"Martial Mechanics" explains how certain immutable laws of physics and principles of kinesiology have an impact on martial arts techniques, and how and why many contemporary martial arts practitioners are unable to achieve a high level of technical proficiency. Most of them unknowingly violate key principles of body mechanics and/or physics, resulting in a loss of both speed and power. Although they probably knew very little about modern physics and kinesiology, the originators of the ancient traditional martial arts systems learned how to utilize these laws and principles to their best advantage, enabling them to generate uncanny striking force.Many of these time-tested principles have never been taught to Westerners; after all, the Japanese had suffered terribly at the hands of the Allies by the end of WWII, the U.S. had totally devastated Okinawa, and shortly after the war China vanished behind the iron curtain of communism. Of the principles that were taught, many have been ignored and/or forgotten by contemporary martial arts enthusiasts, resulting in an overall deterioration of martial arts skill. The book goes on to explain why certain popular training exercises are actually counterproductive to the acquisition of real martial technique, dispels some myths regarding popular training techniques, and provides the reader with highly effective alternative routines.

The only American heir to W. C. Chen, Phillip Starr continues the master's teachings in this useful guide that also profiles the exciting early years when martial arts were still new in America. Through this entertaining collection of personal anecdotes involving Master Chen, the author, and his classmates, readers learn a particular aspect of the traditional martial arts. Included are explanations of the importance and meaning of courtesy and the custom of bowing, the significance of training with weapons and how it impacts bare-handed skills, and the value of traditional forms and how they relate to actual combat.

In 'Hidden Hands' Phillip Starr provides detailed instruction in the art of reading martial arts forms by first mastering rudimentary owordso (individual techniques) and then moving on to simple osentenceso (combinations of techniques), readers will come to understand forms as documents that contain the true essence of their art.