Low Blows

I have read the previous two Black Medicine series books and I like this volume the best. As a believer in "simple is best" when it comes to real-life self-defense, I found this book to be refreshing. This text deals with how to use the body's natural weapons for practical self-defense. I agree with the author's point that it is easier to learn practical self-defense than it is to learn a formal martial art like Karate. This text focuses only on defending yourself when unarmed. It is important to realize that nothing takes the place of learning from an competent self-defense instructor; however, this book would be of value when combined with actual hands-on training. Rating: 5 stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Shotokan Karate Self-Defense Manual, Pro-Systems Combatives Vol. 1,2., Martial Art Myths, Monadnock Defensive Tactics (MDTS) System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, Police Yawara Stick Techniques, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques).

If you have this, you must have the first vol, this one complete the other.

This is one of the best self-defense manuals available, at any price ("Cheap Shots" by MacYoung, and "Hardcore Self-Defense" by Jahn are also most excellent), which is high praise indeed, considering how flooded the market is with this type of material. I have read every book in the "Black Medicine" series, and this is the best of them all. The others in the series tend to be a bit more specialized, but "Low Blows" is intended to be read, and applied, by anyone -- regardless of their level of experience. The focus here is more on instantaneous reaction to unprovoked attack, rather than rigid traditional martial arts moves, or macho "ninja commando" garbage. Very workable techniques, with lots of flexibility for differing personalities and body types. A realistic overview of the subject. I was very impressed.

I have read the whole Black Medicine serious. Mashiro's writing style and explanation is amazing. In this one Mashiro takes the reader a step further. In this book he shows various attacks and the way the person can defend and bring the attacker to submission in a relatively easy manner. Here we can see that the size and the weight of the attacker has no relationship to be able to neutralize almost any satiation and get out without getting yourself hurt in the process. What I liked about this book in comparison to many others on this particular subject, is that it shows you a satiation and the different ways to go about defending yourself, so that the reader can pick one, that they are most comfortable with. It is definitely a great book for someone who is studying martial arts, and should be used as a reference only and not the means of learning self-defense on your own. Without proper training this book might not be of great benefit and might even get you hurt, if the techniques shown are performed incorrectly.

When I first saw the cover and title of this book, I didn't think I'd like it or that it would be worthwhile to read. However, After I'd read it, I was impressed. Not only did the book show some very good sef-defense techniques, but also showed how do do some old self defense moves in a way that would work. Overall, it is a very good book