My Name is Jakab, Master Jakab :: All Titles

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My Name is Jakab, Master Jakab

Foreword by Sir Roger Moore.

This is the true story of a remarkable man. Lajos Jakab was born and brought up in a small village in Hungary in the years leading up to the outbreak of World War II. His early childhood was carefree, almost idyllic, until at the age of six he contracted poliomyelitis ? ?childhood paralysis?, as it was then known. There was no vaccine against this disease and no cure ? it just had to run its course, and the effects could be devastating. Medical experts predicted that if he lived he would never walk again. However, although left with a pronounced limp, Lajos survived and, with immense courage and determination, overcame the crippling damage to his legs.

Then came the German invasion of Hungary, followed by the even more oppressive Russian occupation. After the failure of the 1956 uprising, Lajos, aged just 21, decided there was no future for him in his homeland and planned a daring escape. After experiencing great danger and pain, Lajos eventually succeeded in getting to England, where he created his own unique style of Defence and Fitness, based on street fighting. It was here that he met his wife, Sheila.

Her memoir tells the fascinating story of ?Master Jakab? from his childhood to the present day with both candour and devotion. Lajos Jakab is revered as the father of modern martial arts in the West, and has taught many well-known celebrities, including the singer Engelbert Humperdinck and actor Sir Roger Moore for his roles in The Saint and as 007 James Bond.

This book will appeal not only to devotees of martial arts, but also to anyone who enjoys reading about success in the face of adversity and the indomitable nature of the human spirit.