Customer Reviews

Secret Fighting Arts of the Warrior Race, Volume 1: betleH yIqel

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

 

 

This volume was intended to be the first in a series by a Kung Fu Master on fighting technique with Klingon weapons. Step-by-step instruction begins with correct stance, warm-up, and forms. Then take your 'uSDu' (fighting stance) and raise your betleH! The Master and his female co-instructor demonstrate through sequences of black-and-white photos, real offensive and defensive technique with the sickle-like blade. You'll learn to use your betleH against an opponent armed with naQ (staff) or ghIntaH (naginata), and how to fight empty-handed against a betleH-wielding adversary. By the end of your instruction, you will also be able to perform a moqbara (kata) with your weapon. The book is written in Fed-Standard (English), and contains captions and proverbs in tlhIngan-Hol, the authentic klingo-lingo. The instruction photos of the are professional quality and the Klingon costumes are quite convincing! Helpful line-diagrams show foot-positions and direction of movement. The great thing about this book is, if you have trained in Kung Fu you can actually do these exercizes. "Secret Fighting Arts of the Warrior Race" is presented seriously, even though it is intended for fandom fantasy. You won't have to search for a betleH forged in the Klingon Empire -- you can order one from the publisher of this book.

This book is classified as science fiction/martial arts, which is unusual in itself. However, what makes this book unique is that it is about the Klingon Martial arts, specifically how to use the Klingon sword called a BetleH. For those not familiar with Klingons, they are the warrior race mentioned most in the science fiction series Star Trek. Even the author and his training partner are made up to look like Klingons. (They appear to be very short Klingons, however.) Even though one might look at this book with tongue in cheek; nevertheless, most of the techniques demonstrated using the Klingon sword in this book look to be valid. The only section that I would question is the chapter on stances. I cannot imagine a real Klingon practicing some of the silly and impractical stances shown in this text. The only two stances that I think are valid training methods are the front stance and straddle leg stance. The other area I question are the names of the techniques. It is here the author's martial arts back ground in the Chinese arts comes spilling out. Using terms like "Kathless' Beard, Stubbornness Advances and Ready to bury are esoteric terms but do not advance the learning of the techniques. However, the basic use of the BetleH (Klingon sword) is based upon solid basic martial art principles. Stepping forward as you swing the sword into action as well as moving to the side while delivering various cuts are all good techniques.

The book is broken down twelve lessons using both written Klingon as well as in English. After the basic lessons, the remainder of the text demonstrates how to counter various sword attacks (BetleH) using unarmed methods both standing and on the ground. Pages 169 to 172 explains the Klingon warrior philosophy and terms. In conclusion, if you own a BetleH, (as I used to until I sold it.) this book is of great value. If you are also a Star Trek fan, this book will also be very interesting.

Rating: 5 Stars Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Season of the Warrior: A Poetic Tribute to Warriors).

I think this is an absolute fantastic book. The make-up is great. I only wish Paramount Pictures would allow them to produce more. It's a great matial arts book, and a must have to any Star Trek fan. Maybe if more people write to Paramount requesting they allow more of these kinds of books, then we'd get more.
This is a first rate job, and I love my copy. Thanks guys. tlho' and Qapla'