| A
high-level guide to martial arts tactics based on exploiting
errors and weaknesses in an opponent while eliminating personal
errors and weaknesses. "Self-defense" is a graduate-level
course in the most important strategic principles of self-defence
from the legendary Tristan Sutrisno and the indefatigable
Marc MacYoung. Not a manual for beginners or dilettantes,
but a key to the highest level of tactical self-defence, this
volume concentrates not on a catalogue of specific defences
for specific situations, but on teaching situational awareness
and understanding of the wide range of opportunities, possibilities,
and options available to the skilled defender, in any situation.
5 out of 5 - October 10, 2005
The description of this outstanding book states
that it is a graduate level course in the strategic principles
of self defense but don't look for fancy applications or whiz-bang
techniques. It is really about the basic fundamentals that
make any martial art work properly when you take your dojo
skills on the street. This is good solid stuff, not particularly
exciting, but absolutely essential, cerebral, and right on.
The authors are highly skilled and their experience really
resonates within these pages.
As most long-term martial artists know, earning
a black belt is really just the beginning of a practitioner's
martial journey. Since obtaining mine I discovered that the
more I know, the more I realize that the fundamentals are
paramount. That's the focus of this book. The SWOT analysis
is an important tool described herein. It stands for Strength,
Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat, an invaluable tool for
error detection as you place your techniques under a microscope.
Essential nuances of structure, posture, body mechanics, and
positioning are critical for success and well described herein.
The writing is clear, articulate, and easy to follow. The
highlighted practice hints are a nice addition too.
My only complaint, which frankly is pretty minor,
is that the pictures do not have very good contrast and there
are harsh vertical lines on the wall in the background of
many of them that make them a little challenging to view.
Furthermore, there really are not enough photos to illuminate
everything properly unless you've been practicing martial
arts for a while and understand what the authors are talking
about.
There is a very short section on the purpose
of weapons and weapons training and a brief overview of what
happens when you utilize this knowledge in the real world
but the vast majority of the materials are focused on getting
the basics right. Topics covered include range, weight transfer,
positioning, posture, placement, blocking, punching, stances,
kicking, elbows, takedowns, and throws.
Overall this is an excellent and highly recommended
book.
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