| There are many martial art books that have | | | | clear photographs, explanations and diagrams. It is |
| chapters on kicking. Often, you will get a page or | | | | the most detailed written description of a kick I |
| two of pictures and descriptions regarding the | | | | have ever seen. A person could use his |
| basic kicks. How many books have you seen that | | | | descriptions as a check list on proper kicking |
| focus exclusively on one kick? That's right, an | | | | technique. Each and every part of the kick is |
| entire book focusing on one kick. Back Kick, the | | | | covered. After explaining the turning back kick, |
| first book in the Achieving Kicking Excellence | | | | Kovacich covers variations which include: |
| series, by Shawn Kovacich does much more than | | | | step-back back kick, step-over back kick, spinning |
| briefly describe the back kick with a couple | | | | back kick, 6 step back kick, jump back kick, 540 |
| accompanying photographs. It is a detailed analysis | | | | degree back kick and others. One criticism a |
| of every movement of the back kick from | | | | person could have regarding this text is the |
| beginning to end. Back Kick explains the back kick, | | | | repetitiveness of some of the pictures and |
| variations of the back kick, training and drills for | | | | descriptions of the back kick variations. If you are |
| kicking, and applications of the back kick in this | | | | reading this book straight through cover to cover, |
| comprehensive volume. | | | | yes, the repetitiveness can become boring. If you |
| The author, Shawn Kovacich, is an instructor that | | | | are using the text as Kovacich intended, as a |
| has walked the walk. He set two world records | | | | learning tool, this should not be a factor. I much |
| for endurance high kicking that were certified by | | | | rather have each kick explained in its entirety, |
| the Guinness Book of World Records, and has an | | | | rather than be referred to a different part of the |
| impressive record in the tournament circuit having | | | | book for the elements that are similar or the |
| competed in tournaments such as the Sabaki | | | | same. |
| Challenge among others. Seeing a lack in written | | | | Kovacich covers a few training and practice |
| instructional material on kicking, Kovacich set out | | | | methods along with a few strength training |
| to remedy that fact with his Achieving Kicking | | | | exercises for the muscles involved with kicking, |
| Excellence series. Judging by this first book, he | | | | namely the legs. He also briefly discusses speed |
| has achieved his goal with the back kick and well | | | | and power. These are good inclusions for this |
| on his way to achieve his goal regarding all of the | | | | text, since they are important concepts when |
| basic kicks. Students and instructors alike will | | | | kicking. However, because Kovacich does not go |
| benefit from this book. | | | | into the detail regarding these subjects as he |
| Back Kick begins with a quick explanation of how | | | | does with the back kick, this book should only be |
| the reader can benefit most from the book. It | | | | a catalyst for the reader to recognize if they |
| then proceeds with a chapter on the anatomy of | | | | want to excel in kicking, they should study further |
| the back kick. Kovacich covers the bones and | | | | on these topics. |
| muscles along with their function relating to the | | | | The book concludes with a trouble shooting guide |
| back kick. He then provides a very brief section | | | | to help pin point problem areas with your back |
| on warming up and stretching. The reader who is | | | | kicks, and a chapter on applications. Once you |
| not already well adept in exercise, warm-ups and | | | | have mastered the back kick and its variations, |
| stretching would be advised to seek further | | | | you should be able to apply the kick in a sparring |
| information on this topic to ensure adequate | | | | or fighting situation and Kovacich provides some |
| preparation before kicking. | | | | of the basic applications he has used and teaches |
| Next comes the meat of the book. Kovacich | | | | his students. |
| provides a detailed analysis of the back kick with | | | | |