Sports Books

If you have a martial arts school or just a club, this is a must have book! Go for it immediately!

If you are a martial artist who wants to make a living full time and not just do martial arts on the side then you NEED this book. You'll learn how to set up a very successful school that you can be proud. Every instructor no matter what should get this book!!

...and this time around it should at least ruffle your feathers!

John Graden, Martial Arts Master Teacher, has gone to the heart of what it takes to be an effective Martial Arts teacher today. Without completely disgarding the training ideas of the past, he instead shows how to build on these ideas, how to use what we know about the psychology of learning, the physics of motion and the economics of the 21st century to create a learning environment that firmly turns it's back on the "Dungeon Dojos" of the last century and creates a modern, safe atmosphere where serious, effective and (dare I say it?) FUN martial arts training can take place!

(Lest any naysayers regard the concept of "safety" and "fun" as somehow being contrary to "real" martial arts training, I refer them to the summary chapter entitled "A School Full of Pooh Bears"--it will open your eyes!)

There are lots of things to learn here, lots of great writing, too. If nothing else, I will always remember Mr. Graden refering to the war-like aspects of the Martial Arts and explaining that this doesn't mean that every class is devoted to destroying the enemy. He explains: "...that our foundation is one of peace through superior firepower."

I like that. Get the book. You'll like it, too.

John Graden has a unique way of showing you everything you need to successfully run a top martial art school in today's age.
He does it with the insight of someone who has obviously "been there and done that".
This new book can be used by any martial arts instructor, regardless of style, as a step-by-step blueprint for everything from how to negotiate a lease for your school up to how to train and compensate an employee/instructor.
No one else in the industry has his superb talents. The martial arts industry will forever owe a huge debt to this man for showing us how to be a professional success without selling out!

The content of this book accomplished two very important things for me, as a martial arts businessman - 1) it re-affirmed what I was already doing in my business and, most important, 2) it provided me with new concepts, methods and ideas that will help take my business to the next level. Awesome resource!

I haven't had a chance to read the book as of this entry, but I feel it was about time that someone wrote a book about ECW. Too often people will herald WCW and WWE but forget about the ideas and stars from ECW that both companies made fortunes off of. ECW is near and dear to my heart as it was a welcomed change to what wrestling was showing at the time. I wish this book included more of the classic ECW pictures from times past but I still anticipate sitting down to read it.

great book so many facts and great way to introduce a new fan to ECW

From the author behind acclaimed wrestling travelogue Slamthology, Turning The Tables takes a fascinating and detailed look at the company that revolutionised professional wrestling, the reasons behind both its success, and its downfall, and all with the insight and acerbic wit that readers of his previous book have come to expect from this author.

Like many rags to riches to rags stories, the tale of ECW is a captivating one, and here John Lister takes us on the complete journey, covering every major incident throughout ECW's storied history, the characters, the angles, the fans, and the deals taking place behind the scenes. There's even a shocking discovery that blows the lid on a long established piece of ECW folklore. Even long term fans have plenty to learn from this book, and will also enjoy reminiscing about the glory days of the original ECW. For fans whose only exposure to ECW is the recent WWE revival, and wondering what's the original story behind the relaunched version they see today, Turning The Tables will bring them completely up to speed.

Some critics may make mention of the fact that the author didn't actively interview anyone connected with ECW for this book, but actually, that makes it the better of the ECW books on the market. In writing this book, the author has no agenda, no bias, and as a journalist and long-time fan not actively involved with the company or its employees, has no need to twist the facts, gloss over certain events, or attempt to rewrite history. Turning The Tables gives a more complete picture of the story than similar books, rather than having the pacing and emphasis determined by who was available for interview at the time of writing, and it's because of this that it really stands out above its competition.

So, for fans of professional wrestling and ECW - be it the original incarnation or the 21st century relaunch - Turning The Tables is an invaluable guide to the cult company that left an indelible scar carved into the forehead of the business.

IT WAS the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of violence, and it was the age of extreme. But this tale began in the city of brotherly love -- Philadelphia. Extreme Championship Wrestling is a cultural anomaly that will forever go down in the memories of wrestling fans as a revolutionary style of anti-establishment fueled by a cult of passionate fans that had as much to do with the product as the men inside the ring.

John Lister, based out of the United Kingdom, set out to uncover the seedy underbelly of the phenomenon known to wrestling fans the world over as ECW. The concept is technically the property of Vincent Kennedy McMahon but the memories belong to the fans. "Turning the Tables, The Story of Extreme Championship Wrestling" is a celebratory journey down memory lane for crazy fans of Extreme wrestling. Lister takes readers back even before the beginning and after the end, hitting on all points in between. He exposes what happens backstage and recalls some of ECW's most unforgettable moments. Credit is given to the important people who kept the company going as long as it did, and proper tributes paid to the army of extreme wrestlers who gave their blood, their bodies, and in some cases their lives, to make ECW so great.

Turning the Tables is a great book about something that interests all wrestling fans. Through the pages of this book you will experience the true influence that ECW had on all aspects of today's wrestling product and you will be left with a newfound feeling of respect for Extreme Championship Wrestling.

Rating: 7/10 - Must have a genuine interest.

Reviewed by Obsessedwithwrestling.com's Brad Dykens

My initial viewing experience in Cleveland (OH) with the ECW television program was through shows airing on a small station based in Akron/Canton (OH) that was not picked up by most cable outlets outside that area. I was lucky enough to have a Sony Watchman that picked up the station.

Based on that TV show and word of mouth, ECW sold out its first show in Cleveland at the Agora nightclub, which was known for holding metal shows. Needless to say it wasn't the typical crowd found at WWF and WCW house shows held at the larger venues in the city.

Lister captures that energy and excitement of ECW as it built up its following from Philadelphia and the East Coast to taking the product nationwide, and then the collapse of the organization (with the rebirth as a subsidiary of WWE).

Lister is not hampered one bit by not having access to those involved in ECW for interviews (most likely due to the recent book and DVD put out through WWE). Rather, Lister takes secondary sources, along with his encyclopedic knowledge of the organization through viewing shows live and on tape, to weave an outstanding and unbiased look at the company.

He also points out key points in storylines that appeared in WWF/WCW sometimes years later and also has enough information on what was happening in the major organizations to place ECW in its proper historical perspective.

A major plus is Lister's comprehensive list of wrestlers who were part of ECW. That in itself is worth the price of the book.

I want to remember ECW as the inovative organization with performers willing to push the (bingo) cards off the table and that kicked hard to force WWF/WCW to alter its product, no matter how lame the knock-offs ultimately were to fans "in the know."

If there is one book you want to pick up to chronicle the history of ECW, Turning the Tables is it.

I knew the author, Paul Haven, as a teenager in NY, so when I saw this book I had to pick it up and read it. This book had me smiling the whole way through. I enjoyed every page. I am eager to pass it along to my pre-teen nephews who play baseball for their town. I will certainly save a copy for my son when he is old enough to read it. Reading this book brought back memories of listening to the author and friends discussing baseball in Central Park 20 years ago. Some passions never die! Great book, Paul. I can't wait to read your next one! -LS

My eight year old baseball nut of a grandson read this cover to cover yesterday as he traveled with his family to Arizona for camping and a couple of spring training games. Given its length, his parents thought it would keep him busy for a couple of days. Not so.

My 9-year old son loved this book. He writes: This was definitely the best baseball book I have ever read! The main character, Danny Gurkin has tons of crazy ideas about giving the sluggers good luck. Sometimes they seem to work. But the sluggers are cursed when a poisoned pretzel kills a bubblegum tycoon. Paul Haven is a great writer.

Witty and creative, it breaks away from standard kids' fare. For baseball lovers especially, this would make a great gift.

I'm always on the lookout for a good story to read aloud to my 2nd graders, and this one fit the bill. Haven's engaging and quirky characters, combined with the baseball setting, and mysterious goings on made for a lively read that generated a lot of enthusiasm. Parts of this book reminded me of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, while other parts reminded me of Shoeless Joe.

A good story to read aloud, and a perfect one for sports-minded 4-7th graders to relish.

Now featuring a new afterword by author Charles C. Alexander (Professor Emeritus Of History at Ohio University), Ty Cobb is the classic biography of one of baseball's most brilliant, volatile, and intimidating presences. An inset section of black-and-white photographic plates illustrate this chronicle of not only Ty Cobb's robust life, but also the startling transformations taking place during twentieth-century baseball. A fascinating, deftly researched and highly readable "must-have" for fans of baseball legends.

TY COBB BY CHARLES C. ALEXANDER (1984)

Audio book review

Charles C. Alexander's Ty Cobb is an illuminating review of the legendary early Twentieth Century baseball superstar. This audio book, read by Walter Zimmerman, is written more like historical biography than a baseball book
Alexander dispels many long-held Cobb myths. Cobb was mean and nasty, but not nearly the ogre of legend. In fact, Cobb was a devout Christian (Baptist), very well spoken, a man who cared about his public image, and engaged himself in many acts of on and off-field kindness. Caricatured as a savage racist by revisionist history, Cobb actually was kindly in his relations with the many black people he grew up with in Georgia, some of whom worked for his family. He had no patience for blacks he considered uppity. He was not Branch Rickey, but he was not the Grand Dragon of the K.K.K., either. Miserly? Sometimes, but without fanfare he took care of players who had hit the skids. A spikes-sharpened demon? You bet, but Ty also shook hands with his combatants after the dust settled, and performed various acts of dovish peacemaking for the benefit of hostile fans.
Alexander is not a psychiatrist, but it is obvious that the fact that Cobb's mother killed his father in what may not have been an accident, during an incident that occurred because Mr. Cobb suspected Mrs. Cobb of having an affair, shaped Ty's combative nature. What has been lost over the years is that Cobb became friendly with Babe Ruth (common legend holding that he always hated him). Cobb was a shrewd millionaire investor who never needed to work after baseball, therefore separating himself from regular contact with people while living in huge mansions that were too big for him, after his wife left. Most telling is the relationship Cobb had with his two male children. He raised them strictly, and because of baseball travel left much of the child rearing to his wife. When he retired, they were grown up and on their own, and Cobb had genuine regrets for "missing" their childhood's. He wished he had been a doctor, so he could have been home for his kids, and when one of his sons went into medicine, Cobb lamented that if he, too, were a doctor they would have something in common. With all that baggage in tow, Cobb had to endure the premature deaths of both of the boys from untimely illnesses, living the last 20-odd bitter years of his life blaming himself.
Cobb may have been hard to live with, but this book empathetically explains some of the demons that drove the man into becoming a brilliant stock manipulator, a taskmaster father, an unfeeling husband, a reviled teammate, a hated opponent, and in the opinion of those who saw him, perhaps the greatest baseball player who ever lived!

Perfect companion to Al Stump's bio of Cobb. Alexander is more factual; Stump gives the reader a more thorough understanding of Cobb and his peculiarly ferocious personality. (The Alexander and Stump biographies portray a man who is one part Bedford Forest, one part Patton, one part Perot and one part Michael Jordan). For instance, Alexander devotes little more than one paragraph to Cobb's nervous breakdown in August, 1906. On the other hand, Stump details the inhumane hazing Cobb received from his yankee teammates in 1906 due to southern upbringing which led to Cobb's breakdown and fed his massive paranoia. Stump does a much better job on detailing Cobb's rivalry with Babe Ruth. Alexander briefly mentions the rivalry; Stump details the intense hatred Cobb felt for Ruth. For example, as player-manager of the Tigers, Cobb would often scream at the thick-lipped Ruth from the dugout, "You Nigga', Nigga' etc., etc.." However, where Stump takes many of Cobb's stories and yarns at face value, Alexander sifts through the clouds and tells the reader what is definitely true and leaves out what might be lies. Ty Cobb is the most interesting baseball player of all time though not the most important (Jackie Robinson, Babe Ruth, Roberto Clemente and, because of his role in free agency, Catfish Hunter were more important than Cobb). To get a real good feel of Ty Cobb, you need to read two books. Mr. Alexander's book is one of the two.

Alexander approaches baseball history as a historian; not a mere storyteller. This book reflects that approach. Alexander reports the feats and faults of Cobb, but doesn't try to pass judgement. Cobb's career speaks for itself (men are still chasing some of his records). However, in our age of political correctness Cobb's misbehavior speaks louder.

Alexander details a complete Cobb. For all his faults Cobb was mannered and gracious in public (most of the time), a perfect host (if he liked you) and a generous philanthropist. This is the side most other Cobb bio's whitewash.

This book proves useful as a resource about Cobb. It details the facts about his life season by season. The only way to improve the book would be to add more detail and color to some of Cobb's exploits-- but then the book would have to be about 500 pages.

I consider this to be the primere biography of Ty Cobb. However, those looking mostly for anidotes, stories and that harsh personality brought to life might want to check out Al Stumps' "Cobb". I suggest reading both to develop the full image of the Greatest innovator baseball has ever seen.

Ty cobb was the most ideal hitter in baseball before "the Babe" opened its new era.

The author described well enough for me to understand 1900-1910's players, ballparks, other circumstances around baseball.

I sincerely recommend this book to all the baseball fans.

This book is excellent for fencers interested in physical fitness. This book helped me become quicker and more agile, and on a personal level just plain stronger overall. I'd highly recommend it, these guys know what they are talking about.

What a masterpiece! This is the number one book for all fencing enthusiasts. This book helped me with both strength and agility and it can help you too. Don't miss out on this gem of a book, I'll guarantee it helps you in your matches.

This is the best book I've found on this subject and is tailor-made for exactly what fencers need! I would definitely recommend this book without hesitation! It's a steal!

I first found out about this series of book when I purchased the WeighTraining for Football book for my son. I was pleased to see that there was one for fencing. As an avid recreational and competitive fencer, I found that this book made serious suggestions that a true student of fencing should follow!

I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in improving their fencing. Now that my fitness has improved, so has my agility and my athleticism. This is a great book and it has really helped me!

The 1998 Yankees championship team, which has to be seen as one of the greatest teams of all time, produced two quick paperback books by NY sportswriters after the season was over. This one, by NY Post beat reporter George King, is the superior one and the one to read if one wants to re-experience the 98 season with the freshness of how perceptions were at the time. I've gone back to it many times in the years since, and those who want to write an account of the 98 Yankees from a distance in years to come will have to utilize this book for needed reference purposes.

It makes you re-live, one-by-one, all those magical moments from the best baseball team ever (125-50).

I am not an avid reader but i read this book for school. I love the yankees and i loved this book. It was very fast reading and i would recomend it to everyone. Yankees Rule!

George King has captured the true essence of this great team. Without ever having managed,coached or signaled one player within the lines, Yankee fanatics everywhere can sense that King communicates the day to day heartbeat of this great team.

Let me just say that I picked it up and it was awsome! I didn't put it down, and know, a year after it happened, it still remains one book that I will re-read untile I basiclly knew it from memory!

This book is the best. It absolutely brought my family and me together. Instead of sticking to one spot that i know is succesful. Me and my family travel to a new place every time. We have traveled to half the places in Utah. My wife loves it and so do my kids, neither one of them have ever been so excited about fishing. The Utah Fishing guide is phenomenal, it's helped me learn new tricks for every place. I highly recomend this book.

this book is great. it's about time somebody did that. now whenever i go someplace new i don't have to learn from my mistakes, but can just get to catching big fish right away scott

I recently perchased "Utah fishing Guide" and I most say it has to be the most versitle book on fishing in Utah on the market! Very clear maps accres areas, and lures (Flies) etc... A MUST BUY if you fish in Utah..

This book is great. I have been fishing for thirty years and got tired of the same old spots around Salem. Now i can easily plan my trips to go farther away to new spots that are less crowded and more beautiful. This book tells you where you can stay at and what to use to catch a fish for a certain area. I caught my biggest trout at Fremont lake last week. I have many fishing guides, but none really measure up to this one. It's great.

Very comprehensive coverage on close to 700 waters. I was amazed at all the information. I'm not sure but there must be over a hundred maps. The book has introduced me to dozens of new waters and to some very successful fishing trips. Two thumbs up.

I've never been a Rossi fan; although a very committed MotoGP fan. After reading this book, I've come to understand the sport and it clarified my unclear situations that I have come across in the current years of MotoGP. I think it is a must read for all the Sport fans.

I enjoyed reading this book tremendously. The writing style was surprisingly good, though I'm not entirely sure if it was more representative of the author or the translator. The reader is taken through his childhood, decision to commit to racing motorcycles, evolution through the European classes to MotoGP, many bad-boy exploits and finally some of the most challenging experiences Rossi has participated in as a MotoGP rider. It was fascinating to compare his perspective from inside the helmet with my perspective as an observer. It reads much like the script to Sundance film, starting in the present, digressing into history, and progressing back to present. I found it a bit difficult to follow at times but in the end was satisfied. If you follow MotoGP at all this book tells you what you already know, Rossi is a bad a-- on and off the track, yet warm, thoughtful, personable most of all simply human.

If you are a fan of Rossi or MotoGP this is a must read.

This is a neat book that dives into the life of one of the most accomplished racers to ever live. Lots of pictures, but haven't read entire book yet.

Definitely another good V. Rossi book which contains so much images within his life and two wheels.

What a great book. I bought this book as a present for my husband and being a fan of motogp myself we both really loved this book. A must for all Valentino Rossi fans to add to the collection. A great insight into the man and what drives his talent.Great photos.An inexpensive purchase but worth it's weight in gold.Very colourful and detail is excellent.

IT WILL ROCK YA! FROM HIS SEXUALITY TO HIS CARREER YOU GET TO KNOW WHY DENNIS DOES WHAT HE DOES! ALL I CAN SAY IS READ IT!!!!!!

I opened the cover of the book in hope of a good read. Now, I am not really your general type of book reading person. But I could not put the book down. Some of Rodmans quotes throughout the book are excellent. The book is mind blowing read that does not stop until you reach the back cover. I can't wait until I can get hold of the next title "As Bad As I Wanna Be"

Walk on the Wild Side is just as awesome as the first book. When you finish it, you feel as if you'd been inside Dennis Rodman's soul. I love it because it's cool and it's much sexier than Bad As I Wanna Be!!!!

I am a Rodman fan but I found that his first book was very brash and not too informative. His second book is far more interesting and provides an insight into why Rodman does what he does. He explains why he hangs out in "off beat" locales and gives an insight into his life in the NBA. I think the most intesting point in his book is his relationship with his young daughter which seems to be very strong. Is Rodman really a softie at heart?

Dennis Rodman's Walk on the Wild Side is such a good book to read. While his first book was the all about him growing up and making it to the NBA, Walk On the Wild Side is his life after making it to the NBA and all the crazy things he's done and been through. A DEFINITE must read.

I have read many books on walking, and this is by far the best. It is good for the novice or expert and contains a great progressional walking program that you can jump into at any point.

Two jerks in the review pool gave the book a 1 star despite the fact they had never read it. I guess they will have to wait for the made for TV movie.

Wow this was a great read!!!
I have been walking for awhile, i guess since i was about 7 months. once i started i just couldnt stop. I was walking everywhere around the playground, the backyard, i would even do multiple laps around the couch! im not gonna lie, i was pretty good. after decades of walking however, i was still having the same problems with form and technique. i assumed i could work these out on my own eventualy, but boy was i wrong. for example, i would routinly fall when attempting to pass uneven surfaces, i could not figure out why until i read this book. turns out, my form was fudamentaly flawed. Instead of simply steping onto the higher surface, i would get on my left leg and left arm only,then use my bodyweight to heave myself on the surface of higher elevation. living in manhatten, this made traveling around the city nearly impossible. one night i actually was locked into a subway station, beacause of my inability to scale the tall 20ft staircase. i yelled for the attendant, but i dont think he heard me, he appeared to be laughing very hard at something, maybe a joke a friend of his told earlier in the day. anyways, I was quickly tackling curbs, stairs...yes...stairs, i was even scaling the step used in aerobic classes!! I cant count the ways this book has changed my life

Do you like to walk? Are you thinking about walking as a way to get some exercise, lose weight, or to de-stress? This is the only book you will ever need. Mark Fenton is not only qualified to write this excellent guide, he has done the hard, creative work to do it. Whether you are a veteran walker, a beginner, or just thinking about the possibility of starting; this guide has so much to offer each of you.

I had been talking about starting a walking program for months. One of my coworkers finally bought this book for me, and it immediately lit a (figurative) fire under my butt to get me moving!

This book not only provides a 52-week guideline for increasing your activity, but it also serves as a journal to log what activity you have acheived that day. It stresses getting 6 days of at least 30 minutes of activity, but it has a 4-week plan to ease you into the 30 minutes if you've been fairly inactive before starting the program.

The author also urges you to get your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose level checked at the beginning of your 52-week program, again at 6 months, and again at the end of the program. I think that's highly responsible of the author, and was also highly motivating for me to visit my doctor for the first time in over 2 years.