Rating:  Summary: Lots of Information Review: After a brief intro on the diffrent styles of striking and kickboxing, this book covers all the basic strikes and the appropriate defenses used in Thai style boxing. This section is seperated by "strikes" "blocks" and "evasions" with pictures and text. Another section shows how to hold the pads for various attacks during training. There is a section explaining the types of equipment and gear used to spar and train.Next is a short hand drill section that provides a lot of sample combinations that can be worked on the training pads to improve striking technique and build stamina. The author states that you have to train and get a good coach in order to actually learn to box and this is true, but martial arts books can provide a reference as well as training tips and ideas. The book concludes with a long section on weight training and general exercises and stretches. A nice feature is that the muscles each exercise uses is included as well as what those muscles do in relation to striking and moving. Not alot of Thai culture and demonstrations of the rituals of Muay Thai here; but a good bit of nuts and bolts on striking and general fitness for beginners and novices. Combine this with manuals on grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and you will have a good mixed martial arts base to work from. Sadly it is nearly impossible to find books on this in the stores. All in all I highly recommend this!
Rating:  Summary: Next best thing to live instructional videos. Review: Although no book can ever substitute an actual Thai Boxing instruction, this book did a good job trying. It is very informative and if you've had several introductory courses in Muay Thai, this book will be a valuable training guide. If there are any faults, just keep your foot pointed towards the ground as much as you can when kneeing. Some people depicted kneeing in the book had their foot way too horizontal while delivering a Muay Thai knee strike. All in all, it is an excellent book and I fully recommend it!
Rating:  Summary: Do not expect anything Review: Basic technics, training drills are given without photos, no combinations, no serious muay thai. Half of the book is about weight training, which is not something that you would look for in a muay thai book. If you need conditioning, purchase either Matt Furry's or Christhensen's books. Self-defense chapter is useless because with only few pages you can not learn anything, purchase Gracie's one if you need a self-defense book. This book does not woth money for few punches, kicks, or knee strikes.
Rating:  Summary: Muay Thai Kickboxing: The Ultimate Guide to Conditioning, Et Review: Boykins' book is the most effective Muay Thai instructional that I have had the opportunity to read. It begins your journey with accurate explanation and history then leads you into a well developed method of instruction with the basics all the way through to the more advanced techniques. Along the way Boykin impresses you with excellent conditioning exercises, and if one desires to step into the ring Boykin explains the importance and ideals of being prepared, both physically and most importantly, obtaining the mental tenacity of an experienced fighter. This is one for the library, I have already utilized it while instructing students.
Rating:  Summary: Great book for advanced beginners and intermediates Review: Chad Boykin writes a solid book on kickboxing technique and tactics. The book has plenty of illustrative and high contrasting photos to demonstrate his concepts. The book layout is logical and covers a wide variety of bases (those already familiar with weight training and aerobic training may want to skip it). The real value of the book, I believe, is in his use of combinations and pad drills. These parts provide a great reference and empower the intermediate fighter in making his/her own favorite personal combinations. Too few books provide such detail and examples for this important material... As in any case this provides a good supplement and/or refresher of muay thai, though people truly wanting to learn this great style of fighting should start with a qualified instructor. More advanced fighters will not get too much out of this manual; there is very little material on the culture of Muay Thai and how it is practiced in Thailand, very little coverage of principles and mechanics of the style (which should also be addressed for true beginners) and very little on fighting strategy. Boykin provides a solid book for those interested in tactics which ideally suits advanced beginners and intermediate practitioners of the martial sport.
Rating:  Summary: Great book for advanced beginners and intermediates Review: Chad Boykin writes a solid book on kickboxing technique and tactics. The book has plenty of illustrative and high contrasting photos to demonstrate his concepts. The book layout is logical and covers a wide variety of bases (those already familiar with weight training and aerobic training may want to skip it). The real value of the book, I believe, is in his use of combinations and pad drills. These parts provide a great reference and empower the intermediate fighter in making his/her own favorite personal combinations. Too few books provide such detail and examples for this important material... As in any case this provides a good supplement and/or refresher of muay thai, though people truly wanting to learn this great style of fighting should start with a qualified instructor. More advanced fighters will not get too much out of this manual; there is very little material on the culture of Muay Thai and how it is practiced in Thailand, very little coverage of principles and mechanics of the style (which should also be addressed for true beginners) and very little on fighting strategy. Boykin provides a solid book for those interested in tactics which ideally suits advanced beginners and intermediate practitioners of the martial sport.
Rating:  Summary: Best I've Seen Yet Review: Chad Boykin's book is by far the best I've seen yet on the topic of Muay Thai Kickboxing. As a beginner I can say that the combination of text and photos make this book one you can actually learn from. Whether you're looking for self defense training or a serious workout or both, this is the book for you.
Rating:  Summary: Drills section is excellent Review: Good stuff, especially the drills. The weightlifting section is very basic. Check out Fighter's Notebok and Winning Wrestling Moves for well-rounded info.
Rating:  Summary: Novice Muay Thai Kickboxer Review: I am a novice at Muay Thai kick boxing. My trainer turned me on to this book and it has helped me considerably. The book steps you through moves and conditioning that are easily understood. The pix (with the assistance of my trainer)are helpful in ensuring the proper technique is used and injury is is avoided. I believe the proper training with instructors is the only way to properly condition yourself in Muay Thai but this book enhances my chances of success. I highly recommend it
Rating:  Summary: Not worth your money Review: I bought this book, because other reviews for this book was so great. I hope others don't make same mistake that I have made. I bought this book thinking I will learn about the art of Muay Thai and how Thai fighters train. It probably have about 10 pages explaining basic punching and kicking in a whole book. Although I didn't anticipate to learn all the technique in one book, this is way off the mark. However, what really disappointed me was a conditioning part. There are over 40 pages of "Weight lifting" techniques in this book without explaining its relationship the art of Muay Thai. I mean just looking at pictures of Bench Press, Barbell Curls or Crunches doesn really Help you a lot. I expected to know about how much weight to use, number of repetitions, what body parts should be emphasized, etc. But, this book had nothing but pictures of weight lifting exercises. As regard to cardio conditioning, all it said in a whole book is "Muay Thai fighters have been religios followers of distance running." I mean....who doesn't know. I would give this book 1 star even if it was only half the price of its outrageously overpriced price. If you are interested in Muay Thai, get a great book by Villalobos "Training secrets of Muay Thai camp."
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