Customer Reviews

Self-Defense: Steps to Survival

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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.

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!

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.