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Editorial Review Product Description
One of the few real self-protection guides on the markettoday, this book will teach you first and foremost how to avoidviolent situations. But should you find yourself in one, it will alsoshow you how to control yourself and your emotions so you can functionon a physical level to defend yourself. ... Read more Customer Reviews (21) 
Repetitious Advice
I purchased the book for the interviews of muggers, attackers etc. There is not a core chapter dedicated to these interview as quotes are spread out through the text. The quotes do not provide insights as to their patterns or thinking, only how violent they are. There are some kernels of insight in the text, but the repetition of advice makes a straight read through near impossible. I would only purchase this book if you are looking to purchase at half price.
The best guide available
As a not very good amateur martial artist I have purchased many books to try and assist and inspire me in my training. By some margin this is by far the best. Sure there are better books that give more detail on specific topics, however no others deal with as many areas as this one. Thompson is ex-doorman/nightclub bouncer and martial artist in many disciplines. A 1st dan in judo, 6th dan in Karate together with qualifications in wrestling and many others.
In this book he covers 24 areas of 'self-protection' from 1. avoidance and awareness to 24. Self-Defence and the law. There isn't sufficient time to review all the these areas in a short review like this. However what I will say is that this book has given me some new insights into just how to criminal mind works, as well as some useful information on practical martial arts. See for example chapter 12 which is devoted solely to the application, advantages and disadvantages of chokes and strangles.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the book is where he interviews several victims of violent crime as well as several muggers and looks at several case histories from serial killers. Some of the case histories are hard to read (as their crimes are described in graphic detail by the criminal), however the interviews with the muggers are a fascinating insight into how the criminal mind works and a lot of useful information can be gained from reading these.
Some will say that studying martial arts and reading this sort of material is a complete waste of time. However for those of us that do, it is enlightening to know that people who are switched off to their surroundings and their environment are the ones most likely to fall victim to a mugger or criminal.
This book does duplicate some material from Geoff Thompsons other books. So if you only want to buy one book that covers the entire spectrum of his philosophy - this is the one.
Mindset and physioloy of fighting
I bought this book because many readers said that this is one of the "originals."Geoff is a former bouncer who has many insightful thoughts on fighting.The most important concepts in the book are on how to avoid fights.Secondly, the physiology of the "adrenal dump" is discussed at length.This was my favorite part, as I have a backround in medicine.The text is easy to read and understand.The fighting section is less useful, as martial arts are very difficult to learn from a book.Overall, I would highly recommend this book.
It does just what it says on the lable and more!!
A great companion to the book by Peter Consterdine's "STREETWISE - A Manual for Self Defence". Like Streetwise it's a hefty tomb and packed with useful, effective and easy to learn self techniques THAT WORK!! Plenty of clear pictures too.
Geoff is one of the greats when it comes to Self Defence & personal protection, but what is SO GOOD in this book is that Geoff teaches you how to avoid situations that are likely to lead to a scrap, e.g. sections dealing with Awareness, profiles of Attackers & what they're looking for in a target therefore how to avoid being a target. How to deal with Fear & how to use it to your advantage.
A lot of the book is devoted to actual self defence techniques, striking, parts of the body & ground fighting too. Also, first aid & points on The Law & how it can protect you are also covered.
Geoff has had many years of experience learning & honing his skills on the streets and as a Doorman so is justly qualified to give out this kind of expert information. He is truly devoted to his methods and teaching and his passion for his skills comes out very well in this book.
IT's a REAL LIFE-SAVER!!
The Man Knows What He's Talking About
Geoff Thompson makes his mark not mainly in the presentation of practical techniques for self defense. Though he does that well (from his own educated point of view), I think that is not the most important point of this book. This book is intended to prepare the average person to deal with what by definition is a dangerous, uncomfortable meeting with people that one generally doesn't want to get to know. Though his book may scare off some readers in its graphic discussion of those who prey on normal people, getting right in one's mind about how things really are is an important step in doing something about one's personal safety in the street. Mental preparation is a major issue in personal defense, and is often overlooked by otherwise excellent authors. Thompson doesn't miss this key area. If you're serious about self defense, Thompsons work must be on your list!
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