The Little Black Book Of Violence

[Jay]

Has anyone read it?

I received a copy last week. I though it was a great little book explaining the realities of street fighting, its comparison to competition and how to avoid/ de escilate the situation. It starts at before violence which details all the things that occur before violence starts and the psychology behind it. It then goes on to show some good street worthy techniques, but mainly provides thoughts on things you want to do during the encounter. It also has many stories of actual encounters to back the points up. Stories such as what happened when someone tried to head kick the author during an actual fight and graphic stories of gun and knife trauma. The last chapter details how to deal with the after effects of the fight, things such as legal issues and first aid. I might add that it is very US orientated in terms of laws but even though im from the UK I still found it very relevant.

It really hits home with its points and illustrates that no matter how good you think you are it is in fact very easy to get injured, maimed and killed during combat. The main emphasis is on avoidence and escape for the reason just stated. There are also a number of graphic injury photos. It is mainly aimed at unruly young men to think twice about fighting. Although not really unruly I found it pretty relevant for my age group to which it is aimed 16-25.

This wasn't meant to be a review as such but it kinda turned into one. I think people on this forum would enjoy it and if you have read it let me know what you thought good or bad. I thought it was a great book one of the best I have, it gains a place right next to Tao Of JKD.

[StrangeBacon]

This sounds an interesting read, my be something to look for next time im by Waterstones, last one i picked up was Sun Tzu's Art of War kept me thinking for weeks afterwards

Did you get it online Jay? If so where from?

[joesteph]

I've read it, Jay, and started a topic a while ago, "Legal Problems Due to Belt Rank?" at:

http://www.karateforums.com/legal-problems-due-to-belt-rank-vt38208.html?sid=648515b9c84d54ed3b0a983cefa04883

That topic is based on what I'd read on p. 72.

[Jay]

This sounds an interesting read, my be something to look for next time im by Waterstones, last one i picked up was Sun Tzu's Art of War kept me thinking for weeks afterwards

Did you get it online Jay? If so where from?

I got it from a UK company called the book depository. I find they are really good for the old martial arts books. I can usually get anything that comes out in the US from them. I usually buy through amazon and find one that this company is selling.

Ah okay joesteph-What did you make of it overall?

I will look at that thread in more detail at some point

[joesteph]

Ah okay joesteph-What did you make of it overall?

I will look at that thread in more detail at some point

I struck me as more towards defusing or avoiding falling into the violent situation. It doesn't glamorize the fistfight but encourages steering clear. It's a lot like saying that you're the decent one with the job, etc., and the other has nothing so he has nothing to lose.

Is the title deceptive, Jay? Should the title have been altered in some way? It sounds like a how-to book on busting heads, and it's far from that.

[Jay]

Ah okay joesteph-What did you make of it overall?

I will look at that thread in more detail at some point

I struck me as more towards defusing or avoiding falling into the violent situation. It doesn't glamorize the fistfight but encourages steering clear. It's a lot like saying that you're the decent one with the job, etc., and the other has nothing so he has nothing to lose.

Is the title deceptive, Jay? Should the title have been altered in some way? It sounds like a how-to book on busting heads, and it's far from that.

I have to say that yes the title is misleading but I think it was intended to be like that. To aim at the target audience I think it would have to be something like that. I think it was designed to be for hot headed young people that like fighting.

[bushido_man96]

It sounds like it would be a good read. I may have to look into it eventually. Thanks for sharing your review, Jay.