If you’ve only learned one thing from reading this book, I hope it’s that violence is not a game! Popular culture (action movies, television shows, videogames, etc.) Seems to actually encourage the use of casual violence as a means of settling disputes, but rarely shows the true end results (crippling and maiming injuries, hospitalization and physical therapy, infection and other "complications," lawsuits, prison, and criminal vendettas — sometimes people even die). Furthermore, movies and television often show us techniques that will not work in real life — it is a fantasy world created by people who have never experienced the things they are attempting to portray.

Self defense is neither a game nor an "art." It is not intended to sooth damaged egos by putting others "in their place," nor is it meant to impress others through a childish display of machismo. No . . . it is a deadly serious matter, to be used only when one’s life is imperilled and retreat is impossible. Remember, once you have committed yourself to an act of violence you will have to live with the consequences of that act forever . . . do not take these words lightly! Never kill if you only need to wound; never wound if you only need to hurt; and never hurt if you only need to speak the truth (or simply walk away).

I truly hope that you will never find yourself in a situation where the use of violence is unavoidable, but if this does occur at least you’ll now be better equipped to deal with it.