Star Trek: Kirk Fu Manual – A Guide to Starfleet’s Most Feared Martial Art

Written by Dayton Ward

Illustrations by Christian Cornia

How many times have you thought to yourself, “Gee, I wish I knew how to execute some slick fake martial arts moves like Jim Kirk?” Well, now you can learn! The Kirk Fu Manual, A Guide to Starfleet’s Most Feared Martial Art will soon have you karate chopping like a Starship Captain—and you’ll have some fun along the way.

Written in the voice of James T. Kirk, this manual is a guide to the famous captain’s hand-to-hand combat moves. Kirk’s advice to new cadets is sprinkled throughout, as well as excerpts from his personal log.

There are 12 sections, each describing a specific Kirk Fu move, with an example of when Captain Kirk used the move effectively. They all have cool names, such as the Slippery Eel or the Box Lunch, and the instantly recognizable Flying Drop Kirk.

Each section begins with a description of a situation in which a particular skill might be useful. Kirk imparts his experience and wisdom on the student, cautioning that “reality only rarely unfolds in accordance with training scenarios.” The student must learn to be quick and decisive.

Illustrations are provided with step-by-step instructions for each of the twelve Kirk Fu moves. Each move is concluded by returning to the basic defensive stance—with a torn shirt. Do not skip that step! Each of these instructional illustrations is also accompanied by a disclaimer of sorts, often stating that results will vary in low- or null-gravity environments. One of my favorites:

If your adversary has more than two arms, tuck your hand under their lowest extremity. Results may vary if your opponent is a shapeshifter.

At first glance, I wasn’t too sure about the illustration style, but after going through all of the sections, I think it’s perfect. The exaggerated poses combined with the step-by-step instructions ensure you will be able to master these moves in no time, and they always end in the torn shirt, which I found very humorous.

The excerpts from Captain Kirk’s Personal Log are honest and introspective. He muses about the Prime Directive (he does take it seriously), instinctive biases, and the unbelievable situations he and his crew have been in. There is an entry from Stardate 3026.3, just after the Enterprise departed the Omicron Delta region (“Shore Leave”) in which he shares his feelings about fighting his old nemesis Finnegan and reuniting with his old flame Ruth.

After the study and practice of the twelve Kirk Fu moves an assessment is offered in multiple-choice format. Upon completion of the manual, a Certificate of Training is issued by Starfleet Academy. The official-looking page could be copied and filled in with your own name, suitable for framing. What better way to show off your accomplishment at finishing the course, and warn off any aggressors that may enter your quarters?

A special bonus Spock Fu section completes the course, so you no longer have to wonder how to facilitate the Vulcan Nerve Pinch.

The book is a lighthearted yet loving homage to Shatner’s Kirk — the dedication page reads “Dedicated with sincere respect to the one and only William Shatner.” Ward’s sharp wit and vast Star Trek knowledge combined with Cornia’s illustrations make for a quick and entertaining read.

If you choose to practice Kirk Fu your results may vary in low- or no-gravity situations, and remember to stretch!

The Kirk Fu Manual is a 7″ x 7″ hardcover 64-page book and is due to be released on March 3. You can pre-order it from the link below.



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