Lessons from the Art of Kempo: Subtle and Effective Self-Defense

by Fred Neff

Book Overview

This book discusses modern kempo. There is discussion of its historical connection to diverse arts such as shaolin chuan-fa and ju-jutsu. Other topics include kempo philosophy, meditation, physical... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Library Binding
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0822511606
• ISBN13: 9780822511601
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Lerner Publications
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

LESSONS FROM THE ART OF KEMPO TAUGHT ME HOW TO WIN A FIGHT

Growing up I was very timid about fighting. Shortly after graduating from high school, I decided to try to learn how to defend myself at a local Kempo school. Although I diligently practiced Kempo for six months, I continued to do very poorly in trying to apply what I learned in sparring with an opponent. One day, a visting instructor took over our Kempo class. He gave an exibition of his skills that was impressive. I then tried sparring with an opponent and, as ususal, was a real flop. After the match, the visiting instructor gave me some pointers and recommended that I read a book by Fred Neff on Kempo. I bought the book and started to use the book's strategic approach to fighting. My sparring skills greatly improved. Later, a guy who was supposedly a terror, picked a fight with me at a dance. I used the techniques from the Kempo book and the strategy for their application to defeat that guy. I strongly recommend Lessons from the Art of Kempo.

Lessons from the Art of Kempo teaches what works

There are a number of different kempo (fist-way) styles, but from my experience, the type of techniques and tactics taught in Lessons from the Art of Kempo work best for me. My first Kempo teacher taught that traditional kempo used both fist and open hand blows and that it was up to each practitioner to choose the combinations that best worked for him. I later moved and started studying at antoher school that practiced a different style of kempo. While this new school also practiced traditional kempo, it emphasized out maneuvering opponents with strategy rather than just moving in suddenly with a shower of quick blows as I had learned to do. The book on Lessons from the Art of Kempo was used by practitioners at this school as a study guide to supplement training. Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to continue to study at that school long, because of my pressing work schedule. Shortly after discontinuing my practice, I did, however, have to defend myself against a guy who was much bigger and had a lot of street fighting experience. It was quite a fight! This brawler showed me that rushing in with a fast series of blows does not always work in a street fight. I tried a quick combination of open hand blows on him, but he evaded some of them and absorbed others while causing me a great deal of pain with his short punches to my body and head. Like the old saying goes, fools rush in where angels fear to tread. I credit finally coming out on top to using the strategy explained in Lessons from the Art of Kempo to wear out my opponent. For my money, Fred Neff's book on Lessons from the Art of Kempo is a tremendous value.

Learn Authentic Kempo

Authentic Kempo is presented in a straight-forward manner geared to the person who wants to use the book as a study guide in the excellent book Lessons From the Art of Kempo. After using this Kempo book as a study guide, I was very impressed. Having observed different Kempo styles, I found that this book's Kempo techniques are especially practical. The book is very well written, illustrated and laid out, which makes it easy to use as a learning tool. I plan to continue to use this book as a continued resource in following my interest in Kempo. This book is the best book of its type I have ever seen and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to get more information on the art of Kempo.

Very informative, and enthrolling!

I was skeptical at first, but then reading this book opened my mind to the idea of martial science. I would practice techniques and try to memorize the combos. A while later I was attacked, using the skills in Fred Neff's book, I prevailed in my fight. It was more then keeping my wallet, but establishing my pride.

Excellent book for young beginners.

This book is a great addition to a young persons martial arts library. It takes and extremely positive approach about the art and about life; it stresses it's basic discipline principles and how to act positively. I highly recommend this old, but not forgotten resource to the young practitioner.