The Complete Idiot's Guide to Fitness Boxing Illustrated Review

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(More customer reviews)I have taught boxing aerobics for many years, and I have published reviews of numerous boxing books in the past. This book is one of the best books I have ever read on Fitness Boxing. It is one of the most comprehensive and well illustrated books ever published on using boxing as a total fitness activity. It covers every aspect of fitness, not just the punching exercises of boxing. This book also includes a 650-minute DVD which demonstrates the fitness exercises and movements in the book. However, there is one flaw in the DVD in that it promises to take you through 12-two minute boxing rounds, but all it does is show you how to do the exercises. Nevertheless, the book is still worth purchasing. This text is broken down into four parts. Part one provides an introduction and reasons to choose fitness boxing as your workout choice. Various warm up exercises are also shown in this section. The second part covers training tools of boxing,taking a fitness boxing class, how to use power and balance balls, using weights and how to do partner exercises. Part three finally gets into the actual mechanics of boxing. This part covers stance, balance, footwork, how to throw the basic boxing punches, and using workout bands in your boxing workout. The final section covers various workout routines such as shadown boxing and bag work.
In conclusion, if you are interested in boxing for total physical fitness, you will want a copy for your personal library. I also recommend this book to fitness professionals who teach or would like to teach boxing for fitness.
Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Samurai Aerobics: The Kenjutsu/Kendo Workout Program)


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Reverse Crescent Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 5) Review

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(More customer reviews)Reverse Crescent Kick is the fifth book of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series by Shawn Kovacich. Just as he did with the other volumes of the series, Kovacich attacked the instruction of the reverse crescent kick with meticulous detail and thoroughness. I have to admit, ever since Billy Jack wopped Posner on the right side of his face with his right foot, I've had a sentimental spot for the reverse crescent kick, and that makes this my favorite book of the series.
This book is the most detailed written description you will find on executing the reverse crescent kick, and should be included in any martial artist's book collection who incorporates kicking into his or her training. This is not a book you just sit down and read cover to cover for enjoyment. It is a resource text to be studied and referred to at various times during your training or teaching. Yes teaching! I think instructors will learn tips on how to teach the reverse crescent kick by reading this manual.
The most valuable sections of this book are the chapters that teach the basics of the reverse crescent kick and then the variations. The variations Kovacich covers include: Turning Reverse Crescent Kick, Spinning Reverse Crescent Kick, Step-Back Turning Reverse Crescent Kick, Switch Turning Reverse Crescent Kick, Hop/Slide Forward Reverse Crescent Kick, Hop/Slide Backward Reverse Crescent Kick, Front Leg Reverse Crescent Kick, Cross-Over Reverse Crescent Kick, Off-Setting Turning Reverse Crescent Kick, Jump Turning Reverse Crescent Kick, and the Switch Turning Reverse Crescent Kick (left leg). The chapters do have some repetition, but this enables the book to be more easily used as a reference tool, since you can pick the book up and review any of the kicks without having to refer back to different chapters. Kovacich uses plentiful photographs and illustrations to demonstrate all aspects of the kick, striking angles, foot placement, and the arc of the kick. As I mentioned, he attacks this with meticulous detail and you will not find a more complete written account of the reverse crescent kick anywhere.
The chapters on strength, speed, and power are the weakest chapters of the book. While it is nice that Kovacich included a bit on these topics, the real strength of this book is with the detailed instruction of the kick itself. There are many other resources out there that cover strength, speed, and power in more detail and depth than Kovaich does here. The good thing is he introduces these concepts and any good martial artist will further his or her study of these to incorporate into their training with different resources.
The trouble shooting guide offers some good tips to better your kicking, and Kovacich also includes a short chapter on reverse crescent kick applications.
If you want in-depth instruction on the reverse crescent kick and ten of its main variations, this book with over 200 pages of text, photographs, and illustrations is a must have addition to your martial art library. It is an excellent resource for any martial artist regardless of style.
Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of the DVD set Streetfighting Essentials.

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Wheel Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 2) Review

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(More customer reviews)When I picked up Wheel Kick by Shawn Kovacich I was already familiar with the first book of his Achieving Kicking Excellence series, Back Kick. I was not expecting a book one would sit and read for pleasure such as a novel or martial art history book. I was expecting a text with detailed explanations on the execution and application of the wheel kick and its variations, and I was not disappointed. Wheel Kick is the most complete written description with photographs of this kick I know of, and is an excellent addition to any martial artist's library. It will be especially beneficial to those that teach the wheel kick and variations in their curriculums.
The author, Shawn Kovacich, set two world records for endurance high kicking that were certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, and has an impressive record in the tournament circuit having competed in tournaments such as the Sabaki Challenge among others. With those credentials, I expect him to provide solid instruction on the execution and application of kicks, and he definitely delivers.
Wheel Kick includes brief chapters on basic anatomy, warm up and stretching, strength, speed, and power. Many martial artists, especially instructors, will have more complete references on these topics. However, it is nice to have these brief chapters that have the basics all in one volume, especially for those that do not have a large martial art library. I feel it is important that Kovacich includes these if for nothing more than to introduce the basics and encourage the reader to seek out more instruction on these important elements to kicking.

Where Wheel Kick shines is the actual kicking chapters. Most books or magazine articles on kicking have minimal descriptions of each kick. Wheel Kick does much more than briefly describe the wheel kick with a couple accompanying photographs. It is a detailed analysis of every movement of the wheel kick from beginning to end. Wheel Kick explains the wheel kick, variations of the wheel kick, training and drills for kicking, and applications of the wheel kick in one comprehensive volume.
Kovacich details every aspect of the primary kick, the turning wheel kick, including stance, turning, trajectory, impact, and follow through. In addition to the numerous detailed photographs of each stage of the kick, Kovacich includes various diagrams to help the reader understand proper foot placement and pivoting, correct trajectory, and targets and impact. He then describes variations including: step-back wheel kick, spinning wheel kick, hop/slide forward wheel kick, hop/slide backward wheel kick, front leg wheel kick, back leg wheel kick, switch wheel kick, off-setting wheel kick, jump turning wheel kick, and the 540-degree jump turning wheel kick.
Like Back Kick, a person could criticize this text regarding the repetitiveness of some of the pictures and descriptions of the wheel kick variations. If you are reading this book straight through cover to cover, yes, the repetitiveness could become boring. If you are using the text as Kovacich intended, as a learning tool, this should not be a factor. I much rather have each kick explained in its entirety, rather than be referred to a different part of the book for the elements that are similar or the same. There is a big difference in a book intended to be read from cover to cover and a book intended as a resource guide. The Achieving Kicking Excellence series are guide books, and the format is perfect for this kind of instruction.
Also like Back Kick, the book concludes with a trouble shooting guide to help pin point problem areas with your wheel kicks, and a chapter on applications. Once you have mastered the wheel kick and its variations, you should be able to apply the kick in a sparring or fighting situation and Kovacich provides some of the basic applications he has used and teaches his students.
Shawn Kovacich's Wheel Kick is the second book of the series and an excellent instructional text for any student or instructor of the kicking arts. Its detailed descriptions and photographs are clear and easy to understand, while his kicking notes provide quality instruction and advice to improve one's training and execution of this important kick. I am definitely looking forward to future volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.
Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series.


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Wheel Kick is the second volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of martial arts related books. Wheel Kick, along with the other nine volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, goes into intricate detail over all aspects of executing the primary kick, which in this case is the Turning Wheel Kick, and several of its main variations. Starting with a basic anatomical analysis of this kick, you quickly progress to the basic principles associated with the Wheel Kick, and then you dive right into learning the proper execution of the primary kick, Turning Wheel Kick. Once you have finished with this section, you are taken to the variations chapter which builds upon the primary kick, Turning Wheel Kick, by teaching you 10 of its main variations. From here you are taken to the Training and Practice Methods chapter for a look at some very simple, yet effective methods for adding speed and power to your kicks. Your next chapter takes a question and answer approach to some of the most common problems people have executing the Wheel Kick and the solutions to correct them. The next chapter in this book deals with a very brief and basic application section for the Wheel Kick and each of the variations previously detailed in this book.NOTE:The combat/self-defense applications of the Wheel Kick are discussed and demonstrated in much greater detail in the companion book to this book, Wheel Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 2, which is Wheel Kick: Applications in Combat: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 12. This book goes into intricate detail over all aspects of applying the primary kick, which in this case is the Wheel Kick, and several of its main variations, against twelve of the most common attacks that you are most likely to face in an actual unarmed self-defense/combat situation.At the conclusion of this book you are given a sneak preview of the next volume in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, which in this case is the Axe Kick.

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Peter "Sugarfoot" Cunningham's Civilized Warring: Fundamental Kickboxing Techniques Review

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(More customer reviews)What a wonderful book. The most appealing thing about it was the author's style of communication. Not only does describe techniques clearly and thoroughly, but I also felt he was right there providing the instructions. His tone was informative and friendly -- he knows his stuff. You will really like Peter, and if you practice what you learn from this book, you will also be on your way to mastering the exciting art of Kickboxing.

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Front Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 6) Review

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(More customer reviews)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.)

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Front Kick is the sixth volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of martial arts related books. Front Kick, along with the other nine volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, goes into intricate detail over all aspects of executing the primary kick, which in this case is the Front Kick, and several of its main variations. Starting with a basic anatomical analysis of this kick, you quickly progress to the basic principles associated with the Front Kick, and then you dive right into learning the proper execution of the primary kick, Front Kick. Once you have finished with this section, you are taken to the variations chapter which builds upon the primary kick, Front Kick, by teaching you 10 of its main variations. From here you are taken to the Training and Practice Methods chapter for a look at some very simple, yet effective methods for adding speed and power to your kicks. Your next chapter takes a question and answer approach to some of the most common problems people have executing the Front Kick and the solutions to correct them. The next chapter in this book deals with a very brief and basic application section for the Front Kick and each of the variations previously detailed in this book.NOTE:The combat/self-defense applications of the Front Kick are discussed and demonstrated in much greater detail in the companion book to this book, Front Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 6, which is Front Kick: Applications in Combat: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 16. This book goes into intricate detail over all aspects of applying the primary kick, which in this case is the Front Kick, and several of its main variations, against twelve of the most common attacks that you are most likely to face in an actual unarmed self-defense/combat situation.At the conclusion of this book you are given a sneak preview of the next volume in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, which in this case is the Hook Kick.

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Thai Boxing Dynamite: The Explosive Art Of Muay Thai Review

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(More customer reviews)This book describes all the basic techniques in detail, but tapers off when explaining advanced techniques like jumping round kicks and knees. It has VERY concise explanations of the front kick (foot jab) and round kick. The elbow sections are dated, but informative. This book is from 1987, and most of the material has not been updated on the "westernization" of Thai boxing. Jab, Cross, Hook is NOT covered. The author has the habit of writing an introductory paragraph on a technique, a few lines on execution, and then a piece on fighting application. Most of the sections really should be expanded. This book has excellent pictures and background information. The summary of the training routine is excellent. You could easily set up a program with a partner using this book. Overall, taking into account the shortage of material on Muay Thai, I would recommend this book to the beginner. Don't fool yourself, though. You MUST have an instructor to learn Muay Thai!

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You're in the ring when three flashing kicks from the Muay Thai boxer knock you to the canvas. Muay Thai, the hottest style of kickboxing to hit the sports world, integrates the use of legs and fists in one clean, fluid, yet savage style. Get the facts on how to master Thai Boxing Dynamite.

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Roundhouse Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 9) Review

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(More customer reviews)
I took some time after reading Shawn's other books to due provide the reviewer and Shawn's books a sincere examination. Was I reading them too quickly and less critically? After all, his format is similar through the series; it would be an easy mistake to do (although this similarity is a strength for this "kicking" series).
Shawn's book on the roundhouse kick is simply outstanding. I did have a couple of minor cripples, but they are so minor they do not justify a 4 star rating because ultimately, it came down to the switch roundhouse kick that I think works well in some few situations, most notably a TKD type tournament, while may at times have drawback in full contact competition. I just wished this had been discussed. The switch roundhouse can be useful there as well, but a more detailed discussion should have followed. With that said to lower the rating this time on this kick for one area would be an injustice.
The roundhouse kick is probably the most widely used kick for competition and sparring purposes. Thank for a second: It is the primary kick for Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do, MMA, and full contact karate fighters like Sabaki practitioners. Great resource!


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Roundhouse Kick is the ninth volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of martial arts related books. Roundhouse Kick, along with the other nine volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, goes into intricate detail over all aspects of executing the primary kick, which in this case is the Back Leg Roundhouse Kick, and several of its main variations. Starting with a basic anatomical analysis of this kick, you quickly progress to the basic principles associated with the Roundhouse Kick, and then you dive right into learning the proper execution of the primary kick, Back Leg Roundhouse Kick. Once you have finished with this section, you are taken to the variations chapter which builds upon the primary kick, Back Leg Roundhouse Kick, by teaching you 10 of its main variations. From here you are taken to the Training and Practice Methods chapter for a look at some very simple, yet effective methods for adding speed and power to your kicks. Your next chapter takes a question and answer approach to some of the most common problems people have executing the Roundhouse Kick and the solutions to correct them. The next chapter in this book deals with a very brief and basic application section for the Roundhouse Kick and each of the variations previously detailed in this book.NOTE:The combat/self-defense applications of the Roundhouse Kick are discussed and demonstrated in much greater detail in the companion book to this book, Roundhouse Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 9, which is Roundhouse Kick: Applications in Combat: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 19. This book goes into intricate detail over all aspects of applying the primary kick, which in this case is the Roundhouse Kick, and several of its main variations, against twelve of the most common attacks that you are most likely to face in an actual unarmed self-defense/combat situation.At the conclusion of this book you are given a sneak preview of the next volume in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, which in this case is the Side Kick.

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Mastering Muay Thai Kick-Boxing: MMA-Proven Techniques Review

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(More customer reviews)This book is awesome. Absolutely great pictures. What's better than that? Getting it for a lot less than in the big book stores. The book was in great condition and I received it very quickly in the mail.

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Muay Thai—or Thai kick-boxing—is the national sport of Thailand and a fundamental skill for successful mixed martial arts fighters. Mastering Muay Thai Kick-Boxing is a detailed manual of the punches, kicks, elbows, knees and standing grappling moves that are a part of Muay Thai, one of the fastest growing fight sports in the world. Due to its popularity and effectiveness in the ring, it has become one of the most prominent forms in the mixed martial arts (MMA) arena. Mastering Muay Thai Kick-Boxing will teach fighters of all skill levels how to use this art effectively in the ring.

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Muay Thai: Advanced Thai Kickboxing Techniques Review

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(More customer reviews)The book "Muay Thai: Advanced Thai Kickboxing Techniques" by Christoph Delp shows that the author has gained experience in fighting and training in Thailand. The techniques range from basic up to some I haven't even heard of, despite the years I have worked out in Thailand. This book is very good to use additional to the daily work out in the gym. Of course a book can't teach you how to become a good fighter, but even some "professionals" should take the chance to re-read some of the excellent descriptions regarding the shown techniques! Additional to the good text work, the photos are making it easy to follow the different movements. Reading the book and the included interviews plus viewing the photos of the thai-stars and high officials, gives you an impression on how the special atmosphere in Thailand is like. All in all for me this is the only book that was written out of the view and the experiences of someone (a farang) who lived and practiced in Thailand not somewhere else! Excellent work.

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Thai boxing—muay thai—has escalated in popularity in the Western world and is appreciated by its fans as a means of fitness training, competitive sport, and self-defense. Advanced students greatly benefit from internationally known muay thai boxing competitor Christoph Delph's focus on what they must know to win a match. He describes tried and tested fighting strategies and traditional muay thai techniques, and shows how to best counter the opponent's attacks, use the element of surprise, and even bring the match to an early close.Muay Thai: Advanced Thai Kickboxing Techniques includes sections on:-Muay Thai as a competitive sport-The rules of competition-Traditional ceremonies-Stars and stadiums-A professional training program-Competitive tips and tricks-Effective countertactics-Historical techniques-Training in Thailand

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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Kickboxing Review

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(More customer reviews)If you are interested in kickboxing for sport, fitness (including cardio kickboxing) or self-defense, this is an excellent starting point and final destination (unless you wish to take it to a competitive level). This wonderful book provides the aspiring kickboxer with all the tools necessary to get fit and/or compete: a little history, factoids about the sport, training tips, and a through description of the required strikes, kicks, and blocking techniques. But what really makes this book shine, shine, shine is that it provides you with actually step-by-step beginner, intermediate, and advanced workouts and conditioning drills that you can follow to get in fighting shape. No guess work necessary on your part! And if you have the guts and desire to take on the ultimate challenge, there is even an additional 8-week program to get you there. Then if that isn't enough, at the end of the book, it provides self-defense techniques with pictures. I highly recommend this gem of a book to anyone who has an interest in the sport or just getting in fighting shape. You won't be sorry!

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Aerobox: A High Performance Fitness Program Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the book to choose if you are serious about getting into shape without requiring any gyms. The workouts are fashioned after a real boxing regimine. The calisthenics are creative and very challenging. I am sure once you implement this routine into your workout, fitness is a given.

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Designed by a former world-class middleweight boxer, here is the fitness crossover sensation of the '90s--a cardiovascular and toning exercise program that channels the aerobic intensity of a boxer's workout into an exhilarating non-contact fitness program.

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The Ultimate Mixed Martial Artist: The Fighter's Manual to Striking Combinations, Takedowns, the Clinch and Cage Tactics Review

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(More customer reviews)I was skeptical when I first ordered this book because there were so many fighters in it. I thought there would be one or two techniques from each of the big names, but most of them have dozens of techniques. And despite there being so many guys, the organization of the book is really good. It covers so many striking combinations, both advanced and intermediate. It covers counter attacks, striking to the takedown, takedown defense, all sorts of ground techniques, and even many techniques that you can use off the cage wall. Perhaps the best part of this book is that each fighter offers the techniques that they are the best at. Shawn Thompkins, the striking coach at Couture's gym, shows the combos that he teaches to all his fighters. Forrest demonstrates those unorthodox techniques he is so good at. Couture and Fitch show their takedowns. And Anderson shows how to avoid the takedown while pinned up against the fence, and even how to turn the table on your opponent and execute a takedown of your own. the flow of the book is very good, with each technique leading into the next. As with all of Victory Belt's books, the photos are shot from multiple angles and in color. The only downside of this book is that I would have liked to see St. Pierre in it as well. I would have to say that this book is right up there with BJ's Mixed Martial Arts: the Book of Knowledge, but it is more comprehensive because it focuses just on the stand up element to fighting. I read that they are coming out with a second book that covers the ground game. I am looking forward to picking that one up. I have to say, if you into MMA training, you can't go wrong with this book.

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In The Ultimate Mixed Martial Artist, ten of the world's most accomplished MMA fighters combine forces to elevate your fighting skills to the next level. Through detailed narrative and more than 1500 step-by-step color photos, the best of the best in the fight game teach you how to overwhelm your opponent with advanced striking combinations, launch stealth counterattacking combinations, execute technical throws and takedowns, pummel your opponent from every clinch position and use various cage tactics to wreck your opponent's day. The legends of the sport unveil the secrets that allowed them to climb to the top of the MMA mountain.If you desire fighting techniques and strategies that have been proven to work time and again at the highest level of MMA competition, The Ultimate Mixed Martial Artist is for you.

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Mixed Martial Arts Unleashed: Mastering the Most Effective Moves for Victory Review

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(More customer reviews)Superb book written by a great team including MMA coach Mickey Dimic, UFC Champion Carlos Newton, BJJ whiz Mark Bocek and Britain's kickboxing/MMA star Gary Turner. This book is unique in that it actually explains WHY and HOW everything works. Excellent theory and practice book! Adds a lot of depth to your MMA! A big help in training!
When I ordered this book, I didn't know what I was going to get, but it looked good: written by a combination of UFC champions, amateur MMA champions and grappling and striking specialists in pro MMA, some in UFC others in other leagues. However, besides Carlos Newton, I wasn't too familiar with who the others were, but this is probably more due to my interest in MMA being more in participating than in keeping stats on all the fighters. But, WOW, the book does impress! It takes the mystery and confusion out of the sport by starting with the building block techniques like strikes, takedowns, pins, guard work and subs, and then shows how you link them together, and then how to strategize and train to maximize your chances against an opponent. What I really like is how, unlike it seems every other book out there, they prioritize moves, showing which ones are most common and effective, and not just throwing out an unorganized mess of moves that the player has to experiment with to see what he finds better than what. One other thing I really like is that the book is written for amateur players too. There are more restrictions on amateur events, and this book helps you to navigate through them. The drills in the book are very useful and even fun, and opened my eyes to more efficient ways of training. Many of them are situational based, and the book describes the most "go for" moves from each, for both attacker and defender, and how to do them. The book even discusses about how to transition from a base art, like wrestling, BJJ or Muay Thai, to MMA and what your major holes are that you have to fill when making that transition. This book actually explains everything and doesn't just throw a bunch of moves at you to figure out. Excellent book.

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Get what it takes to win-and unleash the ultimate fighter in you

Think you know your way around the cage? Think again. Mixed martial arts powerhouse Mickey Dimic, two-time middleweight world champion and Hall of Famer, kicks your game into gear with this no-holds-barred guide to grounding and pounding, sprawling and brawling, and boxing dirty like the toughest contenders.

Breaking down the fundamentals of mixed martial arts competition, Dimic brings his decades of MMA experience to teach you the various skills of boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, judo, and Jiu-jitsu, arming you with an unstoppable arsenal of weapons sure to yield maximum damage to any opponent. With Dimic's cage-tested tips and drills, you'll learn to:

Hone your body with proper training
Punch and kick with power and precision
Beat down your opponent with a merciless full mount
Escape from the tightest traps
Force submissions with vice-grip grappling holds
And strategize your way to victory in every fight

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Muay Thai Kickboxing: The Ultimate Guide To Conditioning, Training, And Fighting Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this book, because other reviews for this book was so great.
I hope others don't make same mistake that I have made.
I bought this book thinking I will learn about the art of Muay Thai and how Thai fighters train.
It probably have about 10 pages explaining basic punching and kicking in a whole book. Although I didn't anticipate to learn all the technique in one book, this is way off the mark.
However, what really disappointed me was a conditioning part.
There are over 40 pages of "Weight lifting" techniques in this book without explaining its relationship the art of Muay Thai.
I mean just looking at pictures of Bench Press, Barbell Curls or Crunches doesn really Help you a lot. I expected to know about how much weight to use, number of repetitions, what body parts should be emphasized, etc. But, this book had nothing but pictures of weight lifting exercises.
As regard to cardio conditioning, all it said in a whole book is "Muay Thai fighters have been religios followers of distance running." I mean....who doesn't know.
I would give this book 1 star even if it was only half the price of its outrageously overpriced price.
If you are interested in Muay Thai, get a great book by Villalobos "Training secrets of Muay Thai camp."

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In the most comprehensive guide available for entry into the fast-growing sport of Muay Thai kickboxing, personal trainer, Thai boxing coach and experienced fighter Chad Boykin leads you through every aspect of the game. Whether you long to test your mettle in the ring or simply get in the best shape of your life, this book will show you how. With clear, instructive photos and descriptions, Boykin demonstrates the conditioning exercises that provide the foundation for the power and speed of Muay Thai. Then he takes you step by step through the brutal elbow and knee strikes, punches, clenches and kicks that form your offensive arsenal, plus the blocks and evasion techniques that will confound your opponent. Training drills teach you to flow from one move to the next with accuracy and confidence. A veteran of the ring, Boykin gives novice fighters inside information on what to expect and offers advice on fighting styles and strategies. Whether you've been participating in kickboxing for years or are new to the sport, this book will give you the edge you need to succeed.

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Muay Thai Basics: Introductory Thai Boxing Techniques Review

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(More customer reviews)The book first describes the development, the history and the rules of Muay Thai and presents the necessary equipment.
In the second section, the fighting position, the steps and the fighting distance are explained.
In the third section, the attack techniques are described in detail: fist techniques, elbow techniques, kick techniques, knee techniques and clinch techniques. Muay Thai champions demonstrate the techniques in numerous pictures. As a result, the techniques can easily be copied.
In the fourth section, combinations for training at the sandbag and pads are demonstrated. The fifth section demonstrates a number of important defense and counter techniques. Additional techniques are demonstrated in the other book on Muay Thai written by the same author. The sixth section presents the content of a Muay Thai training section.
The book is excellently structured: the Muay Thai skills are passed on step by step. I also find the book design excellent. The large book is in color throughout and the pictures are superb. This is the optimum book for beginners and as an accompaniment to training!

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Fighting Strategies Of Muay Thai: Secrets of Thailand's Boxing Camps Review

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(More customer reviews)Beautifully written book (with the exception of some typos). The book assumes you have prior knowledge of muay Thai so don't expect a step-by-step instruction manual. You may want to look elsewhere for basic instructions. The book serves its purpose well and breaks down the methods, mechanics, tools, ranges and strategies needed to succeed in the ring. You might get a bit confused in the beginning when Van Shuyver attempts to give the reader a physics lesson on power and movement. I guess we should have paid attention in class huh.
Fighters are broken down into four major categories: aggressive, elusive, counterer and tricky. I think we all fall somewhere within these categories but it is interesting to see how a muay Thai stylist deals with such fighters and the book goes into many possible options. There's even a self-assessment you can take to determine your fighting style. All in all, a good bang for your buck.

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Jackson's Mixed Martial Arts: The Stand Up Game Review

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(More customer reviews)Anyone familiar with MMA - mixed martial arts - is doubtlessly familiar with Greg Jackson. Jackson is one of THE top trainers of elite MMA fighters. He coaches the guy many consider the best pound for pound fighter in the world - Georges St-Pierre, now simply known as "GSP." Jackson's Albuquerque NM Submission Fighting camp features a veritable Who's Who of the elite martial artists at the top of their respective games. He is the MMA equivalent of E.F. Hutton - when he talks, people listen.
Co-author Kelly Crigger is less known but is emerging as one of the top MMA writers around. He is the author of the highly entertaining "Title Shot: Into the Shark Tank of Mixed Martial Arts" and writes regularly (and adroitly) for FIGHT magazine. Together, these two experts have fashioned a powerful one-two punch and text for refining the standup game.
Their useful, practical and hand-on book proves to be a successful collaboration. Their book is organized into six major sections:
*Developing a fight strategy
*The Fundamentals
*Basic Strikes
*Combinations
*The Clinch
*Takedowns
*Street Fighting, Multiple Opponents and Weapons
THE STANDUP GAME, by its very title suggests that this is not just a textbook on the "sweet science" of boxing. You will not find Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Manny Pacquiao researching a spinning backfist or a front snap kick. The range of fighting techniques addressed here highlights the context of MMA fighting. THE STANDUP GAME refers to one of the main pillars or components of mixed martial arts.
The latter, popularized by events such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, require successful practitioners to have fluency in wrestling, boxing, kicking, and jujitsu submissions. Practitioners who can seamlessly blend transitions from one fighting style to another and combine a balance of effectiveness in these areas learn the recipe for success in the ring or the octagon.
Jackson and Crigger's book provides a useful synthesis of narrative text and succinct instruction through effective use of color photographs in illustrating various components of the standup game. They cover in virtually encyclopedic detail every conceivable combination of standup fighting, including techniques utilized in Muay Thai, a dynamic form of kickboxing (with elbows and knees thrown in) popularized in Thailand. The sections on strategy and street fighting differentiate THE STANDUP GAME from most other books of this genre.
Further, in the final chapter, Jackson and Crigger leave behind the boxing ring and octagon and move to the street (or bar room). The book is worth the price of admission alone for its Chapter Six, which provides useful tips on personal self defense, including: seizing the initiative, countering your opponent's move, breaking chokes, dealing with weapons such as baseball bats, knives and guns.
THE STANDUP GAME is a useful -- and likely an absolutely essential resource -- for recreational or competitive boxers, or anyone engaged in mixed martial arts at any level. Even for those individuals not falling into either of the preceding categories, the book is also useful as a resource and reference for self defense techniques.
As is the case with any book, however, it is not realistic to expect that anyone will learn fluency and skill just from reading a book. To this extent, THE STANDUP GAME by Jackson and Crigger is a superb reference text to augment -m but not replace -- the need for skilled hands-on instruction from a knowledgeable instructor.
If you're interested in boxing, mixed martial arts or self-defense, you owe it to yourself to get a copy of THE STANDUP GAME!


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Greg Jackson is the most accomplished and celebrated mixed martial arts coach in the world. In Jackson's Mixed Martial Arts, he brings you into his stable of fighters, which includes UFC Welterweight Champion Georges "Rush" St. Pierre, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans, UFC Light Heavyweight contender Keith Jardine, and UFC Middleweight contender Nate Marquardt. For the first time, he unveils his methods for developing fight strategies, detailing everything you must accomplish from the moment you sign the contract up to the time you step foot into the octagon. Next, he shares his arsenal of stand-up striking techniques that allow his fighters to dominate the world of mixed martial arts. He shares dozens of striking combinations, counterstriking combinations, takedowns, and throws. Jackson's Mixed Martial Arts also includes something no other technique book offers—a chapter on street fighting that was developed over several years of trial and error. If your goal is to rise to the top of the MMA mountain, Jackson's Mixed Martial Arts is a mandatory tool because it's written by a trainer who's taken several fighters there.

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