Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 796.8
EAN num: 9780688047146
ISBN number: 0688047149
Label: Quill
Manufacturer: Quill
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 173
Printing Date: 1985-04
Publishing house: Quill
Sale Popularity Level: 1524938
Studio: Quill
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers 
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Long before there was the "Ultimate Fighting Championship" and the term "mixed martial arts" had yet been coined, Fred Villari offered a no nonsense primer on "The Martial Arts and Real Life" hence the title of the text.
Written in 1985 Villari's treatise sought to break new ground by dispelling the ridiculous myths attached to martial arts prowess; often through the disservices provided by television and other mediums over the years.
With over eighty photographs and plate drawings "The Martial Arts and Real Life" demonstrates stances, moves, and instructional techniques required by anyone desiring a "down to Earth" approach to a martial arts education.
Excerpt: "You will learn here that the martial arts are not what you see in a Bruce Lee movie, not a way to bully people, and not a novel method for breaking up lumber and smashing bricks. Rather, they are a rewarding form of recreation, a wonderful way to keep in shape, and in a dangerous world, a highly useful method of defending yourself."
I rate this text at five stars for innovation and practicality. Well done.
Rated by buyers 
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I very first joined Villari Studios in 1985. I remember when this book came out and I was skeptical then. I was just a white belt then. When I became a purple belt several test later, we were required to read this book. After I read it, I was filled with amazing motivation and inspired to move forward in my training. I wanted to read more and learn about other arts too.
Buy the book!
I have seen him in action and have been on the recieving end of his technique, and believe you me, he knows his stuff. Many people left the schools and went to other organizations. I did the same thing. I still have my original copy. It is very worn and has my note scribbled all over it. Maybe not the greatest book I've every read but it was still a primer for motivation in the martial arts.
As a 4th Dan today, in my own school I still refer my students to this book and many others. Some liked it learned from it, while others did not. Even those that did not like it got something out of it.
The book may not be the best book for everyone, (the same with the styles) but it does help as a primer in study. Martial Arts is a life long study. Books on the subject is important. Most of you who have criticized this book may not even understand A Book of Five Rings, The Art of War, or Zen in the Martial Art. Because if you got nothing out of Villari's and just dismissed it, then those advanced book are way above your head.
Bruce once said to find what is useful and throw out the classical mess. Well, to the open minded true martial artist that are dedicated to learn then add this book to your collection. If you feel this is soo awful, then you should sit down and show us how it is done by writing the best martial arts book ever. Amazon has many others to choose from. Just be humble for a moment and read as much as you can.
Duke Windsor
Windsor Kempo Self Defense Institute
San Diego, CA
Rated by buyers -
I do believe that all those who have given this book bad reviews do not know with what they are talking about. I have studied Villari's martial arts for 11 years, and i have seen villari in action(seminar) he is prob. the most amazing martial artist out there, and for those of you who disagree, read the book! Watch a seminar, be AMAZED! If you ever want to try out a martial arts, it's true just like in the book, pick a school right for u, try out a couple, see which one fits your style of martial arts best! Jesus, don't put up a review if u don't know what ur talking about, and for those people who haven't read it, villari is an aexcellent martial artist, and does this book excellent! A great read, and for my personal opionon, one of the best martial arts out there..
Rated by buyers -
What impresses me most about this book is that it goes beyond the "How to" format of most martial arts books. The section on Mental Principles is very enlightening. Villari's views on developing confidence and managing fear are particularly valuable and the section on Fighting Strategies will change the way you evaluate an opponent, giving you insights as to how to neutralize his strengths rather than attempting to get around them. I recommend this book to martial artist of all styles.
Rated by buyers -
It's hard to believe that the author is the head of one of the largest commercial martial arts chains because he starts out by saying that there is no one true art and the martial art that works for you is the best one for you. He gives sound advice in chosing a school (i.e. real advice, not the typical "choose one of mine" found in most other martial arts books), and stresses that the mental aspects are as important as the physical aspects.
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