The Anatomy of Martial Arts: An Illustrated Guide to the Muscles Used for Each Strike, Kick, and Throw

by Lily Chou, Lily Chou, Suman Kasturia (Illustrator)

Unlock the power of the takedowns, strikes and defenses in martial arts from Kendo and Karate to Jiujitsu and Judo with this illustrated guide to the muscles and anatomy behind each movement.

With detailed anatomical drawings, this book precisely illustrates the inner workings of your body during key martial arts moves. Its color drawings, helpful photos and clear text make it easy to identify the specific muscles you need to train for maximum speed, power and accuracy. More than just an anatomy book, each section is accompanied by exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles, prevent injury and improve form.

•Kicks
•Strikes
•Takedowns
•Throws

The Anatomy of Martial Arts is designed for a variety of disciplines,

•Hapkido
•Jiujitsu
•Judo
•Karate
•Kendo
•Kung Fu
•Muay Thai
•Taekwando

Genres: Martial Arts, Nonfiction, Fitness, Reference

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Josh Street · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only real criticism I have of this text is that it's a bit brief and in the interest of being general, skips numerous moves that are repeated in multiple arts (though aren't necessarily common). The biggest plus of the book is the stretching exercises for each move - perfect for beginners looking to build flexibility and strength (ignore comments about form in the book - you're looking at pictures of multiple artists from various arts showing an instant of the move: you wouldn't learn technique from a book so why criticize it - even the authors say to ignore the form - focus on the muscles in play and biomechanics of the move).

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited at the prospect of a book exploring the biomechanics of martial arts techniques. What I found was a book that demonstrated sloppy form and odd preparatory exercises for the martial arts techniques. The first picture of a rear hand punch shows the martial artist with a flexed wrist, a no-no in any martial art. Overall not impressed and rather disappointed.

[Paul Varela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great to know the functions of the muscles in a technique.

Great to know the functions of the muscles used in a technique. It also gives the different stretches and exercises to strengthen those particular muscles.

[Sergio Ledward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buen libro sobre anatomia de las artes marciales, explica con claridad los grupos musculares involucrados en golpes, patadas, trabajo en piso, caídas y uso de armas. Además incluye una sección con ejercicios particulares para fortalecer cada área.

[Tarik]

oui

[Raphael Clayette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Original and nice for a curious, health educated/martial art practicer man, like me.

[Susan (Sue)]

Very detailed and informative!! Lots of great supporting exercises illustrated!! I will be referring to this book for a long time to come!!

Sue
:-)

[Andrew Luce · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concepts described in chaining muscle groups for action were brief but helpful. For the most part the book was repetitive and contained no surprises. Some of the traditional martial arts exercises recommended to strengthen specific muscle groups were described as dangerous in another book.