4 comments about Chinese Kara-Ho Kempo: Fundamental Practice and Techniques.

1. 2 stars is earned by the unique historical information on Prof. Chow in Ch. 1. Obviously, I am unable to make comments on his art. Detailed history would get 5 stars. Ch. 2-3 is about stretching, stances, and a plug for pills. Yawn. The photos include complete bodies. The captions seldom describe form rather than function. Yawn. There are more pictures of conditioning and leaping high kicks than anything else. That's acrobatics, not street fighting. There are many pictures of a female holding a foot high in the air. This looks like a book about tournament-oriented kickboxing.

   Then, there's the touchy subject of mastery. Ok. Here's the fishy part. How does one secure a promotion from 1st degree black belt to 5th degree in two years (1978-80, plus his training with Chow from age 18-21) and then to 9th degree in four years, 1978-1984? Mastery takes a long time. Hand out grades do not. Kuoha writes that he was training remotely because he visited Chow weeks at a time. He insults all of the schools in California and doesn't mention a training partner in California. So, unless he names his training situation in California, we can only assume solo practice. In one chapter, Kuoha writes that these training sessions were 14-15 hrs/day. In another, 15-16 hrs/day. Didn't he check his own book? Also, he states that he medically retired from the police force and then renewed his studies with Chow. How does someone so physically-challenged manage to train hard core martial arts? This makes little sense to me. This situation deserves a more detailed explanation to rescue it from a a Grand Canyon in credibility.

   Kuoha should write a detailed book on Kempo, specifically the training methods and demeanor of Chow. Little is written on the life of this Hawaiian pioneer. I bet Kuoha has a *lot* to offer, but it's not in this book.




2. I missed the one page on Sam's training partners, mostly because the photo of his ice-breaking stunt was a real turnoff. The author should have written that he studied a number of non-Kenpo arts and trained with proficient partners. One line reads that he collected black belts in several other arts. The more I read, the fishier it gets. Kuoha will have to write a detailed chronicle of his training to explain his lineage. Right now, it appears that he has difficulty explaining how he inherited the top position of Chow's organization with a few years of off-site training.

   After reading the book several times, I'm still left with the impression that Kuoha really needs a show to promote Chow's art. Somehow, I get the impression that the pressures of commercialism are great on the shoulders of Kuoha. Perhaps it's time to leave Kenpo and move on to disco karate.




3. This may not be the best book, on telling you how to appropriately master this particular style of martial art, but it does have cute ka'imi kuoha, and her sexy feet, in it!......



4. While nothing can replace a good instructor in learning martial arts (there is more to learning any art than simply the mechanics of how to do the moves), this book does a good job in covering the basics of any good martial art; stretching, conditioning, strikes and kicks. In addition, it provides a good history of the Kara-ho system. The conditioning goes beyond warm up and provides effective exercises that enhance fighting performance. The strikes and kicks are presented in pratical terms of how they are used (application). The only I would have liked to see more of is the techniques of Kara-Ho which make it such a devastatingly effective martial art.

4 comments about Stopping Power: Why 70 Million Americans Own Guns.

1. An award-winning science fiction writer, Schulman has penned a well-written, forcefully argued explanation of why gun ownership by good people enhances public safety. The book is a collection of essays that Schulman has written over the last several years. Some of the essays were first printed in the Los Angeles Times, while others have shown up on computer bulletin boards and similar places. Many of the essays deal with the meaning of the Second Amendment, and with why ordinary folks should be allowed to carry a gun for protection. Schulman persuasively shows that such laws--rather than turning a state into "the wild west"--actually enhance the safety of everyone--including people who don't choose to carry a gun. Schulman's writing style is clear, and fun to read. The straight-forward writing and the short chapters make Stopping Power is a good first book for people who want to learn more about the gun issue. Stopping Power is also an excellent choice for your friends who are anti-gun, but who have enough intellectual curiousity to want to check out the argument in favor of gun ownership. By the time they're finished with Stopping Power, they may well have decided to switch sides in the gun control struggle. Review by Dave Kopel, Independence Institute, http://i2i.org.



2. I have studied writings and listened to many arguments on the Second Amendment, its true meaning and intent by our constitutional framers. This book is the best collection of "fact-based" pro-gun arguements that will convince the most staunch gun-control advocate of the dangers in that folly. It is a must read for those seeking the truth about our Second Amendment and the true reason thereof. Mr. Schulman's style of writing, his sincerity and belief in freedom lends itself to a truly great read. If you want to inform your anti-gun friends of the true dangers of "gun control", THIS BOOK IS A MUST!



3. It's difficult to understand the enthusiasm other reviewers feel for this book. While I am a staunch advocate of Second Amendment rights, "Stopping Power" adds little to the debate. The book contains very little material written orginally for this edition; rather, it's a compilation of various unpleasant e-mail threads and letters to the editor. It seriously aggravated me to have paid for a book containing verbatim transcripts of junk I could have read for free on the Internet. Mr. Schulman is bright and makes some strong arguments, but overall the work is shoddy -- petulant, unscholarly, and devoid of editing.

   Pass on this one.




4. This book has been quoted in many places including Congressional hearings, federal appellate-court briefs, the Internet, and other publications including national magazines and Washington think-tank white-papers. It's wonderful to have at your fingertips so much information covering so many aspects of firearms ownership, self defense, and gun-control laws.

   You get a real insight into the prejudiced and corrupt workings of the media and government in their unceasing attempt to diminish your natural right of self-defense. Very few books have provided a step-by-step analysis of the manipulation necessary to convince the public to support the proven counterproductive gun-restriction agenda.

   Unlike many academic treatises on this subject, Stopping Power has many original insights, frequent moments of real humor, and avoids focusing on some narrow aspect of the topic, such as merely the crime statistics or legal arguments. One of the best things about the book is that the author doesn't rely on debating straw men but instead goes into the real world--ACLU pamphlets, TV Public Service Announcements, and even on-line chat rooms--to bring out the actual concerns and thought processes of those who are afraid to allow gun ownership. Then the author uses the best available technical expertise, criminology, and legal scholarship to answer these concerns--concisely, wittily, and decisively.

   The Center for the Study of Crime recommends this as one of the best books in the field and it is without doubt the most entertaining.

5 comments about Training with the Master: Lessons with Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido.

1. The book is basically a big collection of photos taken by Walther V. Krenner with John Stevens' "Art of Peace" included at the end.
   Unlike other collection of photos of O Sensei, these are connected and are telling a story. Kinda like 'A day in the life of O sensei'.
   The only thing I didn't like about it was John Stevens' way of describing O Sensei though Indian mysticism and Yoga.
   I regard it as a very nice coffee table book and a very nice way to describe Aikido and O sensei to people.



2. Straight from the master. It doesn't get better than this. An outstanding book that gives you the background for learning Aikido. This book can save you many hours of dojo time in your advancement through Aikido.



3. .... ...to tell the truth - when I picked it up, that's what I thoughtit was [just another book on him.] The pictures in this book make it much more than that. After reading it, I can say that the pictures are wonderful, and the text compliments them well. It is not a heavy-reading book - more of a coffee-table book, but wonderful none the less. Anyone who has visited an Aikido dojo has probably seen pictures of a serious O'Sensei staring out at them from the shrine. This book has wonderful pictures of O'Sensei late in his life, "at the summit of his career as a spiritual seeker." as the book describes him. The pictures showed me a side of O'Sensei's spirit that I hadn't experienced before in other books. In these pictures, O'Sensei seems to glow, looking at time like a Taoist sage, and at other times like a playful imp (this written with the utmost respect for O'Sensei). The pictures of him smiling are a delight to see. I would encourage anyone interested in Aikido to look at this book.



4. As a new student to Aikido I espically enjoyed the many pictures of the master. Since I cannot meet the master, this is a beautiful collection of photos of which to know him by. One can't help but love his warm and genuine smile. There are many inspirational sayings at the end of this book, which lead the reader to aspire to leading a peaceful and constructive life.



5. The book is described as "Lessons with......". I really didn't find any AiKiDo lessons. A lot of (good) photos of the Master - yes, but not a single lesson explained. Not even close to what I expected. Planned to return the book, only to find that it cost more in postage (international) than the cost of the book itself....

1 comments about Critical Judo.

1. The information on judo's history, traditions, etc in the introductory part of the book is a little weak, however I belive the goal of the book is to show step by step the proper execution of most judo technics and this is wonderfully done in this book. The ilustrations, specialy the NAGE-WAZA's, are very detailed, they show you the complete execution of a certain technic added of coments and combined attacks. A great book not only (but specialy) for beginners but also for the experienced in the sport.

3 comments about Karate : A Step-by-Step Guide to Shotokan Karate.

1. This book seems to be the same story you hear from every American that has ever studied any Okinawan martial arts system. Its part "how to" (which in my opinion is the worst type of martial arts book), part history (not much more than you could find in any encyclopedia), and part "my story". Who cares? Who are you Kevin Healy? If you are writing about Okinawan Karate and your name isn't Chojun, Funakoshi, Chotoku, Sakugawa, Odo, Nakamura, or Maehara we don't care what you have to say.



2. I thought the book was beautifully illustrated. The author skillfully demostrated the stances, blocks, kicks, and punches of Shotokan step by step. Mr Healy tells the reader the book should not replace the training of an experienced instructor. For an individual thinking about learning karate, I thought the author did an excellent job introducing the basics of Shotokan karate. The book includes an Heidan kata illustration. The illustrations are very beautiful and artifully take advantage of contrast. The precision in technique and perciseness in posture demonstrates Mr Healy's master of the art. Sometimes a picture can say a thousand words.



3. Excellent book for beginners .Beautifully illustrated !... Really good explanations... If you want to buy only 2 books about karate-do,here's my recommendation :

   1- "25 Shoto-kan Katas"
   2- "Karate : A Step-by-Step Guide to Shotokan Karate"

5 comments about Dragonfly Qigong.

1. I highly reccomend this book and this instructor to anyone wanting to further their knowledge of the Chinese arts. Dr. Steward recently taught our 10th Annual Weekend with the Masters and received rave reviews from the students. One of our Tai Chi instructors from Michigan stated "this man knows more than anyone I've met. I want to train with him." The book is down to earth and easy to understand. The modern applications of ancient methods is refreshing and enlightening.



2. I found Dr. Steward's book to be a fantastic discovery. He has taken an old exercise like the Taiji Ruler and made dramatic changes to improve the results. I have never felt this much Qi before while performing these exercises. I highly recommend this book to beginners and advanced Taiji and Qigong students. Good job Dr. Steward!



3. I have been reading text on Qigong and Tai Chi Chuan for thirty years, and Dr. Michael's book (Dragonfly Qigong) is right up on the top of the list for all time best books on energy work. I've even attended a few of his work shops and have found his knowledge to be both practical and interesting. If your tired of failing at trying to get a hold of this illusive thing called chi, qi, ki buy this text and find the right way to harness it.



4. If you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner of the arts, I highly recommend that you give this book a serious look. I very seldom recommend books, but this one works. I've personally experienced the benefits. I've also seen people from the different arts try exercises from this book in public and seen for themselves that this book delivers. You've never experienced the feeling of chi flowing through your body? Try this book. You will see results for yourselves within the first or second day of practice. Nothing comes without effort, but with a sincere try with this book you'll stir your chi.



5. Dragonfly Qigong is now my favorite book on the topic of Taiji Ruler and Taiji Ball. Dr. Steward has taken these ancient exercises and incorporated new modern tools that will enhance your Qi instantly. This book is packed with great photos and very easy to understand instructions. Energy cultivation has never been more fun! Bill Zimmerman-Seattle, Washington USA

5 comments about English Martial Arts.

1. I find 'English Martial Arts' to be very clear and sharp in its accuracy, presentation & applications. Also, it is greatly enhanced via traditional rational strategy and tactics. The photography and explanations are superb. With some imagination and practice, much of the book can be applied via cane or fist, as well as the great traditional [well-armed] usage. In any case, there is a great section on old English bare-knuckle boxing [no-rules using kicks, fists, cuffs and flips]. Yet, this excellent book is quite streamlined. 'Simplicity is efficiency's best friend' ---



2. I read through the book and I must say that it is pretty good. I've read the original manuscripts from which this book drew its techniques and the stuff for the long and short weapons (like the broadsword, dagger, pole-arms, ect.) are very precise and accurate.
   His first few chapters are an overveiw of some of the historical roots of English Martial Arts. Not bad.
   
   *edit* I had to edit this reveiw because previously I mentioned that there was no evidence for the blocks in the pugilism described in this book. Mr. Terry Brown sent me solid evidence that contested my statements, therefore I must change them. It seems that the boxing of the older world is indeed a bit different from the boxing of the modern world. I would change the review to five stars but it wouldn't let me do so.
   
   My advise is this, if you want to train in an all european martial art I suggest training in western boxing, catch wrestling, and take the general concepts of what is demonstrated with the long and short weapons and apply them to a machette, bayonette, and military knife. Don't dress up in anachronistic clothing either....the key is to train for battle not play dress up. Rather, one should wear either BDU's, street cloths, or a loose-fitting "uniform" which consists of sweatpants and a t-shirt which has the name/symbol of your school on it.
   
   The best kind of school that you can find will be rooted in Tradition but open to Innovation. This way you won't "re-invent the wheel" but at the same time you won't be stuck on the outmoded and anachronistic. I call this Renovation.
   
   Overall the book isn't bad and its a good way to connect with your English roots. Learn from the past, be willing to innovate, and act in the now. This is the best advise that I can give.
   
   Also, check out www.amerross.com . ROSS Concepts have some good stuff (like clubbells and biomechanical exercises) that can transfer into ANY martial art and are invaluable to the western martial artist.



3. "No man travelleth by the waie without his sword or somesuch weapon except the minister who commonly weareth none at all unless it is a dagger or a hanger at his side." - Aylward [English Master of Arms]
   
   Terry Brown's `English Martial Arts' is an outstanding book about a little known topic. Beginning with an excellent overview of the background of English Martial Arts, we are then introduced to the weapons of the English man at arms:
   
   >>Broadsword
   >>Quarterstaff
   >>Sword & Dagger
   >>Sword & Dagger vs. Sword & Buckler
   >>The Bill
   >>Bear-Fist Fighting
   >>Stances
   
   Terry Brown then introduces us to the `Principles of True Fighting' and demonstrates the techniques of the weapons listed herein. A series of clear photographs demonstrates the effective application of techniques, allowing the student to develop sufficient basic skill to seek entry to `The Company of Maieters' [http://www.maisters.demon.co.uk/] as a Free Scholler.
   
   Finally, English Martial Arts closes with "Words of Wisdom" from the English Masters of Defense such as Silver, Godfrey and Lonnergan.
   
   For any Scholler of the Arts of Defense, English Martial Arts is a `must have' resource.



4. How wrong could I be. Having practised re-enactment martial arts for 24 years I thought I'd seen it all... you live and learn.
   
   The techniques described in the book are brutal to say the least. The knee stamp when the opponent is down is my favorite.
   
   There are chapters divided into historical references for each weapon(including fists). Adding to this there are clear photographs of the strikes and blocks.
   
   If you are re-enacting later european medieval history this is the book for you.



5. This book gives an introduction and brief history of English Schooles of Defense. The history was a fun read. The practical sections, which contain reconstructions of various CQC techniques as the records indicate they were taught, are presented in a clear pictorial format which makes them easy to learn and analyze. If you are interested in historical combat, this is a book you will reference again and again.

5 comments about Jun Fan Gung Fu: Seeking the Path of Jeet Kune Do.

1. This book is an excellent overview of the basics of Jun Fan Gung Fu, the Gung Fu system developed by the late Bruce Lee, using the concepts and principles of Jeet Kune Do. It is very well organized and well written and everything is very clearly explained and illustrated.

   One thing in particular that I really like about this book is that the first two chapters cover Jun Fan's footwork (as in stance, mobility, etc., not kicking), the foundation upon which everything else is built, which makes it an excellent companion to Chris Kent and Tim Tackett's books "Jeet Kune Do Kickboxing" and "Jun Fan / Jeet Kune Do: The Textbook" which are also very good, but do not cover stance or footwork very well.

   Excellent study guide for any Jun Fan / JKD student.




2. I have read most of the Bruce Lee library, small to big. My never-ending search for more knowledge brings me to other authors such as Sifu Seaman who was instructed by Sifu Dan Inosanto (no introduction needed there). Not having any limits is what Sifu Bruce Lee always insisted. Also having now way as "way". Never stop learning. Never stop practicing. That's what I live by. This book is a great addition to any JKD practitioner. Improving the fundamentals of JKD is the core. You move to your own path from there.

   Ben

   -Be water, my friend- Sifu Bruce Lee




3. Personally, this is one of my favorite books on the subject of Jeet Kune Do. It is different in that it presents the more traditional Jun Fan Gung Fu as opposed to the method of Jeet Kune Do. Not many books do this, as they go right into "what's new" in Jeet Kune Do. Although there is nothing wrong with that, Mr. Seaman shows the reader the value of the original Jun Fan material. He covers basic trapping, Jun Fan kickboxing kicks, boxing, stance movement, etc. Overall, this is a treasured book in my martial arts library, as it is rare in that it shows techniques and ideas that other books gloss over. Just my opinion.



4. I take Jun Fan Gung Fu with an Inosanto teacher, and this book is the perfect textbook for what we do in class. The author does an excellent job of discussing principles, but also techniques. The pictures are clear, and the text only really contains things you need, without extra extrapolations on stuff you don't need to learn. This is an excellent textbook on JKD/Jun Fan.



5. I have seen a number of books on Jeet Kune Do, but few that put it in terms so easily understood. I came to the study of Jeet Kune Do with a background of familiarity w/ Wing Chun. Many other books on Jun Fan seem to bear only slightly on the Wing Chun connection. This is understandable as Bruce Lee parted ways with much of that art, but it is at the root of his system, and Sifu Seaman does a wonderful job of showing Jun Fan's connection to Wing Chun principles. I would also say that, having spoken to him on the phone, his spirit of Hing-Dai (Kung Fu brotherhood) is most refreshing in a world of inflated egos. If you seek to understand the path of Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, you really only need this book!

2 comments about Combat Kicking.

1. Book has a good layout, I'll give it that, but after being in Jeet Kune Do for the past 9 years this book didn't show me anything new at all. Even if not a totally new technique I was at least expecting doing something old in a new way, which I didn't find in this book. I don't really know if this book is even that good for beginners, as this thing is so basic I don't know that everything is explained as well as it should be. If you are in a "reality" martial art or study under a decent instructor that shows and knows combat applications, don't get this book, I really wished I hadn't bought it now. Mr. Lima is good at what he does I'm sure, but I think the martial arts world would have been fine without this book.



2. Well it would be pretty hard to say that the author didn't have some pretty impressive credentials when it comes to Tae Kwon Do competition, however, having impressive credentials in a tournament and having impressive credentials on the street are two entirely different things. And that is where there seems to be a bit of confusion as far as the content of this book is concerned.
   
   The author has a lot of good points that he briefly mentions in various sections of this book, and one notable point he talks about is the seemingly common misconception that high "flashy" kicks aren't good for self-defense. The author defends his viewpoint on this very intelligently and I would like to give him high regards for that. However, when it comes to having enough photographs to demonstrate the techniques he is showing and providing enough detailed informative text to go along with those photographs, I found the author to be sorely lacking in that respect.
   
   The author demonstrates eight (8) primary kicks utilizing anywhere from one to three photographs per kick and at most two paragraphs of text per kick. This simply isn't enough! This is possibly due to the fact that, once again, the author (not just this author) of a book on kicking is trying to put too many techniques in one book leaving little room for proper explanation on any one technique, rather than focusing on one or two techniques and then providing volumes of information to adequately explain and teach those one or two techniques. The kicks the author demonstrates in this section are as follows:
   
   Front Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 6)
   Side Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 10)
   Roundhouse Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 9)
   Reverse Crescent Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 5)
   Back Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 1)
   Axe Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 3)
   Wheel Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 2)
   Hook Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 7)
   
   The author then goes into sections covering combination kicking with one leg, both legs, and then jumping kicks. Very lean on material concerning these subjects and would have been much better had they been left out entirely from this book.
   
   The next section was a bit more interesting where the author demonstrated some self-defense techniques which incorporated a variety of kicks against an assorted number of different types of attacks. This was followed up by several different self-defense techniques designed to be used by women. Now when I say interesting, I don't mean to imply that everything was interesting, nor was it necessarily interesting in a good way. As a matter of fact, I found only a few of the techniques demonstrated to be of any value and the explanations that went along with them far less than adequate.
   
   The author then concludes the book with some fairly good, although extremely brief, information concerning kicking in self-defense.
   
   Overall this was not a very informative book at all and the information that was in it wasn't worth the price of the book. In my opinion this book was a waste of my money.
   
   The truly sad thing about this book was that the author could have done a much better job if he had just shortened the amount of ground he was trying to cover and focused instead on just a few techniques and a greater volume of much more detailed information to go along with those few techniques.
   
   Shawn Kovacich
   Martial Artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.

No comments about Illluminated Spirit: Conversations With a Kyudo Master.