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Martial Arts Book Review: Bruce Lee's Fighting Method; Volume One by Bruce Lee & M. Uyehara

Author: Shawn Kovacich
Date Posted: November 23, 2006

Being the author of several books on the martial arts and fighting, I am always looking for books of exceptional quality to add to my library. If I have a book in my library, it's definitely worth owning. One such book is Bruce Lee’s and M. Uyehara’s, "Bruce Lee’s Fighting Method; Volume 1: Self-Defense Techniques."

As is stated in the introduction to this and the other three volumes in the series, Bruce Lee never intended for these books to be published. However, since his untimely passing, his wife Linda decided that she would allow them to be published. Something we should all be thankful for.

What I will attempt to do in this review is to give you a well-rounded grasp of what Bruce has written and demonstrated for you in this series of books. Although nothing can replace the value of a qualified and competent instructor, a well written book can still provide you with a wealth of knowledge if you know how to realize it and obtain it.

1. Defense Against a Surprise Attack:

a. The best defense against a surprise attack is not to be surprised by an attack.
b. Awareness is the key and should be practiced at all times.
c. Bruce demonstrates 4 different scenarios in which an attacker attempts to surprise him with an attack.

2. Defense Against An Unarmed Assailant:

a. Bruce stated that he felt you are wasting your time and energy by studying set patterns of forms (kata). On this particular point I have to agree and disagree at the same time. If you are studying the forms and practicing them for their intended purpose it is definitely not a waste of time. However, if you are studying them incorrectly, then yes I would have to agree that for the most part it would be a waste of time.
b. Bruce demonstrates 9 different scenarios for defending yourself against an unarmed attacker.

3. Defense Against Grabbing:

a. The best defense against being grabbed is not to let them grab you in the first place.
b. However, once you have been grabbed the most practical defense is to use your hands.
c. Bruce demonstrates 16 different scenarios from which to defend from. These include wrist grabs, arm grabs, belt or pants grabs, etc.

4. Defending Against Choke Holds and Hugs:

a. Once again, the best defense against a choke or a hug is not to let them grab a hold of you in the first place.
b. However, once you have been grabbed the best defense is the most simple and effective.
c. Remember, awareness of you and your surroundings is the key.
d. Bruce demonstrates 11 different scenarios from which to defend from. These include various chokes, bear hugs with and without your arms being pinned, etc.

5. Self-Defense Against An Armed Assailant:

a. “You are at a disadvantage against someone with a weapon, so keep away from him.”
b. You must constantly practice in order to have a chance in this type of situation.
c. Demonstrated in this section are 9 different scenarios for defending yourself against an attacker armed with a stick or staff.
d. Demonstrated in this section are 4 different scenarios for defending yourself against an attacker armed with a knife.
e. Demonstrated in this section are 2 different scenarios for defending yourself against an attacker armed with a handgun.

6. Defense Against Multiple Assailants:

a. Defending yourself against more than one opponent at a time is always harder.
b. However, having said that, just because there is more than one attacker doesn’t necessarily mean you are at a disadvantage. Sometimes there is a disadvantage in numbers.
c. Bruce demonstrates 8 different scenarios from which to defend from when fighting against more than one attacker at a time.

7. Defense from a Vulnerable Position:

a. Always remember, “Anything goes when defending yourself.”
b. Bruce demonstrates 3 different scenarios from which to defend from when sitting in a chair.
c. Bruce demonstrates 4 different scenarios from which to defend from when lying down.

Like any well written book, as much as you can learn from this book by reading it, you can learn just as much if not more by reading between the lines. I particularly enjoyed the simplicity of what Bruce was trying to relay throughout this and pretty much all of his books. What may work well for one person, may not work at all for another. Therefore, you as an individual needs to research the techniques that are out there and find those that work best for you and use them. Remember, there are no superior martial arts, only superior martial artists.

About The Author

Shawn Kovacich has been practicing the martial arts for over 25 years and currently holds the rank of 4th degree (Yodan) black belt in both Karate and Tae Kwon Do. Shawn is the author of the highly acclaimed Achieving Kicking Excellence™ series, and can be reached via his web site at: http://www.chikara-kan.com

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Bruce Lee's Fighting Method, Vol. 1: Self-defense Techniques
Bruce Lee's Fighting Method, Vol. 2: Basic Training
Bruce Lee's Fighting Method, Vol. 3: Skill in Techniques
Bruce Lee's Fighting Method, Vol. 4: Advanced Techniques

Article Source: JKD Street Combat - online collection of martial arts book reviews.

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