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Real Fighting: Adrenaline Stress Conditioning Through Scenario-Based Training Paperback – July 1, 1996

by Peyton Quinn (Author)

4.2 25 ratings

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Techniques learned in the dojo rarely work in a real fight. Here the author of A Bouncer's Guide to Barroom Brawling offers a practical solution. Learn how to control the rush of adrenaline into your system and harness it effectively to shut down the bully's antics or pound him into the pavement when all else fails.

Print length

192 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Paladin Press
Publication date

July 1, 1996
Dimensions

5.75 x 0.5 x 8.75 inches
ISBN-10

0873648935
ISBN-13

978-0873648936
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Peyton Quinn is the dean of barroom brawling. He began his training in formal martial arts systems in 1964, eventually achieving rank in karate, judo and aikido. While he continues to respect and explore Asian martial arts systems, his real-world experience has shown him that for most people, training in martial arts alone is not enough for real fighting.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Paladin Press (July 1, 1996)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 192 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0873648935
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0873648936
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.1 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 0.5 x 8.75 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,576,351 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #4,994 in Stress Management Self-Help

Customer Reviews:
4.2 25 ratings

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On force on force training

Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2004

Verified Purchase

The first third or so of this book is similar to Quinn's first book, Bouncer's guide to barroom brawling. There is some discussion about the realities of real-life fighting, Quinn teaches one technique to the reader, and so on. After that, Quinn starts to discuss the benefits of realistic force on force (FOF) training. The tone of the book changes totally, and it seems that the first third of the book doesn't really belong into this book. It's as if Quinn did not have enough things to say about FOF training, and he had to put some extra material to the book. This doesn't mean that the beginning of the book is not good, though. In fact, I thing that the beginning of the book is the most valuable part (if you are already familiar with FOF training, that is).

As the book is almost ten years old, at the time of writing the material on FOF training (which Quinn calls "adrenal stress conditioning") might have been new information, but today everyone realizes it's importance and benefits. As Quinn concentrates mainly on establishing justification on using FOF training, and because today FOF training is recognized as superior training method, that means this book is at least partly outdated. In the book, Quinn does not tell how to organize FOF training scenarios, nor does he give any other practical advise on the subject. It may be because he considers these things trade secrets, but still the main portion is of little use, if you already realize the benefits of FOF training.

Through the book, Quinn makes references to his earlier book and his instructional videos. I find this kind of advertising a little annoying. If I like the book I am reading, I might buy other books by the same author, but not because the author asks me to. Otherwise, the book is easy to read and there are some war stories from Quinn's bouncer days to spice up the text.

I believe that this book was much more important when it was published, but today the ideas are not new, therefore lessening the importance of the book.

22 people found this helpful

Patrick O. Hardy

Excellent Book!

Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2012

Verified Purchase

I really enjoyed this book! I like Quinn's idea of realistic combat and he seems to be giving the public a legit way of defending themselves in a realistic situation. His knowledge of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, IMO the best street style, is very limited. Still, he does not claim to be an expert in GJJ and his ideas of putting a client in as close to a real situation as possible is IMO worth much more then the product put out by 98% of the "Dojos" around today along with pretty close to the same percentage of the "boxing trainers" we have today. Since Quinn and I are pretty close to the same age we were "on the streets" and fighting at a time when if you were looking at each other when the fight started and both unarmed then it was considered a "fair fight". In the 60's & 70's you could get as good an education on the street as you can in Quinn's fight scenarios. However, that was not true when this book came out, nor is it true today in 2012. Things have changed a lot and not necessarily for the better when it comes to taking care of yourself in realistic street situations. Although this book has a lot of advertisement in it, the thrust of it is excellent and the lessons may save your life if you find yourself in the position of a "tourist" on the streets.
Hawk

One person found this helpful

Peyton Quinn's book on Fighting under Adrenal Stress Conditions

Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2015

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Excellent book, it clearly shows how the effects of adrenaline and fear can impact our ability to perform basic things. It makes sense, fear is normal, it is a respense that we cannot stop, but learn how to manage it. If you have ever been in a car accident,or experience any other emergency, even a minor fender bender,it can shake you up.You may have found it difficult to call 911, your hands shake, you may be momentarily stunned...this is the effect of adrenaline going through the body. Peyton Quinn describes the importance of training in self defense under scenarios that are as close to being as realistic as possible, so you can learn how to manage these effects, and use gross motor skills to fight effectively. Well done, I have read other books by Peyton, and highly recommend his materials.

One person found this helpful

The real deal...

Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2007

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In a violent encounter, your heart rate can jump from 60 or 70 beats per minute (BPM) to well over 200 BMP in less than half a second. While this adrenal dump gives you a survival edge by making you more resilient during combat, it severely degrades your motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sense of timing making complicated techniques very challenging, if not impossible, to perform. This stress can even cause you to experience tunnel vision, suffer temporary memory loss, become hyper-vigilant, lose rational thought, or even lose the ability to consciously move or react. If your training does not account for adrenaline it will be of dubious value on the street. That's what this excellent book is all about. Contents include the fear factor, combat mindset, muscular memory, strategy, training methods, scenario based training, and using weapons.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Blinded by the Night, among other titles

3 people found this helpful

Unknown Soldier

Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2013

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This book, more than almost any other on the subject, changed my perspective very much. If you're wanting to teach martial arts, or self defense this book is essential. It truly is a how-to for training in reality based fighting. Also, the stories and anecdotes are excelent. I recommend this book to anyone who has interest in fighting, training, or just looking for an interesting read.

3 people found this helpful

A book full of knowledge right here.

Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2007

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Someone that tells it like it is. No yin-yang stuff. No umpteen different colored belts each costing $$$ for tests etc. This is scientific/street proven stuff that defines natural fight and flight reactions, predatory behavior, instinctive self-preservation mechanisms, and minimalist survival on the street. The kind of book you wish you alone had access to. With Quinn's premise to grow upon, I see unlimited benefit. Read this first and then become a martial art expert if you wish.

3 people found this helpful

Selling his training method, no techniques in the book

Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2004

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This book doesn't cover very much of anything useful in a fight, it's mostly anecdotal stories and selling his training at his school in colorado. Interesting read, and somewhat informative, but disappointing because it never discusses any methods one can use (except to come to his school in colorado and train for real.)

13 people found this helpful

Gregory Satterfield

Like most books you could get to the meat of ...

Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2017

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Like most books you could get to the meat of the information in 20 pages or less but they have to write hundreds of pages just to waste your time.

One person found this helpful

Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2017

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Absolutely amazing book... gives you lots to think about...

One person found this helpful

A must have for self-defense instructors!

Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2014

Verified Purchase

While a little dated, by no means outdated. One of the best guides to scenario-based conditioning.

One person found this helpful

If you're concerned about your personal safety, buy this book!

Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2006

Being the author of several books on the martial arts and fighting, I am always looking for books of exceptional quality to add to my library. If I have a book in my library, it's definitely worth owning. One such book is Peyton Quinn's, "Real Fighting."

I found Peyton's book to be a very good "reality check" for those of you out there that think that your "martial art" is superior to everyone else's. Well guess what, its not! As every person who has more than a passing resemblance to a human being will tell you, there are no superior martial arts, just superior martial artists.

The most important thing to remember when reading this, or any book dealing with self-defense techniques, is that the principles behind the technique are far more important than the technique itself. Peyton does a great job of this, and you would do well to sit down and read this book from cover to cover several times in order to grasp what he is trying to teach you.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed what Peyton had to teach in his book, I must admit that I am not a big fan of the generalization that seems to take place when people compare "real fighting" to the martial arts. It seems that a lot of the martial arts are pigeonholed into the prevalent "McDojo's" that seem to be so popular these days. That simply is not the case.

Peyton is one of the few "self-defense" authors out there that seems to realize this. He not only respects the teachings of the martial arts, but also understands their overall purpose and the benefits derived from them for those of us that study and live the martial way.

I am a traditionally trained martial artist in both Karate and Tae Kwon Do, as well as being ranked in several other disciplines. However, unlike a lot of schools that seem to have degenerated down to teaching a diluted "sport" version of these arts, I was fortunate enough to be taught the practical version of each technique alongside the traditional version.

A lot of traditional martial artists may find the information contained in this books a little disheartening, but take it from me, if you have one ounce of sense you will buy this book and study it. And when you think your finished and have learned everything in this book, take it off the shelf and read it again.

I think we would all do well to remember that the most important element that the martial arts teach you is not technique, but self-discipline!

5 people found this helpful

A Practical & Realistic View of Training for Self-Defense

Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2002

First, I must say, that I am sorry I did not read this book years ago. And, I wish such a book was in print in the 1970's when I began my search for realistic self-defense training.
The author's philosophy of training for real life encounters is extremely accurate. Although, it is not supported by scientific research, such as the book by Bruce Siddle "Sharpening the Warriors Edge" a book designed for police training in lethal encounters. Yet, Quinn basis this concept on practical experience and a realistic understanding of what truly takes place during a fight. Which is very refreshing in todays world of unrealistic mythical martial arts that make fictitious claims about there style of self-defense abilty.
The concept is simple, inoculate the mind and body to the effects of stress (FEAR) created adrenaline; to overcome the effects so as to prevail in any given self-defense situation. To create this level of skill one must train under circumstances as close to realistic as possible. This means actual hand to hand combat at close to full force and power as one can safely accomplish.
As the author states, and I agree 100%, boxing is as close and as realistic of a form of training for this process of inoculation yet, most people do not have the time or the desire to submitt to the practice necessary to achieve the goal. So, Quinn has designed a system of training that achieves a level of competence that is sufficient to meet the desired goal.
The Law Enforcement community formally realized this about 15 years ago with the dynamic scenario (RED MAN) training. Although, police academies for years prior had required cadets to box or wrestle full contact. That is before the politically correct individuals got involved and said that women officers should not have to fight the men officers, and that this is a kinder gentler society. So, no one in police academies have boxed or trained at full contact now for over 20 years. No wonder, there are so many lawsuits filed against police agencies for excessive and unlawful use of force! The officers were not given the proper training and inoculation to this adrenaline stress so, they over react. I digress only to make a point of fact in reference to this concept of training.
The book maintains a practical view of self-defense. That is, situational awareness and perception of a threat and then avoidance of said threat is the best technique. Avoidance and preemption is always the best strategy.
One must achieve the proper mindset and mental preparation before any technique can be effective. The individual must be conditioned to control and channel the effects of fear and the adrenaline stress that follows it. Once this is accomplished the individual can now concern himself with the physical skills and techniques of hand to hand combat. Without this conditioned response to the adrenaline stress, all else is useless.
Buy the book and include this type of training into your self-defense program. This book is for all people interested in self-defense programs that need to be effective, including police and military, martial art instructors, firearms instructors, and the citizen who accepts responsibilty for their own safety and security.

15 people found this helpful

Amazon Customer

Real Manly Manhood (control yourself first)

Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2002

Well let me start off by saying I knew most of what was in this book from experience. However if you don't want to find out the hard ways (a series of brutal atacks from "bully" types), then you should invest in this book. Let me explain what you will get. The first part of the book is dedicated to explaining what a "Bully" type personality, and woofing really is. The "Interview" as it is called is peyton word for the intial verbal bashing the Bully type gives you before an attack. Quinn also explains that the "interview" is the process the bully takes to select a victim. Quinn goes indepth by explaining in a straight forward amnner that Bullies aren't looking for what your thinking, but instead looking for a sense of power over another person. Made since to me. It also explained why every smuck in North Carolina had to waste my valueable time picking a fight with me, and why when I made it clear they were going to have to put some work into beating me down then they retreated. Quinn expands on thes thoughts with the effectiveness of senario based training. Quinn explains how senario based training can indoctrinate an indivual in as little as a weeks time. At some points, unfortunaly, it sounds like he is just advertiseing for RMCAT, or it is some kind of manifesto. Still the book was of great value since it explained in frank english the truth about fighting. Most of the self defense books I hve seen only showed me techniques, some were more effective techniques than other. However, in stressfull situations the techniques did me no good. This book explained to me what I actually needed to make those techniques effective. I need to control myself. The battle is decided before the first two sword ever cross.

7 people found this helpful

Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2006

First I would like to say that the negative comments about this book are NOT valid. This book is not a step by step self-defense technique book. It is to help people understand what actually happens in REAL ATTACKS and how you must train to survive them. It is one of the best books for explaining how the brain works under stress and why/how most Martial Artists will fail outside of the dojo. In addition, Peyton also explains how any Martial Arts can work for real if the training methods are beneficial to real fighting and, how to do it. I never thought that the book was designed to push the training at his school. He does explain why he believes his training methods work however, anyone that understands what he is saying knows that you can train on your own to apply these methods. I believe his main point is that you train for real fighting by "really fighting". Moreover, the physical attributes of self-defense are secondary to a properly trained combat mind. This book is a must for anyone that wants to make sure that any training they have will not fail them in real combat.

One person found this helpful

A serious ingredient for the real mix

Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2003

My name is John Perkins. I am the author of ATTACK PROOF. I have only been a bouncer as a youth but as a police officer I have been involved in well over a thousand arrests. Over 100 of these arrests turned into blood baths. Many more could have gone in the same direction if not for knowing how to read a possible serious violent conflict ahead of time. Mr. Quinn's book REAL FIGHTS is one that I highly recommend to my students. Many of these are Nightclub security specialists (bouncers) in NYC and other establishments which were considered "problem" clubs. After reading the book and following with classroom practice my students found that the principles worked well in many cases. My law enforcement students also use a good deal of the information. The military is a bit different. The engagements of my Marine and Spec Ops members are of a different character in the field but during civilian situations the information has proven quite useful. Read this book carefully and then read it again. It could save you a bunch of paperwork as well as your hide. Remember, luck always favors the prepared man. Take care

5 people found this helpful

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