Self-Defense for Peaceable People: Defend Yourself Regardless of Size, Gender, Age, or Strength [Paperback]

John Townsend (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 11, 2006

Self-Defense for Peaceable People is an accessible, authoritative introduction to the art of unarmed self-defense. While compatible with all existing martial arts systems, the method requires no training or experience at all, and is especially suited to those who simply want a realistic command of basic self-defense. Drawing on a 20-year career in law enforcement and a lifelong practice of martial arts, John Townsend explains clearly and succinctly the philosophy and theory behind self-defense, and describes the types of attacks that can happen in different situations. Realistic photo sequences illustrate in detail the evasion and counterattack techniques that enable readers to defend themselves effectively in any real-world situation, regardless of size, gender, age, or strength. Armed only with these simple techniques, readers gain a new sense of freedom, personal confidence, and peace of mind.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Founder of the Tao-Zen Ryu Shindo system of Taoist-oriented martial arts, Master John Townsend is one of eight senior instructors appointed as direct successors to the legendary martial arts Grandmaster, Hak Tok Yun (10th Dan).

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Blue Snake Books (August 11, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583941568
• ISBN-13: 978-1583941560
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 0.4 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #732,374 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Self-Defense Tools for All People, November 11, 2006

By 

T. Price - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Self-Defense for Peaceable People: Defend Yourself Regardless of Size, Gender, Age, or Strength (Paperback)

I have found that the concepts and tools is this book are easy techniques that anyone can learn. If you are determined to equip yourself with some basic self-defense moves then this book is for you. It is easy to read and understand with great photo's for the visual learner. This book is on my Christmas gift list for many of my loved ones. I would recommend it to anyone who is in search of self-defense reading and training.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Too much detail, photos not right for everyone, June 8, 2011

By 

Don Paul (Kalaheo, Kauai, HI USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Self-Defense for Peaceable People: Defend Yourself Regardless of Size, Gender, Age, or Strength (Paperback)

I am nine years into KAJUKEMBO with a lot of hard training and some bruises. I am also a former Green Beret with 10 survival books on the market. This book has some fine illustrations, but even so, hard to learn because yu need someone like myself to watch the move. Take P. 55-56 as an example. It shows a palm heel strike.
As we all know, the same force applied with smaller striking surface is more effective because smaller striking surfaces penetrate. So a snap (or twist) of the striking surface on contact will cause the blow to be struck withonly one forearm bone end--much better.
Added to that, fingers and thumbs separated on any strike can lead to painful (Master F Hosaka: "hurts like hell.") breaks or sprains.
Finally, an open palm strike from a big guy delivered to a smaller opponent causes too much strain on the Carpels unless the big guy dips down to create an upward thrust.
Where the need in martial arts today is.. For children against adults due to so much child abduction. See (Conquer Crime.) Most martial arts books suppose that the attacks and defenses will be from adult to adult. That's no longer true, given the pervasive perversion of perverts looking for a disease-less victim (child) and murdering that victim to create a better life if caught and convicted. Child perverts in prison are not well treated. Murderers are respected and get plenty of time in solitary on death row, where they remain unmolested.

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not Sound Advice!, December 17, 2010

By 

Wally (Georgia) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Self-Defense for Peaceable People: Defend Yourself Regardless of Size, Gender, Age, or Strength (Paperback)

This book is weak in its advice. A few good techniques, and all else will NEVER work in a real live situation. The techniques look fancy but are false confidence to the average person.