The concept of mixed martial arts (MMA) as a sport and spectacle often rankles with the purists amongst the kung fu and wider martial arts communities in my experience. There is perhaps a distrust and even jealousy in some cases of the guys involved. Dismissed as “meatheads” or barbarians who are destroying the sanctity of arts with their cherry-picking and cross training ways. Ironically most of these guys, particularly in the Wing Tsun community will express a deep love of Bruce Lee – the movie star who built his house on breaking the mould in the field of martial arts training.
The pedigree of Rooney as a trainer of champions is impressive and in this book he relays some great philosophy and musings on the lot of the martial artist. I was worried when I invested in this tome on a whim I might have wasted my money on yet another book that promises a lot and fails to deliver. Luckily those fears were dismissed in the opening few pages.

Rooney wanted to write this book by training with the best in certain fields he identified as crucial to success for the MMA fighter in the octagon today. He identified the arts/styles and relevant instructors and went and trained with them on location. From Brazil for BJJ to Russia for Sambo or Thailand for Muay Thai to Japan for Karate and Judo to locations in USA for Wrestling etc. Offering a small apology to anyone offended by the omission of their style Rooney might be covering himself needlessly. As a WT exponent for years I'd be amazed and amused as to how he can reconcile it with what is clearly a sporting pursuit. While some WT guys bristle at the chiding challenges as to why no one from the art has stepped into the ring with the new boys on the block, it's not really necessary. When they let us go in un-gloved and able to gouge, pull, snap and break you might see WT in full fury and glory – you might also see the collapse of society back into a Roman state of bloodsport and grisly macabre.

I am not a purist. I've enjoyed sparring with other styles and am fully aware I do not represent WT, it represents me. Anything I do wrong or badly is not the fault of the art but my understanding of it. So with that in mind what does this book offer?

Well the answer is a lot of exercises that relate to specific arts and therefore the all round fitness of the MMA exponent or enthusiast. Personally I was bit concerned as each chapter seemed filled with hundreds of press up variations on first skim. This perhaps vindicates me in my notion that weightlifting is only a small part of the martial artist's needs.

Glossy and clearly written there is little here in terms of long essays but some honest and practical advice from a man who is clearly a fan-boy and student of martial arts as opposed to a self-aggrandising master or guru. Rooney comes across as quite likeable in the course of the book, from art to art and country to country. What you build up is a clear picture of the dedication all races and arts bring to the table and how there is more to martial arts than Oriental chaps in pyjamas smashing each other about. All countries have great fighters and ergo great martial arts if you scratch the surface a little.

There is a heavy flavour of 'sports science' pervading the book. A meal planner and massive six month (yes I know, SIX of 'em) workout schedule. Whilst that may seem unwieldy the excellent photography and detail within this book make it more manageable. In fact I am still tempted as I type to embark on the mammoth quest of six months with religious vigour and see how I progress. Added into that there are specific “warrior challenges” to test yourself and a level system in place there is reason to think this book and Rooney's work provides many years of mileage for the hobbyist and pro alike.

Overall I really like it as a book and concept, its weaknesses are the same as any other book trying to relay the split seconds of physical exertion that is combat in still and academic media such as a textbook. It is perhaps biased towards the more well known arts it covers but for Rooney there is little market share for a book on obscure and esoteric fighting arts that while deadly have no place in rules and sport of MMA. For example it would be impossible and fruitless to try and capture the mechanics of Poon Sau that develops soft and reflexive responses to unprovoked attacks. In the scope of MMA you should know and expect an onslaught from the opening bell as it were.

The real strength of this book is the sport and athletic elements that are relevant to everyone. The attitude that technique prevails so common in many non-sporting arts is something that cuts little ice with me. Those that believe simply training ideas without any physical exertion are kidding themselves I'm afraid. While the ravages of time might be compensated for with technique when you are younger and more inexperienced the ability to be resilient and fit in order to fight is crucial as you don't have decades of practice to refine your skills behind you, unless of course, you hope not to use them until you are old. This book will no doubt inspire and guide you to become a “warrior” should you choose to accept the long and arduous path ahead. A great and easy to use manual that will help you up your game.