Fight Like a Physicist: The Incredible Science Behind Martial Arts

By: Jason Thalken

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Synopsis: CRUSHES MYTHS. UTTERLY BRILLIANT! An in-depth look into the physics behind martial arts Whether you are an experienced martial artist or a curious enthusiast, this book gives you an "unfair advantage" by unraveling the complex science of effective fighting techniques and examining the core principles that make them work. Did you know? * Momentum is for knocking people over * Energy is for breaking bones and causing pain * A haymaker travels 3.14159 times farther than a jab * You are only an "object" when you are rigid Fight Like a Physicist blends inquiry, skepticism, and irreverent humor--all while punching holes in myth and mysticism. Highlights include * Making physics your "unfair advantage," in the ring and on the street * Examining center of mass, pi, levers, wedges, angular momentum, and linear momentum for martial artists * Reducing traumatic brain injury in contact sports * Exposing the illusion of safety provided by gloves and helmets * Overturning conventional wisdom on compliance during an assault * Busting up Hollywood action clichés Fight Like a Physicist reads like a manifesto on the rational practice of martial arts. It's intelligent, fun, and dangerous--and nothing short of iconoclastic.