Sports Books

A new approach (little different compared with ACSM position) to fitness program design.

For example - in OPT model is power training. For the fitness client that's new recomendation.

a fantastic item! shipping was prompt, the text is presented in an easy-to-read style, and it's really helping me to prepare for the exam. I'd recommend it to any fitness professional, or just to anyone looking to find out more about their fitness routine.

Although I miss the seven phase OPT model of old, the new paradigm has streamlined the structure to progress athletes through the process more efficiently. The illustrations are an upgrade, however there are fewer sample exercises to use. I recommend the NASM program to any serious trainer. This isn't "gym science"; everything in this book is based on years of research in human biomechanics, physiology, and kinesiology. The information you absorb from these pages will make you question why you ever relied on news stand fitness magazines for your workouts. NASM OPT training isn't a fad, a quick-fix, or a unrealistic promise. It is hard work and discipline that is highly effective for those that commit.

In addition to the text and CPT certification, continuing education courses and workshops will help you to truly understand the material with hands on demonstrations and professional instructors to answer your questions. Trainers get certified...real trainers get NASM certified.

This book is a somewhat easy read, and somewhat enlightening when it came to beanballs and drilling batters in retaliation for violating the code. However, there are better baseball books out there on the other topics. For example, on cheating and steroids, check out "The Cheater's Guide to Baseball".

And to the previous reviewer - yes, the author had previously written a book on the hockey code, which is referenced several times in the book.

I am relatively new to understanding baseball and have been learning more about the game from my partner who loves it and has lived it her entire life. Baseball is a difficult game to ignore -- and with that in mind I wanted to learn more about the grit and grizzle of the game. I wanted to understand more about the psychology of baseball and why certain things are done the way they are.

Bernstein's "The Code" reads a lot like a documentary. You will find the pages splashed with gray boxes containing dialog from past and present players and coaches on such topics as retaliation, running hard into second base and beanballs (just to name a few).

As you read the book, you begin to understand some of hidden agenda and etiquette in baseball -- they call this "The Code" and it colors the way the game is played. You'll begin to watch your favorite team (for me, the Boston Red Sox) and understand why a player might run stone-faced around the bags after a home run with very little celebration. It's all part of the code. You'll understand why "pussy pads" can be frowned upon and how The Code has evolved throughout the history of the game.

I loved the book. I watch each BoSox game with a little bit more intrigue and understanding on why a certain action that looks retaliatory is done. It's all part of The Code.

If you love baseball and enjoy learning some of the inner workings regarding behaviors and etiquette, I think you'll enjoy this book just like I have.

Recommended!

I must admit to approaching this book with some apprehension. I thought it would revolve around justifications for bean balls and steroids. Instead it is a thoughtful and very interesting insight into how baseball players view the game and how it should properly be played. The book really does cover it all. It provides a subject by subject overview of what the code more or less is. Granted, we can not treat this like a text book as the code is well not very codified.

The examples given by former ballplayers are intriguing as are all of the historical examples going back to the start of the game. As you might imagine former players do not believe current players have proper respect for the code, but I see that as more generational then anything else. In fact I believe that is something the players themselves note in the book. I also liked the section on cheating and what is OK (stealing signs by observation) and what is not (steroids and using equipment to steal signs). The views of relationships with fans is also very interesting to see.

All in all this is a must read for serious minded baseball fans who would like to broaden their knowledge of the game. My only hope is that the author follows this book up with one about football, basketball and hockey!

Like hockey, baseball too has its own sacred code of honor. While it differs somewhat in scope from its icy brethren, the baseball code, like hockey, is also all about respect and disrespect. Baseball is a game steeped in tradition with rules dating back to the game's inception more than 150 years ago. Yet, while the code has been around since the early days of the game, it still remains a very taboo subject shrouded in a veil of secrecy. In fact, most players are downright uncomfortable talking about it on the record. You see, if they did, then that would be acknowledging that a code actually exists at all. Ross Bernstein, the author of 40 sports books, brings it all to life with the help of some 100 current and former Major Leaguers who he interviewed for the project.
The game of baseball is governed not only by an official rulebook, but also, and maybe more importantly, by an unwritten rulebook which is otherwise known as the code. It's the game within the game. So, just what is the baseball code? It is a system of intimidation, retribution and retaliation between pitchers and hitters; all in an effort to keep the game on an even playing field. Fear, and the fear of excruciating pain, plays a huge role in baseball. It takes a brave man to stand in front of a 95 mph fastball and not be intimidated when it comes flying straight towards his face. That fear, of being hit and injured, is what keeps the players honest. It is the basis for the code.
The wheels of the code are sent into motion when any number of certain situations occur on the field. For instance, when a teammate gets plunked, retaliation of some sort is required -- typically a retaliatory plunking of a similar caliber player on the opposing team. This of course changes if the game is a National League game, where pitchers are required to bat and there are no designated hitters. Pitchers in the NL understand that they are fair game if they so choose to drill a batter. These nuances between the American and National Leagues are all a part of the intricacies of the code.
With regards to the actual act of plunking the batter, there are many messages and meanings to consider. For starters, it is generally understood that when retaliating, it is a no-no to throw above the shoulders. There is a fine line between "chin music," and a rising fast ball to the head which leaves the batter no chance to duck out of the way. One is a nonverbal threat, a warning shot over the bow, so to speak. The other, meanwhile, is extremely serious and can permanently injure or even kill the batter.
Other innuendos which may require retaliation include such things as a hard slide to break up a double play at second base; or a batter celebrating too much after hitting the ball out of the park and then taking his sweet time to trot around the bases. This is considered very disrespectful to the pitcher and will be dealt with the next time the batter comes to the plate. Nobody likes to be showed up in baseball, and that is a lesson that sometimes must be learned the hard way. It is just understood that when you hit a homer, you had better get on your horse and start running. If you want to smile and gaze at the ball with love and affection as it clears the fence, then you better not think about digging in the next time you come to bat... because you will more than likely get nailed.
Exceptions to this rule might include a guy like Sammy Sosa, who jumps like a ballerina as he tosses his bat and then blows his trademark kiss as he is about to round first. Pitchers know that this is just Sammy being Sammy, no disrespect. Other guys like Barry Bonds, who stands there and watches the ball land in the outfield seats from home plate, they are detested. Bonds is also despised because he wears hockey-like elbow pads which allow him to crowd the inside part of the plate with no fear of being plunked. On the other hand, pitchers know that the code frowns upon plunking future Hall of Famers. So it goes both ways.
Further innuendos may include a pitcher trying his damndest to prevent back-to-back-to-back homers in an inning. The third guy up is going to get nailed because no pitcher wants to give up a hat-trick, or he will find himself on the bench pretty quickly. Even jumping on the first pitch with aspirations of hitting if out of the park may warrant a pitcher taking offense. It just depends on the situation. It is also OK to bowl over the catcher when trying to score at home plate, but not if the catcher has left a lane for the runner to slide by safely. It is also a no-no for a middle infielder to pretend to catch a ball to trick the runner or hitter. The same is true for a base runner who tries to trick the infielder by yelling or lunging at him to get him to drop a fly ball. Those things will get you drilled. Baseball players have memories like elephants and will get even, even if that means waiting weeks, months or into the next season.
And here is another thing: If a batter gets nailed with a 95 mph fastball on the fleshy part of his thigh, he had better not act like a baby and start rubbing it. No way. He should suck it up and be a man by simply "walking it off" on his way to first base. Period. A batter can never let a pitcher know that he hurt him with a pitch, that would be a psychological advantage and a clear sign of weakness. The code forbids it unless he is knocked unconscious or bleeding bad enough to warrant some medical attention.
Another innuendo which may require retaliation occurs when either the batter or a base-runner sneaks a peek at the catcher's signs to the pitcher. If a batter is caught doing so, he will be nailed. If the base-runner is caught doing so, when he is on second base and has a clear view of the catcher's hand signals, and then relays what the upcoming pitch or pitch location is to the batter, then he too will be dealt with accordingly. In addition, stealing the third base coach's hand signal signs for communicating orders such as base-stealing, bunting or to hit-and-run, are also part of the code, and may warrant retribution. Sign stealing plays a big part of the code. Doing it with your eyes to figure out the poker-tells is kosher; using electronics or technology is outright cheating. Both have been a part of the game for more than a 100 years.
Plunkings are just a part of the game and players understand this. The pitchers do too, which is why it is oftentimes tough for them to have to plunk an innocent bystander who may even be a personal friend outside of the white lines. The batters know the situations and usually know when it is coming, and they accept it. They also know the history of bad blood between certain players or between certain teams. Maybe there were words spoken after a game; or in the media; or even a blow-out game that was deemed as disrespectful -- all or any of those things may warrant a plunking. Or, perhaps a flame-thrower such as Pedro Martinez is simply carrying a grudge. Needless to say, there are many reasons as to why retaliation strikes may occur.
Pitchers are so accurate, to within millimeters, that they can place the ball with pinpoint precision exactly where they want it. If a player gets hit in a certain spot, and the situation is ripe for payback, then there is no doubt as to whether or not a bean ball is just that, versus a mis-thrown wild pitch. That's the ballplayer's intuition, or sixth sense, taking over.
The unwritten rules of baseball are not just about payback and retribution. In fact, there are many, many more fascinating aspects and innuendos to it. Situations such as what a hitter should do on a 3-0 count in a blowout game are a part of the code too. If he is swinging for the fences in that situation, then the opposing team will have reason for retaliation on grounds of disrespect by both the hitter as well as the manager who gave him the green light in that situation. Run up the score on a team and payback will be certain, that much is for sure.
It is also understood that you don't try to steal a base or bunt with a five or six-run lead in the last three innings of a game either -- that is considered rubbing it in and may warrant retaliation as well. Furthermore, a hitter shouldn't try to embarrass the pitcher off whom he just homered, and conversely, the pitcher shouldn't try to mock the hitter that he just struck out. The code goes both ways.
Other idiosyncrasies which may warrant a pitcher taking issue may include something as nonchalant as a batter trying to gauge the rhythm and speed of a pitcher while he is in the on-deck circle. This is deemed as unfair and disrespectful to the pitcher and he may take offense as soon as the batter steps into the batter's box. There are just certain things that you don't do on the ball field, and that is one of them. These unwritten rules of the code oftentimes are learned the hard way by trial and error and baptism by fire. It usually only takes one 95 mph fastball to the ribs to figure it out.
Sometimes the pitcher will just toss what's called a brush-back pitch, to get the batter to back off the plate a little bit. Nowadays it's called "throwing inside." Pitchers want the batter to be a little bit scared and to back off a bit, so that they can have the outside of the plate to their advantage with the umpire. Sometimes, however, the batter will not budge. That may warrant a plunking, depending on the situation. Other times, the batter may take offense, claiming that real estate next to the plate to be his, and his alone. When this happens, bench clearing brawls are oftentimes the end result of two alpha males barking loudly and holding their ground. When emotions take over, it's on, and the fans love it.
When a bench-clearer ensues, usually the batter will charge the mound. The catcher will try to tackle him from behind, but it all happens very quickly. Punches are thrown and serious injuries can occur in the ensuing melee. Pitchers have to stand their ground, but don't want to risk breaking a knuckle on their throwing hand by doing something foolish. It is a dangerous few seconds to be sure.
Players wear long metal spikes and foreign objects such as bats, gloves and catcher's masks oftentimes end up as part of the fray. Opposing players from both sides sprint in from their positions on the field and are joined by the reserves from both dug-outs, as well as the players from the outfield bullpens. Everybody pairs up and tries to make sure there are no unfair two-on-one scenarios. The umpires try to keep order, but things can get ugly in a hurry. The code says that if a guy charges the mound, then the rest of the team had better follow... or else. There is no room for cowards on a baseball team, so players know that they better "show up," or else they may find themselves sent down to the minors, or worse yet, traded or even released.
Other rules of charging the mound include the batter never bringing the bat with him. Back in the old days of baseball there are many a story about batters getting revenge on pitchers who nailed them with their 44 oz. hunks of lumber. Stories of players getting maimed are legendary, and are an ugly sidebar to the history of the game.
Most big league managers want their players to police the game themselves, rather than the umpires. Legendary manager Tony La Russa, of the St. Louis Cardinals, acknowledged in his book that he has ordered pitchers to retaliate and drill guys in certain situations. Probably every manager has done so, but few admit it publicly. A manager can't just yell out to his pitcher from the dug-out to plunk a batter, so he must have other creative ways of communicating to him about what he wants done. Those nonverbal innuendos are all part of the code. It might be a look or it might be a sign called in to the third base coach which is then relayed to the catcher. If justice needs to be served, then the pitcher must react and do as he is instructed -- or he too will be breaking the code.
The code has changed in recent years though, for better and for worse. Major League Baseball has gone through more than its fair share of heartache and controversy as of late and it has been forced to tighten its belt so to speak. The commissioner's office put a greater onus on umpires to reduce the number of benches-clearing brawls these days, and as a result a warning system was put into place back in 2001. Now, when an ump has reason to believe that a batter is being thrown at, he warns both teams instantly that the next hit batter, intentional or not, will result in the pitcher and manager both getting ejected from the game. A fine and suspension may ensue as well. This has changed the landscape of the code, forcing the players to change and evolve their tactics to conform to the new rules.
The code also deals with other random subtle issues on and off the field as well. Issues such as "what happens in the locker-room, stays in the locker-room..." are a big part of the player's code of honor. "Perks" that veteran ballplayers receive, such as the prime locker location in the clubhouse, may also be a part of the code. Other intricacies include: the media not talking to the starting pitcher until after he is done pitching. In fact, some managers don't even want their own players talking to the starting pitcher before or during a game, as to not mess with his mental preparation or perhaps for superstitious reasons. And a player knows never, ever to remind a pitcher at any point during a game that he has a no-hitter going. That can jinx it all in a nanosecond. Consider things like this to be "subchapters of the code."
Lastly, there is an entire section of the code that deals with the relationships between the players and managers, and the umpires. Just exactly what can be said and not said to an ump without getting tossed is an art form all to itself. It is just understood that players do not talk about the ump's mother, or he will be given a one-way pass to the club house. Knowing what to say, how to say it and when to say it are all a part of the code, and it can get pretty humorous for sure. Stories here are plentiful. Beyond that, it is generally understood that if a batter disrespects an ump or tries to show him up, then he will not be getting any special favoritism, or "good calls" in the future. Cross the line with an ump and he will make you pay one way or another. Some claim that there is a code within the code when dealing with the umpires.
The bottom line with baseball's unwritten rules is that it all comes down to one word: respect: respect of the game, respect of the past history of the game, and a respect of the opposition. The code, in a nutshell, is about players sacrificing individual glory for the good of the team. Professional baseball players make millions of dollars on the field, and for many, millions more off of it through endorsement deals. Players want to be individuals and stand out in the crowd. They have big egos and big personalities, which put a big "I" in team. But, they have to know that if they choose to showboat and act disrespectful towards an opposing pitcher or opposing team, then there is a price to pay for that type of selfish behavior. The code makes sure of that. That is why the game polices itself at this level.
The book will delve into many taboo subjects surrounding the code, including bench clearing brawls, the abolishment of the designated hitter, and even the issue of drugs and steroids in the "juiced ball era." Yes, the code is about respect, but it is also about how the game polices itself; accountability; and even about how players build team camaraderie amongst one another through intimidation and retaliation. It is amazing what standing up for a teammate can do for team morale. Boys will always be boys, and when a teammate gets nailed, intimidated or disrespected, then the wheels of retaliation are set into motion. It could be bad blood between two players or teams, or a heat of the moment incident -- either way, baseball players will always find a way to even the score. Welcome to the baseball code. Play ball!

David Dorey is man. If you are serious about Fantasy Football then you need to read this book. It does'nt matter if you are new to Fantasy Football or are a seasoned vet. This book is a good read.

very well written. YOu will have to make excel files for your players so be prepared.

This book is a fantastic guide on how to play fantasy football and actually win! Author David Dorey is co-founder and co-owner of www.thehuddle.com. He has been following Fantasy Football for 20 years and is very knowledgeable about it.

In this book you will learn how to:

* Do mock drafts
* Build a winning team
* Make a cheat sheet of players to use for your draft
* Research your players
* Base your picks on this year, not last year, by calculating a player's value

This is the ultimate book for any Fantasy Football fan. I read it at the perfect time because after reading it I drafted my team for this season. I had notes about each player and was aware of which players were injured, what players were having contract disputes, and which players had a new head coach or coaching staff that could affect a player's playing time.

While fellow drafters laughed at my choices of players, I am very satisfied with my team as none of my players are injured or sitting on the sidelines, they're all starters. After passing on Clinton Portis, injured, Larry Johnson, holding out on a contract, I instead chose running back Thomas Jones who is healthy and will be starting.

This book is very informative, the information is easy to use and understand, and the graphs and charts were very helpful. I credit this book with making the draft a success for me this year and will suggest it to all my friends.

Armchair Interviews says: Fantasy football fans who want to win, better read this book.

I have played fantasy football since 1989, and this book taught me things I didn't know, reminded me of things I once knew but had forgot, and sharpened my focus heading into my redraft leagues' 2007 drafts. Buy it.

I have followed David Dorey at The Huddle for many years now. His insight and advice have always impressed me as down to earth and on the money, yet his words were never preachy. He always seems to explain concepts as if he were your friend beside you at the draft, not the jerk Champion who knows everything and tells you so. It is with this same refreshing style that Dorey presents all of the best of his many years of wisdom.

This book really could be titled the 'Best of David Dorey'. And that is precisely why you should pick up a copy, because it is the best from one of the best in the business. He explains how to draft for a team not just individual stars. Perhaps more important is his analysis of what to look for when creating your own projections and rankings. But personally I think his LAG analysis is the most effective way to really see what effect your leagues individual scoring system has on your draft.

One last point that must be mentioned. Not only does 'Fantasy Football: The Next level' give tons of great advice, but it also explains why these concepts are valid and................illustrates this with the numbers to prove it. This is truly a great book and one you need to own if you want to win at Fantasy Football consistently.

It was an ok manual type of reference book. It really needs to be updated to current training methods.

I'm 57 years old. I ran Cross Country for Joe Newton in 1963.
He STILL motivates me. Every time that I feel like quitting, I
think of Joe Newton, and it gets me going again. How's that for motivation?

Joe Newton is without a doubt the greatest cross country coach in America and quite possibly the world. I personally have the honor of running for him and I can tell there is nobody better. The motivational speeches he gives you are truly inspiring and are what bring the York cross country team together. Buy this book to learn about cross country and to learn about life.

This book is amazing. It only cracks the surface of this great man. There is now a film being made about coach Newton...

http://www.longgreenlinemovie.com

Joe Newton is the GOLD STANDARD when it comes to coaching high school cross country. Year in and year out his teams challenge for state and national titles. This book is not as good as the "Long Green Line" but that is THE book on high school cross country. This book stands by itself as an excellent, practical guide for coach, fan and runner. It is broken into easy to read sections and full of interesting antedotes. Joe Newton gives solid insight into his highly successful progam.

I am going to make this review very simple and straight forward to the best of my knowledge. Bruce Lee offers step-by-step illustrations of just about every move in this book. As for someone who hasn't been in martial arts(myself)for the past 10+ years I am very confident that I could execute most of these moves efficiently with practice. They are not hard but they are very effective. Speed becomes an issue with some of these moves. The book isn't about blocking your opponents blows in any form. This book is about quick counter-attacks. Bruce Lee obviously did not intend on waiting around for a chance to be hit.. He would attack at the same time his opponent would but SMARTER!! Good book! With confidence in yourself and practice you also will benefit from Bruce Lee. Once again, these are not flying kicks, acrobatics, or anything professional in nature. These moves are about using your brain quicker than your opponents. I hope you find this review helpful.

Bruce Teaches you how to fight just like him in a hard cover book. It really is Bruce teaching you from 1966 when he made this book. After he died his wife released it . I learned so much from learning Bruce's self defense techniques.
This HArd Cover Book is truely amazing.

Being the author of several books on the martial arts and fighting, I am always looking for books of exceptional quality to add to my library. If I have a book in my library, it's definitely worth owning. One such book is Bruce Lee's and M. Uyehara's, "Bruce Lee's Fighting Method; Volume 1: Self-Defense Techniques."

As is stated in the introduction to this and the other three volumes in the series, Bruce Lee never intended for these books to be published. However, since his untimely passing, his wife Linda decided that she would allow them to be published. Something we should all be thankful for.

What I will attempt to do in this review is to give you a well-rounded grasp of what Bruce has written and demonstrated for you in this series of books. Although nothing can replace the value of a qualified and competent instructor, a well written book can still provide you with a wealth of knowledge if you know how to realize it and obtain it.

1. Defense Against a Surprise Attack:

a. The best defense against a surprise attack is not to be surprised by an attack.
b. Awareness is the key and should be practiced at all times.
c. Bruce demonstrates 4 different scenarios in which an attacker attempts to surprise him with an attack.

2. Defense Against An Unarmed Assailant:

a. Bruce stated that he felt you are wasting your time and energy by studying set patterns of forms (kata). On this particular point I have to agree and disagree at the same time. If you are studying the forms and practicing them for their intended purpose it is definitely not a waste of time. However, if you are studying them incorrectly, then yes I would have to agree that for the most part it would be a waste of time.
b. Bruce demonstrates 9 different scenarios for defending yourself against an unarmed attacker.

3. Defense Against Grabbing:

a. The best defense against being grabbed is not to let them grab you in the first place.
b. However, once you have been grabbed the most practical defense is to use your hands.
c. Bruce demonstrates 16 different scenarios from which to defend from. These include wrist grabs, arm grabs, belt or pants grabs, etc.

4. Defending Against Choke Holds and Hugs:

a. Once again, the best defense against a choke or a hug is not to let them grab a hold of you in the first place.
b. However, once you have been grabbed the best defense is the most simple and effective.
c. Remember, awareness of you and your surroundings is the key.
d. Bruce demonstrates 11 different scenarios from which to defend from. These include various chokes, bear hugs with and without your arms being pinned, etc.

5. Self-Defense Against An Armed Assailant:

a. "You are at a disadvantage against someone with a weapon, so keep away from him."
b. You must constantly practice in order to have a chance in this type of situation.
c. Demonstrated in this section are 9 different scenarios for defending yourself against an attacker armed with a stick or staff.
d. Demonstrated in this section are 4 different scenarios for defending yourself against an attacker armed with a knife.
e. Demonstrated in this section are 2 different scenarios for defending yourself against an attacker armed with a handgun.

6. Defense Against Multiple Assailants:

a. Defending yourself against more than one opponent at a time is always harder.
b. However, having said that, just because there is more than one attacker doesn't necessarily mean you are at a disadvantage. Sometimes there is a disadvantage in numbers.
c. Bruce demonstrates 8 different scenarios from which to defend from when fighting against more than one attacker at a time.

7. Defense from a Vulnerable Position:

a. Always remember, "Anything goes when defending yourself."
b. Bruce demonstrates 3 different scenarios from which to defend from when sitting in a chair.
c. Bruce demonstrates 4 different scenarios from which to defend from when lying down.

Like any well written book, as much as you can learn from this book by reading it, you can learn just as much if not more by reading between the lines. I particularly enjoyed the simplicity of what Bruce was trying to relay throughout this and pretty much all of his books. What may work well for one person, may not work at all for another. Therefore, you as an individual needs to research the techniques that are out there and find those that work best for you and use them. Remember, there are no superior martial arts, only superior martial artists.

Who the hell is this who claims B.L. didn't write these books?
Go buy it, read it. Then judge for yourselves.
This is the best there is: The basics on Street Fighting and self defense.
Not the Basics as taught by traditional Chinese Boxing (KungFu)

Although you can't learn martial arts from a book, Lee's books are very good historical references from the late master. Lee was constantly changing and evolving his fighting arts and these books show a small slice in time of his fighting philosophy and techniques. The series is simple, yet interesting. Lee's Jeet Kune Do was to the 60s/70s what mixed martial arts is to modern times. These books certainly deserve a place on the shelf of any Bruce Lee fan.

As a long-time Feng Shui practitioner, I am well aware of the importance of life-affirming energy. The Wisdom Chi Kung: Practices for Enlivening the Brain with Chi Energy, by Mantak Chia, explains how to rid oneself of the "monkey chatter" and live a more clear, calm and vitalized existence.

After reading the book, I began the Inner Smile meditation technique with impressive results. I had been too agitated to begin a large projects these past few months and now I have dug right in! I feel calmer--more centered--and am easily able to focus on my project.

Well written and concise, I highly recommend this book.

I would also like to recommend two other books that will help raise the life-affirming energy in your home, which helps improve your chi. As a Feng Shui practitioner, I see many improvements, including greater clarity and calmness in my client's lives when I help them raise the chi energy in their homes. if clutter is a problem, try Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui. For overall tips on raising the energy in your home, try: Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet.

I bought this more than a year ago. Gave it a short trial and off it went to my bookshelf. At the beginning of this season, my handicap was 14(mainly due to a decent short game). I started practicing on the grass vs mat twice a week. As a result, I was forced to improve the fundamental of weight transfer.

I was going to play at poppy hills last month and I looked for the CD that comes with this book and listened to it in my car, but I don't think it helped me much during that round.

So why 4 stars?

I have realized that if I carefully follow the "L" drill mentioned in the book, it sets up the club on a good path and I can feel the club hitting the ball more squarely. As a result, the number of good hits went up significantly during the practice. So, in my opinion, the practice drills mentioned in the book has greater significance than the tempo theory covered in the book/CD.

I have had practice sessions where I was hitting the balls while listening to the tempo tones on my iPhone. Although, I was matching my swing to the tones, the results were inconsistent because I was not following the fundamentals consistently.

Whenever I follow the test tones along with setting up my hands in "L" position properly during my backswing, the entire swing becomes effortless with great results.

So, why not 5 stars?

That's because, greater emphasis is placed on tempo theory/tones. After you watch the video on the included CD, you get the feeling that if you can match my swing speed with the tones, you can hit the balls solid, your swing speed with increase, blah blah blah. In short, the book oversells tempo to beginning/intermediate golfer.

I recommend this book/CD along with "The Keys to the Effortless Golf Swing:..", to cover the fundamentals and tempo.

Good luck with your game and don't forget to practice your short game along with full swing! Cheers..

Tour Tempo is a very useful instructional book for someone who has an intermediate level of golf ability/experience. It may be the only golf book that deals with how fast one should swing, as opposed to the detailed positions and mechanics that also make up a golf swing. Tempo is indeed important in a golf swing, because a golf swing is not a static event.

This book is the perfect complement to another terrific instructional book, 'The Keys to the Effortless Swing' as Amazon noted.

As a coach and instructor I am allways looking for information that helps to explain aspects of the golf swing to my students. Tour Tempo has provided me with just another way of explaining what the effect of taking the club away to slowly will have on distance and direction. Thank you
John Novosel for your insite. Coach H.Turk Walker

Great product as everyone else points out. Such a simple idea, yet so remarkably capable of fixing your swing. I didn't realize just how mush I was trying to muscle the club, rather then let my natural tempo and fluidity carry it. I'm the kind of person who needs a swing thought, but at the same time they make me stiff and awkward. But if my swing thought is tempo, i.e. proper speed back and through, I become much more free loose and less timid, the club glides along rather then feeling like I have to reroute it and muscle it back to the ball. Truly a great book.

Tour tempo is easy to read, the concept is very simple to adopt and more importantly works! The downside is my wife thinks I have lost my mind walking around saying swing, set, through!

Purchased for my 13 year old son, who watches ESPN religiously. He was not thrilled. WAY too technical and boring for him. Just a word to the wise that teenagers probably won't be impressed. I thought the actual turf grass cover was pretty cool. It would make a great coffee table book. Unfortunately, my son doesn't have a coffee table. (I think it's under the bed right now- too bad).

This is a great looking coffee table book, being covered in fake grass, but more than that, and this is the important part, it's also a great read- Informative, punchy and packed with information about activities as diverse as Darts and Parkour. What more do you want from a sports book, eye catching and filled with sporting information. Highly recommended.

Saw this book in a local bookstore but found it here for half the price. Bought it for my sport-loving son for Christmas. He and I both love it. It shows the basic rules, attire and layouts for hundreds of sports...some of which I have never even heard of. Should come in handy for the upcoming 2008 Summer Olympics.

VERY COOL LOOKING BOOK and VERY detailed about all sports. Great for all the sport lovers in your life! Highly recommended.

Purchased for my grandson for Christmas. Granddaughter scanned it and wants one too. Both are sports enthusiasts; One is a young coach and the other a sports commentator on TV.

This book doesn't really provide anything of substance. It's written in a rather specious style interspersed with occasional bits of humor.

It could've been made better by actually making reccomendations rather than providing generic advice about things. I didn't come away from the book feeling like I actually learnt anything new.

This book has more than a few pages, and probably could've been used more constructively rather than endless anecdotes. Not so much 'an owner's manual' as the title suggests. More of a: we'll tell you what you've already been told before, and has been printed many times before, except we make a few jokes here and there.

This is the first book I've read by Mr. Christensen, and I doubt it will be my last.

This book outlines some of the biggest follies in training and dieting that many fighters fall victim too. We'd all like to believe that you can pig out on KFC and kick like Bruce Lee, but this book puts everything in perspective.

Some things in this book are things you've heard a thousand times, like eat your greens. However, some of the things in this book are the light of truth that people have been looking for. Christensen specifically addresses why that guy at the gym who drinks power-shakes, muscle milk and "monster" drinks isn't helping his body out at all, and why YOU can get better results if you mind your diet.

All in all the book is a spectacular reference for fighters of all styles from MMA to Kung Fu. It's written in an easy-to understand fashion, with plenty of humor in it.

A must have for any martial artist, regardless of style.

I give it 4 stars because it can take a bit of a pessimistic tone when it comes to giving people the bottom line. Even still, a great reference!

An excellent book to introduce yourself to the world of nutrition and training. This book helps debunk many of the fad diet myths and their "mass marketed misinfommercials". It also gives the novice a staring point to begin their traing as well as provide details for those more advanced in their training to add variety to the diet and workouts. A Recommended Read!!!

Practical advice for anyone active. I loved the style of writing, it was very easy to read, as if a friend were just speaking openly about nutrition to you. It's be no means dumbed down though, just put into a very user-friendly and understandable context.

Helpful hints for changing weight division, maintaining muscle growth and keeping your body in good condition in general, as well as tips on a number of pitfalls specific to fighters.

What I loved most was how practical their approach was. This is not one of the many miracle-diet books, they are very open and honest about the work involved in keeping your condition. They also understand that a fighter, like everyone else, is a human being and once in a while, you need to eat some damn pizza :).

Martial artists require proper training and nutrition to enhance development in their chosen art. The Fighter's Body an Owner's Manual: Your Guide to Diet, Nutrition, Exercise and Excellence in the Martial Arts by Loren W. Christensen and Wim Demeere cuts right to the essence of proper diet and exercise to put you on the road to becoming the best martial arts athlete you can be.

Christensen and Demeere outline the essentials of nutrition for martial artists, and provide guidance for losing weight, making weight, and dropping weight fast. They also teach you how to put on weight in the form of powerful muscle. The book ends with chapters on long term planning so you can live and train into old age injury free and tips on the proper mindset for eating and training for the martial artist.

This is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to improve their fitness, and especially the martial artist training to be the best possible.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author, speaker
Hard-Won Wisdom From The School of Hard Knocks, Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, and The Lock On Joint Locking series