Effortless Combat Throws: Principles, Analysis, and Application of [Paperback]

Tim Cartmell (Author), Ron Crandall (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1998

Tim explains throwing techniques which, when performed correctly, do not require the use of great power, force or effort. Copiously illustrated.

Product Details

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: Unique Publications (August 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883175062
• ISBN-13: 978-1883175061
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,186,827 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most Complete Analysis of Throwing Techniques...., December 21, 2002

By 

C. J. Hardman (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Effortless Combat Throws: Principles, Analysis, and Application of (Paperback)

This volume is to throws as the volume "Practical Chin Na" is to joint locking. Finally we have books which explain exactly how and why the techniques we have been using for years work. Tim Cartmell gives us a complete guide to throwing, explaining and grouping techniques by the principles under which they are executed. Cartmell's roots are, interestingly enough, in Jimmy Woo's ever practical San Soo Kung Fu, although later Cartmell moved to Taiwan and then China and trained there with a number of extraordinarily skilled teachers, including Hsu Hong Chi and Hsu Chen Wang (Hsing Yi), Chen Tso Chen (Hsu Hsi Tao), Lin Ah Lung (Tang and Chen Taiji), Kao Liu-te (Yi Chuan), Hsu Fu-chin (Chen Taiji), Luo Te-hsiu (Kao-style Pa Kua Chang & Chen Pan-ling Taiji), Sun Jian-yun (daughter of the famed Sun Lu-tang & present headmaster).

Author Tim Cartmell begins by describing types of throws (arc, circle, and spiral) and the basic principles which guide their application. Next, he explains principled of body use, and then the bulk of the book, comprised of an analysis and application of each throw. Cartmell is extremely thourough in his description of each stage of the technique, describing every little facet of motion, how to balance, how to turn, what you will feel and what is happening to your partner. Each technique offers an analysis of entry, analysis of the technique, of body use, of practical application, of counters and combat use, and variations on the throw. While there are plenty of illustrations, you will need to be a patient reader to glean the most from this volume. It is with words that Cartmell makes the whole picture come together. Whatever your discipline (Chinese style or not), if your art includes throwing techniques, this is the volume to explain the how and why's.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars View-changing book, December 14, 2003

By 

Joseph M Burtner (Kennesaw, Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Effortless Combat Throws: Principles, Analysis, and Application of (Paperback)

This book was great from start to finnish. The author starts out by changing the way throws are classified. He defines them by how the opponent moves through space, and simplifies it into arcs, spirals, and circles. He then moves in to eight principles of motion for effortless throws, like transfer of momentum, and then goes into different methods of executing those principles. Chapter two focuses on eight principles of "body use", which amounts to some very specific details about proper posture, but which is nessesary in order to execute throws with minimum effort. These two very important chapters make up about 1/4 of the book. The next chapter goes into the performance of the throws, as classified by arcs, circles, and spirals. There is even a separate part for sacrifice throws. In demonstrating a throw, Mr. Cartmell starts by describing the throw, showing how it is applied, then analyzing it's entry, the throw itself, and the use of your own body in the throw. He then gives examples of how to move into the throw based on different defenses, such as vs a punch or headlock. At the end of the book is an appendix section that covers a broad range of topics, like relaxation and stability vs. mobility. The focus of the book is using a minimum amount of force to throw an opponent, and I believe it explains it well. I would recomend this book to folks who have to use throws for self-defense, such as bouncers and police officers, and for those who wish to understand the internal arts, but like me, don't really get the whole "expand your chi" thing. It's also just a really good book to read, and would complete anyones martial arts library.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Essence of Internal Martial Arts - A Gem of a Book!!!, July 4, 2001

By 

Chris G (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Effortless Combat Throws: Principles, Analysis, and Application of (Paperback)

In "Effortless Combat Throws" Tim Cartmell masterfully unravels the core principles of internal martial arts devoid of "chi" oriented mumbo jumbo. Tim clearly explains how to generate natural, effortless power starting from posture and alignment. This book is extremely well written and organized in a "tell, show, do" format that takes the reader step by step through the application of effortless power in the form of arc, circle, spiral and sacrifice throws. This is a gem of a book and a MUST read for aspiring, novice or highly experienced martial arts. I have practiced martial arts for 21 years and this book changed the entire direction of my training and my understanding of the essence of martial arts.