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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Another great primer for self-taught self-defense, September 19, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Complete Book of Self-Defense (Paperback)
In response to the review that had an agenda to discourage people from picking up a book to learn the basics of self-defense...I'd just like to say that one of my best friends was attacked one day while walking from the grocery store by three of his enemies from school (how they became his enemies is another story) and one of these individuals was armed with a switch-blade and used it without reserve in his attack. My buddy not only escaped with his life but inflicted injuries on all three of the assaliants leaving them more hurt than he was. Afterwards the police were informed but the assailants were never caught. Nonetheless my friend attributes his successful defense to what he taught himself from books which included Bruce Lee's Fighting Method and one of Bruce Tegner's guides (I believe it was Bruce Tegner's Kung Fu and Tai Chi). So while I understand why many people like to think they're giving good advice when they express platitudes such as "you must not learn defense from a book!", they're not speaking from the truth but rather, in my opinion, from a very deep denial that SOME ONE ELSE can actually spend less money and time teaching themselves something that took them (the ones spending years in a martial arts class) years and expenses to obtain. Now, I am not knocking martial arts classes. I've simply been shown that they are by no means the only way of learning defense. Bruce Tegner's Complete Book of Self-Defense is a rather impressive guide. The text is just as enlightening as the photos...Tegner has a very distinct way of writing that you can tell comes from the heart. He details an accesible and intelligent method for self-defense which is very inspiring. Tegner himself suggests studying his methods with a partner. Unfortunately he does not express his view on someone using the concept of an imaginary opponent in case they do not have a partner to practice with. The only reason I do not give it 5 stars instead of 4 is because he left out many useful things that have appeared in one of his pervious books, Defense Tactics for Law Enforcement. In that book he covers many areas that should have been listed in this book such as how to disarm someone with a gun as well as a more detailed account on how to deal with multiple assaliants (in this book he gives some vague advice which is very good, but lacking). All in all, I would read this along with Defense Tactics for Law Enfrocement. That book fills in the gaps left out by this one.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Companion to Combat Hapkido class, November 9, 2001
This review is from: Complete Book of Self-Defense (Paperback)
Learning Martial Arts requires a good teacher and fellow students to practice with. Especially so, in martial arts like Aikido, Jujitsu, Hapkido etc. where trapping, grappling and throws are involved. While no book can replace a teacher and participation in a class, this book is an excellent companion if you are taking any of the afore-mentioned martial arts classes. This book does not provide you with lessons in history and philosophy of jujitsu. If that's what you are looking for try other books. This one gives you the stuff you need to know and use - plain and simple.
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good solid introduction to self defense, April 14, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Complete Book of Self-Defense (Paperback)
I bought this book when it was first published as a teen also studying shotokan karate.I have to admit that I find the methods in this book to be more practical than the karate I took.I don't agree with everything Tegner wrote, but if you are looking to learn practical self defense without spending years in a martial arts class, then this book could really help you.I would recommend that you also read Rex Applegate, Fairbairn or Brad Steiner to add some real dirty methods to your overall training.But overall, a good book as a foundation.
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