Combatives for Street Survival

by Kelly McCann

Leading the reader through simple yet powerful, brutally effective methods of self-defense designed for use in myriad street crime scenarios, this guide explains the use of force continuum and teaches how to efficiently avoid potentially violent encounters though the use of "pre-incident indicators." The techniques depicted are credible, relevant, practicable, and utilized by members of elite military units and U.S. government personnel traveling abroad to high-risk areas of operation. The philosophy of "less is more" results in a succinct system of self-defense that is drawn from the author’s experiences as well as the collective experience of his students around the world.

Genres: Martial Arts

200 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2009

Reviews

[TΞΞL❍CK Mith!lesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

McCann’s fighting initiatives shy away from fanciness; instead, they deliver a straightforward annihilation. The book contains basic protocol on calming aggressors, but its most shining benefits are contained in its military principles. The author is a renowned United States Marine that wrote this book after his retirement. It contains several pieces of advice for anyone that wants to protect themselves outside. The book mandates a focus on reducing instinctual flinching. Any security professional can increase their personal sense of power by picking up a copy of this book.

[Eric Lahti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've studied Kenpo for over fourteen years now and, unlike a lot of people, have never hesitated to look outside the system for answers. In my time, I've also studied Tae Kwan Do, Shodinji-Do, Kenjutsu and a smattering of Aikido. Every time I learn something I new, I get another insight into something in Kenpo. Combatives was no different and it opened my eyes to something: simplicity in techniques is paramount to success. In a stressful situation your brain turns to mush and all those fancy wrist locks get exponentially more difficult to pull off. McCann's philosophy offers some thing different, namely effective gross-motor skills that work even when your brain doesn't. Experienced martial artists will find valuable tactics and exercises here. Layman will have a slightly more difficult time of it, but should take the time and effort to learn this. If you only ever pick up one book on fighting, this should be it. If you're already experienced, this will open your eyes to new tactics. All in all, this is a great book, written with a sense of humor and effective warnings about a deadly serious topic.

[Miroku Nemeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful book for those truly concerned about training for street combat as opposed to an "art". A good review of techniques I know and rely upon (in Kajukenbo and the street (modified) style of Eskrima), and gave me some good ideas for the use of improvised weapons, the environment around you in a fight, training techniques, etc. Some great ideas for training (again, very Kaju-style--and McCann praises the Dog Brothers)--get together and bang hard for at least three hours a week--open-hand, weapons, etc. Keep it basic, keep it deadly, always be aware, and train with maximum efficacy. Should be in every fighter's library.

[Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT. Easily a modern Close Combatives classic!

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witty writing style combined with sound information!

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good stuff

I love the simplicity. While I think people should still train BJJ and some form of boxing, this is excellent for the average person to develop themselves.