Jonathan Bluestein's

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...It has always been surprising to me that we see so little martial arts literature aimed at a broader audience, and Bluestein has produced an exceptionally interesting contribution... Bluestein’s volume is easy to recommend. Here we have a rare example of a conceptual discussion of the martial arts that will be accessible and interesting to students from a wide variety of styles. Even students of non-Chinese systems are likely to find fascinating ideas and debates within these pages... his volume is remarkable for the type and variety of conversations that it seeks to start...

 

 

Ben Judkins, Wing Chun

Owner of Kung Fu Tea - one of the most popular martial arts blogs on the internet.

 

Reading this book was a sincere pleasure, a serious project which systematically explores the depths of this art to an impressive degree. A well researched text which addresses the historical, cultural, and technical aspects in great detail. Traditional components are combined with modern demonstration to make a truly useful reference for both practice and knowledge. I hope that this will become an established cornerstone of internal martial arts works, I will recommend this to my students, and to anyone who would like to develop a deeper understanding of internal arts.

Master Yang Hai, Xing Yi Quan, Cheng style Bagua Zhang, Chen style Taiji Quan

The teacher of thouands and a disciple of many famous masters, such as Feng Zhiqiang and Ma Hong 

 

Throughout my years of reading many manuscripts on the martial arts, this is the one publication that caused me to stand attention and deeply reflect on the contents thereof, providing me with a higher perspective.

 

 

Renshi Andries Douglas 

5th Dan, Shorin-ryu Karate

More reviews below the images of happy readers...

 

"When I received a review copy of this book I was prepared to be disappointed... To say I was wrong is an understatement........  The fact that this book contains ideas and insights that potentially may transform the martial arts practice of readers gave me a sense of immense hope for the future. The practice of the traditional martial arts is not doomed to die out as long as there are young, talented martial artists like Bluestein Shifu who are putting in the time in the kind of thoughtful, in-depth practice which produces the kind of experiences and observations recorded in this volume. If you are a lover of the martial arts then this book is one to be read and reread. I only hope that this is the first of many and that Bluestein Shifu thrives both as a practitioner of and researcher into the martial arts and as a teacher, passing on his knowledge to future generations."

Shifu Nigel Sutton, 45 years in the martial arts, best-selling author, teacher of Chen Man Ching Taiji Quan, Silat and Eskrima.

 

 

"Jonathan Bluestein's Research of Martial Arts rocks when it comes to the Yin and Yang of things! It presents an enourmously rich variety of in-depth commentary and a fluid examination of martial arts concepts; particularly when it comes to Chinese, Japanese and Okinawan arts."

Master Tony Pratt, 7th dan in Tang Soo Do and former competitive champion

 

 

"I literally cannot remember the last martial arts book I read in the past few years that was worth talking about. Until now....  I am very happy to say that this book is outstanding!... I forsee a permanent place on bookshelf for this particular book. If you have any interest in gaining a deeper understanding of the workings of both external and internal martial arts, I highly recommend you pick up Research of Martial Arts."

Jon Haas sensei, 9th dan Ninjutsu, founder of Warrior Fitness Training Systems

 

"This book is by far one of the most important texts for any martial artists or enthusiast. I have not read a book that I feel this strongly about since Lee's "Tao of Jeet Kune Do". Sifu Bluestein's detailed, and sometimes opinionated text offers a unique lens with which to view the Martial Arts through.....The book is of an academic quality peppered with relevant personal experience and insightful opinions presented with thought provoking poetic flair. If one aspires to be a well rounded scholar or Martial Artist, owning this book is probably one of the best decisions to further the pursuit of those aspirations."

- Jonah Young sensei, 5th Dan

 

"The first thing I think of regarding Jonathan Bluestein's Research of Martial arts is "WOW!"... what a fascinating look at martial arts, especially the Internal arts of China... You train your body in the training hall, and you train your mind with books such as this... As a martial arts instructor and practitioner of over 30 years, I thoroughly enjoyed this book."

Alain Burrese

Hapkido teacher, security expert

 

 

"A very ambitious book... a valuable contribution to our martial arts library... I am sure that in the future I will come back to this book and re-read certain sections, and will gain a deeper understanding...".

 

Dr. Don M. Tow

Taiji Teacher

Phd in Theoretical Physics

 

 

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"I have lots of martial arts books. There are books you read to laugh, others you read to understand something, and few others you read to learn. This book belongs to the last category - you read it and you learn a lot. It is a book that you should read carefully, and re-read some pages taking notes... This is one book every dojo should have"

- Xavier Vila i Espinoza, 4th Dan Kyusho Jutsu, Phd in Oriental Asian Studies

 

 

"Research of Martial Arts is a much-needed breath of fresh air in the otherwise stale world of martial arts literature... If you were to only read one book on martial arts this year, Research of Martial Arts would be an excellent choice". 

- David Tringali, teacher of Long Fist, Tai Chi and Bagua

 

 

 

 

"...At last, we have a book where a seriously devoted and young practitioner, Jonathan Bluestein, deals with essential concepts and the practice of martial arts in the spirit of openness and exchange...   The book openly discusses diverse concepts like 'investing in loss' and 'tensional integrity', and Jonathan homes in on the role of the mind and intent, as well as the holistic connections which relate to one's center / dan tian...  To find all these concepts and more united and discussed in one book is a huge bonus to anyone who may be devoting time and energy to exploring Chinese martial arts. ". 

- Paul Bradshaw, Life-long practitoner of Taiji Quan and a martial arts blogger

 

 

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"This book almost reads itself when you go through it, connecting invaluable information with a lifetime of experience... As this book transitions from methods of training external power into the vast world of internal power, it is sure to help the reader discern fact from fiction... Not only is this book a great read that is worth reading a few times to digest the richness of the information, it is a great contribution to society. It is part of the revolution of positive information to combat the superficial skin that society has been dying to shed. Do yourself a favor and pick it up. "

Shifu Robert J. Arnold,

Gao style Bagua Zhang

 

 

"Jonathan’s explanation of the theory of martial arts is comprehensive, well thought out and articulated... this book is a must have"

Rick Matz, martial arts blogger, MMA player

 

 

 

"Into this book, Bluestein says he put 5 years of work, and I'll say this - he put every bit...... Research of Martial Arts is a very solid piece of work. It has a wealth of information that any practitioner could use."

T.W. Smith, martial arts podcaster, Xing Yi practitioner and teacher

 

 

"An excellent read. I would highly recommend this book for any martial artist looking to broaden his or her knowledge"

Sifu Mike Arnold, Wing Chun 

 

"It is hard to do justice to the breadth of topics covered in this review but suffice to say there is something here for everyone... The quality of the writing is excellent and clear throughout... I would very much encourage all who have an interest in martial arts to go out and obtain a copy of this work..."

Bernard Kwan, martial arts blogger,

Gao style Bauga Zhang practitioner

 

"This is a great research book... Luckily, Jonathan had let us participate in his travel, so everyone could profit from the wealth of  the material he collected. In the end, only one question remains: Who will not benefit from a martial arts book like that?"

Shifu Martin Boedicker,

Martial arts author, Wu style Taiji Quan

 

 

"Good overview of (the martial arts), full of little jewels. I consider a book worth my while if it gives me one good tip for life. This book provides many such tips and even better... The book provides the student and teacher with a plethora of viewpoints from many different teachers and authors, from many experiences in the martial arts... "

Sharon Friedman, Systema instructor, student of Mikhail Ryabko 

 

 

"For the more seasoned practitioner... Mr. Bluestein's thoughts would resonate. His passion and devotion shine through, as does his commitment to sharing his insights and understanding."

Shifu Julian A. Dale, Eagle Claw Kung Fu and Liu He Ba Fa 

 

"...I found this book full of knowledge that is essential for any martial artist, and definately worth buying a copy of. It was my pleasure to read and review this book as I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it..."

- Rob Galbraith sensei, United Martial Arts JuJutsu

 

" It is a very impressive book. Well researched and referenced. In fact, the author's respect for the sources shine through... I especially enjoyed the discussion and analysis of the fascia, and its role in martial arts. The author is careful to present the different facets of martial arts in a balanced way, as they all work together holistically... From the author's essays, I can see that he is one who is humble, curious, and sees life as learning opportunities... The highlight for me was the interviews part of the book, covering interviews with masters I follow on YouTube, such as Chen Zhonghua, Yang Hai, and Strider Clark...Overall, fantastic read and I learned much. I have read literally over a hundred martial arts books so I don't say this lightly. "

- Gary Liu, Amazon.com reviewer

 

"...This book really opened my eyes, and I now see my own practice in a different light. So thank you mr. Bluestein for doing this hard work. I can't think of many other books I know of that gave me so much. Gonna recommend this one to all of my martial arts loving friends. Especially if you practice Chinese martial arts, but also if you are into understanding what is the science behing what you do, then this is a must buy..."

- Gal Shteinmatz, Amazon.com reviewer

 

"The passion and love by the author for the martial arts clearly shines though in this book. I was met with so many pleasant surprises during my readthrough, where Jonathan's explanations of many key concepts of the internal ats parallels the teachings of my own teachers so closely. The book gives a very good introduction to martial arts, but also gives extra love to Chinese martial arts and their various nuances and subtleties. A hearty thumbs up and recommendation for this book! Any student of martial arts will find useful insights and greater clarity for their practice."

- Aaron Lee, Amazon.com reviewer

click here to get the book now

 

"The book is very informative even for the beginner. But from my personal experience it unfolds its full potential for the intermediate or advanced practitioner who has the ability to draw parallels, make connections and conclusions and wants profound literature to broaden his/her horizon. Certainly a great book to read and have around to consult!"

- Tammo Trantow, Aikido teacher

 

"One of those books every serious Martial Artist should have on their shelves. Nicely bound and illustrated, it contains a wealth of knowledge.A LOT of research as well as personal experience has gone into the writing of this book.Although mostly based on Chinese systems, it is interesting and relevant to all stylists. Very technical at times, but inter spaced with poems written by Jonathan Bluestein himself which provide a restful oasis for the reader. The book finishes with interviews with various masters. A good long read."

- Gwyn Mowll sensei, Seki Ryu Zan dojo, 5th dan Shotokan Karate

 

"I give this book two thumbs up only because I don't have more thumbs!"

- Shifu Bob Yoder sensei

Founder of Tai Shu Do, 37+ years in the martial arts

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"A great book by Jonathan Bluestein. A must for the serious martial artist."

- Hanshi Rony Kluger, 8th Dan Goju-ryu

Founder of Karate Do International. 50+ years in the martial arts.

 

"To call this work "epic" would be understated. What Jonathan has done is really quite unique - and that is put down what appears to be his life's study into external and internal martial arts styles into book form. If anything, it shows the depth and breadth of Jonathan's knowledge...  For now, "Research of Martial Arts" is a mammoth achievement that contains a large body of knowledge particularly relevant to internal martial arts students. Those of us who dabble in both external and internal martial arts styles will also find it informative. With its detailed descriptions and generous illustrations, Jonathan Bluestein should be commended on a very impressive achievement."

- Dan Djurdjevic, martial arts teacher, author and blogger

Teacher of Xing Yi Quan, Bagua Zhang and Taiji Quan. Disciple of Chen Yun Ching (son of Chen Panling). 35+ years in the martial arts.