Review: Martial Arts Master Evaluation
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 7, 2012
First, to the best of my knowledge, based upon what others have tried to compile, there are more than 1500 martial arts styles worldwide - and most of them are good for whatever they are good at.  I am an 8th degree Black Belt in Guardian Kempo, a style that includes a Karate, Jujutsu and Kobujutsu (weapon) system and integrates them ([...]).  Second, I have a tremendous amount of respect for most styles.  Part of my personal philosophy is "I have a point; you may also have a point."  So I'm open-minded when evaluating techniques, styles and books on martial arts and self-defense.  Put that together, and I'm always on the lookout for anything interesting.  I have my favorite masters I follow, and every once in a while I check out others who are recommended to me.  Recently, Master Allen Woodman's books were given to me, and Master Jeffrey Miller's books suggested.Having now read one of Master Miller's books, I am suitably impressed.  This is the sort of strategic and tactical thinking that can be dropped into any martial art style, classical, modern, or sport, to take your existing skills and apply them to real-world self-defense.  Trying to organize one's thinking to shift from non-combative to combative thinking can be a leap.  This book will help you do just that.Keep in mind that if you are looking for something that is a step-by-step manual of how-to, this is not it.  He does not technique techniques in this book.  He does not teach what body parts to use as weapons nor what opponents body parts to attack as targets.  This is strategic.  It's a system of thinking so you can learn to run your brain through the necessary process to apply your skills to real combat.  Treat it like a five step kata, insert your own style's techniques, and you will make a great leap in the street-application of your skill.  That's my opinion.For $2.99 (the price as of my last check), it costs less than taking a single class (at least my classes typically run about $15 per class).  It's short enough to finish a quick read in the time you might spend in a single class.  Actually applying it and conditioning the thinking as a reflex will take more time, of course, but for the investment of time and money, it is quite a find.  Highly recommended.