5 comments about The Warrior Within : The Philosophies of Bruce Lee.

1. I would like to thank the authors for presenting such useful information. A few things that really impacted me were: 1. Bruce Lee felt that to strike back to people who are aggressive shows weakness. 2. He really worked his stomach. I have worked out for years and once I read about his stomach work I felt the affects immediately. 3. I love his thoughts on stress managemnt. I always kind of knew when I ate junk food that it was somehow related to stress. Now that I practice stress reducing excercises, I eat less junk food and I have no desire to eat it. 4. I appreciate his philosophy on total health. Like I said, what I read has totally changed my ideas on a lot of things. Thank you for an awesome book!



2. Bruce Lee was always some one that I always Looked up to. He truly had a strong Vibe about Himself&the way he worded things&Put things into Perspective is still very Uplifiting to Me.He was a Very Intelligent Man&a strong Philosopher. this Book truly is Great for self-Esteem&Finding Inner Peace. a Must read.



3. This book as far as it being a good read is kind of boring. Aside from the boredom it gives you a lesson in comparative studies, "the west sucks and the east has a natural flow of things". However, having said that, don't think that this book do not have any revelance. According to John Little, Bruce Lee's whole philosophy revolves around martial arts and that is the basis for all of his metaphors. I do not have a problem with that (as I liked martial arts and as a child I took karate for a whole day)! Bruce said, "all knowledge is self knowledge". As simple as that may be that is a profound statement. I have never thought of it like that before, but, I suppose he is right. Such things like that make the book worth the read. Is it a self help book per se? No, but, it can help you become someone spiritual, especially for those who are into martial arts, or, maybe you just like to read and develop metaphors like myself.
   
   Warning: If you are a devout christian then you may be offended that Bruce did not believe in GOD.
   
   At the end of the day, I reccommend the book simply because Bruce encourages anyone to follow their own way.
   
   
   "I am the greatest teacher and I am also the greatest student, so, therefore I will not fail in any obstacles". -ME
   
   Hey that is what works for me. You must find what works for you.



4. This is a must own. I have never read anything on Bruce Lee but this book has changed my thinking. It describes his life and what he has learned from Gung fu. His signposts are most important part of this book. In the words of the master himself "Be like water my friend".



5. One of the best books I have ever read. Buy it, read it & understand. But thats up to you. Walk on......

5 comments about Bruce Lee's Fighting Method, Vol. 4: Advanced Techniques (Bruce Lee's Fighting Method).

1. IN MEMORY OF MARIO PONTILLO
   Since the late 1970's, I have studied Mr. Lee's "Way of the Intercepting fist."
   This book will walk you through the physical aspect of his methods. It is the last in a volume of 4 books. I recommend you get all the volumes from this series. You will need to start from the beginning; and you do that by emptying your cup so Bruce may fill it.

   My favorite quote: "Knowing is not enough, you must apply; willing is not enough, you must do." -Bruce Lee

   Please do not hesitate to check out my Poetry book that I published while in the U.S. Navy in 2003; "Under the Rose: Poetry of Tragedy, Essence, and Romance"




2. Review of Bruce Lee's Fighting Method, Volume 4, Advanced Techniques
   
   This Volume has Chapters XII thru XVI
   
   The main idea for this volume is that 4 elements that make for a good attack include strategy, deception, timing, speed. The inconsistent or fragmentary structure of Bruce Lee's writing almost mutes the main idea stead of supporting it.
   
   Being able to adapt to change quickly is an important strategic quality. Bruce Lee expressed it in other words in his writings. He recommends that the fighter should vary his attacks and defenses ostensibly to prevent the opponent from anticipating what comes next and to be able to fight with fighters from other styles.
   
   Bruce Lee recommends a number of ways to deceive the opponent such as using feints, drawing the opponent's attack by using footwork or leaving a target open to the opponent, using circular and semi circular parries and strikes: hooks and uppercuts that come from out side the field of the opponent's visual field, and broken attack rhythms.
   
   Timing and speed are more important with use of more advanced techniques: good counter strikes, trapping, evasion techniques to allow the fighter to counter strike with more than one blow without blocking or parrying, and being able to sense and harmonize with the opponent' moves and the rhythm of his moves to strike him the moment he makes an opening in his guard are all advanced skills in timing and require the ability to move quickly to seize a moment and make use of it.
   
   Some techniques have the potential illusion of speed built into them simply because the hand or food used might be closer to a target on the opponent. Eliminating moves that reveal your intent to the opponent also creates the illusion of speed by reducing or elimination of warnings.
   
   In Chapter XIII, Bruce Lee mentions that too many fighters emphasize too much on speed and blame their failure to make contact on the opponent with their strikes on the lack of speed instead of not using the correct strike for the moment. This statement would have been better placed on the first page of the volume because it helps to preserve the main idea of this volume as you read about all the tactics and striking and kicking techniques that follow.
   
   This volume covers each of the various basic striking and kicking techniques. The body mechanics of performing each strike, the practical uses of each technique, and quality of each type of strike is covered. So, in this volume, strikes are written about in such a way that a punch is not just a punch. A kick is not just a kick. But, each strike's characteristics makes it suitable at a particular instant, a particular type of scenario in fight. In a fight each striking technique becomes a tool for an instant, for the right moment: lead jabs to intercept and keep the opponent busy or at a distance, hooks and upper cuts to follow straight punches to catch an opponent off guard in close fighting, reverse punch or rear counter for a powerful, damaging strike when the opponents guard is open.
   
   I think that these 4 volumes were originally intended to be published as one book; not in volumes. Each of the volumes has different range of chapter numbers. Sometimes while reading some topic, something will make more sense if you had read the previous volume or a related topic in the Tao of Jeet Kune Do.
   
   If you like this series of books and the Tao of Jeet Kune Do, you might also like Paul Vunak's "street Fight" series of videos or former kickboxing and karate tournament champion, Hector Echavarria's 3 video series on Kickboxing. Many of the principles Hector Echavarria talks about and demonstrates are the same or very similar as those in this series of volumes on Bruce Lee's Fighting Method.
   
   Street Safe I by Paul Vunak
   
   Street Safe II by Paul Vunak
   
   Street Safe III by Paul Vunak
   
   R.A.T. Fighting System by Paul Vunak
   
   Jeet Kune Do: Its Concepts and Philosophies (Jeet Kune Do) by Paul Vunak
   
   Anatomy of a Street Fight by Paul Vunak



3. This is not a cure all book of splendor that will make your street sojourns safe as can be. What it happens to be is a terse condensing of terms and applications. However, this can be a blessing in disguise if you've ever really fought someone for whatever petty reasons. But as is usual, petty fights can't be won by might alone. Moreover, a brief self-defense type situation not asked for nor expected in the least, will never ever count on you being able to muster Earnie Shavers-esque punches via hours and hours of your prior chopping of wood and winding up and hitting a hanging truck tire with sledge hammer in hand. But such is the world of Archie Moore. Anywho, Bruce Lee's Vol. 4 "Advanced Techniques" will give you insights into not so much what works, but what will keep you in the fight for the long haul. Pointers I took to liking and appreciating were:
   Side kick from a distance. Hook kicks aimed roughly a foot in front of an advancing target for maximum impact (a late straight or hook kick results in you being taken down or knocked stiff; watch muay thai to appreciate). Straight kicks to the groin when in close (the power comes from the bending and straightening of the knee as when kicking a soccerball). For punching, what I found illustrative were comments on when to throw body punches and how to punch in disengagements. Many fights end after an attacker relaxes to early, stays too close, and then abruptly tastes a big hook or wild uppercut when flatfooted. Hook when countering, uppercut when the hook gets suffocated, throw high, low, high, low and so on when putting together combinations. Be careful though when body punching a big strong opponent - you open your face all to easily to both compact and loose hooks. Lastly, if you are facing someone who is in the reverse stance (opposite lead hand forward), be very cautious of straight punching both upstairs and down. Of course, if your opponent doesn't do this, you should be able to no problem as it is your first and best option (you beat a lefty by evading the straight left, but to do so, you'll have to square up on occassion and unleash your own straight right). Lastly, speed and defensive measure can be vastly overrated - you might quickly escape backward only to be launched further (watch UFC competitors who smell knockouts! it isn't one punch, two punch, three........it is a literal assault coming straight at you with a fierceness you'll have to somehow disrupt). Use your speed only for direct attack or blocking, however, try not to feint hyperactively as this will leave you wide open eventually! Learn to block, roll the punch, sharply turn, and lastly, if you can, duck and parry a straight punch and follow naturally with a leaning blow to the opponents already commited waistline.
   The book is lacking in elbow and knee offensives. Knees are really only good from the clinch, while elbows are good against someone who comes in uppercutting or letting loose lowline hooks with both hands. It also does not teach you any grappling, takedowns, shoots, or chokeholds. Learn those elsewhere - I prefer Ken Shamrock's 'Beyond the Lions Den' with its emphasis on submission wrestling and manuevers that translate to the street if need be.
   Other aspects covered that should be paid attention to are: keeping initial combinations (opponent not dazed nor hurt) to 2 to 3 blows; keeping hands projected further outward when feeling stuck (rear hand can almost touch lead shoulder to make for new angles and lessening of muscle tension); lead jab thrown with knuckles in the verticle and rear heal almost leap frogging toward lead heal to make a power-V for torque in rotation); also relying less on bobbing and weaving against a stronger opponent (as is thought to be so fruitful) and looking more to the stop-hit and cover-counter-cover-counter approach (bob and weaving works somewhat at a distance, and can help to avoid becoming frozen in action). Lastly, I'll give a few hints from my own minor scrapes, mostly on what to avoid from the opponent:
   1) Learn to stop or get away from rear shots. These include overhands, straights, thrusts, etc. Either jump straight back (chin down hands high), move to a side (again hands high), or jump forward at an angle (duck!). It is very easy to get overconfident with straight punches. The good news is, you opponent begins to open himself to his own weapon of choice - the rear straight! Once you start countering straight for straight, be preparred to duck and then uppercut in anticipation of the opponents tendancy to start trading straights. If you can collapse the gap, short hooks and body punching can become overwhelming to a once strident attacker.
   2) Do not lunge in to far, called reaching, to land a straight body punch or blow to the head because if your opponent is well seasoned, you will get tagged repeatedly by hooks arriving in all directions. Thus, if your opponent starts getting desperate and throws long overhands, either step right in with two rapid one-two uppercuts; or, step back and let the attackers momentum shift them right into range for your wild hooks. One or two of these is plenty, but a third and forth can be sprung on them if they are stunned or cover excessively.
   3) Long hooks and sharp, in-close body punching can be the only way to open up a stubborn defensive fighter. No matter the situation, if you do 3 daily exercises, your strength for self-defense becomes two-fold within a month or two - pushups, situps, and squats. And if you wish, shoulder presses and pullups.
   Bruce Lee was a master. In a real boxing match, he may not have been big enough to tackle the heavyweight devision, crowned champ. But when there are no rules out on the street, and if your initial move or instictive reaction fails (groin kick, knee kick, side kick to sternum, carotid strike, eye jab) then it becomes imperative to have a reserve of strong boxing/kickboxing know-how. Thank goodness for people who devoted their lives to helping innocents withstand perilous circumstance. Maybe not as beautiful as Euclid's Elements Book 13, enlightening just the same.



4. If you like martial arts , than it's a great book and you can better unerstand Bruce Lee.



5. Being the author of several books on the martial arts and fighting, I am always looking for books of exceptional quality to add to my library. If I have a book in my library, it's definitely worth owning. One such book is Bruce Lee's and M. Uyehara's, "Bruce Lee's Fighting Method; Volume 4: Advanced Techniques." This book is a direct continuation of the previous volume and will continue where that one left off.
   
   As is stated in the introduction to this and the other three volumes in the series, Bruce Lee never intended for these books to be published. However, since his untimely passing, his wife Linda decided that she would allow them to be published. Something we should all be thankful for.
   
   What I will attempt to do in this review is to give you a well-rounded grasp of what Bruce has written and demonstrated for you in this series of books. Although nothing can replace the value of a qualified and competent instructor, a well written book can still provide you with a wealth of knowledge if you know how to realize it and obtain it.
   
   12. Hand Techniques for Offense; Part One:
   
   a. Set-up your primary attacks first.
   b. Your primary attacks should be indirect attacks rather than direct attacks.
   c. Basic principles involved in utilizing hand techniques effectively.
   d. You should always be studying your opponent.
   e. How to effectively utilize the Leading Finger Jab.
   f. How to effectively utilize the Leading Straight Right.
   g. How to effectively utilize the Leading Punch to the Body.
   h. How to effectively utilize the Leading Straight Left Punch.
   
   13. Hand Techniques for Offense; Part Two:
   
   a. How to effectively utilize the Straight Left to the Body.
   b. How to effectively utilize the Lead Jab.
   c. How to effectively utilize the Backfist.
   d. How to effectively utilize the Hook Punch.
   e. How to effectively utilize the Uppercut.
   
   14. Attacks with Kicks:
   
   a. How to effectively utilize the Side Kick to the lead shin and/or knee.
   b. How to effectively utilize the Leading Side Kick.
   c. How to effectively utilize the Roundhouse (Hook) Kick.
   d. How to effectively utilize the Turning Back (Spin) Kick.
   e. How to effectively utilize the Turning Wheel or Hook (Sweep) Kick.
   
   15. Defense and Counter:
   
   a. How to effectively counterattack utilizing the Lead Finger Jab.
   b. How to effectively counterattack utilizing the Leading Side Kick to the shin or knee.
   c. How to effectively counterattack utilizing the Roundhouse (Hook) Kick.
   d. How to effectively counterattack utilizing the Turning Back (Spin) Kick.
   e. How to effectively counterattack utilizing the Leading Right.
   
   16. Attributes and Tactics:
   
   a. Discusses the importance of speed, attitude and tactics.
   
   Like any well written book, as much as you can learn from this book by reading it, you can learn just as much if not more by reading between the lines. I particularly enjoyed the simplicity of what Bruce was trying to relay throughout this and pretty much all of his books. What may work well for one person, may not work at all for another. Therefore, you as an individual needs to research the techniques that are out there and find those that work best for you and use them. Remember, there are no superior martial arts, only superior martial artists.

5 comments about Bruce Lee's Fighting Method, Vol. 3: Skill in Techniques (Bruce Lee's Fighting Method).

1. This is one of the better books out there devoted to actually being able to use your body's weapons with skill. The book starts off on body movements, stuff like footwork and distancing. It then goes into attacking with the hands, and then attacking with the feet. Parrying is also covered, and then targets and stances. This book is devoted to eliminating bad habbits, and has a lot of comparisons of JKD vs. classical martial arts. As I mentioned in my other reviews of "Bruce Lee's Fighting Method", this book works much better when taken with the series, as well as a couple of other early JKD books. However, it is useful to the average martial artist when it comes to making fighting movements more efficient, and more crisp.



2. IN MEMORY OF MARIO PONTILLO
   Since the late 1970's, I have studied Mr. Lee's "Way of the Intercepting fist." I have the 1st editions of all the "best" books on Bruce's work.
   This book will walk you through the physical aspect of his methods. I recommend you get all the volumes from this series. You will need to start from the beginning; and you do that by emptying your cup so Bruce may fill it.

   My favorite quote: "Knowing is not enough, you must apply; willing is not enough, you must do." -Bruce Lee

   Please do not hesitate to check out my Poetry book that I published while in the U.S. Navy in 2003; "Under the Rose: Poetry of Tragedy, Essence, and Romance"




3. The Chapters are numbered from VI to XI.
   
   After reading Chapter VI, the reader should begin to understand how the intensity and mode of a fight can change when fighters vary their distance thru the 3 ranges of long range, medium range, close range. The reader should begin to understand how fighters can test each other's behavior responses, habits and perhaps level of skill by attempting to provoke and manipulate each other thru the use of footwork to vary distance and use of feints and drawing techniques.
   
   Chapter VII covers the attributes, advantages and form of strikes and defensive guard used in Jeet Kune Do. 8 bad habits are listed to bring to the attention of the reader habits to avoid or correct one's self from doing or to take advantage of when done by the opponent.
   
   Chapter VIII is about kicks.
   
   Chapter IX defines and describes the use of parrying in Jeet Kune Do. The message to fighters is to fine tune their defense to save energy and effort in defensive action by not making wasteful, exaggerated moves. Elements of timing, distance, evasive footwork and awareness of the opponent's intent is covered here.
   The cleverness of Bruce Lee's use of the lead hand to strike while the rear hand parrys or grabs becomes understandable as the photos show that the opponent's hand is allowed to extend more fully when parried by the rear guard hand thus opening the opponent's defense for a counter strike with the lead guard hand.
   In this chapter, Lee's parries are constantly compared favorably and persuasively to traditional, classical methods of blocking.
   
   Chapter X "Targets" is about the weak, vulnerable areas of the body. There are no secret vital pressure points and no mumble jumbo about imaginary vessels and meridians in this book. All weak spots covered in this chapter are known to every one: the ribs, solar plexus, groin, shins, etc, etc.
   In this chapter, Bruce Lee reminds the reader that well chosen targets can bring a fight to a quick, efficient end. Part of the purpose of this chapter is to have the reader keep these weak areas and the moves that expose them in mind when planning defense and attack techniques to use, that is, to have the fighter thinking about defending and attacking weakness as an essential component of a fighter's skills.
   
   Chapter XI is about sparring and mentions the degenerative, decaying effect competitive sports, safety rules, regulations, and safety equipment have on martial arts and combative systems.
   Covered subjects include combinations, drawing the opponents reactions, feints, timing and self confidence. The parts of this chapter that explain about evasive means of defense instead of parries and blocks and more about bad habits is especially valuable and very much worth reading.
   
   Hector Echavarria's 3 Volume DVD video series on KickBoxing is very similar and compatible to this series of books on Bruce Lee's Fighting Method.



4. Thought the book was well thought out with it's diagramming of the various technical skills. Also the explanation of the skills were very simple but precise.



5. Being the author of several books on the martial arts and fighting, I am always looking for books of exceptional quality to add to my library. If I have a book in my library, it's definitely worth owning. One such book is Bruce Lee's and M. Uyehara's, "Bruce Lee's Fighting Method; Volume 3: Skill in Techniques." This book is a direct continuation of the previous volume and will continue where that one left off.
   
   As is stated in the introduction to this and the other three volumes in the series, Bruce Lee never intended for these books to be published. However, since his untimely passing, his wife Linda decided that she would allow them to be published. Something we should all be thankful for.
   
   What I will attempt to do in this review is to give you a well-rounded grasp of what Bruce has written and demonstrated for you in this series of books. Although nothing can replace the value of a qualified and competent instructor, a well written book can still provide you with a wealth of knowledge if you know how to realize it and obtain it.
   
   6. Skill in Movement:
   
   a. Basic principles involved in obtaining and keeping your preferred distance away from your opponent.
   b. The 3 fighting distances and what the preferred techniques are for each one.
   c. Footwork and how to use it to maintain your preferred distance from your attacker.
   d. Don't telegraph your intentions or your movements to your opponent.
   e. How to Side-step your attacker.
   f. How to effectively duck in order to avoid a blow.
   
   7. Skill in Hand Techniques:
   
   a. How to use your entire body correctly when punching.
   b. How to utilize strategy when punching.
   c. How to effectively utilize countering techniques.
   d. Avoiding bad habits such as; opening your mouth, dropping your hands, etc.
   
   8. Skill in Kicking:
   
   a. The basic principles behind kicking are discussed.
   b. How to utilize the Lead leg Side Kick.
   c. How to utilize the Slide Forward Side Kick.
   d. How to utilize the Roundhouse (Hook) Kick.
   e. How to utilize the Turning Back (Spin) Kick.
   f. How to utilize the Turning Wheel or Hook (Sweep) Kick.
   
   9. Parrying:
   
   a. Parrying a blow is preferable to blocking a blow.
   b. Basic principles involved with parrying.
   c. Several various types of parries are demonstrated.
   d. Utilizing parrying and counters against punches.
   e. Utilizing parrying and counters against kicking.
   
   10. Targets:
   
   a. Discusses the two primary targets you should try and strike during a fight.
   b. Fighting is not a sport.
   c. A martial art that is primarily sport oriented is weaker than a traditional martial art.
   d. A description of various other targets that you can strike as well as the two primary ones.
   e. It is better to strike the correct vulnerable spot once, than the incorrect one many times.
   
   11. Sparring:
   
   a. Contact sparring is preferable to non-contact sparring.
   b. Various techniques to use when sparring with protective gear.
   c. How to use feints, fakes, counters, slipping, and bobbing & weaving.
   
   Like any well written book, as much as you can learn from this book by reading it, you can learn just as much if not more by reading between the lines. I particularly enjoyed the simplicity of what Bruce was trying to relay throughout this and pretty much all of his books. What may work well for one person, may not work at all for another. Therefore, you as an individual needs to research the techniques that are out there and find those that work best for you and use them. Remember, there are no superior martial arts, only superior martial artists.

5 comments about 1858: Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant and the War They Failed to See.

1. There are two problems with 1858.
   
   The first is inherent in the structure and that is the books limited range in discussing only the events of 1858, for example it almost completely ignores the panic of 1857, only mentioning it in the rather extensive, and rather solid, biographical sketches. But with these same sketches, 1858, so deviates from the premise, going on at length about events from the 1840s, or in the case of the Oberlin Rescue, well into 1859, this suggests the oversights are not really structural as much as weak history.
   
   The second problem is that only barely is this a chronological discussion of the year 1858, really it is a series of biographical sketches with the addition of three set pieces on the Lincoln Douglas Debates, the Oberlin Raid and John Brown's 1858 adventures. (There is also a discussion of Buchanan's foreign policy which is so US-centric that the Paraguay parts are almost completely inexplicable, this is often typical of American Histiography, but here it is so much worse than usual.) Each of these parts is pretty good, but the end result is less than the sum of its parts. Also it must be mentioned that belying the title, Grant barely figures in the book, and Lincoln is treated as Douglas's foil. Really Sherman, Seward, and Douglas would be better names in the subtitle.
   
   On the plus side it is very readable, and shallowness of treatment aside is not a bad book if you have a good general sense of the issues, and want to read something more general.



2. There are years in our history that have become the defining periods of events that they preclude. 1858 is one such year.
   
   In his new book 1858, Bruce Chadwick brings to print the defining year in our nation history. In many ways this particular year is not known for what great things were done, but for things that could have been done, but were not.
   
   Chadwick details the political environment of the year in such a way as to provide the reader with a "well that explains that" moment in regards to the cataclysmic events that would take place in the United States of America in the thirty-six short months that followed.
   
   Abraham Lincoln was an unknown state politician in Illinois; Robert E. Lee was facing the largest challenges of his life keeping his family's land holding together. Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecusah Sherman were near destitution. Jefferson Davis nearly died. Yet these men and many others would rise to the forefront of American history in the following two years and shape our country into what it has become today.
   
   1858 was the year of the Kansas/Missouri border clashes, John Brown, and the first year the Republican Party won election in any major political battle. Political infighting between Stephen Douglas and President James Buchanan, indirectly leading to Abraham Lincoln's election win in 1860, leaving Buchanan with the legacy of being the most naïve and least effective president in the history of our country. If not for Buchanan's unethical double-dealings, lack of focus on America's internal troubles and contemptible lack of leadership, the Civil War may not have taken place.
   
   Author Chadwick is to be commended. 1858 is a true literary gem in the American History genre. It should be read by every citizen and shared with generations to come-lest we not forget our mistakes.
   
   Armchair Interviews says: If you love American History, this book is a necessary addition to your library.



3. 1858 was an important year in American history. Americans were dealing with such hot button topics as:
   1. The Dred Scott Decision of the Supreme Court in 1857 which ruled that a runaway fugitive slave had to be returned to his/her owner.
   2. The Kansas-Nebraska act of 1854 which stated that territories could vote for or against slavery. This act repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820. Stephen A. Douglas was the chief architect of the act. Douglas would lose the support of the southern states due to his defense of popular sovereignity. He would also split the Democratic party since President Buchannan approved of the act. This fissure would help elected the Repbulican Abraham Lincoln in 1860.
   2. The Lincoln-Douglas debates in Illinois set the stage for the two men running against each other for US President in 1860.
   3 The raids of John Brown in Kansas led to violence as he sought to free the slaves in that border state. Many of the slaves would escape to Canada. Brown would be hanged for his Harper's Ferry Raid on Dec. 2, 1859.
   4.The Rescuers trial in Cleveland. This trial dealt with the men who had assisted a runaway slave in Oberlin, Ohio. Abolitionists were appalled at their arrest.
   5. Senator Jefferson Davis of Mississippi becomes the leading spokesman for states rights and southern slavery following the death of John C. Calhoun.
   Chadwick portrays the inept US President James Buchanan who hoped the Kansas-Nebraska act would end talk of slavery and disunion. He foolishly called for the US to invade Cuba and almost led our nation into war against Paraguay in a minor naval dispute incident. Buchanan has to be one of our worst chief executives!
   We see Abraham Lincoln moving from obscurity to center stage in the great national debate over the slavery issue.
   Chadwick devotes a chapter to Robert E. Lee who was trying to get his family out of debt while on a year long furlough at Arlington. We see William Tecumseh Sherman battling debt and trying several frustrating jobs from lawyer, bank president and a prsident of the Louisiana Military Academy. Little did he know he would one day lead Union forces to victory teamed with US Grant.
   Chadwick devotes much of the 300 page book to examining political strategies. William Seward gave several eloquent speeches attacking slavery. The New Yorker thought he would be in good shape to become elected presidient in 1860. Little did he know that Abraham Lincoln would beat him on the fourth ballet of the Republican Convention of 1860.
   My quibbles with Chadwick's book:
   a, The book has many typographical errors.
   b. The book would be best read by a general reader or neophyte in Civil War literature. It contains nothing that can't be found in other and better books.
   c. Chadwick has a chatty style which keeps the book in the reader's hand flipping pages. A fairly good read but not profound or great!



4. "1858" is a solid overview of a pivotal year in the run-up to the Civil War. Certainly, this is not an exhaustive treatment, and, as other reviewers have suggested, more in-depth analysis of the year's key personalities and events can be found elsewhere. I agree with previous comments critical of the subtitle. In particular, Grant makes a few fleeting cameos in the narrative, while lengthy chapters are devoted to Seward, Douglas, Sherman and John Brown, all of whom are absent from the subtitle. The book's primary antagonist also escapes mention: James Buchanan. Frequently ranked by historians as our worst president, the flawed and inept Buchanan chose to feud with friends and rivals within his own party and engage in fanciful foreign policy pursuits (like trying to purchase proslavery Cuba) rather than confront the deepening divisions over slavery.
   
   Clearly, this book aims at a mass-market audience. Scholars and aficionados of the period will be disappointed. On the other hand, Average Joe readers like myself will find new information and fresh insights. For example, the friendship between the firebrand abolitionist Seward and the rabidly proslavery Jefferson Davis, or how Buchanan's meddling cost Stephen Douglas the popular vote to Lincoln in their Senate contest, providing Lincoln with the rationale for his subsequent Presidential bid. The anecdote about the slave rescuers in Oberlin, OH was also new to me. For the general reader, "1858" is time well spent.



5. Why 1858? I found myself asking that question repeatedly the entire time I was reading this book. What made 1858 THE year to look at in regards to the coming of the Civil War. Author Bruce Chadwick tries (largely unsuccessfully, in my opinion) to argue that 1858 was the year slavery became THE main issue facing the United States and events which occurred in 1858 played a large role in bringing about the war. In his Foreword, Chadwick tells the reader he will attempt to accomplish this by weaving together seven stories of people and events, linking these disparate stories together with looks into James Buchanan's "spectacular failure" as President.
   
   1858 weaves together seven stories all (loosely) tied together by Buchanan's Presidency. These stories are, in no particular order:
   
   1. Jefferson Davis
   2. Robert E. Lee
   3. William T. Sherman
   4. The Oberlin-Wellington Slave Rescue
   5. William H. Seward
   6. John Brown
   7. The Lincoln-Douglas Debates
   
   At first, I was intrigued by the author's decision to abandon a traditional narrative and use what I thought would be an interesting change of pace. The idea works better in theory than in the pages of 1858, however. Stories are broken up into different chapters with little regard for continuity or chronological order. For readers new to the subject, this may very well be misleading as far as a time line of these events goes.
   
   As I stated in my introduction, my main and overriding question while reading the entire book was "Why 1858? What makes this year so special?" Unfortunately, although the author does claim he chose 1858 because it was THE year slavery became the overriding issue facing the United States, he doesn't give nearly enough reason WHY, and thus doesn't really answer my question. In essence, he argues FOR 1858, but he really gives no arguments AGAINST other years. To me, slavery had been THE issue for quite some time. A post concerning the Compromise of 1850 at Elektratig shows that slavery was very much at the forefront of the country's concerns as the 1850s opened, and that the Civil War may well have started a decade earlier had the Compromise of 1850 not happened. I can agree with the Lincoln-Douglas debates and the Oberlin-Wellington Slave rescue as two MAJOR events involving slavery and an acceleration towards war. However, other events outside of this year, especially John Brown's Harpers Ferry Raid in 1859 and obviously the Presidential Election of 1860 were major events which did much to hasten the Civil War. Chadwick does argue that the seeds were sewn for these events in 1858. He stresses that John Brown's raid into Missouri and successful escape with slaves into Canada in 1858 and the Lincoln-Douglas debates led to these other events. That may be true, but the MAIN events happened in years other than 1858. Without belaboring the point too much, I believe you simply cannot make a strong case that 1858 was any more important than many other years in causing the Civil War or having slavery become THE issue facing the country. Chadwick's failure too largely explain WHY or argue against other years only drives home the point for me.
   
   To me, deciding to include William T. Sherman was an odd choice other than to allow the author/publisher to get Ulysses S. Grant's name into the subtitle of the book. Grant is barely mentioned, and Sherman had hardly anything to do with the author's assertion that 1858 was the year slavery became the most important issue in the country. The only reason I can see to include Sherman is to show an example of a Northerner who had no strong feelings towards slavery, much like Robert E. Lee was personally opposed to slavery as a Southerner. In reading the chapters covering Sherman, I was puzzled as to what purpose his antebellum life story served to the narrative as a whole.
   
   The subtitle of the book is especially puzzling to me. U.S. Grant is listed and he is barely mentioned in the book, pretty much only in relation to the Sherman portion of the story. Putting a famous figure into your title or subtitle only to barely mention them isn't going to win points with this reviewer. Another issue I have with the subtitle is "The War They Failed to See." Huh? Lincoln's "House Divided" speech is mentioned. So is Jefferson Davis' ascension in late 1858 as the leader of the Secession Movement. John Brown not only saw war coming, he was determined to start it himself! And lastly, Seward's "Irrepressible Conflict" speech is also stressed. It seems to me these men at least had an inkling that war was at the very least very possible if not imminent if some drastic steps were not taken with regards to slavery. I don't want to pin this on the author at all. Marketing sells books, and the subtitle screams MARKETING from a tall building. Blame the publisher here folks.
   
   If you have lasted this long, you might believe I hated 1858. This is definitely not so. My policy is to get the bad out of the way first and move on to the good. Let's start with the author's style. Bruce Chadwick is definitely a good storyteller. Despite some continuity issues in his narrative choice as mentioned earlier, I read this 300 page book in only two sittings. I could not put it down.
   
   Chadwick's chapters on the gross ineptitude of James Buchanan's Presidency were my favorite portions of the book. Rather than focus on the slavery issue and try to resolve it in some way, Buchanan instead completely ignored slavery when possible and blinded himself to the enormity of the problem the rest of the time. His "Don Quixote-ish schemes", as Chadwick calls them, to annex portions of Central and South America by any means possible while ignoring slavery was just one issue. In addition, Buchanan chose to fight petty feuds with two powerful men, Senator Stephen Douglas and newspaper editor John Forney, and these feuds were disastrous for the Democratic party in the elections of 1858 and the Presidential election of 1860. More than any other man, Buchanan had the power to slow or even prevent radical developments with regards to the slavery situation. Instead, says Chadwick, he did nothing while radicals on both sides led the nation to the brink of war.
   
   I was also pleasantly surprised with the bibliography and notes. Chadwick uses a nice number of endnotes, including 747 in exactly 300 pages of text. He did use quite a few secondary sources, but for what was obviously to me a "pop history" book aimed more at the masses than to deep readers, Chadwick also looked at the papers of many of those involved in the events of the year 1858 and around 90 newspapers published at the time. A serviceable index rounds out the book.
   
   Bruce Chadwick's 1858 sets out to prove that year was the year slavery became THE issue in the United States, but was rather unsuccessful in this regard. His arguments for 1858 as the year were sparse and his arguments against other years were non-existent. The story's continuity suffered somewhat as a result of some conscious choices on the author's part. Despite these flaws, 1858 is an enjoyable read aimed at the masses which I would be happy to recommend to readers new to the subject. Deep readers will find this material covered elsewhere in much greater detail.

5 comments about Striking Thoughts: Bruce Lee's Wisdom for Daily Living (Bruce Lee Library).

1. Somewhat confusing, and very much like a fortune cookie. Would have been better if it came wrapped in a giant cookie. Would reccommend passing on this even if you like Bruce Lee.



2. For anyone with an open and flexible mind, its a good book to glance at for daily insight or general thought expansion. I highly recomend it.



3. ANYthing about Bruce Lee is something I'm interested in. The title is superb and right on target. Master Lee's wisdom is truly "striking" in this compilation of work. He was a philosophy major at the University of Washington. His personal insights must have impressed his teachers there! I know they have always impressed me. His zeal for life and enthusiasm at living it are characteristics to be admired and sought by anyone in any situation. This book demonstrates Bruce as more than a fitness expert, more than a physical perfectionist, more than an incredible martial artist, more than an actor. Bruce as a deep thinker, an emotional man, a caring and loving person... these are things NOT to be overlooked in the true Master of the Modern Age... Bruce Lee... a Master of Life.



4. I love Bruce Lee, but I couldnt get into this book! I cant honestly tell you to read it or not, because I havent! I bought it here at Amazon and gave it away a month later! Watch "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story", thats a classic!



5. Firstly keep in mind this book has practically NOTHING TO DO WITH FIGHTING WHATSOEVER. It is more a mixture of anchient chinese wisdom mixed with Bruce Lee's personal insight. It is very insightful at that and it sure does get you pondering.
   
   From what i hear alot of Bruce Lee fans barely know or even care about his fighting expertise, they are more into the intellectual and wise side of him. If you are one of those people or if your into chinese wisdom then you will love this.

5 comments about Bruce Lee's Fighting Method, Vol. 1: Self-Defense Techniques (Bruce Lee's Fighting Method).

1. Although you can't learn martial arts from a book, Lee's books are very good historical references from the late master. Lee was constantly changing and evolving his fighting arts and these books show a small slice in time of his fighting philosophy and techniques. The series is simple, yet interesting. Lee's Jeet Kune Do was to the 60s/70s what mixed martial arts is to modern times. These books certainly deserve a place on the shelf of any Bruce Lee fan.



2. Who the hell is this who claims B.L. didn't write these books?
   Go buy it, read it. Then judge for yourselves.
   This is the best there is: The basics on Street Fighting and self defense.
   Not the Basics as taught by traditional Chinese Boxing (KungFu)



3. Bruce Teaches you how to fight just like him in a hard cover book. It really is Bruce teaching you from 1966 when he made this book. After he died his wife released it . I learned so much from learning Bruce's self defense techniques.
   This HArd Cover Book is truely amazing.



4. Being the author of several books on the martial arts and fighting, I am always looking for books of exceptional quality to add to my library. If I have a book in my library, it's definitely worth owning. One such book is Bruce Lee's and M. Uyehara's, "Bruce Lee's Fighting Method; Volume 1: Self-Defense Techniques."
   
   As is stated in the introduction to this and the other three volumes in the series, Bruce Lee never intended for these books to be published. However, since his untimely passing, his wife Linda decided that she would allow them to be published. Something we should all be thankful for.
   
   What I will attempt to do in this review is to give you a well-rounded grasp of what Bruce has written and demonstrated for you in this series of books. Although nothing can replace the value of a qualified and competent instructor, a well written book can still provide you with a wealth of knowledge if you know how to realize it and obtain it.
   
   1. Defense Against a Surprise Attack:
   
   a. The best defense against a surprise attack is not to be surprised by an attack.
   b. Awareness is the key and should be practiced at all times.
   c. Bruce demonstrates 4 different scenarios in which an attacker attempts to surprise him with an attack.
   
   2. Defense Against An Unarmed Assailant:
   
   a. Bruce stated that he felt you are wasting your time and energy by studying set patterns of forms (kata). On this particular point I have to agree and disagree at the same time. If you are studying the forms and practicing them for their intended purpose it is definitely not a waste of time. However, if you are studying them incorrectly, then yes I would have to agree that for the most part it would be a waste of time.
   b. Bruce demonstrates 9 different scenarios for defending yourself against an unarmed attacker.
   
   3. Defense Against Grabbing:
   
   a. The best defense against being grabbed is not to let them grab you in the first place.
   b. However, once you have been grabbed the most practical defense is to use your hands.
   c. Bruce demonstrates 16 different scenarios from which to defend from. These include wrist grabs, arm grabs, belt or pants grabs, etc.
   
   4. Defending Against Choke Holds and Hugs:
   
   a. Once again, the best defense against a choke or a hug is not to let them grab a hold of you in the first place.
   b. However, once you have been grabbed the best defense is the most simple and effective.
   c. Remember, awareness of you and your surroundings is the key.
   d. Bruce demonstrates 11 different scenarios from which to defend from. These include various chokes, bear hugs with and without your arms being pinned, etc.
   
   5. Self-Defense Against An Armed Assailant:
   
   a. "You are at a disadvantage against someone with a weapon, so keep away from him."
   b. You must constantly practice in order to have a chance in this type of situation.
   c. Demonstrated in this section are 9 different scenarios for defending yourself against an attacker armed with a stick or staff.
   d. Demonstrated in this section are 4 different scenarios for defending yourself against an attacker armed with a knife.
   e. Demonstrated in this section are 2 different scenarios for defending yourself against an attacker armed with a handgun.
   
   6. Defense Against Multiple Assailants:
   
   a. Defending yourself against more than one opponent at a time is always harder.
   b. However, having said that, just because there is more than one attacker doesn't necessarily mean you are at a disadvantage. Sometimes there is a disadvantage in numbers.
   c. Bruce demonstrates 8 different scenarios from which to defend from when fighting against more than one attacker at a time.
   
   7. Defense from a Vulnerable Position:
   
   a. Always remember, "Anything goes when defending yourself."
   b. Bruce demonstrates 3 different scenarios from which to defend from when sitting in a chair.
   c. Bruce demonstrates 4 different scenarios from which to defend from when lying down.
   
   Like any well written book, as much as you can learn from this book by reading it, you can learn just as much if not more by reading between the lines. I particularly enjoyed the simplicity of what Bruce was trying to relay throughout this and pretty much all of his books. What may work well for one person, may not work at all for another. Therefore, you as an individual needs to research the techniques that are out there and find those that work best for you and use them. Remember, there are no superior martial arts, only superior martial artists.



5. I am going to make this review very simple and straight forward to the best of my knowledge. Bruce Lee offers step-by-step illustrations of just about every move in this book. As for someone who hasn't been in martial arts(myself)for the past 10+ years I am very confident that I could execute most of these moves efficiently with practice. They are not hard but they are very effective. Speed becomes an issue with some of these moves. The book isn't about blocking your opponents blows in any form. This book is about quick counter-attacks. Bruce Lee obviously did not intend on waiting around for a chance to be hit.. He would attack at the same time his opponent would but SMARTER!! Good book! With confidence in yourself and practice you also will benefit from Bruce Lee. Once again, these are not flying kicks, acrobatics, or anything professional in nature. These moves are about using your brain quicker than your opponents. I hope you find this review helpful.

5 comments about Bruce Lee's Fighting Method, Vol. 2: Basic Training (Bruce Lee's Fighting Method).

1. Mito Uyehara was the founder and publisher of Black Belt magazine. Mito actually took privates from Bruce in his office according to staff legend. Mito also gave Bruce plenty of exposure in Black Belt, but the books in this series, Bruce Lee's Fighting Methods, are the true legacy of that relationship. Mito was very protective of Bruce's image and his admiration for him is as clear as the many photographs in these books.

   Of course, Bruce Lee was always changing his methods and ideas about training. To what degree he would have stood behind this material some 40-years later has been the subject of much debate. The closest thing to a modern version of this series is How to Master Bruce Lee's Fighting Style by Lee student Joe Lewis, who credits much of his success to principles he learned while working with Bruce Lee.

   But, "never take your eyes off the finger, or you will miss a great book for any Bruce Lee fan."




2. Bruce Lee covers the basics and foundations of training.
   
   All too often martial artists focus their energies on techniques without developing or preparing the body for such techniques.
   
   This volume covers:
   
   1) Aerobic Conditioning - running vs jumping rope
   2) Stretching
   3) Core muscle strengthening almost always overlooked. Namely abdominal toning
   4) Proper stance and movement
   5) Footwork
   6) Developing power in your strikes
   7) Increasing your speed



3. Bruce Lee's Fighting Method: Basic Training Vol. 2
   
   Chapter 1 is sort of an overview of a number of exercises and the benefits of each exercise in conditioning the body to be a fighter. There is not much in this chapter, which you cannot find in other exercise or workout books. Furthermore, the practice of receiving blows from a medicine ball or moderately controlled punches to the abdomen is no longer recommended because we now know that receiving even moderate, controlled blows over time can cause damage to internal tissues and organs. Never the less, I am not going to say that there is nothing worth reading in this book. It's just that this book was written before the fitness craze gained momentum to the extent of becoming a cultural practice in the United States. Many people back then were out of shape and did not know how to exercise for better health and physical performance. Some still don't. To beginners, this chapter can serve as an introduction of the types of exercise for a fighter.
   
   Chapter 2 explains in detail and illustrates Bruce Lee's unique right lead Jeet Kune Do guard stance, posture and benefits. Then, there are a series of photos of Dan Inosanto, Bruce Lee's famous student, posing in various classical guard positions, some of which look more like illustrations of moves in kata or forms. The book persuasively criticizes the various weaknesses of the classical guard stances. In defense of some classical positions criticized, however, some martial artists argue persuasively that these classical positions found in katas and forms are symbolic representations of effective fighting techniques being executed and do not represent stationary guard positions.
   (See books by Rick Clark, Guy Trimble III, Ashley Croft and George Dillman for more on better interpretations of kata's symbolic representation of effective fighting techniques."
   
   The Chapter on footwork is very basic and simple. It is almost boring. However, the important point to take note of is that moving quickly and effectiveness in fighting begins with being quick on the feet. Bruce lee's books are unique in that they emphasize elements such as distance, timing, speed, creating openings in the opponent's guard and observing the opponent's reactions and habits rather than reliance on techniques for this or that situation. So, it begins with footwork to move into range quickly to strike, to move out of range or side-to-side to avoid being struck and being ready to counter when an opening does appear. The later volumes build on ideas that require good footwork. So, it does start with this book to create a foundation of good footwork. After all, good technique and power is wasted if you can't deliver your strikes or kicks due to lack of speed or improper timing or distance.
   
   The beginning martial artist reading this book might get the quickest results from this book in studying the chapters on power training and speed training. Anyone who understands how to combine the elements such as closing to a proper distance to be able to punch through the target, using harmonious movement of the body while keeping the muscles relaxed until the instant your strike makes contact will discover an alternative, more effective way to deliver a powerful strike rather than using the strength of the arm and upper body alone.
   
   The last chapter on speed training offers 7 different ways to train for developing speed. Most of these training methods require a partner. The reader has to look for these in the context of the writing. There is also an interesting technique suggested for psychologically developing a better sense of timing and quickness of reaction near the end of the last chapter.
   
   Beginners and young martial artist might not fully understand the value of the information in the series of books on Bruce Lee's Fighting Method and in his Tao of Jeet Kune Do.
   
   There is also a video adaptation of this book available on VHS or DVD which features Richard Bustillo and Ted Wong, one of Bruce Lee's students, who also is seen in the photographs of the books.
   
   VHS:
   
   Bruce Lee's Fighting Method
   
   Bruce Lee's Fighting Method
   
   DVD:
   
   Bruce Lee's Fighting Method - by Ted Wong and Richard Bustillo



4. Being the author of several books on the martial arts and fighting, I am always looking for books of exceptional quality to add to my library. If I have a book in my library, it's definitely worth owning. One such book is Bruce Lee's and M. Uyehara's, "Bruce Lee's Fighting Method; Volume 2: Basic Training."
   
   As is stated in the introduction to this and the other three volumes in the series, Bruce Lee never intended for these books to be published. However, since his untimely passing, his wife Linda decided that she would allow them to be published. Something we should all be thankful for.
   
   What I will attempt to do in this review is to give you a well-rounded grasp of what Bruce has written and demonstrated for you in this series of books. Although nothing can replace the value of a qualified and competent instructor, a well written book can still provide you with a wealth of knowledge if you know how to realize it and obtain it.
   
   1. The Fighting Man Exercises:
   
   a. The importance of aerobic conditioning and exercises to increase your aerobic capacity such as; running, bike riding, jumping rope, etc.
   b. Most martial artists neglect their actual physical workouts, thinking that practicing their particular martial art of and by itself is all you need to get into and stay in shape. This is not true! One must supplement their martial arts training with various muscle building and flexibility exercises.
   c. You must constantly push yourself to become better than what you already are. If it comes easy, it generally isn't worth it.
   d. How to warm-up properly in order to prepare your body for harder workouts without risking the chance of unnecessary injury due to the use of a well designed and executed warm-up routine.
   e. Various flexibility exercises are shown using the trampoline and various body stretches.
   f. Several different abdominal exercises are demonstrated as Bruce always felt that the abdomens were the major source of power in the martial arts.
   
   2. The On-Guard Position:
   
   a. Bruce goes really in-depth on a good fighting stance.
   b. Looks at the disadvantages of more traditional or formal stances.
   c. Bruce also talks a good deal about balance and how important it is to being effective with your techniques.
   
   3. Footwork:
   
   a. The basic principles behind your footwork are discussed.
   b. Demonstrated and explained are the Forward and Backward Shuffle.
   c. Demonstrated and explained are the Quick Advance and Retreat.
   d. Demonstrated and explained is the Burst Forward.
   e. Demonstrated and explained is Sidestepping.
   
   4. Power Training; Punching Power:
   
   a. How to correctly make a fist for punching.
   b. Various training exercises utilizing the heavy bag, punching mitts, force shields, etc.
   c. The use of canvas bags filled with everything from sand to steel filings in order to toughen the hands for impact.
   d. The use of hand weights when practicing your punches.
   e. The use of a staff across your shoulders to improve your body's ability to work in unison when punching.
   f. Talks about using KI when punching and how to punch through your target, not at it.
   g. Also discussed is "Pulling Power" and how to develop it with hand and forearm exercises.
   
   Power in Kicking:
   
   a. Flicky point style kicks are useless in self-defense.
   b. How to develop striking power in your Side Kick.
   c. The use of the heavy bag to develop power in your kicks.
   d. The use of the kicking shield to develop power in your kicks.
   e. How to add more power to your Front Kick by utilizing your hips correctly.
   
   5. Speed Training:
   
   a. Basic principles involved in training for speed in your techniques.
   b. Developing punching speed.
   c. Developing whipping speed for your Back Fist.
   d. Developing speed in your Finger Jab by using a piece of paper.
   e. Developing speed in your Lead Straight Punch.
   f. Using equipment such as the double-end bag, punching mitts, and heavy bag to develop speed.
   g. Developing a non-telegraphic punch.
   h. Using concepts from fencing to enhance your speed and punching skills.
   i. A very interesting use of a children's game to develop speed.
   
   Speed in Kicking:
   
   a. Principles and techniques of the Side Kick and Roundhouse Kick, which I find very interesting that Bruce calls the Roundhouse Kick a Hook Kick.
   b. Various methods of developing speed in your kicks.
   c. Awareness of your body and what it is doing when you are kicking.
   
   Like any well written book, as much as you can learn from this book by reading it, you can learn just as much if not more by reading between the lines. I particularly enjoyed the simplicity of what Bruce was trying to relay throughout this and pretty much all of his books. What may work well for one person, may not work at all for another. Therefore, you as an individual needs to research the techniques that are out there and find those that work best for you and use them. Remember, there are no superior martial arts, only superior martial artists.



5. I'm not a martial artist. I don't know anything about Jeet Kune Do like most of these reviewers. I grew up only knowing the western style of fighting, boxing at it's simplest level. Put up your hands, jab with your left and punch with your right.
   
   Bruce's style is totally different. Everything is predicated on speed. Strikes are used with the knuckles of the last 3 fingers (middle, ring, and pinky) instead of middle finger and forefinger. Instead of turning the wrist over to at the end of the punch the wrist is kept straight. He used southpaw stance because 80% of the work is done with the lead hand and foot (he was right handed). All these techniques run counter intuitive with western style of boxing.
   
   I appreciate reading about Bruce's workout techniques. It's really the reason I bought this book. I wish there were more. He talked about riding his exercycle, jogging, skipping rope, and a few abdominal exercises. There are numerous other workout techniques that involve a wooden dummy, punching bags, speed bags, etc, however those do not concern me too much. I have already incorporated jump rope into my daily routine which includes situps. I plan to practice hitting an 8 X 11 piece of paper with my elbows to learn body control.
   
   Thanks to Bruce, I now feel like I will have an opportunity to really improve my fitness and coordination but only time will tell as to the results I will achieve.
   
   I give this book 4 stars because it contains information that I can actually use in real life. I docked it one star because it contained too much information on stances (the on-guard stance in particular) which was incredibly boring and not at all what I needed.

5 comments about The Art of Expressing the Human Body.

1. The information presented about the training schedule of Bruce Lee is very complete. The problem with this book is that there is a lot of repitition. It could have about one fourth the number of pages that it is. It lacks what I was really after-Bruce's philosophies. Overall, this is not worth the money, you can easily find the information from this book on the internet somewhere.



2. if you ever wanted to know how Bruce Lee got the body that he had, this is your book. very well written, and very easy to understand. lots of details and very in depth



3. Very Very motivational. I have always wondered how bruce got his body and this shows how he did it. I really liked it.



4. Get inspired to get moving. Bruce Lee shares his workout secrets. Now you can have a Bruce Lee body too.



5. The first time I saw Bruce was at the now famous 1964 Long Beach International Karate Championships. Were at the at the invitation of Ed Parker, A good friend of mine, I witness an extraordinary human being.
   At this tournament Bruce demonstrated 2 finger push ups, one inch punch and fighting skills.
   
   The second time I saw Bruce was at the 1967 Long Beach International Karate Championships. The last time I saw Bruce in person was a gathering of martial artist at a school in LA were he stood in front of about 25 students and taught and showed of his skills. I've seen Bruce ability close up and I would not fight Bruce Lee if he spat in my face. He was that good. If you fought Bruce lee he would probable overwhelm you with intense vigor trying to intentionally destroy you. This really doesn't matter unless you have the skill, he did. Now The Art of Expressing the Human Body is a compilation of Bruce lee's hand written work out routine from early sixties until his untimely death in 1973. This book is well organized and carefully compiled to preserve Bruce Lee's true intension. This covers all aspects of Bruce lees work out from nutrient to isometrics.
   
   If you watch Bruce lee movies then you should know the lengths of Bruce lee's abilities. However there is a such thing as camera tricks that may make people want to dispute Bruce's unbelievable abilities .However this is not the case because if you look at him in demonstration on Honk Kong Television you will see some amazing feat of strength occurring. For example breaking 1 inch thick boards with a punch delivered from only a few cm's away. Or breaking 5 daggling 1 inch boards with a side kick. This, my friend, is very hard to do. This book shows you through Bruce's hand written work out routine how he accomplished it. Bruce lee started his martial arts training at the age of 13 first by his farther then by the now legendary Master Yip Man. This training lasted to the age of 18 when he moved to the United States. On his arrival in the states he drastically started looking into the development of the body for martial arts and not just the development of the skill for martial arts. His hungry for the knowledge of all things regarding to physical development lead him to amass a colossal library of over 3,500 (My listamania on books Bruce Lee read) . Over 140 of those books had to do with body building weight training, physiology and kinesiology ,wear he just absorb what he needed and dismissed what he did not. Over years of research Bruce had compiled from different resources a multitude of journals describing different exercises and workouts which increased his power, strength ,flexibility. Bruce lee was in tune with what exact muscle groups he wanted. and how he could do it. He soon realized that conventional exercise machine could not work all the muscle groups which he wanted to work. So he created several original designs of his own training equipment and had his friend George Lee build them to his specifications.

5 comments about Acid Dreams: The Complete Social History of LSD: The CIA, the Sixties, and Beyond.

1. This was a great book. It was an easy read and a fast read, while at the same time being very informative and interesting. It was everything I was hoping it would be and I would refer it to anyone whom was interested in the topic or anyone whom just wants to be more informed in general. There is a lot of great information is in this book. (I myself am a college student and I would say that this is a great book for my peers but also those who are a bit older.)



2. This book is perfect - It offered everything I was hoping for when I first purchased it. It covered from the end of the 50's and the Beat generation and how their influence lead into the hippie generation, and it ended in the early 70's tying in the beginning of rock and punk. It is a true spectrum of the 1960's counterculture generation.
   
   It's a large book but its facinating to learn about the history and the culture. Like previous reviewers said, it really ties up everyhting and clearly shows the correalation between the drug counterculture and the govn't & society during that time period. I was born in the 80's and this book really showed me alot about the 60's counterculture and the attitudes towards drug use and young people during that time. I can see alot of correalations between that era with Vietnam as the war that they were protesting versus todays war in Iraq and the amount of US citizens that are against it.
   
   The author also goes into government policies at the time and conspiricys and covert CIA and classified documents. I was amazed by the actions of the CIA and thetesting of LSD on unsuspecting American citizens. It is like the stuff movies are made of but it really happened! Truly and amazing and interesting book - I could not put it down. I reccomend it to everyone, regardless of your view on LSD or drug counterculture - a true wealth of information on 1960's America.



3. Can't think of a more informative and interesting way of describing this period of time. I loved this book. Big thanks to the authors!



4. Yhis book belongs on the bookshelf of all those interested in the early days of psychedelic research and it's social ramifications. One word for it: Excellent!



5. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2NWFN612DXX3 My video review of Acid Dream. Really great bookAcid Dreams: The Complete Social History of LSD: The CIA, the Sixties, and Beyond. ***** 5 stars =)

5 comments about Tao of Jeet Kune Do.

1. 
   Excellent study guide into the mind of Master Bruce Lee! This book is for the true Martial Artist........Tao of Jeet Kune Do



2. this item was excellent, a good buy. it was exactly what i was looking for.



3. I came into this world many years later since Lee had closed his eyes upon it. I can only imagine the loss it must have been to the world to Martial Arts. But, he never left in spirit. An essence of his philosophy and his approach to martial arts still lives through his followers and this book. I learnt Aikido for 5 years, but found it not very handy when it came to tackling an opponent in the street. That's when someone recommended Lee to me. JKD is much faster and more practical (make no mistake, I still worship Aikido from bottom of my heart...JKD is only a natural next step in the route I took for my education in Martial Arts) when it comes to handling a situation in the street. But this book is not a step-by-step guide to beat someone black and blue. It's Lee's philosophy, his approach to martial arts (which is called Jeet Kun Do) - a way of life, from Lee's perspective.
   
   I am only qualified to speak so much, but definitely recommend this book for everyone who wishes to understand Lee's apparoach to Martial Arts and, in turn, benifit from it to develop his or her own perspective.



4. I love Bruce Lee, but I couldnt get into this book! I cant honestly tell you to read it or not, because I havent! I bought it here at Amazon and gave it away a month later! Watch "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story", thats a classic!



5. It is a must have if you participate in any martial arts! This book not only helps with improving as a martial artist but also brings awareness in understanding oneself better.