Let me preface my question: when packing for a 6 month trip in a very foreign country, I decided to take 4 vital indespensable books, to study further. One was a journal, the second The Onion: Dispatches from the Tenth Circle, the Third Staley's The Science of Martial Arts Training, and finally Effortless Combat Throws. I love the book, and the principles enumerated help me explain core concepts about throwing to others all the time.

I was rereading the book for the first time in a year or two last night, and I noticed some things. I think now that I spar and compete in Judo I am more aware of this than I was a few years ago. I was struck by some of the entries, and applications used to illustrate the throws.

My question: after 7+ years since publishing, how do you feel about some of the throws that you included, and some of the entry methods, and standing grappling methods? Specifically the throws that would be much more difficult against a trained wrestler of any kind, and the setups that rely on an uncontested grip that would again be difficult against a resisting opponent, like grabbing their head with both hands, or other grips that decent fighters won't let you keep?

I could see how some were to illustrate the principles behind the throws, and give examples, rather than an MMA how-to. That alone would be a sufficient answer. Just wondering what your thoughts were, or if you've changed your mind or approach since all this time has past and the martial arts world has changed so much(and maybe so little).

Jason,

"I could see how some were to illustrate the principles behind the throws, and give examples, rather than an MMA how-to."


You answered the question. The entries and throws were chosen to illustrate the principles, the book is not designed as a collection of techniques.

By the way, is the book still in print? I've tried to buy it on the amazon but I failed miserably...

Hi Andrea,

The book is still available through Unique Publications (the publishers of "Inside Kung Fu" magazine).

The very reason I love the book. It is the "why" of throwing! Rare.

Thanks a lot tim!

Tim rocks! He is a honest dude who speaketh a good part of the Truth about Martial Arts. He opened my eyes. Tim u da man!!
bob. from michigan