Meditations on Violence: A Comparison of Martial Arts Training & Real World Violence,   ISBN:9781594391187

Customer Rating: 

This book is the most well written, well versed book on the subject HANDS DOWN!!
I have read & own dozens of martial arts books, tactical books, survival books (both terrorism and wilderness survival).
I teach various forms of martial arts & self defense.
I learned more from this book than any other book; any other Sensai, Sifu or in any Dojo or Kwoon.
Sgt. Rory Knows his S***!
He writes from experience and evaluated not only certain scenarios BUT ALSO (and more importantly) the mental, the psychology of both the predator, attacker, assailant and the victim or probably your mindset in any given incident.
Sgt. Rory gives examples of the difference between the average (no such thing as average, there is nothing that happens that is always the same 100% of the time) mugging/mugger & the person that wants to hurt/kill you just to get their jollies off.
THIS BOOK IS REAL, GRUESOME AND WILL OPEN YOUR EYES TO THINGS YOU NEVER THOUGHT OF AND MIGHT NOT WAN TO TO KNOW. HOWEVER IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT SELF-DEFENSE, (not just your martial art for fitness purposes)THIS IS THE BEST BOOK FOR YOU!

"It's better to avoid than to run; better to run than to de-escalate; better to de-escalate than to fight; better to fight than to die. The very essence of self-defense is a thin list of things that might get you out alive when you are already screwed." -Rory Miller

Customer Rating: 

Its hard to compare the practicality, knowledge and humility of Rory Miller's book to anything written in the last century or two. It truly is a modern day book of five rings, complete with everything from conflict avoidance to the very messy and gritty details of technique, appropriate training and criminal psychology. I recommend this to any martial artist.

Customer Rating: 

All the fantasies and notions you may have held about self defense will be blown up in your face once you read this book. It is not all about the fancy kicks and endless forms that will save you, but the understanding of violence itself. This book lays it all out for you, not in pretty terms either. Read this from cover to cover and sit back and reflect on your training. The bottom line is it must be simple, effective and quick...period.

Customer Rating: 

This book is not just for people in law-enforcement or martial arts. The average citizen can benefit from this wake-up call about reality. Plus, Miller's style is highly readable. You will learn a lot about life from this book.

Customer Rating: 

Read this book if at all concerned about self defense or you pursue martial arts. This book has changed my outlook on life and the way I train. Outstanding.