Martial Art in Media
'Surviving the Martial Arts in Daily Life'
Nominated 'BOOK OF THE MONTH' by 'COMBAT MAGAZINE'
December 2005.
Reviewed by Combat Editor Malcolm Martin.
Much of what is said and written about the martial arts is done so with a reverential and po-faced attitude and it is fair to say that a sense of humour is often lacking in many clubs across the country-yes, we do tend to believe our own hype and take ourselves too seriously. With this in mind, Chris Perry's book is not only insightful but also a humorous breath of fresh air, as he pokes gentle fun at scenarios many of us will find all too familiar.
Chris Perry has trained in a wide range of martial arts, including judo, jiu-jitsu, karate, wing chun and kali and his experiences form the basis of this book, a mix of anecdotal morality tales, told in a light-hearted vein, and over 50 full page illustrations. One of the joys of the book is the fact that all of us will recognise at least one, possibly many more, of the characters affectionately spoofed-be it the egotistical head instructor or the over-zealous amateur.
Look beyond the gentle humour and there are subtle yet very necessary points made about our training, reminding us, through poking fun at our pretensions, that we are all only human and that humility is the best martial weapon. The way he does this, however, will often have you laughing out loud and remind you that some of the mystical feats we attribute to our arts are setting us up perfectly for a big fall.
The pen and ink line drawings are extremely detailed and the style reminiscent of the vintage newspaper strips. With this amount of time devoted to their structure, each print deserves at least a second viewing and more will be revealed. Witty, irreverent but ultimately truthful.
urviving the Martial Arts' will make a great Christmas present for the martial artist in your household and is guaranteed to bring a smile to his/her face.
From left to right: Author Chris Perry receiving his 'Official Grade Certification' 7th Degree Black Belt as Chief Instructor to the Western and Oriental Fighting Arts Association 'W.O.F.A'. Awarded by the British National Martial Arts Association 'B.N.M.A.A'. Alan Humm 3rd Dan Chief instructor Shui Bin Ju-Jitsu, associated 'W.O.F.A' and student to Chris. Gavin Peacock, Director of Business Development, 'Breakthrough Interactive Group Europe LTD. 'Online.Offline.On air.' Next Silvio Simac, World Championship Gold Medal in Taekwondo, 14 British Championships and 4 European championships. He is a talented 'action actor' and up and coming movie star appearing in: Luc Besson's "Unleashed." Staring along-side Jet Li, Bob Hoskins and Morgan Freeman. Other titles include "Undisputed 2" "Black Mask 2" "Dead or Alive" - that will do, sorry Silvio but I am running out of room....but we get the picture! And finally last but not least Senior Sensei Mark Smith 3rd Dan 'W.O.F.A' receiving MASTARR's top level UK Coaching Certificate. Well done Mark! I must say...what a motley crew they all make.
Author's note: Gavin Peacock is Director of Business Development Europe for Breakthrough Interactive Group (BIG), with offices currently in the US and London. BIG's mission is to establish itself as the premier, multi-channel, family-friendly, lifestyle destination and brand that celebrate the fun and benefits of participation in any forms of martial arts for all ages and backgrounds. BIG are due to go live on 07 July with MAC Experience, its groundbreaking online video, audio, ecommerce and social & business networking site. Gavin and his colleagues in the US are absolutely passionate about developing and deepening links with the global martial arts community to seek out content and relationships throughout the world because MAC Experience will only be as successful as its users want it to be....so get involved and have some fun! Website: TBA
Mel Spicer
(Pictured here with Chris)
"I thoroughly enjoyed this book - especially the fantastic drawings - they are absolutely amazing. Also, from the perspective of a multi-martial arts practitioner, such as myself, I feel this unique and unpretentious book offers a real insight into the arts in general and therefore will appeal to all disciplines of martial arts regardless of style"
Author's note: Amongst her many other titles, Chief Instructor Mel Spicer is the current British Full Contact Kickboxing Champion and a qualified 4th Dan. Together with her skill and natural prowess as a fighter, Mel's technical and teaching abilities are second to none. I am certain that this impressive young lady will soon add the 'World Kickboxing Title' to her many honours. ( keep watching this space! ) Good luck Mel!
In order to find out more email: melspicer@hotmail.co.uk
Website: silverdragonsmartialarts.co.uk
James Sinclaire
"I first met Chris Perry over 20 years ago. He was already practicing Jui Jitsu at this time and went on to learn Wing Chun from one of my former training partners. It is good to see that Chris has continued his training and has taken considerable time and effort to create a book that gives the beginner an insight into the world of martial arts, and the existing martial artist a 'potential kick in the butt'. What is more appealing is the scant disregard for ego and politics. Chris has an innate way of demystifying the Martial Arts with humour and honesty.
Chris has recollected many of his experiences and in his book, 'Surviving the Martial Arts', is carrying on the time honoured tradition of 'exchanging lies'...... I would recommend this book for its ability to pass on many of the more profound meditations and 'attitudes of mind' that one should have in a way that anyone can understand and apply. His artistic skill with pen and ink is superb and my thought is that there is surely a very highly paid job out there for this man in gossip columns. All cartoonists and martial artists, beware....".
Author's note: You really do need to visit Master James Sinclair's website in order to fully appreciate the remarkable achievements of this most talented of martial artists. James has trained with the best there is in the amazing art of 'Wing Chun' and has endured many trials and tribulations. Having been proved in adversity James has since emerged as one of the UKs leading instructors in this remarkably effective art form.
In order to find out more email: info@ukwingchun.com Website: ukwingchun.com
Stephen Merritt
"I’m not sure if it is a universal rule or just one that applies to British males, but from my own experience most of us wonder through life learning by our mistakes. We are normally too shy and restrained to ask questions, we might look stupid, so we blunder along learning the hard way. If someone tells us not to touch as it is hot we have to check for ourselves! Well Chris Perry has written an excellent book in which shows he has observed the same mistakes and misconceptions taking place in the Martial Arts and like me I guess has burnt his fingers many times. The book is packed with information that can normally only be learned the hard way, Chris has put it in a form that is fun and easy to read. The best way to learn any new subject is when it is presented in a fun and enjoyable way. I can highly recommend this book to any new student of the Martial Arts and all old students like me, as the stories bring back similar memories from the past. I’m looking forward to reading Volume 2".
Author's note: Stephen Merrett is a martial artist of repute and a man who quite literally ' puts his money where his mouth is!' Steve's Chosho Academy is amongst the best full-time studios in Essex. Steve has a degree in Sports Science, is a full time martial arts instructor teaching Kali, Karate, Ju jitsu and Kickboxing. He has been training in the Martial Arts for 32 years, graded to 6th dan in Karate, with black belt grades in a number of striking and grappling arts.
More information on Steve can be found at Chosho.co.uk
Albie O'Connor
"I think Chris, in some way, wanted the newer breed of martial artists to have some idea of what went before them. Chris has exceeded this expectation and in a light hearted, humorous manner. But many of the martial artists who have been around the block (a few times now), will embrace this book with a warm feeling of nostalgia, some cringe factors and a smile. Even more so when they recognise themselves or others known to them."
Author's note: They don't come a lot better than Sensei Albie O'connor. A much travelled and experienced instructor, this highly talented martial artist is widely respected not only for his in-depth knowledge but for his good-natured willingness to share his art to the full. Albie writes his own column for 'Traditional Karate Magazine' from which many have greatly benefited. His dedicated approach to his art, as can be seen from the pictures on his website, depicts Albie further developing his Kobudo skills in an Okinawa dojo.
In order to find out more email: kobudo@blueyonder .co.uk
Website: sessenryukarate.co.uk
Sarah Jones
Registered Physiotherapist with Health Professions Council
and Qualified sports therapist
(Picture coming soon)
"An excellent insight into the world of martial arts, whether you are a complete novice or a Bruce Lee equivalent. Being a novice myself I have a few books on different arts collected in the vein hope that after reading them I would become an instant expert, but eventually I just tend to read the beginning and pick bits out because they are too difficult to digest. However, Chris Perry's book is more light hearted and wills you to read the next cartoon and the next, a very infectious book. although light hearted there is a serious side to the book which is very informative with good training techniques and advice.
The cartoons are brilliant and funny and definitely have to be looked at more than once so as not to miss the subtle comedy, and occasional micky taking.
Once I read this book I took great pleasure in the knowledge that I am not the only one who makes a fool out of themselves in the name of martial arts!!"
Author's note: In over four decades of continuous martial arts, military and sports training, it is inevitable that from time to time I have succumbed to the odd injury that requires the services of an experienced, qualified sports physiotherapist. Of course there are many excellent therapists to choose from and I can only 'speak as I find' but every once in a while I come across an exceptionally gifted individual, as is the case with Sarah Jones. I would therefore, unreservedly, recommend this talented Physio to all martial artists and sports men and women who are in need of courteous and professional assistance, in order to get them back into regular training as quickly as possible. In order to find out more contact me directly at: chris@wofa.co.uk
British National Martial Arts Association
Best book in Martial Arts
This is simply one of
the best books I’ve ever read!
A modern and exciting philosophical book for all martial artists. Few
martial artists realise how martial arts is in everyday life, after
reading the book you can identify many parodies and links with martial
artists, martial arts schools and old instructors etc.
Matching modern culture with martial arts is essential and the humorous
edge in this book is subtle and superb and a truly enlightening
experience. I feel certain this is one of the most original and greatest
martial arts books of all time.
Refreshing, exceptional, different, funny and highly recommended.
Regards
Paul Griffin
© 2005 WOFA
Sarah Jones
Registered Physiotherapist with Health Professions Council
and Qualified sports therapist
(Picture coming soon)
"An excellent insight into the world of martial arts, whether you are a complete novice or a Bruce Lee equivalent. Being a novice myself I have a few books on different arts collected in the vein hope that after reading them I would become an instant expert, but eventually I just tend to read the beginning and pick bits out because they are too difficult to digest. However, Chris Perry's book is more light hearted and wills you to read the next cartoon and the next, a very infectious book. although light hearted there is a serious side to the book which is very informative with good training techniques and advice.
The cartoons are brilliant and funny and definitely have to be looked at more than once so as not to miss the subtle comedy, and occasional micky taking.
Once I read this book I took great pleasure in the knowledge that I am not the only one who makes a fool out of themselves in the name of martial arts!!"
Author's note: In over four decades of continuous martial arts, military and sports training, it is inevitable that from time to time I have succumbed to the odd injury that requires the services of an experienced, qualified sports physiotherapist. Of course there are many excellent therapists to choose from and I can only 'speak as I find' but every once in a while I come across an exceptionally gifted individual, as is the case with Sarah Jones. I would therefore, unreservedly, recommend this talented Physio to all martial artists and sports men and women who are in need of courteous and professional assistance, in order to get them back into regular training as quickly as possible. In order to find out more contact me directly at: chris@wofa.co.uk
British National Martial Arts Association
Best book in Martial Arts
This is simply one of
the best books I’ve ever read!
A modern and exciting philosophical book for all martial artists. Few
martial artists realise how martial arts is in everyday life, after
reading the book you can identify many parodies and links with martial
artists, martial arts schools and old instructors etc.
Matching modern culture with martial arts is essential and the humorous
edge in this book is subtle and superb and a truly enlightening
experience. I feel certain this is one of the most original and greatest
martial arts books of all time.
Refreshing, exceptional, different, funny and highly recommended.
Regards
Paul Griffin
© 2005 WOFA
Sarah Jones
Registered Physiotherapist with Health Professions Council
and Qualified sports therapist
(Picture coming soon)
"An excellent insight into the world of martial arts, whether you are a complete novice or a Bruce Lee equivalent. Being a novice myself I have a few books on different arts collected in the vein hope that after reading them I would become an instant expert, but eventually I just tend to read the beginning and pick bits out because they are too difficult to digest. However, Chris Perry's book is more light hearted and wills you to read the next cartoon and the next, a very infectious book. although light hearted there is a serious side to the book which is very informative with good training techniques and advice.
The cartoons are brilliant and funny and definitely have to be looked at more than once so as not to miss the subtle comedy, and occasional micky taking.
Once I read this book I took great pleasure in the knowledge that I am not the only one who makes a fool out of themselves in the name of martial arts!!"
Author's note: In over four decades of continuous martial arts, military and sports training, it is inevitable that from time to time I have succumbed to the odd injury that requires the services of an experienced, qualified sports physiotherapist. Of course there are many excellent therapists to choose from and I can only 'speak as I find' but every once in a while I come across an exceptionally gifted individual, as is the case with Sarah Jones. I would therefore, unreservedly, recommend this talented Physio to all martial artists and sports men and women who are in need of courteous and professional assistance, in order to get them back into regular training as quickly as possible. In order to find out more contact me directly at: chris@wofa.co.uk
British National Martial Arts Association
Best book in Martial Arts
This is simply one of
the best books I’ve ever read!
A modern and exciting philosophical book for all martial artists. Few
martial artists realise how martial arts is in everyday life, after
reading the book you can identify many parodies and links with martial
artists, martial arts schools and old instructors etc.
Matching modern culture with martial arts is essential and the humorous
edge in this book is subtle and superb and a truly enlightening
experience. I feel certain this is one of the most original and greatest
martial arts books of all time.
Refreshing, exceptional, different, funny and highly recommended.
Regards
Paul Griffin
© 2005 WOFA
Sarah Jones
Registered Physiotherapist with Health Professions Council
and Qualified sports therapist
(Picture coming soon)
"An excellent insight into the world of martial arts, whether you are a complete novice or a Bruce Lee equivalent. Being a novice myself I have a few books on different arts collected in the vein hope that after reading them I would become an instant expert, but eventually I just tend to read the beginning and pick bits out because they are too difficult to digest. However, Chris Perry's book is more light hearted and wills you to read the next cartoon and the next, a very infectious book. although light hearted there is a serious side to the book which is very informative with good training techniques and advice.
The cartoons are brilliant and funny and definitely have to be looked at more than once so as not to miss the subtle comedy, and occasional micky taking.
Once I read this book I took great pleasure in the knowledge that I am not the only one who makes a fool out of themselves in the name of martial arts!!"
Author's note: In over four decades of continuous martial arts, military and sports training, it is inevitable that from time to time I have succumbed to the odd injury that requires the services of an experienced, qualified sports physiotherapist. Of course there are many excellent therapists to choose from and I can only 'speak as I find' but every once in a while I come across an exceptionally gifted individual, as is the case with Sarah Jones. I would therefore, unreservedly, recommend this talented Physio to all martial artists and sports men and women who are in need of courteous and professional assistance, in order to get them back into regular training as quickly as possible. In order to find out more contact me directly at: chris@wofa.co.uk
British National Martial Arts Association
Best book in Martial Arts
This is simply one of
the best books I’ve ever read!
A modern and exciting philosophical book for all martial artists. Few
martial artists realise how martial arts is in everyday life, after
reading the book you can identify many parodies and links with martial
artists, martial arts schools and old instructors etc.
Matching modern culture with martial arts is essential and the humorous
edge in this book is subtle and superb and a truly enlightening
experience. I feel certain this is one of the most original and greatest
martial arts books of all time.
Refreshing, exceptional, different, funny and highly recommended.
Regards
Paul Griffin
© 2005 WOFA
Sarah Jones
Registered Physiotherapist with Health Professions Council
and Qualified sports therapist
(Picture coming soon)
"An excellent insight into the world of martial arts, whether you are a complete novice or a Bruce Lee equivalent. Being a novice myself I have a few books on different arts collected in the vein hope that after reading them I would become an instant expert, but eventually I just tend to read the beginning and pick bits out because they are too difficult to digest. However, Chris Perry's book is more light hearted and wills you to read the next cartoon and the next, a very infectious book. although light hearted there is a serious side to the book which is very informative with good training techniques and advice.
The cartoons are brilliant and funny and definitely have to be looked at more than once so as not to miss the subtle comedy, and occasional micky taking.
Once I read this book I took great pleasure in the knowledge that I am not the only one who makes a fool out of themselves in the name of martial arts!!"
Author's note: In over four decades of continuous martial arts, military and sports training, it is inevitable that from time to time I have succumbed to the odd injury that requires the services of an experienced, qualified sports physiotherapist. Of course there are many excellent therapists to choose from and I can only 'speak as I find' but every once in a while I come across an exceptionally gifted individual, as is the case with Sarah Jones. I would therefore, unreservedly, recommend this talented Physio to all martial artists and sports men and women who are in need of courteous and professional assistance, in order to get them back into regular training as quickly as possible. In order to find out more contact me directly at: chris@wofa.co.uk
British National Martial Arts Association
British National Martial Arts Association
Best book in Martial Arts
This is simply one of
the best books I’ve ever read!
A modern and exciting philosophical book for all martial artists. Few
martial artists realise how martial arts is in everyday life, after
reading the book you can identify many parodies and links with martial
artists, martial arts schools and old instructors etc.
Matching modern culture with martial arts is essential and the humorous
edge in this book is subtle and superb and a truly enlightening
experience. I feel certain this is one of the most original and greatest
martial arts books of all time.
Refreshing, exceptional, different, funny and highly recommended.
Regards
Paul Griffin
© 2005 WOFA
British National Martial Arts Association
Best book in Martial Arts
This is simply one of
the best books I’ve ever read!
A modern and exciting philosophical book for all martial artists. Few
martial artists realise how martial arts is in everyday life, after
reading the book you can identify many parodies and links with martial
artists, martial arts schools and old instructors etc.
Matching modern culture with martial arts is essential and the humorous
edge in this book is subtle and superb and a truly enlightening
experience. I feel certain this is one of the most original and greatest
martial arts books of all time.
Refreshing, exceptional, different, funny and highly recommended.
Regards
Paul Griffin
© 2005 WOFA
British National Martial Arts Association
Best book in Martial Arts
This is simply one of
the best books I’ve ever read!
A modern and exciting philosophical book for all martial artists. Few
martial artists realise how martial arts is in everyday life, after
reading the book you can identify many parodies and links with martial
artists, martial arts schools and old instructors etc.
Matching modern culture with martial arts is essential and the humorous
edge in this book is subtle and superb and a truly enlightening
experience. I feel certain this is one of the most original and greatest
martial arts books of all time.
Refreshing, exceptional, different, funny and highly recommended.
Regards
Paul Griffin
© 2005 WOFA
Best book in Martial Arts
This is simply one of
the best books I’ve ever read!
A modern and exciting philosophical book for all martial artists. Few
martial artists realise how martial arts is in everyday life, after
reading the book you can identify many parodies and links with martial
artists, martial arts schools and old instructors etc.
Matching modern culture with martial arts is essential and the humorous
Best book in Martial Arts
This is simply one of the best books
I’ve ever read!
A modern and exciting philosophical book for all martial artists. Few
martial artists realise how martial arts is in everyday life, after
reading the book you can identify many parodies and links with martial
artists, martial arts schools and old instructors etc.
Matching modern culture with martial arts is essential and the humorous
edge in this book is subtle and superb and a truly enlightening
experience. I feel certain this is one of the most original and greatest
martial arts books of all time.
Refreshing, exceptional, different, funny and highly recommended.
Regards
Paul Griffin
© 2008 WOFA