Martial Arts for Dummies

Rating:
Summary: A great place to start
Review: Better than I expected. This book is a cogent and pithy overview of martial arts, what they, what they are not, how to get involved with them, and how to succeed if you choose to do so. It covers the basics of a good cross-section of styles including karate, kung fu, tae kwon do, judo, akido, escrima, hapkido, hapkido, muay thai, jeet kune do, and tai chi, all the major players. The author briefly discusses the martial culture, uniforms, and ranking systems so that you know what to expect. Further, she helps you understand how to pick a style and instructor, make the most of your training, know when/where you should use your martial knowledge, and how to avoid injuries during the process. It is comprehensive, well-written, and generally entertaining.

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

Rating:
Summary: Informative and educational
Review: Martial Arts for Dummies is a delightful and educational book that dispels many of the myths the uninitiated may have heard about the martial arts. The book includes examples of common situations you may run into when first entering the training hall. For example, how to choose a school or art that is right for you, what to look for in a good martial arts instructor, and the meaning of the belt, uniform, and rituals.

The easy, conversational tone of the text makes it difficult to put this book down. After fifteen years of everyday training in the martial arts, I read this book cover to cover and found myself thinking "yes, that's how it is." The chapters on "The Part of Tens" toward the end of the book provide an excellent quick reference whenever you need that energy boost for tonight's class. I would enthusiastically recommend this book to both beginners and advanced students of the martial arts.