Timing in the Martial Arts: Your Guide to Winning in the Ring and Surviving on the Street

Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: I just finished "Timing in the Fighting Arts" and must say it is a great book. It's full of information, techniques and drills you can use for both martial sports and street self defense. Christensen and Demeere approach the subject of timing from so many different angles, you are bound to pick up ideas and concepts whatever the amount of training you've had or the art you practise. I especially liked the chapter "Wisdom of the Ages" in which they take excerpts from classic texts like "Art of War" and "Book of five Rings" and explain how you can use them to improve your timing. Don't hesitate to buy this book. You won't regret it.

Rating:
Summary: Just waht I needed
Review: I've been training in kenpo for 12 years and I got more out of Timing in the Martial Arts as far as learning when to attack, than I have ever gotten from my sifu.

The book is loaded with great stuff, it's even comical in places. And I got to say, Loren Christense isn't too hard on the eyes.

Great book.

Christie Stone 2nd Dan

Rating:
Summary: Just received this
Review: I've studied a traditional Okinawan style for almost 7 years. Thankfully, much of the information in this book is being passed down to me through that system. Where this book seems invaluable is in the technical explanation of WHY what I have been taught works. I would recomend this book.

Rating:
Summary: Wish I had this information years ago
Review: Whether you are looking to win a tournament or survive on the street Christensen and Demeere offer solid, easy to understand advice that is well worth following. This excellent tome starts with the nuts and bolts of timing including Hick's law and Boyd's cycle (the Observation-Orientation-Decision-Action loop), explaining these important concepts without a lot of scientific jargon or excess verbiage. From there they go into specific techniques and case studies to help you put these concepts to practical use. There are also some enlightening vignettes from Tai Chi Chuan, The Art of War, and the Book of Five Rings. Their down to earth writing style is refreshing and entertaining. The various examples, stories, and tips make the book fun to read. Even better, the drills and practice scenarios quickly take you beyond the theory to improve your skills in a meaningful way. This book along with Speed Training (by Christensen) is a winning combination that can help any martial artist. I heartily recommend it.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Martial Arts Instruction: Applying Educational Theory and Communication Techniques in the Dojo