Ben Largusa taught me long ago, all of the styles from the Philippines have something worthwhile to offer. I have also read Mark Wiley's books. Quoting older Filipino practitioners and passing it off as scholarly research is a dubious practice at best. It is ironic that most of the people who comment on the late Grandmaster Villabrille have never met, talked to, nor practiced under him or his disciples. I have trained with Grandmaster Ben Largusa, Professor Greg Lontayao and Professors Allen and Mario Magdangal...all who had direct access to the legend himself. I have spend countless hours learning from and interviewing Grandmaster Largusa, Villabrille's direct descendant. The Grandmaster and I are writing a book on Villabrille. Mark Wiley has absolutely no idea what he's talking about when it comes to Grandmaster Villabrille and should leave him, respectfully and in perpetuity, out of his conversations. Take the time to experience and endure the rigors of this very traditional Kali system before venturing into territory of which you have no knowledge. Most people don't have the tenacity and fortitude to study the Villabrille system, and I suspect that's why it is so much easier to simple "talk" about it (and him). Villabrille learned the rudiments from his Uncle. The remainder he learned from the Princess Josefina and combat, making use of his own natural gifts. Put in proper perspective, it's to ok to add this book to your martial arts library. Again, they all have something to offer.
   Guro Ron Smith



3. Previous reviewers have engaged in somewhat of "who's dady is the strongest" discussion, but that has nothing to say about this book. Now, I found the book very good in achieving the intended goal, i.e. giving an excellent presentation and explanation of the subject covered. My objection is that while it is nice to see applications of the same technique with different weapons, in some places the transfer is rather obvious, and I believe that that space could have been used better, maybe to show responses to some other types of attacks. Still, I have to note once more, thte book is very valuable to anyone interested in learning about FMA as it is, so I recommend it sincerely.



4. A good book that gives a peek into the Kalis Ilustrisimo system. It would be impossible to show the finesse and level of efficiency and effectiveness of this system other than experiencing it under a qualified instructor. The level of development of this Art is impossible to capture in still photography, the finer (and most important) aspects are literally "lost in print". Still, this is very useful to the beginner wanting to get a glimpse, though for further study I would recommend training under Tony Diego.



5. A very effective style - my only wish is that there were more about he Ilustrisimo style.