The Way to Black Belt: A Comprehensive Guide to Rapid, Rock-Solid Results

Sometimes people who teach should just be writers. As a boy I learned that most martial arts teachers live in a highly self constructed fantasy world. This material is well researched and written. Wonderful writer

Let me begin by stating that I have been disappointed in one way or another with nearly every martial arts book I've read over the years: unclear instruction, unworkable techniques, too basic, too advanced, too much reliance upon foreign words and phrases, too much space devoted to katas, and a myriad of similar complaints -- this was not the case with THE WAY TO BLACK BELT by Kane and Wilder. The front cover says, "A Comprehensive Guide to Rapid, Rock-Solid Results", and the back cover proclaims, "Cut to the very core of what it means to be successful in the martial arts" -- and to my surprise and pleasure this book delivers what has been promised. There are no kata to be memorized here. No questionable responses to knife attacks. And no need to learn a bizarre vocabulary in order to understand the lessons. Indeed, atypical of most martial art books, very little time is spent addressing things like technique, terminology, or tactics. This book's focus is on training and mindset, which is far more valuable for the beginner to learn. The authors have each spent a lifetime practicing the martial arts, and the chapters have introductions, excerpts, and commentary by over a dozen highly respected martial art instructors and authors. These folks have learned the hard way what works and what doesn't, and are willing to share these priceless insights with you the reader. Outstanding advice on important subjects like: overcoming negative thinking, weeding out potential instructors who are not right for you, improving your technique, being a good student, dealing with injuries through common sense and pererverance, training aids, self study, and LOTS more. Best of all, this fine text does not limit itself to any particular style and can be implemented by practitioners of any martial art regardless of their age, ability, or rank. This book NEEDS TO BE READ by all martial art students, and is quite possibly the BEST MARTIAL ART BOOK available at this time. I highly recommend purchasing this text as a gift for friends whom you know are students of any martial art . . . they will thank you for it, and refer to it for years to come. Destined to be a classic textbook for students of all styles.

I could write a long treatise on why this book should be on the shelf of every aspiring black belt, but you're better off spending the time reading the book than any review. Suffice it to say, many seasoned practitioners contributed to the insights here, and their thoughts have been beautifully organized and presented by Kane and Wilder. Even the photographs are excellent, especially the wonderful action shot near the front of the book. Each and every chapter is full of tips, strategies, and sage counsel, (injuries, technology, teacher-student relationships, motivation, linaments, styles, and much more--even movies). The martial path is as much about self-cultivation as skill building, as much about character as punches and kicks, and this book, chock full of practical information and profound, foundation-building concepts, helps in both regards. Savor it, refer to it, recommend it to a martial friend.

This is an excellent book for those looking to get started in the martial arts. Perhaps even more importantly, it is a superb book for those who have studied for a year or two and feel that they are stuck in the ennui of everyday training. In order to drive home important points, the authors have included many real-life motivational examples of martial artists overcoming all sorts of barriers, ranging from physical and mental disabilities to short stature and light weight. The book will prime the student for the journey toward black belt. While it provides excellent background information about the history and meaning of the martial arts, it is not long-winded. For example, the authors identify the difference between jutsu (fighting techniques) and do (martial ways), which all too often seem to get blurred or misunderstood. Moreover, we often try to classify people according to gender or age. This book, by contrast, will help you understand the individual that is you. By getting to know yourself, you will begin to understand how to tailor your training so that it will suit your particular characteristics and inclinations. When considering the journey to black belt and beyond, you may at first feel like you are facing a bottomless pit. When this happens, remember that it is not the belt that gives you insight and knowledge. As the authors so eloquently state, trophies are the result of good training, not the goal. Every journey starts with a first step, and then another . . . and another. This book places the journey to black belt in perspective and offers something for everyone. Martina Sprague, author of The Complete Martial Arts Student: The Master Guide to Basic and Advanced Classroom Strategies for Learning the Fighting Arts.

This book explains in a straight forward way what it takes to be successful in the martial arts. As is the norm for the works of Kris Wilder and Lawrence Kane, the information is logically presented in an accessible and inspiring way. I love the way these guys write! The book will help you get the most out of your training and ensure you make steady and sure progress to the coveted black belt, and beyond. All aspects of training in the martial arts are covered in what is a very thorough work. The book is an amazing resource! I'm honoured to be included in what is a very impressive list of contributors; all of whom are people I admire and are at the top of their chosen art. No matter what your style, level, age, gender you will be sure to benefit from reading this book. I wish I had had a book like this when starting out! Iain Abernethy 5th dan British Combat Association - Author of Bunkai-Jutsu and Mental Strength

Without mincing words "The Way to Black Belt" is simply one of the finest primers to the introduction of martial arts I have read. Amid a glut in the market of martial arts "how to" and "training" textbooks Authors Kane and Wilder have pulled the switch to illuminate a shining star; one most likely destined to become a classic. The value in this unique book lies in the ability of the readers to instantly create a roadmap toward their own martial arts success. Because oftentimes the term "success" is subjective and only relevant to the desires of the individual martial artist Kane and Wilder leave nothing to the imagination and offer numerous "golden nuggets" of valuable tips and information applicable to every martial arts style and level. The truth is that I have been searching for "The Way to Black Belt" my entire adult life. After experiencing a myriad of instructional hazards along the way wrought with everything from unethical instructors to martial arts "cults," attaining my first Black Belt (1st Dan) was the culmination of a long journey began with disappointment and discouragement. If "The Way to Black Belt" was available at that time I would have eagerly snapped it up. After nearly ten years of training police officers in control and defensive tactics, and conducting many self-defense seminars for private persons and organizations I am always asked by participants what is the best way "to get started" in martial arts training. Now I have a definitive answer, "The Way to Black Belt!" -- Jeffrey-Peter A.M. Hauck, J.D., Entrepreneur, Professional Consultant and Trainer, Former U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Infantry Pathfinder, and 15 year retired Municipal Police Sergeant . Co-author of Ports and Happy Havens. Ports and Happy Havens