Martial Arts Around the Globe

Children's Literature - Barbara L. Talcroft

ABDO's series, "The World of Martial Arts," explores fighting systems around the world as a high-interest topic for advanced middle readers and teens. The author, himself a practitioner of martial arts, takes fans on a quick global tour to introduce them to fighting styles that will probably be new to many readers. He believes that warrior arts originated before 2000 B.C.E., with forms unique to each culture. Starting with the ancient Greek boxing-wrestling sport pankration (illustrated on an ancient vase), readers are escorted quickly through kalaripayit of ancient India to contemporary forms like the French kick boxing savate, sombo wrestling from Russia, Thailand's originally brutal Muay Thai, and the dance-like capoeira from Brazil. While some include showoff performance skills, many are taught to police and soldiers for use in deadly combat. For each, Ollhoff tells a little of the sport's history and describes some of the moves; for example, savate stylists use the fouette (whip kick), chasse (piston-action kick), revers (hooking kick), and coup de pied bas (low kick). Illustrations are color photos showing participants in action, such as police officers practicing pentjak silat in Papua New Guinea or two Israelis training in krav maga, which has no sport application, but is meant for life-and-death close combat. While, as a matter of interest, the author poses the question: "Why did they develop their style that way?" parents and teachers may want to check the brutality content of this volume before buying or recommending it. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft