Boxing Books

LOVE Muhammad Ali - always have - didn't know alot about the young 19 year old Cassius Clay. The boy who becomes the man who is Muhammad Ali - This book tells some interesting stories about Cassius - I'm not sure why I'm suprised, or how I seperated the two in my mind...I mean...they are the same person...and you can see how Cassius is Muhammad - think to when you were 19 and imagine if your greatest qualities grew and become better etc -

Anyway - the book is really good - not 5 star, but 4 - I would have liked MANY more pictures of Cassius and more stories too - I was left wanting more - which is normally a good thing - but here it felt somewhat incomplete

Don't missunderstand - I would buy this again and buy it as gift for folks - if you don't have it - get it - it will make you smile

This is a book that's hard to put down. Just when you've thought you had read all you can read about Ali, a book like this comes along. The pictures make you feel as if as though you were there yourself. This was one of the best gifts I've ever received. I plan to pass this treasure on to many for Christmas.

I received this book as a gift and I find myself going back to it over and over. Like going back to a museum time and again to look at a favorite work of art. The photographs of Clay/Ali are so personal and so beautiful. Odd as it sounds, I feel grateful that Mr. Schulke has shared these photographs with me, with everyone lucky enough to discover them. I came to Amazon just now to order this book for a friend and found myself moved to write these few words. There's something about the book and about the story of Clay/Ali that wants to be shared.

If you are a fan of Muhammad Ali or sports photography, you'll find this book a joy to read. The book focuses on Flip Schulke's black and white photographs of Ali that were taken on a few occasions from the early to mid-1960s. Flip's comments about the photos and Ali provide rare glimpses into Ali's early penchant for showmanship and the racial prejudice that affected his views. If you admire Ali for his impact in the boxing, social and political arenas, this book will bring tremendous joy to your heart.

This book is worth the price for the pictures of 19 year old Ali alone. I have been an Ali fan since I was 12, and I have never seen these pictures before! Ali was 19, and made up a story about how he worked out in a swimming pool, so that the photographer would take underwater photos. They are incredible. So is the fact that, even though he had already won a gold medal, he wasn't allowed to try on clothes in a Miami department store because he was black.There are pictures of him running 5 miles to the gym in his dress pants and work boots, because he didn't have gym clothes! I can't stop looking at these pictures, and I can't believe how brave he was and how hard he had to work.

This is volume 1 of a two-part series. I have been studying tai chi at YMAA Boston for the past 3+ years and this video is absolutely fantastic. Master Yang clearly demonstrates take down techniques for about 16 different postures from the tai chi form starting from the crossed hands position. Just as important, you get to see several of his senior students executing the techniques and Master Yang making corrections. If you have an interest in the martial applications of tai chi, this is an excellent. Also don't forget to get volume 2 which reviews the techniques starting from the parallel hands position.

I have to admit I wish I had read this book before some of the other books I've read. While this book is heavy on theory and only has a couple of exercises to offer, it is an essential and must read book for anyone pursuing Taoist alchemical practices. The author explains in clear and easy to read language the theory behind Taoist energy work. I felt like a lot of peices that were missing or that I didn't have context with, were supplied by this book. I definitely plan on picking up more of his books.

The actual practices are brief, but the author does an excellent job of explaining how to do the breathing and the practices work.

Having entered popular Western consciousness, the subject of Qigong is currently awash with fluffy, vacuous verbiage from pompous self-styled experts whose only real interest is cashing in on a lucrative New-Age trend. This volume, although dense and difficult, reveals much authentic and vital knowledge to those who have had some experience of Qi and are not afraid of patient study and experiment. Dr. Yang is one of a handful of authors in this field who is both qualified and willing to share significant teachings that have heretofore been kept secret or deliberately obscure. His material is presented in a format that, while extremely concise, assiduously avoids being cryptic. If you are a lazy dabbler interested in yet another mealy-mouthed, feel-good text weighted down with pseudo-exotica, promising everything and delivering nothing, avoid this book. But if you have perceived a little of the reality of internal Qi and desire to systematically expand your practice and understanding, you will probably find this volume unusually rewarding.

I hesitated quite some time buying "Qigong Meditation - Embryonic Breathing". I wondered whether it would be worth reading (and paying money for the privilege to do so). Everything I read _about_ it seemed generic and uninformative, but the book itself is marvellous, as I know now.

I have read other reviews and came to the conclusion this book is not for everyone, some reviewers even cited sentences next to the key sentences and complained about it lacking detail. It does not. Some things are simply hard to convey and describe...

Today, thanks to the publishing of a lot of books suggesting that you apply techniques early on that may have been esoteric, inner circle and hidden knowledge, a lot of people think that they are in the know. In fact, in terms of real written knowledge they may be. Small Circulation / Microcosmic Orbit meditation seems to be easy enough.

The problem is that key techniques need some time to develop and need to be developed properly. Guiding Qi without being able to properly sense its whereabouts, concentration and impact may or may not benefit and may or may not do damage. Fact is, you simply may not know that you put "fire to the devil" when you practise incorrectly as you have no way to measure or determine your progress.

So when you practise such techniques without actually being able to properly judge how well you are doing them, this book seems to contain bad advice and little help. In fact it is only tailored to a more advanced, perhaps early-intermediate reader that has mastered the early stages of the practise, how to begin to regulate body/posture, breath, emotion and mind to a certain degree, can keep concentration, and can sense movement and stagnation of Chi. Without this a lot of the stuff written herein seems theoretical or lacking detail.

The realm you enter with the practise of Embryonic Breathing is the one of inner self-awareness, starting out from body awareness. It is a crucial skill, not developed easily, not a simple subject. Anyone interested to developing this before tackling this book should try a book like Bruce Frantzis' "Opening the Energy Gates of Your Body" first. Yang's book only gives you strong hints about it, but is focused on the theory, framework, context and practise of Embryonic Breathing - no surprise there.

If you know the basic skills, this book delivers everything you need to know to go on. On which points/cavities/nodes to concentrate, how to locate those, with which techniques to manipulate them, and what end result to produce, and what this end result means in the overall context of longevity and enlightenment meditation and different Qigong schools.

It is first book (I know about) that discusses something I wondered about in Qigong exercises - is the Lower Dantian at the navel on the Conception Vessel (the Qi reservoir running down from tongue root, frontal chest navel to Huiyin/Perineum), or is it located within the body's center inside the lower abdomen. Qigong literature is very unspecific about this, and depending on context names one or the other as the Lower Dantian.

Yang clarifies that the navel location is the "False Dantian", which can store some but not much Qi, and helps store some in the real one at the center of gravity. He gives full anatomical and self-awareness instructions where to locate which and how they are most likely constructed anatomically in the body (the bio-battery concept of layers of conductors (muscles/tendons) and isolators (fat/fasciae) is introduced here for the lower abdomen). Yang's discussion of bioelectricity and a possible working of the Qi / bioelectricity system in the body is well-written, most-interesting and intriguing.

Yang introduces deeper knowledge about the inner layers and details of the Qi circuit, such as the Yang core in the center of the Sea of Yin (in the center of the Real Lower Dantian) and the Yin Spiritual Center (in the center of the brain / Upper Dantian, where important glands reside). He relates this knowledge back to the Taiji symbol and shows yet another way for it to symbolize an important concept.

First you develop the ability to locate and feel the places mentioned, to concentrate and how to lead Qi, and the breathing techniques. Then you train the technique and practise it to achieve the given goal, for example storing ample Qi for a later step. And then you can advance to the next practise. Nothing is missing here. It's just so that this book does not repeat all preliminary skills necessary, and I for one do not demand that from it. I prefer a book with depth such as this over one with breadth, since those are available in reasonable numbers to satisfy anyone.

Breathing is of course discussed thoroughly, and how its different techniques should be trained and can be applied to achieving certain goals. Breathing becomes a tool and the way for achieving different stages of practise, a context lined out really well during the middle part of the book, with a lot of detail of a complete "religiously" Daoist / Buddhist meditation program for achieving enlightenment.

A lot of books have been written about meditation and breathing, but this practise and its intricate placement within context and theory makes this book a treasure. If you read carefully you may have answered enough about your questions about breathing and Qi to be sure you are practising properly and be able to monitor your progress.

These techniques may be the key tools for experienced meditators to put in the missing pieces into their practise, and for novice meditators to lay a sound foundation for their future practise. (Novices to sitting meditation maybe, but surely not to Qigong...)

It is one of the few books that leaves you with the feeling that there is a roadmap for practise and you don't have to stumble about in your search. It relies on many sources instead of citing a single master.

One especially rare treasure is the section containing translations of selected Chinese texts about the topic. As Dr. Yang points out, one needs a strong understanding of the context of Qigong, of Chinese culture, Taoist philosophy and technical terms to be able to comprehend and translate without loss of meaning such original sources. Else the output could be flowery and incomprehensible poems obscuring the real content (possibly with intent) hidden within.

I can truly recommend this book to everyone interested in deeper energy meditation practise and Nei Gong. You won't regret, I'm sure. The writing can sometimes be redundant, dry and lengthy, but the knowledge is better given in a most detailed way instead of the most entertaining. Depending on your predisposition you may prefer Yang's writing style over others, don't take my or anyone other's word for it.

I am disappointed with newest Jwing-Ming book. There is a lot of scientific and theoretical reflections about all stages of Qigong, unfortunately practical ground is covered only at the beginner level.
There is almost nothing written about practice of "Kan-Li" (i.e. conceiving the Spiritual Embryo by mixing fire and water Qi at Huang Ting cavity to produce Elixir). Author just sends you to his next book. I am probably not the only one who waited especially for this issue! Regarding practice - you will find detailed description of reversed and normal abdominal breathing plus its variations (Griddle and Marrow breathing). You will not find anything more (practical) in this book. There is also nothing about practicing "internal vision". I would like to cite example of how Jwing-Ming writes about recognizing Yin Center of Upper Dan Tian "To recognize this point through feeling, you must first rid yourself of all emotional disturbances and also the external attractions of your mind. In this case, your mind will be easily search for the location. If you search for it sincerely, it will take only a few days for you to recognize this point" (p.330). That's all, but how can I find this point if I don't know what feelings are associated with it? Recognizing feelings play special role in Tai-Chi or Qigong. Why are they not covered? Summarizing, this work is too much academic for me.
Citations from old scriptures are major advantage of "Qigong Meditation", however I would like to read more ancient Qigong classics instead of mere repetitions of what was said before in previous interpretations.
Conclusion: If you look for theoretical background of Qigong practice, you can buy this book - it's probably best in this field written in English, but if you are mainly a practitioner and you look for "Kan-Li" or anything else, and you know other Jwing-Ming books, then you can skip this one.

One of the best books I have ever read. Read this along with his first book, pathnotes, and if the books resonate with you, you will enter a process of change like never before. His concepts, ideas, and breadth of knowledge on the esoteric secrets of martial arts and the pursuit of enlightment are what made me decided to take his KAP course. For those who want to go throught he biological process of enlightenment through rasing the kundalini, i highly recommend this book as a starting point.

this and path notes are probably the most important and influential books i've read on the esoteric subjects of spirituality, meaning, self-exploration, enlightenment, kundalini, meditation, and the mysteries of life. If you seek you shall find; reading Glenn's books will take you one step closer.

Glenn Morris picks up where he left off in his first book, "Path Notes of an American Ninja Master" (1993). This is not an instructional book on ninjutsu per se (no pictures), although it is chok-full of Morris's further journey on the martial arts /ninpo path (Bujinkan style under Masaaki Hatsumi), anecdotes and interpretations of philosophy, both Asian, Occidental, and other. I found it similar in some ways to Robert Smith's book, "Martial Musings". Some of Glenn Morris's most interesting views he presents in Chapter 9, "Characteristics of Shugyosha Across Cultures" (page 169). Shugyosha he defines as a person who is searching for the truth...I have a feeling that this is what Morris is doing with his series of books.

There is also the enjoyably opinionated Chapter 11, "Mud and Water, Purity and Power" where Morris allows his biases against other well known (sometimes questionable) martial artists of our time, to hang out in the wind. Among them Harunaka Hoshino (originally known as Chi Yuan) who created his own ninpo art from Japanese karate and kobudo during the ninja boom, Choi Hong-hi of Taekwon-Do whom he lambasts as having earned only shodan (1st black belt) before his return to Korea from Japan (now, now--nobody promoted Hatsumi sensei to 15th dan), and Genbukan Ninpo's Shoto Tanemora, once a student of Ninja Great Masaaki Hatsumi (and others) whom he dismisses as "...another cop..." with robotic movements (page 244). Some of the criticisms are fair, some are not...Morris doesn't bother to share his sources.

I don't accept Glenn Morris's interpretations and claims concerning the many things supernatural/psychic which pepper his writings--but if I only read things I agreed with, I wouldn't be living! I am, I admit, a cautious skeptic. I find Morris to be overly generous in the way he doles out his faith, often optimistic in accepting theories and studies which have not been scientifically counducted or checked, although even he draws the line at things like Alien abductions (see Chapter 13, pages 312-316). On the other hand, his insights are honest, and personal. In sharing his beliefs, he hides nothing, holds back nothing. Reading between the (esoteric) lines without any adaptation or interpretation, I find much of the advice he offers on this volume to be homespun, and often sensible.

Morris seems a cross between a scholar-warrior and a pseudo-intellectual hippy. This book is entertaining and fun to read. You don't have to share the man's opinions or beliefs to enjoy his adventures. If you enjoy martial arts autobiographies, or reading the personal thoughts of other people, this volume is just the thing.

Glenn Morris furthers the subjects he originally touched on in his book "Path Notes," and also gives even more insights into his experiences with meditation, things that go "bump" in the night (as well as the mind!), and his experiences in the martial arts. His insights are useful in exploring the inner workings of the mind, the body, and the spirit, as well as expanding your knowledge of your OWN martial art, whether it be aikido, kung fu, karate, ninjutsu, or whatever.

And, to make matters even better, check out his reading list / bibliography for an even more intense mind screw! :)

This guy is just amazing. He comes back to answer all of the questions you had from the first book. If you miss these you are missing the chance to improve every aspect of your life. It makes it easier to laugh at all our demons. Mr Morris is uncanny in his observations and ability to relay such amazing information. Definate must for any one interested in martial arts, self-improvement or self-exploration.

Students always ask: How do you do that? Why can't I do this like you do? My answer is usually "Dedicate your life and practice, practice, practice!" This book explains it all.

Sensei Klein doesn't lie: Achieving Martial Arts excellence isn't easy--but it IS attainable. He breaks down the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of technique, then puts it all back together again to describe from experience, what technique is when the three planes become one. How a technique is properly thrown? How to achieve balance? Its all in there. By using vivid descriptions rather than pictures, Sensei Klein has created a book that students and Masters of any and all styles can learn and improve from. He breaks down fear and how to overcome it. He shows us how to clear the mind so that the body and spirit can create the speed and power necessary for even a person of small stature can defend themselves against larger adversaries. And through it all are pearls of wisdom about life mastery. "If your life isn't balanced, neither will your Karate be; if your Karate isn't balanced, neither will your life be." But read it for yourself!

This book is on my mandatory reading lists for my students from 5th kyu through yudansha. I find it the best book on explaining the "why" Sensei do what they do, think like they think, and teach like they teach. It also refocuses sensei to "remember" what it is that they are doing. This book gives insight and understanding to every martial arts practitioner on the way that it "should be" and is in traditional karate training. I applaud Mr. Klein and hope to see other books by him. Buy it.

There is linear (external) balance and non-linear (internal) balance; there's speed, power and focus, from a physical standpoint and a mental/spiritual standpoint. In years of study, one would be lucky to learn all of this in just one of these standpoints--not just because they're taught differently, but because their backgrounds are different. OR SO I THOUGHT! In this book, Sensei Klein teaches us that the internal and external are parts of each other, that one leads to another, that one can compliment another. And the result is truly LEARNING EXCELLENCE. He also discusses how teachers and Sensei can be better communicators, and how students can be better learners. The book isn't all philosophy, either: Sensei Klein gives exercises to improve ourselves physically and mentally, and it works. I am a better Sensei AND student today, for having read this book. Good job!

Rarely do we hear teachers talk about the relationship between Martial Arts and life, that balance in one is not possible without balance in the other--and that a life lived in balance, in our work, relationships and Art, is walking the path of the Sensi. This book does just that--while teaching the reader the truths about the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of Martial Arts excellence, it is almost also a "self-help" book about life. A life lived in excellence is not solely a product of practice; its practice and honor, integrity, passion, compassion, humility and confidence and self-respect. Anyone who reads this book will come away with precious tools for excelling in their Art--and if they're smart and read the book closely, they'll come away with precious tools for living a full and happy life. Here are the words of a great Master, and I recommend that anyone who took the time to read my words read the words of this Master in this book.

Sensei Klein has offered us the tools to walk the path of martial arts excellence by taking the three basic elements--mental, physical and spiritual, explaining them, then melding them into a clear conceptualization of the practical application of chi, focus and technique--so that the student becomes not a fighter, but a true master of their art. A true master is someone who is difficult to best, but while he is besting you, he is also teaching you how to become like him. Sensei Klein took great care not to cross the line of opinion into platform, which makes the book valuable to people of any style, but in reading between the lines, one can see that this is a man who walks the path of the internal warrior, and I would have liked to read his insights on the deeper aspects of internal martial arts concepts. Hopefully, he'll offer us another book where he takes us to that even higher level of excellence. Still, even if Sensei Klein does write such a book, it would best be read only if you read this book first, as this lays down the foundation we all need to walk the path of a Sensei.

If you carry a gun or are planning on doing so then this book is a must read. In his own voice Bryan Williams clearly explains what every gun owner or person interested in the safety and protection of themselves or others needs to know to win a violent confrontation! I highly recommend this book to everyone. I was not able to put the book down once I started reading it. Welcome to the Real world is filled with many useful techniques and stories based on the authors vast real life experiences as a former cop who won a medal for bravery in the line of duty. Also Bryan is able to draw upon his years of experience working in the private security and protective services and training countless civilians, law enforcement and military personel to win and not just survive!

Having studied martial arts for eight years and taught self defense for close to two years there is no other book I can reccommend to sharpen your awareness and learn real life skills in the world of self defense especially if you are interested in carrying a concealed firearm. With real-life experiences and situations to base his teachings on, Mr. Williams approaches tactical firearms training with a simple, down-to-earth tone that works!

Bravo! Finally a book which the layperson can understand! Low on jargon and insider buzzwords, it's high on clarity, timliness, and practicality. The book reads easily, and answers all those questions mused upon by the average person. The touch of humor was a welcome respite to such a ponderous subject, and I'm looking forward to Mr. Williams next volume. Hopefully it wll expand upon actual scenarios, discuss legal cautions, and reinforce the principles set forth in this work. A read worthy of one's precious time this.

I find the book reads easily and well, not like a text book or manual. It gives you practical information on how to stay safe on a day to day basis, allowing you to live and not to be over paranoid in these ever changing times. This book sharpens your situational awareness and gives you basic fundamentals that will never change. His real life descriptions make you realize how dangerous society has become and how unprepared you are to face those situations.

I have been in the self defense business for 25 years, both in the military and in civilian life, and I can tell you that 80% of the population has no idea what dangers surround them or what to do about it. Welcome to the Real World will fill you in quickly, and give you no nonsense information about how to recognize danger, avoid it, and if you cannot avoid it, how to handle it. The power of the book comes from the fact that the author knows what he is talking about - he has been there and done that, and wants to make sure his knowledge and experience can help the reader. As a fellow author, I also found the book to be written in and informative, yet entertaining style. I will recommend this book to all of my students.

A marvellous book for both beginners and advanced practitioners of the art of Qigong!
At the very heart of Grandmaster Qingshan Liu`s book is a practical introduction to the famous series of "Qigong Harmony in 18 Figures" and "The Eight Figures for every Day".
Exact and detailed descriptions of the movements and breathing allow you to easily perform the exercises on your own.
In addition, the rhythm of the movements and breathing are
illustrated on a timeline, which is especially helpful.

The presentation of the text is clearly arranged and organized and the language easy to understand.
A series of photos accompany and illustrate each of the Qigong movements which are being demonstrated by Qigong Grandmaster Qingshan Liu himself.

In the first and last part of his book Qingshan Liu talks in a vivid way about the theoretical background and the basis of Qigong as well as the philosophy of "Qi".
He also answers frequently asked questions concerning both practicing Qigong and the emotional and physical reactions Qigong provokes.

The book suits both beginners` and advanced Qigong-practitioners` purposes extraordinarily well!

It is clear structured. We lern how to understand the differences between the west medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I tried many teachers, but a teacher like this book, makes me understand what I have lerned before, this is the first time I have found the right teacher. I am very happy reading this book. I have tried also the Video in English und German, it is a great help. I do the exersices every day. I can easily do the 18Figures, because Master Liu is just standing in front of me, I can feel the Qi from him. I feel much better while and after the exercise. Thank you so much Mr. Qingshan Liu!

It is clear structured. We lern how to understand the differences between the west medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I tried many teachers, but a teacher like this book, makes me understand what I have lerned before, this is the first time I have found the right teacher. I am very happy reading this book. Thank you so much Mr. Qingshan Liu! I will lern your school

There are some outstanding features to this book which are worth a comment:

First, chi theory is presented in English that is comprehensible to the ordinary American. Nothing too technical, no mumbo jumbo. Very solid explanations.

Second, the two qigong routines that are presented, the "18 Figures" and "Eight Figures for Every Day" are well illustrated and contain clear and not overly-wordy instructions. There's just nothing like trying to learn a move while holding the book in one hand and reading through a sea of verbiage while simultaneously trying to imitate fuzzy or poorly-posed photos. You won't find that here!

Third, the book is not too long. It's what you need to know for the beginning or intermediate levels and that's all. Also, there is nothing religious, nothing spiritual, and nothing new age to be found anywhere. The instruction is drawn from medicine and the martial arts.

Fourth, the movements themselves in both routines are more physical than one often finds in other qigong sets. This is truly a fitness workout, although most people in average condition should not have any difficulty with the moves. Anyway, if something doesn't work for you, you can always adapt it to your situation. The qigong police won't come for you.

The only improvement I would suggest to the publishers, should YMAA decide to reprint this book, is that it should come with a DVD in a little plastic pouch glued to the inside back cover. There used to be a video, but I can't seem to find that anywhere. A do-along DVD workout would make this easy program even easier to learn.

I am pleased to recommend this book. It lives up to the high standards I have come to expect from YMAA.

This is a book giving you much fun to read and make it very easy to learn and understand Qigong and the essens of the Traditional Chinese Medicine. You will get health, wellbeing and joyfull living. Go for it! (I am 31 Years old).

Despite not being a Wu style practitioner, I found this book to contain a wealth of knowlege about Taiji Quan. Unlike most books which claim to be "Complete" Taiji anything, this one delivers with finesse.

First, the history section is a gem. Rather than delving into myths and legends, Alfred Huang puts forward solid historical research which disproves both the Cheng San-Feng theory, and the Wang Zhongyu chronology (showing how it would be impossible for Wang to have taught the Chens.) This alone, makes the book valuable to anyone interested in authentic history of Taiji Quan.

Next, the form. The form presented in this book, is Wu style. It is a condensed 36 posture form that Alfred Huang derives from the Wu private family form. The photographs are easy to follow, and the transitions between movements are simple to grasp.

Last, the section on the Taiji Classics are what cemented my opinion on this book. Most texts simply throw in the photos with descriptions, and call it a day. The classics are the heart/bible of Taiji Quan practice, and their inclusion is essential for any book to be a "complete" guide. The author does just that, allowing the reader to draw from the experience of the founders.

In conclusion, this is a great addition to any serious practitioner's library. Even though the form is non-standard (you probably won't be able to use it as a reference to what you learn in class,) the rest of the material is top notch, and even a non-student with no prior experience will take away something solid from this book.

As a Tai Chi practitioner for several years, I've read a number of books and this is definitely one of the best. Master Huang provides great information about how the properly practice your forms, the reasons why from Chinese medicine, and a wonderful history of the martial art. Yet his writing is clear and very understandable, making it a pleasure to read. Though I don't practice the style or the form he describes, I learned a lot about why I was taught to do my forms a certain way. (Sometimes, in the old way of teaching, they don't teach why, but just show you how.)
I would highly recommend anyone who is practicing Tai Chi or is interested to read this book, as a great supplement to whatever class or instruction you have.

The introductory chapters in which Huang explains the development of Tai Chi and relevant physiological concepts are the best I have yet read and I would recommend them to any English speaker starting to learn Tai Chi. As with most attempts to describe how to do the form I found the detailed explanation of how to do Huang's short version of the Wu style form of little practical value; although to be fair I only read parts of it out of general curiosity as I practice Wu style in Hong Kong with the Wu family. Although the introductory paragraphs brought out the fact that Tai Chi is primarily a martial art I felt that once the book began to discuss the form this was forgotten. I have found that the greatest insights into the form often arise when one learns their martial application.

This book is the most detailed explained book I ever read. It teaches you how to have the correct posture (Which is very very important if you want to learn tai chi!), the very basic tought of chi, and also it DOES have explanation how to breath. He didn't write how to breath in every single movement that he explained, but he did in the beginning of the book or/and in the attachment of old manuskript tranlations.
Once again it's a very good book for a serious tai chi student, but you have to get use of the way chinese people think to understand some of the contains.

This book is absolutely delightful, from its discussion of the theory behind the art to its amazingly in-depth tracing of its history. For the past year and a half, I have been searching for something to heal my Chronic pain disorder that effects my upper body, and has effected my classical guitar-playing and musicianship more than I like. Well, a few months ago I picked up the Sophia Delza book at my library and began studying from that, but I wasn't completely satisfied with discussion of forms and postures, so I decided to buy a book, and after an exhausting search I finally came away with this book which not only seemed to satisfied my requirements, but left me with an excellent feeling. I was most attracted to the fact that he was using the Tai Chi as a healing approach and that he had been practicing for upwards of 50 years. Well, let me just say that everyday I feel better, and my pain is constantly receding, I have a whole new outlook on life, and the calmness I have learned has helped me to develop my musicianship. I appreciate Master Huang's approach of allowing the reader to bring his own things to the practice such as relaxation methods, and at first I was perturbed that he didn't offer breathing methods on each of the postures, but it is inferred that one cannot learn the breathing for all movements unless they have learned the postures perfectly. Actually, one may notice, however, that he does describe in a brief passage what movements exhaling and inhaling require. This book is a beautiful description and application of the technique that will be helpful to anyone.

This is an excellent piece of work. Mr Burger writes well, and expounds, without hesitation, rather "heretic" views in the karate community. His introduction to the way current practice of karate is organised in most clubs, with military-style group performance of the techniques while stepping up and down the training hall, is very useful and explains much. His idea that everybody should build their own kata as a memory device to remember self defence techniques is also original, but in my view it is too bold and unrealistic. The construction of a kata is not a simple task, and building self-defence techniques takes much analysis, time and effort. In addition, this proposal flies in the face of his own example, where he has taken one existing kata and adapted it to his needs. It would seem that a less radical solution, the one adopted by Mr. Burger himself, would be more reasonable.

I enjoyed reading Mr. Burger on this occasion. The only reason for not giving him 5 stars is the part of the book dealing with the bunkai of his own kata. To be frank, this is a boring part. The self defence techniques selected are dubious, to say the least (defences against punches typically involve moving the whole body, which contradicts the basic "martial mechanics" principle that "a fist is faster than the body", etc.). This "practical" part, despite the pictures( :)) is far less interesting than the "dry" reading in the text-part, which is extremely interesting. Mr Burger is clearly a highly intelligent man and a very good writer. This is an excellent book.

I am a police officer and have a Shodan in Shotokan. I have studied Goju Ryu for several years as well. Since becoming a police officer I have been skeptical about the efficacy of karate in real life encounters.

Burgar's book explains how to make karate work in real life. I was not expecting the book to be nearly as comprehensive and well written as it was. Burgar's book brings the best of karate together with cutting edge research about use of force encounters.

He includes research by Col. Dave Grossman, Loren Christensen, and Bruce Siddle- well known names in law enforcement circles. He ties that to accounts of the way karate was done "in the old days" by Funakoshi and Patrick McCarthy to show that they were probably doing it right back then.

Burgar details the types of attacks that are used most frequently in assaults. He discusses how violence unfolds, physiological and psychological responses that are likely to occur, and how to train to overcome theses obstacles.

His dicussion of Gojushiho is a good example of how to interpret a kata to make it a personalized style of self defense.

There is no fluff in the book. If you want to know how to make your karate work for real, get the book. It won't disappoint.

This is an outstanding tome which provides important insight for any karateka, not just Shotokan practitioners. Since each kata contains a fully developed, practical self-defense system, the ancient karate masters did not generally learn the plethora of forms we attempt to master today. Instead, they focused on one or two core forms such as naihanchi or sanchin kata, then went on to devote 5 or 10 years to deeply understand every nuance of one single additional form. Over time they internalized the strategy, principles, and tactics of that kata, mastering every detail. Once they fully understood all aspects of that kata, they might then pick-up another new form to study.

Over the last century, the practice of mastering a single kata has disappeared from our curricula. The deep understanding of a few kata has been replaced by the superficial practice of many. This book follows the author's five year experiment as he focused all his training on a single kata, Gojushiho. You will not only find unique insight into the Burger's experiment, but also develop improved understanding of your own forms and what you can learn from them. This is a great book, a worthy addition to your martial library.

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

I took a chance on buying this book without waiting for more reviews to come out on it. My interest was peeked by the study of one kata for five years. Why? Because this sounds like the original way in which Okinawans studied their kata. So I bought it and was not disappointed at all.

I would like to start buy saying that I believe Mr. Burgar did an excellent job in his overall presentation of his material in this book. It is easy to follow and is laid out in a logical sequencial manner. By stating that one Kaishugata is in itself a fighting system takes a bold step in this modern day world of "sport and game" karate. Finally a Shotokan stylist is getting back to the roots!

Those of us who have studied Okinawan Karate while always respecting Funakoshi, have needed an explanation as to why he changed so much of the kata when he introduced them to Japan. Here Mr. Burgar gives us the answer with Funakoshi's own words "that karate has changed so much from the way I learned it as a youth on Okinawa". Mr. Burgar then explains that karate was intended as a civilian self defense system.

On studying one kata the reader comes to realize that the techniques (bunkai) within the kata were designed to handle various habitual acts of violence that a person will run into in the everyday life. By careful analysis one can study this way given the careful criteria that is easily followed by this experienced karate-ka.

I applaud Mr. Burgar for writing for an advanced audience of practitioners. It is indeed refreshing to read something that may not be new to me but helps me to expound further into my own studies. I should mention that one can and should learn from any good book on karate. There can always be something taken away that is useful as well as learning what to leave behind.

Self defense is a very personal thing. That's why it has to work for the practitioner first and then be researched again by the people that they teach it to. It must become your own. Yes you must own it. Mr. Burgar sheds light to the karate world in general and this reader believes to the Shotokan stylist imparticular, why students of the early karate known as "te" or "tote" learned only one or two kata from their teachers. The Okinawan expression "Three Year Sanchin" does mean something after all.

I think a little more time could have been spent on speaking about the stances of karate and why they are practiced at all. Shedding light on that area would be helpful to students on different positioning of the body's center for balance purposes. After all, stances are what the karate-ka uses to learn balance while moving even if they may not be used in actual fighting. This was the only oversight that I could see.

Over all I give this book 5 stars simply because it is that good and unique. It's nice to see a new author shine in the karate world with something good and of substance. I will use some of the material in your book for myself and for my students. I believe that that is the highest praise I can give you besides writing this review and reading this book.

To the reader of this reveiw, buy it. I look for more from Mr. Burgar in the future. I only hope that the message in my traditional karate book "Nahashu Ryu Karate-Do" will impact one person as much as Mr. Burgar's book impacted me.

This book was all I expected based on the various reviews. It contains very favourable reviews from Patrick McCarthy and Vince Morris, both of whom I have trained under, and greatly respect.

There are really two parts to the book. The first half focuses on philosophy of kata in general, while the second half is all about bunkai for Gojushiho as seen by the author. It clearly demonstrates that it takes years of dedicated study to fully appreciate the benefits of just one kata. Do as I did - read both parts together.

Highly recommended.

Excellent book for those that are intrested in the Historical development of Modern Karate and its evolution. This book has some of the orriginal katas and ideas that Funakoshi Sensei brought from Okanawa.

This is one of the best books for teaching martial arts the correct way. What you learn is realistically how to defend yourself from an attacker or a group of thugs. I studied it nearly ten years ago. Thanks to black belt karate I have not had anyone attack me since I was gang beatin in 1989. This book is the real way to learn the sport or art. WHAT A GREAT BOOK!

If you want to see the evolution of Okinawan Karate from Shuri-te into Shorin-Ryu, Shoto-Kan , and eventually Korean Tang Soo DO you need to have this book and also Karate-DO Kyohan. Then study Hwang Kees Two texts on Tang Soo Do vol 1 and 2 and you'll see Tang Soo Do is the Korean version of Shoto-Kan (which is nothing to be ashamed of). Even though the Koreans don't like to admit it, there's no question where Tang Soo Do's roots lie and it's not in a 2000 year old Korean art, or anything Mstr. Kee learned in China! You will also see the changes that evolved, from the High original stances of Okinawan karate (that Funakoshi was taught by Itosu), to the deeper and longer stances that later developed in shoto-kan (Karate-Do Kyohan), as well as many Shoto-isms particular to both styles such as Pinan 1 and 2 being reversed from Itosu's original order. You'll notice the single index finger knife hand blocks in Seishan Kata (which modern Shoto-kan no longer uses but Tang Soo Do still does, the commonality of the total kata and the overall simularity which is remarkable especially when Tang Soo Do's leaders and most Koreans refuse to admit it.

The above reviewer is correct. I bought Karate Jutsu and was not sure if it was the same as To-te Jutsu, so I went to the martial arts store and looked inside To-te Jutsu. The names are different because of the timing of when the book came out, I think? I think the name of Karate changed from Ryu Kyu Kempo, to To-te Jutsu, to Karate Jutsu? Although Karate Jutsu has fewer pages, it is because they fit 2 photos on one page instead of just one. If you are wondering if all 10 Katas from the To-te Jutsu are in Karate Jutsu, they are. In both books, the first 3 katas are fully illustrated and the other 7 are accompanied with 2-3 photos and the rest of the Kata described in detail. Although I liked To-te Jutsu's cover, I am very happy I bought Karate Jutsu. The binding is better and so is the wording. Please look at the reviews for Karate Jutsu, some of those reviews were very good.

In reading the book you learn that the first book published was only done so in a very limited number and that drawings were used to illustrate the techniques within the book. When the later version in 1925 was published, Master Funakoshi himself posed for photographs which were used in place of the original drawings, allowing a much more detailed look at the techniques. The version I have, the modern English version, still has these same photos of Funakoshi performing the techniques. It was from Rentan Goshin Karate Jutsu that Funakoshi much later expanded into the Karate Do Kyohan and his students were photographed performing the techniques. However, if you want to see karate as it looked when men such as Won Kuk Lee and others were learning it in Japan, you must see the book Rentan Goshin Karate Jutsu. I can't begin to emphasize enough the importance of this work to the historical understanding of the development of Tang Soo Do. I personally believe this book was one of those that Hwang Kee found to study in the 1930's in Seoul. While the original Ryukyu Kempo Karate was not widely disseminated (if you can find a copy it will be in Japanese and will be worth a fortune), the Rentan Goshin Karate Jutsu was widely disseminated through many printings and could readily have been available even in Korea during the time period. For those of us who have seen and had a chance to work with some older members of the Moo Duk Kwan, a glance at Funakoshi in these photos immediately impacts upon you the closeness with our style and what karate was like when Funakoshi was teaching in Japan in the late 1920's. Keeping in mind that only a decade before the Japanese had no knowledge of Karate and that it is considered that Funakoshi demonstrated the populace style of karate extant on Okinawa at the turn of the last century, and you can see the root of Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan as far back as the late 1800's. For this reason alone if no other I can't imagine a Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan decendant NOT having Karate Jutsu in their library. It should be kept right alongside "Tang Soo Do/Soo Bahk Do, Vol. 1".

John Hancock
President
International Tangsoodo Alliance

the only thing i knows that lewis is more than all boxers ever because he was noncomparable in any ways atall.we all can imagine it that those loosed he had was underrated opponet which's clear to everyones in the whole world.
My adivise to mr Lewis is that shld not allow any one to cause enemity betwen he and Our Mnager (Mr Ogun)and not to disorganised his team ok.
I'm from Ghana and love to be seen him fight always i had been in his Fans since 1992 and love him naturally.
that's all for now Regards Alpha Atibay

This book was a great picture book. Lennox is a sexy, sensitive, and loving man.

I've always liked Lennox Lewis, the man is intelligent & always carries himself with class. And lets not forget how great a boxer he was. This is a nice item to own if you're into Lennox, this girl I was with knew this & bought it as a birthday or christmas present for me (I forget which one), and I was very pleased. Its a hefty piece, a coffee table dweller all in black & white and which basically takes you through the 1999-2001 period with a selection of pictures and interviews.

The book itself is large and nice looking. The photography is more of an artistic nature than run-of-the-mill sports coverage. There are some awesome action shots of Lennox at work versus Evander Holyfield, Michael Grant, and Frans Botha, but far more of Lennox in his past times, playing ball & chess, hangin' in Jamaica and some great material of him in Africa. the girl who follows his camp around and provides the words has a nice style of her own and asks Lennox some interesting stuff. Lennox clowns around a bit & we finally get a glimpse of his real character.

I can't criticise this book, although I did wonder why there were no shots of Lennoxs convincing points win over David Tua from 2000? (A GREAT performance) And bigger & better shots of Lennoxs crushing revenge kayo of Hasim Rachman woulda been cool, and if he'd have waited around a few months longer before realeasing this book we could even had some shots of him waxing Tyson. However all in all this really isn't the overall vibe of the book. The book is a journey through a period of time with the Lewis camp & represented with awesome photography work. Overall a very attractive and lovingly created work & a real nice companion for any fan of Lennox Lewis.

I was very pleased with this purchase and I highly recommend this book to ALL fans of Lennox Lewis. You cannot be disappointed. The photographer, Blaise Hart intelligently and poetically captures various scenes of Lewis's life with the passion of a Rembrandt or Gauguin painting. The compilation of black and white photos not only illuminates and magnifies the intensity of Lennox Lewis's brilliance and presence in the boxing ring but also reveals the sensitivity, charisma and spiritual strength of a man who irrefutably has earned the title of legend and hero. He is a Renaissance man and the quintessential, modern "knight in shining armor." He exudes athletic skill, prowess and power but has the corruscating wit and intellect of a consummate gentleman - a rare breed indeed. He commands respect and is the epitome of velvet-covered steel. I also own "Lennox Lewis - the Autobiography of the WBC Heavyweight Champion of the World with Joe Steeples" which I also highly recommend to ALL Lennox Lewis fans because it provides an even more in-depth, detailed account of his heritage, his childhood and the influential forces which led him into the arena of boxing which would be of interest to any true fan. This book, however should not be overlooked and ignored. If the stunning photos of Lennox Lewis in the ring during heavyweight bouts do not impress you then you will be relieved to discover the photos of Lewis at ease in rural Africa, deliberating in solitude and playing chess which you will be sure to appreciate immensely as I did. You will also read insightful interviews with Lennox Lewis scattered between the presentation of photos which are not only candid but very entertaining. Do not pass this book up. You will regret it if you do. Then again - ignorance is bliss but thank God I chose to not be ignorant here! Lennox Lewis is truly an inspiration to us all.

i was very pleased with this book! i read it in one sitting. the pictures captured both the down to earth and gentle side of this fine gentleman. the only reservation i have is that the book didn't delve deep enough into his personal life. it seems that the author painstakingly avoided it. but the pictures somehow compensated for this. i would recommend this book to any and all who are admirers(most of them female, probably) of this incredible man. you won't be disappointed!