Defend Yourself!: Every Woman's Guide to Safeguarding Her Life

This title was written by the founder of Model Mugging, one of the oldest and most well-known reality-based self-defense programs in the US. While the book doesn't cover the actual program curriculum it does provide the reader with a solid understanding of what to expect from taking the program under a certified instructor. The book does provide a solid overview of the difference between martial arts and self-defense as well what physical skills should be included in any good self-defense program. Like other reviewers, I can't figure out why such a great title would go out of print. This is an excellent title by an innovator of reality-based self-defense.

Matt Thomas' book is without a doubt the BEST book for any woman who is seriously considering taking up self defense. Thomas, the founder of Model Mugging, is a pioneer in women's self defense. As a graduate of his class, I look upon this book as the foundation of my self defense library. The tactics are simple, yet VERY EFFECTIVE. Ladies, read this book BEFORE you start training. You'll be glad you did.

This book is excellent. Don't have years to spend learing martial arts? No problem - this book teaches more in 200 pages than most courses teach in a year. Only reservation: as one of the other reviewers points out, the photos aren't great, and there are too few of them. If only there was a DVD of this guy's work!It is shocking that this book is out of print - it's better than any other I've read in the field.

I am a black belt and self-defense instructor from Erie, PA. My brother-in-law bought this book for me to help further develop and enhance the self-defense courses I teach here in Erie. I found the writing exercises extremely helpful in getting in touch with reality and one's personal emotions. The lessons were very clear and to the point. I agree, in that the arts do not really teach easy to learn techniques that are practical for everyday use. Especially women who do not study the martial arts. My sister was raped a few years ago and I am impressed at how this book educates women on not just physical protection, but how to get inside the mind of a criminal. There is also extremely valuable information about weapons defenses and multiple attackers. I will implement some of these techniques into my existing self-defense program. I will recommend to all of my self-defense graduates!

I bought this book on a fluke and I found it to be one of the most beneficial books I have read. I find so much of the "self defense" classes that are taught are too "arty". While I appreciate the discipline of the martial arts, I found that it can take months or years before you ever reach the point of learning how to actually protecting yourself in a real life situation in the modern world. The book gets to the point: If this happens, this is a way to react. Not just a lot of talk, but specific things you can do to protect your life and help save yourself from a rape. I wish this program was offered here in my small town. The only downside, I would say, is that I wish that the photos were clearer and that there were more photos demonstrating the techniques. I have bought copies for a lot of my women friends and family members.