Required Reading
This will be an incredibly short list. I am not so presumptuous as to assume that I can dictate "you will do as I say," but for anyone who is truly walking the warrior path, you cannot afford to miss reading these books! Four books, all of which contain a wealth of useful information, can potentially save your ass — and only one of them fits the standard definition of a "self-defense" manual. If you are a warrior, these books are required reading.
1.) Cheap Shots, Ambushes, and Other Lessons — by Marc "Animal" MacYoung
Without a doubt, this is the finest self-defense manual I’ve ever seen — and I have seen nearly all of them (well over a hundred, anyway). Experts everywhere agree that this book is the definitive work when it comes to basic self-defense. MacYoung shares numerous personal anecdotes (as well as a bit of philosophy), teaches the fundamentals, and stresses the importance of awareness. Novices, advanced martial artists, and experienced combat veterans can all learn something new from this great work. Interesting, illuminating, and entertaining.
2.) The Gift of Fear — by Gavin DeBecker
For several years I struggled to put my thoughts on "threat assessment" into words that the common man could understand (this was to be only a chapter in a self-defense book, and not a work in itself) — then I read The Gift of Fear and was stunned. Everything I was trying to say was here in this book (along with a whole lot more), and I really had very little to add to it. This book primarily addresses how people usually are vaguely aware of a threat just prior to being attacked, yet ignore their intuition and take no steps to protect themselves! Although this book primarily focuses upon the potential threat of stalkers and disgruntled employees, the methodology can be applied to numerous other situations as well. This book provides you with a list of danger signs, different ways to "read people," and numerous case studies. Even if you think that you already "know this stuff," I guarantee you’ll still learn something new. Buy several to hand out as gifts.
3.) Violence, Blunders, and Fractured Jaws — by Marc "Animal" MacYoung
Subtitled Advanced Awareness Techniques and Street Etiquette, this is Animal’s biggest and best book. What’s it about? Visualize a sociology textbook written by the Hell’s Angels, and that’ll give you a general idea. Unlike most "self-defense" manuals, this book will show you how to avoid violence through: being aware of your surroundings, being aware of the "worldview" of various groups, and using this awareness to avoid inadvertently offending violent people (or otherwise placing yourself at risk). And, in the event that it appears an act of violence is about to occur, MacYoung gives practical advice on how to defuse the situation. Once you’ve mastered the concepts detailed in this masterwork, you’ll be able to defend yourself without resorting to unnecessary violence. Every martial artist and self-defense student needs a copy of this book.
4.) Hardcore Self-Defense — by C. R. Jahn.
After you’ve absorbed the concepts enumerated in the three aforementioned texts, you’ll be ready for Hardcore Self-Defense. This excellent book, authored by our Temple’s Director, will fill in any gaps in your knowledge of the subject matter. Entertaining, informative, and most definitely NOT FOR THE MEEK!