Product Description
This is a splendid oral history of a time between World War I and World War II when Jewish athletes were the dominant ethnic group in professional boxing in the United States. The author draws on his own personal experience in New York City's fight arenas, and incorporates interviews with more than thirty former boxers, trainers, managers, promoters, and boxing judges to report on this overlooked aspect of sports history. Bodner explores the stories of the Jewish boxers both inside and outside the ring and also examines their lives as they left the ring to pursue their careers which ranged from fire chiefs to boxing judges to hospital presidents. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Growing up in Brooklyn asnd memories...
This small volume covers the history of boxing in a most complete and interesting manner. We must remember that every neighborhood had it's local hero, more often than not he was a pugilist. I would heartily encourage the young of today to learn something of our past.

Well worth the read
I read this book awhile ago; and while I was impressed by the scope of the author's treatment, I was a little disappointed by his lack of perspective and his exaggeration of the extent of Jews participation in boxing in the 20s and thereafter. In fact I contacted Mr. Bodner and he acknowledged that he had no authority for the assertion that "nearly one-third of all professional boxers [in the 1920s] were Jewish.". Anyone who has scoured the voluminous records of that period would realize (1) that at no time then, before or after, did Jews dominate the sport of boxing (with the possible exception of 1915 to 1920, when the lightweight, welterweight, middleweight and light-heavyweight titles were for the most part held by Leonard, Lewis, McCoy and Levinsky, respectively), and (2) that its very hard to believe thatJews ever represented more than 10, possibly 15% of professional boxers in the USA. Maybe in the New York area, which is the area of his concentration, their numbers approached 1/3, but limiting his coverage to the New York area is another shortcoming of the book. This isn't to say that Jews were not a substantial, even impressive, presence in boxing from 1915 to the early 1940s, only that their overall participation wasn't nearly as great as Mr. Bodner maintains. This actually makes the achievement of those Jewish boxers who did hold titles more impressive in that their relative percentage is much closer to that of all Jews in boxing. There are more and more references to the above-subject matter on the internet, and exaggerating the overall participation of Jews in boxing does tend to denigrate the quality of that participation. Some people continue to have a hard time accepting that Jews were ever as capable at physical pursuits as other ethnic groups, especially in a sport as rough as boxing.

Still, all in all, I think Mr. Bodner's book is a welcome contribution to the subject, and I highly recommend the read.

Anecdotal ramblings of an enthusiastic insider
No one can question Bodner's sincerity or zeal.Through his father's friends he has gained entry to some great insider opinions and legends.

Bodner's story has some very engaging moments.But his access is largely confined to a small sub-set of the larger Jewish boxing world.As a result there are shocking omissions.For example, Abe Simon knocked Joe Louis down in the first round of their 1941 fight.Simon, despite a broken hand, went 12 rounds,lasting as long as Louis' last three opponents combined.The judges scored it 7 rounds to 5, before Louis took the giant out.Simon fought him a second time for the title as well.A Jewish museum dedicated a large part of last summer's boxing display to him.Yet Simon gets only one short mention in Bodner!

Bodner's most underdeveloped or slanted opinions are presented as Gospel.Long quotes from interviewed old-timers blur with Bodner's writing, as the editor made no effort to set these apart with italics, indents or different font.You have to carefully follow the quotation marks and hope the editor proof-read the text!

The index too is unreliable at points.(The sole Simon reference is left out, for example).And the pitance of photos are grainy photocopies!

I'd rate this two stars were it not for my great interest in the subject, and the anecdotal gems.

The only good fighter is a hungry fighter
This book is the story of a particular time in American and boxing history. During the twenties and thirties poor Jewish boys who had no other way up the economic ladder went into the ring. Bodner says that during that time over thirty- percent of the professional fighters were Jews. And so were many of the trainers and managers. And so it was not anti- Semitism or ' showing that we are just as tough as the Goyim' that put these people in the ring.
A good share of the fighters got out in time, before they were ' punch - drunk' and went on to make respectable lives for themselves. They married had families of their own, and did not send their children into the ring. In this they were much like Jewish mobsters, a one- generation phenomenom.
An exception to this rule was a Jewish fighter who lived down by the Hudson River in old shack in Troy, New York, the late Joe Bedell. He had once been a leading contender, and my father used to visit him when he had no one else in the world. His story was a different one, of a man who had known two minutes of glory in the ring, and had for whatever reason just dropped out of life.
I in my childhood knew this world of the Jewish fighter quite well. One of the pictures my father had in the Junk shop, and which my brother, Jake Freedman, who was also a Jewish fighter at one time, loved was of a bloody- faced Abe Attell fighting for the featherweight title, I believe against Joe Gans.
As opposed to what Bodner says in this fine book there was I think a large element for many Jewish youngsters of proving how tough they were, and disproving the old taunt that Jews ' can't fight'
In regard to reenforcement of this themea previous fine book which chronicles the story of Jewish sports figures including Jewish boxers is Harold Ribalow's 'The Jew in American Sports'.
This outstandingbook gives a nostalgic picture of another world and another time.
Its main theme is summarized in a saying of the late great Reuben Kelly Freedman who was a bit of an amateur Jewish fighter himself
," The only good fighter is a hungry fighter'

It should be titled: "When Boxing was a White Sport!"
A good read! But it lacks info about how Blacks were not fully allowed to be part of the sport and how it was more fixed than real during this time period. Overall still a fun book to read. ... Read more

Product Description
Much more than a book on boxing. Life in the Ring is equally historical, literary, and inspirational. Truly a one-of-a-kind book.

There is no sport more unforgiving than boxing. Boxing represents the best of who we are as individuals. Those who have participated in the sport, at any level, can use the lessons they have learned in all aspects of their lives, from business, to politics, to personal relationships. People observing the sport can draw on the insight that boxing imparts in all phases of their lives.

Life in the Ring gathers the wisdom and lore of the "sweet science" of boxing and organizes them into a single volume that is equally historical, literary, and inspirational. An invaluable compendium, Life in the Ring offers the stories of boxing legends, past and present, and draws inspiring lessons from the remarkable determination, fortitude, and willpower that made these men great.

Included are such engaging themes and examples from the lives of legendary boxers as:

*The Role of Courage and Confidence—Muhammad Ali
*On Challenging Yourself—Oscar de la Hoya
*The Quality of Being Tough—Jake LaMotta
*Reinventing Yourself and Making a Comeback—George Foreman
*Overcoming Obstacles through Persistence and Determination—James J. Braddock
*Winning Without Shortcuts—Joe Calzaghe
*Making Fear Your Friend—Floyd Patterson
*Overcoming Pain—Rocky Marciano
*The Power of Discipline and Preparation—Bernard Hopkins
*On Giving Back—Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko

With a Foreword by the famed boxing writer, Bert Randolf Sugar, and exciting, relatable stories, Life in the Ring packs a fantastic punch for readers of all kinds. 
 
 
 
  ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great Book For Boxing Fans
I am a huge boxing fan and have read everything there is out there. This guy hit the nail on the head! I learned more about these guys then I ever knew. I am going to buy it for my dad for his birthday. Great gift! Anyone know if it on Kindle yet?

Great Read!
Life in the Ring is such an amazing, easy read. I bought it before a trip to London and couldn't put it down. The way the author went into the details of each boxer's life was so interesting and the way each boxer beat adversity was pretty incredible. I especially liked the chapters on some of the old timers like Dempsey, Tunney, and Braddock.

A top pick and recommended read
LIFE IN THE RING: LESSONS & INSPIRATION FROM THE SPORT OF BOXING provides a powerful account of boxing and offers connections between boxing and life experiences. From making a comeback to winning without taking shortcuts, these vignettes are powerful accounts highly recommended for any lending library strong in sports insights and life reflections.

How to Achieve Lasting Success
I have always enjoyed reading about boxing legends, as my father was intimately involved in the boxing world, but have found most boxing books lose me as they offer few lessons from the legends of boxing.I initially thought this book was a historical account of a few boxers but once I picked it up I could not put it down.The book is highly entertaining and well written, with concise chapters, sparing me the tedious details often found in profiles of successful people.The author demonstrates how the world of boxing parallels the paths to success, as boxing is one of the few sports where an individual has to rely on himself.It offers a blueprint for success that can be applied in any field or endeavor.For example, all of the boxers profiled in the book share one common thread.They never gave up, continually improved themselves, challenged themselves by fighting superior boxers and conquered their own fears to become champions.Whenever I find myself feeling that adversity is knocking me down I think about the stories of perseverance found in this book.Anybody who is interested in how to achieve lasting success should read this book.

Inspirational stories from the world of boxing!
One of the best books I've ever read on the sport of boxing. The author does an excellent job illustrating the parallels between the boxing ring and life in general, and shows how we can use lessons from the ring to meet the challenges in our personal lives.

Using the boxing ring as a canvas, the author paints the stories of 15 boxers who each reach the pinnacle of the boxing world through a combination of toughness, character, perseverence, and the ability to take an incredible amount of pain.

I especially enjoyed reading about Jake LaMotta, the "Bronx Bull", and his memorable sixth fight with Sugar Ray Robinson and how he took a savage beating from Sugar Ray, lost the fight, but refused to give up or be knocked down. In doing so, he won the hearts and respect of the boxing world.

The author does a superb job describing the epic battles in the 1920's between Tunney and Dempsey- and how these great boxers became even greater through their elevating battles.

The Rocky Marciano chapter on overcoming pain and how a relatively small man achieved an undefeated boxing record is both inspirational and packed with lessons that we can all use outside the ring.

Not for boxing fans alone, this book will be enjoyed by anyone who is striving to achieve a life goal, whether it be personal or professional- in sports, in business, in entertainment, or in the arts- especially if there are obstacles to be overcome.

Read this book! ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Throughout its history, boxing has thrilled, outraged and elevated fans with its intoxicating combination of primal violence, gutwrenching drama and stirring courage. That potent mix has attracted many of the world's finest writers. The Book of Boxing is a collection of their most powerful efforts.Amazon.com Review
No other sport can boast a body of literature that begins with Homer, Theocritus, and Plato; advances through Virgil; matures through the pens of O. Henry, Jack London, and George Bernard Shaw; and flourishes in the hands of Hemingway, Norman Mailer, and David Remnick. But then, boxing is such a primal experience that it draws a distinctly muscular prose from writers who've gotten close enough to stand toe to toe and take it on.

W.C. Heinz, one of the 20th century's towering sports writers, and Nathan Ward have pulled together a remarkable literary stable of fiction, reportage, poetry, profiles, essays, and commentaries to build a tome worthy of being called The Book of Boxing. It's an anthology with a punch, certainly; but like boxing itself, it is aboutboth art and strength, finesse and force, defeat and victory. Fight aficionados will find plenty of old friends here: all of the above, for starters, plus Frank Menke's classic account of the Dempsey-Firpo brawl, Jimmy Cannon, Joe Louis, Mark Kram on the Thrilla in Manila, and James T. Farrell's brutal short story, "Twenty-Five Bucks." But you don't have to be a fight fan to appreciate the action; aficionados of good writing should just take a ringside seat and prepare to be knocked out again and again. --Jeff Silverman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Updating a classic
This appears to be an updated version of the classic anthology, The Fireside Book of Boxing, edited by Heinz.I guess people don't read around the fireside anymore, but they buy Sports Illustrated, so the title is itself more contempo, as are some of the entries.The original has been on my shelf for years, and has been pawed through with great pleasure since those golden days of yesteryear.Anyone interested in boxing or prose style (with a little verse here and there) will treasure the collection.

wonderful
you will be in heaven.the best writing on boxing.I'm delighted.You should buy this book.

The complete collection....
Thoroughly enjoyable. The book presents some of the cleanest yet literary sports writing ever on a sport that is woefully under covered. Mr. Ward chose perfectly, marrying a historical overview of the sport with the beauty of it. I just hope this book will not be buried on the bottom shelf where too many great sports books are left to die.

"Must" reading for all boxing fans!
W.C. Heinz and Nathan Ward's Book Of Boxing is also a winner, though less visually packed: text with selected illustrations peppered throughout covers the finest writers of the sport, revealing their observations, theevents which marked boxing history, and its dark side. An intriguing surveywill fascinate any boxing fan.

A Great Old Friend Returns
It's great to see this collection out again; I remember reading it with my father and brother when I was a kid.Now Heinz and Ward have made it better than ever, with the best pieces of newspaper writing, fiction, andeven poetry ever composed about the sweet science.It covers everything,from Homer in the Iliad right up through the Holyfield/Tyson "bitefight." (ouch!) Plus‹a portfolio of good boxing shots in the middle. This is just the sort of terrific compilation that we need to raise kids ontoday, and give them some sense of what's best, and what lasts aboutsports. ... Read more

Product Description
COMPLETE KICKING: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO KICKS FOR MARTIAL ARTS SELF-DEFENSE & COMBAT SPORTS is a comprehensive guide to the kicks of Taekwondo from white belt to black belt and beyond. Sang H. Kim shares his expert knowledge of fundamental, jumping, spinning and multiple kicks.You ll get in-depth instruction for over 40 kicks, including the purpose of the kick, key points to pay attention to when practicing, step-by-step execution of the kick, the best targets for each kick, applications for sport fighting and self-defense, plus the most common kicking mistakes and how to fix them. As you progress, you ll also learn exercises designed to improve your kicking flexibility, power, speed and balance.This book goes beyond the basics and explains the concepts behind awesome kicks including how to generate power using your whole bodyin every kick, how to generate maximum impact, how to use body mechanics to kick higher, and how to get the most out of every practice session.Complete Kicking is the ultimate reference for martial artists of all styles who want to master the art of kicking. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great for my children who just started taking lessons
The kids enjoy the details of the kicks and prepare or review what they learn from their in-class lessons.It is very helpful.

Complete Kicking By Sang H. Kim
Sang H. Kim presents a well written and organized book on kicking.Mr. Kim covers the basic kicks found in most martial arts.His material is easy to follow with examples of correct and incorrect form.Mr. Kim incorporates sample target areas for the kicks presented and some may find it a little slanted towards Taekwondo.I thought the book was not only well written but an excellent resource for a dojang/dojo/kwoon library.Beginners will probably find this very helpful yet even the experienced instructor can apply the material presented to improve their own techniques.Mr. Kim has done it again!

Complete Kicking
This book is well written and contains a great deal of information for the beginner to advanced martial artist.You'll be guided through helpful practice exercises to develop your skills and also given practical uses for each kick that is covered.It's well worth the addition to your martial arts library.YMAA gave me a copy of this book in exchange for the review.

As someone married to a martial artist..............
This book is well written & covers a wide variety of kicks. It is easy to understand & well demonstrated. It is helpful no matter how new or adb=vanced you are.

Complete Kicking Review
I received the book "Complete Kicking" and started reading it as soon as I got it.I was impressed with the number of kicks covered and how the box progressed in difficulty as i went throw the book.I am a martial artist of 30 years and have studied many forms in that time.I enjoyed how the book helps all no matter how long they have been in the martial arts to focus on good form and to have a knowledge of how effective kicking works.I have students that are troubled that I work with and allow a few of them to look at the book and read it and they said the book helped make sense of what i have been trying to get them to understand about appropriate stances and kicking.The only way this could have been better is if it was a dvd and the actions could be illustrated with actual movement.(Found out there is a DVD of Complete Kicking; if you are a visual learner) Enjoyed the self defense part of the box because kicking effectively can make the different in surviving a real fight.I recommend this book to all serious about martial arts. ... Read more

Product Description
Philadelphia has long been called the number one fight town in the world. The relentless fighting style of its boxers has thrilled fans over the years. Twenty-seven champions have come from the city over the course of more than a century. ÝÝPhiladelphiaís Boxing Heritage: 1876ñ1976 retraces the legacy of determined battlers such as Joe Frazier, Benny Bass, Gil Turner, Bob Montgomery, and Bennie Briscoe. Philadelphia has also produced legions of highly skilled craftsmen such as Tommy Loughran, Jack OíBrien, Midget Wolgast, Harold Johnson, and Joey Giardello. In 1926, the Gene TunneyñJack Dempsy heavyweight championship bout was witnessed by more than one hundred thousand fans. In 1956, Rocky Marciano brought his guns to town and won the heavyweight title from Jersey Joe Walcott. In 1971, Philadelphia-trained Joe Frazier won the ìFight of the Centuryî from Muhammad Ali at Madison Square Garden in New York. Philadelphiaís Boxing Heritage: 1876ñ1976 showcases these legends and retraces their championship bouts through more than two hundred dazzling photographs. ÝÝ ... Read more

Product Description
A boxer's workout is a fantastic way to burn calories-it is engaging, exhilarating, and effective. Going beyond jumping rope and punching the heavy bag, Fighting Fit describes intermediate and advanced boxing skills that will help anyone improve their performance in the ring. This boxing workout will help develop body and character so that athletes can get into the best shape of their lives, build self-confidence, and be winners in and out of the ring. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Good reading for a beginner
I encourage anyone in training to read everything and listen to everyone and then sort it out and use what fits you the best. This is a good book for a starter and re enforces "You are what you eat", and "you will be what you train as" rule.

Excellent boxing book
Though this book is theoretically about how to use boxing to get fit, what it really is is a fantastic guide to solo or partner training.The first chapter reviews the basic training equipment needed, even offering a probable price list, before moving on to a chapter on basic stance, footwork, and head movement.The next two chapters are on basic offense and defense, and include info on combination building and how to use the heavy bag for building defence.The next section is on the various drills using the mirror, the bag, and your partner.The mirror section is worth only one page, but the rest is invaluable.With the bag, author Lachica demonstrates punches, footwork, and defense, while reminding the reader to keep in mind technique, rhythm, and strategy.He provides a number of drills to keep things from getting boring.With partner drills, he begins with counter drills, where one defends a punch and then returns with his own punch, then moves on to flow drills, which combine offense and defense for both parnters.The next two chapters are on situational sparring and free sparring, and provide excellent advice for the beginner.The book finishes up with three fitness chapters, on resistance training, stretching, and cardio training, respectively.This book provides a good blueprint for improving one's boxing skills, as well as getting into shape.Recommended for beginners and fighters alike.

best boxing book I have found!
This is the best book on boxing that I have found and I have quite a few manuals on the subject. It has the basics but also shows drills that I haven't found anywhere else. Its my "bible" for when I want to work a certain aspect.

Fighting Fit:
This is the second book in a series of three collaborations between Doug Werner and Alan Lachica on the topic of boxing.
The book "Fighting Fit", is the best of the three.It is packed with boxing wisdom, is well written, and the photographs easily show the techniques being taught.
From a person who wishes to learn boxing for fitness purposes, or for people like myself who compete, this book is a valuable tool.
I highly recommend it.

Good For the all around athlete
I'm a soldier currently deployed in Afghanistan (airborne infantry).I ordered the book to try to pick up on a new sport.The pictures and descriptions in the book are very descriptive and very helpful in learning the moves.Although I would consider this a great book for the beginner boxer or someone trying to improve, the lifting section could use alittle more detail.I would also like to see alittle more about nutrition.Other than that, the technique and fundamentals described in this book are excellent. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (24)

BOXER'S START-UP
HELPS U UNDERSTAND THE HOW'S AND WHY'S OF TRAINING.....IT ALSO STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING YOUR BOXING STANCE

Good basic book
Like the book title says...a Start up sports series. Recommended reading to those interested in the science of boxing.

Boxing make easy
This book was written for dumbies but it doesn't treat the reader like a dumby but a new trainie.

The real deal
I purchased this book to start boxing as a hobby.I joined a gym and found that everything the book taught was exactly what my trainers wanted from me.I was used to model proper form and technique.The instruction given in the book is accurate and easy to follow.It takes you from the basic equipment needed to basic offense and defense.It also gives you tips on what to look for in a gym.It's the real deal if you're seriously interested in taking up the sport. But as the title states, it's only a beginner's guide.

Good Basics
I think this is a helpful book for coaches that teach beginners or folks entering their first foray into the sport of boxing. ... Read more

Product Description
In the long history of professional boxing there was only one man who fought both Rocky Marciano and Muhammad Ali. There was only one man who recorded an astounding 141 professional knockouts. There was only one man who trained both a young Ali and heavyweight champion George Foreman. There was only one Archie Moore. Moore's vast career and exploits are finally chronicled in "The Long Sunset: The Life of Boxing Legend Archie Moore, highlighting his seven-decade boxing career. Author and veteran boxing biographer Mike Fitzgerald spent several months with Moore before the boxer's 1998 death in an effort to capture the full life story of one of the 20th century's most colorful and accomplished athletes. Moore's opponent list reads like a "Who's Who" of boxing: it includes nine world champions and seven Hall of Famers. Starting his career in the middleweight division, Moore moved up in weight class in 1945. Ultimately he dominated the light-heavyweight division, winning his first world title in 1952 (at age 39) and successfully defending that title for nearly a decade. The versatile Moore often fought at heavyweight in the 1950s, twice challenging for the heavyweight crown, including an epic battle with Marciano in 1955. Following the 1960 Olympics, Moore took over training duties for Ali (known then as Cassius Clay). The two eventually parted ways before their fight in 1962. Retiring from the ring in 1963 after compiling 194 career wins, Moore remained active in boxing for the rest of his life, helping guide George Foreman to the heavyweight title in 1973 and overseeing his legendary comeback in 1987. Moore was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. Archie Moore'slife wasn't just about boxing, however. "The Long Sunset also spotlights his Hollywood career in the 1960s, his five marriages, and his beloved "Any Boy Can" youth organization, which reached underprivileged youth. Featuring a foreword by the "Raging Bull." Jake LaMotta, who provides his own fond memories of Moore, "The Long Sunset: The Life of Boxing Legend Archie Moore is certain to provide a never-before-seen side of one of America's all-time greatest athletes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great profile; leaves out one important matter
This is an excellent portrayal of one of boxing's all time great fighters, whom I had the pleasure of meeting. (He felt that shaking hands was unsanitary, and preferred touching fists.) This book tells of Moore's early struggles, th eproblems he faced as a black fighter, and his ultimate triumph. One reviewer says that this book doesn't mention Moore's alleged tanking of the Marciano fight. I have never believed that he threw that fight, as he fought long and hard against tough odds. Also, he was a 4-1 underdog, which would have made a fix in Marciano's favor unlikely. What this book doesn't mention -- and which film showings of this bout often edit out -- is that when Moore floored Marciano in the second round, Rocky rose at the count of two, and the referee, forgetting that the mandatory eight count didn't apply in a title bout, continued the count, thus giving Marciano extra time to recover. Marciano was clearly stunned, and had the ref followed the rules the outcome might have been different. In Everett Skehan's excellent biography of Rocky Marciano, this incident is mentioned.

Archie Moore
Very good account of Archie Moore's career.He was a true character in an out of the ring.Does not go into the detail of a possible tanking of his fight against Rocky Marciano.That account was put in the Devil and Sonny Liston.But overall, it was very good.

Great warrior and humanitarian
Archie Moore did it all in boxing, he was the light heavyweight champion, he fought for the heavyweight title twice and is the holder of the most knockouts by any fighter ever. He did a lot of this while over 40 years of age.

This is the remarkable story of a true warrior of the ring, Moore fought everywhere and wasn't afraid to fight anyone (of the heavyweight champions, he met Rocky Marciano, Ezzard Charles, Floyd Patterson and Muhammad Ali).

The book is a good read, perhaps not all that I would have hoped that a biography of Moore would be but still not bad. In a perfect world, I would have liked more photos and perhaps more input from Moore himself through previous articles that he had contributed to.

Great read
This is simply but a great book on Moore.
The best one out there on this great champ.

Definitive biography on The Old Mongoose
"Ageless Warrior" is a definitive account on the life of boxing legend Archie Moore.Author Mike Fitzgerald masterfully weaves Moore's 200-plus fights and his personal life into an engaging and evenly-tempered biography.Until now, most books written on Moore tended not to let the facts get in the way of a good story.Fitzgerald, with the cooperation of Archie Moore and his immediately family, finally tells the true story of the "Old Mongoose" with pleasing results.If you're an Archie Moore or boxing fan, this book's for you. ... Read more

Product Description
Darren learns the techniques of boxing, including sparring, punching, and footwork, as well as the sport's safety rules. ... Read more

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The Techniques and Knowledge Needed to Excel in the Sport of Boxing

The illustrations, explanations, and techniques presented in Boxing Basics provide everything needed to excel in the sport of boxing. Easy to follow explanations and illustrations introduce the reader to the sport by providing information on training equipment, types of boxing gyms, and how to get into fighting shape. The bulk of this boxing text is devoted to providing progressive steps in the learning of the sport of boxing. It begins by presenting the primary elements of boxing and ranges to advanced skills. The Instant Reference Guide is a special feature designed for busy persons. It provides fast-track references to the important points in every chapter. This publication can be used as a how-to reference guide for trainers as well as beginners.

"Some books just show you how to box, others just tell you. Still others do a little of both. With Boxing Basics, Professor Gotay becomes your personal trainer, teaching you step by step how to box. This is the most definitive ¿how to¿ boxing book I have ever seen."
- Randy Gordon, Former Editor-in-Chief of Ring Magazine;
Boxing Analyst for ESPN, USA Network, and the MSG Network;
and Chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission.
Presently the host of Fight Club, the popular Sirius Radio boxing talk show. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Extremely Informative.Well laid out for any reader.
As a personal trainer, I thought Al Gotay's articulation of the sport of boxing was very on point, well thought out, and clearly explained for the reader.A client of mine who trains in boxing brought me the book and pointed out that the techniques both described and illustrated were synonymous with Gotay's link to the physical training required for the sport.I thought that the chapter "Getting Into Physical Condition" was methodically detailed down to the tables presenting exact percentages of desired body fat for athletic performance.Gotay's depth in explaining also the adjustment of the frequency, intensity, time, and type of training for maximum benefit per training session was very well done.There was no part of the physical condition portion of the book that I was in opposition to, and in fact encouraged my client to continue abiding by Boxing Basic's layouts.

fairly complete but it is basic
This is a good book for boxing basics and if they had covered defense a bit better it would have rated 5 stars. It covers all the equipment that can be used for boxing, workouts, stance, basic punches and combinations,
and ring strategy.

The best boxing book!
After boxing for a little over a year I came to the realization that boxing is a sport full of intricate details and techniques. While many books have been written to try and cover the fine points, these books often leave the reader feeling incomplete or wanting to know more. "Boxing Basics" has the content to be considered the "full package" of boxing books. Everything and anything that has to do with the sport of boxing is considered, walked through, and explained through a crystal clear prose unmistakably found only from a college professor.

From boxing newbie to convenient boxer to seasoned veteran, "Boxing Basics" has something for everyone. Gym classifications, different fighter styles, ring strategies, and even the different weight divisions in boxing are explained. Alberto Gotay definitely leaves no stones unturned regarding the sport of boxing. Buying this book was a great investment and I will use the techniques outlined in this book for the rest of my boxing career.

MORE THAN JUST BASICS
The title Boxing Basics is an understatement, for this manual has waymore than just the basics. Professor Gotay goes beyond to explain proper bodyfat percentages, the correct workout length, and detailed boxing rules for both amateur and pro. Additionally, the hand wrapping method provided is one of the best I've used. The sections on defense and styles of boxers were particularly helpful. If you pay attention to many pro fights and even MMA fights today, you will find that the loser was the one who had a bad foundation and did not adhere to the basics.

Where no one in the Sport of Boxing has gone before!
Al Gotay's Boxing Basics takes us where no one has gone before in the sport of boxing. This is not just another "How to" book that merely covers the rudimentary basics of conditioning, stances, footwork, punches, and defensive tactics. Gotay's text transcends the basics and transports the burgeoning fighter into the realm of personal development with a graded training program and the much needed strategies and tactics to safely participate and advance in the sport. Gotay's thirty plus years in academics as an Assistant Professor in Health and Physical Education shines throughout the text and makes Boxing Basics a must for any educator who desires to start an intramural or interschool athletic program whether at the YMCA/ Boy's Club, middle school, high school, or collegiate level.

... Read more

Product Description
Vital Point Strikes is a guide to pressure point striking for the average martial artist. Sang H. Kim demystifies the lore of vital point striking and shows you realistic applications of vital point strikes for self-defense and combat sports. For those new to the concept of vital points, he begins by examining the Eastern theory of acupoints, meridians and ki (qi) and the Western scientific concepts of the nervous and circulatory systems, pain threshold and pain tolerance, and the relationship between pain and fear. This synthesis of accepted Eastern and Western theories helps the reader understand what makes vital point striking work and why it can be not only useful in fighting, but deadly. Based on this introduction, you ll learn about 202 vital points for use in fighting including the name, point number, location, involved nerves and blood vessels, applicable techniques, sample applications, and potential results for each point. The points are illustrated in detail on an anatomically correct human model, with English, Chinese, and Korean names as well as point numbers for easy reference.In addition to identifying the vital points, Sang H. Kim gives you detailed information about the type of techniques that work for vital point striking including a discussion of fighting zones and ranges, plexus strikes, stance and footwork, bodily weapons, striking directions and angles and dozens of applications for common empty hand, grappling, groundfighting, knife and gun attacks.Based on over thirty years experience in the martial arts and in-depth research, Sang H. Kim has created one of the most complete books available on the art and science of vital point striking. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Excellent book, just be careful.
This book is and excellent guide and reference of vital points and ways to striking it. The content is well organized and is very easy to locate the parts of the body that you want to study. Just read the Table of Contents and see the example pages.

With time, this book can be a classic. It is really good.

Please use it with responsibility. Check all the advices and be careful because you can hurt yourself or your partner.

Highly recommended
I highly recommend this work for anyone who is serous about self-defense and learning martial knowledge. I do put out a caution, however, because one should not be going out hitting people to test in application the information they receive in this manuscript. You still need a qualified instructor to learn how to practice these techniques without doing serious harm to your partners. I added this book to my library of vital point strikes and it is one of my favorites, it sits right next to my Encyclopedia of Dim Mak by Erle Montegue (who, in my opinion, still rates number 1 as far as his material and presentation goes).

This book deals mainly with vital points and application of those points for self-defense, and there's nothing wrong with that. I believe this was the author's intent, and he accomplished it very well. However, if you want to have a well rounded information base on both the healing and disruption base of each of the 12 meridian Dim Mak points, Erle Montegue's book would be an important addition to your library.

Very Comprehensive and generally well presented
AN excellently detailed exposition of vulnerable 'Vital' points from both a Western and Eastern perspective, plus some applications based on the points and the authors general drills.

NO doubt a lot of other people worked on this with the author and a lot of other references have been heavily used but the result justifies all that.

It may be too detailed in fact for a number of people who would rather a somewhat smaller number of very effective techniques. However it's probably a great thing if a reader who may want to use such information innapropriately is put off by the effort it might take to go throught this book as that is always a worry when such information is made freely available as it seems to increasingly be these days.

A very informative book
Vital Point Strikes by Sang H. Kim is a thorough book on the vulnerable spots of the human body. It has sections on both Western and Eastern views on vital areas. It talks of the nervous system of Western anatomy and the body's meridians of Eastern medicine, and shows a correlation between the two. It is well illustrated with many anatomical drawings, and it has many photos illustrating striking methods and other self-defense scenarios such as disarming assailants with weapons. One should, however, be aware of the disclaimer that the techniques are not to be misused, and that it is written simply to inform. Also it has a disclaimer that there may be a few inaccuracies in it. But all in all I find it an excellent book for the studies of the martial artist of any style.

A dangerous book only the experienced should use.
First things first, this book is excellent. Sang H. Kim has no equal in his art, and I have nothing but full respect for him. Pressure points were a specialty of mine when I was still active in competitive martial arts, and while my outlook on fighting has changed over the years, it's best to end a fight quickly, and going for the vitals is the surefire way to do that. The presentation of this book is very well-organized, has many useful pictures, charts and photos showing every single pressure point [except two I know of that are best kept out of books to the public] and how to apply the strikes in real life situations. This isn't your standard martial arts book that shows you to 'do this if this happens', but it thoroughly explains everything and why you're doing it. My only gripe is with the photos and that they aren't in color, but black and white, so -sometimes- it's hard to see certain things, but usually everything's very clear.

But my main criticism is that this book is extremely dangerous, and I don't think it should've been released with this much information. Any martial artist of any rank can get it, read a few pages, think they're a killing machine, and then will either hurt someone else very seriously, or do something wrong and get hurt them self. Please, if you're interested in getting this book and have martial arts experience, ask your master about it if they know anything. As someone who was on the receiving end of a pressure point strike over 10 years ago, I still haven't recovered from a hit on my inner elbow, and can't hold my arm still without continuous shaking. But if you're using this book for reference and to know what points to keep more protected, that'd be the best reason to get this.

Again, the book itself is an excellent resource, and I wish it had been out when I was younger. Seeing just how many pressure points there are on the human body is incredible, and knowing that you're doing acupuncture in reverse with the knowledge on these pages isn't something to take lightly. Please use the utmost care if you plan on actually using the techniques in this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Boxing: Advanced Tactics & Strategies is a concise collection of drills, tips, exercises and strategies designed to take the novice boxer to the next level. Building on his popular first book, Boxing: A 12 Week Course, R. Michael Onello explains advanced ring tactics including hitting with movement, blocks, slips, feints, draws, and advanced punch variations.He also shares strategic tips gained through years in the ring and in the corners of successful boxers. In addition to a range of practical offense, defense, punch progression and shadow sparring drills, he includes advanced conditioning exercises and a chapter on ring generalship. This book is a great resource for boxers who want to advance their skills and coaches looking for solid training advice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

3+ stars - not quite a 4.
I've read the book, and there are more pictures regarding the warmup exercises rather than the technical aspects of the boxing - more pictures for footwork and up-jabs would've been welcome rather than a picture of a paticular muscle stretch if space was an issue.That would be my only critique.The information included in the book has some nice tips on how to sit down on your punches, adding feints to your game, and using angles on a heavy bag work out.The book also has a good shadow boxing routine, but like most routines you get out of it what you put into it. ... Read more

Product Description
On August 29, 1885, Cincinnati was the scene for the first modern heavyweight championship boxing match using gloves. The Boston Strong Boy, John L. Sullivan, met Dominick McCaffrey at the city's Chester Park that day and came away with the referee's decision. By this time, Cincinnati had been a noted boxing site since the Civil War years, and over the next several decades, it developed a remarkable number of fine boxers in both the professional and amateur ranks. Out of the many gymnasiums in Over-the-Rhine and the West End came world champions such as Freddie Miller, Ezzard Charles, Bud Smith, and Aaron Pryor. This book is the story of a fascinating aspect of Cincinnati's great sports heritage--the boxing game--with all its leather-punching drama. From the frontierlike matches of the 19th-century river town to the urban ethnic and social influences of the 20th and 21st centuries, Cincinnati Boxing brings a rich part of local history to life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Cincinnati Boxing
Solid job by the authors to capture the pictorial history of Cincinnati's rich boxing legacy.

cincinnati boxing
Left out so many people that made Cincinnati a great Boxing town. When doing a book like this should get more input from boxers and family members to do it justice ! ... Read more

Product Description
"Professor" Mike Donovan, Battling Nelson–"The Durable Dane," and "Stockyards" Harold Smith— their stories are as colorful as their names. Chicago’s boxing history is as exciting and unpredictable as any prize fight within the ring. Some of the most memorable bouts—great, infamous or otherwise—took place in the city’s clubs, parks and arenas, and Chicago has seen its share of champions and top contenders over the years. The Gans-McGovern fight in 1900—the "Big Fix"—set the sport back 25 years in Chicago. The "Long Count" between Tunney and Dempsey, in 1927, may still be the most controversial bout of all time. Chicago Boxing is a story not only of great boxers, but of the fans who embraced them, the promoters who made them big, and even a few mob bosses who made good on their talent. ... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Boxing is the most comprehensive and up-to-date boxing-specific training guide in the world today. It contains descriptions and photographs of over 80 of the most effective weight training, flexibility, and abdominal exercises used by athletes worldwide. This book features year-round boxing-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other boxing book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book supplies you with a year-round workout program designed to increase punching speed and power in your jabs, hooks, and uppercuts. Following this program will raise your stamina and endurance which will result in extraordinary footwork that will have you dancing around opponents and hitting them with sharp combinations until the final bell.

Both beginners and advanced athletes and weight trainers can follow this book and utilize its programs. From recreational to professional, thousands of athletes all over the world are already benefiting from this book and its techniques, and now you can too!

As an added bonus, this book also contains links to free record keeping charts which normally sell separately for $20. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Awsome information
As an amateur boxer, this book has greatly assisted my strength and conditioning. I've applied the key essentials and am already seeing improvements in speed, endurance, and strength. This book focuses on improving speed and strength without becoming fatigued easily. As a bonus, tips are provided to help prevent injuries and build technique over just becoming bulky. When you build muscle mass, you become fatigued faster. Now if you work out the right way (like this book provides) you can build the same strength you would with muscle mass.

Box like a heavyweight champ!
This is the best book I have seen for boxing training!No matter what level you compete at, this book is for you.I have really improved my agility in the ring after reading this book.I highly recommend it to anyone interested in being a better, more athletic boxer!

Yo Adrian!
If Rocky could do it so can you -- and this book is the secret how.The book (aka "the boxing bible") won't only put you on a plan to increase strength and stamina, but it will also boost your quickness and agility.After reading this book you'll be able to knockout Mike Tyson.

a boxer's bible
This book is perfect!A workout plan geared specifically toward boxing that really works!Appropriate for any level of boxing! I highly recommend this book!

A Knockout
This book made great suggestions for improving some of the most critical parts of being a successful boxer--endurance, power, agility, and speed.This book takes a healthy approach to boxing--it succinctly and clearly outlines how, depending on your experience and level of competitiveness, you should proceed on improving your ability as a fighter.I recommend this book without any hesitation. ... Read more

Product Description
During the California Gold Rush, amateur and professional boxing almost immediately gained a strong foothold in northern California, as the gold fields and mining camps provided both employment and a venue for these athletes. In these times, many of the world's best fighters made their way to the canvas squares of the Pacific coast where San Francisco served as the locus of championship title bouts that even today remain legendary. This volume spotlights such greats as Gentleman Jim Corbett, Joe Choynski, Jack Johnson, Battling Nelson, Stanley Ketchel, and 1904 Olympic heavyweight champion Sam Berger. Somrack explores San Francisco's boxing scene through the years, but also focuses in on weight classifications and ring records. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Picture books rule
I admit it, I like books with lots of pictures. Anyone interested in boxing history would thoroughly enjoy this informative little book packed with awesome old photos and San Francisco boxing trivia. I got this from Amazon for 5 bucks less than [...] - sweet! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

I Need to take a Shower Now
Brady exposes various cases of corruption and gangsterism throughout boxing history. I seriously felt like I needed to take a shower after reading this book. About half this book is older boxing history related and half is stuff up into the late 90s. He goes in depth with the Jim Norris/Frankie Carbo/Blinky Palermo mess that in spite of these low life having so much control I believe the 1950s was possibly the best era in boxing. There are later chapters on the midwest club scene in the 90s, Don King, corrupt organizations and Bob Arum. The author really snuck in a good zinger with the Jewish Arum titling his chapter "The Talmudic Scholar", which if you didn't know the Talmud is a book written by Rabbis studied by orthodox Jews that is full of all sorts a wacky justifications for cheating and stealing from Gentiles. There are also innumerable examples of fighters who were exploited, cheated and discarded by boxing promoters and managers. Boxing is a great sport to be involved in or a fan of but there is no doubt its a sleazy shark infested sewer.

Boxing Confidential Pulls No Punches
This is one of the most informative, entertaining and disturbing boxing exposes ever written. Brady knows all about the backroom deals, fixed fights, corruption, extortion, payoffs for ratings, and outright criminality of the major promoters, sanctioning bodies, and the TV executive suits who not only turn a blind eye to the chicanery but are willing cohorts in this sordid business of exploitation and greed. Professional boxing, from small club fights to the mega million dollar Las Vegas promotions, is one putrid mess of a sport. In chapters like "The Best Sanctioning Body Money Could Buy", "The Talmudic Scholar", "The Humble Servant of Boxing", and "The Don" Brady flays open the belly of the out of control circus that professional boxing has been allowed to become over the past 25 years. He exposes, in glaring detail, the business side of the sport and the foul deeds of the few major power brokers, most of whom are human vermin without conscience who live off of the blood and brain tissue of-with a few rare exceptions- these exploited professional athletes. Boxers, unlike other sports, have no union or decent representation, and are at the mercy of a few blood sucking predators and thieves who have all but destroyed any credibility this sport may have had.
Brady tells the stories of a litany of ex-champs and contenders who have been robbed of their money dreams and dignity, and who are then discarded like so much garbage after their usefulness has ended.
Brady, a fine writer and investigative journalist, takes no prisoners as he names the heroes, villians, bums and thieves.
Whether you are familiar with boxing or not you will shakeyour head in disbelief and disgust at what is described in these pages. This is so much more than a boxing book. It is also a sociological study and idictment of a segment of our society.This is a very American story and a very important book. ... Read more

Product Description
Your fists are your primary weapon system in a streetfight, but most martial arts "masters" like to gloss over that fact. Now fisticuffs expert Ned Beaumont shows you how to duke it out in back alleys and smoky bars and walk away grinning (with all your teeth). All the dirty tricks of boxing are included, too. Not for the faint of heart, this one is destined to become a classic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (56)

Author is disingenuous....
This author, in this book, extolls the wonders of boxing, claiming it is the ultimate martial art.But why then did he subsequently (1 year later) write a street-wrestling book extolling the virtues and effectiveness of wrestling techniques and takedowns as the ultimate martial art????

Classic Primer
I coach in boxing and currently have my grandson involved in learning the science. I have reviewed many books on boxing and found this to be perhaps one of the best primers for a new boxer to read and understand the science of boxing. Most important, it drew on examples of the "old school of boxing" and the turn of the century fighters who knew and understood the importance of the science and use of the body in delevering punches. There are few coaches who really teach or understand the importance of this, and it was brought to home recently when my grandson attended a summer camp and was picked on by an older bully, who put him in a head lock and delivered two punches to his head. My grandson broke free and shot a power uppercut to his jaw, sending the bully into hiding in the latrene. The other kids who witnessed this were in awe that a small kid could do this to a much larger and stronger kid. Lesson learned...lesson taught. Forget wasting your money on Karate, Kung Fu and martial arts that will get you butt kicked. Outside of boxing and MMA, you don't stand a chance in a street fight..read this book.

Excellent Book!!!
This is only the second book that I've read about a fighting system, but I have to say that I thought it was very well written. I've been taking a boxing class for over a year, and I absolutely love it. This book opened my eyes to things I never considered in regards to having to adapt those skills to a streetfight. For instance, now that I punch harder than normal, there is a bigger possibility that I could break my hands on someone's face. So I should prep my hands for bare knuckle fighting. Mind you, I haven't been in a fight in over 11 years, and I hope I never have to, but it's good to be prepared. He was super detailed in describing all types of punches and techniques as well.

Pretty Good Book
The book is very practical. The author does know what is he talking about when it comes to street fights.
Boxing is considered a martial arts that is very practical and effective. Why? You are trained to hit while being hit. Sparring is not street fighting but controlled fighting like war games or lab experiments. When you spar, one of your jobs is to protect your sparring partner and learn from each other. In a street fight, your objectives are take position and take out the opponent in the most efficient ways possible. Take the head (CPU/Brain) or respiratory system via neck or chokes. He does not cut down all martial arts but just the ones who have instructors that have no practical streetfighting experience; the ones who teach poison/garbage to their students. Also, he does mention it's the person not that art/system that makes the difference. The book has a few good concepts and some mentioned techniques that are effective for any system of fighting.

I love this guy!
Great book! I used to get beat up a lot. I read this book, went out, and beat up 3 guys in a shopping mall, won the fight without a scratch, and I even got the thumbs up from the people around. You know those loudmouth bullies that think they own the joint? That walk around as if they were the masters of the universe? That pretend to be the toughest guys? That enjoy intimidating people? That think they can push you around or that you have to get out of their way if you want to live? Well I just got sick of it! And after training with this guy, I knew I had what it took, and I think the best thing, the most important thing, that this book taught me... was the attitude, the mindset, you don't wait for the other guy to cut you open before you really start fighting back. Now I can go out there and walk around with no fear, because I know I can defend myself.
Thanks Ned, you changed my life.
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Product Description
Over the years, Thomas Hauser has earned recognition as one of the most respected boxing writers in America and the definitive chronicler of the contemporary boxing scene.The Greatest Sport of All is Hauser's portrait of 2006, another remarkable year in boxing. The book includes an inside look at great fighters, great fights, and the powers behind the throne.There are revealing portraits of Oscar De La Hoya, Jermain Taylor, Bernard Hopkins, and Don King, a look back at giants like Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali, and more. ... Read more