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Type of bind: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 613.66
EAN num: 9781931722469
ISBN number: 1931722463
Label: Center Street
Manufacturer: Center Street
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 224
Printing Date: October 27, 2005
Publishing house: Center Street
Sale Popularity Level: 683626
Studio: Center Street
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
Its a tragic reality that the majority of us will be victims of crime at some point in our lives. The attacker may be bigger, stronger, maybe even armed, and hell always have the advantages of surprise and paralyzing fear on his side. In this essential guide on self-defense, Dominick DiVito covers the myths of self-defense, what attackers are thinking and looking for in a victim, and how you can use that knowledge for protection. He also equips readers with basic moves to use to incapacitate an attacker and escape. If you arm yourself with the knowledge in this book, no matter what the situation is, you can fight back.
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers 
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This book is a waste of paper. No information for anyone wanting to learn how to really protect themselves in here.
Rated by buyers 
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One of the main reasons I picked up this book was the DVD that came with it. I am not surprised that none of the reviewers above mentioned it, because there was nothing of value on it! It was a ten-minute teaser that ended up referring you to the author's web site so you could buy a $25 video of his self-defense system. Since the book is nearly all text (only thirty-eight photos)it was assumed, at least by me, that the instruction was on the DVD. It felt like those times when you think you are watching a really interesting review of a new product on TV only to find out it is an informercial.
Don't get me wrong, there is some good information in the text. But the scenario-based, physical self-defense instruction portion of the book was much weaker for lack of illustration--and the DVD is just a marketing trick to get you to buy his video after you have already paid $23 for a book (with a DVD!).
Rated by buyers 
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I am a woman in my thirties, and I have taken a good few years of martial arts training (some good, some not so good.) I have been out of practice due to some physical trouble, and when I saw this book I thought it was just what I needed to refresh my mind (and ease some recent anxieties.)
The section on mental defense is great. It confirmed a lot of what I have felt and practiced, such as considering that an attacker with a weapon plans to use it. How do I know otherwise? I've heard tons of stories of compliant victims who wound up dead anyway--tied, gagged, and shot to death. An attacker may just want your compliance, but unless you took Mindreading 101, you really don't know what they plan to do with that weapon. Better to protect yourself regardless. Personally, I'd rather go down fighting than to do whatever perverse thing is asked of me and die anyway. We are no longer living in times where we can be compliant in hopes an attacker will get what they want and let us live. 9/11 changed all that.
I felt the confidence section was extremely important. I have personally had instances where a "mousy" look drew unwanted attention my way while projecting confidence kept troublemakers at a distance. I also found the awareness part important, as I always shake my head watching an oblivious woman yacking on a cell phone while walking in a parking lot at night. It also helped my own self esteem to realize my own high amount of awareness has been part of my self protection.
On to the reason I gave this three stars. I felt the physical defense section was lacking, and at some times unrealistic. Again, I've taken martial arts for a few years, and as an example, the demonstration of the punch leaves one's face wide open for attack. A proper punch would have both hands up--one to protect and one to strike. I've also attempted a few of these moves with my husband and found them difficult to work with (such as spinning around after being grabbed from behind.)
I feel this book is a good resource, but if you're serious about self protection, you need a good class (and I mean a GOOD class, not some tournament-training grey belt mill like a place I once belonged to.) With proper training, the physical section makes more sense, and you can use its suggestions to mentally prepare for the worst. I wouldn't solely rely on it for self protection.
Most books on self protection or martial arts come up short in that they cannot take the place of the real-time feeling you get when you practice in person. There is a play of energy involved, and as much as you may feel confident you'll be able to do something, when the moment arrives, it's a whole other story. I've gotten popped in the head enough times to know that. This is a great supplement to self-protection practices, but it shouldn't take the place of hand to hand training.
Rated by buyers 
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As a mother of three girls, I'd like to say that I found this book extremely informative. I appreciated the "awareness" element of the book. I will definitely share these elements with my daughters. I want them to be empowered with knowledge, not gripped with fear. If you are unaware of your surroundings or ignorant to the danger you may be putting yourself in (i.e. Natalie Holloway comes to mind) you will be crippled with fear and possibly put in a life threatening position.
As I was reading some of the other reviews for this book, I was amazed - don't blame this book for teaching a criminal mind, we have Hollywood/TV for that - praise this book for trying to combat the wickedness and give you a tool.
Rated by buyers -
The mental components covered in this book are good. However, the physical skills taught are NOT recommended for those who truely care about their safety.
The author bases the skills on traditional martial arts training when they should instead be based on the realities of life-or-death altercations. The skills should be based on modern physiological and psychological research as well as adhere to the current understanding of motor-skill research.
In short, while the section on mental self-defense is good, there are better books out there covering this subject. I would recommend caution for any reader who believes the physical skills taught in this book will help them in a life-or-death altercation. Also, the book is completely lacking in the area of de-escalation or verbal self-defense, which should be considered long before physical self-defense is attempted.
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