Customer Reviews

Dead Or Alive: The Choice Is Yours: The Definitive Self-Protection Handbook

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The truth hurts, and never more so after you have read this book. Real Fighting is more than just the technqiues you learnt in the martial arts, it's about fighting for your survival. There are no Queensbury rules, and what you subconsciously thought were rules, then you're truly mistaken.

Geoff has given a vivid and real perspective on the art of self-defense which should be read by any serious martial artist. Don't be fooled that learning the martial arts for "donkeys" years will make you more prepared for the streets, because it won't. The real thing will be totally different.

This books gives an excellent all round overview of the subject of "self-protection", with real interviews from both sides of the stories (gang fights, muggings, rapes etc). The more you know, the more prepared you are for the real thing. It's not an ego trip kinda book, showing you loads of locks, holds, strikes, etc that will guarantee success... first and foremost, it is about awareness and what this entails. It also delves into the mental side of self-protection and it's aftermath. The book won't guarantee you absolute safety, but knowledge is power and this books holds some of the keys.

The only gripe I have about the book, is the editing. For a professional book, it is quite poor. There are formatting errors and spelling mistakes, etc which breaks the reader's concentration. I found this quite annoying at times. It is as though there was no proof reading before printing.

Aside from that, I highly recommend this book to those looking for serious self-protection.

Whether you are a total beginner or a black belt, this book is esential reading if you want to "know thy enemy"---that is, understand the psychological and behavioral patterns of street criminals which is often just as important as nuts-and-bolts techniques.

Speaking of which, Thompson's section on techniques is the only weak point in this book, and why I'd give it 4 not 5 stars. Closed fist punches to the head and chambered side kicks do not belong in a book that's supposedly geared for the general untrained public that just wants some basic basic self-defense ability. I would've expected open-palm strikes, elbows and knees, perhaps some basic sweeps and low leg kicks instead.

My advice is, read this book for its psychological training, and get your hand-to-hand training from a self-defense or reality-based martial arts school. (Meaning: avoid Tae Kwon Do and most schools of karate. Wing Tsun, Muay Thai, Penjak silat, Brazilian jujitsu, or any form of Mixed Martial Arts would be more useful.)

In all honesty I probably should rate this book 5 stars, given the uniqueness of the content, insights into the criminal mind and the brutal honesty of the author Geoff Thompson. I think of all the martial arts books I checked out of librarys, bought at stores, and magazines I read at supermarket shelves that I was usually to cheap to buy. Of all the materials I collected, read, etc, I really wish there had been a book like Dead or Alive out there for me years ago. Geoff Thompson makes it very clear that knowing hundreds of techniques doesn't create a magic wand of invinsability and that simplicity is often overlooked. Thompson also examines myths, misconceptions, and blatently stupid beliefs held my many who teach traditional martial arts. Technique teaching is only part of this book, Thompson interviews muggers, rapest, and their unfortunate victims and allows readers to understand how criminals choose their prey and how you can safely take percautions to help reduce the risk of being a vicim. Thompson also goes into explaining adrenalyn and how even the most experienced martial artists can find themselves defeated by mistaking their adrenalyn for fear. This book like any other Geoff Thompson book comes with my strong recommendation.

If you never buy another book on self protection make sure you get this one.

In the world of martial arts and self defence most of the emphasis is placed upon block and counter attack techniques but these simply do not come in to play when you don't see your attacker(s)coming. Today's attacker is a coward who will use deception to mentally disarm you quite possibly by stopping you to ask the time or directions and then drawing a weapon whilst you are distracted. Geoff's book explodes the myth that you can block, punch and kick your way out of a violent situation when attacked. If you are not aware then you are a victim regardless of size or experience.

Geoff's style is, as always, to give the reader the whole, unadulterated truth about violent confrontation without unnecessary embellishment or side-stepping controversial topics. A veteran of over 300 fights working as a bouncer and in the street this man talks from experience and with an understanding of his subject few can equal.

In some ways Dead or Alive is an amalgamation of Geoff's previous texts containing extracts from his own and other books but this only adds to the overall effect as it gives the reader a superb overview of the subject. Those of you who have read Geoff's other books will not be disappointed. Step by step he explains in lay terms how to avoid becoming a victim often repeating important points to get the message across and where necessary highlighting these with witness accounts of real crimes from the victim's and the attacker's perspective.

Not for children, this book does contain disturbing interviews with serial killers, rapists and muggers and underlines not only the methodology of their attacks but also the shocking disregard they have for their prey, many believing that their victims deserve everything they get. Geoff's approach is if you want to know how a rapist chooses his victims you don't ask a psychologist, you ask a rapist! The main aim of the book is to make the reader a difficult person to target (Target Hardening). This is effectively achieved by awareness techniques, detailing the different methods and approaches used to select victims and how to spot and stop them in the early stages. Also pointed out is how by not being aware individuals can select themselves often resulting in an attack with no warning from an opportunist. Everything is covered here from the body language and fight rituals to adrenaline and it's effects as well as useful tips on tactics, deception, target areas, improvised weapons and a lot more.

This is probably the best and most concise book on self protection you are likely to read. Not geared to exclude those without formal training it makes the perfect accompaniment to any serious training program and for those with no experience it offers a stark insight into the reality of violence worlds apart from the often romanticised celluloid variety.

If you are looking for a book that will turn you into a killing machine you are going to be disappointed, stick to Rambo films and good luck to you but if you want sound advice and are prepared to face reality then if the worst should ever happen, this book might one day save your life.

DEAD OR ALIVE is one of my favorite books in a very large library. One of the many places I underlined in this book was on page 4: "...in most cases, victims who do not resist their assailants suffer far more guilt and regrets afterward than victims who attempted to fight back. If you cannot avoid confrontation, fight back!" I was also happy to read his words on p. 95 (regarding the kubotan keyring), "This wonderful little weapon is both effective and legal (indeed a rarity!), with various facets. In the hands of an expert, its uses limitless." When I was young and fearful I used to carry a .32 automatic, but I gave it up long ago. Now, at age 71, I carry a kubotan wherever I go. I just learned that Geoff has a hardcover book out, called BOUNCER. I am ordering it at once, confident that it, too, will be not only instructional but unusually interesting!

If you never buy another book on self protection make sure you get this one.

In the world of martial arts and self defence most of the emphasis is placed upon block and counter attack techniques but these simply do not come in to play when you don't see your attacker(s) coming. Today's attacker is a coward who will use deception to mentally disarm you quite possibly by stopping you to ask the time or directions and then drawing a weapon whilst you are distracted. Geoff's book explodes the myth that you can block, punch and kick your way out of a violent situation when attacked. If you are not aware then you are a victim regardless of size or experience.

Geoff's style is, as always, to give the reader the whole, unadulterated truth about violent confrontation without unnecessary embellishment or side-stepping controversial topics. A veteran of over 300 fights working as a bouncer and in the street this man talks from experience and with an understanding of his subject few can equal.

In some ways Dead or Alive is an amalgamation of Geoff's previous texts containing extracts from his own and other books but this only adds to the overall effect as it gives the reader a superb overview of the subject. Those of you who have read Geoff's other books will not be disappointed. Step by step he explains in lay terms how to avoid becoming a victim often repeating important points to get the message across and where necessary highlighting these with witness accounts of real crimes from the victim's and the attacker's perspective.

Not for children, this book does contain disturbing interviews with serial killers, rapists and muggers and underlines not only the methodology of their attacks but also the shocking disregard they have for their prey, many believing that their victims deserve everything they get. Geoff's approach is if you want to know how a rapist chooses his victims you don't ask a psychologist, you ask a rapist! The main aim of the book is to make the reader a difficult person to target (Target Hardening). This is effectively achieved by awareness techniques, detailing the different methods and approaches used to select victims and how to spot and stop them in the early stages. Also pointed out is how by not being aware individuals can select themselves often resulting in an attack with no warning from an opportunist. Everything is covered here from the body language and fight rituals to adrenaline and it's effects as well as useful tips on tactics, deception, target areas, improvised weapons and a lot more.

This is probably the best and most concise book on self protection you are likely to read. Not geared to exclude those without formal training it makes the perfect accompaniment to any serious training program and for those with no experience it offers a stark insight into the reality of violence worlds apart from the often romanticised celluloid variety.

If you are looking for a book that will turn you into a killing machine you are going to be disappointed, stick to Rambo films and good luck but if you want sound advice and are prepared to face reality then if the worst should ever happen, this book might one day save your life.

You can tell he is a man who has been through what he describes. Very usefull considering some books written by some that haven't been in five fights their whole lives. I work in corrections and have seen many fights. They are quick and over before they even get started. Usually who lands the first shot and continues until it is over. He brings this out in this book and the ques that you look for that can give you an edge when fur is about to fly! I have seen these ques many times and could relate instantly when he described them. These bad people are predators, no different than animals. They pick out their victims by fear, weakness, and opportunity just like animals do. He really brings this out and how to carry yourself that will give the predators ques back that they better look for an easier target because you could be a problem they would be better off leaving alone. I have seen this in corrections alot. Just how you carry yourself. Not being aggressive yourself, but positive in your abilities and as a wolverine with a bear, "you might defeat me, but it will be a chore and not worth your time." He brings out things, especially fear that is worth the price of the book many times over. You can have all the training in the world, but if you can't control the adrenaline dump, you are in trouble! Good book. Highly recommended.

Geoff is a pioneer in the field of self-defense. He actually paved the way for other more well-known reality-based self-defense instructors, whom I won't name. He stressed the importance of understanding the physiological and psychological effects of facing violent and dangerous situations. His "Fence" concept influenced self-defense practitioners worldwide.

This book is essentially a compilation of material that is found in Geoff's other books on self-defense. While there is material in his other books that could have been included in this one, I still think that this is probably one of his best overall books on the subject of self-defense.

I would recommend it to anyone interested in enhancing personal safety.

When I first skimmed the book, I was shocked by the photos of the various physical techniques being demonstrated. Then as I began to read the book, the photos were of different techniques that were possible. Thompson does get in to some detail as to the effectiveness of the various techniques that could be performed.

Some of the techniques I find questionable, but over all the book can be informative to a person wanting to learn more about self-defense.

I really enjoyed this book. Instead of being full of techniques, the book is heavy on concepts that can really keep you safe in the streets. You cannot truly learn how to fight from a book, but this book teaches you how not to fight and how to stay alert so that you can stay alive.

Everyone should own this book.