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Axe Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 3) | 
| Author: Shawn Kovacich
Publisher: Chikara Kan, Inc.
Category: Book
Buy New: $19.95
New (6) Used (4) Collectible (2) from $19.95
Avg. Customer Rating:  10 reviews
Sales Rank: 1479021
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1st
Pages: 272
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 6 x 0.8
ISBN: 0970749627
EAN: 9780970749628
ASIN: 0970749627
Publication Date: February 14, 2007
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Product Description
This book is the third volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of books.
This book, like all the other books in the series, goes into intricate detail over all aspects of executing the two co-primary kicks, which in this case are the Out-to-In Axe Kick & In-to-Out Axe Kick, and several of their main variations.
Starting with a basic anatomical analysis of these kicks, you quickly progress to the basic principles associated with the Axe Kick, and then you dive right into learning the proper execution of the co-primary kick, Out-to-In Axe Kick.
Once you have finished with this section, you are taken to the variations chapter which builds upon the primary kick, Out-to-In Axe Kick, by teaching you 5 of its main variations. This is followed immediately by learning the proper execution of the other co-primary kick, In-to-Out Axe Kick followed by the variations chapter which builds upon this co-primary kick, In-to-Out Axe Kick, by teaching you 5 of its main variations.
From here you are taken to the Training and Practice Methods chapter for a look at some very simple, yet effective methods for adding speed and power to your kicks.
Your next chapter takes a question and answer approach to some of the most common problems people have executing these kicks and the solutions to correct them.
The next chapter in this book deals with a brief application section for each of the kicks previously detailed in this book. Please be advised that a second ten volume series of books is currently being written which deals strictly with the combat applications of each kick, and how to defend against it.
The book then gives you a sneak preview of the next volume in the series, which in this case is the Crescent Kick.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 5 more reviews...
The Single Best Resource on Axe Kick Mechanics and Technique October 19, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The more I've read in this series, the more I appreciate the effort Shawn Kovacich puts into each book. Aside from individual teaching from an Enlightened Master, there is no better way to learn the Axe Kick from the ground up. The book progresses from anatomy to basic techniques and then moves through several variations. The photos and illustrations are excellent and clear, as is the writing style. I found the Trouble Shooting section particularly helpful since it is structured in a question and answer format. In my opinion, the books in this series are the best around, and I've read several.
Axe Kick: The Power of Perfection! August 7, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Author Shawn Kovacich has exploited an important niche in his "Achieving Kicking Excellence" series of martial arts instructional texts.
Shawn is quoted as saying "In an unarmed self-defense encounter, your kicking skills or lack thereof, can be the deciding factor between victory and defeat. In today's society, kicking is not only used more frequently, but it also ranks as perhaps the most versatile and underrated weapon that you have in your arsenal." I agree with him.
I found "Axe Kick" (volume 3 of 10 in the series) to be so highly detail oriented that it overcame any presupposition of dryness and boredom to which I initially attributed to it. In short, I was "hooked." Laid out in terms that the novice can easily follow and the practicing martial artist can incorporate into his or her regimen, Shawn starts out with the historical background of the Axe Kick and then introduces the reader to the physical and physiological body movements and mechanics associated with the kick.
Providing tips on conditioning and training, Shawn demonstrates foot movement by foot movement the Axe Kick's basic principles and then introduces the primary In-to-Out Axe Kick and then Out-to-In Axe Kick to his audience and follows with six variations of each; (some of which I have never even heard of!).
Shawn demonstrates the principles of each kick with clear photographs that leave nothing to the imagination. Fortifying the text with chapters on "Warm Up and Stretching," "Training and Practice Methods," "Trouble Shooting Guide," and "Kicking Applications," to name a few, Shawn provides the reader with more than a full understanding of what could and mistakenly be known as a "simple kick."
Totally complete at 258 pages, and chocked with all sorts of valuable information from the "nuts and bolts" of technique description and demonstration to body dynamics, this is without a doubt the "gold standard" by which any examplar of martial arts kicking should be judged by.
This book can stand alone or be incorporated within the series. I rate it at five stars without hesitation or reservation. Well done!
Another Winner From Kovacich August 6, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Shawn Kovacich has proven himself to be an author that consistently produces top quality books in the martial arts field. His Achieving Kicking Excellence series has maintained the same quality throughout each book and Axe Kick is no exception. It follows the same format and the same quality technical instruction as the other books in the series.
This book leaves nothing out. It covers everything including the anatomy of the leg, stretching, vital targets, foot positioning, timing, distancing, and the importance of correct recoil. Shawn Kovacich covers variations on the axe kick which I haven't considered before, and I have been studying martial arts for 25 years. He also delves into training drills, weight training, speed training, and covers several ways to develop your kicking power.
Axe Kick is very well written and easy to follow. So many of the technical martial arts books are so dry and boring that is is a struggle to get through them, but Axe Kick uses a lot of analogies and great photographs which make it interesting and easy to follow the author's points. I especially found the "did you notice anything wrong photographs" and the trouble shooting section to be very helpful. The pictures really helped to drive home specific points and demonstrated specific mistakes, as well has how a good back kick should look.
Shawn Kovacich obviously knows his stuff! I am totally impressed with this book, as well as all the other books in the series. I highly recommend this book to every martial artist who wants to improve his or her kicking skills. His attention to detail and to helping others develop their kicking skills to the best of their abilities some through. He truly has a passion for kicking, and it shows! Buy it!!
Dr. Bohdi Sanders, author of Warrior Wisdom: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior
Axe Kick Excellence July 3, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Like all the titles in Shawn Kovacich's Achieving Kicking Excellence series, book 3 Axe Kick is a comprehensive study of one of the important kicks used in modern martial arts today. The book is incredibly thorough with numerous photos demonstrating the every aspect of the kick in minute detail. Mr. Kovacich knows his stuff and it is obvious that he has spent many hours honing his technique. The book provides an in-depth study of the bones, muscles and mechanics involved in the kicking technique.
In addition, the book contains a wealth of supplemental information on strength, speed and power generating exercises to enhance the technique. There is also a section on stretching as well as the application of the technique.
This book is ideal for any martial artist who wishes to perfect their axe kicking ability. The beginner will find a wealth of information to assist in developing proper mechanics while the advanced practitioner will glean some vital knowledge from an accomplished teacher.
Be sure to check out the other books in this series. You are sure to find one that addresses the specific kick that you need work on.
Aaron Hoopes
author of Zen Yoga: A Path to Enlightenment through Breathing, Movement and Meditation
Excellent resource for any martial artist! September 30, 2007
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
The third volume of Shawn Kovacich's Achieving Kicking Excellence series is Axe Kick, and like the first two it is an excellent resource regarding this specific kick. Like other books in this series, Kovacich wrote a text with detailed explanations on the execution and application of the axe kick and its variations. Also like the others in the series, this is the most complete written description with photographs of the axe kick that I know of, and is an excellent addition to any martial artist's library. It will be especially beneficial to those that teach the axe kick and variations in their curriculums.
The author, Shawn Kovacich, set two world records for endurance high kicking that were certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, and has an impressive record in the tournament circuit having competed in tournaments such as the Sabaki Challenge among others. With those credentials, I expect him to provide solid instruction on the execution and application of kicks, and he definitely delivers.
Axe Kick includes brief chapters on basic anatomy, warm up and stretching, strength, speed, and power. Many martial artists, especially instructors, will have more complete references on these topics. However, it is nice to have these brief chapters that have the basics all in one volume, especially for those that do not have a large martial art library. I feel it is important that Kovacich includes these if for nothing more than to introduce the basics and encourage the reader to seek out more instruction on these important elements to kicking. I have said the same thing about the other volumes in the series, but include it here as well to make this review stand on its own.
The reason to include this book in your library is for the instruction on the axe kick. Kovacich starts out with a very good description of the basic principles of movement for the axe kick including target areas. He then delivers an excellent description with pictures of how to perform the out-to-in axe kick. I don't think a person could give a better explanation with pictures in written form than Kovacich does here. The next chapters teach variations of the axe kick including: Back Spin Out-to-In Axe Kick; Spin Back Out-to-In Axe Kick; Off-Setting Out-to-In Axe Kick; Switch Out-to-In Axe Kick; and the Step Back Out-to-In Axe Kick.
After the descriptions of the variations, Kovacich gives detailed instruction with pictures of the In-to-Out Axe Kick. This chapter is followed by the variations: Off-Setting In-to-Out Axe Kick; Cross-Over In-to-Out Axe Kick; Hop/Slide Forward In-to-Out Axe Kick; Hop/Slide Backward In-to-Out Axe Kick; and the Switch In-to-Out Axe Kick.
Kovacich includes training and practice methods, a trouble shooting guide, and axe kick applications in subsequent chapters. This rounded out the book to make it a complete stand alone volume on the axe kick, and by far the best resource out there on this difficult technique.
One of the things I really enjoy in this series of books is the notes. Each chapter has notes and in these you find excellent gems of wisdom. Not only will they help your kicking on the described kick, but are relevant to other kicks too. For instance, in this volume, one of the notes states, "The ability to effectively and efficiently utilize high section kicks depends primarily on the following four factors. A: Your expertise in kicking. B: Your overall flexibility and physical condition. C: Your environment at the time. D: Your opponent." I wrote about similar issues in the kicking chapter I wrote in Fighter's Fact Book 2 with Loren Christensen.
Like Back Kick and Wheel Kick, the first two books in this series, a person could criticize this text regarding the repetitiveness of some of the pictures and descriptions of the wheel kick variations. If you are reading this book straight through cover to cover, yes, the repetitiveness could become boring. If you are using the text as Kovacich intended, as a learning tool, this should not be a factor. I much rather have each kick explained in its entirety, rather than be referred to a different part of the book for the elements that are similar or the same. There is a big difference in a book intended to be read from cover to cover and a book intended as a resource guide. The Achieving Kicking Excellence series are guide books, and the format is perfect for this kind of instruction.
Shawn Kovacich's Axe Kick is the third book of the series and an excellent instructional text for any student or instructor of the kicking arts. Its detailed descriptions and photographs are clear and easy to understand, while his kicking notes provide quality instruction and advice to improve one's training and execution of this important kick. I am definitely looking forward to future volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series!
Alain Burrese
Hard-Won Wisdom From The School of Hard Knocks, Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, and the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series.
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