Martial Arts For Dummies

by Jennifer Lawler

There’s plenty of good reasons that millions of people around the world study martial arts.  Besides the fact  you can get a great workout when you study a martial art, you may also experience a rewarding balance between your mind, body, and spirit that you just won’t  find anywhere else.  Plus, it can be a lot of fun! No matter what shape you’re in, martial arts is a great way to drop extra pounds, learn to defend yourself, and develop personal and physical discipline. Whether you’re already studying a style of fighting or you’re just considering it, you’ll find everything you need to know in this helpful, friendly guide (including which movies to check out!). The book breaks down the differences and presents the basics of each style of fighting, so you can make an informed choice about which style you want to study. You’ll also find out what makes for a good instructor, so you can be sure that you’re learning from the best. And there’s much more.  You’ll find out: There’s also a helpful glossary of foreign-language terminology that you’ll frequently encounter in the dojo –  that’s the training hall – so you’ll always be prepared. Whether you’re looking for a new way to get in shape, or a new way to sharpen your mind, Martial Arts For Dummies is all you need to get started in Karate, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, or any other style!

Genres: Martial Arts, Sports

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

["Diesel" · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was excellent. It breaks down a lot of concepts for new martial artists and it also helps veteran martial artist look at a lot of things from the beginners perspective. The way that this book was presented was great. It helped me figure out a way to get information to my new students and parents (when I was still teaching) without talking to them like they were stupid. This was a very informative book.

[Tushar Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not for you if you want to start practicing the techniques right away from your favorite martial art. Instead this book is more of a primer to the modern world of martial arts. The book contains really good advices for a beginner who's strongly made up their mind to enroll in a martial art school and practice.

Many times, though, you will find information to be repetitive. Probably that is because how the book is organized. So you'll have a more efficient read if you jump to the topic immediately important to you and skip the ones that are not; like reading the brief primer on the most popular martial arts first and reading the part on martial art schools and competitions when you have really made up your mind to enroll in one; or however you prefer.

The book does contain some basic self defense/martial art techniques but they are just not so easy to follow only by reading a paragraph on them. Some do have pictures but only the starting and end postures. Personally, I believe a specific book on techniques with more in-depth detail, a video demonstration or an in-person training would be much better.

Otherwise, the author seems to be very knowledgeable. The work is also very well researched. The brief history and philosophies of many martial arts in the book really help you understand what martial art really is and why they originated in the first place. I think the author has done a really good job of putting her experiences, good advices and her martial art knowledge into words.

If you are determined about martial arts, this book should definitely be on your shelf. You might even find yourself coming back to it. Definitely recommended.

[Kara Rowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

[Jake · Rating 3 out of 5]

An insightfull beginners guide to those who have an interest in pursuing the martial arts.