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Chikara Kan, Inc.
Chikara Kan, Inc.
Showing reviews 31 to 40
| Customer Reviews |
| Axe Kick |
Posted by: Joanna Daneman |
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| If you are a novice martial artist, a kick-box exercise video nut, or someone who wants to advance their knowledge of martial art kicks, this book looks as if it would be very helpful.
The series of books is organized by type of kick: back, wheel, axe, crescent, reverse crescent, front, hook, hatchet, roundhouse, side kick. Ten books in all.
The volumes are absolutely loaded with pictures of not only kick technique but also of helpful strength-with-weight exercises, especially gym exercises with machines like the hack squat and leg press sled and of course the all-important lunge. So you get not only a discussion of how-to, but of what exercises can improve overall performance by gaining muscle strength. There are pictures with overlays of angles and axes, giving you an idea of proper form, though there is no substitute for a sensei giving you real-time feedback, of course. So these books are a good adjunct to martial arts class in the dojo; something to read and then take to practice and work on with real-time help.
There is a section on sparring--right and wrong. There is a suggested reading list in the back. A very complete series.
The only thing these volumes suffer from is slightly dark and low contrast black and white photograph reproduction due to pictures being on paper stock and not glazed plate stock, in order to keep costs reasonable for publishing. And the cover photo is wonderful but the graphic design (showing the title being shattered by the someone doing the title kick) was a GREAT concept but you can't read the title on the front cover (because it's being kicked to bits!) This is annoying; you have to read the spine to see which kick the book is about. If this bugs you, it's easily fixed: get some stickers or a Sharpie and mark the front cover with something like SIDE KICK VOL 10 or whatever works for you.
Author Kovacich is a black belt in both Karate and Tae Kwon Do (which of course is one of the martial arts for which the kick is the premier technique.) |
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| Axe Kick |
Posted by: Jeffrey Peter A. Hauck |
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| Author Shawn Kovacich has exploited an important niche in his "Achieving Kicking Excellence" series of martial arts instructional texts.
Shawn is quoted as saying "In an unarmed self-defense encounter, your kicking skills or lack thereof, can be the deciding factor between victory and defeat. In today's society, kicking is not only used more frequently, but it also ranks as perhaps the most versatile and underrated weapon that you have in your arsenal." I agree with him.
I found "Axe Kick" (volume 3 of 10 in the series) to be so highly detail oriented that it overcame any presupposition of dryness and boredom to which I initially attributed to it. In short, I was "hooked." Laid out in terms that the novice can easily follow and the practicing martial artist can incorporate into his or her regimen, Shawn starts out with the historical background of the Axe Kick and then introduces the reader to the physical and physiological body movements and mechanics associated with the kick.
Providing tips on conditioning and training, Shawn demonstrates foot movement by foot movement the Axe Kick's basic principles and then introduces the primary In-to-Out Axe Kick and then Out-to-In Axe Kick to his audience and follows with six variations of each; (some of which I have never even heard of!).
Shawn demonstrates the principles of each kick with clear photographs that leave nothing to the imagination. Fortifying the text with chapters on "Warm Up and Stretching," "Training and Practice Methods," "Trouble Shooting Guide," and "Kicking Applications," to name a few, Shawn provides the reader with more than a full understanding of what could and mistakenly be known as a "simple kick."
Totally complete at 258 pages, and chocked with all sorts of valuable information from the "nuts and bolts" of technique description and demonstration to body dynamics, this is without a doubt the "gold standard" by which any examplar of martial arts kicking should be judged by.
This book can stand alone or be incorporated within the series. I rate it at five stars without hesitation or reservation. Well done! |
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| Axe Kick |
Posted by: K.H. |
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| The next book in Shawn Kovacich series, "Axe Kick," covers just that, the axe kick, from about every angle one could possibly approach this subject. Shawn if anything, is consistent, which aids this series. The reader knows what to expect, details about muscle groups, target areas, and proper technique are standard in his "Achieving Kicking Excellence" series.
Now, I must state my bias: I have never been much a fan of this kick and taught it as part of the curriculum knowing some other student my fall in love with the kick. In all the years of competition, full contact or point, I only saw one person who could use this technique properly (Tomas Kurowjoski spelling - Shidokan Open). Shawn has a picture of him using this kick in the same tournament, whether he was successful with it, I don't know; however, what I do know is that he has mastered the technical knowledge on all the workings on learning, teaching, and applying this kick.
He demonstrates both the in and out axe kick and adds other photos such as a man using an axe and constant use of a protractor showing peak points. Each muscle group is mentioned and how it applies to this maneuver. His application section works well These books excel as instructor's aids and out of the three I have reviewed so far, this book has provided the most information about a certain kick and how each muscle is working to make this kick excel. This series is quickly turning into a reference set for instructors and students alike. |
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| Axe Kick |
Posted by: Aaron Hoopes |
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| Like all the titles in Shawn Kovacich's Achieving Kicking Excellence series, book 3 Axe Kick is a comprehensive study of one of the important kicks used in modern martial arts today. The book is incredibly thorough with numerous photos demonstrating the every aspect of the kick in minute detail. Mr. Kovacich knows his stuff and it is obvious that he has spent many hours honing his technique. The book provides an in-depth study of the bones, muscles and mechanics involved in the kicking technique.
In addition, the book contains a wealth of supplemental information on strength, speed and power generating exercises to enhance the technique. There is also a section on stretching as well as the application of the technique.
This book is ideal for any martial artist who wishes to perfect their axe kicking ability. The beginner will find a wealth of information to assist in developing proper mechanics while the advanced practitioner will glean some vital knowledge from an accomplished teacher.
Be sure to check out the other books in this series. You are sure to find one that addresses the specific kick that you need work on. |
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| Back Kick |
Posted by: D. Buxman |
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| I've read several martial arts books before this one and all of them fell short in some area. As such, I'd developed the sense that video instruction and personal coaching were the only ways to learn proper technique. This book is revolutionary in its comprehensiveness and clarity. Shawn Kovacich has taken the Back Kick and broken it down from anatomy to technique to training in a manner that will improve anyone's skills. Eleven variations of the Back Kick are detailed with point by point instructions, ample photographs and useful illustrations.
While I want to caution that there is no substitute for some degree of one on one coaching, this book comes as close as you can get. It's not a magic bullet. You have to have the discipline to follow the instructions and work hard, but I have no doubt that this book will improve your Back Kick, no matter what your skill level. The author's writing style is smooth, interesting and funny at times. I recommend this book without reservation. |
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| Crescent Kick |
Posted by: Jeremiah Olson |
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| Being a Judo player, I was hesitant and skeptical about reading the book. To be honest I have little interest in karate and no interest in Tae Kwon Do. Initially I began by skimming this book. The skimming peaked my interest and caused me to look much closer at the contents of this book. While I feel I would need to read this book 100 more times to have a basic understanding, I am impressed by the content of this book. All aspects of this book are broken down and explained very simplistically. While I know the benefits of having an instructor, I feel this book would be sufficient for someone who would just like to do a martial arts workout and not necessarily use the skills in some form of combat. Multiple aspects of this book impressed me:
1.The detailed descriptions of the muscles, bones, and overall components of the body involved in the kick.
2.The explanation of the stretching and preparation that is necessary before attempting and succeeding at the kick.
3.The pictures, step by step explanation, and multiple variations of the kick.
4.The exercises to strengthen and improve the kick.
5.The frequently asked questions and showing potential errors with the kick at the end of the book.
After reading this book I have gained a lot of respect for the author and a little more acceptance of Karate and Tae Kwon Do. Thank you for doing such a thorough job in writing this book. |
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| Warrior Wisdom: Volume Two |
Posted by: Jeremiah Olson |
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| This book, along with volume one, has been a two fold benefit for me. First off, I am a counselor and often utilize meditation/reflection books to start my day. This book works as well as any. I would encourage people to read one page per day. Start your day by reading the passage and reflect upon it throughout your day. If it is lost in your day, return to the book and review the passage. I do not always agree with the train of thought in each and every one of the passages but I enjoy the thought process that goes along with reflecting upon the passage throughout my day. The second benefit for me is related to my own, albeit small, martial arts training in judo. Initially I started judo just for another workout. It slowly became so much more than a workout. This book, combined with many discussions I have had, has led me to process all of the gains, benefits and purposes of martial arts. It's not all about the techniques or the fight but it is more about the lifestyle or life's lessons that having martial arts in your life provides you with. This book is very beneficial for anyone who would like to engage their brain. |
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| Reverse Crescent Kick |
Posted by: Jeremiah Olson |
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| Please read my review for the crescent kick. I would say exactly the same about this book. I actually looked at this book prior to the crescent kick book. A funny story is that when I first picked up the book and skimmed through some of it, I was in awe noticing how high the kick actually occurs. After my first attempt, I realized the importance of thorough stretching. Had I started by reading the book thoroughly, I would have learned that prior to attempting any movements. Like I wrote about the crescent kick book, this book was well written, thorough, and did very well at providing some understanding to someone who knew nothing about a crescent kick. |
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| Warrior Wisdom: Volume Two |
Posted by: John Sliger |
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| Dr. Sanders had done it again. By providing insight and explanations to ancient and modern quotes from warriors and sages, Dr. Sanders has given much food for thought for seekers of the way of the warrior. This is a great resource for people who have just started their journey as well as some of us that have been on the path for some time. To the new seekers it provides a jumping off point to help start their exploration of the warrior way. To others, it can be used as a point of debate, to decide if our own personnel understanding of the quotes contained within the book are similar to Dr. Sander’s interpretation. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in advancing their understanding of what it takes to be a Warrior. |
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| Crescent Kick |
Posted by: John Sliger |
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| Achieving Kicking Excellence, Crescent Kick is an outstanding textbook in how to perform a crescent kick. Although all martial arts should be taught under the guidance of a qualified instructor, the whole series, Achieving Kicking Excellence will provide great insight for the beginner in the art of kicking and some good pointers for those of us that have been at this for a while. I find myself using this as a text book in helping me convey kicking techniques to my students. I would highly recommend this book to any martial artist regardless of style or level of experience. |
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