Customer Reviews

Martial Arts Techniques for Law Enforcement (Tuttle Martial Arts)

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

 

 

I was excited to check this book out but unfortunately was a little disappointed. While this is a good martial arts overview for new officers with no DT training, it's not a very good book for more experienced officers. The title covers the basic interview stance, standard strikes & kicks as well as standard locks & takedowns. The weakest part of the book is the weapon defense material which emphasizes different tactics for for each weapon category. Knife defense includes the traditional simultaneous block/parry with one hand while striking with the other hand. I personally prefer to control the weapon delivery system because by not doing so it greatly increases the chance of being injured or killed by the chaotically moving knife. The firearm defense stuff is the traditional grab the gun and strip it from the gunman's grip. Again, not my favorite of tactics because anyone who is still conscious will instinctively convulse on the weapon as well as fight to maintain their hold on the firearm.

If an officer has no training this might be a good starting point but I would caution against the practice of the weapon-defense material.

Martial Arts Techniques for Law Enforcement by Mike Young is a basic book of techniques that are taught in most law enforcement academies through the defensive tactics curriculum. The product description states:

"Whether you're a beat cop or a "SWAT team" specialist, you'll benefit from the tried-and-true methods explained in this book."

Based on the above statement it appears that the book is geared toward current law enforcement officers. The problem I see with this book is that it really doesn't add much to what an officer will receive through their academies training curriculum. It is a very basic and rudimentary book with solid information but nothing that a current officer would really see as new, beneficial or enlightening.

This book can really be geared toward a few different audiences:

1. Current law enforcement officers

2. Individuals who want to become a law enforcement officer

3. Martial artists who are interested in law enforcement training

4. Bad guys who want a glimpse into the training of the good guys

For people who are interested in becoming a law enforcement officer this book will provide a primer of your training. In my opinion this would be the best suited audience for this book. But remember that your academy may utilize different techniques. Also, law enforcement training can be fluid and dynamic so things can change as curriculums are periodically reviewed and re-evaluated. What is relevant today may be outdated tomorrow.

Areas of the book that can be improved:

1. Photo quality is poor as many of the pictures are too dark due to poor use of lighting

2. Edged weapons defense is extremely basic

3. Firearms defense is extremely basic

When a law enforcement officer is confronted with an edged weapon or a firearm this can be considered a lethal force situation in which there are different use of force options that the officer can utilize. This book fails to address many other techniques used to successfully resolve the situation and neutralize the threat.

Martial Arts Techniques for Law Enforcement provides is a decent introductory book that adequately covers the basics on techniques utilized by law enforcement. This is in no way a definitive book on the subject and there is much more to learn on this topic.

I would recommend this book for individuals interested in becoming a law enforcement officer but not current law enforcement officers.

I do not have any martial arts background and I find a lot of martial arts books hard to follow as they have too many maneuvers or require another person to practice with. This book provides useful and easy to follow instructions on how to defend yourself (important for women) and useful tips on how to avoid getting hurt while bringing the assailant down. It is very practical and its short and easy steps are a plus, as in real dangerous situations you don't have enough time to think through complicated maneuvers.

I mean it! This is the man! Having been trained at a police academy I can say he knows what he's talking about when he exposes the areas of police training that are neglected at the academy. There are many hits and holds he covers that are very effective that go beyond your academy training which will help you maintain the advantage on the street level. Great book.