Martial Mechanics: Maximum Results with Minimum Effort in the Practice of the Martial Arts

(Paperback)

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"Martial Mechanics" explains how certain immutable laws of physics and principles of kinesiology have an impact on martial arts techniques, and how and why many contemporary martial arts practitioners are unable to achieve a high level of technical proficiency. Most of them unknowingly violate key principles of body mechanics and/or physics, resulting in a loss of both speed and power. Although they probably knew very little about modern physics and kinesiology, the originators of the ancient traditional martial arts systems learned how to utilize these laws and principles to their best advantage, enabling them to generate uncanny striking force.Many of these time-tested principles have never been taught to Westerners; after all, the Japanese had suffered terribly at the hands of the Allies by the end of WWII, the U.S. had totally devastated Okinawa, and shortly after the war China vanished behind the iron curtain of communism. Of the principles that were taught, many have been ignored and/or forgotten by contemporary martial arts enthusiasts, resulting in an overall deterioration of martial arts skill. The book goes on to explain why certain popular training exercises are actually counterproductive to the acquisition of real martial technique, dispels some myths regarding popular training techniques, and provides the reader with highly effective alternative routines.

Reviews

Sifu Phillip Starr presents clear-cut, easy-to-read, and convincing explanations about the how and why behind some of the most important concepts in traditional martial arts training. This book divulges valuable insights that will save you from countless hours of incorrect practice, frustration, and injury. Read it, re-read it, and then read it again! Its that good.
Mark Cheng, LAc, PhD, RKC II, director and chief physician, Chung-Hua Institute and contributing editor to Black Belt magazine

This book will enrich any martial artists understanding of the martial arts basics.
John A. Morrow, adjunct professor of Kinesiology, St. Ambrose University and 7th Level Black Sash in Shaolin Chuan Kung Fu

Martial Mechanics will make you a better martial artist...period. Using terms we all can understand and techniques you can integrate quickly, Sifu Starr gives you priceless insight into the ancient fighting arts in todays terms. Simply put, Martial Mechanics is extraordinary!
Kris Wilder, author of Lessons from the Dojo Floor and Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, Kodokan Judo, and Goju-Ryu Karate

Author Bio

Phillip Starr has been practicing martial arts for nearly fifty years. He is the founder of Yilichuan kung fu, a style that merges China's internal systems, and he holds a third-grade black belt in Kyokushin karate. He is the author of The Making of a Butterfly, and lives and teaches in Council Bluffs, Iowa.