Rating: 
Summary: Martial Arts America
Review: Bob Orlando's book Martial Arts America is about how Eastern martial arts are adapted or should be adapted in the West and more specificly the US. This book has many good examples and suggestions for adapting Eastern martial arts. For example Orlando talks about how modern safty equipment changed the way most people train today as compared with how training was conducted in the past. Orlando also talks about where some of the traditions of the martial arts came from and why they are what they are. He also talks about why some of them should be changed. I don't agree with everything Orlando says but I agree with the underlying arguement of the book that Eastern martial arts must be adapted to the culture that they are transported too. This book is thought provocing and should be read by students and instructors alike.
Rating: 
Summary: Ever Wonder about Tradition vs. Modernity in M.A.?
Review: Have you ever done a technique and known in your heart of hearts it was highly impractical? Have you ever guiltily wondered about some of the promotion, rank, and respectibility games some martial artists play? Have you ever felt torn between ancient methods and recent technology? Bob Orlando broaches many of these unspoken topics which affect martial artists today. While this book does not tear down and dismiss altogether the traditional methods of training, Orlando offers insights into many of the concepts and practices traditionalists (including myself) have been wrestling with for a long time. Morover, Orland serves up these topics with good humor, and does not pretend to be feeding his readers any absolute answer. As a long time student and teacher of the martial arts, I found these views helpful and long overdue (in print, at least). It is nice to know there are others out there who often wonder about and question our "sacred cows", and it is good to see someone who can do this without the snobishness of some so-called "modern" martial arts practitioners. Orlando's background includes Chinese Kenpo-Karate, Kung fu under Al Dacascos, and Chinese Kuntao and Indonesian Pentjak Silat under master teacher William de Thours. Here is a quote which I really liked: "Rank[...] is excess baggage. It becomes a hinderance to learning because everyone expects that you already know everything".
Rating:
Summary: Ever Wonder about Tradition vs. Modernity in M.A.?
Review: Have you ever done a technique and known in your heart of hearts it was highly impractical? Have you ever guiltily wondered about some of the promotion, rank, and respectibility games some martial artists play? Have you ever felt torn between ancient methods and recent technology? Bob Orlando broaches many of these unspoken topics which affect martial artists today. While this book does not tear down and dismiss altogether the traditional methods of training, Orlando offers insights into many of the concepts and practices traditionalists (including myself) have been wrestling with for a long time. Morover, Orland serves up these topics with good humor, and does not pretend to be feeding his readers any absolute answer. As a long time student and teacher of the martial arts, I found these views helpful and long overdue (in print, at least). It is nice to know there are others out there who often wonder about and question our "sacred cows", and it is good to see someone who can do this without the snobishness of some so-called "modern" martial arts practitioners. Orlando's background includes Chinese Kenpo-Karate, Kung fu under Al Dacascos, and Chinese Kuntao and Indonesian Pentjak Silat under master teacher William de Thours. Here is a quote which I really liked: "Rank[...] is excess baggage. It becomes a hinderance to learning because everyone expects that you already know everything".
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read
Review: I came accross Bob Orlando's book "Martial Arts America", while doing some research on Asian fighting arts. I read a number of books on the subject and found Bob's book to be totally refreshing and a highly enjoyable read. I appreciated Bob's interactive approach. He supplies the pertinent information along with the important questions and allows the reader to come to their own conclusion. Instead of merely stating what he feels is wrong with certain aspects of martial arts training Bob offers what he believes are viable alternatives. Chapter six alone which deals with punching and blocking methods is worth the price of the book. This is a must read for anyone considering taking up a martial art as well as for someone who may wish to reevaluate their current training. Bravo Bob!
Rating:
Summary: A book that makes you think
Review: I first approached this book with a bit of caution, and was prepared to dislike it. I come from a background of training in Tai Chi, and Orlando comes from very strong background in the external martial arts. Many of the issues he raises, such as training with or without shoes and karate blocking theory just aren't things that are very relevant to my training. Indeed, I found that I disagreed with much of what he said about chi, and felt that his description of the differences between the internal and external arts to be inaccurate. Yet, despite my complaints with the book, I have given it a five star rating. The reason for this is that, for me, Orlando succeeds in his claim that for the reader "whether you agree or disagree with the ideas and conclusions presented here is not nearly as important as your commitment to honestly consider the issues and logically formulate your own reasoned position." I found this book to be exactly what is promised in the subtitle: one man's approach to martial arts. Orlando gives a reasoned, detailed, and above all else honest discussion of his own positions on issues that are important to him. Reading his book has challenged me to refine my own ideas, and to explain my beliefs to myself. Orlando's book made me think, both about his material and my own beliefs, and for me that makes it a great book.
Rating:
Summary: A solid, insightful, "user friendly" presentation
Review: Martial Arts America: A Western Approach To Eastern Arts by Bob Orlando (martial arts expert and founder of the Je-du-to School of Martial Arts, Denver Colorado) is a solid, insightful, "user friendly" presentation of how martial arts are taught in America today ranging from self-defense, to sport, to the different challenges in training male and female students, to what a black belt really means. A superbly presented background book and very highly recommended reading for anyone contemplating a martial arts program, Martial Arts America warns seekers of self-defense about what to search for and what to look out for when seeking a suitable school. If you are contemplating learning the martial arts in a formal program of instruction, begin your search with a careful reading of Bob Orlando's Martial Arts America.
Rating:
Summary: A solid, insightful, "user friendly" presentation
Review: Martial Arts America: A Western Approach To Eastern Arts by Bob Orlando (martial arts expert and founder of the Je-du-to School of Martial Arts, Denver Colorado) is a solid, insightful, "user friendly" presentation of how martial arts are taught in America today ranging from self-defense, to sport, to the different challenges in training male and female students, to what a black belt really means. A superbly presented background book and very highly recommended reading for anyone contemplating a martial arts program, Martial Arts America warns seekers of self-defense about what to search for and what to look out for when seeking a suitable school. If you are contemplating learning the martial arts in a formal program of instruction, begin your search with a careful reading of Bob Orlando's Martial Arts America.
Rating:
Summary: A Thoughtful Analysis of Martial Arts in America
Review: This book is the best book on how to THINK about the martial arts that I have ever read (and I've read quite a few). Orlando takes on the tough subjects that most fear to touch, or worse, come up with weak or illogical arguments to support. This book is full of the history behind various techniques and traditions that fill the martial arts. Kata, tournaments, chambered fists, and chi are a few. In each case he makes an unbiased presentation of the benefits, then systematically explains the drawbacks for the self-defense motivated student. This book should be on every student's list.
Rating:
Summary: East Meets West
Review: This book, cleverly written by Bob Orlando, is an enjoyable read. The book is humorous at times because of his witty style, yet always serious and shedding light on this topic of martial arts. He effectively writes about the differences between the traditional martial arts and the "western" approach, which emphasis on combat effectiveness and sport. The book can also be read by someone who has never studied the arts. He doesn't use a lot of "karate jargon." When he does use an unfamiliar term, he gives a quick definition. He has also mixed photographs and artwork into the book which gives it an extra flavor. The artwork is multifaceted; serioous, humorous, and at times, reverenced. Most topics are discussed: Sport karate, kata, combat fighting, and how to find a good school. Instructors will benefit from this book as well as he speaks about many innovative topics as developed in the western world.
Rating:
Summary: Should be required reading
Review: This should be required reading for every martial artist! I have recomended this to practicing martial artists as well as those thinking about studying. I really can't say enough about this book. I would give more than 5 stars if I could.
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