Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
An Insult to Veterans as Well as Martial Artists, May 19, 2003
This book is insulting on so many levels, it's not even funny. Anyone with a shred of knowledge concerning Vietnam, the CIA, combat operations, or martial arts, will know that this book is pure fantasy. And to those who say that it is just "entertainment," my reply is, then don't write it off as fact! Just ask anyone who actually works for the CIA, and they will tell you straight up that the manner in which Mr. Dux describes his "recruitment" is not how the CIA does business.
Mr. Dux has a knack for telling a fascinating story, but to pass it off as his autobiography is going way too far. A good book that takes historical events and places them in a fictional setting is Christopher Harvey's "The Kirya Solution." Some of the events in the book are based on his actual experiences in the First Gulf War; however he changes the names and under no pretensions claims that the book is about him.
As for Mr. Dux's martial arts abilities, I cannot vouch one way or the other; however, they sound way too far-fetched to be taken seriously. Fact is, people claiming to have all this "secret" training that can break bullet-proof glass with their bare hands (huh??) or kill you with a "death punch" are a dime-a-dozen. I wonder then why there aren't more of these types competing in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). I mean, if he was able to win the super-secret Kumite (which by the way doesn't exist; oh, and the word actually means "sparring"), becoming a world champion in MMA should be easy. Of course the response is always the same, "If I used my full abilities, I would kill someone." Yeah, okay. I have no doubt that Mr. Dux is skilled in his particular art, though for people to call him the fastest human alive; and that "elite" martial artists who tried to beat him got carried out by paramedics is a bit preposterous. I highly doubt that he was faster than some of the lightweights fighting in MMA; and even in his prime he would have stood little chance against the likes of actual World Champions Fedor Emelianenko and Randy Couture. If you want to see real fighters, watch the UFC or other MMA events.
** NEWS FLASH: The U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor is NEVER awarded "in secret." Even for classified operations, the Medal is awarded publicly, with the citation being written so as to remove any classified information. Such was the case with Navy Seal Thomas Norris, who earned the Medal of Honor in Vietnam in 1972. Though details of his action were classified for many years, a citation was still written and his Medal of Honor presented in a very public ceremony at the White House by President Ford. Mr. Dux gravely insults Thomas Norris, and indeed every other Medal of Honor recipient, by his outlandish claims. If you want to read about an actual Medal of Honor recipient, read "Medal of Honor" by Roy Benavidez (a REAL American Hero). **
Bottom line is that by proposing this to be a true story, Mr. Dux disrespects every combat veteran and CIA operative to have ever served this Nation. Unfortunately, there will always be gullible types who buy into such nonsense. And of interesting note: Mr. Dux was given a psychiatric exam during his brief time in the military where it was noted that he was delusional and prone to exageration. I would never have guessed. . .
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22 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Flying Horse Is Poised To Descend Upon Them, May 26, 2000
I happen to know from very reliable sources that Honshi Dux (Honshi is Japanese word which means founder of a fighting system), is about to answer all of the controversy and questions surrounding his reputation. During his competition days the Chinese nick named him 'Pha Ma', which means 'Flying Horse', so graceful, fast and powerful was and is his martial arts technique. And as far as anyone questioning his martial arts background, please, you don't acheive such status in the martial arts by not being able to back it up. He would've been physically knocked down from his deserved place of honor and respect in the martiasl arts long ago. I know, because many martial artist, elite martial artists mind you, have tried and failed. More than a number of them having been carried away by paramedics. There are reasons why certain things in this book were left out, like various documents which support his adventures as discribed in the book: 'The Secret Man', etc. One must take into account that Mr. Frank Dux was under a coma brought on by spinal meningitus (all more than variviable), when the book was being published and subsequently could not attend to seeing that his manuscript was left intact, and not over-edited by the editor. In this case, there are almost 200 pages that were excised from his originally intended version. A fact that is adressed on his upcoming website. So, to all his detractors and doubters, make no mistake about it, Frank Dux is an unsung American hero, not from any war, but in different areas that will eventually become apparent to all. I have seen the hard evidence. And I have seen private preveiws of his upcoming, not one, but several of his websites and I must tell you, there is a storm coming and its name is ...frankdux.com.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Enthralling, though the editing seems... hmm., January 15, 2009
For the most part, what I read really gave me good insight to the man behind the legend. I'm not one of his fans. Frankly, "Bloodsport" was one of the corniest movies I've ever seen. I've said it before and I'll say it again, anytime there's a movie and a book on the same topic, it seems: The book was better, thank God. I expected a lot of chest puffing and machismo. What I found in reading the book was a nuanced view of a conflicted man who had some extraordinary experiences.
That's really what I like best about the book. Though a lot of autobiographies from big name martial artists can tend to be one big self-affirming pat on the back, Mr. Dux actually lays his soul bare, and brings up his own doubts about his experiences, and his fears. Granted, there's plenty of action in the book, and I like that, but I expected that. The real treasures in the book are the stories where he learns a lesson or has to make a tough choice. Without giving too much away, Franks interaction with Charlie was one of the most telling experiences of the book. And I like that he opens with a story about him about to beat up an unruly man who was picking on women, and Mr Dux being told by an old man to sit down, then the old man helping the unruly man fix his soul, rather than attacking him. I'm new to book reviews, so I don't want to give too much away here.
One thing I will give away: Mr. Dux opens with a story about being trained in the art of seduction, and laments the fact that his lifestyle of secrecy drove away any woman who actually stuck around.
Really if I had to sum the story in three words it would be: searching, and humble.
The only reason I couldn't give it 5 stars is because there are certain points where the style and voice seem to change distinctly, and it seems like there are things missing from the book. I'd like to see the original manuscript to see what didn't make the final printing. I didn't want to ding it, but it was significant enough not to avoid notice, and I want to remain as objective as possible.
Even with that one ding, though, I would say the book is an enthralling and entertaining read. Buy the book at any price. You will not be disappointed.
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