Customer Reviews

Got Fight?: The 50 Zen Principles of Hand-to-Face Combat

5 star:		(78)
4 star:		(32)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

It goes without saying that I could kick Forrest Griffin's butt; I merely choose not to. And the reason I choose no to is because I'm terrified of him and hide whenever he comes into the same time zone. Or at least I do now, after reading GOT FIGHT?, his rambling, comedic book on what it takes to be successful in the almost-no-holds-barred world of mixed martial arts. Obviously, if you're reading this review, you know Griffin as the guy whose kill-or-be-killed performance on the inaugural season of THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER reality show helped turn the UFC from a disreputable, back-alley promotion into the world-dominating sports juggernaut it is today. Since then, he went on to coach a season of that now-hit show, and win-and-lose the UFC's light heavyweight title. He's currently slated to fight Anderson "The Spider" Silva, who is almost universally regarded as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in MMA. No small order, but not long ago Griffin destroyed Shogun Rua, who many considered to be the best fighter in the world at 205 pounds: so I s'pose it's anybody's guess. Anyway: what distinguishes Griffin from a lot of guys competing in mixed martial arts are two things:

1) He's well-and-truly crazy. I don't mean fake-crazy, which rap music has popularized, and which has led to a large number of people getting badly beaten up in bars when they tried to go "fake crazy" on people who could actually fight; I mean he's really nuts. Anybody who can hold a lit cigarette lighter to his flesh for fourteen seconds without flinching simply because he's in the mood ain't right in the braincase, but he does make for good television.

2) He likes to fight. I spent many years in "classic" martial arts, and while I was mastering nonsense like crescent kicks and the C-step middle punch, I rolled with a lot of guys who modeled themselves after Johnny from THE KARATE KID -- you know, the rich kids with bolt-on abs who didn't want their hair mussed while they fought, much less lose a tooth or bust a lip; but I also encountered a fairly number of people who would honestly, truly, rather get in a street fight than make love to a supermodel. Griffin is one of these people. If there wasn't a UFC, he'd fight on toughman shows where the loser gets dragged to the curb and laid out with the trash -- great anecdote from the book, by the way!

GOT FIGHT? then, is a reflection of Griffin's personality. It's one of the filthiest books I've ever read -- seriously, this guy has an obsession with bodily functions, bad words and disgusting anecdotes that needs serious analysis, I mean it could make Andrew Dice Clay blush, but it's also one of the funniest. I've seen standup comedians who didn't make me laugh half as much as Griffin, who is probably the most self-depreciating guy who can kick you through a cinderblock wall you're ever likely to meet. It's also highly entertaining. Take, for example, the last chapter of the book, where he's demonstrating through photos various fight techniques. One of them is how to repel a dog attack, and Forrest being Forrest, the dog in the picture is a poodle about the size of his head...and the poodle is talking in captions. At least a fifth of the book is also dedicated to completely irrelevant, MAXIM-like topics such as how to get into a Vegas nightclub, where you rate on the Forrest Griffin Scale of Manliness, or how best to score sleazy chicks at your local watering hole. Humor aside, Griffin has a knack for telling a story, whether it's how he got beaten up once a week for the first 15 years of his life or what tactics he used to dethrone Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in the Octogon. One of my personal favorite moments is when he scathingly compares "martial artists" to "fighters" (something I found hilarious even though I was essentially the one being made fun of.) But GOT FIGHT? is neither biography, nor comedy album, nor how-to book, though it has all those aspects; more than anything, Griffin is trying to explain what it means to BE a professional MMA fighter, when the cameras aren't on and Dana White is not in the building. Without trying to intimidate the reader, he wants him to understand just what is involved with making MMA your profession -- not your hobby, mind you, but your actual profession. How to train, make weight, eat, choose a manager, escape crazy women groupies -- he explains all of it, but he also stresses the harships involved, which involve a lot of physical pain and very, very little money.

My only beef with GOT FIGHT? is that it is lacking a conclusion, which is not a mistake the co-author, martial arts expert Erich Krauss, should have made. After riveting the reader with his anecdotes and crazy advice, the book trails off into the usual martial arts pictures of how to do this or that move -- granted, with funny captions, but still, a lame way to close an otherwise terrific book. Hopefully, the publisher will coax Forrest away from his Newcastle Brown Ale and chicken wings long enough to write one. In the mean time, however, I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand what happens -- and doesn't happen -- between the cauliflowered ears of one of MMA's most popular fighters.

This is one of the wittiest and 'laugh out loud' funny books that I have ever read. While it may not be a "how-to" guide for MMA, it certainly provides useful information peppered in amongst hysterical stories and anecdotes. Griffin's self-deprecating humor and unique writing style make for an extremely entertaining read that will you have you laughing until your sides hurt. I would recommend "Got Fight?" not only to MMA fans, but to anyone who has a sense of humor.

I have to agree with the author that the title he preferred, "Who Moved My Nose?" is a much better title for this book. But running a close second is, "Death Is a Journey and My Bags Are Packed" runs a very close second.

This book (and the author for that matter) is without a doubt the funniest, most sarcastic, morbidly twisted sense of humor books that has so far come out of the MMA world, and I laughed the entire time I read it. Forrest Griffin has to be one of the funniest people in the world of MMA. I remember watching an interview with him and an upcoming opponent (whom I can't remember) on I believe Inside MMA and I laughed so hard at Forrest's responses to the various questions posed him that I thought to myself, "This is one really down to earth and cool individual."

Now this book is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for the armchair or keyboard warrior, although I would encourage all of you who are to run out and by several copies of this book as I am sure Forrest would appreciate the money. However, be warned that you'll probably take offense to pretty much everything he has to say in this book, but then again maybe not, because of course he wouldn't be talking about YOU!

To say that I enjoyed this entire book would be a fairly accurate statement. To say that I found something funny on darn near every page would also be a fairly accurate statement. Therefore, I am only going to include a couple of highlights in this review. In no particular order.

1. Check out the defense against a dog attack under, "The Vault of Supersecret Techniques" section. I have a new found respect for Forrest after teaching us how to defeat such a massively huge and aggressive member of the canine species. I know that the ASPCA will probably have an issue with this particular section, but come on now, that dog was a monster and I could see where Forrest felt in fear of his life.

2. "The Asian Dart" defense, also under "The Vault of Supersecret Techniques" section. Come on Forrest with an endorsement of this technique it's okay to come out of the closet. Ha Ha Ha

3.The "Man Test" at the beginning of the book. Yes, I did score over 40 points, although I did end up taking the test twice as I was laughing so hard during the first time that I actually forgot to right my answers down.

I can not recommend this book highly enough and I would have to emphatically declare that if you don't buy this book, there is no way you can even attempt to even begin to believe that you are a real man. (Okay Forrest, remember 10% of all Amazon sales goes to me now for posting this review.)

Oh, and this is not a technique book, so don't expect to learn the newest grappling or striking move, although you may end up learning a bit about life. Or then again, maybe not.

Shawn Kovacich
Martial Artist (Yes Forrest, I am real live legitimate one, who can also really fight!) and Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.

Don't buy this book expecting to learn about fighting, or most especially about Zen! The most important thing about this book is not to take it seriously in any way whatsoever. If you had any doubts about this, you will quickly be enlightened by the Manliness Quiz in the front of the book. If you score high, you are encouraged to read the book. If you score medium, you are allowed to read the book, but must conceal it, and must insist to anyone who asks that the book was too manly for you. If you score low, you must not read the book under any circumstances, and should wear pantyhose, put on lipstick, and drive badly. (It is assumed that all but three readers of the book will be biological men, not women). Do you have the picture now?

The book is divided into short, mostly independent articles, with titles such as "Chicken Soup for your Scrotum" and "The Definitive Definition that Defines a Douche Bag." Maybe the way this is headed is becoming clearer to you now....

As expected, there are stories about fighting and becoming a professional fighter. I'm pretty sure some of those are even mostly true. As well as short sections on how to get into exclusive clubs, and how to pick up trampy women. HINT FROM FORREST: A good way to pick up women is to pretend to be a well-known movie star, including having your friends come up to you and ask for an autograph.

For years, I thought "Snorkel Bob's Reality Guide to Hawaii" was the strangest book I would ever read, but now I learn that I've been wrong all that time. This book wins the award hands down.

I rated this book a "3", as something of an average: I suspect that fans of Griffin or of weird humor will rank it a "5" and want to give it a "6", most sane and socially respectable people will give it a "2", and prudes who are offended by foul language or a coarse, violent attitude will rank it as one, and feel that gives it entirely too much credit! Check out where you fit in the above categories, and you'll know what to do.

PS: I do agree with other reviewers that the photo series showing how to defend yourself from a dog (poodle) is hilarious!

The book is what it is. It's at once trailer park but then a relatively eye-opening view into the MMA world. The text easily conveys a world that's all about swaggering, boasting, cursing, women, and settling any dispute with a fast shoot to the other guy's knees.

If you're easily offended by bad language you will be profoundly so by this read. But if you stick it out, you will have a greater understanding of this popular subculture. Understand it for what it is and don't get upset because it's an affront to your world. After all, your world isn't the only one.

Fans and students of the MMAs will like this book and find that it helps them understand it better. People who aren't followers but are interested in other cultures within our society, will find this a fascinating read.

I recommend it .

Loren W. Christensen, author, martial artist.

This was an amazing book. I havent read a book since high school (about 3 years) because I was never a big reader. But this book was amazing. I was hooked after the first page. Im a United States Marine so my vocab is a bit low but Forrest wrote this just in my language. It was a hilarious informative read I would suggest to any man. (Theres a test in the beginning of the book to make sure your manly enough to read this great novel).

This book is absolutely hilarious! Don't think that because its written by a UFC fighter that it is a book about fighting. It's not, its about very weird ideas and stories of Forrest Griffin that will make you laugh out loud that you'll fall off your seat. I am not exaggerating. I remember when I was reading this book in public by myself I used to laugh and giggle that people around me thought I am a freak :) I didn't care really because if they knew how funny and vulgar the jokes were they would have understood!

Whether you're into MMA or not, you won't go wrong reading this book. There's not much to learn really, except some of the good Jiu Jitsu techniques given at the end, however the jokes you will get and the fun you will experience from reading this book is totally worth buying it.

I highly recommend it!

Knowing Forrest Griffin's personality from his Ultimate Fighter and UFC days, I was not expecting a serious book by any means. However, I felt that the antics and silliness of the book got in the way of the actual methods and techniques.

I must start my review by saying that I am a female. (My name could go either way...thus the clarification). I am a fan of MMA and the UFC. And Forrest Griffin is by far my favorite fighter. He always make me laugh, whether it be as a contestant on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, or as a coach in a later season opposite of Rampage Jackson, or in the ring when he gives what could be miscontrued as a spooning hug to another fighter after he taps him out (can't remember the other guy's name...but it may be because its not anyone with a name...). So obviously when I saw Forrest had a book out- of course I want to read it! Lay the monkey humor on down!

I most enjoyed the preface from the publisher. I think that sums up Forrest beautifully. However, most will want to read on because his personality is all over this. Forrest talks about the psychology of a tough guy, and there are excerpts from people who know him who illustrate that, in fact, Forrest is what he preaches. Frankly, this book makes me think he's more insane than I imagined, but that fine. I'm not going to face him in the octogon! He also includes general tips for life, which can vary from hilarious to misogynistic.

The last part of the book reviews some basic moves for MMA wannabes. I skimmed through this as I have no intention on ever using them (but, hey, who knows?). There are illustrated with pictures of Forrest and Neil for different submission techniques and fighting stances. And lastly, the concluding chapter includes Forrest's moves for fighting and defensive techniques that could be used out of the ring. My personal favorite is the Asian Dart.

My last note on this book is that any point in the book that may have had me shaking my head from my feminist side was quickly brushed away by the sheer fact that I learned this: Forrest married a girl named Jaime...so he clearly has a good head on his shoulders! (Because all girls name Jamie/Jaime are very cool.)

As one of the two women that Forrest expects to read his book, I've got to say that I loved it and found myself laughing at quite a few moments in the book. The stories Forrest presents are obnoxious, bawdy, and all around "Good ol' boy" humor, which makes up much of its charm. There's no polished language, no Rated-G scenarios - about as far the polar opposite of a "chick flick" as you can get; this is very much a book for the guys. That being said, even as a woman I found much of Forrest's humor transcends genders and will simply leave you laughing.

While a few of the UFC Ultimate Fighter fans will probably be saddened to learn that this book is not a serious MMA tactics manual nor a year by year memoir, I believe that the wit and humor presented in "Got Fight" will more than make up for the lack of dry material you'd expect from many of the other MMA biographies. That's not to say that there are zero informational items - sprinkled through the book are several insights into what makes Forrest the intimidating presence in MMA that he is, along with a few step-by-step descriptions on how to perform moves like the rear-naked choke and various arm bars and kimura, however they should be considered an anecdotal part of the book and are usually presented with the ever-present Forrest brand of humor.

Should you get it to read? Absolutely - this book was so addictive I read it all in a single sitting. Is it an MMA book? Only "sort of" - again, not a real instructional but a lot of ideas on the level of heart and commitment that goes into making a true MMA fighter. For kids? Probably not - there's a *lot* of gutter humor in this book; I would suggest keeping it to the 14-16+ crowd with this one.

Oh, and for the record, I agree that "Who moved my nose?" would have been a better title.