The Self-Defence Manual

The Self-Defence Manual, published by Summersdale, is not a collection of martial arts techniques and glib ‘he does this, you do that’ answers to the problem of workable self-defence. Instead it deals with all aspects of self-protection from the point of view of an ordinary person rather than a muscular warrior.

SDM shows you how to reduce the chances of being attacked at all, and how to deal with it if it does happen. It gives practical and workable advice on how to:

1. Be Aware of a dangerous situation early enough to do something about it

2. Avoid potential aggressors or threatening situations

3. Defuse a confrontation or conflict

4. Deter all but the most determined assailant

5. Escape from an attack or uncomfortable situation

6. Respond to an attack or threat legally and effectively

SDM is an excellent introduction to self-protection and Reality-Based Self-Defence (RBSD). It has attracted favourable comment from self-protection legends Geoff Thompson (he wrote the foreword) and Dave Turton (I am an instructor in his Self-Defence Federation).

Here’s the contents list to give you a better idea what the book covers:

Introduction

Part I: First Things First
What is Self-Protection?
The Right to Go Home Alive
Self-Defence and the Law
Self-Defence Myths and Facts
Self-Protection for Everyone
Times when you MUST Fight
Summary

Part II: Threat Avoidance and Management
Chapter 1: Self-Protection and Personal Safety
Self-Protection Begins with the Self
Cold and Hot Attacks
The Self-Defence Formula: ADDER
Awareness
Fear
Assertiveness versus Aggression
Assertiveness Issues
The Hidden Benefits of Being Prepared
Training and Reaction
Summary

Chapter 2: Avoid!
Better Not to Fight At All
Avoid!
Threat Avoidance
Summary

Chapter 3: Deter!
Threat Analysis
Deterring Cold Attacks
Deterring Hot Attacks
Target Hardening for Beginners
Target Hardening for Vulnerable People
Summary

Chapter 4: Defuse!
Body Language, Words and Other Signals
Confrontation Management
Summary

Chapter 5: Evade!
Personal Space
The Fence
Obstacles
Assistance
Summary

Part III: Under Attack
Chapter 1: The Attack
What is an Attack?
The Top Five Physical Assaults
Recognising the Signs
What Actually Happens in Fights
The Battle of the First Salvo
Summary

Chapter 2: Respond!
The Big Secret
You Really Can Defend Yourself
Non-Physical Responses
Physical Responses
Ten Basic Rules for Self-Defence
During an Assault
After an Assault
Summary

Chapter 3: Tactics for Successful Self-Defence
What You Should Always Do
What You Should Never Do
Distractions and Deceptions
Pre-Emptive Techniques
Improvised Weapons
On to the End!
Dealing with Multiple Attackers
Summary

Part IV: Training
Chapter 1: Martial Arts and Self-Defence Classes
Why Take a Class?
Finding a Suitable Art or Style
Choosing a Class or Course
Summary

Chapter 2: The Martial Arts
Summaries of Martial Arts Styles
Grades, Belts and ‘Licences’
Clothing and Equipment for Training
Summary

Chapter 3: Learning and Training
Sensible Training
Reliable Techniques
Fitness
Summary

Part V: Self-Defence Techniques
Chapter 1: The Basics
Ready Stance
Movement and Evasion
Situational Awareness and Tactical Mobility
Distance and Entries
Covers and Parries versus Blocks
Summary

Chapter 2: Striking Techniques
Principles of Striking
Using your Hands
Punches
Palm-Heel Strikes, Backfists and Hammerfists
Kicking Techniques
Elbow Strikes
Headbutts
Knees
Summary

Chapter 3: Defensive Techniques
Defending Yourself Against Grabs and Chokes
Defending Yourself Against Punches
Throws and Takedowns
Defending Yourself on the Ground
Defending Yourself Against Weapons
In Extremis
Targets and How to Exploit Them
Summary

Afterword