Warrior Secrets: A Handbook of the Martial Arts

Warrior Secrets is unique in its objectivity and in-depth comparison of 12 asian martial arts. Mr. Yates not only explores the traditions, histories, and approaches of each martial art, but he uses illustrations and photographs lavishly to demonstrate and compare how masters in each martial art would defend themselves against common street attacks. One of the highlights of the book is the interviews and profiles of some of the leading figures and pioneers in the martial arts as practiced in America today -- Dan Inosanto, Roy Kurban, Vince Tamura, Cynthia Rothrock, Raymond McCallum, and the late Bill Sosa. I strongly recommend this book as an excellent addition to your martial arts library. It's a well-researched, well-written, interesting classic.

This book should be required reading for anyone seriously interested in the martial arts. Although dated, the interviews provide a fascinating look into the minds of several world-class martial artists of different styles. The most valuable part of the book, to me, was the comparison of how different stylists would react to the same attack.

Kieth Yates has written a fine book on the martial arts and the various systems involved. This is the book a beginner should get as he or she can shift through the many differnt styles and systems to determine what might be right for them.He does a good job in presenting the history accuaretly, yet concisely. A must for people jsut being introduced to the subject. A quickly touches the "physical and mental" aspects of the arts and then divides the chapters into Modern Karate, Judo, Kung Fu, etc. The last part of the book deals with training.The profiles of certian martial artist is also nice. Less known, but highly regarded martail artist are written about in this section.The drawbacks are the books price (... is steep for a small book) and traditional karate is not represented. Even though I had points of disagreement i certain sections, it does not negate the overall excellence of this work.