Lessons from the Art of Kempo: Subtle and Effective Self Defense [Paperback]

Fred Neff (Author), Bob Wolfe (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1988

This book discusses modern kempo. There is discussion of its historical connection to diverse arts such as shaolin chuan-fa and ju-jutsu. Other topics include kempo philosophy, meditation, physical conditioning, hand positions, stances, movement, dodges, blocks, punches, strikes, and kicks. There are sections on the use of sticking techniques, effective combinations of fighting techniques and the use of strategy to confuse the opponent, plan your defense and handle different types of opponents.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-9 Although directed at specific martial arts, these two books contain enough general information to be useful to students studying almost any martial art. Both books contain excellent information on stances, punches, kicks, and blocks. The black-and-white pictures are clear and easy to follow, and the instructions are well organized. Neff covers problems often left unresolved by other karate manuals (for examplewhat should you do if you are attacked by a bully who knows karate), and he stresses the importance of developing discipline and self-control in order to learn good fighting techniques. The book on kempo contains excellent information on various kicks, stances, and punches used not only in kempo but in karate and other martial arts; the samurai book has particularily good information on throws and the history of the samurai. Purchase where there is serious interest or involvement in martial arts. Cathryn A. Camper, Minneapolis Public Library
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

Fred Neff started his training in Asian fighting arts at the age of eight. In 1974, Mr. Neff received a rank of fifth degree black belt in karate. In the same year he was made master of the art of kempo at a formal ceremony. He is also proficient in judo, ju-jutsu and certain methods of chuan-fa. Mr. Neff's study of East Asian culture has taken him to Hong Kong, Japan, The People's Republic of China and Singapore. For many years, Mr. Neff has used his knowledge to educate others. He has taught karate at the University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin, and Inver Hills Community College. He has also organized and supervised self defense classes for special education programs, public schools, private institutions, and city recreation departments. Included in his teaching program have been classes for law enforcement officers. He has received many rewards for his accomplishments and community involvement, including the City of St. Paul Citizen of the Month Award in 1975, WCCO Radio Good Neighbor Award in 1985, and the Presidential Medal of Merit in 1990. He is the author of 19 books including Everybody's Self-Defense, Lessons From The Western Warriors, Lessons From the Eastern Warriors, Lessons From The Fighting Commandos, Lessons From The Samurai, Lessons From The Art Of Kempo, Lessons From The Japanese Masters, Basic Karate, Self-Protection Guidebook For Girls and Women and Keeping Fit.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: First Avenue Editions (December 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082259532X
• ISBN-13: 978-0822595328
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,695,424 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for young beginners., October 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Lessons from the Art of Kempo: Subtle and Effective Self Defense (Paperback)

This book is a great addition to a young persons martial arts library. It takes and extremely positive approach about the art and about life; it stresses it's basic discipline principles and how to act positively. I highly recommend this old, but not forgotten resource to the young practitioner.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lessons from the Art of Kempo teaches what works, June 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Lessons from the Art of Kempo: Subtle and Effective Self Defense (Paperback)

There are a number of different kempo (fist-way) styles, but from my experience, the type of techniques and tactics taught in Lessons from the Art of Kempo work best for me. My first Kempo teacher taught that traditional kempo used both fist and open hand blows and that it was up to each practitioner to choose the combinations that best worked for him. I later moved and started studying at antoher school that practiced a different style of kempo. While this new school also practiced traditional kempo, it emphasized out maneuvering opponents with strategy rather than just moving in suddenly with a shower of quick blows as I had learned to do. The book on Lessons from the Art of Kempo was used by practitioners at this school as a study guide to supplement training. Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to continue to study at that school long, because of my pressing work schedule. Shortly after discontinuing my practice, I did, however, have to defend myself against a guy who was much bigger and had a lot of street fighting experience. It was quite a fight! This brawler showed me that rushing in with a fast series of blows does not always work in a street fight. I tried a quick combination of open hand blows on him, but he evaded some of them and absorbed others while causing me a great deal of pain with his short punches to my body and head. Like the old saying goes, fools rush in where angels fear to tread. I credit finally coming out on top to using the strategy explained in Lessons from the Art of Kempo to wear out my opponent. For my money, Fred Neff's book on Lessons from the Art of Kempo is a tremendous value.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative, and enthrolling!, March 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Lessons from the Art of Kempo: Subtle and Effective Self-Defense (Hardcover)

I was skeptical at first, but then reading this book opened my mind to the idea of martial science. I would practice techniques and try to memorize the combos. A while later I was attacked, using the skills in Fred Neff's book, I prevailed in my fight. It was more then keeping my wallet, but establishing my pride.