5 comments about The Book of Five Rings (Bushido--The Way of the Warrior).

1. At first glance it may appear this is simply a book on martial arts. However it is much more, encompassing the philosophy of, and necessity for, living the Way of Martial Arts. Miyamoto's many writings delve not only into martial arts, but can be applied much more broadly as a way of meditation and life even in today's modern world. It can teach you to focus while detaching yourself from a volatile situation, and can teach you how to experience peace of the deepest form in a violent, confusing world. I recommend absorbing this book a small bit at a time, and meditating on each principle until you can feel it working in your mind and life.



2. Most books I read to gain an advantage in business, sales or negotiating skills. This book was written hundreds of years ago but is relevant for business or personal life. I have not read any other versions of this book nor will I. This is a amazing read and you will find out more about yourself than you would know if you take the time to study this book. I came out with more questions about myself after reading the book and reflecting about the future.
   Studying the great leaders and warriors throughout history has many advantages so you can help beat the odds against you.



3. It really opens your mind about how the Martial arts and how to live your life like a martial artist! highly recommended!



4. Miyamoto Musashi is a famous Japanese Samurai who was in at least 60 duels often to the death across Japan fighting various warriors from many styles of fighting. Musashi supposedly never lost a duel which is not entirely true as at least on one occasion he fled a battle when the odds were against him. Musashi lived until the ripe old age of 60 which was old back in the time of the samurai. He did not write this book until he was in his fifties after countless battles, contemplation, and practice in becoming a true martial artist. Mushashi's belief system in the five rings or elements that must be mastered to defeat your enemy is the same belief system that the Ninja in ancient Japan had. The Ninja originally adopted these ideas from an ancient Chinese scroll on warfare. The five elements or "rings" as Musashi calls them are Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, and Void. It is interesting to note that Musashi also believes like many people do that the greatest enemy is in fact oneself. This is a very good book from the philosophical standpoint of following Zen and overcoming obstacles and opponents. However, in later chapters Musashi goes into great detail on sword fighting techniques which are not very useful as there is no visual aide to assume the forms he describes. If you want to learn sword fighting techniques I suggest "Shinobi Gatana" (GHOST BLADE) by Steven Hayes - one of the only Americans ever trained by the last Grand Master of Ninjitsu (unfortunately it is hard to come by and only available on VHS). Musashi's book is a journey into the mind of a true martial artist, his ideals and techniques were just as relevant in his time as our own.



5. I bought it for my boyfriend as a birthday gift. I ended up reading it too because he talk so great about it. I thought it was a great book and very well written. i enjoyed it very much and my boyfriend was very happy with it we plan on buying more books like this one.

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

1. After reading many reviews by respected authors and martial artists I already expected this book to be worth my time. After the first chapter I was still blown away. Though geared primarily for martial artists, it would be invaluable to anyone who contemplates a self defense scenario in any form. I can't recommend it enough.



2. If you train and practice in any system for a SD situation, you should read this book. I found it extremely helpful with many, many tips that can be applied to whatever you train.
   
   Buy it for yourself, then lend it to the training partners you like. Let the guys you train with that you don't like figure it out for themselves.



3. This is a simple, straight forward, no BS book. From my own experiences, I can say that Sgt. Miller speaks truthfully from experience only. His credibility only grew as read. I want to thank him for pointing out the difference between "Armchair Experts" who only talk about some imagined ideal, VS. real world encounters and the lessons to be drawn from them.



4. Anyone studying martial arts for self-protection MUST read this book. I could not recommend it more highly.



5. I am currently reading this book. All I can say is, that every time I pick it up, it blows my mind away. Every situation that the author writes about has either happened to me or to a friend of mine. The concepts in the book make me look at past and future encounters with all kinds of violence in a different way. This is a must read.

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

1. Great book with a lot of Krav Maga technics, everything well illustrated step by step using pictures. This book is a must have if you are interested in this personal defense discipline.



2. For a beginner, this book is good for supplementing your existing training. They sell this book at my Krav training center and the moves match the tests so it is good for reviewing what you have learned also.



3. Since many others have covered content extensively let me give a review in the context of someone I believe Levine and Whitman were targeting when they released this manual. I had very little knowledge of KM when I bought this book for myself a number a years ago. My brother and I taught each other as much as We could straight from the book, untill a center finally opened in my area.
   I found some of the techniques taught by my instructor to differ slightly from the book. What does this mean? That the manual is a fraud and should therefore be discarded? Anyone who believes that does not understand the underlining sentiment of KM. It's more about concepts than technique. Surely technique applies, but the concept of what works is the goal.
   Levine and Whitman never claim to be the Lord God of Krav Maga. The book accomplishes what it sets out to do. It's a "GUIDE" to Krav. Of course any instructor is going to deviate some from what is shown within it's pages. To discard the entire thing because it doesnt fit your personal prferences to a T is rediculous. I give this book a five star rating and claim that is by far the best overall guide to Krav Maga on the civilian market.



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



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

5 comments about Mind Gym : An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence.

1. Quick and easy to read. Full of short stories that help athletes gain perspective into building a stronger mental game.



2. Everyone Hates a Ball Hog but they All Love a Scorer: The Complete Guide to Scoring Points on and off the Basketball Court
   
   Just like Everyone Hates a Ball Hog but They All Love a Scorer Mind gym points out the importance of the mental aspect of the sport. Alot of athletes do not realize the importance of being mentally prepared to compete but these books show you how and why.



3. This book Mind Gym : An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence is an amazing book the breaks down the complexity of sport psychology into easy to understand and implement processes and tips. Every personal trainer, fitness coach and sports psychologist should have a copy. The book is great!
   Gregg Swanson



4. My son had the physical ability, but seemed to lack mental fortitude. I was browsing through the sports psychology section at the book store and came across Gary Mack's book, Mind Gym, saw that the forward was written by ARod and thought, well, if ARod endorses Gary Mack, this must be good. I was not disappointed. My competitive athletic days have long passed me by, but I actually got more out of this book than my son for life outside of sports. I carry my copy of this dog-eared, highlighted book with me to work everyday. It helps me to get re-energized, to focus and to win. Easy to read and understand. Point, I first read the book about four years ago. Since then my salary has almost quadrupled. Even in this downward economy I had my most successful year so far in 2008. If I could give this book ten stars I would. Hope you find the same results. Thank you... and thank YOU Gary for writing this book!



5. Mind Gym's theories on sports psychology are not all that revolutionary. Any good coach will already understand the author's thoughts on discipline, preparation, confidence, positive imagery, etc.; however, there is substantial value in the dozens of anecdotes and stories from household name athletes. These examples make great talking points when explaining psychological concepts to kids.
   
   So, until I was almost finished with the book, I definitely enjoyed it. That was until the author revealed that he has all of his clients close their eyes and listen to "Hero" by Mariah Carey. Wow - talk about a blow to his credibility.
   
   If you believe you can overcome this horrendous nugget of info, then you will probably like this book. But if you, like me, find this just too much to bare, then don't waste your time.

5 comments about Jiu-Jitsu University.

1. This is a must-have for anyone wanting to learn Jiu-jitsu. This book is easy to follow and teaches you the basics and the higher levels with step by step procedures and ease. I reccommend this book for anyone studying or just learning Jiu-Jitsu.



2. I have not much basis of comparison with other bjj books, however, I have seen plenty of instructionals and done my share of googling.
   
   The thing I love about this book is Saulo's core premise - get good at defense first. In fact, get good at knowing what to do in the very worst positions first (e.g. under mount, under side control, under knee on belly, etc). After you know how to survive under those positions, learn how to escape. After you know how to escape those, learn what to do from guard (the best of the worst positions). After you know what to do from guard, learn how to pass it. After you can laze around all day in a superior position, learn how to submit. Hell, as long as you have dominant position and can hold it, you will win on points. In a real fight, you would be pounding on your opponent anyway, requiring little real finesse.
   
   I came to this realization very early in my bjj career - I hated being smothered, I hated that it was difficult to escape, so it was crucial to learn how to escape. I did not even make the connection that there were survival skills to learn (e.g. what SR covers in his white belt section, or how to not get submitted while under dominant positions and spend minimum energy doing so) other than escapes. But now thanks to this book I realize that these skills have a fundamental importance - even more so than escapes. So it is gratifying to read something from a several time world champion who says basically the same thing, and extends my understanding.
   
   Get good at the defense, and you will be like one of those weighted punching balloon dolls, always somehow rising to the top, causing your opponent endless frustration and demoralization. Technically, it might be possible to be so good at takedowns and guard passing that you never, ever wind up in an inferior position, but that's highly unlikely, and if you do you are stuffed. (Doing so would also make a person fearful and overly risk averse, knowing that you can't afford to make a mistake. That attitude is a prescription for choked, poor performance, not to mention slower learning.)
   
   Ok, so great idea, great layout, great belt system. I think whether or not your club has a syllabus, adding these techniques to your own repertoire (a sort of secret syllabus, if you will) will give you an edge. For example, I will make it my mission to know SR's white belt and blue belt (e.g. survival and escapes) for my blue belt grading, which is coming up shortly.
   
   Which brings me to the reason I rate this book four stars (it's probably more like 4.5 stars, but I don't have that option). If you practice bjj, you will find yourself under top control (north south). You will find yourself under side control with your partner blocking or holding the leg close to him with that arm (to prevent getting the guard). This position will transition nicely into north south anyway, from here your opponent can go from side to side, confusing you and often getting stray arms. You may also find yourself in side mount. Some people have guards that are devastating and feel like a dominant position in and of themselves, with triangles and armbars easily forthcoming.
   
   How to survive these positions with minimal effort should be covered in the survival section. If there is a reason for this (maybe it's imperative to escape ASAP, or maybe there are no good options, or something I can't fathom), at least indicate this and have some comment.
   
   For some reason, how to survive in these positions isn't covered and it detracts from the book. I realize that no bjj book can ever hope to be complete. However, for a book that claims to be a "university" and rightly stresses the importance of fundamentals, if even a compromise is necessary it would be better to remove a submission or two and flesh out the survival section some more. I hope a future edition of this book clarifies how Saulo would handle these situations.
   
   I realize that Saulo has copped some criticism from others about the black belt section being the weakest of the book. I think that's missing the point. If you excel at the rest of the skills in this book (e.g. everything required to gain a dominant position), then a submission will be a fait accompli. There are plenty of black belts who have one "go-to" submission, e.g. a cross lapel choke, and need nothing more.
   
   As I edit this review several weeks after first writing it, I will add that I have been methodically trying the survival techniques in my rolling. They work pretty well. The higher belts (blue and purple) will still get submissions on me, but it will usually take 5 minutes or so before they achieve one. I have also managed to escape and upgrade my position from time to time. I am usually able to stymie those of equal skill with these techniques.
   
   So what is the point? This process has helped to remove the fear and desperation (including needless energy wastage) that comes with being trapped under a dominant position. And as I get better, I hope to be able to increase the time it takes for more experienced attackers to get a sub, or to prevent them entirely. This will increase their frustration, their impatience (and hence foolishness), and their energy usage, all of which will give me an advantage.



3. This has to be the best jiu-jitsu book I have ever read. It has excellent pictures, great tips, and very detail oriented. I have at least ten books on the subject and have checked many out from the library, this is the best written and easiest to understand.
   That being said, there is not one mention of take downs. Granted all jiu-jitsu fight wind up on the ground, but they start on their feet. Not one take down. This just frustrates me.
   I bought this book to review some technique and help create a strategy for a coming competition. It helped from the gaurd, side control, mount, half-gauard and all the escapes I could ever want to know/review. Then I thougt of mine and many bjj players weakness, the take down. Nothing in this book. It is like the book is saying "go ahead and give your opponent 2 points right off the bat."
   Now that is out of my system, it is really the best book on bjj you can find. I would supplament this book with Wrestling for Fighting by Randy Couture for some takedowns. Also one of the most helpful books for a new or intermediate bjj player.



4. If this is not the best book on Jiu-Jitsu then I want to buy whatever is better.
   
   Everyone has pretty much given the run-down on this superb book so I will just touch on a few points that are of particular importance to me:
   
   The breakdown by CHAPTER==BELT COLOR==GOAL, e.g., white=survival, blue=escape, is ESPECIALLY useful for those just starting jiu-jitsu or those teaching.
   
   The white belt "survival postures" and the blue belt escapes from those postures are worth the cost of the book alone. Saulo Ribeiro has managed to keep the survival postures to a minimum (even for side mount where there are numerous top pinning styles and arm positions) and they all seem to work off the same principals and even a similar pattern.
   
   Frequently, Ribeiro shows a better (according to him and his also multi-time world champion brother Xande [shandee]) way to do common techniques, and also shows the common mistakes including what is wrong with the usually given methods for that same technique.
   
   This book immediately made me almost happy to have my back taken (by a similarly experienced and sized opponent) since the very simple defenses and escapes to those positions worked on the first try even though I messed up some of the details. (Really! -- my training partner is a bit stronger, heavier, younger than I am and he has quite a bit of judo training, but he can no longer hold me FROM THE BACK.)
   
   Although the book stands alone, it is especially useful if you have any of Saulo Ribeiro's Jiu-Jitsu Revolution 1 or 2, or Freestyle Revolution DVD sets. Although you don't "need" one to benefit from the other, the text gives the few CRITICAL points which is good for memorizing the techniques, while the videos show the moving details in case you are having trouble or something doesn't make sense.
   
   Although the DVDs and book overlap, their is no sense of wasting time or money when using both.
   
   (BTW, he in no sense means that you must wait to become a purple belt to learn the guard, but rather that the FOCUS is on a particular goal or position for each belt level. In the case of a purple belt, he is saying this is where you focus on MASTERING the guard.)
   
   Is there anything wrong with it? No index, but the contents is so good this is not a deficiency and the book runs the content RIGHT to the last page wasting no space. Crappy font for cover title but how picky can I get? A VERY FEW mistakes in left-right or picture correspondence -- or maybe clarity and I misunderstood, but that isn't very detracting, although I would offer to edit the 2nd edition if they ever re-publish it.)
   
   The techniques WORKS right out of the box (i.e., book) and if you practice it then it is even more valuable.
   
   Much of it is SPECIFICS on HOW to grapple using the techniques as examples rather than as the only answers -- he is teaching grappling using techniques, not JUST a bunch of (useful) techniques. Saulo is teaching us to fish (do jiu-jitsu) WHILE he feeds us some very fine fish (techniques).
   
   If you are a low rank jiu-jitsu play you MUST buy this book if you buy anything.
   
   If you are teaching jiu-jitsu, you owe it to yourself and your students to have and understand this book.
   
   I am reasonably sure that anyone in between (i.e., teacher and low level) will find this book superb, and probably the best, as well.



5. The organization and format of this book is very good. This is not a glance-over book.
   
   The photos are usually shot from several angles (laid out side by side) to help get a full picture of the particular subject of instruction and photos are also shown of DON'T pictures, which is also very helpful to a visual-oriented learner.
   
   The text along with the photos is understandable and very instructive without being too wordy.
   
   Judge Ribeiro also injects his personality into the instruction without being too heavy-handed on personal vignettes, but adding them very appropriately.
   
   The organization by belt is very helpful in the sense of emphasizing those points that are most important at each level. Some other reviewers had questioned the organization by belts (in order from white belt to black belt: survival, escapes, the guard, guard passing, and submissions).
   
   It seems, though, that the book emphasizes how important it is to learn the fundamentals in order to really progress. The book certainly never suggests that the reader cannot look at anything besides the point of emphasis for a given belt. The belt organization simply matches emphasis with belts.
   
   The book never advocates dogma and frequently praises the continued evolution of jiu jitsu.
   
   A very good book to supplement training: highly recommended.

5 comments about ChiRunning.

1. This book offers an option to what most runners have experienced. I enjoyed the perspective presented because, like the author, it reflects a combination of both common sense and physics. Of course, the real test is one's own experience, so try the techniques that are presented. You be the judge; that's what life is all about!



2. I bought this book for myself.. so impressed with a renewed sense of enjoyment from running that I bought one for my mom, dad, and two of my running friends. Great book, quick read. Would recommend reading the book then getting the DVD. I had both my knees hurting and the back of my right leg... got desperate and bought this book on advice from a friend. I'd already run 5 half marathons within the last year, and one full one - legs started taking a beating. Within two weeks of practicing this approach, all my injuries are gone! This is an honest review, I know it sounds like it was written by the author! For 10 bucks, WELL worth it.



3. This book helped me with my speed and endurance for my upcoming marathon.
   
   Donald Lee



4. optimum book, only some difficulties because of the language, I'm italian mother-language, the translate sometimes lost some words.... if I could finded one in italian language I'enjoined more..



5. This new book is more detailed and educational than the original edition and is presented in a more flowing, reader friendly format. It answered some lingering questions I had from reading the first book, making it easier to incorporate the new concepts into improving my running.

5 comments about Bruce Lee's Fighting Method: The Complete Edition.

1. This make it easy to keep the series together. The hardcover is a plus. A great buy.



2. This book was everything I expected and more. A true masterpiece of martial literature. I cannot recommend this enough to anyone with an interest in martial arts or Bruce Lee's method of fighting. Step by step instruction.7



3. I got this as a Christmas present. I was so happy with it I read the entire thing in only a few days. I have now bought Tao of Jeet Kune Do to accompany it, of which I also recommend highly
   
   Since the contents of this book is outlined by others who have written reviews, I'll keep this short and to-the-point. Lee was a genius, and this posthumous publication of his notes and pictures shows his revolutionary take on modern martial arts and actual, efficient and no-nonsense self-defense.
   
   Ironically, the self-defense section is riddled with dangerous and unrealistic methods of defending yourself. His overuse of the stopping side kick is one weakness--but its nice to see how his Taekwondo training with Jhoon Rhee shows through (I myself studied TKD for years and admit that the stopping sidekick is very useful in certain situations) and gives a good name to an otherwise disrespected style. Other than that, this book (or rather, collection of books) is perfect. The formatting is a dream and the pictures are big and beautifully clear.
   
   I would definitely recommend this book to any and all dedicated martial artist with an open mind or a interest in Jeet Kune Do. I would not, however, recommend it to a non-martial artist or untrue, insincere followers of the Martial Way.



4. This book complements the Tao of Jeet Kune Do very well. I never purchased any of the individual volumes because I knew i would end up purchasing the other three. This is much more convenient.
   
   Not for the novice, unless to refer to in addition to their class, but good for somebody with knowledge of the basics. Many techiques that we were all taught to do one way are done in a much more streamlined way in this book.



5. This book is the complete edition of Bruce Lee's fighting method. I chose to buy this copy of the book(s) rather than go out and buy them all in their individual copies. I didn't waste a penny on this valuable information, as anyone can use the methods and techniques presented to protect themselves. I especially liked the self defense section, where Bruce showed some techniques from when you are in a vunerable postion such as sitting in a chair or lying down. I also found the techniques against an armed assailant easier to understand and remember than those of Krav Maga, not that I want to knock down that martial arts system. In all whether or not you are a fan of Bruce Lee, buying this book would not be a mistake. The information presented is easy to understand and remember, and you don't have to really put years of practice to get these techniques down. Jeet Kune Do may be the way to go for people looking for quick and effective self defense that is easy to do and remember. All I have left to say is.....BUY NOW!!!

5 comments about A Book of Five Rings (Go Rin no Sho) by Miyamoto Musashi. Published by MobileReference (mobi)..

1. This book is a must for any martial artist or Japanese historian. Gives a in depth look at life during the age of the Samurai when training meant life or death.



2. I have read this short series of essays a few times now.
   They can be summed up as follows.
   
   A: In a fight for your life, there is no second place.
   
   B: The way to win a fight for your life is as follows.
   1: Be smarter than your enemy
   2: Be better prepared than your enemy
   3: Have more talent than your enemy
   4: Don't be predictable to your enemy
   5: Be more determined than your enemy
   
   These things may seem obvious, but if they are, why don't we execute and win?
   This translation is clear and easily understood, especially for those who have spent some time in the martial arts, and those who have played sports or engage in competitive business. You may also enjoy The Art of War which was a lot of the inspiration for this man's life, and Musashi which is a fun story of his dueling days.



3. A Book of Five Rings (Go Rin no Sho) by Miyamoto Musashi. Published by MobileReference (mobi).
   
   This is a classic masterpiece that describes not only a style of swordsmanship, but a way of living. For those of you involved in the practice of martial arts, sports, or with an interest in historical strategy texts, I heartily recommend this ebook!



4. Although, I haven't finished this book due to a busy school schedule, The Book of Five Rings has been a great read.



5. Miyamoto Musashi circa 1645, legend has it that he was defeated as a swordsman. Basic philosophy win, style was simplistic and direct. Bruce Lee taught much the same philosophy.
   
   This is an excellent book. Have two hard back and this Kindle version now. The Five Books contained in his writings are a summation of the teachings of the Master Miyamoto Musashi.
   **********************************************************************
   From Wikipedia
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Book_of_Five_Rings#See_also
   
   * The Book of Earth chapter serves as an introduction, and metaphorically discusses martial arts, leadership, and training as building a house.
   * The Book of Water chapter describes Musashi's style, Ni-ten ichi-ryu, or "Two Heavens, One Style". It describes some basic technique and fundamental principles.
   * The Book of Fire chapter refers to the heat of battle, and discusses matters such as different types of timing.
   * The Book of Wind chapter is something of a pun, since the Japanese character can mean both "wind" and "style" (e.g., of martial arts). It discusses what Musashi considers to be the failings of various contemporary schools of swordfighting.
   * The Book of No-thing chapter is a short epilogue, describing, in more esoteric terms, Musashi's probably Zen-influenced thoughts on consciousness and the correct mindset.
   ************************************************************************

5 comments about Tao of Jeet Kune Do.

1. this book was better than I expected but Amazon did a TERRIBLE job of taping/shipping the package & by the time it came to me the cover was really damaged on the back.
   
   Amazon didn't bother but putting 1 piece of tape down the middle of the box (it was a narrow one too), and the box was in terrible shape by the time it got here.
   
   this book is a great one to buy, IF amazon (whomever ships for them)did a better job of shipping.



2. I ordered this for an xmas present for my fanatic boyfriend. Absolute great gift for him. Fast delivery and great price!!



3. This book could almost be called the New Testament of martial arts. Truly one of the seminal works of all martial arts writings. There is an initial chapter about zen, jeet kune do and the philosophical approach to his art, while the remainder of the book focuses on techniques, strategy and mechanics of training and fighting. This book was also influential in writing my book, The Way of the Martial Artist: Achieving Success in Martial Arts an in Life!
   
   Jeet Kune Do is the art of no art. There is no set curriculum as he calls it, "the formless form". In constrast, traditional martial arts systems are rich and rigid in form and specific technique backed by thoroughly developed concepts and principles.
   
   Bruce Lee never seemed to find any practical value or purpose in kata, often referring to it as meaningless drill. I believe he may not have truly delved deeply enough into it to understand that while no one in their right mind would jump into a green-belt kata in the middle of a street self-defense situation, the individual movements learned through kata can be applied at will to deal with an attacker. The founder of Aikido even said that kata should be practiced so that it could be forgotten. The goal of all martial arts, including Jeet Kune Do is to mature to a point where movement is spontaneous. Forethought becomes reaction, form becomes formlessness and your actions are dictated by your opponent's responses.
   
   Regardless of whether you approach this goal through a rigid, forms-based system of martial arts or through Bruce Lee's formless system, the principles and analytical approach that he presents provide a wealth of technical detail and are enough to keep you busy learning, practicing and interpreting his writing for a lifetime!
   
   I highly recommend this book. To omit it from your martial arts studies is a serious error no matter what style you study. Open your mind; clear your mind and then fill it with the contents of this book.
   
   Enjoy!
   
   Kevin Brett is the CEO of Kevin Brett Studios, Inc. and the author of 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. If you are totally into Bruce Lee, this is the book to have. He explains Jeet Kune Do but even better, he shares his own view and philosophy of martial arts.



5. I bought The Tao of Jeet Kune Do many years ago to supplement my Kung Fu training. One of its most amazing qualities, is that something new can be discovered in it every time that you read it. It is Jeet Kune Do, but I would argue that his principles are also Kung Fu/Wu Shu principles in origin, and clearly the result of his training roots. I believe that Bruce saw a certain weakness in the way that modern Kung Fu was progressing, and he realized that the "formlessness" of Jeet Kune Do was something of a summit, the Everest of Kung Fu at its heart. It is an immortal work, priceless in its spirit and its content. I would recommend it to any martial artist seeking a higher path and deeper understanding. Sincerely, Erik D.J. O'Brien, author of "Kur's Rage."

5 comments about Got Fight?.

1. Forrest's autobiography is a humorous parody of the MMA genre. Half these books are stories of overcoming tough childhoods to become a great fighter, half are "Here's my system of fighting." Forrest mocks both. The irony is that his co-author has written many of the books that they satire. Perhaps that's why they are able to pull it off.
   
   Don't by the book to be inspired. Don't buy the book to learn to fight. Buy the book to get a couple laughs. You don't need to be a Forrest fan to appreciate it, but you probably do need to be a guy.



2. They were crazy to not use "Death is a Journey and my Bags are Packed-The Forrest Griffin Story" as the title of the book. Here is to hoping they use it for the title of the movie (should they make one).
   
   I was disappointed in this book, but it did make me laugh out loud a handful of times. As many overcoming adversity MMA titles are already available, Krauss and Griffin did a very good job of writing an MMA comedy. The back story of how Griffin was able to put his entire life in a storage locker before coming on the ultimate fighter was not really mentioned here. They also glance over his rise to becoming UFC light-heavy weight champion.
   
   This guy really did live the modern day story of Rocky Balboa, rising from nothing to eventually beat the modern day Clubber Lang (Rampage). If a movie based on Forrest's life were made it shoudl be a drama with some comedy thrown in. Almost like a Good Will Hunting which apparently Forrest watched so many times in his apartment he broke the VHS.
   
   Book five was essentially a beginners lesson on Martial Arts. I would think that anyone with more than a years worth of martial arts training could just skim through the last chapter as it is mostly review. However, I did find the "Asian Dart" funny, and totally expected this type of non-sense from Forrest, but that is why we are all such big fans. He is the jester in the court of MMA who happened to wear the crown for a short period of time.



3. not a profound book, but he'll tell you that himself. his stories are hilarious along with the "test" you need to take to read the book. not a hard read by any means but extremely entertaining. if you like forrest's humor then you will like this book. If you just wanna read some funny sh**, then this is your book as well.



4. Forrest Griffin (with editor Eric Krauss) presents a pretty hilarious collection of short snippets in this book. Although it's subtitled "The 50 Zen Principles of Hand-to-Face Combat" there's precious little in the way of "zen principles" or even a list of 50 of anything. There is a list of 41 Fighting Tips, though. But the layout of the overall book begs the question of why that seemingly specific subtitle was chosen.
   
   Aside from the fact that there doesn't seem to be much practical information here, this book is an enjoyable read. If looked at as simply a humor book for the sake of humor this is a pretty solid read. Griffin has a surprisingly good sense of humor and it comes across on every page of the book. Much of the stories here had me laughing out loud. I wouldn't say I learned too much about how to be an ultimate fighter (go to the gym a lot, practice what you're not good at, etc.) but it's still a good read.



5. This is a dude you would not want to run across in an alley, just let me say. His book is more subdued, I would think and was really inspiring to me. I love MMA and the Ultimate Fighter, just like any other guy, and this book helped me to understand fighting more. I wouldn't say it's an instruction manuel, more like an autobigoraphy. And, hey, this guy's got some humor, too. If you're a fan of the sport, don't pass this one by. It's a purchase I have not regretted.