Downloadable Reading

Great copyright free leaflet, womens self defence 1-4

Part two of the above womens self defence 2-3

One of the best from WE Fairbairn Get Tough

NEW (but very old) great little book I just love it UnarmedCombat

Classic US Marines unarmed combat manual Kill or Get Killed

Bit comic book but good straight forward stuff Dirty Fighting

Classic Tsun Tzu to do with strategy Art of War PDF

Briefer text Principles of War By Carl von Clausewitz

Books worth reading, (support your local library)

Understanding Reasonable Force by Mark Dawes. Anybody coaching in martial arts or self defence should read this. It is an idiots guide to the subject. Mark clearly cuts through the legalese and jargon and gives good, practical advice. Concise and very easy to understand.

Sharpening the Warriors Edge by Bruce K. Siddle. The psychology and science of training without too much jargon. Some really fascinating stuff here that really examines how we learn and how we coach, yes it does tax the grey matter but that muscle needs exercise too! I really enjoyed this book and am not surprised it came so highly recommended. A must read for coaches if you want to be a cut above the herd.

The Para Fitness Guide by Major Sam McGrath. Inspirational guide to improving your fitness levels, whatever your baseline. Packed with sound information, advice and guidance, you may never get as fit as the Para’s but if you follow some of the examples in the book you will improve your health and fitness. This has certainly caused me to re-examine my attitude towards my fitness training and to up my game.

Fit to Fight by Peter Consterdine. Hard to beat this book, Peter is a legend and I have learned a great deal from training with Peter who is uncompromising in his approach, highly recommended read this.

Streetwise by Peter Consterdine.  Expert advice from somebody who has been there, seen it and got the T shirt. Peter’s striking power is incredible.

Watch my Back by Geoff Thompson. Hard to put down autobiography, tough, gritty and pulls no punches. Geoff is a philosopher and warrior and one of the nicest most genial men you could meet and having trained with him a few times a superb martial artist.

A Professionals Guide to Ending Violence Quickly by Marc ‘Animal’ MacYoung. Witty, perceptive and to the point, highly recommended.

Born Fighter by Dave Hazard. This is a great read, Dave is a formidable, world class martial artist and training with Dave was a real treat he gave me some valuable coaching techniques. Read this book.

Get Tough by Major w.E. Fairbairn. Classic unarmed combat manual as taught to the British Commandos in World War Two. Battle proven, simple to use, techniques.

The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker. Excellent and accessible read that helps us to rediscover our survival skills.

Meditations on Violence by Sgt Rory Miller. This book compares and contrasts  the world of martial arts training and real world violence, Fantastic read this, go get it now.

On Killing by Lt Col. Dave Grossman. Former US Ranger and Paratrooper and more than competent academic. This book is a real eye opener and explores in detail the psychological cost of learning to kill.

Violence: A Micro-Sociological Perspective by Randall Collins. OK so I have a sociology degree so this was right up my street. I really enjoyed this book, well argued points with great supporting examples, a very thorough examination of the social origins of violence.

Inside the Criminal Mind by Stanton Samenow PhD. Ver illuminating insight into the dark world of the criminal mind, (excuse the pun).  Challenges many assumptions we hold on why and how people become criminals.

Without Conscience by Robert Hare PhD. Very easy to read guide to identifying psychopathic behaviour using actual case studies of some very nast people.

The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout Phd. As the above, no nonsense plain english guide to spotting the sociopaths amongst us.

In Sheeps Clothing by George Simon PhD. Do you meet people who seem to be manipulative? Read this one evening if you are not sure, you will spot them then.

Cruelty by Kathleen Taylor. Not for the faint hearted but worth presevering with. Very detailed examination of the human psyche and our capacity for cruelty.

Ju-Jitsu by Martin Dixon. For those interested in the ‘gentle art’ this as great introduction by the 7th Dan chairman of the British Ju Jitsu Association.

Ju Jitsu: Basic Techniques of the Gentle Art by George Kirby. Great step by step intro supported by picture guides.