The Ultimate Book of Martial Arts

Rating:
Summary: Perhaps not "Ultimate"
Review: A very nice looking book with some great pictures and layout. Could definately be useful to the beginning martial artist looking to choose a style. At an affordable price too. I was, however, somewhat vexed not to see my styles (hapkido and kuk sool won) even mentioned in the book. Japanese and Chinese arts are given the most attention here. So I would not call it "ultimate", but still worth your while.

Rating:
Summary: Kind of informative
Review: I found this book kind of informative. It has very little descriptions about each art. Definitly, it would be usefull for anyone who doesn't know which martial art to choose. Neverthelless, this book has nothing "Ultimate".

Rating:
Summary: Perhaps not "Ultimate"
Review: It's great if you want to practice a martial art, but don't know which one. I am a 1st Dan black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and I found this book very informative, althought the section on TKD wasn't as accurate as it could've been. I also considered taking another martial art, so I wanted this book. It's a must read if you're looking to take a martial art but don't know which one.

Rating:
Summary: GREAT
Review: It's great if you want to practice a martial art, but don't know which one. I am a 1st Dan black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and I found this book very informative, althought the section on TKD wasn't as accurate as it could've been. I also considered taking another martial art, so I wanted this book. It's a must read if you're looking to take a martial art but don't know which one.

Rating:
Summary: Great book for novices seeking history, variety & pictures
Review: This large-sized book contains exactly what novices and prospective students are looking for. It contains brief histories, philosophies, and explanations of various martial arts forms. It's an excellent source for someone trying to decide which art to pursue. The book summarizes 13 separate martial arts forms. Using bright color photos (and masters from each art), the book summarizes how each art is practiced, equipment used, grading, clothing, and levels of advancement. Using the book, I was able to select the art I wanted to pursue; without traveling to numerous schools. This book also allowed me to "test" the presentations given by prospective instructors. It's an excellent book!