Ed Parker's Infinite Insights Into Kenpo: Mental & Physical Constituents (Volume 4) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book is the 4th of a 5 book series and gives a great insight to art of American Kenpo. In this near 200 pages book you can find the brown belt pledges as well as 55 ilustrated and exciting pages on target areas, near 60 pages on zone theories and some usefull terminology. In this book you can also find the explanation of the universal pattern among other things.
Definitely worth your money...

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ed Parker's Infinite Insights Into Kenpo: Mental & Physical Constituents (Volume 4)

Sr. Grandmaster of Kenpo Karate Ed Parker Sr.'s Volume IV of "Infinite Insights into Kenpo" is an adventure in the world of often taken for granted, and overlooked, mental and physical constituents. With an emphasis on the imperative need for a marriage of mind and body for success in combat, he discusses the need for physical skills to become conditioned responses. Mr. Parker expounds on numerous concepts ranging from mental attributes, breathing, target areas and zone theories, to how principles and concepts work chronologically. With an admonition by the Master to read each chapter carefully, he reminds students that it is the application of the total, tailored to the individual, that optimizes opportunity. This Volume is a must for the serious student of the Martial Arts. The almost mystic "Universal Pattern" is finally revealed some twenty-four years after it's initial publication. It resembles "God's blueprint for the Universe". Mr. Parker views it from unusual angles and differing dimensions. Preparing true disciples for further light and knowledge, Mr. Parker indicated that Volume V expounds in more detail on the principles and concepts contained in specifically selected, anatomically illustrated case studies of motion.

Click here for more information about Ed Parker's Infinite Insights Into Kenpo: Mental & Physical Constituents (Volume 4)

Read More...

Side Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 10) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)In my opinion the two most useful kicks are the side kick and the front kick. Both are simple, fast techniques. Both can be learned in a short time and used effectively. In military hand-to-hand combat training these are the two kicks most often trained--though the side kick is usually taught as a low kick (below the waist) by military instructors.
Shawn's "Side Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence Vol. 10" covers everything you need to know about mastering this technique: striking surface of your foot, targets on your opponent, the muscle groups involved and a comprehensive training program that will give you a powerful tool that will come 'naturally' after several hundred hours of training and conditoning. As I said, the two most useful kicks for me are the front kick and the side kick. This is a book on technique, not application--you will achieve master-level technical proficiency and be able to deliver a side kick with either foot from a number of positions through several arcs. Unlike the 'kiss and a promise' military hand-to-hand combat training, Shawn's master-level training program will enable you to kick a taller opponent anywhere on the body from ankle to crown with speed and surprise.
Shawn is working on the applications book. Side Kick, Volume 10 is technique, and you must work on technique before you can apply it. This is the best training program for mastering the side kick. Buy this book, get a large mirror and a video camera and two or three training partners (and a heavy bag and a practice pell) and put in the time. Shawn lists the training aids you need--I forgot the focus pad?

Click Here to see more reviews about: Side Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 10)

Side Kick is the tenth volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of martial arts related books. Side Kick, along with the other nine volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, goes into intricate detail over all aspects of executing the primary kick, which in this case is the Back Leg Side Kick, and several of its main variations. Starting with a basic anatomical analysis of this kick, you quickly progress to the basic principles associated with the Side Kick, and then you dive right into learning the proper execution of the primary kick, Back Leg Side Kick. Once you have finished with this section, you are taken to the variations chapter which builds upon the primary kick, Back Leg Side Kick, by teaching you 10 of its main variations. From here you are taken to the Training and Practice Methods chapter for a look at some very simple, yet effective methods for adding speed and power to your kicks. Your next chapter takes a question and answer approach to some of the most common problems people have executing the Side Kick and the solutions to correct them. The next chapter in this book deals with a very brief and basic application section for the Side Kick and each of the variations previously detailed in this book.NOTE:The combat/self-defense applications of the Side Kick are discussed and demonstrated in much greater detail in the companion book to this book, Side Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 10, which is Side Kick: Applications in Combat: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 20. This book goes into intricate detail over all aspects of applying the primary kick, which in this case is the Side Kick, and several of its main variations, against twelve of the most common attacks that you are most likely to face in an actual unarmed self-defense/combat situation.At the conclusion of this book you are given a sneak preview of the next ten volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, which are the Applications in Combat volumes.

Click here for more information about Side Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 10)

Read More...

Axe Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 3) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The third volume of Shawn Kovacich's Achieving Kicking Excellence series is Axe Kick, and like the first two it is an excellent resource regarding this specific kick. Like other books in this series, Kovacich wrote a text with detailed explanations on the execution and application of the axe kick and its variations. Also like the others in the series, this is the most complete written description with photographs of the axe kick that I know of, and is an excellent addition to any martial artist's library. It will be especially beneficial to those that teach the axe kick and variations in their curriculums.
The author, Shawn Kovacich, set two world records for endurance high kicking that were certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, and has an impressive record in the tournament circuit having competed in tournaments such as the Sabaki Challenge among others. With those credentials, I expect him to provide solid instruction on the execution and application of kicks, and he definitely delivers.
Axe Kick includes brief chapters on basic anatomy, warm up and stretching, strength, speed, and power. Many martial artists, especially instructors, will have more complete references on these topics. However, it is nice to have these brief chapters that have the basics all in one volume, especially for those that do not have a large martial art library. I feel it is important that Kovacich includes these if for nothing more than to introduce the basics and encourage the reader to seek out more instruction on these important elements to kicking. I have said the same thing about the other volumes in the series, but include it here as well to make this review stand on its own.

The reason to include this book in your library is for the instruction on the axe kick. Kovacich starts out with a very good description of the basic principles of movement for the axe kick including target areas. He then delivers an excellent description with pictures of how to perform the out-to-in axe kick. I don't think a person could give a better explanation with pictures in written form than Kovacich does here. The next chapters teach variations of the axe kick including: Back Spin Out-to-In Axe Kick; Spin Back Out-to-In Axe Kick; Off-Setting Out-to-In Axe Kick; Switch Out-to-In Axe Kick; and the Step Back Out-to-In Axe Kick.
After the descriptions of the variations, Kovacich gives detailed instruction with pictures of the In-to-Out Axe Kick. This chapter is followed by the variations: Off-Setting In-to-Out Axe Kick; Cross-Over In-to-Out Axe Kick; Hop/Slide Forward In-to-Out Axe Kick; Hop/Slide Backward In-to-Out Axe Kick; and the Switch In-to-Out Axe Kick.
Kovacich includes training and practice methods, a trouble shooting guide, and axe kick applications in subsequent chapters. This rounded out the book to make it a complete stand alone volume on the axe kick, and by far the best resource out there on this difficult technique.
One of the things I really enjoy in this series of books is the notes. Each chapter has notes and in these you find excellent gems of wisdom. Not only will they help your kicking on the described kick, but are relevant to other kicks too. For instance, in this volume, one of the notes states, "The ability to effectively and efficiently utilize high section kicks depends primarily on the following four factors. A: Your expertise in kicking. B: Your overall flexibility and physical condition. C: Your environment at the time. D: Your opponent." I wrote about similar issues in the kicking chapter I wrote in Fighter's Fact Book 2 with Loren Christensen.

Like Back Kick and Wheel Kick, the first two books in this series, a person could criticize this text regarding the repetitiveness of some of the pictures and descriptions of the wheel kick variations. If you are reading this book straight through cover to cover, yes, the repetitiveness could become boring. If you are using the text as Kovacich intended, as a learning tool, this should not be a factor. I much rather have each kick explained in its entirety, rather than be referred to a different part of the book for the elements that are similar or the same. There is a big difference in a book intended to be read from cover to cover and a book intended as a resource guide. The Achieving Kicking Excellence series are guide books, and the format is perfect for this kind of instruction.
Shawn Kovacich's Axe Kick is the third book of the series and an excellent instructional text for any student or instructor of the kicking arts. Its detailed descriptions and photographs are clear and easy to understand, while his kicking notes provide quality instruction and advice to improve one's training and execution of this important kick. I am definitely looking forward to future volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series!
Alain Burrese
Hard-Won Wisdom From The School of Hard Knocks, Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, and the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Axe Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 3)

Axe Kick is the third volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of martial arts related books. Axe Kick, along with the other nine volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, goes into intricate detail over all aspects of executing the co-primary kicks, which in this case are the Out-to-In and In-to-Out Axe Kicks, and several of their main variations. Starting with a basic anatomical analysis of this kick, you quickly progress to the basic principles associated with the Axe Kick, and then you dive right into learning the proper execution of the co-primary kicks, Out-to-In and In-to-Out Axe Kicks . Once you have finished with this section, you are taken to the variations chapter which builds upon the co-primary kicks, Out-to-In and In-to-Out Axe Kicks , by teaching you 10 of their main variations. From here you are taken to the Training and Practice Methods chapter for a look at some very simple, yet effective methods for adding speed and power to your kicks. Your next chapter takes a question and answer approach to some of the most common problems people have executing the Axe Kick and the solutions to correct them. The next chapter in this book deals with a very brief and basic application section for the Axe Kick and each of the variations previously detailed in this book.NOTE:The combat/self-defense applications of the Axe Kick are discussed and demonstrated in much greater detail in the companion book to this book, Axe Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 3, which is Axe Kick: Applications in Combat: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 13. This book goes into intricate detail over all aspects of applying the primary kick, which in this case is the Axe Kick, and several of its main variations, against twelve of the most common attacks that you are most likely to face in an actual unarmed self-defense/combat situation.At the conclusion of this book you are given a sneak preview of the next volume in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, which in this case is the Crescent Kick.

Click here for more information about Axe Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 3)

Read More...

Crescent Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 4) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The fourth volume of Shawn Kovacich's Achieving Kicking Excellence series is Crescent Kick, and like the first three it is an excellent resource regarding this specific kick. Like other books in this series, Kovacich wrote a text with detailed explanations on the execution and application of the crescent kick and its variations. Also like the others in the series, this is the most complete written description with photographs of the crescent kick that I know of, and is an excellent addition to any martial artist's library. It will be especially beneficial to those that teach the crescent kick and variations in their curriculums.
The author, Shawn Kovacich, set two world records for endurance high kicking that were certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, and has an impressive record in the tournament circuit having competed in tournaments such as the Sabaki Challenge among others. With those credentials, I expect him to provide solid instruction on the execution and application of kicks, and he definitely delivers.
Crescent Kick includes brief chapters on basic anatomy, warm up and stretching, strength, speed, and power. Many martial artists, especially instructors, will have more complete references on these topics. However, it is nice to have these brief chapters that have the basics all in one volume, especially for those that do not have a large martial art library. I feel it is important that Kovacich includes these if for nothing more than to introduce the basics and encourage the reader to seek out more instruction on these important elements to kicking. I have said the same thing about the other volumes in the series, but include it here as well to make this review stand on its own.
The reason to include this book in your library is for the instruction on the crescent kick. Kovacich starts out with a very good description of the basic principles of movement for the crescent kick including target areas. He then delivers an excellent description with pictures of how to perform the back leg crescent kick. I don't think a person could give a better explanation with pictures in written form than Kovacich does here. I also like that he uses a clock face to help describe the motion and positioning of the kick. I thought this was a very good way to deliver his information to the reader. The next chapters teach variations of the back leg crescent kick including: Step-Back Crescent Kick, Back Spin Crescent Kick, Spin Back Crescent Kick, Hop/Slide Forward Crescent Kick, Hop/Slide Backward Crescent Kick, Front Leg Crescent Kick, Switch Crescent Kick, Off-Setting Crescent Kick, Cross-Over Crescent Kick, Butterfly Crescent Kick, and the Back Spin Crescent Kick (with the left leg).
Kovacich includes training and practice methods, a trouble shooting guide, and crescent kick applications in subsequent chapters. This rounded out the book to make it a complete stand alone volume on the crescent kick, and by far the best resource out there on this difficult technique.
One of the things I really enjoy in this series of books is the note section. Each chapter has notes and in these you find excellent gems of wisdom. Not only will they help your kicking on the described kick, but are relevant to other kicks too. I might not agree with every one of his notes, such as your first line of defense being kicks, since I believe it really depends on the situation. However, the all make you think, and some are right on, such as one in this volume that states: "For optimum results upon impact, you must use a combination of proper technique, along with an explosive combination of speed and strength." I wrote about similar issues in the kicking chapter I wrote in Fighter's Fact Book 2 with Loren Christensen when I said to kick `em hard and kick `em fast.
Like the other books in this series, a person could criticize this text regarding the repetitiveness of some of the pictures and descriptions of the wheel kick variations. If you are reading this book straight through cover to cover, yes, the repetitiveness could become boring. If you are using the text as Kovacich intended, as a learning tool, this should not be a factor. I much rather have each kick explained in its entirety, rather than be referred to a different part of the book for the elements that are similar or the same. There is a big difference in a book intended to be read from cover to cover and a book intended as a resource guide. The Achieving Kicking Excellence series are guide books, and the format is perfect for this kind of instruction.
Shawn Kovacich's Crescent Kick is the fourth book of the series and an excellent instructional text for any student or instructor of the kicking arts. Its detailed descriptions and photographs are clear and easy to understand, while his kicking notes provide quality instruction and advice to improve one's training and execution of this important kick. I am definitely looking forward to future volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.
Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author, speaker
Hard-Won Wisdom From The School of Hard Knocks, Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, and The Lock On Joint Locking series


Click Here to see more reviews about: Crescent Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 4)

Crescent Kick is the fourth volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of martial arts related books. Crescent Kick, along with the other nine volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, goes into intricate detail over all aspects of executing the primary kick, which in this case is the Crescent Kick, and several of its main variations. Starting with a basic anatomical analysis of this kick, you quickly progress to the basic principles associated with the Crescent Kick, and then you dive right into learning the proper execution of the primary kick, Crescent Kick. Once you have finished with this section, you are taken to the variations chapter which builds upon the primary kick, Crescent Kick, by teaching you 10 of its main variations. From here you are taken to the Training and Practice Methods chapter for a look at some very simple, yet effective methods for adding speed and power to your kicks. Your next chapter takes a question and answer approach to some of the most common problems people have executing the Crescent Kick and the solutions to correct them. The next chapter in this book deals with a very brief and basic application section for the Crescent Kick and each of the variations previously detailed in this book.NOTE:The combat/self-defense applications of the Crescent Kick are discussed and demonstrated in much greater detail in the companion book to this book, Crescent Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 4, which is Crescent Kick: Applications in Combat: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 14. This book goes into intricate detail over all aspects of applying the primary kick, which in this case is the Crescent Kick, and several of its main variations, against twelve of the most common attacks that you are most likely to face in an actual unarmed self-defense/combat situation.At the conclusion of this book you are given a sneak preview of the next volume in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, which in this case is the Reverse Crescent Kick.

Click here for more information about Crescent Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 4)

Read More...

Ed Parker's Infinite Insights Into Kenpo: Physical Anaylyzation I (Volume 2) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Excellent for basics in foot maneuvers and body alignment. If you are studying American Kenpo, this book is a must.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ed Parker's Infinite Insights Into Kenpo: Physical Anaylyzation I (Volume 2)

Ed Parker Sr. author of the most sold Martial Arts books worldwide. Father of American Kenpo Karate and founder of the International Kenpo Karate Association and the International Karate Championships in Long Beach, California. His famous quote is: "I come to you with only Karate, my empty hands. But should I be forced to defend myself, my principles, or my honor, should it be a matter of life or death, right or wrong, then here are my weapons, Karate, my empty hands."

Click here for more information about Ed Parker's Infinite Insights Into Kenpo: Physical Anaylyzation I (Volume 2)

Read More...

Hatchet Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 8) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is Volume Eight of ten books devoted to mastering kicks. Shawn Kovacich devotes this book to the Hatchet Kick. This review examines Shawn's book from a practical stand point--how well does this book enable me to learn the hatchet kick?
I'm 50, 6'3" tall and 220 pounds, but I'm not an athlete--just healthy. I cannot perform the hatchet kick correctly right now, I cannot kick high enough--I'll need to improve my flexibility. It isn't too much of a handicap for self defense--or active military service--but for those of you involved in karate matches, you need the high kicks for the match-winning points.
So, what is a hatchet kick and why would I use it? Shawn writes that the hatchet kick is a hybrid turning wheel kick and an in-to-out axe kick.. The striking surface is the back center of the heel and the head, neck, and shoulders are the targets. Getting inside another's Observe, Orient, Decide and Act loop can win a match for you--or allow you to seize and keep the initiative in a fight. I thought that the hatchet kick would be easy, but I've been humbled! Fortunately, following Shawn's safety procedures on page 11 (take one step at a time) kept me from injuring myself. It's just that unless my opponent's head is lower than my own waist, he's in no danger of my hatchet kick for now!
I have training prejudices: I like to employ mirrors, a video camera or two, a minimum of one sparring partner, and at least one referee when I train. Multiple sparring partners are to keep me from getting stuck kicking at the same height each time, and because in the real world, my problems usually come in bunches. Often, I must train alone or not train at all, so I have to limit my training intensity for safety. A second set of eyes can help spot flaws--and prevent injuries. It is very hard to dial 911 when one's back is thrown out. These kicking techniques can injure the practitioner if done incorrectly. I like both mirrors and video because when I initially practice, I can watch myself in the mirror. For realistic practice, I need to concentrate on technique and the target instead of watching my own reflection--instant video playback aids me in spotting what happened. I can even figure out if my kick was in the right place or not! Shawn wrote about the "crawl, walk, and run" phases of training and the basic and advanced kicking techniques are covered in detail. Exact detail. Train at your own risk. I perform a risk reduction prior to training--assess the risk level and employ risk reduction techniques to make training safe. Remember that training is synthetic reality, intended to be less expensive than gaining real-world experience.
I think that "Achieving Kicking Excellence: Hatchet Kick" is well organized. There are ten chapters. The introduction defines the kick and advises how to use the book. Chapter One is kick anatomy: bones and muscles. Chapter Two recommends warm up and stretching exercises. Chapter Three is Basic Principles: striking surface, target areas, and 11 other key points. Clear graphics left me with little doubt about what part of the foot to apply and where to hit my opponent. Chapter Four covered the primary kick technique. Again, the graphics are very clear. They include "dance step diagrams" showing where the feet go--footwork is critical to effective kicking. The photos have numbered labels stressing correct positioning of each part of the body. Chapter Five is variations of the primary technique. Chapter Six covers training and practice techniques to achieve skill, strength, speed, and power. Chapter Seven is a trouble-shooting guide. Chapter Eight is applications: how to use this in competition or combat. Chapter Nine is Shawn's awards and accomplishments. Chapter Ten previews the next volume in the series. There are a table of contents, a recommended reading list, and an index.
This is an excellent study guide. I can train some now, on my own, and when I find training partners (sparring partners and a referee) I might even get proficient!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Hatchet Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 8)

Hatchet Kick is the eighth volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of martial arts related books. Hatchet Kick, along with the other nine volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, goes into intricate detail over all aspects of executing the primary kick, which in this case is the Turning Hatchet Kick, and several of its main variations. Starting with a basic anatomical analysis of this kick, you quickly progress to the basic principles associated with the Hatchet Kick, and then you dive right into learning the proper execution of the primary kick, Turning Hatchet Kick. Once you have finished with this section, you are taken to the variations chapter which builds upon the primary kick, Turning Hatchet Kick, by teaching you 10 of its main variations. From here you are taken to the Training and Practice Methods chapter for a look at some very simple, yet effective methods for adding speed and power to your kicks. Your next chapter takes a question and answer approach to some of the most common problems people have executing the Hatchet Kick and the solutions to correct them. The next chapter in this book deals with a very brief and basic application section for the Hatchet Kick and each of the variations previously detailed in this book.NOTE:The combat/self-defense applications of the Hatchet Kick are discussed and demonstrated in much greater detail in the companion book to this book, Hatchet Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 8, which is Hatchet Kick: Applications in Combat: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 18. This book goes into intricate detail over all aspects of applying the primary kick, which in this case is the Hatchet Kick, and several of its main variations, against twelve of the most common attacks that you are most likely to face in an actual unarmed self-defense/combat situation.At the conclusion of this book you are given a sneak preview of the next volume in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, which in this case is the Roundhouse Kick.

Click here for more information about Hatchet Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 8)

Read More...

Back Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 1) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)There are many martial art books that have chapters on kicking. Often, you will get a page or two of pictures and descriptions regarding the basic kicks. How many books have you seen that focus exclusively on one kick? That's right, an entire book focusing on one kick. Back Kick, the first book in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, by Shawn Kovacich does much more than briefly describe the back kick with a couple accompanying photographs. It is a detailed analysis of every movement of the back kick from beginning to end. Back Kick explains the back kick, variations of the back kick, training and drills for kicking, and applications of the back kick in this comprehensive volume.
The author, Shawn Kovacich, is an instructor that has walked the walk. He set two world records for endurance high kicking that were certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, and has an impressive record in the tournament circuit having competed in tournaments such as the Sabaki Challenge among others. Seeing a lack in written instructional material on kicking, Kovacich set out to remedy that fact with his Achieving Kicking Excellence series. Judging by this first book, he has achieved his goal with the back kick and well on his way to achieve his goal regarding all of the basic kicks. Students and instructors alike will benefit from this book.
Back Kick begins with a quick explanation of how the reader can benefit most from the book. It then proceeds with a chapter on the anatomy of the back kick. Kovacich covers the bones and muscles along with their function relating to the back kick. He then provides a very brief section on warming up and stretching. The reader who is not already well adept in exercise, warm-ups and stretching would be advised to seek further information on this topic to ensure adequate preparation before kicking.
Next comes the meat of the book. Kovacich provides a detailed analysis of the back kick with clear photographs, explanations and diagrams. It is the most detailed written description of a kick I have ever seen. A person could use his descriptions as a check list on proper kicking technique. Each and every part of the kick is covered. After explaining the turning back kick, Kovacich covers variations which include: step-back back kick, step-over back kick, spinning back kick, 6 step back kick, jump back kick, 540 degree back kick and others. One criticism a person could have regarding this text is the repetitiveness of some of the pictures and descriptions of the back kick variations. If you are reading this book straight through cover to cover, yes, the repetitiveness can become boring. If you are using the text as Kovacich intended, as a learning tool, this should not be a factor. I much rather have each kick explained in its entirety, rather than be referred to a different part of the book for the elements that are similar or the same.
Kovacich covers a few training and practice methods along with a few strength training exercises for the muscles involved with kicking, namely the legs. He also briefly discusses speed and power. These are good inclusions for this text, since they are important concepts when kicking. However, because Kovacich does not go into the detail regarding these subjects as he does with the back kick, this book should only be a catalyst for the reader to recognize if they want to excel in kicking, they should study further on these topics.
The book concludes with a trouble shooting guide to help pin point problem areas with your back kicks, and a chapter on applications. Once you have mastered the back kick and its variations, you should be able to apply the kick in a sparring or fighting situation and Kovacich provides some of the basic applications he has used and teaches his students.
Shawn Kovacich's Back Kick is an excellent instructional text for any student or instructor of the kicking arts. Its detailed descriptions and photographs are clear and easy to understand, while his kicking notes provide quality instruction and advice to improve one's training and execution of this important kick. I'm looking forward to future volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Back Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 1)

Back Kick is the first volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of martial arts related books. Back Kick, along with the other nine volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, goes into intricate detail over all aspects of executing the primary kick, which in this case is the Turning Back Kick, and several of its main variations. Starting with a basic anatomical analysis of this kick, you quickly progress to the basic principles associated with the Back Kick, and then you dive right into learning the proper execution of the primary kick, Turning Back Kick. Once you have finished with this section, you are taken to the variations chapter which builds upon the primary kick, Turning Back Kick, by teaching you 11 of its main variations. From here you are taken to the Training and Practice Methods chapter for a look at some very simple, yet effective methods for adding speed and power to your kicks. Your next chapter takes a question and answer approach to some of the most common problems people have executing the Back Kick and the solutions to correct them. The next chapter in this book deals with a very brief and basic application section for the Back Kick and each of the variations previously detailed in this book.NOTE:The combat/self-defense applications of the Back Kick are discussed and demonstrated in much greater detail in the companion book to this book, Back Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 1, which is Back Kick: Applications in Combat: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 11. This book goes into intricate detail over all aspects of applying the primary kick, which in this case is the Back Kick, and several of its main variations, against twelve of the most common attacks that you are most likely to face in an actual unarmed self-defense/combat situation.At the conclusion of this book you are given a sneak preview of the next volume in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, which in this case is the Wheel Kick.

Get 3% OFF

Click here for more information about Back Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 1)

Read More...

Hook Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 7) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The seventh book of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series has a purple cover and focuses on the hook kick. I mention the purple cover because each of the books in this series has a different colored cover along with the photograph of author Shawn Kovacich illustrating the themed kick by smashing the first letter. Some people have criticized the covers because it is a bit harder to read with the first letter smashed all over the place, but on the shelf you can read the spine just fine, so I don't see a problem.
The book follows the rest of the series by containing chapters on basic anatomy, warm ups, stretching, strength, speed, and power training. These chapters are very basic and give just enough to show the reader some basics, but to prompt the reader to further their studies in these areas.
The bulk of volume seven focuses on the hook kick and ten of its main variations. Just like all of the books in this series, Kovacich included hundreds of photographs and illustrations among the text of this 236 page book. (This includes the index and pages to take notes) No other written text has as much detailed instruction on the hook kick, and I doubt any ever will. This is the definitive written guide on the execution of the hook kick and its variations.
It takes Kovacich thirty-one pages, which includes eighteen pages of full page pictures detailing every part of the kick, and one page of review photographs, to fully describe the execution of the turning hook kick. Kovacich also uses an illustration of a martini glass to help get his instruction on the path of trajectory. Like I said, this is the most detailed instruction on this kick you will find.
Kovacich then teaches ten variations. In these descriptions he uses smaller photographs, but they still illustrate the kicks very well. Each variations includes a pictorial overview and is self contained. I like this feature. If you want to review just one variation, you can go to that section of the book, review that kick, and get to practicing. It is because of this that I believe this to be an excellent resource to have in any martial art library. This is not a book to read cover to cover for enjoyment. It is a reference text to be used to improve your kicking.
The variations include: Step-Back Hook Kick; Spinning Hook Kick; Hop/Slide Forward Hook Kick; Hop/Slide Backward Hook Kick; Front Leg Hook Kick; Back Leg Hook Kick; Switch Hook Kick; Off-Setting Hook Kick; Jump Turning Hook Kick; 540 Degree Jump Turning Hook Kick; and the Spinning Hook Kick with the left leg. (all other kicks are shown with the right leg only)
Besides the martini glass, Kovacich also uses diagrams of a watch face and illustrations of a top to get his points across. He also includes a smorgasbord of "notes" that cover many important points regarding kicking. He also provides some basic training and practice methods and a trouble shooting guide to assist you in gaining the most out of your training and to increase your kicking skills. Like the other books in the series, Kovacich finishes with illustrations of some hook kick applications.
This is an excellent study guide for learning the hook kick. It sands alone for the hook kick, but more importantly is part of a series that has to be the most detailed examination of kicking ever in print. This series is a fantastic resource for all martial artists. Even if your kicking style is a bit different from that of Kovacich's, you will still find instruction that will help you improve and assist in your teaching if you instruct.
If you own the entire series, you will find a little redundancy in the volumes. Those are the chapters I mentioned early on in this review. However, the detailed analysis and descriptions of each of Kovacich's ten primary kicks makes this series the excellent resource it is. I have all ten volumes in my library and am looking forward to the companion volumes Kovacich is working on now to be released in 2009.
Reviewed by Alain Burrese, author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks and the dvds: Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer. Alain Also wrote a series of articles called Lessons From The Apprentice.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hook Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 7)

Hook Kick is the seventh volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of martial arts related books. Hook Kick, along with the other nine volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, goes into intricate detail over all aspects of executing the primary kick, which in this case is the Turning Hook Kick, and several of its main variations. Starting with a basic anatomical analysis of this kick, you quickly progress to the basic principles associated with the Hook Kick, and then you dive right into learning the proper execution of the primary kick, Turning Hook Kick. Once you have finished with this section, you are taken to the variations chapter which builds upon the primary kick, Turning Hook Kick, by teaching you 10 of its main variations. From here you are taken to the Training and Practice Methods chapter for a look at some very simple, yet effective methods for adding speed and power to your kicks. Your next chapter takes a question and answer approach to some of the most common problems people have executing the Hook Kick and the solutions to correct them. The next chapter in this book deals with a very brief and basic application section for the Hook Kick and each of the variations previously detailed in this book.NOTE:The combat/self-defense applications of the Hook Kick are discussed and demonstrated in much greater detail in the companion book to this book, Hook Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 7, which is Hook Kick: Applications in Combat: Achieving Kicking Excellence; Volume 17. This book goes into intricate detail over all aspects of applying the primary kick, which in this case is the Hook Kick, and several of its main variations, against twelve of the most common attacks that you are most likely to face in an actual unarmed self-defense/combat situation.At the conclusion of this book you are given a sneak preview of the next volume in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, which in this case is the Hatchet Kick.

Click here for more information about Hook Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 7)

Read More...