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Facing Violence: Preparing for the Unexpected
by
Rory Miller
Seven Steps to Legal, Emotional and Physical Preparation This book stands alone as an introduction to the context of self-defense. There are seven elements that must be addressed to bring self-defense training to something approaching complete. Any training that dismisses any of these areas leaves you vulnerable. 1. Legal and ethical implications. A student learning self-d...more
Paperback, 223 pages
Published
May 16th 2011
by YMAA Publication Center
(first published May 1st 2011)
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I can't say this book was notably different in quality than MEDITATIONS ON VIOLENCE, which I gave 5 stars, but I didn't like this one as much. This book covers a lot of the same material as MEDITATIONS ON VIOLENCE, except that it has a brief overview of force law. The information wasn't better the second time around.
I can sum up the content of this book in one sentence "If you think you're good in a fight, you're a dumbass who is going to get himself killed." Basically, training in a dojo is not...more
I can sum up the content of this book in one sentence "If you think you're good in a fight, you're a dumbass who is going to get himself killed." Basically, training in a dojo is not...more
One of the most instructive, provocative books I've ever read. Recommended without qualification for anyone who wants to know how to get out of a fight.
This is NOT a book packed with martial arts techniques (there are a handful, none dwelt on for more than a few pages). This is not a book about how to win every fight you come across. Rather, this is a book about the few seconds before a fight: how you can recognize that a fight is brewing and, most importantly, how you can avoid it. That alone j...more
This is NOT a book packed with martial arts techniques (there are a handful, none dwelt on for more than a few pages). This is not a book about how to win every fight you come across. Rather, this is a book about the few seconds before a fight: how you can recognize that a fight is brewing and, most importantly, how you can avoid it. That alone j...more
Real-world wisdom for the martial artist
Among the many martial arts books on offer, precious few are written by experts on the real world of violence – a world that’s very different from the dojo environment. Rory Miller is one such author. He established his credentials in blistering form with the outstanding ‘Meditations on Violence’. Now, in ‘Facing Violence’, he delivers more of the same calm, considered advice in a highly readable and engaging way (and with a touch of deadpan humour that ma...more
Among the many martial arts books on offer, precious few are written by experts on the real world of violence – a world that’s very different from the dojo environment. Rory Miller is one such author. He established his credentials in blistering form with the outstanding ‘Meditations on Violence’. Now, in ‘Facing Violence’, he delivers more of the same calm, considered advice in a highly readable and engaging way (and with a touch of deadpan humour that ma...more
"You have the power in the moment to be anything you want or need to be. Just take the power."
I also liked the idea that it's better to be rude than dead, and the whole slew of information on how to break your own sticking points. I especially loved the extra bit he put in about cultivating the habit of doing unpleasant things quickly and without hesitation. It's something I've tried to cultivate my whole life, to understand that it might have other side effects intrigues me.
This whole book is a...more
I also liked the idea that it's better to be rude than dead, and the whole slew of information on how to break your own sticking points. I especially loved the extra bit he put in about cultivating the habit of doing unpleasant things quickly and without hesitation. It's something I've tried to cultivate my whole life, to understand that it might have other side effects intrigues me.
This whole book is a...more
The mission of this sobering and thoughtful book is straightforward: to prepare the reader for every aspect of a possible violent encounter. The book contains lots of graphic examples of violent situations (many from the author's long personal experience as a corrections officer) and a great deal of very practical advice. Like any good book on violence, its clear, overriding message is that the best approach to violence is to avoid it; in fact, the "Avoidance" chapter is the longest chapter in t...more
If you teach martial arts or self defense, especially if you teach young men, you must read this book. It covers the dynamics of violence, both violence perpetrated by social predators and violence that stems from social posturing and dominance behavior (the "monkey dance").
As an author, I have a lot of respect for Sgt. Miller's writing abilities. The book is nicely structured and tightly written. The style matches the content perfectly--clear, straightforward, no-nonsense. As a martial artist w...more
As an author, I have a lot of respect for Sgt. Miller's writing abilities. The book is nicely structured and tightly written. The style matches the content perfectly--clear, straightforward, no-nonsense. As a martial artist w...more
This is a very good book overall, but chapter 4 (the chapter on avoidance) is absolute must read material for any man who wants to diffuse or deal with what the author calls the "monkey dance" of male on male predatory violence.
A while back, I wrote a short facebook status that said "Finished my first read through of Rory Miller's Facing Violence last night. Will be starting a second read through before reviewing it. Short version: if you teach or train self-defense, read this book."
Upon a second reading, my views have not changed substantively. Facing Violence is an extremely important book, and anyone who has any reason to want to understand how to deal with violence should read it. Martial artists and self-defense i...more
Upon a second reading, my views have not changed substantively. Facing Violence is an extremely important book, and anyone who has any reason to want to understand how to deal with violence should read it. Martial artists and self-defense i...more
This book is great for everyone. It brings up excellent psychological and physical aspects of self defense, how to use situational awareness to keep you out of dangerous situations in the first place, when and how to de-escalate building situations, when to run, and what to do if you must stand and defend yourself, and the possible legal repercussions of going to far. It deals with mental, emotional, and physical effects of violence, fear, and adrenaline rush. Excellent and very comprehensive!
Having had a recent brush with an actual "live shooter scenario", I found this book thought-provoking. This book is not about fighting techniques. Rather, it addresses how to address violence from ethical, emotional and psychological perspectives. I found this book helpful in understanding my own experience, and in addressing how I might mentally prepare for such an event in the future. God forbid that I should ever need it. cws
A superb and detailed look at the difference between training a martial art and real life violence. It covers legal and psychological aspects, the freaky affects of adrenaline and how the monkey brain works against you in a surprise assault. Sobering but also fascinating mix of anthropology, psychology, physiology, law and fight mechanics mixed in with an amazing depth of experience. Essential reading if you have any interest in self-defense at all.
Anyone who trains in martial arts must read this book. It breaks violence down into two categories; social and asocial. In a nutshell, social violence is ego based and ranges from exchanges between individuals, groups, "educational beatdowns", and violence to enhance social status/notoriety. Asocial is basically about psychos and how to spot and deal with them as well.
This was not at all what I expected. Since I am not into martial arts, the only things I got from this is how formalized face to face conflict is...like the Monkey Dance. Great stuff.
The last chapter was important as it gave a closing to the violent acts.
The last chapter was important as it gave a closing to the violent acts.
The most insightful and helpful book I've personally read on the topic of self-defense and its legal, emotional, psychological and practical aspects and consequences.
After months of being on my "reading bookshelf" I have moved Miller's book back to "to read." I cannot seem to finish this book. The book has it's moments, but the content, in my opinion, is too dry. He addresses nearly everything a person will face and experience in a violent situation. Even so, as he himself says in his book, a book cannot prepare you. Similarly, reading a car manual will not completely equip you to drive a car. The book shares Miller's experiences and illustrates his techniqu...more
As a follow up to "Meditations," a clear eyed account.
Very similar to his Meditations on Violence...
My boyfriend recommended this since I have little (really, basically no) self-defense training. There's lots of practical, useful information here, and it reads fast. My one critique: it feels like it's geared more toward male readers, in terms of the situations it addresses. But I can't be too critical, since it has a lot of ground to cover in 200 pages.
Review pending.
One of the VERY BEST books on self-defense EVER! Rory tells it as it is...upfront and in your face. You will be surprised as to what you can learn from this book that might save your life.
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Sergeant Rory Miller is a corrections officer, a martial artist, and an instructor in both of those areas.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
More about Rory Miller...
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Sep 08, 2011 06:21am