Book: Facing Violence by Rory Miller

Foreword by Barry Eisler

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-defense must learn force law. Otherwise it is possible to train to go to prison. Side by side with the legal rules, every student must explore his or her own ethical limitations. Most do not really know where this ethical line lies within them.

2. Violence dynamics. Self-defense must teach how attacks happen. Students must be able to recognize an attack before it happens and know what kind they are facing.

3. Avoidance. Students need to learn and practice not fighting. Learning includes escape and evasion, verbal de-escalation, and also pure-not-be there avoidance.

4. Counter-ambush. If the student didn’t see the precursors or couldn’t successfully avoid the encounter he or she will need a handful of actions trained to reflex level for a sudden violent attack.

5. Breaking the freeze. Freezing is almost universal in a sudden attack. Students must learn to recognize a freeze and break out of one.

6. The fight itself. Most martial arts and self-defense instructors concentrate their time right here. What is taught just needs to be in line with how violence happens in the world.

7. The aftermath. There are potential legal, psychological, and medical effects of engaging in violence no matter how justified. Advanced preparation is critical.

Any teacher or student of self-defense, anyone interested in self-defense, and any person who desires a deeper understanding of violence needs to read this book.

AUTHOR(S)

Rory Miller has served for seventeen years in corrections as an officer and sergeant working maximum security, booking and mental health; leading a tactical team; and teaching subjects ranging from Defensive Tactics and Use of Force to First Aid and Crisis Communications with the Mentally Ill.

REVIEWS

Al Dacascos, martial artist

For those of us who think we know it all... this book is a game changer.

Alain Burrese, J.D., former U.S. Army, author

Brutal honesty... from one who has seen it... first hand.

Barry Eisler (from his forward)

This book is about reality. Above all, it's useful.

Lieutenant Jon Lupo, New York State Police

When you are done, read it again!

Officer Kasey Keckeisen, training coordinator, Ramsey County SWAT

A must-read for all who teach others to deal with violence.

Dr. Kevin Keough, clinical and police pyschologist

Strips us of dangerous illusions we have about violence.

Marc 'Animal' McYoung, author

Not interested in ending up dead, crippled, or visiting the prison showers? Read this book.

Roy Bedard, Tallahassee Police Department

A gift for the careless adventurer or the lost navigator; a safe way out.

Steve Perry, New York Times bestselling co-author of Tom Clancy's Net Force series

These pages can save your life.

Toby Cowern, former Royal Marine, military security/counter-terrorism specialist

Know about how violent confrontations actually occur, and what to do about it.

Lawrence A. Kane, author

If your training doesn't encompass all seven of Miller's principles, it is dangerously incomplete.