Customer Reviews

Muay Thai Unleashed: Learn Technique and Strategy from Thailand’s Warrior Elite

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Like most old guys, I got interested in the martial arts when I saw the seventies and eighties action movies with the likes of Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee. Sometimes, after a few drinks, I might even admit to watching Jean Claude Van Damme's movies. It's one of the reasons I quit drinking.

Those old movies conentrated very heavily on striking arts, and that's where I got my start. Throughout my teens, I was quite a competent karateka - winning my share of medals in knockdown tournaments. Later, I was a successful amateur boxer.

But the grappling bug got me and I forgot the striking arts - figuratively and practically. Then, I started in MMA. I had to get my striking up to par. I began getting my hands and feet ready to fight again. Years out of the ring had blunted my striking senses, so I went looking for resources to help me out.

One of the better resources I've come across in my quest for better striking is 'Muay Thai Unleashed' by Erich Krauss and Glen Cordoza. The book is published by McGraw-Hill and pre-dates Victory Belt - the authors' new publisher. My copy came by way of Budo Videos, who deserve a wrap for their continuing excellent service.

Now, I'm no Thai Boxer. Anyone who knows me can attest to that fact. My first MMA match was against a Muay Thai exponent (I still cringe when I think about the flogging I got there). So, any help I can get combatting the Muay Thai game is helpful. 'Muay Thai Unleashed' is the perfect book for me. It's probably also the perfect book for any beginner to the sport or a more experienced martial artist who wants to learn a little of what the Thais have to offer.

What I like about this book is the writing. Erich Krauss is obviously an experienced writer. He manages to explain the sport at a level the more experienced martial artist can appreciate without being too dry for the rank beginner.

The book doesn't dwell on Muay Thai's rich history. This is a training book, after all. Chapter one opens with a very brief synopsis of that history before beginning a description of the training methods of Muay Thai. Initially, this is done very broadly by peering into the life of a young boxer training in one of Thailand's many camps. The chapter then fleshes out the equipment of the individual and the gym, dispensing some great advice into the bargain. It then goes on to describe some of the philosophies of both physical and mental training aspects.

Chapter two covers stances and footwork. This chapter is a simple one with some great insights on movement and some good drills for improving your footwork. It leads well into chapter three, which covers the attacking weapons of Muay Thai. Let me say this. Despite having been a fringe fan of Muay Thai competition for many years, I had no idea of the of the sophistication of the twechniques. And this is a book aimed at the beginner to intermediate fighter. This chapter has helped me break down the differences between the way the Thais do things compared to where my game is. I've found a couple of great improvements right there.

Chapter four deals with the defensive techniques. Starting with the Muay Thai "patented" leg checking and progressing into counters for the attacking techniques. Chapter five deals with pad work and combinations and will help the beginner understand how the pads work (an interesting read in itself) and why the combinations work as they do.Finally, chapter six introduces the reader to the simple, yet effective strength and conditioning work of Muay Thai. It culminates with a review of a professional fighter's program that makes me feel more than a little bit lazy when I'm coming up to a fight.

The book's photos are in black and white, but that doesn't hurt the production at all. The photos are clear and feature technique demonstrated by very proficient Muay Thai stylists. I kind of wanted to see more photos to help me understand things. However, this book isn't meant to replace an instructor. To that end, the photography is spot on.

Ultimately, the book is aimed at the beginner to intermediate Muay Thai stylist. If, however, you're more like me, you might be a more experienced martial artist looking for better ways to do things and hints that will prevent you getting smacked around. If you fit into either of these groups, I highly recommend this book.

It's very informative without being dry and simple without being babyish. Most of all, the passion of the authors shows through.

This book is written well and instruction is laid out simply, however it is lacking a little in visual aid. Photos are black and white and feature two young brothers that look pretty identical. It can be difficult to see who is doing the described move in some areas of the book.
Other than that, the author has a well-expressed voice, offers a little of Muay Thai history (but not too much), and provides adequate instruction for all of the moves NEEDED to get into a Muay Thai pit.
*Be informed that this book focuses on technique and is somewhat short on drills and training exercises.

Comparing both Krauss's JiuJitsu Unleashed to this book is like comparing apples and oranges. There is no correlation as they are altogether different disciplines. This was the first martial arts instructional book I have read on the art of striking, and I found it to be very edifying. The art of Mui Thai is a lot more versatile and practical than any other striking combat discipline, so I found Krauss's approach and exposition on the tradition of Mui Thai to be greatly detailed and refreshing. He gives a rich background of every day Mui Thai fighter in Thailand and the rigorous training they're subjected to. He covers all facets of training, even giving recommendations on which equiptment to use, such as pads and such that will enhance your experience. This book acquaints us to the basics of Mui Thai, foot movements and stances. Overall a great book.

My boyfriend just got into this type of fighting. He loves the book! Thanks so much ! There is some stuff that is underlined, but I knew that because I purchased it as used. And besides, only awesome stuff is underlined! We'll enjoy it, thanks !

This book is very easy to understand and you can learn muay thai very easily just by this book. very good book for those ignorant to muay thai.

This book does a fairly good job of explaining Muay Thai techniques, but I often found that the text failed to elaborate sufficiently (e.g. how do you rotate your hips in a round house? How do you know if the rotation feels the way it should?). Similarly, the pictures were okay, but having more pictures from more angles would have helped. Compared to most martial arts books on the market, I think this book does a better job of explaining than average, but ultimately I feel that this is one case where an expanded edition would be welcomed.

On the plus side, despite the self-defense craze in the martial arts world, the writers clearly recognized Muay Thai for what it is-a sport (ignoring the occasional grandiose statement about "Thailand's warrior elite"). I'm not saying Muay Thai doesn't have techniques that would be useful for self-defense, and I'm certainly not about to pick a fight with a Muay Thai fighter, but the essence of Muay Thai is a sport, and the authors don't try to hide or distort that fact.

On a final note, the brief description of a Muay Thai camp at the beginning of the book, and the exercise schedule at the end, do a good job of showing you why 4-6 hours a week in the gym will most certainly not turn you into a professional fighter, and why so many fighters come from backgrounds in which fighting is their only hope to escape poverty.

I trained in Muay Thai for about a year and everything I learned from my instructor is in this book. The book doesn't get too advanced but it is a good resource. It starts with a little history and a day in the life of a Thai boy. Then it goes into basic stance and punches and kicks. Next it covers elbows and knees very nicely. I was suprised at how well the clinch was covered with different techniques, and movements. Last it covers about a dozen easy combinations and a nice workout schedule. Buy this book if you want to know what this martial art is about. I love it!!!

If your starting out in muay thai like i am and want to know the basics then buy this book,
it covers every aspect from how to wrap your hands to what stance you should have how to block, punch, knee, elbow,
kick, clinch and combos. Easy to read straight to the point. the pictures are in black and white but i had no trouble telling who was who.

Erich Krauss has got to be the best author of martial arts instructionals going today. This is clearly the definitive book on Muay Thai kickboxing, and I think it's even better than his outstanding book on jiu-jitsu, Jiu-Jitsu Unleashed (w/ Eddie Bravo). If you are someone who wants to learn everything there is to know about this exciting sport, look no further than this book!

probably the best intro to thai boxing I've seen. Solid techniques, good form, logical layout. Good sections on mitt and pad drills.