Rating: 
Summary: Muay Thai Kickboxing : The Ultimate Guide to Conditioning, T
Review: I found this book to be the most infomative on the subject(s) I have read to date. Mr. Boykin did a splendid job of organizing the subject matter. I especially like the way he presents health and physical fitness benefits that one may derive from the study of Muay Thai/Kickboxing ... this was well balanced in the book. Many of this type of book tend to lead too heavily in one direction or the other (fitness/competition)whereas, Mr. Boykin presents that well balanced presentation that will surely be invitation to many that would otherwise avoid Muay Thai/Kickboxing training. He makes his presentations in clear and concise text. Plenty of photograghs to aid in the understanding. This will go on my bookshelf... top shelf with my favorites. Thank you Mr. Boykin ... you have restored my faith in this type of "martial art" study. As a martial art enthusiast, I look forward to seeing more of your work, ideas, and input.
Rating:
Summary: Great book on Thai boxing
Review: If you're already a student of Muay Thai under a qualified instructor there's not much here that's going to be new to you, but it is a great reference and contains quite a few good drills, which are nice to know since the more drills you have the more you can vary your training and keep it from getting too monotonous :)If you are interested in learning Muay Thai you're not going to learn it from a book, you need qualified instruction, but this book is a great introduction to the art and will give you a good idea what it's about.
Rating:
Summary: Especially recommended reading for the novice fighter
Review: Muay Thai Kickboxing by martial arts expert and Thai boxing coach Chad Boykin provides kickboxing students and fans with a manual of clear, instructive, photos and descriptions demonstrating conditioning exercises, elbow and knee strikes, punches, clenches, kicks, blocks, and evasion techniques. Training drills enable the reader to deliver full-force strikes and movements with accuracy and confidence born of the author's years of experience and expertise. Muay Thai Kickboxing is a welcome addition to any personal, professional, or dojo reference library, but is especially recommended reading for the novice fighter seeking information on what to expect in a match and in need of authoritative advice on kickboxing styles and strategies.
Rating: 
Summary: Americanized Muay Thai; well-rounded conditioning
Review: The emphasis of this book seems to be conditioning more than technique. However, that doesn't mean it isn't good. There are five full chapters on physical fitness, and it's probably the most complete program I've seen in a martial arts book. The conditioning covered is everything from calesthetics to weight training to stretching to cardio. For those who are wondering what fitness has to do with fighting, well, it's a lot easier to defeat a person of equal skill and greater size if you have superior conditioning. Anyway, I found these chapters easy to follow, and very insightful. As far as the techniques go, they are described fairly well, and following a single offensive move are the defenses against it. Punches are given the most detail, with sidebars providing extra tips for each punch. Just for the record, pgs. 15-70 are devoted to these techniques. There's also a chapter on training drills, which covers equipment and different drills to do based on what skill you want to emphasise. On the down side, the "self-defense" section was kind of baren, the history chapter seemed a little rushed, and many combinations seemed to favor no-holds-barred contests instead of Muay Thai, in that there were throws and chokes. Overall, a very good book, I just don't think it truly presented Muay Thai. MMA/NHB atheletes might find it useful, as well as folks who are trying to spruce up their self-defense/full contact training. Also, anyone who wants to use a Kickboxing-based workout program.
Rating:
Summary: Americanized Muay Thai; well-rounded conditioning
Review: The emphasis of this book seems to be conditioning more than technique. However, that doesn't mean it isn't good. There are five full chapters on physical fitness, and it's probably the most complete program I've seen in a martial arts book. The conditioning covered is everything from calesthetics to weight training to stretching to cardio. For those who are wondering what fitness has to do with fighting, well, it's a lot easier to defeat a person of equal skill and greater size if you have superior conditioning. Anyway, I found these chapters easy to follow, and very insightful. As far as the techniques go, they are described fairly well, and following a single offensive move are the defenses against it. Punches are given the most detail, with sidebars providing extra tips for each punch. Just for the record, pgs. 15-70 are devoted to these techniques. There's also a chapter on training drills, which covers equipment and different drills to do based on what skill you want to emphasise. On the down side, the "self-defense" section was kind of baren, the history chapter seemed a little rushed, and many combinations seemed to favor no-holds-barred contests instead of Muay Thai, in that there were throws and chokes. Overall, a very good book, I just don't think it truly presented Muay Thai. MMA/NHB atheletes might find it useful, as well as folks who are trying to spruce up their self-defense/full contact training. Also, anyone who wants to use a Kickboxing-based workout program.
Rating:
Summary: This is the Ultimate Kickboxing Book!
Review: This book explains the sport/discipline in an easy to follow, straight-forward text with plenty of pictures. Not only does it show the correct techniques, it also includes detailed cardiovascular and weight-training routines which help with building power and speed. Recommended for both beginners and advanced enthusiasts. This is all you will need!
Rating:
Summary: Good Book for the Beginner
Review: This book is a mix of kickboxing techniques and drills with weight training and exercises. The techniques and explanations are very detailed which is a plus. I would recommend this book for beginners or intermediates. This is because the emphasis is on basic techniques and pad training, with some detail on sparring styles. As others have included in reviews there is a big section with information on strength training, exercises, and fitness, which martial artists may or may not be interested in.
If someone is looking for strength and fitness as well as basic kickboxing then this is a good feature. The list of shorthand drills is a nice addition and gives many possible examples. The author credits the Thai's for the striking style that is used most in the No Hold's Barred fighting today, and focuses on the techniques more than the culture of Muay Thai itself. For advanced books on pure Muay Thai culture and rituals there are better available, such as "A Living Legacy" and "Thai Boxing Dynamite". This book is a good introduction to the techniques and training methods that can be used to excel in Thai kickboxing and to get in shape. But there is likely nothing new for advanced fighters.
Rating:
Summary: Good Kickboxing Training
Review: This book is good for beginners who want to get in shape and learn to box. With Thai boxing you also learn to hit with knees, shins, feet, and elbows. There is lots of sample combos, and a section for new fighters. Lots of exercises and weight training too. I enjoyed this book.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book for Kickboxers!
Review: This book not only has detailed information for all of Muay Thai's offensive strikes and defensive maneuvers, but also contains a wealth of information on how to get yourself in to condition for fighting. Sections on calisthenics, weight training, and mental preparedness will be helpful for both beginners and experienced kickboxers. Great sections on how to throw knees, kicks, punches, and elbows are here. You will also learn how to use these moves in combinations during pad training drills (and eventually sparring or fighting). Information on the history of Muay Thai and the use of Muay Thai in self-defense or street fighting situations is also included here. An excellent book and a must for anyone interested in Muay Thai or other forms of kickboxing.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome Training Book
Review: This book was just what I have been looking for! There is some history and information referenced on the art aspects of Muay Thai, but mostly the book focuses on the training. There are technique descriptions with photos for each strike, diagrams, combinations, training plans, weight training, cardio conditioning, self-defense tips for women, and sample programs. I don't plan to fight in the ring but for self-defense I want to train as if I were. I got this book to help reinforce what I learn in the gym and it does just that!
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