Fighting Arts: Their Evolution from Secret Societies to Modern Times

Rating:
Summary: Good subject, terrible organization and writing
Review: An interesting read. Pros include a very interesting subject, and excellent exploration into the myths of martial arts in their civilian interpretations and their relationship to the military skills taught exclusively for warfare. Cons include: terrible grammar; a very poor writing style that meanders without maintaining interest; a badly-organized theme which is poorly spaced; the author really doesn't effectively argue his themes, he merely states them, and footnotes other, better martial arts writers and scholars like Draeger. Overall, a great subject that definitely deserves more treatment that is dragged down by poor organization and poor writing. Worth a library rental, but not much there for purchase.

Rating:
Summary: Another Great Book
Review: First of all, the soul of the author is very much reflected in the forwards in both of his books. Then he gets down to "brass tacks." This book is thought provoking, straight forward, well sourced and well written.
I really enjoyed the cultural perspectives and the analysis of both classical and modern systems. It's a must read.

Rating:
Summary: Well worth the read
Review: First of all, the soul of the author is very much reflected in the forwards in both of his books. Then he gets down to "brass tacks." This book is thought provoking, straight forward, well sourced and well written.
I really enjoyed the cultural perspectives and the analysis of both classical and modern systems. It's a must read.

Rating:
Summary: One of a kind
Review: First off this is the only martial arts book that I've ever seen that has it's forward written by a pulitzer nominee. The approach the author takes is very unique in that he focuses on the development of the fighting arts from cultural perspectives, religon, ethics,warfare, geography, etc and points out how these played key roles in the development of martial arts both of Asian and European heritage. He breaks the book down into two major areas, classical systems and modern ones and then compares the two. If you think that your a fighter on par with the knights of old or the ancient samurai this book will bust your bubble and fast. Likewise if you think that just because you do karate you hold the same mindset as the military elites, Seals, Green Berets, Rangers you will also be in store for some shocks. The book is well sourced, over 100 footenotes and it covers not only civilian fighting arts but those of our modern day military as well giving insights into the differences between them and how they are used. The chapter on Terrorism and its relationship to martial arts was well put and his view of how the fighting arts fit into todays modern world is one well worth considering. At the price you can't beat it. No matter who you are or what you pracitce this book will stir your thoughts. But beware if you think Hollywood has the greatest martial artists that have ever lived, Bruce Lee included, then this book will be a cold slap in the face for you.

Rating:
Summary: Ugh
Review: It seems that this book picks up with the same theme as his last:Okinawas Complete Karate System Isshinryu. Except in this book (Fighting Arts) he explores not only the foundations on which Asian fighting arts were laid but European ones as well. He clearly points out that the long held belief of the KNights and Samurai being Honerable and noble men who fought only for good is a big myth. His examination of the modern military and its hand to hand combat systems is very enlightening. The author makes no qualms about stating up front that your Ranger Marine or Paratrooper will shoot first, and go hand to hand only as a last resort. Likewise his examination of the role played by modern day systems points out that much of what we do would have little or no place on the battlefield be it either during pre 20th century times or even todays. His approach is very inclusive covering not only karate, but Judo, Tai Chi, Bando, Silat and the UFC stuff as well. I'd buy the book just for the bibliography alone. It's one that will definately make you stop and think about what your training is for.

Rating:
Summary: Well worth the read
Review: Rosenbaum's approach is far from a how to or how to do martial arts..Instead he explains in a very easy to understand manner just how the fighting arts evolved due to our cultural moors and traditions, not just Asian but other counties as well. From thisfoundation he then clear points out the differences between oldworld battlefield martial arts and their evolution and our modern quasi martial arts that consist of many things most not of a martial nature. It is well sourced and historically correct. He uses various systems and styles as examples of to explain his points, from Tae Kwon Do to JKD, UFC and others well known today. His views are at times blunt in their ascessments of todays fighting arts especially when compared to those practiced 100-200 years ago. All in all I really enjoyed it, found it refreshing,educational and even at times challenging compared to what I have been led to believe about the marital arts.

Rating:
Summary: A fascinating and informative survey tour
Review: The Fighting Arts: Their Evolution From Secret Societies To Modern Times by Bando, Judo, and Boxing expert Michael Rosenbaum, provides the interested reading with a fascinating and informative survey tour of martial arts from the depths of history down to the modern day. From the ancient cultures that first helped shape these personal combat arts to their assimilation into contemporary Western society, The Fighting Arts covers the changes in the styles, the reasons why the modern military doesn't train in "classical" martial arts, and so much more. The Fighting Arts is a wealth of information and reason, and confidently recommended for anyone looking to learn more about how these martial arts came to be what they are today.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting
Review: This is a introductory work, which examines the evolutionary process that affects all fighting arts. However there is no middle ground with this book. You'll either love it or hate it. It points out quite clearly that what we consider martial arts today is far from the true meaning of the term. This may be a quite disturbing and even at times offensive read for a large majority of those practicing todays fighting arts because of the questions it presents; one's which often differ to current beliefs held. However, it's historical content and analysis of both classical and modern systems cannot be ignored. Argue the point yes, but ignore it no. If your looking for something that is a how to book, don't buy it. This is by no means for you