American Kickboxing Techniques

There's a science to beating the bejeezus of out somebody, and PAKA Light Middle Weight Champion Steve Shively knows it cold. For example, with a few well-placed side kicks during a match, "you can take a couple of rounds out of a guy." In this two-part low-budget production, Shively demonstrates preparatory stretches and exercises, the correct fighting stance, an array of different punches and kicks, how to best use training and safety equipment, and how to spar with a partner. On this last Shively advises viewers to use a boxing ring ("you don't want two people downstairs against a cement wall beating the crap out of each other.") The productions are not broadcast quality, nor do they utilize the video format well (no slow-motion, little in the way of close-ups). On the other hand--and I'm not saying this just because Steve could play basketball with my head if he chose to--the raw instruction is pretty good. Not only are the moves demonstrated, but the rationale behind the moves is always explained. Plus there are a lot of good general tips (you should keep breathing out, Shively says, because "a solar plex shot will take you down if your sucking for wind"). The set ends with a few self-defense techniques only to be resorted to in life-threatening situations, such as using all four fingers to poke somebody's eyes out ("no two-fingered Three Stooges stuff"). As I said before, American Kickboxing Techniques is not a great series, production-wise. Still, there's good instruction here, and the sport is a popular one. Recommended, with reservations, for large martial arts and sports fighting collections. (R. Pitman)