From the Author
Praise for Scaling Force:
"If you are serious about learning self-protection, and not indulging some testosterone fuelled, celluloid inspired fantasy, then you need a much wider skill set than most appreciate." -- Iain Abernethy, 6th Dan; British Combat Association Hall of Fame Member
"Both Kane and Miller have hundreds of hands-on violent encounters under their belts. They understand the importance of knowing the legal restrictions of force, how to judge the danger, how to choose the right response level, how to articulate those choices and how to navigate the trap-filled aftermath of violence." -- Marc MacYoung (nononsenseselfdefense.com)
"This book is one of the best I've read about the challenges you'll face. Kane and Miller have been there, done that and have the t-shirt. And they're giving you their lessons learned without requiring you to pay the fee in blood they had to in order to learn them. And that is priceless." -- M. Guthrie, Federal Air Marshal
"This is an incredible book that I will insist all my martial arts and firearms students read. It will undoubtedly save lives and hopefully much anguish." -- Ron Breines, Kyoshi, certified firearms/self defense tactical instructor
"If you're serious about learning how the application of physical force works --before, during and after the fact--I cannot recommend this book highly enough." -- Lieutenant Jon Lupo, New York State Police
"When do you walk away from an insult, try to talk down the angry drunk, take a baseball bat to an intruder, shoot an armed robber? With exercises and anecdotes, Scaling Force explores the motivations, the decision spectrum and the consequences, because there are always consequences." -- Julie Van Dielen, Law Enforcement Training Resources (letrainingresources.com)
"Let Kane and Miller, two veterans of countless down-and-dirty confrontations, give you the edge to survive a dangerous situation." -- Loren W. Christensen, 8th dan black belt, author (lwcbooks.com)
"Kane and Miller have written a book that provides much more than a cursory look at some very important elements regarding violence. Scaling Force not only provides tools on how to deal with violence, but also when and to what level you should deal with violence." -- Alain Burrese, J.D., attorney, author, former U.S. Army sniper instructor (aikiproductions.com)
"While instruction on the mechanics and techniques of self defense and deadly force is readily available from multiple sources, this book gives you so much more. Take advantage of the information compiled from hundreds of case studies to better prepare yourself if the day comes when you have to make that 'life changing' decision." -- Tracy Getty, Certified Firearms Instructor
From the Back Cover
Use too much force and you are going to jail.
Use too little force and you're in for a world of hurt.
Conflict and violence cover a broad range of behaviors, from intimidation to murder, and they require an equally broad range of responses. A kind word will not resolve all situations, nor will wristlocks, punches, or even a gun.
In
Scaling Force, the authors introduce you to the full range of options, from skillfully doing nothing to applying deadly force. They realistically guide you through understanding the limits of each type of force, when specific levels may be appropriate, the circumstances under which you may have to apply them, and the potential cost, legally and personally, of your decision.
- Level 1: Presence. Staving off violence using body language alone.
- Level 2: Voice. Verbally de-escalating conflict before physical methods become necessary.
- Level 3: Touch. Defusing an impending threat or gaining compliance via touch.
- Level 4: Empty-Hand Restraint. Controlling a threat through pain or forcing compliance through leverage.
- Level 5: Less-Lethal Force. Incapacitating a threat while minimizing the likelihood of fatality or permanent injury.
- Level 6: Lethal Force. Stopping a threat with techniques or implements likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm.
It is vital to enter this scale at the right level, and to articulate why what you did was appropriate. If you do not know how to succeed at all six levels there are situations in which you will have no appropriate options. More often than not, that will end badly.
About the Author
Rory Miller is a martial artist, author, veteran corrections officer, and Tactical Team leader. He has designed Use of Force Policy and Decision Making, and Police Defensive Tactics classes, and recently taught the Iraqi government how to run a modern prison system. Rory resides near Portland Oregon.
Lawrence Kane is a martial artist, author, security professional, and senior manager at an aerospace company. He has studied martial arts since 1970, publishing 17 books and numerous articles on martial arts and self defense. Lawrence resides in Seattle Washington.
