Reviewer: Chris G from Los Angeles, CA
In 'Effortless Combat Throws' Tim Cartmell masterfully unravels the core principles of internal martial arts devoid of 'chi' oriented mumbo jumbo. Tim clearly explains how to generate natural, effortless power starting from posture and alignment. This book is extremely well written and organized in a 'tell, show, do' format that takes the reader step by step through the application of effortless power in the form of arc, circle, spiral and sacrifice throws. This is a gem of a book and a MUST read for aspiring, novice or highly experienced martial arts. I have practiced martial arts for 21 years and this book changed the entire direction of my training and my understanding of the essence of martial arts.

A Good Companion to the Video , September 17, 1999

Reviewer: A reader from London, Ont.
This book is a good companion to the excellent video of the same name as it covers in greater detail the 'theory' behind many of these characteristically Chinese throws. As a stand-along product, however, the book is only fair: it is marred mainly by very poor picture quality. --This text refers to the Paperback edition .

Reviewer: C.J. Hardman (see more about me) from San Diego, CA USA
This volume is to throws as the volume 'Practical Chin Na' is to joint locking. Finally we have books which explain exactly how and why the techniques we have been using for years work. Tim Cartmell gives us a complete guide to throwing, explaining and grouping techniques by the principles under which they are executed. Cartmell's roots are, interestingly enough, in Jimmy Woo's ever practical San Soo Kung Fu, although later Cartmell moved to Taiwan and then China and trained there with a number of extraordinarily skilled teachers, including Hsu Hong Chi and Hsu Chen Wang (Hsing Yi), Chen Tso Chen (Hsu Hsi Tao), Lin Ah Lung (Tang and Chen Taiji), Kao Liu-te (Yi Chuan), Hsu Fu-chin (Chen Taiji), Luo Te-hsiu (Kao-style Pa Kua Chang & Chen Pan-ling Taiji), Sun Jian-yun (daughter of the famed Sun Lu-tang & present headmaster).

Author Tim Cartmell begins by describing types of throws (arc, circle, and spiral) and the basic principles which guide their application. Next, he explains principled of body use, and then the bulk of the book, comprised of an analysis and application of each throw. Cartmell is extremely thourough in his description of each stage of the technique, describing every little facet of motion, how to balance, how to turn, what you will feel and what is happening to your partner. Each technique offers an analysis of entry, analysis of the technique, of body use, of practical application, of counters and combat use, and variations on the throw. While there are plenty of illustrations, you will need to be a patient reader to glean the most from this volume. It is with words that Cartmell makes the whole picture come together. Whatever your discipline (Chinese style or not), if your art includes throwing techniques, this is the volume to explain the how and why's.

Reviewer: Theo Vereecken from Edegem Belgium
I bought this book many years ago and it's one of the best ( if not THE best ) I've ever seen that discusses the technical principles of the so-called 'internal' martial arts in a very logical way. The photographs are not top quality but the techniques are ( relatively ) simple to execute, explained in full detail and - what's most important - can be applied in a real fight ...

Table of Contents
Foreword Part One
Types of Throws and Basic Principles
Introduction
Types of Throws
Basic Principles
Non-Opposition of Force
Connect and Join Centers
Apply Force Where the Opponent Cannot Resist
Transfer Momentum Through the Hold
Break the Opponent's Posture
Cause the Opponent to Fall
Follow-up
The Intent Flows Outward like Water
Conclusion
The Eight Allies
Body Use
Introduction
Align with Gravity
Relax Completely and Let the Body Weight Sink
Calm the Mind and Expand the Awareness
Generate Power Through Stretch/Rebound and Rotation
Move at the Speed of Gravity
Move Rhythmically
Exhale Smoothly When Applying Force
Move the Body as a Coherent Unit Centered
in the Hips
Conclusion Part Two
Analysis and Applications
Introduction The Throws
Part One - Arcs
The Shoulder Stroke
Rear Head Tilt
Hip Displacement
Front Hip Push
Part Two - Circles
Outside Hip Throw
Hiplock Hip Throw
Part Three - Spirals
Rear Hip Spiral
Rear Chin Hook
Head Twist Spiral
Arm Lift Head Spiral
Leg Bar Spiral
Part Four - Sacrifice Throws
Arm and Leg Scissor Throw
Headlock Backroll Throw
Forearm Hook Spiral Appendix A-1
The Essence of Martial Art: An Overview A-2
On Mind/Body Unity A-5 On Postural Alignment and Gravity A-6
On Relaxation A-7
On Innate and Acquired Ability A-9
On Stability Vs. Mobility A-10
On Seeking Stillness in Motion A-11
On Moving in a Unit and Waves of Force A-12
On Double Weighting A-14
On Mechanics of Force A-15
On the Mechanics of Power: Forms and Styles A-16