Essential Gear / April 2007
Essential Gear / April 2007 |
Gracie Jujutsu on DVD
Everything you always wanted to know about jujutsu is now available in a 12-DVD set, courtesy of Rorion Gracie and family. In Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Basics, they cover closing the distance, escaping from the mount, passing the guard, escaping from head locks, and finishing holds. In Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Intermediate, they teach attacking from the mount, attacks and reversals from the guard, and the side mount. In Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Advanced, they focus on defenses against attacks from the mount, foot locks and finishing moves. In Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Street Self-Defense, they adjust their art for the real world. The entire collection, which comes with a bonus DVD titled The Beginning of the Revolution, costs $596. (888) 472-2430, www.gracieacademy.com
Wrestling Encyclopedia Jake Shannon’s The Authoritative Encyclopedia of Scientific Wrestling, Volume I is a thorough study of the grappling art through the ages. Its 472 pages are filled with old photos and drawings of the most popular techniques. Also included is a wrestling lexicon. $44.95, www.scientificwrestling.com
Shaolin Training Account
Back in 1996, Matthew Polly wrote an article about his experiences at Shaolin Temple for one of Black Belt’s sister publications. Now, the author has parlayed his past into American Shaolin, a 366-page book detailing his fascinating martial arts sojourn. $26, www.penguin.com
Robert Bussey Returns to DVD
Ninjutsu pioneer Robert Bussey has released King of Combat: Principles & Insights of Robert Bussey. The documentary features an interview with the “King of Combat” and includes footage from the past 30 years. $29, www.robertbussey.com
Instruction in the Shaolin Arts
Black Belt Hall of Fame member Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming has released Shaolin White Crane Gong Fu: Basic Training. It’s a three-volume DVD or VHS set that covers fundamental movements, hand techniques, stances, two-person sets, applications and more. The first two volumes sell for $69.95, and the third goes for $34.95. (800) 669-8892, www.ymaa.com
Guide to Capoeira Paulinho Sabia and the Group Capoeira Brasil have collaborated to create a comprehensive text titled Capoeira: Basic Techniques. The large-format hardcover spans 191 pages and is filled with 450 color photos. Attached to the book is an instructional DVD. The price is approximately $21 but varies according to the exchange rate. www.independanceprod.com
Sourcebook for the Hawaiian Arts
Martial arts authority Sid Campbell recently completed Warrior Arts and Weapons of Ancient Hawai’i. The 266-page hardcover includes loads of color photos and paintings that help retell the history of the fighting systems of the 50th state. $39.95, www.bluesnakebooks.com
Blade Fighting Course Knife expert Michael D. Janich presents his latest theories and techniques in Martial Blade Concepts: A Crash Course in Defensive Knife Tactics and Counter Blade Concepts: Realistic Empty-Hand Tactics Against Edged-Weapon Attacks. The first disc runs 60 minutes and costs $29.95. The second runs 190 minutes and costs $79.95. (800) 392-2400, www.paladin-press.com
Richard Kim Biography
20th Century Samurai: The Philosophy and Psychology of Richard Kim reviews the life’s work of a karate legend. Sporting a hard cover and a numbered certificate of authenticity, the Don Warrener effort is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of karate. $99.99, (818) 891-1133, www.risingsunproductions.net
Japanese Martial Philosophy A Black Belt columnist since 1986, Dave Lowry is nothing if not prolific. Over the years, he’s managed to write several books, the latest of which is In the Dojo. He sprinkles tidbits of history, culture and karate protocol throughout its 207 pages and even provides a glossary of Japanese terms. $16.95, www.shambhala.com |
