| The
Filipino Martial tradition, its history, cultural
perspective and technique, makes for a rich and fascinating
story. This is the first book to delve deeply into that legacy,
examining the different schools of arnis and contributions
made by leading arnisadores through history. This book examines
training regimens, fighting techniques and innovations, and
provides an exhaustive bibliography of all the books ever
written on the subject. With 125 remarkable photographs, Mark
Wiley's groundbreaking study of arnis stands as an important
source book for all serious practitioners of unarmed Filipino
Martial Arts - as well as any serious student of martial
arts as it is practiced worldwide.
All Customer Reviews
5 out of 5 - October 4, 2004
Be advised there are no pictures in this book,
it is an academic undertaking. If you are looking for something
with visual historical material in it, try the two books authored
by Mark Wiley: "Filipino Martial Culture" and "Filipino
Fighting Arts: Theory and Practice".
The placment of Mark Wiley's name on the front
cover suggests he is the AUTHOR, where he is in fact, the
EDITOR of this collection of articles (he is also a contributor).
Not Wiley's fault--he credits the collective group in the
introduction. Small point that only matters to us fans of
footnotes, I know...now, on to assessing this collection of
articles!
In Part 1, writers offer perspectives on the
origins of the Filipino arts, including five articles such
as "A Question of origins", by Felipe Jocano, Jr.,
and "Questioning the Origins of Escrima", by Dr.
Ned Nepangue, etc.. Part 2 focuses on Historical Perspectives
with five offerings like "A History of Eskrima in Cebu
and Negros", by Krishna Godhania. Part 3, Cultural Perspectives,
includes eight articles by different contributors, including
"Passion from the Crescent Moon" by Marilitz Dizon,
and "The Making of the Batangas (Balisong) Knife"
by Dr. Jopet Laraya. Part 4, Facing The Future, includes three
articles including Combative vs. Competitive Escrima by Krishna
Godhania, and "The Implimentation of Arnis in the Physical
Education programs of Tertiary Schools in Cebu City"
by Abner G. Pasa.
Overall, this is a good collection of topics
of a calibre more advanced than most newsstand martial arts
magazines could tolerate. The tone is clearly academic in
nature, although less than half of the article include notes
of some sort at their conclusion. Wiley does include a well-rounded
list of source materials for further reading. If you are tired
of how-to manuals, here is a book which will present new information,
even for those of us who have pretty well "been around
the block" when it comes to learning about other cultures
and practice. The variety of perspectives are insightful.
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