The Science of Takedowns, Throws and Grappling for Self-Defense

Rating:
Summary: Lots of information
Review: Martina Sprague is one of those rare martial arts writers who fill her books with tons of information. She did it in Fighting Science and she does it again in The Science of Takedowns, Throws and Grappling for Self-Defense. You won't find 40 pages of warm-ups and 50 pages of basic punches and kicks. Instead, she jumps right into the meat of the subject and doesn't let up until the last page.

Sprague is one of the top analytical martial arts writers publishing today. Just when you think you are familiar with a concept or technique she is discussing and demonstrating, she adds a new piece of information, sometimes big, sometimes small, but always in such a way that makes you go, "Oh, okay. I see why that technique works." Or, "I see now why mine doesn't work."

With such subheadings as "The inherent weakness of your stance;" "Positioning preparatory to the takedown;" "Combining linear and circular motion;" "Shoot and gap closure for lower leg takedown;" "Ground mobility exercise;" "Takedown using two points of balance;" "Stick grabbing exercise;" "Center of gravity and momentum in throws:" and dozens more, you not only get your money's worth many times over, but you gain knowledge about the many aspects of the grappling arts that will overlap to all new techniques you learn in the future.

This is a book you will reference in the years to come. Good stuff. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Finally a grappling book for real people
Review: The Science of Takedowns, Throws & Grappling for Self Defense by Martina Sprague is a great read. This book explains in detail the science behind grappling techniques so that you can learn to create your own moves as well as use the ones in the book. The information on taking the attacker off balance is very detailed and gives several scenarios. I also like the safety tips and the details about common mistakes and how to overcome them. Well written without a wasted word. It is CRAMMED with information. The explanation of concepts alone was worth the investment in the book. My class loved the momentum and first touch drills. If you are only going to buy one grappling book this year, make it this one. No matter what martial art you study or even if you are only looking for self defense training, you will find this book very helpful. I hope the authors next project is "The Science of Striking & Kicking".

Rating:
Summary: Filled from cover to cover with careful instructions
Review: The Science Of Takedowns, Throws & Grappling For Self-Defense by kickboxing, freestyle, and Kenpo karate black belt expert Martina Sprague is a solidly written, "user friendly", self-defense guide filled from cover to cover with careful instructions, black-and-white photographs, safety tips, and straightforward "how-to" information on defending for oneself when attacked or assaulted in close quarters. Sample scenarios, a wide range of holds and takedowns, defenses and general safety tips, and a great deal more are packed into the pages of this easy-to-understand and potentially lifesaving resource. Also very highly recommended is Martina Sprague's early work: Fighting Science: The Laws Of Physics For Martial Artists...

Rating:
Summary: Finally a grappling book for real people
Review: The Science of Takedowns, Throws & Grappling for Self Defense by Martina Sprague is a great read. This book explains in detail the science behind grappling techniques so that you can learn to create your own moves as well as use the ones in the book. The information on taking the attacker off balance is very detailed and gives several scenarios. I also like the safety tips and the details about common mistakes and how to overcome them. Well written without a wasted word. It is CRAMMED with information. The explanation of concepts alone was worth the investment in the book. My class loved the momentum and first touch drills. If you are only going to buy one grappling book this year, make it this one. No matter what martial art you study or even if you are only looking for self defense training, you will find this book very helpful. I hope the authors next project is "The Science of Striking & Kicking".