5 comments about Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu = [Shao Lin ChAng Ch"Uan] (Unique Literary Books of the World).

1. This book is so incredibly detailed, and so amazingly well written that I would consider moving to Boston to train under this great man myself. The only book I have EVER found in my life that is so powerfully efficient. Don't skip this up, this is not the average marketing product. He has considered every aspect that the reader could possibly need to know to learn the first few forms in this art.



2. Yang Jwing Ming has been publishing high quality martial arts books and videos for more than twenty years now, and this early volume, definitely fits into that category as well.
   
   It gives a great overview of chang quan, long fist, and as usual with Yangs books, the explanations are clear, concise and satisfying. The pictures are all clear and easy to interpret.
   
   I don't think that one can learn martial arts from books, but they can be a good help. Especially when it comes to the understanding of philosophy, history and indeed technique.
   
   Highly recommended



3. This book and its corresponding DVD's (sold seperately) are not really for self-study. Mainly because Long Fist forms require ALOT of space, it's not something you can do in your living-room....you need at least an area of 7x7 meters or 23x23 feet...and then there's the jumping and such...if you have a big yard then it might be feasible.
   Also, learning traditional martial arts from a book is not ideal ( DVD's are better :-) ).
   [If you don't have much space at home but want to learn a martial art, I highly recommend Wing Chun kungfu.]
   
   I intended to us this book as a reference to classes in Long Fist, "unfortunately" my teacher taught a different style of Long Fist so I did not gain as much as I hoped from this book and DVD's, although it was interesting reading and good for comparison.
   
   What I really like about the book is that the techniques in the forms are broken down and their individual purpose explained: "this is a block and this is a strike to the head...".
   
   By the way, the DVD that belongs to this book is: Shaolin Longfist Kung Fu Basic Sequences.



4. This is an actual instruction manual, complete with training techniques, stretches, and exercises that were performed by Shaolin monks. I have become much more flexible and well-balanced after working with the basics of this kung fu manual. The book also contains historical commentary, the legends behind various stances, etc. I believe this work is as close to an actual kung fu temple training as most Americans can get.



5. My copy is almost 30 yrs old. At the time I had done a bit of Judo, Tai Chi, Hsing-I, Pa-kua, Karate and TKD.
   I was living in Gainesville Fl. and the best ma I could find was Cuong Nhu Karate. A very good school. Still very few ma books in english. A classic and still good book on Kung Fu. Studied only a tiny bit of classic Kung Fu But the more you study, the more relationships you see. The difference is in the emphasis. Find a good teacher, with a style and group you enjoy, practice, practice, practice, study and study.
   
   Good luck!

5 comments about Iron Body Ninja: The Secrets of Superior Strength.

1. I don't know if he is authentic ninja or not but the book brings together rare knowledge from the chinese martial arts. Lets not forget the original ninja were the Lin Kuen from China, during the early unification of the 3 states period many peoples fled to Japan. The Japanese generally killed any foreigner so it is not to far a stretch that many survived in a strange land as ninja. See my review of Ninja Mind control.



2. Let me make one thing clear: This book is not authentic ninjutsu. In fact, it is closer to being shaolin qiqong than ninjutsu (the Da Mo series, for example). It even has sections with yoga in it (sun salute)!
   This book is divided into many different sections, each of which are not necessarily originated from the same art (and definitely not from ninjutsu). This doesn't stop the book from being good, however, but it does impede readability for the reader who knows something on the subject already.
   I would recommend this book for intermediate qiqong practicioners that are looking for ways to improve their qiqong, but I would NOT recommend this book to anyone trying to learn more about ninjutsu.
   Also, the last section of this book (on iron body) is really dangerous, even for someone who knows what they are doing, and although the author stresses precaution, anyone without years of preliminary training will get hurt if they try and practice the exercises described.



3. Ashida Kim came to South Africa in about 1988/1989 and I briefly met him. At that stage I was learning ninjutsu under Brin Morgan. Brin Morgan is a personal student of Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi and is one of the most highly qualified ninjutsu practitioners in the Western World.

   To cut a long story short, Ashida Kim's real name is Radfid Davies (not sure of the spelling) and he is not an authority on ninjutsu. The ninjutsu fraternity is very aware of his shortcomings but leave him to his own devices in the knowledge that the true seekers on ninjutsu will unravel the truth.

   Stephen Hayes is one of the few legitimate authors of ninjutsu. He speaks Japanese fluently, is married to a Japanese woman and is a personal student and friend of Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi. Books written by Stephen Hayes are based on information gained from Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi who is the present grandmaster of ninjutsu and therefore the undisputed authority on ninjutsu. Hopefully this snippet of truth shall set you free.

   May the force be with you in your quest to seek out the truth.




4. Just try Mr Kim's techniques in real life situations and you will end up in the grave.

   Stay away from the books of this "Grandliar". He is not a "Grandmaster" as he claims to be.




5. As previous reviewers have noted, this man has no knowledge of ninjutsu as taught by Hatsumi sensei, or Mr Morgan, who I have had the pleasure of training with very briefly, and AK is not recognised by ANY reliable source for the dissemination of Ninjutsu.It`s fair to say, after reading this book, he is a bad writer too.I understand his name is Chris Hunter, and he is from New York.Only a complete fool would attempt any of the nonsense in this book. If you genuinley seek training, google is your friend.

5 comments about The Samurai Sword: A Handbook.

1. A PERFECT SOURCE WHO WANTS TO LEARN ABAUT JAPANESE SWORDS AND THEIR HISTORY



2. mr. yumoto's work is very descriptive and pictures fill the pages more than text does.
   
   "Samurai Sword a Handbook" lacks an analytic quality that would bring togheter the social, historical, technical and martial dimensions of the nihonto.
   
   last but not least, such an important - and relatively undocumented - subject as care and maintenance of japanese blades is simply and vaguely evoked in two pages that make up a ridiculous chapter.
   
   all in all, yumoto's work is too old to be satisfying to comtemporary readers in search of a meaningful, concise handbook which would explain rather than describe.



3. The book is an excellent reference book on the sword. Detailed descriptions are backed up with plenty of pictures.



4. This is a must have for any person interested in more than just the look of a Japanese sword. It is an excellent beginers guide to what to look for in a sword, especially for novice collectors. This is the seveth edition of this handbook. I have a couple of the preceeding editions, but I like this one.
   Dean



5. This is a great book, very informative and it was delivered before the promised date.

3 comments about Best Karate, Vol.3: Kumite 1 (Best Karate Series).

1. You need this book and all the books in this series if you are a Shotokan Karate student.
   
   Shotokan Karate is one of the most practiced styles of karate in the world, and this series of books by Sensei Nakayama will give you a fairly complete introduction to the style.
   
   These books were designed and distributed before we had dvds, and they were designed to provide a reference of correct technique in a world without enough qualified Shotokan Instructors.
   
   This volume provides an overview of many Shotokan sparring techniques, although it won't make you a figher or a Shotokan student. For that, you need a qualified teacher.
   
   On the other hand, this and all the other books in the series provide the best reference yet for the entire syllabus of Shotokan Karate.



2. This fantastic book was written by the late Nakayama, Sensei, who was the Chief Instructor for the Japan Karate Association. As with all his "Best Karate" series, this volume is comprehensive and detailed. The focus of this text is sparring techniques (Kumite). The author explains the progression of learning karate sparring. Beginning with five step sparring, moving to three step sparring, and than to one step sparring. There is also semi-free sparring and the ultimate level being free sparring. All serious students of Shotokan Karate should have this book in their personal library. Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Karate Self-Defense Techniques, Multiple Striking techniques of Karate, Tanto Jutsu, Monadnock Defensive Tactics (MDTS) System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, Police Yawara Stick Techniques).



3. The Best Karate Series are the definitive books for learning the art of Shotokan karate. They have been around for many years and still none have surpassed their excellence. They are very helpful for the beginner and the advanced student alike. I have read them all and have found that each book in the series is excellent. Although you can't learn a martial art from a book alone, these books are an excellent supplement to your training and are very helpful in learning the finer points of the art of Shotokan. Each book in this series sets the standard for books on Shotokan training. There are simply none better, at least none better that I have found, and I read a lot of martial arts books. I highly recommend these books for anyone who is interested in improving their karate or who is interested in Shotokan. They are simply the best! Highly recommended. 5 Stars.
   
   Bohdi Sanders, Shotokan Blackbelt and author of Warrior Wisdom: The Warrior's Path

5 comments about Okinawan Karate: Teachers, Styles and Secret Techniques.

1. In this book, Bishop tries to show all the branches in Okinawan Karate-do. It details the well known stiles, interviews with the responsible masters and so on. It also includes valuable information on some rare styles. But if you are looking for the "secret techniques" they are not here, of course (try training with your Master for 20 years ;-) ). Very good and recommendable book!



2. For those who study the Okinawan martial arts, this is an excellent historical review of the origins of these arts. While a bit "dry" in places for those who might not understand the historical significance of many of the founders, Mark Bishop does a great job in preserving the heritage of the Okinawan arts, and shares insights into the lives of its origniators. Many of these founders are overlooked in other publications, this is a "must-read" for those who want to know the true history of the Okinawan martial arts.



3. Okinawan Karate, and its history tends to be contradictory, or ambiguous depending on who does the telling, and how long the "telephone game" was. Bishop's english language book adds to that history as he saw it. What's missing are Kanji / Chinese characters for the various people, locations, and styles. Kanji have multiple pronuciations (i.e. Japanese is a language full of homonyms). Since this book is in part intended to perserve Okinawan history it would be considerably more useful to have the correct words.



4. Although we have to admit that Mr. Bishop put a lot of research on the history of the Birthplace and Development of Karate, there is too much of his opinions imprinted on the writing style... all in favor of the several branches of Shorin Ryu and at a certain point minimizing the importance of the other Okinawan Karate Koryu... Further more on his excerpt titled Goju and Health, Mr. Bishop presents an irresponsible and highly biased personal opinion disguised as a "medical proven fact" of the alleged health effects caused by Sanchin Kata (Three Battles Form). Reality has it that Mr. Bishop is not a health licensed professional and according to my research there has never been a scientific study performed or any type of medical lead investigation that supports his misguided and fantastic allegations about the Danger of the Practices included in Goju Ryu Karate Do... He goes to the length to even propose that Goju Teachers die at an early age, this cannot be further from the truth, e.g., Yagi Meitoku Dai Sensei founder of Meibukan Goju Ryu and Successor of Miyagi Chujun O'Sensei founder of Goju Ryu Karate Do, died at age 91, and reportedly, practiced Sanchin Kata until the dawn of his days (1912-2003)... The book relays interesting information to include apparent gossips of the Okinawan Karate Koryu, and excellent tables of lineage... Certainly NOT a technical book and NOT for beginners. Otherwise recomended as a good source of record of Okinawan Karate Teacher-Student Lineage and Geneolocial Tree... Juan Javier Adames / USA - Philippines



5. This book has great potential to be a serious exploration of the history and traditions of Okinawan karate. Unfortunately (as had been repeatedly mentioned by others) this pompous author is unable to resist tainting the book with personal bias and baseless conjecture.
   
   The authors' research method seems to have included showing-up un-announced, and without recommendation, at various dojo and asking probing questions about the background of the school and its instructors. This suggests an acute lack of sensitivity toward Okinawan/Japanese culture and manners.
   
   When this faux-pas resulted in a cool reception or otherwise reticient attitude on the part of his subjects, these people were presented in a negative light by the author. It seems that nothing short of immediate and full access to family and dojo genealogies, a demonstration of technique and an invitation to dinner were necessary to earn a favourable review!

4 comments about Shooting Back: The Right and Duty of Self-defense.

1. Excellent example of how one armed citizen can make the difference between life and death.



2. Mr. Van Wyk has done a great service to those Christians who understand both, that some in the world will do them harm, and that they do have the right to protect themselves. It is unfortunate that so many will accept as fate, things that could be countered or fought against. God gave man free will. It is that very will, and the evil that is in this world that would cause someone to do wrong or harm others. We do not have to sit idly by and accept this as God's will for it is not. We have a right to protect ourselves, our family and others from violence.
   Mr. Van Wyk does a great job in pointing this out from a first hand perspective, and deserves thanks for having had the strength and understanding to confront the situation he did, as well as the struggles that followed.



3. Those who question the morality of using lethal force in self defense needs this book & anyone who packs should read it.Written by a man who went & did 'Shooting Back' adresses the thought process Mr.Van Wyk went through to reconcile his Christian beliefs with carrying a gun,the incident itself,&,most importantly,the aftermath;specifically including the reactions of the survivors.
   This is not a book of tactics altho the discerning reader will pick up a few ideas but rather of practial philosophy.
   Not a cheap or easy book to come by but well worth the effort to get.



4. "Shooting Back" should be one of many mandatory books to help Christians form a comprehensive Biblical world and life view. Not only will it help those with issues about the use of deadly force, it also helps to confront the unbiblical pacifism that has infected the Church. A definite "must read."

3 comments about Bob Kasper's Individual Close Combat Volumes 1 & 2.

1. This book is part one of Bob Kasper's legacy. Bob and the others in his small community sought to insure a part of our American heritage did not disappear, our combatives. Bob was an avid martial artist and led a rich life. He discovered the school Charles Nelson founded and in it found his home.
   This book will introduce the reader to the style of close combat developed for our fighting forces in WWII. Unlike other martial arts, it was meant to be easy to learn, easier to apply and effective. It was close combat distilled to its essentials. I had the privilege to train with Bob on both knife and empty hand techniques. This book is a good representation of the techniques and principles codified by Bob and the group he and others founded.
   This book is required reading for anyone serious in their study of combatives or other fighting arts.



2. Bob Kasper was a tireless, self-critical leader in "real training in combatives" long before this method of personal protection and safety became so mainstream and popular. I believe that Bob Kasper, along with his early years (1979-82) training partner: Carl Cestari (also deceased) remain unequaled in their comprehension of, and in their abilities to instruct what is necessary to survive and prevail in a violent encounter.
   
   Mr. Kasper was one of a handful of individuals who truly grasped and taught the realities of close quarters, hand-to-hand combat--even though he would never admit to such a claim.
   
   This 65 page manual is but a small and significant explication of the fundamentally direct and simple combative methods of personal protection Bob Kasper understood and taught.
   
   The manual consists of two parts: Volume One pertains to Principles and Tactics, which addresses concepts of aggressiveness, simplicity, control, offense, power and effectiveness.
   
   Volume Two of this booklet covers Stance and Movement, and all that these two elements entail.
   
   This manual is as much a book of historical significance, as it is a manual addressing a practical approach to combatives. It is, therefore, worth its weight as a strong reference point in the over all field of combatives in the United States.
   
   I was very fortunate in that I was able to correspond with Mr. Kasper via snail mail during a time prior to e-mail, and speak with him over the telephone prior to the creation of cell-phones. He was one of the most humble, gracious and generous men I have had the opportunity with which to communicate. But then, that seems to be the rule rather than the exception of men who are genuine warriors.
   
   According to Kelly McCann's foreword to this book, Bob Kasper, a year or so prior to his death in October 2006, had written, re-written and finally organized his vast knowledge of combatives into what McCann alludes as becoming this 65 page manual.
   
   My only regret is that Mr. Kasper is not alive in order to discuss this manual and grow even further from our own critical reviews of the text. As fine and concise as this manual is, I could imagine that Bob Kasper would already be working hard on improving it...
   
   Rev. Arthur Bodhi Chenevey, RM, DD
   Hikaze Learning Corner
   Two Pines Training Facility.



3. The author was a student of the famous Charles Nelson, but he trained in various martial art and combative systems. He had also been a Marine and was trained in close quarter techniques. The late Bob Kasper's approach is simple but highly effective. This volume has two parts, volume 1 covers the important principles and tactics of his system. This includes principles of close combat, the importance of having an aggressive attitude in self-defense, modes of attack, Principles of power, circle of defense and primary targets. the second part deals with stance and movement. Though the book is only 65 pages; nevertheless, it contains an enormous amount of valuable material for anyone interested in real life street combat techniques. Rating: 5 stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Pro-Systems Combatives).

No comments about Tai Chi for Everyone.

5 comments about Filipino Combat Systems: An Introduction to An Ancient Art For Modern Times.

1. When I ordred this book, I expected lot more after seeing the contents in the preview. First of all, I do not like Ray Dionaldo being signed as a co-author...I mean being interviewed in the book does not exactly make one an author, even if the book is on the system he has created.
   Now, the principles and concepts featured are very well chosen nad valuable, but the presentation could have been much better. I mean, the "fortune cookie" type advice gets kinda irritating after a while, no matter the "wisdom" it caries.
   Finally, with all due respect to author's background in karate, and its influence on is understanding and interpretation of FMA, there could have been less stuff directly referring to karate/bushido/zen...as in essence it has very little to do with FMA. After all, that is why Mr. Cody has authored another book on that subject.
   Also, I have no ide whatsoever why have some reviewers described the book as "ultimate" knife fighting resource, as it is clearly not. For that, go to Rey Galang's "Masters of the Blade", or several other books, for that matter.
   On the good side, the book does have a sort of familiar atmosphere to it, which is very nice, and I liked the dictionary section quite a bit, and it is technically very well done.
   The bottom line is, it is not a bad book, but if your interest is FMA in particular, you should look elsewhere, as this one should not be on your priority list, though it makes an interesting read in certain points.



2. It has concepts yes but other than that it doesnt have much.
   
   It is not a book for those looking to learn the art.
   
   It does not contain flows or drills.



3. Overall the philosophy is sound and well presented. I do feel more comprehensive flow drills should have been included; but other than that, the book was excellent & very informative! FCS is an ever evolving system that truly brings the art of the warrior into the 21st century! I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning the *core* concepts too weapons/empty-hand combat.



4. I`m very glad from the Amazon`s team reaction for my problem - I didn`t receive my book from the first order may be because lost in transffer.
   When I informed Amazon for my problem they immediately reacted giving me a refund and putting second order for the same book, so finally I received it a week earlier they told me!
   Thanks a lot for all your efforts for the customer and wish you less problems and more happy clients!



5. I've posted a detailed review of the book at[...]. In summary, though, the book is disorganized and presented in an amateurish manner. There's some good information in there, but it's too scattered to be useful for a novice and too shallow for an expert. Not recommended.

3 comments about Throws and Takedowns for sambo, judo, jujitsu and submission grappling.

1. This book is written by a man who completely understands his field. But Mr. Scott has written for the advanced Judo player. Anyone can benefit from the study of this manual but those with the most experience will gain the most from it.



2. Well written,although more directed toward tournament performance. Well worth the price if that's your goal.



3. The most important thing in marital arts is to understand how to do a proper move. Pictures in this book are black and white, and not very clear.
   For this price it should be colored pictures, like in Gracie's Jiu-Jitsu books, with arrows that show how to pull, twist etc.
   However this book is not bad because you can use it for learning takedowns with your sparring partner.