Dan Inosanto: The Man, The Teacher, The Artist [Hardcover]

Perry Kelly (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2000

Here is the long-overdue authorized biography of legendary martial artist and instructor Dan Inosanto. Through extensive research, plus an impressive collection of new and old photos, author Perry Kelly tells the story of Dan Inosanto's life and work. In it, you'll find details of his childhood and the early days of his martial arts training, including the time he spent studying under Ed Parker; his relationship with Bruce Lee, including how the two met, what it was like to train and teach at the original Chinatown school and how Dan was affected by his friend and teacher's untimely death; Dan's experience as an actor and stuntman and how his technical innovations have improved the quality of cinematic fight scenes; his path in the martial arts, with a detailed look at all of his instructors, the myriad styles he has trained in and mastered and his own teaching experience, from the Chinatown school to his "backyard school" to the Inosanto Academy of today; plus his many contributions in areas outside the martial arts, from professional sports to law enforcement to elite military training. Also included are candid interviews with Dan and his daughter Diana Lee Inosanto. A fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to the advancement of the martial arts, this book belongs in every martial artist's collection.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: Paladin Press (May 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581600798
• ISBN-13: 978-1581600797
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,342,932 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Could have been better, September 23, 2000

By 

Loren w Christensen (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dan Inosanto: The Man, The Teacher, The Artist (Hardcover)

This is a fair book about an extraordinary man and martial artist. Although I learned a few things about Dan Inosato that I didn't know from reading magazine articles, I wanted more. I was left feeling that the overall presentation was flat, almost lifeless at times.

Inasanto is an incredible, tireless martial arts master who is an icon in the martial arts world. I didn't feel that energy in this read and I was left wanting it.

The positives are that you will learn much about him, including some of his human weaknesses. But mostly you will learn that he is a driven man, who even now, in his 60s, is willing to be a student and learn from others.

I recommend this book, I just wish it had a little more spark.

Loren W. Christensen, author of FIGHTER'S FACT BOOK

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Dan Inosanto - The Man, the Teacher, the Artist, June 19, 2000

By 

Christopher Herrman - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dan Inosanto: The Man, The Teacher, The Artist (Hardcover)

I was very excited to see that a biography has been written about Guro Dan Inosanto. He has led (and continues to lead) a fascinating life and influences a great many people through his passion for the martial arts. This book is a pleasant read, serving as an overview to Guro Dan's life-long journey in the martial arts. Much of the information in this book will be familiar to those who have read other interviews with Guro Dan. It's no surprise, there are no secrets. His hard work, dedication and humility are expounded upon throughout the book. It is well researched, with an extensive bibliography, and contains excerpts from interviews with Guro Dan and many of his students. One of the most interesting sections of the book, in my opinion, is the partial list of his many teachers. Overall, a good, light read for a sunday afternoon.

Respectfully, Chris H. student: EEMD, Boston (JKD/FMA)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A LONG overdue biography to the TRUE JKD man, July 11, 2001

By 

David Quigley (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dan Inosanto: The Man, The Teacher, The Artist (Hardcover)

Bruce Lee is amazing. He was before his time. Dan Inosanto, however, is beyond anything I have ever experienced. Having gone to seminars to train with the man himself, I can truly say this man is responsible for the JKD we know and also one of, if not THE, most well-read, experienced, and talented martial artist to date.

This book, although a LITTLE thin, is a wonderful read and addition to any martial artist's collection. He is, afterall, THE martial artist of our time. READ IT!!