Metal Rod Exercises: A Unique Collection of Exercises for Building Physical Strength - Tapa blanda

This is an excellent book and I believe that the exercises described are a valuable contribution to the field of health and fitness. Highly recommended. --Quincy Rabot, Chief Instructor, The Jing Song Academy of Internal Martial Arts

This unusual little book.. could be beneficial for those who do indeed want to increase their physical strength. Obviously a labour of love, Whitmore has spent a lot of time, not only working with his unique training system, but also lovingly putting his texts together. The material is basically but clearly presented. If strength building is of interest to you I'm sure you will gain considerably from your investment. --Dan Docherty, Tai Chi Chuan & Internal Arts Magazine, Summer 2005

A very thorough job - it is unusual to find a successful fusion of traditional Oriental and modern Western knowledge. I particularly like the emphasis on personal exploration and experimentation. This requires a combination of sensitivity, responsiveness and systematic analytical application which is very rare in any sphere never mind the world of martial arts. --John Evans, Head Teacher, Battodo Fudokan Dojo, London

This is a new method of physical training that uses a metal rod to build strength and endurance, and is the produce of several years of research and development. The exercises have application to all sports, postural maintenance, martial art, dance, and more. The manual identifies two main aspects of physical strength - tonic and phasic, more generally known as postural and moving strength - and the bridge between the two which is known as core stability. This is fundamental to practice of the exercises which emphasise holding a firm stance while using the rod. It promotes the principles of Training to Survive and Training to Excel. The book is very well presented in slightly larger than A5 format, full colour cover and around 300 high quality grey-scale illustrations. The main sections are: 1 Historical context, physiology and applications of the exercises; 2 Detailed description of how to train with a metal rod safely and effectively; 25 stretch routines; 12 basic exercises; 12 intermediate exercises; 16 advanced exercises; Nutrition, ecology and mental aspects of training Additional items include a Q&A section, a glossary of technical terms, a list of further reading and technical details about the rods. The book is attractively presented with a number of Chinese kanji illustrations. Binding is section sewn, making this a full and intriguing book.