Training and Fighting Skills

It is always amazing to read other reviews on a book. Sometimes I wonder if the writers of these reviews have actually read the same book. Benny "the jet" Urquidez is a legend in the martial arts field because he has had more than 50 full-contact fights. This book was written by not some arm chair martial arts expert, but by a man who put himself on the line in full contact fights. Indeed, his full contact record speaks for itself, and remember, he has been a kickboxing world champion. I really love the way this book is organized. The question and answer format, in my humble opinion, provides more specific informtion than other formats. For me, I really enjoy reading a question and than finding out what the author thinks about a subject. The great book covers the whole realm of basic fighting principles and techniques. Every section has a wealth of practical information on a whole range of topics such as: speed, power, timing, target areas, strategy, conditioning, techniques and a whole lot more. It is also loaded with hundreds of photographs showing the techniques. In conclusion, this is a book for any serious martial artist who desires to learn about full contact fighting. Rating: 5 stars. Joseph J. Truncale (author: Shotokan Karate Self-Defense Techniques, Wakizashi Jutsu, Tanto Jutsu, Monadnock Defensive Tactics (MDTS) System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, Police Yawara Techniques, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques).

There are very few good books on fighting (or sparring) training and technique, but this one of them. Urquidez provides numerous training tips along with pages of step-by-step photo diagrams of winning combinations. This book does assume, however, that you already know how to perform basic techniques like a side kick or a roundhouse kick. Although this may put novices off, anyone who's had a few months of experience in TKD, karate, etc., won't even notice.

I was impressed with this book when I first bought it (1984) and still think it makes for excellent reading today. Some of the information is not "modern", but reflects the state of affairs at the time of writing (about 1980, as I recall). I was a nationally-ranked WTF taekwondo competitor in the 80s, but consider this book (despite the obvious fact that it is not about sport taekwondo) to be perhaps the most influential overall in my martial arts library. While probably not suitable as "core material" for any boxer, kickboxer or karate/tkd stylist now, the broad range of techniques covered make it a beautiful supplemental book for ANY fighter. Its a classic.Incidentally, Benny was/is a visually spectacular fighter and notoriously hard trainer. I believe he has also earned black belts in nine different styles/arts. At the age of 42, he came out of retirement to fight and narrowly defeat the 25-year-old Japanese World Welterweight champion. No kidding.

After returning to the study of martial arts after 28 years (still a beginner)and knowing that I would soon be sparring, I found myself desparately seeking a book that would at least give me a fighting chance! Benny Urquidez provided that book and hopefully that chance! Personally, I love it! I only wish that he would write more. This book seems to be striking a nerve of some who have reviewed this book. Their negativity is an embarrasment to the art itself. A book which, hits a nerve this hard could only mean one thing, others are very jealous and resentful! Shame on all of you! You should go back to your Grand Masters and beg for forgiveness and at the very least....learn some manners! Benny....thank you for this wonderful book. I truly hope that our paths will cross someday. TO ALL OF YOU...We never rise to the occasion...we merely sink to the level of our training!

Benny "The Jet" won over 50 full contact tournaments in his fighting career, undefeated. Very detailed instructions with pictures on general fighting skills, including practice and sparring.