Fight Like a Physicist

An in-depth look into the physics behind martial arts.Whether you are an experienced martial artist or a curious enthusiast, this book gives you an “unfair advantage” by unraveling the complex science of effective fighting techniques and examining the core principles that make them work. Did you know?Momentum is for knocking people over Energy is for breaking bones and causing painA haymaker travels 3.14159 times farther than a jabYou are only an “object” when you are rigidFight Like a Physicist blends inquiry, skepticism, and irreverent humor—all while punching holes in myth and mysticism. Highlights includeMaking physics your “unfair advantage,” in the ring and on the streetExamining center of mass, pi, levers, wedges, angular momentum, and linear momentum for martial artistsReducing traumatic brain injury in contact sportsExposing the illusion of safety provided by gloves and helmetsOverturning conventional wisdom on compliance during an assaultBusting up Hollywood action clichésFight Like a Physicist reads like a manifesto on the rational practice of martial arts. It’s intelligent, fun, and dangerous—and nothing short of iconoclastic.