New book - sneak peak!

[Van Zandt]

Howdy folks :)

A while back I made it known that I was writing a book on stretching and kicking. Been at it a while, still some bits to finish, but the good news is I'm very nearly there.

I've copied and pasted the introduction in this thread to give ya'll a little taster. I've got a professional copyreader going over the manuscript with a very fine tooth comb, but I wouldn't mind some feedback on this. Especially with regard to the clarity of the information presented and how "easy" it is to read. Note that the images below are not the ones which will be shown in the final published edition. I stuck 'em here for illustration purposes. The layout will also be different.

Enjoy :) (And note that this is a copyrighted peice of text ;) )

-----

Introduction

Stretching is wrong.

No, that isn’t a typo and I’m not drunk. Stretching is wrong for two reasons: first, it doesn’t increase flexibility and second, it is harmful to your health. This might seem like a contradictory statement considering you’re reading a book on flexibility training. But stretching and flexibility training are not the same thing. Confused? Let me explain.

There is a common misconception that muscles have the consistency of a rubber band, and that they can be elongated by physically stretching the muscle fibres. You might have heard (or even believed) this myth yourself. It’s BS. Muscles and their connective tissues are nothing like rubber bands. Unfortunately this doesn’t stop “qualified” sports coaches from teaching stupid “training” methods. The inevitable consequence is that injuries soon follow.

Take a look at the following images. Image 01 is a photograph of a rubber band. Image 02 is an anatomical diagram of skeletal muscle.

http://www.yksd.com/distanceedcourses/Courses/PhysicalScience/Lessons/ThirdQuarter/Chapter08/Lesson3/RubberBand.jpg Image 01: A rubber band

http://www.hesston.edu/academics/faculty/nelsonk/PhysicsResearch/BodyMech-LB/muscle_anatomy.jpg Image 02: Skeletal muscle.

You can see how complex a structure skeletal muscle is. As its name implies, skeletal muscle is attached to bone by tendons. It is skeletal muscle that creates body movement by contracting and shortening. Skeletal muscle is made up of thousands of individual components known as muscle fibres.

No-one really knows how the rubber band analogy came about. But it led people to believe they could increase their flexibility by literally stretching these fibres until they tore. The idea was that the torn fibres would heal at a greater length and thus produce an increase in range of movement (“flexibility”). Sounds stupid, right?

Stretching muscle fibres causes them to tear. Muscle tears heal at a shorter length and thus reduces flexibility. I don’t know why anyone would want to practice a method for increasing flexibility which produces zero gains and hurts like hell.

It is this and numerous other misconceptions that I will dispel in this book. Doing splits and high kicks is easy. Most people fail because they follow the instructions of misguided sports coaches. They do stupid things and end up injured. Injury is the enemy of progress. There is an epidemic of misinformation for which this book is the cure. I will teach you how to reach your goals quickly and without injury.

The book is divided into two halves. The first half will cover the theory of flexibility training; harmful practices and how to avoid them; anatomy of the different muscle groups; and the key exercises for developing flexibility. The second half will cover correct kicking technique; drills for developing the various attributes; how to arrange your workouts; sparring and self-defence strategies; coping with injuries; and questions I’ve answered during my seminars over the years.

Good luck in your training and keep kicking.

-----

Thoughts/comments?

Cheers :)

[Doublejab]

Great read so far, I will definitely be buying a copy. Any idea when it'll be out or is it too early to say?

[Van Zandt]

Thanks Snoop.

Still too early to say at the moment. I don't want to put another prospective date on the publication yet in case that one falls through as well. As daft as it sounds, even though I've enjoyed writing the book I'll be glad when it's finally finished! :)

[Ninjuries]

Will be looking forward to it.

DELIGHTED to hear about the potential contents as I'm a right stickler for good form in everything. Although prone to injuring myself if left to my own devices, so might be essential reading to help me cure that!

Certainly have a second customer here.

[Van Zandt]

Thank you, Ninjuries. I hope that when it's published, the book will be of great value to you. :)

[simon s]

I too will be buying a copy. I was lucky enough recently to win a copy of Elastic Steel from a competition run by Van Zandt. It was full of great stuff, but it needed to be watched in conjunction with the information supplied by Van Zandt on his flexibility articals posted on this site.
There is too much information on what types of exercises you should do, it will be nice to have information on why you should be doing it.

[righty]

I’ve run a critical eye over it and I’ve put on my biologist hat (even though it’s a weekend) to give some comments.

Regarding Image 02 I’m not sure how close this image is to the one you are planning to publish, but some things to improve. I was going to outline them, but then I searched google and saw the same image. So I doubt you are going to use this one for your publication.

Other things are just little...
“Skeletal muscle is made up of thousands of individual components known as muscle fibres.” I would change the word ‘components’ to ‘units’. IMO it makes it just as understandable as well as a little bit more correct as the muscle fibre is the functional unit of a muscle.

All in all it’s pretty good. Nice work.

Are you going to cover the physiological changes that occur as you become more flexible (or less flexible)?

[Hatamoto]

I followed it, so I think you're grand for anyone else :p Shall also be yoinking a copy when I can. Tis a good start and certainly got me interested in seeing how the rest unfolded. Good choice on the first line, too, guaranteed to keep most people reading from a sense of rebellion lol

[Van Zandt]

I too will be buying a copy. I was lucky enough recently to win a copy of Elastic Steel from a competition run by Van Zandt. It was full of great stuff, but it needed to be watched in conjunction with the information supplied by Van Zandt on his flexibility articals posted on this site. There is too much information on what types of exercises you should do, it will be nice to have information on why you should be doing it.

Thanks Simon. Information overload is a real problem in the world of flexibility training, and hopefully this book will help readers to filter out a lot of the "noise" and absorb only the information they need to achieve their goals (which, if they're reading my book, is most likely doing the splits and kicking people in the head). :)

I’ve run a critical eye over it and I’ve put on my biologist hat (even though it’s a weekend) to give some comments.

Regarding Image 02 I’m not sure how close this image is to the one you are planning to publish, but some things to improve. I was going to outline them, but then I searched google and saw the same image. So I doubt you are going to use this one for your publication.

Other things are just little...
“Skeletal muscle is made up of thousands of individual components known as muscle fibres.” I would change the word ‘components’ to ‘units’. IMO it makes it just as understandable as well as a little bit more correct as the muscle fibre is the functional unit of a muscle.

All in all it’s pretty good. Nice work.

Are you going to cover the physiological changes that occur as you become more flexible (or less flexible)?

Thanks Righty. Your feedback is useful. I posted those images for illustration purposes only, the images that will be featured in the book are far different and much more in detail.

There are plenty of great peices of work out there that go into detail regarding the physiological changes that occur during flexibility training. I don't think this book can or needs to add to what is already available, and flexibility training has been made confusing by existing books that try to be biology reference texts. My book provides a basic outline, but its focus is more on what work people need to do in order to get their balls (or vaginas) to the floor and their feet high in the air. :)

I followed it, so I think you're grand for anyone else Shall also be yoinking a copy when I can. Tis a good start and certainly got me interested in seeing how the rest unfolded. Good choice on the first line, too, guaranteed to keep most people reading from a sense of rebellion lol

Thanks Hatamoto.

[Moosey]

There are plenty of great peices of work out there that go into detail regarding the physiological changes that occur during flexibility training. I don't think this book can or needs to add to what is already available, and flexibility training has been made confusing by existing books that try to be biology reference texts. My book provides a basic outline, but its focus is more on what work people need to do in order to get their balls (or vaginas) to the floor and their feet high in the air. :)
Absolutely! There's a real gap in the market for a book like this - for people who don't care which enzymes and proteins are involved in flexibility but just want to know what they should be doing to improve their own flexibility.

I reckon I'll be investing in a copy.

[Doublejab]

Absolutely! There's a real gap in the market for a book like this - for people who don't care which enzymes and proteins are involved in flexibility but just want to know what they should be doing to improve their own flexibility.

I reckon I'll be investing in a copy.

Yeah I agree with this, I've had a look for a book like this in the past and haven't found one. I like indepth books written to a great or lesser extent in lay terminology that I can understand, I got a great one on nutrition but never found one for flexibility. Keep going Van Zandt, though writting can be a bitch I know :-)

[Killa_Gorillas]

Looks really good.

You obviously know your stuff and the writing style is concise and flows well with a nice conversational feel.

"I'd buy that for a dollar" (RRP may vary) :hat:

[righty]

but its focus is more on what work people need to do in order to get their balls (or vaginas) to the floor and their feet high in the air. :)



*Puts biologist hat back on*

Labia.

[Van Zandt]

Thanks guys. Just a quick reminder that the folks who helped me out in the original thread regarding this book (i.e. what they wanted to see in the book) are already marked down to receive a free copy. Those people are:

TKDMitch
Moi
SpikeD
Frodocious
AndyT
GaryT85
Fish Of Doom
Vimtoforblood
d0ugbug
Coges
madknight
PASmith
BilliardPete
Kwan Jang
KSW 123
Patrick Smith
Liero
TheAngle
Powchoy

Think I got everyone's names. Cheers again guys.

Labia.

Both if it's Yah-Yah.

[Hatamoto]

Aw man you get a free copy for telling you what I wanna see in the book? Wish I'd known xD Was gonna suggest having a signed copy of the book as one of your prizes in an upcoming competition but it seems half the board is already getting one so that might not the be the best idea now lol

[Van Zandt]

Next month's competition prize will be a signed photo of Yah-Yah.

[Hatamoto]

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious, but I think I'd prefer a copy of the book xD

[Patrick Smith]

I can't wait!!! :D http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/images/smilies/love.gif

There's just one little grammar mistake. "Doing splits and high kicks is easy."
. Properly, it would be "Doing splits and high kicks are easy." Very minor...

Thanks guys. Just a quick reminder that the folks who helped me out in the original thread regarding this book (i.e. what they wanted to see in the book) are already marked down to receive a free copy. Those people are:

TKDMitch
Moi
SpikeD
Frodocious
AndyT
GaryT85
Fish Of Doom
Vimtoforblood
d0ugbug
Coges
madknight
PASmith
BilliardPete
Kwan Jang
KSW 123
Patrick Smith
Liero
TheAngle
Powchoy


Thanks, Van Zandt. How much is the book going to sell for?

[Southpaw535]

Sounds like a pretty invaluable read so far dude. Just one question and sorry if its been asked before but how's the book being sold? Is it a ship-to-stores type thing or is it going to be a case of ordering it through you?

[Van Zandt]

There's just one little grammar mistake. "Doing splits and high kicks is easy."
. Properly, it would be "Doing splits and high kicks are easy." Very minor...

Heh. Ironically, my editor said the same. But I persuaded to keep it as it is because I think it reads easier that way :cool:

Thanks, Van Zandt. How much is the book going to sell for?

Won't be any more than £12.99 :)

Sounds like a pretty invaluable read so far dude. Just one question and sorry if its been asked before but how's the book being sold? Is it a ship-to-stores type thing or is it going to be a case of ordering it through you?

Thanks man. You'll be able to order it direct through me (MAP members receive a 50% discount off the cover price), and it'll also be available online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Trying to negotiate Waterstones buying a bunch but they're being stubborn at the minute. Just need to find their CEO and kick him in the head, that'll soon change their minds :woo:

[Mitch]

Just as a stylistic point, don't let colloquial become a feature at the expense of flow. Remember that people will (hopefully) read the book more than once.

Now, many people will read "No, that isn’t a typo and I’m not drunk." and find it funny and refreshing.

Once.

How many will read it twice and think it's funny, or just think it's getting in the way?

Three times?

Four?

Similarly, for me that phrase makes the book sound too much like one of those internet adverts where the guy talks about, "secrets the army don't want you to know."

I'm sure other people will read it differently, but I think there's a fine line to tread between being colloquial and actually underselling your knowledge and experience. Don't be afraid to express your expertise, that's why people will buy your book, you just need to find a way to express it in a way that is easy to understand but which also bears re-reading.

Hope that makes sense :)

Utterly-inflexible-Mitch

[Van Zandt]

Thanks Mitch. Your response made a lot of sense, and I understand exactly where you're coming from. The original draft was a cut-and-dry text on how to get flexible. It was a bit yawn inducing. By injecting a few colloquial phrases here and there, it has become a bit more "fun" to read. (Because, let's face it, reading about this sort of stuff can get rather mind-numbingly boring!). The rest of the book goes into greater detail than the introduction, with sprinklings of Army humour and my typical bluntness ya'll know and love here on MAP :D

[liero]

those people are:
Liero

Think I got everyone's names. Cheers again guys.

Both if it's Yah-Yah.

Yeah I'm pretty sure you got all the important people...



Im going to have to agree with mitch, you dont want the colloquialisms all through the piece.

However, the introduction is where you get the chance to really show your opinion and let a bit of your personality into the book. While I might read your book multiple times, normally it woud be to check up on specific chapters that I'd be working on or areas struggling with, Odds are I wont be reading through your intro every time I look at the book (unless I am mentioned multiple times).

The writing style you have so far is a nice change from the fitness literature I have read IMO, its no nonsense and relatively straight to the point, reminds me of when I first read ross enamaits stuff AKA the quintesential guides to becoming awesomely fit.

Hopefully your book will be the quintessential guide to becoming awesomely flexible and achieving kick mastery.

[Fish Of Doom]

There's just one little grammar mistake. "Doing splits and high kicks is easy."
. Properly, it would be "Doing splits and high kicks are easy." Very minor...

eh? he's not talking about the splits and high kicks, he's talking about doing the splits and high kicks

high kicks and splits are easy

doing them is easy (or they will be post-book assimilation :D)

replace 'them' with 'splits and high kicks' or 'high kicks and splits' with 'they' and the sentences read the same.

[Llamageddon]

eh? he's not talking about the splits and high kicks, he's talking about doing the splits and high kicks

high kicks and splits are easy

doing them is easy (or they will be post-book assimilation :D)

replace 'them' with 'splits and high kicks' or 'high kicks and splits' with 'they' and the sentences read the same.

The little Argentinian is right. Although it took him pointing it out for me to realise why I felt uncomfortable with it being 'are'.

roflcopter.

[PASmith]

I'm with mitch on this.
It's a very fine line but I found using things like "BS" a little off putting. I'm hesitant to make a point of it because I can see that it reflects your attitude and your style and can make the book entertaining (especially in bits you aren't going to read many times) but it seemed a little internet-ish.
I'm sure your book will be great with or without those little touches so don't take this that seriously. The information is the important thing.

Already the information is great and I can't wait to read the next parts. :)

Flexibility has become such muddy waters (as have many aspects of fitness it seems to me) that a book of this type is going to be a great addition.

Personally I'd err on the side of making the book mostly about developing "functional flexibility" (good title perhaps!) than kicking skill. Most people are happy with the way they kick (stylistically) but want to develop those kicks.
For example if there are sections about doing multiple kicks off one leg I'll skip that section as I don't kick like that anymore.
I've no idea how technical the "how to kick" section will be but I'd say there's far less need for such information compared to easy to follow flexibility advice.
Perhaps I'm taking half "flexibility" and half "how to kick" to literally?
For me the stuff I want to know is how to develop flexibility, how to develop kick dexterity and conditioning my legs for kicking but *not* so much "how to kick".
I can see MMA, Thai, TKD guys and others using this material and they will all generally end up kicking how they want (appropriate to their sport) rather than how you *might* say how to do it in this book.

[Van Zandt]

Yeah I'm pretty sure you got all the important people...



Im going to have to agree with mitch, you dont want the colloquialisms all through the piece.

However, the introduction is where you get the chance to really show your opinion and let a bit of your personality into the book. While I might read your book multiple times, normally it woud be to check up on specific chapters that I'd be working on or areas struggling with, Odds are I wont be reading through your intro every time I look at the book (unless I am mentioned multiple times).

The writing style you have so far is a nice change from the fitness literature I have read IMO, its no nonsense and relatively straight to the point, reminds me of when I first read ross enamaits stuff AKA the quintesential guides to becoming awesomely fit.

Hopefully your book will be the quintessential guide to becoming awesomely flexible and achieving kick mastery.

Thanks for your input, Liero. The purpose of writing the book is for people to be able to pick it up, read it, understand it first time and drop to the floor in the splits within a few weeks/months. If it doesn't achieve that goal, then I've failed.

The little Argentinian is right. Although it took him pointing it out for me to realise why I felt uncomfortable with it being 'are'.

roflcopter.

The Little Argentinian is a rather switched on fellow. You'd be forgiven for thinking he is British. I'll send him an extra free gift with the copy of his book, but I haven't decided if it's going to be a copy of "The Concise History of the Falklands War" or a pair of Yah-Yah's panties.

I'm with mitch on this.
It's a very fine line but I found using things like "BS" a little off putting. I'm hesitant to make a point of it because I can see that it reflects your attitude and your style and can make the book entertaining (especially in bits you aren't going to read many times) but it seemed a little internet-ish.
I'm sure your book will be great with or without those little touches so don't take this that seriously. The information is the important thing.

Already the information is great and I can't wait to read the next parts. :)

Flexibility has become such muddy waters (as have many aspects of fitness it seems to me) that a book of this type is going to be a great addition.

Personally I'd err on the side of making the book mostly about developing "functional flexibility" (good title perhaps!) than kicking skill. Most people are happy with the way they kick (stylistically) but want to develop those kicks.
For example if there are sections about doing multiple kicks off one leg I'll skip that section as I don't kick like that anymore.
I've no idea how technical the "how to kick" section will be but I'd say there's far less need for such information compared to easy to follow flexibility advice.
Perhaps I'm taking half "flexibility" and half "how to kick" to literally?
For me the stuff I want to know is how to develop flexibility, how to develop kick dexterity and conditioning my legs for kicking but *not* so much "how to kick".
I can see MMA, Thai, TKD guys and others using this material and they will all generally end up kicking how they want (appropriate to their sport) rather than how you *might* say how to do it in this book.

Thanks PASmith.

Ironically, my wife read through the draft and she said to me, "Do you realise the only person who will find this funny is you?" Maybe it's her where I get the straight-talking attitude from :(

I'll take on board what you have all said and speak to my editor about it when we meet on Friday. He wanted me to take off the "funny" hat and just keep it as a straight-talking, no-nonsense guide to flexibility. I can see it going that way eventually.

I kick like Bill Wallace and I didn't want this book to become a "Dynamic Stretching and Kicking" clone. The kicking sections are focused more on how to develop the attributes of kicking (i.e. increasing limb dexterity, speed, power, accuracy, endurance, balance etc) than teaching the reader how to kick like Bill Wallace. Is this kind of what you meant?

[Fish Of Doom]

The Little Argentinian is a rather switched on fellow. You'd be forgiven for thinking he is British. I'll send him an extra free gift with the copy of his book, but I haven't decided if it's going to be a copy of "The Concise History of the Falklands War" or a pair of Yah-Yah's panties.

i'll take the panties. once your book gets famous, underwear used by the people in the pictures is going to be worth MILLIONS!

:D

[PASmith]

The kicking sections are focused more on how to develop the attributes of kicking (i.e. increasing limb dexterity, speed, power, accuracy, endurance, balance etc) than teaching the reader how to kick like Bill Wallace. Is this kind of what you meant?

Abso-frickin'-lutely.
Attributes...exactly what I was scrabbling round to describe.
So a person can take that advice and kick like Bill, or like Buakaw, or cro-cop, or Hoost or whoever. But whichever way you choose to kick it will help you.

Carry on. :)

[Van Zandt]

i'll take the panties. once your book gets famous, underwear used by the people in the pictures is going to be worth MILLIONS!

:D

The moment I think I have the upper hand, you come back with a put-down that sits me on my ass :mad:

http://geekadelphia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/captain_kirk_awesome.jpg

;)



Abso-frickin'-lutely.
Attributes...exactly what I was scrabbling round to describe.
So a person can take that advice and kick like Bill, or like Buakaw, or cro-cop, or Hoost or whoever. But whichever way you choose to kick it will help you.

Carry on. :)

Awesome. :)

[Fish Of Doom]

The moment I think I have the upper hand, you come back with a put-down that sits me on my ass :mad:

i try :)

[Patrick Smith]

eh? he's not talking about the splits and high kicks, he's talking about doing the splits and high kicks

high kicks and splits are easy

doing them is easy (or they will be post-book assimilation :D)

replace 'them' with 'splits and high kicks' or 'high kicks and splits' with 'they' and the sentences read the same.

Now that you mention it, I think you're right! :cool:

[madknight]

I really can't wait for this! The introduction sounds good and I like your writing style. I'm really looking forward to the whole thing.

[ArthurKing]

The question is though, will it work for us geriatrics?
Best of luck dude, sounds good so far.

[Kumgang]

Hi Van Zandt

I´m a new member of the martialartsplanet board and very interesting in flexibility training.
I already read some books about flexibility ,Tom Kurz, Paul Zaichik and Pavel Tsatsouline.
I would also love to read your book.
The introduction makes me curious for more.
Where and when will it be available?

THX
Kumgang

[Ranzan]

So excited I just can't hide it! When can we expect release? Will it be available for us Yanks?

[Van Zandt]

Thanks guys. :hat:

ArthurKing,

The methods in the book will work for anyone with normal bone structure, regardless of age. As a matter of fact, an 83-year old client of mine very recently achieved the ability to slide into full splits within four months using this training programme. The quickest was a 22-year old student from New York, who did it in six days. Most other people hit it somewhere in between.

Kumgang,

The book will be available later this year (no specific release date just yet), and will be available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Waterstones. If none of these sites ship to your country, I will send it to you personally.

Ranzan,

Still no specific release date yet (recently made a pretty major breakthrough with a research study so gone back and done some re-writes). Definitely this year though. It will be ship to every country, especially the States, but if you have problems via the big websites listed above get in contact and I'll send it personally.

The book won't be too expensive, but all MAP members will receive up to a 50% discount off the cover price. Like I've said, the goal isn't to make money but to teach folks how to do full splits and high kicks at any time of day without a warm-up, quickly and without injury. Most folks don't believe me when I say there is no stretching involved!

[Kumgang]

Many thanks in advice, that sounds great Van Zandt!!!
I can´t wait to get my hands on it :-).

Regards

[hawkfish]

Your introduction looks great and I am really looking forward to your book!

I have tried just about every stretching device and book around and am more confused than flexible. Your book sounds like just what I need.

[abij]

I'm much more of a lurker here than a poster but just wanted to say I'm really excited about your book coming out, can't wait!

[Patrick Smith]

We're all torqued about it! :D

[proteinnerd]

Thanks guys. :hat:
Most folks don't believe me when I say there is no stretching involved!

Not even isometrics? or are they considered a strengthening exercise?

[Metal_Kitty]

In response to everyone talking about grammar mistakes and the colloquial style of writing...

Personally I like it! The purpose of this book is to teach us about flexibility, not to appear in the literature section of the bookstore next to Shakespeare and Jane Austin.

The little jokes, grammar mistakes and conversational style of writing is kinda cute and fun, and down to earth. It makes it easier to relate to, feels more personal, doesn't make me feel like I'm reading another boring text book, and it shows the writer's personality. It's like "F*** grammar! I'm not a writer...I'm just here to teach you how you can kick yourself in the back of the head!" :D lol

[Suhosthe]

In response to everyone talking about grammar mistakes and the colloquial style of writing...

Personally I like it! The purpose of this book is to teach us about flexibility, not to appear in the literature section of the bookstore next to Shakespeare and Jane Austin.

The little jokes, grammar mistakes and conversational style of writing is kinda cute and fun, and down to earth. It makes it easier to relate to, feels more personal, doesn't make me feel like I'm reading another boring text book, and it shows the writer's personality. It's like "F*** grammar! I'm not a writer...I'm just here to teach you how you can kick yourself in the back of the head!" :D lol

I totally agree. It reminded me of the introduction to The Great Cholesterol Con by Kendrick; witty, provocative, and engaging. On the plus side, yours was shorter and absent any sarcasm which, over the course of Kendrick's book gets a little wearing (though it does serve to make a dry and difficult message memorable and entertaining).

If you're curious to know, I would read on with interest from the intro you've got there. And, in fact, I will. You know, when the book's done and all. :)

[Strafio]

So after an intro telling me what not to do, I guess I'll need to fork out to find what I am to do!! :thinking:

I've been struggling with flexibility ever since I got into MA.
Although my current art doesn't require it, I'd still like it.

So I can become flexible without stretching?
I think I'll buy into your program out of raw curiosity! ;)
If I bought it off Amazon, how would I apply for the 50% discount?
Do you give us a code?

[Patrick Smith]

So after an intro telling me what not to do, I guess I'll need to fork out to find what I am to do!! :thinking:

I've been struggling with flexibility ever since I got into MA.
Although my current art doesn't require it, I'd still like it.

So I can become flexible without stretching?
I think I'll buy into your program out of raw curiosity! ;)
If I bought it off Amazon, how would I apply for the 50% discount?
Do you give us a code?

Van Zandt should be back sometime in August, and then I'm sure he'll answer all your questions and finally release the book! For now, I suggest you follow the routine in the thread Stretching for High Kicks. :)

[7heTexanRebel]

This looks like It'll be an awesome book, I will definitely buy it!

[Ninjuries]

Awww pants - I was hoping it was out already!

Gah I am actually excited. :)

[Van Zandt]

Hi guys, sorry for not getting back to you until now. I realise some of you have been anticipating this book for some time, but there are more setbacks I'm afraid. I don't know if you read my re-introduction thread, but I returned from teaching martial arts in the States prematurely because of problems with my legs. I'm awaiting operations to fix a fault with the prosthesis in my left hip, and to replace my right hip and left knee. I'm on crutches - will be for a long time after the ops too - so my ability to do splits or high kicks is nil. I don't know when, or even if, I will return to stretching and kicking.

This presents a problem with publishing the book because, while the text is complete, I have not taken any photos. I don't know if/when that will happen. But every cloud has a silver lining - I'm considering releasing the text as a free PDF ebook for those of you who aren't bothered about pictures.

[Moi]

So just crayon then? Surely you could draw some stickmen?

[Doublejab]

Hi guys, sorry for not getting back to you until now. I realise some of you have been anticipating this book for some time, but there are more setbacks I'm afraid. I don't know if you read my re-introduction thread, but I returned from teaching martial arts in the States prematurely because of problems with my legs. I'm awaiting operations to fix a fault with the prosthesis in my left hip, and to replace my right hip and left knee. I'm on crutches - will be for a long time after the ops too - so my ability to do splits or high kicks is nil. I don't know when, or even if, I will return to stretching and kicking.

This presents a problem with publishing the book because, while the text is complete, I have not taken any photos. I don't know if/when that will happen. But every cloud has a silver lining - I'm considering releasing the text as a free PDF ebook for those of you who aren't bothered about pictures.

Mate, you've got the knowledge, you've got the experience and theres obviously a market for a book like this. I know its not ideal, but you could consider using a (suitably flexible model(s)) to illustaite your points? I've read many martial art books where the techniques aren't always being demonstrated by the author. I bet you've got some photos of yourself kicking and stretching that could be included here and there.

Maybe you even have an ex student who would do the job? Or theres someone flexible enough on this board?

Think long and hard before you release the text as a freebie, I think you could still produce a publishable book

[Van Zandt]

So just crayon then? Surely you could draw some stickmen?

If only my stickmen didn't look like Alex Reid's missus.

[Moi]

In all seriousness. All the resources you need for the photos are here on Map free. Get the photos done and talk to a publisher

[proteinnerd]

Sorry to hear the injuries are still giving you problems, hope they get sorted soon.

You could just get some really hot girl in skimpy tights to pose for the photos, I'm sure not many people would complain. I'd be happy to run the the audition process for you
:D

[Fish Of Doom]

re: photos for the book

chloe bruce?

you know you want to :p

[liero]

This is sadness.

You could give the book too a person dedicated enough to follow the program and have pre and post shots taken.

[Patrick Smith]

Hi guys, sorry for not getting back to you until now. I realise some of you have been anticipating this book for some time, but there are more setbacks I'm afraid. I don't know if you read my re-introduction thread, but I returned from teaching martial arts in the States prematurely because of problems with my legs. I'm awaiting operations to fix a fault with the prosthesis in my left hip, and to replace my right hip and left knee. I'm on crutches - will be for a long time after the ops too - so my ability to do splits or high kicks is nil. I don't know when, or even if, I will return to stretching and kicking.

This presents a problem with publishing the book because, while the text is complete, I have not taken any photos. I don't know if/when that will happen. But every cloud has a silver lining - I'm considering releasing the text as a free PDF ebook for those of you who aren't bothered about pictures.

As Snoop already asked, isn't using a model or student possible? You have everything but pictures, but they should be quite easy to get. I would be more then happy to do it for you, but neither my kicking ability nor my flexibility are high enough to do the demonstration you need.

Not so serious suggestion: maybe you could ask Bill Wallace :p

[danny4114]

I am dissapointed D:

I like the pre and post picture idea though, your bound to find someone on here willing to do it for you :)

[simon s]

All the resources you need for the photos are here on Map free. Get the photos done and talk to a publisher

Yep totally agree.

You tell us what you want and we will deliver.

Lets get it done.

[Moosey]

Totally, dude. Summon the legions of MAP in the name of justice.

[simon s]

Totally, dude. Summon the legions of MAP in the name of justice.

We stand (or hobble in Van Zandt's case) as one.

By the way I thought he was a motivational speaker.

Who is motivating who here?

[StuartA]

Thanks guys. Just a quick reminder that the folks who helped me out in the original thread regarding this book (i.e. what they wanted to see in the book) are already marked down to receive a free copy. Those people are:

TKDMitch
Moi
SpikeD
Frodocious
AndyT
GaryT85
Fish Of Doom
Vimtoforblood
d0ugbug
Coges
madknight
PASmith
BilliardPete
Kwan Jang
KSW 123
Patrick Smith
Liero
TheAngle
Powchoy

Think I got everyone's names. Cheers again guys.



Both if it's Yah-Yah.
Dam.. bloody MAP problems stopped me from participating in the thread :-) Ahhh.. but I run a free TKD magazine.. so maybe add me lol

Seriously, sounds good and I`m eager to see the evidence you present to follow up on your post here - I`ll be getting a copy too, no doubt.

Stuart
ps. Competition.. where was that? Come on guys, run your comps through TotallyTKD magazine will ya!!

[AndyT]

REALLY sorry to hear about your misfortune in the US! You had done so well to recover from your last op so quickly!

Hopefully with your determination and drive you will recover from these setbacks as quickly as your body allows. We all wish you the very best with the upcoming operations and recovery. Let us all know how you get on.

I suspect even if you released the book as a ‘pay for’ PDF you would get a lot of downloads even without pictures as I’m sure there is a lot of knowledge in the text. As suggested, if you could get somebody to perform the exercises you would have had pictures of it would allow you to complete the book.

[Saz]

Totally, dude. Summon the legions of MAP in the name of justice.

Or, if you still want to release it as an ebook I wouldn't have much of an issue hosting a copy of it here on MAP for you.

[Hatamoto]

maybe you could ask Bill Wallace :p

I was gonna suggest that xD Knowing how important he is to you, you never know, he might be flattered enough to get on board ;)

Either way, if you release it as a pdf I'll fling you a tenner or something, consider it a donation toward hiring the models you need if you like.

[madknight]

Sorry to hear about your situation. I hope you'll be able to continue doing what you love once you heal up. I say don't give up so easily. People gave some great suggestions and I'm sure you wont have much of a problem finishing it. This is a big accomplishment and I think you should stick with it until it's completely done! Good luck!

[Knight_Errant]

I really want a copy of this book. Looks great. Mainly what I want to see though is practicalities- I never quite got the hang of stretching in horse stance, for instance. I would like diagrams and explicit instructions.

[Strafio]

Hey again
Becoming flexible is one of my new year's resolutions.
Is the book ready yet? Even in ebook form without pictures?

So far I've been just relying on the classic advice of doing stretching.
If you want to save my health from doing this dangerous practice then you need to show me something better! :p

[Kuma]

I get a free copy just for being me, right?

In all seriousness, I'm excited to read it VZ and will definitely be buying a copy. From your article I've increased my flexibility a lot, to the point where a few weeks ago for the first time ole Kuma was throwing a decent axe kick.

I think Snoop's idea is pretty decent because then you can show that it's not just your Stretch Armstrong genes that made you flexible, but through your sound training ideas that can make anyone flexible.

[Patrick Smith]

Strafio, Van Zandt has written three threads about flexibility already in the Flexibility section.

The Beginners Guide to Flexibility
http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85373

Stretching for High Kicks (a summary and basic plan behind the science in the first thread)
http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89245

Isometric Split Progression
http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96381

[seiken steve]

As a suggestion, I'd model for free, I'm letterally like C3PO with my flexibility, could take a photo of my 'splits attempt' holding something with the date then following your methods hopefully take one with my nuts on the floor and looking smug (with the date on something again)
From there I'd do whatever poses are nessisary, offer is there.

If not, I'll still be buying the book lol, before I have to move to a bungalow.