5 comments about The Little Black Book of Violence: What Every Young Man Needs to Know About Fighting.

1. The so-called `little black book' is actually a weighty tome, and if you're looking to understand violence and how to deal with it, this volume has pretty much got it covered.
   
   Expert advice and real-world insights are delivered in true Kane and Wilder style. Working on many levels, they connect the wisdom of ancient masters like Sun Tzu and Miyamoto Musashi with leading modern-day martial artists and self-protection gurus to paint a truly complete picture.
   
   The book spotlights the real cost of fighting in graphic and sometimes gruesome detail, with photos to match. The aim is to familiarise the reader with real-world violence and give them the tools to make the right decisions when faced with a potentially violent situation.
   
   The question of when to fight (and when not to) is given the careful consideration it deserves and is one of the highlights of the book. The writers take into account the important factors of youth and pride, especially in young males, and provide a realistic framework for judging the right course of action based on reason rather than emotion.
   
   Personal anecdotes abound -- some humorous, some profound, many shocking -- from martial artists, security personnel, law enforcement and armed forces. The issues of weapons such as knives and guns is included throughout, along with advice on dealing with wounds, psychological trauma and the tricky matter of the law.
   
   The text is so comprehensive that several readings and regular revisions would be the only way to truly know and digest the wealth of information contained within. The Little Black Book of Violence is one very big, very credible source on the subject, and comes with a big recommendation.
   Goran Powell, author of Waking Dragons: A Martial Artist Faces His Ultimate Test



2. A very well written book on the violence cycle. This book is written for 'young men' but there is a lot of totally relevant information for women here and it is so easy to read! Granted, the humor is male oriented (as it should be for the target audience) but you will be hard pressed to find so much information in one book elsewhere. I thoroughly recommend this book for beginner to advanced in the field of self defense.



3. After reading more into an overly broad mention of this book on Glenn Reynolds "instapundit" I picked up a copy and finished it last night.
   
   Let me take a page from the author's book as it were.
   
   Violence is a horrible thing. Its messy, its gory, it is painful, and it often results in death, disfigurement, and legal action. The taking of a human life is not a decision that should be arrived at easily nor quickly. Even the attempt to kill in "sanctioned" situations can lead to emotional, physical, and spiritual distress of an individual.
   
   However, for the horrors of violence, there are often times where violence is the correct answer, the best choice. Believe it or not (and the authors would have you believe not) violence isn't a tool of last resort. The authors would have you believe that you should only fight when backed into a corner trapped, with no other way out. They further pontificate that you should change your life, avoiding certain places, people, and things. You should be afraid, avoid going out after dark, and avoiding new places and new situations, all so you can avoid violence.
   
   Be a coward. But at least you'll be alive.
   
   I don't agree, at all. Somethings are worth fighting for. Somethings are worth killing for. Somethings are worth dying for. And not as a last resort either.
   
   I think the authors and I would agree, that your life is worth fighting for. That is the premise of the second half of their book anyway, what to do once you find yourself in a situation where a fight is unavoidable. But even then I disagree with their "mental and verbal judo" approach to things. They would rather have you let your enemy control the battlefield, allowing them to be the aggressor, putting you into a position from which you react to them rather than initiating or escalating the conflict.
   
   The book however, isn't a complete waste (hence two stars rather than one), just misdirected. The sections on situational awareness are very good. They stress that you need to be situationally aware at all times, and not just when on unfamiliar ground or in new situations. They preach the credo "Trust in God, but everyone else needs to show their hands" and more importantly to check the hands, check the feet, watch the posture. Don't be lulled and to be prepared.
   
   As far as their self defense teachings go...its hard to learn this type of stuff from a book. Really hard. As a matter of fact I can only think of one or two ways worse than learning self defense from a book, and that would be to teach yourself, or to learn it from watching "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon"...
   
   That really isn't a fault of the authors however. Thats a limitation of the medium.
   
   If I were to get off my lazy butt and write a book of this nature, here's the way I'd do it.
   
   1) Understand what it means to fight for something. It means being willing to accept death, dismemberment, and legal action. It means being willing to hurt, maim, or kill.
   2) Decide what is worth fighting for. This is on the individual to decide and to determine. For me, life, liberty, family, and country are worth fighting for. The three bucks in my wallet? Probably not.
   3) Prepare yourself to fight for those things. Be situationally aware. Be prepared to end the fight quickly by any means. Be prepared to make the decision to fight before it is forced upon you.
   4) Know how to fight. Take a good self defense program/class. Avoid competitive martial arts.
   5) Read "The Gift of Fear" and "On Killing"
   6) Live you life how you will, without regret, and without some book (or some reviewer on Amazon) telling you how.



4. The information in this book can go a long way to helping one understand the realities of violence. I know that many young people get involved in martial arts with the misplaced notion that they are going to become a well oiled fighting machine. This book would be great required reading to help such individuals develop a better perspective of the true value of the martial arts.



5. Kane and Wilder really made me think about fighting in a way that I never have before. The authors lay out the cost of violence in stark, realistic terms. It is scary stuff, but it ensures that we understand the full ramifications and consequences of violence so that we can make smart decisions about fighting. I got a little queasy reading some of the author's examples and viewing some of their pictures was downright disturbing (thank god they are not in color), but I learned a LOT from the experience. And I know that I am better off for it too.
   
   The title is catchy, but don't let it mislead you. Far from little, it is a weighty tome, almost 400 pages long. And it is packed with invaluable information. There is a non-judgmental survey to fill out before and after reading the book that helps us determine what we are willing to do or not do, and what we are willing to have done to us or a loved one. I really loved that part. It is a fantastic way of sorting out what is worth fighting for and what is not. Such choices cannot rationally be made during an encounter, so we need to think about it ahead of time. This book truly made me think.
   
   I cannot recommend The Little Black Book of Violence highly enough. It is particularly useful for young men and anyone who works with at risk youth such as social workers, teachers, administrators, but to be perfectly honest anyone can benefit from the information. The tone of the book is not aimed at women or older adults, but the material is appropriate for all people of all ages who are serious about self defense.

5 comments about Complete Krav Maga: The Ultimate Guide to Over 230 Self-Defense and Combative Techniques.

1. For a beginner, this book is good for supplementing your existing training. They sell this book at my Krav training center and the moves match the tests so it is good for reviewing what you have learned also.



2. Many years ago I had the pleasure to train under Darren Levine in an intense 60 hour 6 day course held for defensive tactics instructors at the Illinois State Police Academy. This text provides an excellent guide to achieving belt ranks in this martial art system, if that is your goal. Though I can understand some of the critical reviews of this book; however, no matter how good or bad a book may be, it can never take the place of actual intense hands-on training under a competent instructor. The reason this book should be read by anyone interested in Krav Maga is because it is organized into specific skill levels that a student should master before moving on to the next section. In conclusion, the real value of this text cannot be appreciated without actual physical training under a krav maga instructor. Rating: 4 stars. Joseph J. Truncale, (Pro-Systems Combatives: Author: Monadnock Defensive Tactics System & Advanced PR-24 Baton Techniques)



3. If you are new into Krav Maga, this book will let you understand it's approach to personal defense and will introduce you to basics involving this great method. A must have!



4. This book is complete. I'm a krav maga pratictioner in Brazil, and the details of the book make it's very easy to learn. With photos that explaines step-by-step the punch, kicks and everything. Better than any book i ever seen.



5. I like Krav Maga and treat it with amazing respect. Honestly, the authors did a fine job trying to put Krav Maga into a book for us. Still, after reading it Twice, I think the problem is a basis on techniques and less on principles that make it work. I know there's even a part on the approach on principles, but they don't explain the physics or reactions to the degree I feel is needed. The focus should be on how to get a result, in this case the end of the attacker.
   
   Will the moves work, of course they will. If and only if everything goes as planned. Sadly, it never does.Get this book, but try to look below the surface techniques and go into why it worked with what happens to the target.
   
   Still a decent self defense book. By it used or glance at the first few techniques and see if you can do them when attacked.

5 comments about Got Fight?: The 50 Zen Principles of Hand-to-Face Combat.

1. I love Forrest as a fighter and an author. His humble down to earth personality is well reflected in this book. He has had his share of ups(having the light heavyweight title) and downs (being run out the the ring by Anderson Silva). This book deinitely represents these ups and downs very well. He shares his weaknesses with the reader which definitely makes them strengths. This book gives the reader the whole range of emotions. From his introductory test where I was laughing my balls off at his questions to the moment I began crying when I realized I had failed his test and should go home crying to my mother. If you are looking to become a better fighter or martial artist because of this book I think you should look elsewhere. While he does share some martial arts techniques in the pages of this book, it is his humor which creates the awesomeness of this book. His writing style is second to none. He kept me drawn in the entire time and I read the entire book in three days. If I wasn't such a slow reader I probably would have read it in just a few hours. I really hope that he writes another book. Please Forrest Please!



2. Knowing Forrest Griffin's personality from his Ultimate Fighter and UFC days, I was not expecting a serious book by any means. However, I felt that the antics and silliness of the book got in the way of the actual methods and techniques.



3. We got this for a Christmas present for my husband's brother. He loved it! My husband also loves this book and this is his favorite fighter.



4. I'm not normally a book reader. But when this book ended I was a little upset, and not in a bad way. I never thought that I would wish that a book was longer but I felt that way about GOT FIGHT. Usually I think all books are too long or written for some other person. I never once felt that way while reading this. It is not a book for those trying to learn about some magical technique to stop your opponent cold in its tracks. If that's what your looking for than I would suggest sticking with video games or the fantasies in your head. *Cough* LOSER *COUGH*. Instead though if you want something to read that speaks to the side of you that no one ever seems to understand. That side of you that you can never properly explain to anyone when they ask "why?" why do you fight, why do you put yourself through all the pain an sacrifice then this is for you.



5. Forrest Griffin is one of the few UFC fighters that will draw my attention to a UFC fight. More than dedicated MMA fans will enjoy this book.
   
   [...]
   
   Got Fight?: The 50 Zen Principles of Hand-to-Face Combat

1 comments about The Karate Mouse (Geronimo Stilton, No. 40).

1. The kids in our elementary school library love this series. They are so cleverly done with the fun and different fonts included in the text. I can't buy them fast enough.

5 comments about The Book of Five Rings.

1. I was drinking tea at Samovar Cafe in San Francisco when I read a quote from this book in their menu. It got me quite curious about it and purchased a copy. I understand that it is a seminal piece of work during the time it was originally written. Apparently, there has not been much analysis of strategy for war/combat prior to this book. However, I think my expectations were not in-line with what I got out of reading it. There are some chapters on sword fighting techniques. And, there are also sections that can be best described as zen-like philosophy. But, I find it hard to absorb most as it is very sparse and have little to no elaboration (for example: If you are going to battle, you should learn everything about every weapon...period). Perhaps the knowledge contained in this book is best discussed within a group or to come from a mentor who has some knowledge about the subject. Having said that, I still did pick up some important learning from The Book of Five Rings. The one I will take away with me is the importance of infecting others (as opposed to being infected). As I understand it, Miyamoto asserts that your thoughts, mood and behaviour should always be consciously monitored and used to influence your surroundings and people around you. And on the flip side, also be aware of others not infecting you in a similar sense. It may sound basic but I do believe it is an important skill to learn...either for war, business, or just everyday interactions.



2. 
   The book appears at first to be written simply; it stated the obvious. Written at a time when perhaps things were simpler.
   
   This is NOT a book to read in one sitting, though you easily could.
   
   Read just a bit, then put it down and walk away. Allow what you have read to be mulled over in your mind.
   
   The book is really complex. It contains secrets to living every day, for dealing with everyone you encounter no matter what their state of mind is. It contains secrets about how to do business.
   
   The title is a translation. Like English, words can have multiple meanings. What is translated into the word "ring" can also be translated into "spheres" which I think is a more appropriate translation. The sphere is the most perfect thing in the universe. Beginning at a point and drawing the ring/sphere/circle you will get to a point where the line begins again upon itself. This is a key to understanding the book.
   
   Cleverly written, it holds the knowledge to live at peace with the universe.
   
   An excellent read and mental workout.



3. This is a great book. Makes you really think about life in a different way. I think everyone should read this book.



4. This book is based on the writings of a 16th centery master duelest, but is a little long from a narrative point
   
   the shipping could be improved on this item. 17 days is just to long when it was shipped from a 10 hour drive away.



5. I was really excited about reading this book and it lived up to the expectations. Granted, it wasn't the fastest reading book ever printed, but it was very thoughtful and inciteful. I will absolutely read this book again in the future. But for five dollars, the book was worth every penny.

5 comments about Jiu-Jitsu University.

1. I really like this book. The first chapter alone is full concepts that I personally haven't been taught in classes. I have been training long enough to know that I wish Saulo's ideas about survival had been the first things I learned in jiu jitsu. I ordered his Jiu Jitsu Revolution dvd because of this book. Thank you, Saulo Ribeiro.



2. The way this book is organized is very helpful. The author leads the reader along an in-depth and comprehensive organization that takes advantage of the natural progression in learning this martial art. The photos and angles of the photos are good. I would recommend this book.



3. This book is fantastic, reccomended for any brazilian jiu jitsu practicioner... Saulo's knowledge and love of this amazing gentle art really shine through. Buy it.



4. I'm very happy with the book. I'm a Judoka and sometimes train with (and admire) BJJ fighters and wanted an overview of the moves, nomenclature and strategy/philosophy. this booked seemed comprehensive and has lived up to my expecations. a well done publication and very effective format - using 2 photos of each step taken from different angles. I recommened it.



5. I have many good jiu-jitsu videos and books, but this and the Demian Maia videos are the best.
   
   In this book, the first two chapters (white and blue belts) deal with survival and escapes. I'm a white belt, and with this book in only three months of training I could put a very good defense against very good purple and brown belts. This book is very dense and requires repetitive reading to absorb all the knowledge, like all good books.
   
   It's worth every penny.

5 comments about Mind Gym : An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence.

1. This book includes many of the basic mental concepts discussed in sports: staying positive, etc. Although there were some helpful tips, it was a task to sort through the excessive name dropping. As an athlete, I don't need to know the names of everyone the author has ever helped. I assume, since I am buying and reading the book, that I will at least somewhat trust what is being said and that I will be willing to try it myself. If you need the 150/224 pages of professional athlete anecdotes, then this book is for you. If, like most athletes, you don't have time to sit and read fluff, find another book.



2. I am an 1,90 and 120kg marathon runner. When I announced that I intend to run a marathon the reactions varied from amusement to worry that I will not survive. That might have been the case if I wouldn't have had THIS book. It made all the difference in the world. Maybe half of the training time was "mind gym".
   The result? Not only I have finished alive but I made quite a good time (3h44). This performance changed not my weight (I am still 120kg) but my self-image. I know now that the only limits are in my head. I changed. A lot. From the introvertit obese to the cocky, confident obese :) I fired my boss. Actually, the company fired him for mobbing. I got a fat settlement. I switched careers. I took one sabbatical year and focused on learning trading. Here, again, the "Mind gym" made a huge difference. I become profitable and then ... very profitable. I don't own a Porsche but I am free (of worries, schedules, bosses)
   
   If you intend to buy only one book for the next year: BUY THIS ONE !!



3. Pretty good book if you need some general motivation... The author knows the topic and gives some good examples, but doesn't really get into specific actions to help resolve issues. Also, alot of baseball and golf examples, I found it hard to relate it to the sports I am involved in. Tons of great quotes, etc to get you amped.



4. This book is tough to review because people have different expectations with sport psychology books. If you are looking for a neatly organized system of beliefs, principles, and exercises to begin applying to your game tomorrow this might not be the book for you. Maybe you should check out With Winning In Mind or 10-Minute Mental Toughness? With that said, I loved this book. Once you start it you might not be able to put it down. Its a motivational book that weaves sports psychology principles into stories to illustrate the importance of each principle. This book inspired me to write down an effective system of beliefs and checklists I can go through before a game. The important part is the system and beliefs are mine.



5. This book was recommended to me get over issues I had playing racquetball. I kept making mental mistakes and things got worse as the match progressed. This book has taught me how to stay focus and keep moving forward. My game has improved quite a bit and I have beaten players that I have never beaten before. When things go wrong I use the techniques in this book. I highly recommend this book for anyone who needs to take the next step. This is one of those books that you will read more than once and make notes of certain chapters.

5 comments about The Fighter's Mind: Inside the Mental Game.

1. As a fan of Sheridan's first book, I was optimistic this would be a good book. I was wrong.
   
   It was great. As each chapter works as a stand alone excerpt, they all tied together beautifully. The insight from such a varied list of fighters (in all styles) like Andre Ward, Marcelo Garcia, Renzo Gracie, and others was
   eye opening.
   
   If you consider yourself any fan of fighting or want to know what makes successful competitors tick, you absolutely need to read The Fighter's Mind.



2. I just wanted to say, that review above from Publisher's Weekly is obviously from some disgruntled pencil-neck who doesn't like fighting.



3. The Fighter's Mind is an incredible look at the mental part of competition and life. Through the lens of combat sports, Sam Sheridan goes around the world in search of answers to various questions about how top personalities think about fighting. The book is laid out in the form of short sections about each of the people that Sam talks to. People like Dan Gable, Freddie Roach, Greg Jackson, Renzo Gracie, and Randy Couture answer Sheridan's excellent questions with thoughtful and insightful responses that are presented in such a way that you get a very good look at how they think about the fight game and what in their lives have made them reach that point.
   
   Sam also covers areas outside of fighting, but areas that are thematically related. He talks to David Horton about endurance running, and he talks to Josh Waitzkin about moving from chess to tai chi to jiu-jitsu. In each section, Sheridan lets the subject be as concise or explanatory as they need to be on the page. He interjects his own experience into the responses, always at the correct time and always with an astute bit to enhance what the passage is about.
   I'd say that this isn't just the best combat sports book I've read. This is the best sports book I've read. It's the best psychology book I've read. It is as thorough a meditation on the human passion for fighting and testing oneself as has ever been written. If you are at all interested in mixed martial arts, boxing, traditional martial arts, the human mind, or competition, you owe it to yourself to check this book out. As far as Sam Sheridan's catalogue of modern combat sports goes, I can definitely say that he is the A.J. Liebling of this generation.



4. Like with his first book, which I enjoyed immensely, Sam Sheridan comes across as very genuine and sincere, and he's a decent writer to boot. My only gripe with both of his books is the odd chapter I can only read as filler -- fighter dogs in his first book; distance runners in this one. What's the point?
   
   Other than that, solid insight. The Marcelo Garcia and Randy Couture chapters alone are worth the price of the book. And Sheridan talking about his own struggles as a writer regarding the distinction between nervousness and excitement was helpful to me, personally. And contrasting Dan Gable's superhuman but ultimately seemingly joyless grind with someone like Kenny Florian: nice.
   
   Looking forward to Sheridan's next one.



5. Although I liked his first book better, this is still a very interesting look into many famous fighters and what drives their competitive spirit. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is because the subject matter is difficult to really pass on to someone. You either get it or you don't. A great read for people that fight, or compete in almost any sport, but probably not as interesting for a casual reader.

No comments about The Five Ancestors Book 7: Dragon.

5 comments about Tao of Jeet Kune Do.

1. this book is just very well written. you can tell when he is sad from when he is happy and you just fill good about your self after reading this book. i cant stand reading at all but after i watched this movie i had to buy this book after getting it in the mail i started reading it. and yes there are some very cheap stick figures drawing in it and some strang art but it still was an out standing book.



2. Good insight to Bruce Lee and how he looked at things pertaining to attack and defense. Easy to understand text and pictures.



3. I agree, this book is inspirational. You probably have to be ready for it, but if you are, it will enlighten you.



4. . . . book was in excellent condition with fast and expediate service . . . thanx . . .



5. This book is a great read, it's almost like a bible........A Martial Arts Bible! A must read!!