The Essence of Self-Defense

The Essence of Self-Defense is a 12-lesson book which focuses on the application of karate techniques for self-defense, shown in a class room environment. Typically, the techniques are demonstrated with a partner-opponent in a dojo using excellent photographic images. The many photographic images show the author wearing a traditional karate jacket, pants and belt. The book begins with a rather complete set of physical conditioning exercises covering some 30 pages, starting with warm-ups and ending with skipping rope. Chapter 2, the core of the book, contains all 12 lessons. The first lesson is devoted to the author's demonstrations of the basics -- such as making a fist, punching and blocking techniques. The second lesson begins with simple techniques for defense against wrist grabs using down blocks, while the third lesson introduces high blocks against punches. Lesson four introduces the use of leg sweeps and the book continues by building a repertoire of defenses and counter attacks against a variety of attacks. The typical methodology used in the book is to describe a technique with images then show how this technique can be used as a counter against an attacker. For example: four photographs are used to describe a round house back fist strike is launched. Two photographs show how the author blocks an attacker's punch and six photographs show how the author applies the round house back fist strike to defeat the attacker. This description approaches serves to give the reader a good understanding of the techniques and their application. Chapter 3 illustrates safe falling techniques to the front, back and side. The last chapter, Chapter 4 shows the locations of over 20 critical points on the body, called pressure points, that when struck, amplify the effect of a strike. This book gathers in one document virtually all the application techniques taught in Karate schools -- plus a number of those taught in Judo schools. Consequently, the Essence of Self-Defense would make a good addition to the library of anyone studying martial arts. However, this book is not directed towards self-defense on the street.