Customer Reviews

Boxing Mastery: Advanced Technique, Tactics, and Strategies from the Sweet Science

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Once again, Mark Hatmaker has taken a subject and not only excellently explained the "how", but also the "why" as well. "Boxing Mastery" is exactly that: both a "how to" and "why for" book.

Mr. Hatmaker covers everything from the hinge principle (for generating power into every punch) to different boxer's stances and when they're most effective to upper- and lower-body mobility drills and how to cut off the ring. Make no mistake, this is a book for fighters, not a guide to "better fitness through non-contact boxing".

As expected, Hatmaker covers the most basic punches, footwork, drills, and targets, and he does so in a logical, concise and easy-to-understand manner the likes of which I've never seen outside of his works. In addition, he doesn't JUST stick to the basics. Chapters like "KO's and power punching", "Pivoting and waltzing", "Ring generalship", "Beat punching", and "Defensive concepts" shed light on nearly every imaginable aspect of the in-ring side of boxing. The only *minor* complaint I have is that this book refers to a chapter out of another book of his, "NHB: Savage Strikes", when talking about the basics of punching. I own that book too, so it's no big loss to me, but it may take away from the experience a little for a begginer. Still, it's such a small complaint that it never took away from the reading and learning experience for me.

For anyone who felt like something was missing from Beaumont's "Championship Streetfighting", this book fills in the gaps (footwork, defense) and then some. It can also stand alone, and I'd recomend it to anyone who wants to improve their boxing game, be they novice or experienced, as well as just anyone who wants to know how to throw a punch. I can't say enough good things about this book!

Has some useful basic info, but it is poorly written and the photos stink. Why would the author wear black sneakers on a dark floor in black & white photos? This makes the footwork lesson laughable as you cannot see the position of his feet, and it's not like there are clearly-written explanations to pick up the slack. Similarly, they will give you pics and brief descriptions of certain odd things like the 'peekaboo' stance, tell you to learn them, and give no reason why.

Also, both the authors are southpaws, which confuses things even more. It would have also have been nice to have some modifications suggested for MMA boxing which differs in a few ways.

I must say I enjoyed the drills and the section on the 'hinge principle.' The photos of different kinds of punches are clear and fairly comprehensive.

As long as you can find some other way of learning decent footwork, you can probably make a lot of this slim and affordable book.

I'll begin by stating that I'm not strictly a western boxer, I'm mainly practice Muay Thai kickboxing... but I figured since most of Muay Thai is western boxing from the waist up, that I should get a book on the subject of boxing. I have bought quite a few books on everything from grapling, kickboxing, kung-fu, Kali/escrima and this book is by far the best instructional resource I have ever come across.

The author does a great job of explaining every technique and also includes clear pictures that do a very good job of demonstrating those techniques. Although the book seems geared to more advanced boxers, I highly suggest this book for novice and intermediate boxers as well...

This is the best -- by far -- book for serious boxers that I have come across. Almost all the other books give you just the basics, and not even with good form. This book gives you a ton of helpful information about how to become a stronger fighter in the ring. And it does it with an emphasis on FIGHTING, not on boxercise.

The only annoying thing about the book is that both of the boxers in the pictures are southpaws, so for orthodox fighters you have to visualize the situations in reverse. It's kind of ludicrous, but you get over it.

If there is one book to get on boxing, this is it.

i have been boxing myself for 3 years and this book is a disgrace to the sport. The pictures that demonstrate the apparently "head high hook" are screaming for a jaw breaking counter.
mark hatmaker is apaarently well regarded in the boxing world and martial arts world and i think he has let himself down by putting his name on the cover.
im not out to destroy this books reputation as i did enjoy reading the ring generalship, and not to mention a few of the combinations where covered in resonable depth but over all i was very dissapointed.

I bought this book expecting it to have a lot of new information. If you have spent any time in a boxing gym, you will already know 75% of the book. A few new items and drills. Way too many pictures in my opinion. Need more instruction and a few relevant pictures.

I have this boxing manual for more than a year now. It's perfect if you tend to shadowbox to work your boxing skills. You get a good workout yet boxing correctly in its format. Perfect manual for novice to advanced boxer. It also goes well with Hatmaker's other manual on Savage Strikes, more of freestyle, NHB fighting. I read this boxing manual numerous times when I have time available and tend to shadowbox as a workout to work on my boxing form and getting my cardio that way. So if you have some boxing skills, whether you've been taught by your dad or mom in some cases or at a boxing gym this book is perfect to go along with your skill to improve boxing. Sweet science at its best.

I find it interesting reading all the previous comments about this book. One wonders if reason, logic and objectivity are lost concepts for some people. I also wonder if everyone is reading the same book. I have read and written reviews on most of this author's previous books, as well as his DVDs. This particular volume covers the basic principles of boxing. True, some of the photographs were not clear, but I found the instructions easy to follow. As a life time student of the martial arts, I found this book helpful and informative. The various drills and suggestions are for the most part solid. I do not believe anyone can learn a fighting art completely by just reading a book. However, using this book in combination with real hands-on training under a boxing coach will produce excellent results.

In conclusion, this book is for anyone interested in boxing. If one has an open mind, one can learn something of value from almost any martial arts book.

Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Shotokan Karate Self-Defense Techniques: Combat Karate for the street).

Hatmaker and Werner's book Boxing Mastery is a fine manual on a few of the finer points of advanced boxing and you can't beat it for the money. Nice job tying in trad boxing techniques with modern "popular" techniques. I purchased this along with Werner's other collaboration with with Lachica and the pair make a great set. As one reads through these techniques you realize why so many mma fighters and run of the mill Taekwondo Toms constantly bad mouth the most widespread fighting art... because it can be effective against any attack. Not simple as it is often referred to (check out the total ineptitude of most ufc and mma fighters at striking in their opening rounds before they shoot in for the high school wrestling take down... they think its simple and obviously don't have a clue) and not just duking it out like some bar basement palooka either... but it is readily accessible and systematic in its effectiveness... as an aikido practitioner I will say that the two types of martial artists I think would be the most trouble to handle are the boxer and muay thai fighter, both technique systems so close in concept as to be called brothers. Buy this book... its great and you will learn real time tested concepts of fighting which should carry over into any other style. And, you can get in the ring and try them out full bore too...

I recommend anything from mark hatmaker, the guy really knows his stuff, and knows how to present it. This is imho the best single volume guide on boxing. Stance, footwork, punches, defense, history, tips, training tips, all covered. His penchant for true boxing of the golden age gives this book that extra charm, in addition to its top notch instruction and information. If youre a fan of boxing, get this , if youre into mma, buy all his books.