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Rating: 
Summary: Excellent instruction manual for ju-jitsu enthusiasts.....
Review: Earlier works by Robert Clark have suffered from the 'dark photograph' syndrome found in many martial arts books.This publication shows the improvement that can be achieved with first-class camera work and proper use of placing Tori and Uke in light and dark Gi (clothing for practise). Anyone who is making a serious attempt to improve their range of techniques for grading purposes etc. would do well to purchase this book as it is an easy reference to throws, ground techniques and finishes. I have also purchased the White to Green Belt and the Black belt publications in the same series, which are equally high quality publications. Buy these books, they are worth every penny in saving your practise time and improving your rate of progress.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent training manual
Review: My first book on jiu-jitsu was over 40 years ago with the great E.J. Harrison's classic book on the subject in an early 60s or late 50s edition. Jiu-jitsu books have come a long way since Harrison's time, and sensei Clark follows in that great tradition with this very well-written and beautifully illustrated and photographed instructional book on this phase of the curriculum. Very clear photos illustrate the techniques, accompanied by clear and concise descriptions in the text. One of my main interests is hold and lock reversals and counters, and I was pleased to see seven of them included in this syllabus, four for armlocks and three for choke holds. I tend to come at this from the Chin Na end of the spectrum but I have great respect for the jiu-jitsu aspects of it as well, and they should be taught more often than they are. One other thing that is different from many jiu-jitsu and judo books of the past is the emphasis on classical karate kicks, punches, and strikes. Sensei Clark must have some training there, over and above the usual atemi-waza training since he has quite nice classical technique, being a karate instructor myself. No doubt the pervasive influence of karate and TKD have had some effect over the years on jiu-jitsu training as well. Students of the art, especially those in the WJJF, should find this a useful companion to their training with many helpful tips and info on all the white belt to green belt techniques.
Rating: 
Summary: Good material, sub-par formating
Review: This book is a valuable asset for those wishing to learn the basic techniques of Japanese-style Jiu Jitsu, or how to defend themselves. The text includes a number of throwing and locking techniques which can be used both with the gi (jacket) and without. There are also several self-defense combinations presented, including defense against strangles from the feet and on the ground, escapes from full- and half-nelsons, and ground defense against a standing opponent. Standard lapel grab and bearhug defenses are also shown. The photos are black and white, with good quality, which helps when looking at the technique. The techniques are shown in the order of belt syllabus, covering white, yellow, and green belts. There is also a brief introductory section which includes warmups, breakfalls, ettiquete, bowing, and certain World Jiu Jitsu Federation regulations. On the down side, some individual techniques aren't covered before they're shown in combination (for example the first technique shown involves a combination punch, throw, and jointlock), and there seems to be no apparent order to the techniques, other than all choke defenses, etc. are shown together. Basic striking isn't even discussed until the Green Belt Syllabus, and never demonstrated as individual technique. Also, the principles behind the throws are never discussed, which takes away some from the overall value. In conclusion, a very good book, but it could have been much better organized and explained.
Rating:
Summary: A clear, competent and concise instruction book
Review: This book, like the others in this series comes highly recommended. Robert Clark is one of the biggest names in British ju-jitsu. This book illustrates the moves required to pass his "World Ju-jitsu Federation" grading scheme. Since he was one of the first on the scene in the UK it has had a great influence. This book provides a solid foundation for any jitsuka.It is clearly illustrated (with the author performing the moves) and well presented. A "must have" book.
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