I...like it? This book has 5 chapters. Judo Karate Kendo Boxing and street fighting
The first four chapters are really good. They're researched very well and cover little things that only an expert might know. For example, the differences between a judo uniform and a karate uniform, the fact that if a corner man enters the ring during the round the boxer is disqualified, how to put on a kendo headwrap, things like that.
Also, the book does a very good job of covering both sexes. There's even a note that says "women usually wear a t shirt under their judo uniform, men don't" The beginning of the book also has some illustrations with some great ideas and techniques
However. The street fighting section is HORRIBLE. And that's the section I needed the most with the way I do my manga. Also, the artist of the street fighting section doesn't bother with facial expression AT ALL. ALL of the characters have the exact same expression on their face in every pose on every page of the last chapter. It's horrid.
But overall, a pretty good idea. Well researched and well drawn, save for the last chapter. I'd recommend the book to anyone who wants to learn how to draw real, accurate martial arts
Pretty good I must say, when you look at the cover you are going to expect the contents of the book to be a little different than what's in it. It's okay though, especially if you plan on drawing a manga that contains kendo, karate, and other forms of fighting. It gives you a run down on the gear you would use. So it's perfect for those who are interested in doing a action manga in that category.
Great reference for more of a realistic approach This is a great reference book. I must say though that the art inside isn't too, well.... pretty. Not that its horrible, but it certainly isn't as anime/manga'esc as the cover might suggest. So in that case, I suppose you'll just have to incorporate your own style with the poses and such inside.
This book is NOT for beginners. To those of you who are beginners, the pictures inside might be too confusing to imitate on a piece of paper.
Other then that get it, if none of the above are of any concern to you.
Not manga, but real. Don't let the cute cover-girl fool you; this isn't about manga fighting styles. These are real styles, with real people. There are also pages dedicated to the uniforms and equipment needed to make your drawings come to life. It's a very useful book.
It's decent When I first got this book I wasn't a very good artist, so I thought that it was bad. However, as my skill grew I realized it had alot more to offer then what I had originally though it had. I don't think the book would be very suitable for beginners, but for more intermediate artist I think it is rather helpful. The book features several styles of martial arts, like karate and judo and various outfits and positions that would be found in those sports. It makes an excellent reference for when you need to draw a fighting scene or someone wearing the uniform that would go with that individual martial arts.
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