Tactical Defensive Training For Real-life Encounters: Practical Self-Preservation for Law Enforcement [Paperback]

Ralph Mroz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2003

For cops and civilians alike, this compilation of the author's articles in Combat Handguns, Tactical Knives and others tackles awareness, empty-hand,edged weapon and firearms training with an emphasis on what pays off andwhat works on the street.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ralph Mroz is a police officer in western Massachusetts, currently assigned to his county's narcotics/gang task force. He has been a student of the martial arts since 1973 and is a well-known defensive tactics and firearms writer, with more than 250 articles published in professional law enforcement and use-of-force journals.

Product Details

• Paperback: 175 pages
• Publisher: Paladin Press (November 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581604270
• ISBN-13: 978-1581604276
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,240,039 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive view on self defense, May 3, 2005

By 

Seppo Vesala (Helsinki, - Finland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tactical Defensive Training For Real-life Encounters: Practical Self-Preservation for Law Enforcement (Paperback)

In this book, famous defensive tactics author Ralph Mroz shares his unconventional view on self defense. Mroz does not just go thorough the same tactical doctrine almost every gun writer uses. Instead, he starts to explore the total field of self preservation from the ground up. The book is comprised of articles published in various magazines before, but as the text is heavily edited, it does not get repetitive, as usually happens in books that are collections of old writings.

This book is divided in four sections. The first one handles self defence in bigger picture, the second is on mental stuff, the third focuses on edged weapons, and the fourth handguns. In the first section, Mroz fixes his attention on self preservation, rather than self defence. He states that you should invest in the safety measures that are most likely to be of need: As you are much more likely to need skills in CPR than gunplay, you should concentrate more enegry on learning first aid than improving your shooting skills. Mroz also points out that it is illogical to train self defence, and at the same time risk your life by smoking cigarettes.

That same approach is evident throughout the whole book. Mroz does not do the things the same way they have always been done, instead he strives to see the bigger picture, and starts from there instead of focusing on a details first. Mroz is one of the few innovators in the field of self defense who constantly question the old thruths. Even if you don't agree with everything he writes, you still learn more from this book than by reading yet another book of your favourite self defense author. If you have not read books or watched films by Mroz before, reading this book can be a powerful eye opener.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First real self defense book I read!, May 17, 2008

By 

JVS (Portugal) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tactical Defensive Training For Real-life Encounters: Practical Self-Preservation for Law Enforcement (Paperback)

This is the the best self defense book I read and the reason is simple, it covers a lot of aspects of self defense, far beyond the usual fighting techniques, and it does it in a rational and priority oriented way. And also in a way that an average person can benefit from.

This book is about the real thing, it stresses self preservation not only from hypothetical scenarios that the average Joe will hardly face but also from the more imminent dangers like the results of unhealthy habits.

Among the things that I liked, this book points awareness, prevention and street smartness as the first line of defense in the street, it moves then to fighting techniques, contact weapons and guns. Gives teachings, tips and also points common mistakes. It is also full of quotes by pros in the business.

I grew up in a city and I had several encounters with street robbers, I never had or have any intention of fighting a criminal unless a life or integrity's at stake, however I escaped or avoided several assaults without violence or putting myself in harm's way, exactly because I focused on awareness, proper attitude and followed the advices of police officers on how to act in this kind of situation.

Of course like any other book it is not perfect, even if I gave it five stars it should be questioned, but the author is open minded enough to present exceptions and other points of view contrary to his beliefs.

I hope to find more books like this.

2.0 out of 5 stars More critical then helpful, September 11, 2011

By 

ColBuckshot "ColBuckshot" (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tactical Defensive Training For Real-life Encounters: Practical Self-Preservation for Law Enforcement (Paperback)

Mostly one criticism after another of everyone elses books. He may be correct at times

but offers only some strong opinions to back it up. Never does he provide any stats nor real life encounters of those who have utilized his methods.