Customer Reviews

Strong on Defense

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I can say enough good things about this book. It is absolute must reading. I've taught martial arts for a number of years, and the one thing that has always bothered me is- many of the techniques and skills taught have nothing to do with surviving real life violence. Teaching a woman to punch will not save her from a rapist or carjacker. Strong stresses over and over again how important the will to survive is. He explains that your goal in any violent situation is to ESCAPE that situation with your life. Many systems of martial arts teach the idea or concept of "defeating" the attacker. This is likely the worst mistake you could ever make. It locks you into a struggle with him, it cuts down your chance to escape, you must prevail or perish. A more sensible choice is to attack savagely to buy yourself some room so that you can escape. Everything Strong says is well thought out and logical. He graphically shows what REALLY happens to victims of crime. You need t! ! his information. Reading this book could save you or your family's life. Get it!

This book is not about preventing crime, it's surviving a violent crime. Strong does not concentrate on how to avoid being a victim, instead he tells how to survive the confrontation when you became one. This makes sense, since he states that violence is becaming more and more random and you can became a victim, no matter what you do. There is also some advise on avoiding crime, but the emphasis is not on that issue.

The book is filled with stories from real life. The stories - no matter how grim - are interesting to read, and the actions of the victims is analyzed after the story. You learn, what the victims did wrong, and what they did right. This makes the book interesting to read, and the "hard text" is also easy to read.

The principles Strong advocates are very simple and easy to remember, even during a crisis. On some occasions his advise seems somewhat farfetched, but on the other hand, it's better be prepared before something bad happens. At the end of the book, Strong gives his formula of making a safer future. His formula is simply putting the criminals behind bars, and keeping them there.

This is a very important book; everyone should read it. It's really sad that we need books like this, but it's a realistic possibility that you can become a victim. If that happens, this book may hold the answers to your survival.

Strong's book is a valiant effort to persuade us that the common mindset regarding violence is the one that will perpetuate it. Turning most everything we have learned up side down, Strong uses his own law enforcement experience and the stories of violent crime survivors to teach lessons that are hard to forget. His graphic descriptions of crimes the victims lived to tell about argue hard for his views that it is possible to maintain control in many criminal activities. I hated reading the book but am very grateful I did. I am teaching my children differently and have made some changes in my life to train myself to be a survivor.

My name is John Perkins I am a forensic crime scene expert, former police detective, martial arts master and the author of ATTACK PROOF. I read STRONG ON DEFENSE when it was first published. I found it to be one of the most powerful sources of information for self preservation anywhere. Many authors of self defense books fall far short in detailing how rapes, assaults and most of all abductions actually go down. Mr. Strong gives you prevention strategies as well as serious workable escape strategies. In all of my classes and seminars this is the main book I tout for all to study. If you are a black belt, a cop, or a regular civilian you will benefit greatly. This makes a superior gift for your loved ones. Make sure that you give it at an appropriate occasion. The information is scary but serious. Good luck-----

As a former police officer & security consultantI can tell you that Sanford's book is right on the money. I hope no one who reads it will ever have to use the information contained therein, but if you do I guarantee it can save your life. This book is a MUST to buy.

This is the kind of information everyone needs. Not only have I read the book all the way through, but on numerous occasions my wife and I have opened it up to re-read sections. We use it for our own protection and as a teaching tool for our kids. I also help out teaching self defense at a dojo and I regularly reference the information in this book. Rather than summarize it, I can only urge you to pick up a copy and read it for yourself. I have yet to read as complete a treatise on the proper mindset for avoiding and/or surviving violent crime.

I couldn't put this one down (although I didn't make the mistake of reading it before bed more than once!). I work in a district attorney's office, and everything Strong says is right on. Although there's a lot of information available on how to avoid becoming a victim, there's not a lot of PRACTICAL, REALISTIC instruction on what to do if you're in a surprise life or death situation. This book is scary, inspiring, and a life saver. Our victim witness division is getting my copy next and I'm buying three more: one for each of my kids, and a loaner for the other people I care about.

I teach civilian Self-Defense. I have already purchased 6 copies of this book and gave them to fellow instructors and students.
This book is a no nonsense how-to-guide on surviving a violent attack, heaven forbid you have to. Equally as important he gives simple techniques on how to avoid becoming a victum of a violent attack.
His techniques are simple and instinctual within all of us. We have, for too long, been taught to listen to our assailants, do as they say and we won't get hurt. That is wrong headed and wrong advise. Mr. Strong with decades of police experience tells why and has scenario after scenario of survivors stories. This should be required reading material for all, especially women.

Strong was a defensive tactics instructor for the LAPD and gives the benefit of his wide experience. Your mindset is more critical to your safety in a criminal attack than any device. Give up your property without a struggle but run away or resist the attacker with everything you have. Don't submit to the criminal thinking that he will suddenly decide to be merciful. Strong presents scenarios and give you the best options for survival- things that would have never occurred to me. I doubt that I will be the victim of a violent criminal but knowing what to do can only be of benefit.

This is absolutely one of the best books on self defense that I have ever read.

Sanford Strong has written an excellent primer on personal protection. As he says, this book is not about crime prevention; it is about crime survival.

Much of the book has to do with the right mindset which is a critical element in surviving. Many people are seriously hurt or killed because of lack of mental preparation.

The author uses numerous case studies to illustrate his points and has plenty of data to support them. His four rules of survival are key. One could follow these and be in a much better position to survive a violent encounter.

His commentary about mindset is essential. Here are some of his points: Expect to be injured. If the fear of injury is paramount, you will not have the will to escape. If violence strikes you, the police will not be there to protect you. Don't ever believe a criminal. If he is just planning to rob you, there is no need for him to move you to another location. Your best chance for escape/resistance is at the beginning.

In the action area, his focus is on escape. Too many self defense 'experts' advise you to use numerous techniques. I believe that these have their place, but the most important thing to do is get out of there. Remember that violent criminals don't follow Marquess of Queensbury rules.

I could go on about this book for a long time. The bottom line is that it is excellent and is a must read. Buy it; read it; absorb it.