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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Low Kicks: Aiming Low For Maximum Punishment In Unarmed Combat Review

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(More customer reviews)Fred Hutchinson's Low Kicks is an excellent manual for training the body's most powerful anatomical weapons -- the legs. The manual's format is similar to John Sanchez's Slash and Thrust and Andrea Ferrara's Corsican Steel. (What these manuals share in common is the presentation of training exercises that are independent of style or system. The obvious result is that any reader can benefit from their information regardless of his/her own background, expertise, or combative preferences.) Low Kicks begins by identifying those kicks that Hutchinson considers most appropriate for self defense from the perspective of the reader who cannot train regularly in a dojo. The kicks he recommends are simple in execution and effective in application. Some kicks are drawn from traditional karate, and a few others come from French savate. At least two kicks Hutchinson uses come from WWII Military Combatives, a "style" of combat that has recently developed a large following in the US and Britain. The book then proceeds to reveal a variety of training methods used for making the kicks even more effective. The methods described are such that the reader can utilize them in his den or basement without relying on elaborate equipment or training devices. What is most unique about Low kicks is not only that the author has diligently selected those kicks that work best under a wide range of circumstances, but that the kicks fit in smoothly with the body dynamics used by diverse martial arts systems from karate and savate to ninjutsu and combatives. We have recently made Lopw Kicks required reading in our training halls, and unreservedly recommend it to anyone interested in practical personal protection.

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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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Dynamic Kicks: Essentials for Free Fighting (Specialties Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)Mr. Lee's book was one of the first martial arts books I ever bought 18 years ago and one that has found a permanent place in my library.
The best part of this book is the "Techniques Basic To All Kicks" section. I thoroughly enjoyed this section and although I did not agree with all of it, I found it to be very beneficial to anyone learning how to kick.
The sequential pictures for the proper execution of each kick presented were very well done and for the most part quite accurate. I did feel that the picture angle used on some of the kicks could have been done better in order to allow for a better view of each kick.
This book also lacked an application section which would have enhanced the book even more by showing you how each of the kicks was to be applied to an opponent.
This book spends too much time on quantity of kicks, and too little time on the quality of each individual kick. Which seems to be the norm for books dealing with this subject. Thirty-one kicks are explained in this book and the average explanation of each kick is two pages in length, which consists of anywhere from 8 to 14 pictures, and what amounts to 2 to 5 paragraphs of written text on how to perform each kick.
Although the text sections are too short, they are still a lot better than some of the others that I have seen in other kicking books.

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This book is the first in a series of books by Chong Lee, the 1974 Long Beach Grand National forms champion. Lee's proven method of developing perfect kicking techniques is illustrated. It contains 30 separate kicking variations.

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Side Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 10) Review

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(More customer reviews)In my opinion the two most useful kicks are the side kick and the front kick. Both are simple, fast techniques. Both can be learned in a short time and used effectively. In military hand-to-hand combat training these are the two kicks most often trained--though the side kick is usually taught as a low kick (below the waist) by military instructors.
Shawn's "Side Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence Vol. 10" covers everything you need to know about mastering this technique: striking surface of your foot, targets on your opponent, the muscle groups involved and a comprehensive training program that will give you a powerful tool that will come 'naturally' after several hundred hours of training and conditoning. As I said, the two most useful kicks for me are the front kick and the side kick. This is a book on technique, not application--you will achieve master-level technical proficiency and be able to deliver a side kick with either foot from a number of positions through several arcs. Unlike the 'kiss and a promise' military hand-to-hand combat training, Shawn's master-level training program will enable you to kick a taller opponent anywhere on the body from ankle to crown with speed and surprise.
Shawn is working on the applications book. Side Kick, Volume 10 is technique, and you must work on technique before you can apply it. This is the best training program for mastering the side kick. Buy this book, get a large mirror and a video camera and two or three training partners (and a heavy bag and a practice pell) and put in the time. Shawn lists the training aids you need--I forgot the focus pad?

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Side Kick is the tenth volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of martial arts related books. Side 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 Side 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 Side Kick, and then you dive right into learning the proper execution of the primary kick, Back Leg Side Kick. Once you have finished with this section, you are taken to the variations chapter which builds upon the primary kick, Back Leg Side 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 Side Kick and the solutions to correct them. The next chapter in this book deals with a very brief and basic application section for the Side Kick and each of the variations previously detailed in this book.NOTE:The combat/self-defense applications of the Side Kick are discussed and demonstrated in much greater detail in the companion book to this book, Side Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 10, which is Side Kick: Applications in Combat: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 20. This book goes into intricate detail over all aspects of applying the primary kick, which in this case is the Side 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 ten volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, which are the Applications in Combat volumes.

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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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Super Dynamic Kicks Vol. III Review

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(More customer reviews)This is my second copy. I bought this in the store and I thought the book was great for beginning students.

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Chong Lee reveals in stunning, step-by-step photographs that mastering devastating kicks can be done with precision and practice. This book covers kick and punch combinations, running jumping kicks, and air-kick combinations.

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Complete Kicking: The Ultimate Guide to Kicks for Martial Arts Self-defense & Combat Sports Review

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(More customer reviews)Sang H. Kim presents a well written and organized book on kicking. Mr. Kim covers the basic kicks found in most martial arts. His material is easy to follow with examples of correct and incorrect form. Mr. Kim incorporates sample target areas for the kicks presented and some may find it a little slanted towards Taekwondo. I thought the book was not only well written but an excellent resource for a dojang/dojo/kwoon library. Beginners will probably find this very helpful yet even the experienced instructor can apply the material presented to improve their own techniques. Mr. Kim has done it again!

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No Holds Barred Fighting: The Kicking Bible: Strikes for MMA and the Street (No Holds Barred Fighting series) Review

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(More customer reviews)Mark Hatmaker series on submissions have been brilliant, practical, and informative. Unfortunately with this "Kicking Bible" he has crossed into a realm that he intellectualized but does not teach very well. Having trained under powerful kickers like Malaipet, Kongtalanee Payakarun, and grappling under Gokor Chivichyan, I think this book will cost many to develop bad habits in low kicks. He modifies the trademark low Muay Thai kick to lessen its power in the hope of increasing speed and avoiding over-rotation. Sounds good conceptually. However, looking at Cro-Cop, Anderson Silva, Chris Horodecki, Bas Rutten, Duane Ludwig, and other Muay Thai based fighters in MMA, they may modify the stance a bit to facilitate level changes in takedowns and takedown defenses, but they deliver the Muay Thai kick for the substantial power as intended.
Why does Hatmaker do this? I don't know the true reasons. Perhaps he felt the need to modify a proven technique in order to: (1) "originate" it or (2) to make it fit his paradigm of "non-Eastern-thus Western" form of fighting. Since without modification, Muay Thai is Eastern and doesn't really fit with what he describes as his "ESP" (i.e., his concept of a Western-art only system). (3) Perhaps he felt the need to improve what is already proven in order to emphasize his contribution. Some people are just like that. Whatever the case is, when people modify a proven technique, they should prove their new form in actual competition, and not just in the form of scientific analysis with countless demos on their students.
I share Hatmaker's views on many of the wrestling principles from previous books and DVDs, which he understood very well. Unfortunately, with this one, I'd go with the more proven kickers and learn the low Muay Thai kick as it was intended. Check out Anderson Silva's book, Duke Roufus' very detailed instructional DVD, or other fine books available from proven strikers if you want to learn it in the context of MMA or Muay Thai. Leave this book alone - you will cheat yourself of necessary power and learn a very bad habit (which once learned will be hard to correct; hence, the saying "old habits die hard.") On the plus side, there are some useful coverage of foot stomping.
To be fair, I must admit that this review was based on my opinion and experiences only. I am not a Hatmaker hater; in fact, as I said before, his previous works were brilliant. I am upset with this piece of work. In fact, I really disagree with this one. The low kick is one of the few subjects that I really understand. After all, would you learn how to run from a decathlete or a runner? Sometimes you just have to pick the expert over the jack of all trades when you want to improve a certain skill. Hatmaker tried too hard with this one to be a jack of all trades. At this pace, he'll probably come out with an encyclopedia on combat in fighter jets next.

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Advanced Explosive Kicks (Literary Links to the Orient) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you like to kick and want to learn to snap off a piledriver of a kick this is the book. Mr. Lee introduces several basic stretching techniques that we all know by heart. But the kicking sequences help the basic to intermediate student develop "the flow" that they need to master kicking basics. A good book for the library.

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Kicking expert Chong Lee explains how to execute single kicks, complex kicks, sitting kicks, and takedowns.

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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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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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