Solo Training 2: The Martial Artist's Guide to Building the Core

First off, I admit to being a fan of this writer (Loren W. Christensen) for numerous reasons. Even though I have never had the pleasure of meeting him in person, we are in many ways brother warriors with the same training philosophy. The following are just a few examples: he has been in the military service during the Vietnam era (but he was on land but I was at sea) at the same time, he was a career police officer as was I, and he has earned Black Belt ranks in numerous martial arts and so have I, He has trained with some of the best martial artists in the world as I have, and finally he has written a huge number of martial art and self-defense books and I also have quite a few manuals published. I also believe we are both about the same age (Old guys) but we still train intensely.I had read his book Solo Training many years ago and when I saw this volume (Solo Training #2) on Amazon for a bargain price I immediately sent for it. As with all of his books this one is absolutely fantastic. Even with being involved in numerous martial and combat arts and warrior training for more than 7 decades I picked up a ton of great training techniques to add to my own training programs reading this book. One of the many things I love about Loren is his sense of humor when writing about the various training techniques and giving advice. He has an easy going writing style that makes it easy to follow and understand the material he presents.This excellent volume is beautifully organized into three sections: Section one covers building a powerful foundation explaining how to develop powerful Abs, innovative ways to bench press, developing powerful legs, improving your grappling strength, and many other tips. Section two focuses on training methods and techniques to sharpen the warrior’s blade. This section has more than 100 ways to become stronger and faster and shaper in your training goals. The final section provides specific and practical 15-20- & 35 minute workout routines that are fantastic. Do not pass up the conclusion and random thoughts to ponder sections because they have great practical advice for all warriors.In conclusion, if you are a hard charging martial artists, whether young or old (like me) this is a must book for your personal training library. I loved it. Thanks Loren for writing this book.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Tactical Principles for the most effective Combative Systems).

I am 29 y.o., 2nd degree black belt in shotokan karate and have been involved in martial arts since I was 18. I'm sure many martial artists are faced with the same problem -- you reach a point in your training where progress slows down or stops altogether and you need a new source of motivation.This book was a good helper in re-designing my training routine and schedule. I added a whole bunch of new exercises recommended by the author as well as employed a number of mind conditioning techniques (these are indeed very important).After just a couple of months, I'm noticing improvement. My body is much stronger and I am able to perform many techniques and kata better than before.Sometimes I'd overtrain and have problem sleeping afterwards. I picked up a few relaxation/meditation techniques from this book that help me to calm down after training and rest comfortably."Solo Training 2" is the great source of information that will help you improve your physical and mental fitness. I cannot really find any faults with this book, hence the 5 stars.

As a martial artist for over 40 years, I'd say this was an excellent compilation of training methods and techniques. I have other books by Lauren W. Christensen, he never disappoints.

Definitely a good book. He has a way of not only breaking you out of the same old routine, his manner is engaging while still explaining well. I had it in the past and had to search to find it this time and it was well worth the hunt.

This is a good source of information on how one can train, If one does not have a training partner.

Martial Artists must train more than just in the Dojang. These two books By Christensen will give you plenty of ideas to vary your workouts beyond basic bag work and patterns.

This book is packed with information. So much so that I could hardly believe he could fit it into one book. Each page is filled with useful training tips, facts, and information. If you have any interest in martial arts, you need to buy this book. It's money well spent.

The package came out good!!

I bought this book with thoughts to find some new ideas for regular group trainings. I was so impressed with tips, ideas in this book for building better training individually. Surely doing trainings alone is more like fitness and/or mental preparing for real situations. By the time, I think, everybody will come to conclusion there is a need for training partner and/or teacher. Despite of shortages with individual trainings and black/white photos in this book I recommend this book to everybody who is interested in individual martial arts training. In general this book is kind of Almanac, I think.

More good stuff, the section on grappling and working a floor-bag was especially useful along with the use of a gym ball for specific exercise.

It's a very complete book, every aspect is covered, from the body to the mind! Wonderful ! Fantastic! Inimitable!For the warrior of nowadays!