Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #170758 in Books
• Published on: 1998-11-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 200 pages

Synopsis
Technical self protection instruction book.

Customer Reviews

You've got to be joking
I read a lot, so I expect some books to be not to my liking. With this, though, I feel I've been ripped off. The information it contains could be easily presented in ten pages (and that's if it was large type) and the photos, of which there are dozens and dozens, are so poor you can barely see what they're meant to be. They are also pointless space fillers, many with little or no accompanying description. Not that they need any, depicting as they do really useful techniques like one bloke hitting another with a rolled-up magazine, stabbing someone in the neck with two pairs of scissors (very useful if you're a psychotic hairdresser with troublesome clientel) and how to stick a ruler in someone's chops (complete with close up so you can get the angle juuuust right).

Helpfully, there are acres of white space between some of the pictures so that you can "jot down notes and other ideas". Oh, puhlease.

The text is repetetive to the point of comedy and contains blatant promotion for the author's other books. On one page the author asks a question then says the answer is contained in another of his books and it "wouldn't be right to repeat it". Well, I'll stay ignorant of the answer because I wouldn't so much as look at another of his books even if Mr O'Keefe himself had me in a headlock and was threatening me with a rolled-up copy of "Nuts".

In one memorable effort to fill space the reader is told not to grapple on the floor if avoidable. To illustrate this (using as many words as possible) we are helpfully informed what purpose our shoes serve (to protect our feet, I can reveal) and that the pavement may well be covered in unpleasant objects (all listed) including dog ****. In case we are unsure what dog **** looks like we are shown a photo. Very useful. Maybe that picture should be on the cover.

There's much more to criticise but I don't have the energy.

Still, I don't want to be accused of being negative, so does this book have any redeeming features what-so-ever? Yes, the author makes a couple of good points, and a couple of pages genuinely make you think, but that's hardly any vindication for padding out the other 180 pages with so much empty blather and foistering the whole sorry product on an unsuspecting public. After all, I wouldn't pay top dollar for a box of squashed chocolates just because the cherry-flavoured one looked undamaged.

Simply brilliant!
In recent years men like Geoff Thompson and Peter Consterdine have spearheaded something of a revolution on the UK martial arts scene. Replacing outdated techniques and armchair theory came sound advice and practical instruction, offered by people who had actually been there and experienced the harsh realities of modern violence. Media exposure via books, video and magazines finally took the knowledge off the doors and put it before the public eye. Other top men in their field joined the movement and added their own brand of tried and tested mayhem to the melting pot. They all, without exception, use and recommend the pre-emptive strike .My point is that a lot has already been written on the pre-emptive strike, as it is one of the cornerstones of any valid system of self-protection. So what is the value of yet more material - in fact a whole book - on the subject ?

"Pre-emptive strikes for winning fights" is Jamie O'Keefe's latest book, and seeks to thoroughly dissect the theory, training and practical application of the pre-emptive strike. Jamie has established himself as one of the top authors in this field - "Pre-emptive Strikes.." is already into its second re-print as I write this, only two months after it's release. Whenever I've read his books, he not only answers most of my questions on the topic, but also opens up whole other areas of problems/solutions I'd never even thought of, and this book is no exception . He is an original and innovative thinker, turning out books packed with useful advice and information . . I really believe that anyone, no matter what their level of skill or experience, can learn something from this book.

There is so much content in this book that I really can't detail every chapter, but here's a taste of some highlights: The legal issues surrounding use of the pre-emptive strike are covered in depth. Jamie gives sound advice on how to explain your actions to the authorities. This is absolutely vital information worth the price of the book on its own. Similarly the grey area of the morality of the pre-emptive is effectively addressed - it's worth noting that legal and moral concerns are the biggest stumbling blocks for people new to the concept of the pre-emptive attack. The chapters on blocking, fitness and grappling will be real wake-up calls for many martial artists - grappling fanatics in particular may not like what he has to say ! Attack prediction is another vital aspect examined. Pre-attack indicators are always present - acts of violence very rarely come 'out of the blue'. You will learn what to look for, when to trust your instincts and very importantly how to act on this information. The section on controlling fear and triggering your pre-emptive strike is a real favorite of mine. Very simple, direct and practical. Moving onto the physical side, Jamie shows his own personal favorite strikes, but rather than assume you'll want to do exactly as he does, he teaches a unique system for choosing strikes from your own selection of skills .You'll learn what to choose and how to use it. Photos illustrate the realistic application of the various strikes - the method of attack and target area are clearly shown. Graphic photos recreate shocking real-life incidents in the section on pre-emptive strikes with weapons. A very sobering reminder of just how vicious attackers can be. Jamie also looks at other options. Being pre-emptive isn't just about striking. Methods of surprise, escape or evasion. are just a few examples.

The reason I am such a great believer in Jamie's work is simply this - he doesn't theorize about violence, he has experienced it - lots of it and he has the honesty and the humility to tell you what you really need to know ...although the truth is not always palatable. Throughout his books Jamie never tries to glorify violence or portray himself as the Harman or the hero. He is as keen to discuss his mistakes as his successes, and draws important lessons from each incident he describes. Read the 'War Stories' chapter in this book and you'll see exactly what I mean. So there you have it - I hope I have convinced you to buy this book. The lessons contained within its pages were learned the hard way, with spilt blood & broken bones - it was written so you don't have to take that route. Read, absorb, and live by Jamie's advice. You'll be stronger and safer for it.

Simon James Close Quarter Combat Systems

No frills, just practicallity
This book isn't about restraint or grappleing your agressor to the ground. Its purely about taking him/her out before they get the chance to do it to you. The techniques are simple but very effective(especially the thumb knuckle to the head having felt it off Jamie during a course). It shows you how to turn harmless everyday things into devastating weapons. It tells you how to utalise the pre-emptive strike using various parts of your body, aswell as explaining in detail where you stand within the law. If you want street practical techniques, read this book.