Real World Self-Defense: A Guide to Staying Alive in Dangerous Times

by Jerry Van Cook

If you want practical solutions to the violence that permeates today's society, this book offers savvy advice for dealing with everything from an unwarranted attaack to the often ironic legal aftermath. Van Cook covers unarmed defense, improvised weapons, edged weapons, firearms and more and offers something of value for people from all walks of life.

204 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1999

About the author

Jerry Van Cook is a rare breed, a former street cop, detective, undercover narc--a veteran and expert on all things survival, street safe, crime prevention and personal protection. He's old school meets new school. Jerry is college professor smart, research-hungry and an author of many books chock full of life-saving information. He's a thinking man's go-to-guy on tactics. In addition to his real world crime-fighting experience, Jerry is also the author of countless Stonyman men's action adventure books. He also teaches classes on writing at an Oklahoma University.

Reviews

[Suzy Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much from Jerry Van Cook. Though he writes about his experiences and mindset, attitude, gun handling, knife fighting, and praying in a scary-as-hell moment, I learned about what's possible. His words on paper opened up new space between my ears.

He writes about how to respond, and not to respond, after an 'incident', law, courts, common legal misperceptions. He reminds us that what you or I say to police can and will be held against you. And he conveys all this with flinty humor, humaneness, grace, and intellect. A rare book.

If you really want to wrap your head around what it takes to survive an encounter, start with this book. I can't recommend it highly enough.

[Timothy Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better introductory books out there on the topic. VanCook's experience as an undercover cop who had to handle violent situations without breaking character gives him a unique perspective on civilian self-defense.