Rating: 
Summary: Nicely Done
Review: Excellent description of versitility and practical applications. Nothing very new to me but very through and a great reference for all levels of Martial Artist and Martialist.
Experience:
3rd Dan Tae Kwon Do
3th Dan Hapkido
3rd Dan Akido
18 years Shaolin Chin Na
17 years Long Fist Kung Fu
Rating:
Summary: Nicely Done
Review: Excellent description of versitility and practical applications. Nothing very new to me but very through and a great reference for all levels of Martial Artist and Martialist.
Experience:
3rd Dan Tae Kwon Do
3th Dan Hapkido
3rd Dan Akido
18 years Shaolin Chin Na
17 years Long Fist Kung Fu
Rating: 
Summary: Must have for all Martial Artists
Review: Finally after sifting through piles of useless books on martial arts with bad pictures and little to no explanation on the correct way to perform them and the theory behind the technique, I have come across Mr. Tedeschi's great book.Excellent book with great illustrations and in-depth theory. The techniques described in the book can be applied to any martial art. The book has excellent pictures that are easy to follow and very comprehensive. Unlike other books the author has great explanations on the different movements and the theory behind them. The book isn't geared to one style of fighting but combines the best techniques from various martial arts. He explains a throw technique common in many martial arts from the point of view of Akkido, Ju-Jitsu and Hapkido. And how they are very similar with only a few subtle differences. I would not recommend this book to someone new in martial arts since many of the techniques should be performed with the presence of an experienced martial artist. For everyone else though, it's a must have in any marital arts library. Rayhan Z.
ITF Taekwon-Do
Black Belt 1st Dan
Rating:
Summary: Incredibly Thorough Volume on a Specific Subject!
Review: If you already have Mark Tedeschi's Huge 1136-page Hapkido book, you're probably wondering what makes this volume on holds any different. The main difference is this: The big Hapkido book _does_ include every technique shown here. However, the detail in this volume is much more exact--the big Hapkido book was so inclusive that the author was limited to showing 2-3 photos to illustrate a hold or thorw. This volume on holds uses an average of 5-9 photographs per technique, including close-ups. The descriptive narrative is also more specific in this volume. So if you would like a volume which is incredibly specific on the subject of holds and locks, this book is the thing! If you already have the big book, and don't really need the extra detail, then this volume would probably be redundant. I should add that I am pleased with the quality of the volumes put out by the publisher, Weatherhill. Clear photographs are printed on slick acid-resistant paper, and the boards of these volumes are covered with a laminated paper that will resist picking up sweat (or any other of those wonderful things we get on our books while taking them on the mat or discussing techniques after practice). Tedeschi has gone the extra mile in making ALL of his books as specific as possible. Most of the techniques shown include extra photographs and diagrams of bones, muscles, and pressure points as they apply to the specific technique. For instance, the section on chokes and head locks includes 6 pictures of wrist action along with two diagrams of pressure points on the hands--and the explanation of why you align your wrist in a certain way, and how it is the most effective biomechanical method. This, similar photo-diagrams showing the difference between Basic Entries and Forced Entries, Eliminating free play in a choke, the importance of body positioning, types of chokes, major targets (again, several pictures naming areas with their pressure point location & proper location name), and attack points--this is before he even begins to show and describe a variety of chokes! This specific volume includes an overview (history, types of holds, comparing holds from different martial arts, responsible use of force), then fundamentals (breakfalls, concepts, principles, stances, footwork, etc.), Wrist Locks (10 different), Arm Locks (16 of them!), shoulder locks (12), Finger Locks (18 kinds, 8 applications), leg locks (12), Chokes & Head Locks (32), Nerve Holds (20), Defenses Against Chokes and Head Locks (10), and Defenses against Joint Locks (10). Tedeschi includes a complete bibliography of his sources.
Rating:
Summary: Incredibly Thorough Volume on a Specific Subject!
Review: If you already have Mark Tedeschi's Huge 1136-page Hapkido book, you're probably wondering what makes this volume on holds any different. The main difference is this: The big Hapkido book _does_ include every technique shown here. However, the detail in this volume is much more exact--the big Hapkido book was so inclusive that the author was limited to showing 2-3 photos to illustrate a hold or thorw. This volume on holds uses an average of 5-9 photographs per technique, including close-ups. The descriptive narrative is also more specific in this volume. So if you would like a volume which is incredibly specific on the subject of holds and locks, this book is the thing! If you already have the big book, and don't really need the extra detail, then this volume would probably be redundant. I should add that I am pleased with the quality of the volumes put out by the publisher, Weatherhill. Clear photographs are printed on slick acid-resistant paper, and the boards of these volumes are covered with a laminated paper that will resist picking up sweat (or any other of those wonderful things we get on our books while taking them on the mat or discussing techniques after practice). Tedeschi has gone the extra mile in making ALL of his books as specific as possible. Most of the techniques shown include extra photographs and diagrams of bones, muscles, and pressure points as they apply to the specific technique. For instance, the section on chokes and head locks includes 6 pictures of wrist action along with two diagrams of pressure points on the hands--and the explanation of why you align your wrist in a certain way, and how it is the most effective biomechanical method. This, similar photo-diagrams showing the difference between Basic Entries and Forced Entries, Eliminating free play in a choke, the importance of body positioning, types of chokes, major targets (again, several pictures naming areas with their pressure point location & proper location name), and attack points--this is before he even begins to show and describe a variety of chokes! This specific volume includes an overview (history, types of holds, comparing holds from different martial arts, responsible use of force), then fundamentals (breakfalls, concepts, principles, stances, footwork, etc.), Wrist Locks (10 different), Arm Locks (16 of them!), shoulder locks (12), Finger Locks (18 kinds, 8 applications), leg locks (12), Chokes & Head Locks (32), Nerve Holds (20), Defenses Against Chokes and Head Locks (10), and Defenses against Joint Locks (10). Tedeschi includes a complete bibliography of his sources.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: Received the book yesterday and alredy read half of it. Outstanding! Good layout, clear pictures, well written descriptions of techniques. I also like the fact that the author addresses how various styles will have slightly different ways of doing the same techniques. Well worth the money!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: Received the book yesterday and alredy read half of it. Outstanding! Good layout, clear pictures, well written descriptions of techniques. I also like the fact that the author addresses how various styles will have slightly different ways of doing the same techniques. Well worth the money!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent introduction to joint manipulation techniques
Review: The Art of Holding does an excellent job of explaining fundemental concepts in joint locks and holding techniques, as well as getting into some more advanced combinations and counters. It's a particularly useful reference if you already practice a martial art that teaches these techniques as you will have context and background for the various moves. The experienced martial artist will appreciate the explanations of the different moves, the use of pressure points to strengthen familiar techniques, and the excellent categorization of the different holds. Beginners will also find the concepts easy to understand, although it will probably be difficult (and dangerous!) to practice many of the techniques without a qualified instructor.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent introduction to joint manipulation techniques
Review: The Art of Holding does an excellent job of explaining fundemental concepts in joint locks and holding techniques, as well as getting into some more advanced combinations and counters. It's a particularly useful reference if you already practice a martial art that teaches these techniques as you will have context and background for the various moves. The experienced martial artist will appreciate the explanations of the different moves, the use of pressure points to strengthen familiar techniques, and the excellent categorization of the different holds. Beginners will also find the concepts easy to understand, although it will probably be difficult (and dangerous!) to practice many of the techniques without a qualified instructor.
Rating:
Summary: excellent text
Review: Very well laid out with clear pictures, detailed descriptions, and strong techniques. He has researched a multitude of arts to collect the best techniques for presentation. I only wish he went into a little more detail as to the techniques origins and/or used the original names. This book is highly recommended for all skill levels, but may be a bit overwhelming for the beginner.
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