Principles, Analysis, and Application of Effortless Combat Throws

by Tim Cartmell

Tim explains throwing techniques which, when performed correctly, do not require the use of great power, force or effort. Copiously illustrated.

Genres: Martial Arts

172 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jacob Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Tim's definition of a martial art as one that permits a weaker combatant to escape from/defeat a stronger one, distinguishing that as the "art" part from the aspects of training that are just about getting stronger oneself. His principles and techniques are a testament to his own skill; as a small (5'2) martial artist, there are some that I don't believe I could pull off against a 6'+ opponent, but the book's a great resource and I was able to use one of his techniques in my choreography of the wrestling match in As You Like It

[Todd Pinchevsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, great concepts on body mechanics and throws. Took off a star for not great pictures.

[Timothy Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent explanation of typical mechanisms for throwing from a Chinese internal arts perspective. Cartmell's prose is clear and direct, and you won't hear him saying weird things about what to do with your chi--he uses imagery, to be sure, but he remains firmly grounded in the physical. Some of the specific techniques Cartmell uses to illustrate the principles aren't necessarily the best go-to throws for combative purposes, but they seem to have been chosen for their ability to give a clear experience of the specific principle under discussion. Some readers may not like that feature, but it is in fact a savvy pedagogical choice. Working with the techniques Cartmell provides will give a reader a clear experience of the principle at hand, and once the principles are understood, they can be applied in more subtle ways to the reader's favorite techniques.

[Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent explanations of the mechanics that can make combat throws "effortless".The discussions of body positioning,balance(both your's and the ways to upset your oponents)were all quite detailed.

[Darin]

Great book on kuzushi and the proper way to set up throws.