Customer Reviews

The Mindset of a Martial Artist

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4 star:		(4)
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1 star:		(3)

 

 

Mr. Clerc has an unadulterated view of what a martial artist is and what it takes to implement actual self-defense. His view is not encumbered with narrow adherence to one school of thought, but rather what works, and how one achieves competency in practical application of techniques.

This book addresses the needs of the novice, as well as the experienced fighter. He systematically organizes the most important facets of sparring that often are ignored in most systems. I highly recommend "The Mindset of a Martial Artist" as a syllabus for the beginning student, as well as a perfecting guide for the fighter who wishes to mature his/her skills.

Concise, clear and well written. Very inspirational, enlightening and thought provoking.....not only for the martial arts but also for my professional life.

I now realize that we see the opponent by "seeing through him." This enables one to become more aware of the surroundings (the opponent) and to maintain my focus outward.

I really like the exercise in which one is standing in a circular room, surrounded by doors, each containing an opponent. From this, I was able to realize the importance of thinking positive, removing all negative thoughts. Forgetting about the past and not dwelling on the uncertainties of the future, that may never come. Adapting to the environment and handling situations as they happen. This is really important for me to master. What you describe in the book will not only help me in the street but in the operating room. Two places were stress is a major component.

"The Mind set Of Martial Arts" It makes you think about not only the author but the contents of the book as well doesn't it? I've read the book and also visited the site that goes along with it. If you're interested to know, the book graphically explains "Yin-Yang", so that you know what it means not just what the symbol looks like. It also has very practical applications, in pictures, of how to use some techniques in the martial arts realm. I'm very choosie at what I read and find the book very informative. It's a must, next to some of the "Greats".

When exposed to Sensei Clerc's way of teaching I acquired an understanding of the Martial Arts. His book inspired me to put his principles into practice. I now will respond with confidence rather that panic when new challenges arise... not only in a sparring situation but in real life situations.

The best way to describe what his guidance has meant to me is to use a quote from the Toa of Jeet Kune Do (Page 14) " In the long history of the martial arts, the instinct to follow and imitate seems to be inherent in most martial artists, instructors and students alike. This is partly due to human tendency and partly because of the steep traditions behind multiple patterns in styles. Consequently, to find a refreshing, original, master teacher is a rarity. The need for " a pointer of the way " echos." Sensei Clerc is the one who has helped me to find my own way.

The implications of what Dean writes about are so much more than self-defense that it is nearly impossible to put into words. The number of different areas in which you naturally begin to change your life for the better are what makes a description challenging. After reading and internalizing the ideas in "The Mindset of a Martial Artist" you may find yourself having surprising results that will be truly unique to each reader. A book like this is destined to cross many disciplines as well as affect many different people in as many different ways.

"The Mindset of a Martial Artist" is one of the most informative and thought-provoking martial art books that I have read. I have studied a few different styles of martial art and was never instructed to let the opponent's movements dicate my response as the author does. I was taught different combinations of punches and kicks, and hopefully one would connect with a target.

The drills on distance and timing are very well explained and illustrated, making them easy to comprehend and apply. This book is simple enough for the beginner to follow, yet the concepts will help even an experienced martial artist. It's a definite must-read for students of all ages and skill levels.

Dean Clerc's "The Mindset of a Martial Artist" is an essential asset for the serious martial arts practitioner. This guide takes the reader from the usual method of learning by rote (Rote: "a memorizing process using repetition without full comprehension" and/or "the mechanical routine marked by unthinking repetition" as defined by Sensei Clerc) and encourages the student to research the martial arts, to analyze what techniques work against different opponents and why. Subjects such as "Reading" the opponent, "Timing the strike", and so forth, are insightful strategies that are usually learned through the school of hard knocks, however Mr.Clerc offers them to you in this thought provoking handbook. As a practitioner of the martial arts for twenty-five plus years, I feel that Dean has provided the reader with valuable information that works in the training hall, and in the streets as well.

A very nice book describing a few essential aspects of how you could be a more effective fighter and broaden your view so you are not in the confines of one particular style any more when talking about fighting. Demonstrates some easy drills you can practice preferably with partner(s), but it even suggests a way of training alone and deepening your understanding. A very good buy, don't miss it if you ever want to improve your practical fighting skills and don't want to spend ages doing research on the subject. Even if you read a lot, I think it's a very nice, rare addition to your martial arts collection.

The image on the front cover really caught my eye. I paged through the book and thought it might be interesting. I was not disappointed.

While my experience in the martial arts is limited, the topics addressed by the writer apply to everyone. In my particular case, I have a very hard time keeping my composure (bad temper I'm told) when I'm confronted by anything that I'm not used to. I'm quite amazed at how someone can learn to deal with conflict in a healthy manner by willingly shifting their way of thinking the way that the author describes.

This book has really inspired me to get back into the martial arts. It was a great read and I look forward to reading anything else that Dean Alan Clerc writes.

deans book brings a new focus into my martial arts study. students have generally only a single dimension of skill in the beginning. if they are lucky 2nd and 3rd dimensions are added as mastery progresses (but not in all cases). dean helps you realize the next phase or dimension. if the student can be taught these concepts during the beginning, training and expertise excelerates. well worth reading (and implementing) for any martial art form. i suggest also deans website for further insights.