Hardcore Self-Defense

Very interesting book. . . Unlike other books in this genre, which seem directed at traditional martial artists or the average civilian, this seems to have been written for a more specialized audience -- those who are already familiar with self-defense, but want to take their knowledge "to the next level". The bulk of the text seems to be divided into two main categories. First, several aspects of self-defense (i.e., preparedness, rape prevention, combat, and the aftermath) are discused from an abstract psychological perspective that is insightful, intense, and unlike anything else I've ever read. These are intermediate to advanced concepts which, once understood, can improve your chances of survival much more so than the typical collection of "tactics and techniques". Secondly, a significant portion of the book is spent discussing the various types of weapons available -- with great emphasis placed on improvised weapons -- and details the strengths and weaknesses of each, as well as explodes various myths about the "effectiveness" of a number of inferior choices. This was a very unique book which anyone with a strong interest in the subject is encouraged to read. You WILL learn!

This book gives some of the best advice on mental preparation, unarmed combat, knifefighting, gunfighting, and improvised weaponry I have ever seen in any format. This is no theoretical fantasy written by some "armchair commando," but a collection of practical and realistic tactics written by someone who obviously has been there and knows what he's talking about. I do not understand what would motivate certain anonymous reviewers -- who obviously have not read this book, but might've glanced at the online excerpts -- to spout such ignorance. I would not be at all surprised to find that "ladyastral" was really a 40 year old man with a poor self-image and an alcohol problem! Do not write insulting 1-star reviews for books you have not read . . . there are far more productive ways to utilize your spare time. This was a great book, and giving it 1-star makes it very clear where your head is at. To the best of my knowledge, there is nothing similar to "Hardcore Self-Defense" being offered anywhere else for any price, and the information it provides will prove invaluable if you ever find yourself in a really bad situation. Admittedly, it doesn't provide pages of photos and diagrams for folks to gawk at, and it surely was never intended to have "mass market appeal," but it clearly does what it was intended to do -- transmit a large amount of very specific information about what works best and why. This book may not be suitable for the average citizen who thinks that the simple act of reading a "self defense" book will make them immune to muggers, but those who actually are in harms way on a day to day basis will get a lot out of it. Unfortunately, too many self-proclaimed "experts" have flooded the bookstores with far too many fantasy-based systems that consistantly fail to perform as advertised. There are less than a dozen really good practical self defense manuals out there, and this is one of the best.

I have found the Grail!!! Excellent, excellent book . . . I have read nearly every book published over the past 30 years pertaining to self-defense, streetfighting, knifefighting, and related topics, and have NEVER seen anything which even comes close to this masterpiece. Mister Jahn is the only author who has the cohones to really tell it like it is, and he does not pull any punches when it comes to expressing his opinions. "Hardcore" indeed! Some people are sure to be offended by this book, but the material speaks for itself. Mister Jahn really knows from whense he speaks.This book is divided into a number of sections. The best part was the chapter on "Mental Preparation." This information goes way above and beyond anything else available today. The chapters on "Invulnerability" (inconspicuous armor and advanced awareness techniques, "Rape Prevention," "Unarmed Combat," "Beltfighting," and "Handguns" were all great. The chapter entitled "Introduction to Knifefighting" was worth any three books on the subject, and the sections on improvised weapons and weapon selection were encyclopedic in scope. Easily the best self-defense book available at any price -- but be advised: this material is NOT for everyone! Brutally effective.

I've studied martial arts for over ten years, and have read dozens of books purporting to be about "self-defense," but I learned a lot from this indispensible handbook. The chapter on "Mental Preparation" alone was well worth the price. Mister Jahn doesn't hold back, and a few of the techniques shocked even me, but fighting for one's life is a deadly serious matter, and he makes this clear in no uncertain terms. Definitely NOT FOR THE MEEK! This book was quick to read, easy to understand, and pretty amusing at times. I highly recommend it for anyone who is serious about learning the TRUTH about "self-defense."

This excellent book is totally unlike any other self-defense manual you've ever seen! Heavy on Combat Psychology and Weaponscraft, this masterwork goes above and beyond any other work on the subject. Mister Jahn isn't afraid to tell it like it is, with all the grisly details, and (unlike most self-proclaimed "experts") he clearly has experience "in the field" pertaining to these matters. Fortunately, he doesn't take himself too seriously, and lightens the lessons with a bit of dark humor from time to time. This book was incredible -- you'll learn more from this inexpensive text than from thousands of dollars worth of videos and seminars. REQUIRED READING!!!