Training Books

This book is exactly what parents need who want to be positively involved in their children's education. Williams defines the educational lingo (babble)-- effectively empowering parents to understand what's being taught (or not taught) in the schools. A great tool for any parent who desires to make real changes and improve the quality of education their children receive.

This book opens the door to the problems that plague our public education systems. From reading failure, out-come based education, sex education and other non-academic teachings. This book is entertaining and informative. It empowers parents to go to their schools and take back the classrooms. The list of resources will help with any concern you might have about your child's school and quality of education.

This book is an excellent step by step manual exposing the methods and motives used by the public education bureaucracy.

An outstanding guide to educate the parent and improve education in the public schools. Points out the approaches you can take to make your child's education the best. Extremely well researched with references and websites, including citations to other books on specific problems of public education, such as Outcome Based Education, Goals 2000, etc.

book was excellant, came quickly, and was in great condition.

Exellent! Out of all the Siberian Husky books I have read, which is about 6, this one was the most helpful. I have a Husky of my own and if I could say something about this book is that it was so helpful! I recomend it for all want to be and all owners of Siberian Huskies!

Although relatively small (75 pages), this paperback covers a little bit of everything pertaining to Sibes. From breed standards to training to breeding. For it's price it covers a lot of ground but might not go into the detail one might expect from a larger book. However, for it's size and price I feel it is an excellent book worthy of purchase for any owner of the Siberian Husky.

This small book could not have hoped to cover "Everything..." as it claims, but I have found it to be useful on many occasions. It provides a general guide to almost every conceivable situation and concern, providing the quality of advice a new owner needs. An owner of a new sibe puppy will want to supplement this book, so they should consult their breeder-use an established husky kennel, not a backyard breeder-other texts, and their vet. Other topics, like medical/health and diet, will likewise be covered in more detail in other places. Don't stop with this book but do get it if you are with sibe. And hang on to that leash!

Shawn Kovacich's next book in the "Achieving Kicking Excellence" is on the side kick. Kovacich is outstanding at explaining precise detail on the method of his kick, which is the more traditional and probably the most taught way of executing this kick. He again writes about what muscles accomplish what, base and support, and how to turn, and most importantly, placements of the legs, knee, feet, at certain stages.

While Shawn's method of performing this kick is a time honored method and works well for many people, I was disappointed, like in his hook kick series, that he did not mention the "Wallace method." Bill Wallace's method, of which Shawn is or should be familiar, is also a battle tested kick and has some advantages over the traditional method (and one may argue there are some disadvantages as well, but I would have liked to see that debate). I think he should have shown both method's or explain why he choose to disregard the Wallace method. Shawn's method takes the added step of coiling the knee at the waist level before swinging up at the midway peak. In the Wallace method, the midway peak is the coil position and therefore, a step is eliminated (and in my opinion, this is generally a benefit).

Some may have suggested that I didn't fault Shawn for not dealing with Wallace's roundhouse kick in that book, since for Wallace, the side, hook, and roundhouse work off the same principle. While the Wallace roundhouse is slightly different, for sport or combat, that kick, unlike the side or hook, does not really need a Wallce method; unless, of course, one likes practicing the triple kick combination, but fo rsport or self defense, that is a poor combination. Both versions of the side kick have adavntages and disadvantages and in such an otherwise excellent book, I think Shanw should have mentioned it, since after all, it is not some unknown method; however, one does get a glimpse of this method photo wise on 164-165.

Besides that criticism, I find his series to be outstanding and I still highly recommend this resource. I spent more time on the criticism, because his book and the rest of the series are really spectacular books and my criticisms have been scant. I think this book on its own still fairs extremely well and is a nice collection to any martial arts library. The photos in Black and White, while lacking a photo-finish quality, do show a quality of martial technique superiority.

His trouble shooting guide is great.

Achieving Kicking Excellence

If you are a novice martial artist, a kick-box exercise video nut, or someone who wants to advance their knowledge of martial art kicks, this book looks as if it would be very helpful.

The series of books is organized by type of kick: back, wheel, axe, crescent, reverse crescent, front, hook, hatchet, roundhouse, side kick. Ten books in all.

The volumes are absolutely loaded with pictures of not only kick technique but also of helpful strength-with-weight exercises, especially gym exercises with machines like the hack squat and leg press sled and of course the all-important lunge. So you get not only a discussion of how-to, but of what exercises can improve overall performance by gaining muscle strength. There are pictures with overlays of angles and axes, giving you an idea of proper form, though there is no substitute for a sensei giving you real-time feedback, of course. So these books are a good adjunct to martial arts class in the dojo; something to read and then take to practice and work on with real-time help.

There is a section on sparring--right and wrong. There is a suggested reading list in the back. A very complete series.

The only thing these volumes suffer from is slightly dark and low contrast black and white photograph reproduction due to pictures being on paper stock and not glazed plate stock, in order to keep costs reasonable for publishing. And the cover photo is wonderful but the graphic design (showing the title being shattered by the someone doing the title kick) was a GREAT concept but you can't read the title on the front cover (because it's being kicked to bits!) This is annoying; you have to read the spine to see which kick the book is about. If this bugs you, it's easily fixed: get some stickers or a Sharpie and mark the front cover with something like SIDE KICK VOL 10 or whatever works for you.

Author Kovacich is a black belt in both Karate and Tae Kwon Do (which of course is one of the martial arts for which the kick is the premier technique.)

Side Kick was another kick that I thought I knew pretty well. But I didn't like to use it because I was always hurting my foot. I couldn't figure out what was wrong because everything looks like it is supposed to. When I read Side Kick, volume #10 in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series by Shawn Kovacich, I learned that I was using the wrong area of my foot to strike my opponent. I was using the entire side or knife edge of my foot to strike my opponent, rather than just the outside edge of my heel.

That made sense to me, so I tried it the next class I had. Not surprisingly, I performed the kick a lot more efficiently and was hitting the kicking bags harder without the pain that I was used to experience in my foot and ankle. There were a whole lot more things that I learned as well, but since this is my last review for this series of books, I wanted to point out some of the great things that are relevant to each kick that are included in each book. Remember that each section in each book directly relates to that particular kick.

1. Outstanding detail and approach to the principles behind the correct execution of each kick.

2. The mind blowing amount of detail that is included in each book is staggering.

3. The format of the each book is the same and very easy to follow.

4. The "Troubleshooting" section was very informative and answered a lot of questions.

5. The breakdown of each kick to its simplest level in order to enhance the learning process.

6. The "Notes" sections that are found throughout the each book are little gems of wisdom in and of themselves.

7. The additional sections on how to improve your kicking skills.

8. The "Applications" section, although brief is very informative and wets the appetite for the next set of books in the series.

9. The author's technical expertise is without question and the thought and care that he put into his books shines through in every way.

10. Finally, the author's style of teaching is very easy to understand and comprehend.

In closing I would like to highly recommend to everyone that reads my reviews on the books in this series to buy a complete set and see for yourself just how fantastic these books really are. You won't regret it!

This series is a fantastic reference for anyone interested in the finer points of kicking, particularly for those of us whose exposure to this aspect of the martial arts has been somewhat limited. I have been doing this stuff since 1970, for example, yet have focused exclusively on styles that have very little emphasis on kicking applications (e.g., Goju Ryu karate, Kodokan judo, and Matayoshi kobudo). Goju Ryu, for instance, utilizes roughly 70% hand techniques. Don't get me wrong, I have a pretty mean mae geri (front kick) that can rock your world, but there are many other leg techniques utilized by other arts that I am simply not at all expert with--hatchet kicks, axe kicks, and crescent kicks, to name a few.

This is why I was so excited to find Shawn Kovacich's comprehensive "Achieving Kicking Excellence" series. If you are familiar with Kris Wilder's outstanding tome, The Way of Sanchin Kata: The Application of Power, these books take a similarly in-depth yet approachable style. Each volume explores one type of kick in great detail, outlining some 50 or 60 technical points (depending on the type of kick), in an easy to understand and utilize manner. At first blush you might think that it would be tough to devote an entire volume to just one type of kick, yet each offering in this exceptional series runs more than 200 pages and is packed with meaningful information.

No dojo darling, Kovacich really knows what he is talking about. A fourth-degree black belt in both karate and taekwondo, he has competed in full contact sparring tournaments (including the prestigious Sabaki Challenge) and is the world-record holder for both endurance- and high-kicking as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. Kovacich has been teaching martial arts since 1985 and this knowledge, skill, and ability really shine through in his writing.

The text is clear and comprehensive, yet written in everyday language that just about anyone can easily grasp. No matter how good the writing, however, this sort of topic needs wide-ranging illustrations to ensure thorough comprehension. Fortunately there are tons of them. Regrettably though, the pictures are quite dark and/or grainy in most places (my only real complaint about the series). Despite the fuzziness of the photo printing, however, the pictures themselves are first rate as are the corresponding illustrations. Most of the pictures not only have captions but also reference numbers that align with the text to assure further clarity. There are separate illustrations that show the appropriate foot position and base of support for each movement too. This layout method is really slick; I like it a lot. There is a pretty good index in the back that supplements the table of contents too, so you can easily refer back to anything you will want to re-read later on (and you'll almost certainly want to refer back to much of this information later on).

While the front and back matter are virtually identical amongst the various volumes (such that each one can stand alone without the rest of the series), the core content is unique for each type of kick. This front and back matter (e.g., warm up and stretching) is a bit cursory too, though that is perfectly understandable given the primary focus of the books; truly nothing to be overly concerned with in my opinion. Each volume in the series is laid-out in an identical manner and includes the following topics:

-- Basic anatomy of the kick
-- Warm up and stretching
-- Principles of the kicking movement (e.g., stability, balance, sequence of movements, speed, accuracy, targeting, visualization, etc.)
-- Performing the primary kick (e.g., fighting position, knee raise, coil, impact, follow-through, recoil, knee drop, return to fighting position).
-- Performing variations from the primary kick (e.g., step, switch, jump, spin, cross-over, etc.)
-- Training and practice methods (e.g., skill, strength, speed, and power training)
-- Trouble shooting the kick
-- Kicking applications against an opponent
-- Author's awards and accomplishments
-- Recommended reading

No matter how well written, you cannot learn martial arts solely from a book, of course, but this series is a fantastic supplement for hands-on instruction. It covers important nuances that are rarely described adequately by most sensei (or sifu, etc.). I have found that, in general, books can reach a level of clarity and comprehensiveness that is simply not achievable with DVDs as well. This series is no exception to that rule. Despite a bit of redundancy amongst the various volumes, the technical merits and detailed analysis of the kicks make these books a stellar resource for any serious martial artist. I'm proud to include all ten volumes in my library.

Highly recommended!


Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, Martial Arts Instruction, The Way to Black Belt, and The Way of Kata

I found the book very informative and easy to read. It lays down a plan on how to improve your game and requires you to commit a half hour several days a week if you truly want to improve your game. Each chapter builds upon the previous one and I found it worthwhile.

This book is the first coaching manual, I've seen, that covers the non-technical, as well as the technical, aspects of the game. Tom has such a common sense approach, and it is such a fun read, that I found it very easy to put it all into practice. And guess what, not only did my golf game improve, but my enjoyment of the game is back. Time to go out there and have fun again!!

I will continue to pull out this book several times a year and visit its logical approach. Thanks to the author for this direct yet thorough gem.

One of the best instruction books to come along in years; the approach is simple, pragmatic, noncompromising and effective. From getting your body in golf shape to picking out the right equipment to keeping your mind in the present moment when on the course, Patri and Moran hit all the right notes. This is a must have if one is serious about improving all aspects of one's golf game.

I ran across this great program at the local book store after my eye was drawn to the cover. In my real estate business it's a challenge to make best use of my time to balance my family of four and the competitive/busy Real Estate business environment. I am amazed how often I pop in the CD and become refreshed and redirected to all my Goals...

Brian Magoon, C-21 REALTOR New England

A perfect tool to keep all sales people sharp! Collins, a master of sales, delivers the crucial points necessary to prepare and conduct meaningful sales.

"The Sound Selling Audiobook is right there with the leading 'active learning' trend in training - great training exactly when and where you need it".
-- Tim McMahon
Author of "Selling 2000" and "Dear God, I Never Wanted to Be a Salesman!"

This sales audiobook helps professionals improve on their personal effectiveness. It presents the essentials of successful sales skills in a clear format. The 15 Keynotes includes strategies to plan your sales, keep focused, connect with customers and identify their needs, creating value, bringing passion into the sales process and generating a referral network. Occasional breaks of new age music offer time for reflection.

im using this book for a current issues in sports class at college, at first i thought it wouldnt be at all like what todays issues are about but i was surprised. some of this issues that go on in the book still go on today (ex: playoff system in college football, recruiting violations, and the alumnis influence on the school and athletics) it is also a very interesting book to read, i would recommend it

This book came on the scene in the middle seventies and Michener covers the gamut of the problems and excitement of sports dealing with beginners to the pros. Most of what is written can still be adhered to today as the ideas and concerns seem to occur now just as they did a few years ago. This book should be must reading for all sports minded people and applying the suggestions to today's market. A great book.

This book is well worth reading by everyone: players, viewers, or to know more about the subject. James Michener loved sports: they made the difference between life and death. As a youth he drifted into a bad crowd, but was saved by athletics. His skill in basketball led to a scholarship to college, rather than prison. Later in life he suffered a heart attack, and was delayed in getting to a hospital. He survived because his robust exercise helped his heart to develop alternate feed lines (p.8).

Chapter IX discusses "The Inescapable Problem" of aging and the decline in physical ability. Walking, swimming, and tennis are doable from ages 5 to 85 (pp.274-5). Most other sports peak at ages 24 to 32; forty is the usual limit. The author notes that athletes are provably in better shape than the general public; but their life expectancy is worse. Could this be a side effect from the fame and glory?

He discusses the case of those who get a sports scholarship. They spend their college time in sports, play professionally for a few years, then disappear. He shows that those who study in college (like accounting) can earn far more onver a lifetime than those who quickly burn out.

This is a very nice book which again shows Micheners diversity of knowledge, the man knows everything about everything.

I just got reading the book Sports MArketing ITs not just a Game Anymore. i felt that this was a good book and i would recommend this book to anyone.so if you want to read a good book you should read this one.

This book represents the consummate effort to describe sports marketing. And the author knows his calculus too.

My name is Victor im from Santa Monica High. I recently read Phil Schaaf's "Sport Maketing: It's Not Just A Game Anymore",I though that this book was good. This book taught me alot bout advertisment & how major league players get paid from there franchise and how the sponserships work.

this is a great read. the bible of sports marketing.

Dr. Stricker is ultimately qualified to help you make decisions regarding sports training and participation and setting appropriate parameters for your children.

This is a great book about keeping youth sports in perspective. Dr. Stricker does an excellent job of explaining the physical and mental stages a child goes through from toddler to the teen years. If little Johnny can't hit the ball when he is four, this book helps explain why he has trouble at that age. If you have children in athletics or are a coach of children, then I would highly recommend reading this book.It will give you a reality check. Hopefully, this book will make you and your child enjoy his/her sports activities more.

This is an incredible treasure for the parents and coaches of young athletes. It is very well written, easy to understand and thoughtful. Dr. Stricker's knowledge on the subject of physical and emotions developmental levels of children and the impact this has on sports is supurb. Being a parent of athletes himself give a uniques perspective to the book.
Do you know any parents who push their kids to perform in sports way past the "fun zone"? This book is for them, but it's also for those of us who are trying to make sense of the increased commitments that are pressed upon our youth involved in most sports today.

This book is great! A must read for coaches, especially of very young athletes. As a parent, I gained alot of knowledge and felt this book was a reputable source of information. This book explains so much about what kids can actually do, compared to what is expected of them.
The nutrition information is very helpful and I learned alot there as well.

I just joined a masters' swim team. I was the same age as John Jerome when he swam in this book. I just found this book motivating and that it increased my knowledge and understanding of elite athletes. It also taught me more about the world of competitive swimming. The book mainly dealt with people who were good swimmers/competitive swimmers when they were younger. I wish at least one swimmer like me without previous experience was in the book, but I still found the book had application to me. I reccomend it.

Well, I bought two books. The other one is about a guy who is trying to be a cross country skier. I am glad that I read the other one first otherwise if I read John's book first the other one will be super boring. This book is not just about how he becomes a swimmer but rather how people should deal with the inevitable - aging. I enjoy his writing so much that i bought 3 more of his books.

I was a swimmer throughout my younger years. It seems that only swimmers can understand why and how swimmers do what they do.... John Jerome, in his own style and grace, creates a book that really hits home. Super for: teenage swimmers, coaches and parents of swimmers.

I read this book after a suggestion in Phil Whitten's book on swimming. It was hard to find, but very inspirational to me as I was getting heavily into serious swimming and athletics at 48, the same age as the author was when he got back into swimming. His adventures are thoughtfully described and his experience easy to identify with. The book got me interested in Jerome's other works, which are also very involving.

This book has helped me so much more with my trick training.

Received this book, read about training the bow and went right out to my horse. I have been trying to get her to HOLD the bow for about 4 months. Well, of course, your instructions worked and she understood and completely relaxed and waited while I fed her a carrot. Thank you! Thank you! Now we will be able to move on to the kneel and lie down, sit up and even rear! I think this book is great and it truely is step by step.

If you plan on teaching your horse tricks this is the book to get. I went so far as to see the actual horses that were taught using the methods taught in this book, and these horses are wonderful and very well trained!! This is a very unique book taught by a very unique trainer that really understands her animals. I highly recommend this book.

I loved this book, really great. Lots of practical information about trick training. Very humane methods and easy to follow instructions.
Great Book