2 comments about Fitness for Full-Contact Fighters: Training for Muay Thai, Karate, Kickboxing, and Taekwondo.

1. I read this book very fast, the reason was that the ideas and contents of the book were so basic and to be honest, nothing interesting for me. I was looking for advanced tips and contents which I couldn`t find them in the book. Howver, It `s a nice reference book for your library.



2. Purchased this book from other book store. I also have a quick reading to finish the book, found out only basic knowledge on both fitness and stretching. Pictures attached are helpful. I only refer to remind me on certain muscle group to both train up and stretching.

1 comments about Muay Thai Boran: The Martial Art of Thailand.

1. I am very familiar with Ajarn De Cesaris and his work. He is a very well versed practitioner of Muay Thai and Muay Boran. I liked his videos (mostly). I am however very disappointed with the book. I felt there was way too much tooting of his own horn and very little technical information. There was however plenty of historical information and perpectives from the author himself. But over and over again we hear how his organization is the one that did this or that. I know already your contribution and feel it unnecessary to hear it 25 times. I thought that someone as passionate about spreading the Thai National Arts would have given a little more technical information on the actual techniques vs. theories and perspectives. Indeed the only techniques or tricks actually described were the same ones described in Panya Kraitus' book over 15 years ago. Nothing new in the way of techniques here, only a few different angles on the history and traditions. In this book I feel he points out and exploits what to me is the obvious. We know Muay Thai has grown and become accepted worldwide. We know it is generally accepted amongst MMA fighters. We know the author has helped the movement towards the ancient style of Muay Thai "Muay Boran". We know Muay Thai is ever changing. If you have read any of the other books on Muay Thai you also know the basic Mae Mai and Look Mai techniques described in this book. although the authors perspectives are interesting this book seems much more of a marketing ploy to me to get you to buy the authors videos,attend his seminars or join his organization because if you don't... you will actually learn very little from this book.

5 comments about Muay Thai Kickboxing: The Ultimate Guide To Conditioning, Training, And Fighting.

1. Chad Boykin writes a solid book on kickboxing technique and tactics. The book has plenty of illustrative and high contrasting photos to demonstrate his concepts. The book layout is logical and covers a wide variety of bases (those already familiar with weight training and aerobic training may want to skip it). The real value of the book, I believe, is in his use of combinations and pad drills. These parts provide a great reference and empower the intermediate fighter in making his/her own favorite personal combinations. Too few books provide such detail and examples for this important material... As in any case this provides a good supplement and/or refresher of muay thai, though people truly wanting to learn this great style of fighting should start with a qualified instructor. More advanced fighters will not get too much out of this manual; there is very little material on the culture of Muay Thai and how it is practiced in Thailand, very little coverage of principles and mechanics of the style (which should also be addressed for true beginners) and very little on fighting strategy. Boykin provides a solid book for those interested in tactics which ideally suits advanced beginners and intermediate practitioners of the martial sport.



2. The emphasis of this book seems to be conditioning more than technique. However, that doesn't mean it isn't good. There are five full chapters on physical fitness, and it's probably the most complete program I've seen in a martial arts book. The conditioning covered is everything from calesthetics to weight training to stretching to cardio. For those who are wondering what fitness has to do with fighting, well, it's a lot easier to defeat a person of equal skill and greater size if you have superior conditioning. Anyway, I found these chapters easy to follow, and very insightful. As far as the techniques go, they are described fairly well, and following a single offensive move are the defenses against it. Punches are given the most detail, with sidebars providing extra tips for each punch. Just for the record, pgs. 15-70 are devoted to these techniques. There's also a chapter on training drills, which covers equipment and different drills to do based on what skill you want to emphasise. On the down side, the "self-defense" section was kind of baren, the history chapter seemed a little rushed, and many combinations seemed to favor no-holds-barred contests instead of Muay Thai, in that there were throws and chokes. Overall, a very good book, I just don't think it truly presented Muay Thai. MMA/NHB atheletes might find it useful, as well as folks who are trying to spruce up their self-defense/full contact training. Also, anyone who wants to use a Kickboxing-based workout program.



3. If you want to be the best striker in your dojo this is the book to buy. Also buy all the Benny Urquidez Martial Arts training books together your knowledge of striking will be awsome. Also join a good Muay Thai School then compete against Tae Kwon Do Stylists. Then see how easy it is to defeat Tae Kwon Do Black Belts. Buy the book its brillant.



4. The author spends the entire introduction claiming how Muay Thai is the most effective self defense martial art out there. But in doing so, he turns a condescending attitude towards every other martial art. He says that Hollywood makes 120 pound women believe that they can defend themselves with "windmill" punches. Yet the author, himself, is the one who succumbs to the myths surrounding other martial arts.
   
   So he believes other martial arts like Tae Kwon Do and Karate are useless because all they teach is flashy movie moves. But this only goes to show that the author has absolutely no idea what the other arts teach authentically. TKD and Karate do not emphasize 720 degree jump spinning monkey kicks to protect oneself. In fact, the first thing you learn in a TKD or Karate school is to punch and to defend yourself against a punch. Just because all these Hollywood and Hong Kong movies utilise flashy moves does not mean that other martial arts teach that this is the way to defend yourself in a real fight.
   
   Kickboxing has its limitations just like any other art. If you get grabbed and thrown by a judoka, what are you going to do? Does kickboxing teach you how to fight from the ground?
   
   If you're a Brazilian jiu-jitsu artist and you get into a fight with more than one opponent, what are you going to do? Slap on a submission hold while a guy comes up from behind you and stabs you?
   
   Instead of proclaiming that he and his style of fighting is the best, the author should really think about what he's saying. Style bashing (as it is commonly known in the martial arts circles) only shows ignorance.
   
   I haven't seen this author defend himself in a street fight or fight in a no holds barred tournament. But I have seen Tae Kwon Do and Karate guys defend themselves perfectly in a real life street fight against multiple opponents and in one on one situations. And there was a K1 (Kickboxing) competition in which Muay Thai fighters fought against Kyokushin Karate opponents. Guess who won? That's right, Karate.
   
   And these are gripes I have just about the Introduction!
   
   The rest of the book was pretty useless. He says that the book is about conditioning and techniques. The conditioning section only consists of pictures of a guy lifting weights.
   
   ...all I can say is that it was completely useless.
   
   No effort to tell how much weight to use, how many sets, how many reps, and workout schedules? I know how to lift a dumbbell and do a bench press. I don't need this guy's book to show me a picture of it.
   
   And the techniques section was very basic. If you have even seen a kickboxing competition, you will probably learn more from just watching it than from the useless (!@$&) this guy shows.
   
   This book is a definite waste of money written by an egotistical ignoramus who wants to sound like he is the best fighter in the world and knows everything about fighting. Yet he can't even put together a simple book on anything useful about kickboxing. Don't buy unless you really want to waste your money. There are much better books on Muay Thai on Amazon. Actually, any other book on Mauy Thai on Amazon is better than this one.
   
   I was duped into buying this based on all the other favorable reviews on Amazon. But now I know that they must have been left by the author or his friends. Or by people who have never trained seriously in Muay Thai or any other martial art.
   
   A much better book is Complete Kickboxing by Martina Sprague and Keith Linvingston.



5. While this book does have some good information, and lots of photos to demonstrate techniques, the author doesn't even actually seem to demonstrate that he realizes any difference between muay thai and kick boxing. All in all, i would rather not have bought this book, but am not terribly upset that i did. So, not a terrible buy, but don't expect too much.

5 comments about Nearfall: Book One - The Adventures of Matt and Mike.

1. I am a 13 year old boy, and the first page of this book had me hooked. I may not be a wrestler, but it showed me situations that happen at my age, and ways to get out of them. This book will just keep you turning the pages, wanting to know what will happen next. Thank you for this book.



2. I am a father of six, five of whom are girls. The boy would not read, until I got this book for him. I think he's actually read it twice! This is also a great book for anyone interested in wrestling, as it is written by a former college wrestler who knows of what he writes.



3. This is such a wonderful story that both children and adults will enjoy. The dynamic between the brothers and the family is incredible and each character is so well written that by the end of the story, I was left wanting more. I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next one.



4. Awesome book...It is easy to relate to all the characters and we have all known someone like Matt, Mike, Dan, Billy, TJ and even Kimberly during our childhood. Joe Reasbeck does an excellent job sharing their problems and opportunities plus how they all adapt and overcome the challenges of adolescence. My son loved it as well. Great book for any school age boy whether they wrestle or not...Great Book



5. This probably isn't where I need to say this but I was looking at one book to order and in the mix of looking for a better offer and so on I ended up with two books ordered from two different people and couldn't change it so I inadvertinatly bought both. I did not know that I had until I recieved conformation of order and billing. One book came right away and the other took a few weeks. I'm still waiting for a dvd. I'm not sure that I like Amazon............ I love the book and will loan out my 2nd copy to young wrestlers in the area to read.
   Thanks
   sportsmom

4 comments about Muay Thai: Advanced Thai Kickboxing Techniques.

1. While I'm glad there are more books on Muay Thai coming out, enough already with false titles. There is nothing "advanced" about this book. In fact, if you have spent more than a few months in any decent gym, you will find this a pretty boring book
   
   I'm tired of so called instructional books filled with pictures of tourist sites, random pics of Thais standing around and pages of "this is me with my coach". Noe of that is instructional in nature, nor is advice on how to get a visa to Thailand....
   
   The technique is fairly basic, good quality pictures and if you are a beginner you will learn something, but the title is way off the mark



2. I was really disappointed in this book. I don't know who could benefit from it. It's too elementary for semi-advanced students but doesn't cover basics so it stinks for the beginner!
   The descriptions are a little vague and the photos do not explain much. There are a few great action shots but nothing you can learn from. There were too many "portrait" photos of Thai competitors.
   Overall I did learn a few things but it was not worth the read ...or the money.



3. I bought this book in Thailand. Everyone in our camp liked the book, because it is real Muay Thai. Great pictures and professional fighters.



4. The book "Muay Thai: Advanced Thai Kickboxing Techniques" by Christoph Delp shows that the author has gained experience in fighting and training in Thailand. The techniques range from basic up to some I haven't even heard of, despite the years I have worked out in Thailand. This book is very good to use additional to the daily work out in the gym. Of course a book can't teach you how to become a good fighter, but even some "professionals" should take the chance to re-read some of the excellent descriptions regarding the shown techniques! Additional to the good text work, the photos are making it easy to follow the different movements. Reading the book and the included interviews plus viewing the photos of the thai-stars and high officials, gives you an impression on how the special atmosphere in Thailand is like. All in all for me this is the only book that was written out of the view and the experiences of someone (a farang) who lived and practiced in Thailand not somewhere else! Excellent work.

5 comments about Muay Thai: A Living Legacy Vol 1., 2nd Ed..

1. This is a beautiful book; i.e. glossy pages with great pictures. However, Techniques instructions are too basic without depth or details. I guess it a good book for your coffee table or if you're new to Muay Thai. But if you are serious about learning Muay Thai, get "Muay Thai: The Most Distinguished Art of Fighting".



2. You wont go wrong if your searching for an all-round muah thai info book.



3. Great book. It exposes readers to the traditions and important customs when practicing Muay Thai, and includes great training information and techniques.



4. A very good, high quality book about some of the basic techniques in the muay thai arsenal. 4 or 5 weapons of fist, elbow, leg and knee are adressed and explained. Beginners in the sport of muay thai or thai boxing should seriously consider aquiering this book, as it will definitely help their progress. Extras are a bit of the history of the sport, hand wrapping, traditional wear and combination techniques. Each technique is clearly explained with full color photographs. So you apply what you read.



5. I've been looking for this book for a while and finally found it. It was recommended by Ajarn Chai Sirisute who I had the honor to meet in 2006 along with Guro Dan Inosanto. It's a great book for historical facts and there are techniques (basics/intermediate) that anyoned can learn. I believe this book would be a great addition to anyone's library of the arts. It is a great book with great historical pictures and is an easy read. Plus a bonus poster in the pocket in the back on Wai Khru Ram Muay. . .awesome.
   
   Much respect.

5 comments about Fighting Strategies of Muay Thai: Secrets of Thailand's Boxing Camps.

1. BOM LIVRO, MUITO ILUSTRADO,DETALHADO MAS CONTUDO FALTARAM MAIS INFORMAÇÕES SOBRE PROJEÇÃO E NÃO SE PRENDEU A TÉCNICAS AVANÇADAS E É O QUE ESTÁ FALTANDO EM VÁRIOS outros livro de muay thai que possuo.



2. Villalobos (The true contributor of this book) is the REAl DEAL, who show us the true picture of what are being taught in Thailand's camps. Not a step-by-step guide for beginners, but any intermediate to advanced martial artists would surly benefit from this book.



3. This is a great book. I bought 3 Muay Thai Books and I stopped buying it after I purchased this one. This book is compilation of author's training experience at Thailand and at his gym(Dojo) with his students. If you are a beginner, it gives clear conditioning plan with things to consider and also it gives tips on fighting strategies. However, this book is little light on technical side.
   
   All in all, this is a good book and if you are serious about training and want a book to supplement your training, this is where you should start.



4. Muay Thai is one of the few external martial arts styles I greatly admire. No-nonsense but deep, it is perfect for self defense or competing. So far this is the best book on Muay Thai I read. I wouldn't say: "Read this book and go bust skulls"- but if you are wondering what's Muay Thai like before you want to start training, and don't want to rely on some hear-say info, this book is for you.



5. A must have in the library of any muay thai practitioner. Real advanced topics adressing types of opponents, defensive and offensive manuevers for and against each style fighter, plus workout programs and dietary guidelines. Really well written.

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

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



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



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



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



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

3 comments about Muay Thai Unleashed.

1. Erich Krauss has got to be the best author of martial arts instructionals going today. This is clearly the definitive book on Muay Thai kickboxing, and I think it's even better than his outstanding book on jiu-jitsu, Jiu-Jitsu Unleashed (w/ Eddie Bravo). If you are someone who wants to learn everything there is to know about this exciting sport, look no further than this book!



2. Comparing both Krauss's JiuJitsu Unleashed to this book is like comparing apples and oranges. There is no correlation as they are altogether different disciplines. This was the first martial arts instructional book I have read on the art of striking, and I found it to be very edifying. The art of Mui Thai is a lot more versatile and practical than any other striking combat discipline, so I found Krauss's approach and exposition on the tradition of Mui Thai to be greatly detailed and refreshing. He gives a rich background of every day Mui Thai fighter in Thailand and the rigorous training they're subjected to. He covers all facets of training, even giving recommendations on which equiptment to use, such as pads and such that will enhance your experience. This book acquaints us to the basics of Mui Thai, foot movements and stances. Overall a great book.



3. This book is written well and instruction is laid out simply, however it is lacking a little in visual aid. Photos are black and white and feature two young brothers that look pretty identical. It can be difficult to see who is doing the described move in some areas of the book.
   Other than that, the author has a well-expressed voice, offers a little of Muay Thai history (but not too much), and provides adequate instruction for all of the moves NEEDED to get into a Muay Thai pit.
   *Be informed that this book focuses on technique and is somewhat short on drills and training exercises.

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

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



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



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



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



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