Krav Maga: Real World Solutions to Real World Violence - Disrupt - Damage - Destroy - Disengage

“Krav Maga: Real World Solutions To Real World Violence” by Gershon Ben Keren is an excellent addition to one’s self-defense library when looking for a book that illustrates self-defense techniques with concepts and principles also discussed. In close to 200 pages, Keren does a very good job of sharing some of his Krav Maga philosophy and techniques. He starts with an introduction of Krav Maga and himself before going into the three parts of this book. Part 1: Basic Skills (Stances, Movement, Blocking, and Striking) This portion of the book does a good job of describing basic principles and skills with photographs, that while small, are clear and illustrate well. Yes, they are basic, but basics are what one must learn and practice to actually defend oneself. These are the essential foundations of a good self-defense program and again, Keren does a good job of briefly describing these skills and illustrating them with photographs. Part 2: Self-Defense Scenarios This section provides responses to numerous types of attacks. Some of which include: knife threat against a wall, gun to front of head, rear hostage with arm around neck, and so on. And while there are numerous scenarios, Keren shows through pictures and descriptions how simple movements can be used for different situations so one can master fewer responses to use in a variety of ways rather than something completely different for every scenario. The pictures are again, small, but clear. I actually took the book to the gym to get with a couple of my black belt Hapkido students to try some things out. We practiced the techniques and liked a number of them. They were not that different from things we already practice. On a few of them, we modified them a bit from what the book was showing to make them fit better with what we already do and practice. This really is the only way to learn techniques from a book or video, you must actually get on the mat and try them and practice them. And it is definitely easier to learn from a book or video when you already have a solid foundation of fighting or martial arts. I found the scenarios and techniques to be very good and liked this portion of the book. Part 3: Unarmed Assaults and Dynamic Components of Violence It this part, the author covers topics such as applying different chokes and strangles, fighting from a clinch, and escaping headlocks. The information is presented like the scenarios with descriptions and the small, but clear, photographs. Again, to benefit from this part of the book one needs to get with a partner and try the stuff out and practice. Conclusion The book concludes with a very short conclusion. This obviously isn’t the entire Krav Maga curriculum or everything Keren knows. It is however, a very good book on the specific situations and scenarios Keren covers. For this type of book (technique book with pictures), it is well done and one that will compliment any self-defense training program and belongs in any self-defense resource library. With this said, I don’t agree with all of Keren’s “solutions to violence” and would opt for different solutions as times. But that doesn’t take away from the book as a good resource, as I believe you should learn different things, try them out, and find the “best” for you individually. Not everyone will fight like Keren, just like not everyone will fight like me. We must all learn and train to be the best we can be individually, and this book can help with that journey.

There are so many books out there on martial arts and/or self-defense, and I've grown weary of a lot of it; this one, however, is a refreshingly thoughtful and straightforward take on the realities of dealing with violence. The author is clearly an authority on the subject matter, as he is able to break down physical techniques and general personal safety concepts to crucial details, while keeping it very easy to follow. To be more specific, though, there are 2 main features of this book that separate it from the rest in my opinion: 1. LAYOUT - The book is very descriptive and easy to understand. The color photo demonstrations are crystal clear and of insanely high-quality. If you're used to one or two black-and-white photos to accompany text, you're going to be pleased with the number of superbly photographed pictures in this book. 2. CONCEPT - Of all that I've seen, this book is the most effective at demonstrating combative techniques, but there will always be a limit to the physical content one can actually learn from reading a book. My favorite thing about this book is its emphasis on personal safety concepts and principles that completely transcend any specific technique one might use in self-defense. This is the most "real" take on violence that I've ever read (i.e. It includes psychological factors, physiological factors, and environmental factors), and the idea that the physical aspect is just one component of a much bigger picture of personal protection is the most valuable thing that someone can take from reading a book on this subject. If you are looking to actually learn something of value, I highly recommend this!

Besides having been trained in Krav Maga many years ago at a police defensive tactics instructor’s class I have also read and studied numerous books on this great self-defense Combatives system. I recently purchased this 192 page soft cover book (Krav Maga: Real world solutions to real world violence by Gershon Ben Keren) and found it to be a good introduction to Krav Maga; however, the very small photographs would make this a very difficult book to actually learn Krav Maga from only reading this book. I was familiar with most of the techniques in this manual because I have had hands-on training with Krav Maga instructors, and if you are presently taking Krav Maga from an instructor this book can be a reference text when combined with hands-on training. There are many techniques in this book which I think are too advanced for a basic Krav Maga course. There are numerous martial arts (Judo, Jujitsu, Karate-Do, Kenjutsu, Hanbo-jutsu, Yawara jutsu etc.) being practiced today; however, the big difference between a traditional martial art and Krav Maga is this fact. Most traditional martial arts focus very little on practical street self-defense, but Krav Maga’s primary focus is on mastering pure practical self-defense and Combatives in their system. Every martial art has value and you should seek out the system that matches your interest and needs. If you are taking Krav Maga from an instructor you may want to check out this book. Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Pro-Systems Combatives Vol. 1,2)

Good Krav Maga book. Some people complain about some of the tactics he uses but he clearly explains why and when to use them. Easy to understand book and the Author is beyond qualified to be writing a book like this. I have read the book in order and I can definitely say it has improved my overall fighting skills. The book is broken down by sections in which he starts with a backdrop of Krav Maga and then begins with the essentials to be successful at Krav Maga. After the basics he begins to expand on them as he shows more advanced techniques. I like the fact that the book is in color and that the pictures look like real attacks with dedicated attackers. This is not really a standardized books like some of the books being sold that are for a specific belt class and that go in order but that doesn't undermine its credulity at all. This book is more modern and efficient than those books. This is a good book for REAL situations and REAL self defense while the other types of books are more for traditional Krav Maga. I would recommend this book for anyone trying to start learning Krav Maga or simply learning how to defend him/herself.

This is a great book put together and written by a true master of the martial arts and street self defense. What Gershon and his team teach is both practical and empowering. I was excited to get my hands on this book for Christmas and I was not disappointed. For me, the best part of the book is the mental coaching and conditioning to help deal with the dynamics of violent encounters. This book covers simple and effective techniques to get you through the most common armed and unarmed violent situations. And he teaches you how to think in all of these situations. More important than anything though is the focus on the "timeline of violence". Gershon is not just teaching you how to fight if you have to, he is actually teaching you how to not have to. How to shrink the possibility of attack. Shrinking the possibility of assault is the best self defense there is and Gershon makes this abundantly clear throughout. He makes it OK to avoid a fight Last but not least is the fight. This book provides instruction on how to think about a fight and how to fight if you have to. Great job. A perfect companion for any practitioner.

I didn't know what to expect when I bought the book, but after I purchased it I was glad I did. I've read other martial arts books and I liked Gershon's more. FYI, I'm also currently in his class. That may make me more biased, but it also means I can compare his book against the training I receive in his school. What makes the book 5 stars for me: - color photos. Lots of them. Very helpful and nice touch. - explains the steps leading up to violence and the importance of the mindset rather than just techniques - he covers introductory topics such as proper stance, body position, movement, striking, etc. - book sections are organized around scenarios as opposed to techniques. I appreciate how the author places the technique in a context, situation rather than just demonstrating a move on a mat. That being said, here are some things to consider: - if you've never trained Krav Maga before, especially with Gershon, bear in mind the inherent limitations about learning martial arts from a book. I imagine if I just picked up the book without ever training or taking a class. I'm pretty sure I would get far less than I get as a student of his. - larger photographs would help

Yes, one can learn a lot from this book. But in my opinion, a topic such as this is way, way better off being learned via video. And of course, the very, very best way to learn it is live and in person from an expert. So although I think it is a good book, the medium seems lacking to me. Your mileage may vary.

Amazon is full of books on martial arts and self-defense, most of which seem out of touch for the average reader. This book is a refreshingly different offering. It excellently provides both the specific techniques themselves as well as a framework for the understanding of how scenarios develop. It does this by explaining not just the movement but the context and theory behind each chosen path. The way the book is laid out, in situation based vignettes, allows the reader to wholly comprehend the basic theories and movements in context. This approach provides insight for a student of any skill level to apply the theories and ideas to the real world from day one. The scenarios are complimented by realistic photography that seems to truly capture the intensity of the movements. Overall, the book is well written and an easy read, the captions that accompany each photo are particularly intuitive and descriptive. If you are interested in learning about Krav Maga or just how to keep yourself safe in everyday life this book is a must read!

handy book I new must of the holds one or two I hadn't

Awesome book - man great things to learn, good photos.

Full of very important information and techniques. Should have a partner to exercises with. I would never mess with a knowledgeable master of the art. Not a play self defense. Quick and to the point.

Just what was wanted. Very good instructions.

Cannot study Krav Maga from a book..Real life practice works..Instead of buying an expensive krav maga book join krav maga classes or take online video courses..Product quality is exceptionally good..