"Effortless Combat Throws" by, Tim Cartmell

[Doug Szolek]

I was just sent a link to a thread to a forum owned by a martial artist named Tim Cartmell. In the thread Tim wrote,
"I have Scott Sonnon's stuff. I think it's all very good. I especially liked his Grappler's Toolbox, I recommend it to practitioners of any grappling style."

Does anyone know about this guy's book called Effortless Combat Throws? It sounds a lot like IOUF (http://www.rmax.tv/iouf.html) and since I'm a bit of a book connoisseur would like to check it out if anyone recommends it.

as always,

[Scott Sonnon]

Although I haven't read his book, Tim's a solid character with a background in both CMA and BJJ.

[Vbrown]

I haven't meet Tim, but our martial history is pretty similar.

His book/video is pretty good. There is a definate feeling of IOUF principles, but done from a different intent. Or perhaps I should say presented with different forms of engagement.

Somewhere on his website they ahve some quicktime vids of workout drills, light and heavy sparring. Tim pulls of some sweet throws.

There is a tape of Tim and his teacher Luo Dexio doing some bagua examples. It should be titled "Big, fast chinese man beats the crap out of Tim for awhile." I just don't think the title would have sold.

Vince

[Arthur]

The book is truly excellent, IMO. I highly recommend it. While the "technique" section might not be of interest to RMA practitioners, the introduction, and theory part in the beginning will be. Likewise the series of essays in the back of the book are fantastic and well worth the read.

Its one of those few books that if I lost it... I'd promptly go out and replace it.

Arthur

[Mike Baldwin]

We started using Tim Cartmell's material out here about 3 years ago. We were very happy with his resources and when we phoned him from here in Oz about anything, he was very helpful. It slots in very nicely with some "triangle concepts" Chris Abbott in Denver uses, work that Kenny Johnson and Oystein Henriksen from Europe play with, and of course Scott's material.

[ Moderators: I hope it is ok to mention other people we have found helpful to our group out here - if there is a problem, please feel free to delete what you need to.]

Cheers
Mike Baldwin :D

[Doug Szolek]

Thank you all very much for the input guys. Looks like that one's on my "to buy" list.

Mike, I think I can speak for Oleg and Dave in saying that we welcome everyone to share what they have personally experienced and how it has worked for them.

[bob_stra]

You want a rock solid example of stupidity?

About three years ago I was waiting for my girlfriend to finish her shopping. I walked across the road to a martial arts store. Lo and behold, cartmell's book and video selling bundled together for A$50.

Did I buy it? Nooooo.....I took her out to dinner.

Meanwhile, she has bought $150 worth of shoes during the grocery run.

Man, I suck. :lol:

I read it for abt 10 minutes in the store. Good book, but not a light read IIRC
He also has a follow up to - effortless grappling or some such.

Interestingly IIRC all the throws in his first book are done without GI's

[Robert V]

Tim is a great guy. I've been on his forum for quite sometime. He is the man of reason in a world of people who still believes you can be an effective fighter without "hardwork".

Tim went out of his way a few months back to help me frame a post about Scott's work.

The book is an excellent companion to IOUF, for it isn't about techniques but throwing concepts. A thinkers book.

Very few "traditional masters" have the humility to try something like BJJ and also compete in BJJ matches. He has won several events.

He isn't fueled by ego. He is also very openminded.

He is one of the best kept secrets in MA.

[dave_rusin]

Right on, Doug! You said it!

So long as Scott doesn't mind, we welcome all related experiences here...

Keep 'em coming...

:D

[Mark Jakabcsin]

I agree with the consensus, good book. A good 1 & 3/4 thumbs up or more. The best part is the first few chapters of theory. Enjoy.

mark j.

[Arthur]

The best part is the first few chapters of theory.
And the last few containing essays he's written too. Many of which are directly useful for those who study or practice RMA. Nice thoughts on "form" (as in the front of the book) and also on proper balance of relaxation and tension.

Some of the examples and drills in the first part of the book, I use to this day in teaching RMA. Great stuff. Now if only he'd write the sequel :cry:

Arthur
PS I think Tim's other book Xing Yi Nei Gong is pretty cool too.