Self-Defense: Steps to Survival [Paperback]

Katy Mattingly (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2007 | ISBN-10: 0736066896 | ISBN-13: 978-0736066891 | Edition: 1

Hone your senses, increase awareness, and learn the techniques that could save your life. Self-Defense: Steps to Survival will teach you to identify danger, avoid assault, and defend yourself and others against attackers in a variety of situations.

Based on the proven strategies and techniques taught on campuses and in metropolitan areas worldwide, Self-Defense: Steps to Survival is both practical and immediately applicable for men, women, and teens regardless of previous experience. You'll learn these skills:

-Assess your surroundings, notice warning signs, and remove yourself from potential harm.

-Use the power of your own voice to thwart an attack.

-Recognize warning signs of violence in an intimate relationship.

-Resist and escape physical and sexual violence by strangers and acquaintances.

-Free yourself from an assailant's grasp.

-Develop an arsenal of strikes, kicks, and defense techniques for countering physical attacks.

-Defend yourself against weapon attacks and multiple attackers.

Don't live in fear! Self-Defense: Steps to Survival will change the way you approach everyday life, giving you the assurance that you'll be prepared for the unexpected.

See all the titles available in the Steps to Success Series.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Katy Mattingly was the director and lead instructor at Washtenaw Area Model Mugging (WAMM) Self-Defense in Ann Arbor, Michigan, from 1996-2005. She was trained in the IMPACT system of self-defense, which emphasizes physical and emotional realism, full-force practice against padded instructors, and individualized instruction. Mattingly has been teaching realistic and effective self-defense and personal safety for more than 15 years in a variety of venues, including corporations, universities, youth and community centers, and domestic violence shelters. She also is a freelance writer. She may be reached through www.KatyMattingly.com.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 166 pages
• Publisher: Human Kinetics; 1 edition (July 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0736066896
• ISBN-13: 978-0736066891
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #919,361 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book could save your life., September 26, 2007

By 

E. Hulbert (New York, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Self-Defense: Steps to Survival (Paperback)

I took an intensive self-defense class over a decade ago, and lately I've been feeling concerned that I would no longer be able to protect myself if I were attacked. Getting this book has made me feel confident again, reminding me that I do in fact have a lot of skills.

Katy Mattingly's writing style is friendly and encouraging. Rather than frighten you with statistics about how scared you should be, she debunks myths about violence and rape, and then walks you through simple techniques that have been proven to work. You don't have to be a martial arts specialist, or even in good physical shape, to use them.

Don't be put off by the not-too-inspiring cover. Inside, the layout is clean and attractive and B&W photographs clearly illustrate the moves.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read for Every Woman, October 19, 2007

By 

Sally Hoffman - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Self-Defense: Steps to Survival (Paperback)

I had the opportunity to watch Katy in action as she taught a WAMM class in Ann Arbor - her enthusiasm and dedication to teaching women model mugging techniques is amazing! She does an excellent job via this book in providing the necessary information women need to defend themselves from a would-be attacker. I urge every woman to read this book - you'll be glad you did!

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Self-Defense for Liberals, December 19, 2009

By 

Carolyn Paetow (Proctorville, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Self-Defense: Steps to Survival (Paperback)

A book that tells how to deliver knockout blows within a PC format? Yep. The reader, moreover, is spared any discomfort from racial, class, or gender stereotypes (no black or Hispanic men among the attacker models), and there are males as well as females among the defender (not victim) models. Lectures, directed largely toward women, include a discussion of healthy and unhealthy psychological boundaries (with matters like touching without asking permission first) and an examination of the emotional ramifications of kneeing a guy in the groin. Not only is the student told how to deliver martial-artsy moves against an aggressor, but also how to deflect unwanted shoulder clasps and hugs from acquaintances. The anecdotes are diversity inclusive, and the squeamish are given the option of negotiation (like telling a rapist one must first go to the bathroom).
In actuality, the book does offer useful instructions, with good photos and simple directions, on the delivery of physically defensive tactics, all within a workbook-like layout. The volume's culturally left message, however, should be taken with caution. For instance, in bemoaning her own prejudiced response to a non-white male, the author contends--wrongly--that white men commit more interracial rape than any other ethnic group. But should people worry about ethnic sensitivity when faced with the dangers of modern life? Women especially fret too much about impoliteness and political incorrectness when dealing with strangers and much too often allow predators access to their homes, vehicles, and persons. No self-defense book should encourage readers to question their instincts and common sense.