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Fight Like a Physicist

The Incredible Science Behind Martial Arts
Series: Martial Science
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( 353 ratings, 38 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Fight Like a Physicist offers a detailed and engaging exploration of how physics underpins martial arts techniques used in both sport and self-defence. Dr. Jason Thalken invites readersβ€”from seasoned martial artists to curious beginnersβ€”to gain a scientific edge by understanding the principles of motion, force, and balance that make fighting techniques effective. This book equips you with practical insights to enhance your training and optimise your fighting skills through a clear, analytic approach.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for martial artists, coaches, physicists interested in sports applications, and enthusiasts who seek a scientific understanding of fighting techniques. Readers looking to combine athletic training with analytical thinking will find it especially rewarding.

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Fight Like a Physicist

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Fight Like a Physicist provides an in-depth, sometimes whimsical look into the physics behind martial arts for sport and self-defence. Whether you are an experienced martial artist or a curious enthusiast, this book can give you an unfair advantage by unravelling the complex science of effective fighting techniques and examining the core principles that make them work.

Dr. Thalken invites readers to take a scientific approach to training and fighting, and provides all the tools necessary to get the most out of their experiences and make their training count.

Series: Martial Science

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  • Analysis of Genuine Karate 2
    Analysis of Genuine Karate 2 by Hermann Bayer explores the origins and evolution of Okinawan Karate. Initially developed as a fighting tool, genuine Okinawan Karate stands in contrast to non-Okinawan styles, which are often created for different purposes. Dr. Bayer's compelling work will captivate karate practitioners, scholars, and anyone interested in Asian martial arts and its culture. He provides substantial...
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  • Fight Like a Physicist
    Fight Like a Physicist provides an in-depth, sometimes whimsical look into the physics behind martial arts for sport and self-defence. Whether you are an experienced martial artist or a curious enthusiast, this book can give you an unfair advantage by unravelling the complex science of effective fighting techniques and examining the core principles that make them work. Dr. Thalken invites...
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  • Tai Chi Concepts and Experiments
    The Tai Chi Concepts and Experiments book clarifies and makes accessible critical aspects of the art that only a small number of high-level practitioners currently understand and manifest. Numerous step-by-step experiments are provided for readers to experience and perfect these critical tai chi aspects. Contents include: The meaning and importance of releasing tension in movement for stability, health, and spirituality....
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  • The Art and Science of Staff Fighting
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    Simplicity is the shortest distance between two points. β€” Bruce Lee, The Tao of Jeet Kune Do The best of both Eastern and Western stick fighting techniques. This book stands apart from other stick fighting training manuals. While most titles focus on forms and twirling, The Art and Science of Stick Fighting emphasizes the dynamics of combat. The author draws...
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  • The Art and Science of Stick Fighting
    Simplicity is the shortest distance between two points. - Bruce Lee, The Tao of Jeet Kune Do The best of both Eastern and Western stick fighting techniques. This book stands apart from other stick fighting training manuals. While most titles focus on forms and twirling, The Art and Science of Stick Fighting emphasizes the dynamics of combat. The author draws...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reviewers highlight Thalken's application of physics as a practical tool for martial artists rather than mere theory. He emphasizes that effective techniques rely on testable and reproducible results, not authority or status. Key insights include the importance of centre of mass in grappling, the advantage of shorter travel distances for strikes, and a critical look at misconceptions such as the safety of boxing gloves compared to bare knuckles. The author also addresses myths perpetuated by media portrayals of martial arts and pseudoscience.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781594393389

Publisher: YMAA Publication Center

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 October 2015

Country: United States

Imprint: YMAA Publication Center

Edition: New edition

Illustration: black & white halftones, tables, charts

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 11.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 228.0mm

Weight: 323g

Pages: 128

About the Author

Jason Thalken has a PhD in computational condensed matter physics from the University of Southern California, and bachelor's degrees in physics, mathematics, and philosophy from the University of Texas. He is the inventor on eight patent applications for data science and modeling in the financial services industry, and one patent application for protecting the brain from trauma in such sports as boxing, MMA, and football. Jason has studied and competed in numerous martial arts styles since 1995 and has a black belt in hapkido under Grand Master Ho Jin Song. Jason Thalken resides in Seattle, Washington.

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