Customer Reviews

Martial Arts America: A Western Approach to Eastern Arts

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This book discusses a variety of topics that most martial artists find that they need to address at some point in their martial arts careers. It begins by discussing motivations for training and then covers such topics as the "evolutionary cycle of combat arts", kata, the metaphysical, selecting a school, modern training methods/techniques and women in the martial arts. It is well written and provides the reader with the insights and conclusions that Mr. Orlando has arrived at after 30+ years in the martial arts. There are helpful pictures and interesting or amusing illustrations.

I think that the person who will benefit the most from this book, in general, is relatively new to the martial arts. This book would be invaluable for giving the newer martial artist food for thought as well as some very practical advice that could be immediately applied. I also think that some classically trained martial artists may find the ideas in the book a bit intriguing and perhaps challenge their ways of thinking. There is a lot of good stuff in this book.

However, I think that the more experienced martial artist, who has already spent considerable time exploring various martial arts, and himself, may not find a lot of new ideas in the book. I bought this book based on a post that was done on a martial art mailing list and the various positive reviews on Amazon. While the book is very well done, I simply did not find it that interesting because I had already personally dealt with most of the issues that he discusses (and come to many of the same conclusions). The book is relatively short and easy reading so I did read the entire book; however for me personally it was a bit of a let down (after reading all of the great reviews) because there was not much I could take out of it. For example, I already train with shoes on, I switched from "classic" blocking/striking motions to more "modern" applications, I have studied internal & external arts and I know what to look for in a good training hall - therefore these (and other) sections did not tell me a lot that I did not already know.

I am not saying to rule out the book simply because you have a lot of experience in the arts. My advice is that you try to look through the book before purchasing to determine if there is something in it for you. I can certainly see where this book might change the way you think about martial arts (also evidenced by the reviews here), but it is not for everyone.

One other item that I think worth commenting on is that the book reads a bit a like a compilation of short articles with a common theme. Nothing wrong with that - just something to be aware of. In fact, making this point reminds of a book that I enjoyed, called Moving Toward Stillness (which actually is a collection of articles by Dave Lowry). This book takes nearly an opposite theme from Mr. Orlando's - ie. Mr. Lowry is a proponent of the preservation of ancient Japanese arts in their original forms. Although I lean more toward Mr. Orlando's way of thinking about martial arts in America, Mr. Lowry's book gave me a new appreciation for preserving certain things that I previously would have thought silly to preserve. Therefore, I highly recommend that you consider Mr. Lowry's book in addition to this volume for a more balanced view of preservation versus innovation.

This book is not the best book on my shelf--it would be if it were ever on my shelf, but I loan it out every chance I get.

I particularly appreciated Bob's willingness to state the "obvious" (in hindsight) in print without regard to who will take exception. Like the boy in "The Emperor's New Clothes," he has the rare wisdom of being willing to look foolish by asking the obvious, forbidden, necessary questions. The discussion of punching and blocking in Karate and similar arts is only the most obvious example.

Instead of telling you what is in the book, let me tell what it has done for me as someone of no great skill who has trained in several arts and been satisfied with none of them. (A lot of us, unfortunately, fall in this category.) More than anything else I have ever seen or read, this book helped me to:

(1) Analyze and understand what I do and do not want from a martial art, and who might offer it. Anyone who has studied several arts here and there, as I have, knows the frustration of not being able to be an "intelligent consumer." This alone is worth far more than the cost of the book (probably less than half the cost of a month of lessons anywhere). I agree with another reviewer; if you are thinking of taking lessons but don't know exactly what you want already, BUY THIS BOOK NOW. It takes time and experience to discover the right art and teacher. It is a great help to borrow some of Bob's time and experience before you start spending your own.

(2) Maintain motivation to train. You can't wait to train until you find the ideal art. I find it encouraging to know that even if my best local opportunity to train is not what I would prefer, there are other things out there if I have patience. Perspective is a valuable thing, particularly if it helps you take advantage of the opportunities you have rather than waiting for ones that you don't.

(3) Appreciate arts that are not necessarily for me. Once you know what you want personally, you can stop trying to make other arts something they are not but instead enjoy what they are. As well as being a generally humane attitude, this also helps with point (2). And, after all, I may discover I like them more than I thought.

I have minor criticisms, but what they are does not matter. What does matter is that you read it for yourself and find your own. That's ultimately the point of the book; rational inquiry and debate in the best Western tradition. Bob asks "why?" and "can you prove it?" constantly and encourages us to do the same. It is a shame that we need the encouragement so much.

Martial Arts America: A Western Approach To Eastern Arts by Bob Orlando (martial arts expert and founder of the Je-du-to School of Martial Arts, Denver Colorado) is a solid, insightful, "user friendly" presentation of how martial arts are taught in America today ranging from self-defense, to sport, to the different challenges in training male and female students, to what a black belt really means. A superbly presented background book and very highly recommended reading for anyone contemplating a martial arts program, Martial Arts America warns seekers of self-defense about what to search for and what to look out for when seeking a suitable school. If you are contemplating learning the martial arts in a formal program of instruction, begin your search with a careful reading of Bob Orlando's Martial Arts America.

This book is the best book on how to THINK about the martial arts that I have ever read (and I've read quite a few). Orlando takes on the tough subjects that most fear to touch, or worse, come up with weak or illogical arguments to support. This book is full of the history behind various techniques and traditions that fill the martial arts. Kata, tournaments, chambered fists, and chi are a few. In each case he makes an unbiased presentation of the benefits, then systematically explains the drawbacks for the self-defense motivated student.

This book should be on every student's list.

Review of Martial Arts America: A Western Approach to Eastern Arts, by Bob Orlando Published by Frog Limited. Berkeley, California, 1997. Bob Orlando is an experienced martial artist whose book on the Indonesian arts was critically acclaimed in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts. This new book is excellent for the thoughtful martial artist whose main goal is to develop the ability to protect themselves. In his introduction, Bob Orlando says his work will "...examine Eastern martial arts training practices and philosophies, consider their origins, and appraise their relevance to the American student." While he states that there are many good reasons to study the martial arts, Orlando is very clear that "this work is intended for the individual whose main interest is...effective self-defense. He hopes to encourage readers to "think critically about every part of what he or she is learning and teaching." Orlando does a great job. While readers may not always agree with him, I think most will at least admit that Orlando's book is very thought provoking. He raises many good questions, examines many issues in depth, uses supporting evidence and examples. He put forth some strong opinions in many cases, but in others, where he is not sure he can make a strong enough case, he does not hesitate to state, in effect, "this is my opinion, but I'm not totally sure that I am right." It can sometimes take a great deal of courage to admit that you don't know something. God knows that there enough (often self-proclaimed) martial arts masters out there who are not exactly bursting at the seams with humility. This book really seems to have been written by someone who is willing to question how things are done, but who does so respectfully, and who does not engage in name calling and large amounts of "my style is best" statements. Among the many topics Orlando discusses are the degree to which martial arts should preserve ancient (and sometimes not so ancient) techniques, why martial arts change over time, the value of tradition, the pros and cons of training barefoot, the value of kata, the role of sport karate (and other arts) in training, women in the martial arts, the role of chi and the spiritual aspects of the martial arts, and a very amusing chapter on teacher motivations, finding a school, and rank. My criticisms of this book are very minor. In discussing the evolution of the sword, he uses a foil as an example of a weapon that evolved for a particular reason. The problem is that the foil was never a real weapon, but was specifically designed to develop skills for sport fencers. If he had substituted "epee," the analogy would have worked perfectly. He does not compare the relative approaches of very stripped down styles meant to be learned relatively quicky (such as Krav Maga and Bando) to styles whose basics may take much longer to get down. He touches on, but does not really examine the difference in approach between styles which focus on teaching a student flow, and how to move, and those which focus on teaching technique. I would have liked to have seen him discuss these things in depth, and i suspect he would have had some good ideas on these points. This book is a steal at 14.95. Buy it. It is superb.

Have you ever done a technique and known in your heart of hearts it was highly impractical? Have you ever guiltily wondered about some of the promotion, rank, and respectibility games some martial artists play? Have you ever felt torn between ancient methods and recent technology? Bob Orlando broaches many of these unspoken topics which affect martial artists today.

While this book does not tear down and dismiss altogether the traditional methods of training, Orlando offers insights into many of the concepts and practices traditionalists (including myself) have been wrestling with for a long time. Morover, Orland serves up these topics with good humor, and does not pretend to be feeding his readers any absolute answer. As a long time student and teacher of the martial arts, I found these views helpful and long overdue (in print, at least). It is nice to know there are others out there who often wonder about and question our "sacred cows", and it is good to see someone who can do this without the snobishness of some so-called "modern" martial arts practitioners.

Orlando's background includes Chinese Kenpo-Karate, Kung fu under Al Dacascos, and Chinese Kuntao and Indonesian Pentjak Silat under master teacher William de Thours. Here is a quote which I really liked: "Rank[...] is excess baggage. It becomes a hinderance to learning because everyone expects that you already know everything".

This book, cleverly written by Bob Orlando, is an enjoyable read. The book is humorous at times because of his witty style, yet always serious and shedding light on this topic of martial arts. He effectively writes about the differences between the traditional martial arts and the "western" approach, which emphasis on combat effectiveness and sport. The book can also be read by someone who has never studied the arts. He doesn't use a lot of "karate jargon." When he does use an unfamiliar term, he gives a quick definition.

He has also mixed photographs and artwork into the book which gives it an extra flavor. The artwork is multifaceted; serioous, humorous, and at times, reverenced. Most topics are discussed: Sport karate, kata, combat fighting, and how to find a good school. Instructors will benefit from this book as well as he speaks about many innovative topics as developed in the western world.

If you are thinking of studying MA or are studying *any* martial art or you have a son/daughter enrolled in a MA school you owe it to yourself to read this book. It will bring to light many questions many people think but are afraid to ask. For example, anyone who has studied a "mainstream" martial art such as Tae Kwon Do (by far the most popular "style") in the US) may wonder at why the methods, techniques, and movements are so dissimilar to "real" fighting most people are exposed to e.g. boxing. Bob Oralando examines this question and many others often drawing into account historical and cultural context as to the reasons why MA is taught in particular ways. More importantly, once you understand this he helps you think about these issues in terms of your objectives in studying MA. If you are a parent of child involved in MA I think this is a must read to make sure you understand what you are really paying for. Suppose you hired a piano tutor, and your son/daughter practiced scales and had good "technique" but when it came to playing for real couldn't really play anything of substance. Similarly, if you enroll your child in MA be sure that it can pass the realism test if this is one of your goals (many people implicityly assume this because they see demos of students breaking wooden boards. This book explains how.

I came accross Bob Orlando's book "Martial Arts America", while doing some research on Asian fighting arts. I read a number of books on the subject and found Bob's book to be totally refreshing and a highly enjoyable read.

I appreciated Bob's interactive approach. He supplies the pertinent information along with the important questions and allows the reader to come to their own conclusion.

Instead of merely stating what he feels is wrong with certain aspects of martial arts training Bob offers what he believes are viable alternatives. Chapter six alone which deals with punching and blocking methods is worth the price of the book.

This is a must read for anyone considering taking up a martial art as well as for someone who may wish to reevaluate their current training. Bravo Bob!

If you are a martial artist or a martial arts instructor this book is a must read. Even if you don't agree with all of his conclusions Bob Orlando brings up points we MUST consider before we claim to teach, or know, self-defense via martial arts. I have nothing but respect for Bob, both as a martial artist and a thinker. Marc "Animal" MacYoung