Customer Reviews

The martial arts and real life: A book of fighting for the twenty-first century

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

It's hard to believe that the author is the head of one of the largest commercial martial arts chains because he starts out by saying that there is no one true art and the martial art that works for you is the best one for you. He gives sound advice in chosing a school (i.e. real advice, not the typical "choose one of mine" found in most other martial arts books), and stresses that the mental aspects are as important as the physical aspects.

Mr. Villari has presented the martial arts in a matter of fact way that people of all experience levels can appreciate. I have read it as a white belt and then again as a fourth degree black belt and have found applicable ideas at all times. Having met and taken a clinic with Master Villari I can appreciate his ideas in his book more. His knowledge is exceptional and his instructional capability is without match as is evident in his book. His rank of 10th degree black belt is definetly well deserved as he can make novice to expert appreciate new ideas in the arts. Illustrations are well done and kept at a basic level for detailed description. This is a classic book on the martial arts that many of us "old timers" have all read. A must read for any martial arts practioner, beginner or advanced.

This book, unlike most books on the topic, is a good one for anyone interested in the martial arts. Having read it myself both as a novice and after years of experience in the arts, I have found it to address topics appropriate to any level of exposure. Another aspect to the book is that, while the author gives reasons why he favors his own system, he addresses topics about martial arts in general, and gives the reader advice on finding his or her own school, without making an exclusive plug for the author's own system.

One thing about the book that may be viewed by some as negative is that Villari is fairly general regarding physical techniques. I feel, however, that this enhances the book's versatility, as the concepts discussed are of greater value, in the long run, than would be dwelling on details that will have minor differences from system to system, and from school to school, anyway.

A refereshing point is that the book deals matter-of-factly with many controversial issues in the martial arts, as well as touching on several popular misconceptions that are out there. Its conversational, down-to-earth tone makes it easy and approachable reading. All in all, I feel that it is a book of great value to the beginner, and one that increases in value the more one returns to it, over time - the hallmark of a great book.

Quite honestly, the main drawback I find in the book would be the relative difficulty in obtaining a copy as of late.

Long before there was the "Ultimate Fighting Championship" and the term "mixed martial arts" had yet been coined, Fred Villari offered a no nonsense primer on "The Martial Arts and Real Life" hence the title of the text.

Written in 1985 Villari's treatise sought to break new ground by dispelling the ridiculous myths attached to martial arts prowess; often through the disservices provided by television and other mediums over the years.

With over eighty photographs and plate drawings "The Martial Arts and Real Life" demonstrates stances, moves, and instructional techniques required by anyone desiring a "down to Earth" approach to a martial arts education.

Excerpt: "You will learn here that the martial arts are not what you see in a Bruce Lee movie, not a way to bully people, and not a novel method for breaking up lumber and smashing bricks. Rather, they are a rewarding form of recreation, a wonderful way to keep in shape, and in a dangerous world, a highly useful method of defending yourself."

I rate this text at five stars for innovation and practicality. Well done.

I first joined Villari Studios in 1985. I remember when this book came out and I was skeptical then. I was just a white belt then. When I became a purple belt several test later, we were required to read this book. After I read it, I was filled with amazing motivation and inspired to move forward in my training. I wanted to read more and learn about other arts too.

Buy the book!

I have seen him in action and have been on the recieving end of his technique, and believe you me, he knows his stuff. Many people left the schools and went to other organizations. I did the same thing. I still have my original copy. It is very worn and has my note scribbled all over it. Maybe not the greatest book I've every read but it was still a primer for motivation in the martial arts.

As a 4th Dan today, in my own school I still refer my students to this book and many others. Some liked it learned from it, while others did not. Even those that did not like it got something out of it.

The book may not be the best book for everyone, (the same with the styles) but it does help as a primer in study. Martial Arts is a life long study. Books on the subject is important. Most of you who have criticized this book may not even understand A Book of Five Rings, The Art of War, or Zen in the Martial Art. Because if you got nothing out of Villari's and just dismissed it, then those advanced book are way above your head.

Bruce once said to find what is useful and throw out the classical mess. Well, to the open minded true martial artist that are dedicated to learn then add this book to your collection. If you feel this is soo awful, then you should sit down and show us how it is done by writing the best martial arts book ever. Amazon has many others to choose from. Just be humble for a moment and read as much as you can.

Duke Windsor
Windsor Kempo Self Defense Institute
San Diego, CA

What impresses me most about this book is that it goes beyond the "How to" format of most martial arts books. The section on Mental Principles is very enlightening. Villari's views on developing confidence and managing fear are particularly valuable and the section on Fighting Strategies will change the way you evaluate an opponent, giving you insights as to how to neutralize his strengths rather than attempting to get around them. I recommend this book to martial artist of all styles.

I do believe that all those who have given this book bad reviews do not know with what they are talking about. I have studied Villari's martial arts for 11 years, and i have seen villari in action(seminar) he is prob. the most amazing martial artist out there, and for those of you who disagree, read the book! Watch a seminar, be AMAZED! If you ever want to try out a martial arts, it's true just like in the book, pick a school right for u, try out a couple, see which one fits your style of martial arts best! Jesus, don't put up a review if u don't know what ur talking about, and for those people who haven't read it, villari is an aexcellent martial artist, and does this book excellent! A great read, and for my personal opionon, one of the best martial arts out there..

This book came out in 1985 but most of the information is still relevant today. The seven chapters include first entering the dojo, mental principles, and physical principles, fighting techniques, the five animals of his fighting system, training factors and fighting strategy.

The introduction explains immediately that this book will not teach you any secrets of karate or turn you into an unbeatable street fighter overnight. This book can be considered an introductory text on the fighting arts rather than an in depth study of the basic techniques and tactics of the martial arts. The writing is simple and straight forward.

The black and white photos are okay but are not as clear as they could have been. The photos showing some of the techniques have questionable value. The person doing the techniques is obviously very flexible, but there are few people who could kick as high as she does in these photos. As I always emphasize, the value of any self-defense or martial art book is limited without a hands-on approach with a qualified instructor.

In conclusion, this text has some value for those who have never taken any self-defense or martial arts training, but for anyone who has some experience in the fighting arts, this book does not offer much.

Rating: 4 stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Karate Combatives: Reality-based karate for the street ISBN: 978-0-9815405-3-5)

It is obvious that the coward who won't reveal their identity knows nothing of the martial arts, and would not know a good book on the subject if it hit them on the head. I feel sorry for all you you poor, misguided people.

This book had totally false misconceptions of the Martial Arts, the author has no real credentials except for the ones he made up, and The techniques are demonstrated and illustrated wrong.