2 comments about Kung Fu for Young People.

1. I bought this book to teach my kids some self-defense basics, and to give them a healthy form of practical exercise.

   I haven't begun going through the book with them, but I read through a lot of it so I could be more adept at helping them with the topics.

   I have taken some brief training in fencing, kara te, and more in akido. So, I am not totally unaware of the goals of such training.

   What I saw so far in the book looked practical, it was nice to see some moves used from a position of being on the ground, i.e. in case you get knocked down by an attacker. It had some good tips for getting limber and building strength.

   However, the cartoons and "storybook" approach in the some of the text are very dated and perhaps even useless as a way of entertaining a reader approaching teenage years (to whom I suspect this book is aiming) given the exposure to so much multi-media junk these days.

   A more simple, and instructive format of image data would allow the book to be more timeless and applicable, while being less "entertaining".

   Still, what I read of the stances, kicks, and so forth lead me to believe there were some good moves to be learned from applying this book. It is nice to find a book that gets to the point, for the most part, on such a topic and that allows me to teach my children.




2. This is a great learning book for kids, it has illustrated pictures,like a comic book and very good lessons of honor and respect. The fundamentals of kung fu are there. I would recommend this book for 7 and up.

4 comments about Simply Karate W/DVD.

1. I've just looked through the written material and watched the dvd.
   
   This is a perfectly good dvd for a number of purposes.
   
   On the one hand, if you're looking for a Christmas present for a kid who likes karate, this won't be far off. On the other hand, karate enthusiasts are sometimes totally focussed on their own particular styles, and hate anything that's not in exactly that style. Especially if they're young.
   
   Another use for this dvd/book combo is as an overview. If you're thinking of taking karate, and you wonder what it's all about, this is a useful overview of a bunch of techniques.
   
   The production values are very good, by the way. Good audio, good camera (it doesn't move much, but the camera angle is fine, and the picture is clear). There are occasional closeups of a foot position or hand position, when that is appropriate.
   
   The materials I have don't set out a clear martial arts bibliography for the author/demonstrator (essentially, the materials say he's been studying since he was a kid). Usually, this sort of dvd tells you the instructor, his style, and the specific instructors who trained him.
   
   Frankly, that's not terribly important for most purposes for which you'll use this dvd.
   
   There's another purpose for this dvd, and it's what I was looking for; I can use this as a sort of warmup, aerobic, basic technique dvd. I can pop it in, and just follow along until I get warmed up and out of breath.
   
   Essentially, I plan to use this dvd as a sort of a tai-bo substitute. That is, for me this'll be an exercise video instead of an overview video.
   
   There are a lot of different karate styles. Most people aren't able to tell the difference between them because the legit styles all use the same basic techniques, and the major differences show up in emphasis and differences in techniques. Some styles use higher stances, some lower.
   
   The demonstrator appears to be a student of a Mas Oyama student (Kyokushinkai), and his style is close enough to the style I've studied that I can mindlessly follow along and get a pretty good workout.
   
   Is it perfect? Well, no, but little in this world is perfect. But as an overview of basic karate techniques, or a sort of mostly aerobic exercises/karate exercises/stretching/warmup video, it's better than a lot that's on the market.
   
   In fact, it's the best I've seen, but while I plan to use this for my off days as a workout, I'm still looking for a dvd that's specifically a workout using good quality karate technique.
   
   This is pretty close, and it's cheap as dirt, so I'm giving it four stars.



2. There other reviews for this title on Amazon.uk that give a good overview of this title as well. I do not have the book, but actually bought this dvd as part of a dvd/card set that was marketed in Australia. The dvd is the same though. As others have mentioned, what is presented is basically a syllabus for Kyokushin karate. There is not a wealth of Kyokushin material out there, so this is a welcome addition.
   The workout on the dvd is excellent, after a nice warm-up, one does a lot of reps of a wide variety of strikes and punches and kicks including some not typically seen (spleen strikes anyone?) in most dvds. The workout is about 90 minutes in length and it will open your pores. At the end of the strikes and kicks, there is a nice brief conditioning section where one does thirty knuckle push ups, thirty crunches and thirty squats, this is followed by a brief breathing exercise and meditation/stance training in a cat stance.
   
   This dvd hits all the right buttons. It looks like it was shot outside in tropical Queensland and the lush foliage background is easier on the eyes than the usual bland sound stage of other dvds. Another great advantage of this dvd is that it teaches one how to say all the strikes and kicks in Japanese. Often traditional Kyokushin classes use the Japanese terminology, so this is an excellent way to acquire it. This is the best morning workout one can buy as it does it all. I am NOT a morning person and, while I could in theory do all this on my own, I need the motivation of someone telling me what to do next, otherwise I end up standing in the middle of my living room floor scratching myself, waiting for the coffee to brew. If 90 minutes is too long for your morning workout, you can just do the warmups and hand strikes and conditioning, and do the kicks and the next day. Perfect way to wake up the body for the day.
   
   I am giving it five stars due to the huge variety of Kyokushin strikes and kicks in a straight ahead workout that a guy can do without feeling like a sissy if his mates come over while doing his exercise dvd. No lycra or cutesy fitness models, just an impossibly buff Aussie bloke in a gi pushing you to do your best. The price is also excellent, if you compare it to many of the other martial arts dvds being peddled. Buy this dvd.
   Osu.



3. I bought this because I knew almost nothing about karate, there was little cash risk, and I thought it would supplement my (even cheaper) karate flash cards, which weren't too satisfactory. This DVD is probably one of the best investments, all things considered, I have ever made regarding any topic. It is at once a work of art (you won't believe the "dojo"), interesting (regarding the warmups and the karate techniques demonstrated), and useful (for working out, at least). I find following along with Mark and doing the things he demonstrates on one foot to be quite challenging and fun at my advanced states of age and blubber. In fact, I bought another copy, one to give to a deserving warrior candidate, probably a grand-offspring. I am not quite ready for a makiwara, but I can posture much more convincingly than with just the flash cards, and I am toying with the idea of visiting a dojo when I get firmed up a bit. If you are a total but interested novice, Mark Richardson's DVD is a great source of information without having to wade through mystical history, hype, and other "bologna". I don't believe Mark mentions which style he demonstrates, I had no idea, and I thank the other reviewers for their remarks about this.



4. This DVD provides a comprehensive, intense martial-arts workout. I have been a practicing karateka for the past 11 years and am advanced in rank. This workout can still challenge me! The strikes, blocks, and kicks are similar (almost the same) as those used in the Bushidokan system in which I train. Even if you are new to martial arts, you will find this DVD helpful. Just take it more slowly than the more advanced student. You will find yourself building strength, stamina, and confidence. Mark Richardson provides an excellent workout and an excellent replacement to the dojo on the days I cannot be there. I highly recommend this DVD--and get it while you can, while supplies last. It is not easy to get a copy!

No comments about Aikido: The Basics.

No comments about More Than Victims: Battered Women, the Syndrome Society, and the Law (Morality and Society Series).

No comments about Armed for Personal Defense.

No comments about DEFY the Bad Guy Powerful Practical Self-Defense Strategies for Every Woman.

3 comments about Mastering Wushu.

1. This is a great reference for anyone interested in Wushu. This book has detailed pictures and explanations of the awesome moves that you see in the old Jet Li and Jackie Chan movies, such as, Jumping Slap Kicks, Butterfly Kicks/Twists, Jumping Inside Fall, and Dragon Coils Up (true classics!) The names of the movements are provided in both English and Chinese.
   
   I highly recommend you also get the sister DVD (ISBN: 978-1934347310), which covers an advanced routine in addition to all the moves covered in this book. You can only appreciate how incredibly fast Jiang Bangjun is on video.



2. A great reference and learning tool for Long Fist (Changquan). Demonstrates stretching, basic techniques, and step by step of the Elementary Long Fist 3rd Duan form.
   
   I also recommend the sister DVD which I purchased from [...] . Amazon does not carry it currently. The two together are a great combo for mastering the basics of long fist.



3. This book is great for wushu beginners. It has verry detailed instruction and it has photographs so that you can get a visual aid for better understanding. It has information on warmups, stretches, kicks, jumps, and it covers one of the beginner forms (32 long fist). I only wish that Jiang BangJun will publish more books with advanced forms and weapon instructions. Overall, a great book for reference and people interested in starting wushu.

No comments about Japanese Throwing Weapons: Mastering Shuriken Throwing Techniques.

5 comments about The Science of Takedowns, Throws & Grappling for Self-defense.

1. Not many photos or techniques.
   
   I expected lots of photographs and lots of techniques as in every other book I had previously bought in Amazon.
   
   However, as I have looked at it deeper and due to training, I realised that to teach self defense you may not need to put lots of techniques into your arsenal, but those you may apply at any moment or situation.
   I now find this book much more interesting and valuable than 3 years ago. Not lots of techniques, but you may not need many of them.
   All you need is to practise a lot the ones collected in this book so you can apply them well from any position, as aikido people pretend to do.



2. One of the difficult problems confronting authors writing books on martial arts is how to handle the wide range of audiences. This books ignores that problem by focusing on the concepts themselves. So the sharp beginning student has all the grounding in what is going on just as well as advanced students who may already know from experience that different techniques worked but really had no understanding why or how. The slower students will be challenged by the amount of material covered and the depth it is dealt with -- but they can re-read the concepts until they understand them and work at their own pace. I am pleased the author takes time to give tips on how to fall and safety in general -- something that is sometimes missed in books that just want to get to heart of the subject without realizing some guys don't have a clue about how they can hurt themselves. In addition to the thorough treatment of takedowns, throws and grappling, again with all the background concepts and simple physics necessary to understand what is actually going on, the author has a unique perspective -- smaller guy dealing with a larger opponent. From my experience, this is unusual and extremely helpful. Many books take a one shoe fits all feet approach. Since that one size approach usually works out that the hypothetical average guy is around six feet tall and 180 pounds, both smaller guys and inexperienced guys are at a disadvantage.
   Some of us smaller dogs don't want to stay on the porch since we can't run with the big dogs. Nice to know we don't have to. Also in a perfect world, all work out partners are your size, but in reality that is rarely the case and more often than not they are heavier than you. Plowing ahead into a guy who outweighs you by 20 or 30 pounds is a sure way to grind yourself down and invite injury. But recognizing that you do not have to muscle the other guy or use a technique in just one way in order to take down a bigger guy is a very helpful and powerful concept. Even big heavies can be more effective using the solid techniques explained in the book, which arebased on simple physics, rather than their size. Consequently, this underlying sensitivity to the reality of a fighting situation makes this book particularly useful.
   I don't consider myself a sexist, but I seriously wondered if a female author on martial arts would deal with points I considered important. Since fighting seems such a guy thing, I think many guys might share this question. I am glad I took the risk to see for myself. This is without doubt one of the best books around. It is serious and very useful study of the fundamentals of fighting presented from rock solid foundations. So many books simply show techniques and assume you will somehow make them work when that is the last thing on your opponent's mind. This author explains the dots you need to connect in order to make a effective "book" technique work -- just learning techniques are not enough to make them work. The book is always thorough and grounded in reality that comes from obvious experience. The focus isn't simply to give you an arsenal of techniques, though it does, but rather to make sure you understand what basic concepts need to be respected in a particulas aspect of fighting. Working through the basic concepts may be less dramatic than following the pictures to learn particular techniques, but it is a surer recipe to success.



3. Personally I didn't care for this book. There was a couple things in the book that were informative but the book a as whole I didn't think was worth it. It's just my opinion, but I don't think it would help a grappler or mma student with his/her game; there are better books for that. Perhaps it would be helpful for someone just looking for some knowledge of general self defense.
   
   Maybe her other books are excellent, I don't know, but this book seemed like kind of a let down compared to it's name and summary of what it is about.



4. a great book that has concepts that i always use in my martial arts training. if you are involved in self defence/ grappling this book is a must have



5. I just finished reading this book last night and am left with mixed feelings. The book doesn't seem to have a focus for who the audience is. In one sense the book is extremely basic and therefore not suited for advanced practitioners. I have 21 years in Martial Arts as of 03/31 and have 5 Black Belts. Much of the time, I felt like I was reading material that I already knew. This in and of itself isn't a bad thing as I have a good knowledge base and can see how the information could be beneficial to those "not in the know". However if I were a basic level student the books descriptions are so spartan and general that I would have little idea what it was describing. The lack of enough photos to present a sequential flow also hurts here. Therefore neither the advanced or the beginner student can get the full value of this book. Also the book is heavy on repetition to the point of feeling stretched. It doesn't help that some of the contained subject matter is only shown to connect to grappling on a cursory level. I give this book 3 stars in that it isn't a bad book but at the same time it doesn't cater to a specific audience in any focused fashion.

5 comments about In Search of the Warrior Spirit: Teaching Awareness Disciplines to the Green Berets.

1. There appears to be something about this edition that invites reviewers to disclose their background, so I'll follow suit. My background is as a behavioral health practitioner (i.e., "shrink"). In addition to my clinical practice, I work with leaders of all stripes. Been practicing Aikido for 17 years. No military experience (but certainly have wondered what it would be like).
   
   I find this book very fascinating and re-read it every few years or so. I've recommended it to many clients, both military and non-military. Every client I've given the book to has found it very helpful. The book has much to say about violence/non-violence, men's issues, life in the military, consulting in organizations, and other facets of life. The thing I most appreciate about this book is the author's willingness to disclose so much about his personal experience.
   
   DISCLOSURE: I've never had the priviledge of meeting the author (hope to change that some day), but he graciously agreed to write a foreword to a new interpretation of the Tao Te Ching that I'm writing (The book is scheduled for release in 2007). I'm not writing a favorable review because he wrote a foreword for me ... I asked him to write a foreword because I have so much respect for his work.



2. This is a lame book by a New Age nobody who wasted his time with a bunch of Green Berets (a group of guys who think they alone possess initiative and free-thinking skills).



3. I read this book with an interest in the training and background of the Army Special Forces. In this book an Aikido instructor which is a soft-style type of martial art in the San Francisco Bay Area in the "hippie" town of Mill Valley is assigned to train some Green Berets to get in touch with their sensitive side as an Army experiment to make them more effective in their jobs. Two other associates are hired by the author to help change the SF thinking and mindset. And although I found the background of these men to be interesting I failed to see what was accomplished by this mission. Were these SF guys suppose to become more introspective as they are killing the enemy? If anyone figures it out let me know. For the confusion I give it three stars.



4. For the life of me I cannot understand how so many people gave this book such a high rating, or how the military thinks the program is so good.
   
   I love to read, but this book was a struggle to get through. I had hoped to find some new insights in focusing and training, but the author preferred to write this as a diary of sorts. Many times he was rhapsodizing about something like the sight of a hawk wheeling in the clear blue morning sky.
   
   I don't think that Green Berets should be "kill-bots", but by the time any military force takes the field, noble precepts like "humanity" and the interconnectedness of life is irrelevant. I have studied Aikido, but a lethal situation is not the time to try to understand an adversary and gently show an him that we are all humans together.
   
   I gave this one star because I couldn't give it a half star. A much better book was former SEAL Richard J. Machowicz's "Unleash The Warrior Within: Develop the Focus, Discipline, Confidence and Courage You Need to Achieve Unlimited Goals". That was a five-star book.



5. The author doesn't spend enough time explaining what he taught in this class. Instead, he explains his concerns while he was preparing, and his anxieties after he presented. But he didn't describe what he was preparing, and he doesn't describe the nuts and bolts of what the training was.
   From the book, it sounds like he just taught the men to sit quietly. It seems there wasn't enough involved in the class to explain more. Just sit and remain still.
   So, i found the focus of the book on the men's reaction to this type of exercise. But if you are a meditation trainer, you won't find info on how to present meditation to this type of audience.
   The book could be half the length, the insights derived could have been communicated without so many words.