tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30500538.post4878656765812601692..comments2008-07-21T02:34:41.558-05:00Patrick Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471858995477729220noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30500538.post-83787941161619291942008-07-21T02:34:00.000-05:002008-07-21T02:34:00.000-05:00It is a wonderful book. I didn't need to use my red pen even one time, which from me is high praise indeed. ;)Chris | Martial Developmenthttp://www.martialdevelopment.com/blog/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30500538.post-10736873775305130552008-07-20T11:29:00.000-05:002008-07-20T11:29:00.000-05:00Dang it all but with having to pay for commercial lessons now my luxury purchases are limited. I already have to get a chin na book so it might be a while. Still this one looks right up my alley! <BR/><BR/>I may use this post as an excuse to create a list of must-reads--perhaps at Amazon...Bob Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13599662252662686373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30500538.post-7385439733940921412008-07-20T10:23:00.000-05:002008-07-20T10:23:00.000-05:00This is the first martial arts book that I have read that avoids both being full of spiritual mumbo jumbo and an immature rah-rah attitude about conflict. In other words, the author has already come to terms with the violence in his life, and isn't forcing the reader to walk that path with him.<BR/><BR/>Mr. Miller is the real deal -- he's seen enough violence to be bored by it, but has been able to absorb it in a way that hasn't permanently poisoned his ability to be a real teacher.CreidSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30500538.post-13136584467851700172008-07-19T22:05:00.000-05:002008-07-19T22:05:00.000-05:00Hi, Pat! Great to have you reading my little slice of the blogosphere. I agree with everything you've said 100%.<BR/><BR/>I have deBecker's Gift of Fear on order now - hope to get it soon.<BR/><BR/>PatPatrick Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471858995477729220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30500538.post-51991511650016815142008-07-19T20:30:00.000-05:002008-07-19T20:30:00.000-05:00Pat, I have to second your opinion on this book. I have read it and it is an absolutely must read for martial artists. There is a huge difference between preparing for real world violence and living the dojo fantasy that unfortunately prevails in most martial arts schools these days. There are way too many schools that are giving away rank just to pay the bills and that is a dangerous trend that gives the students a false sense of confidence. Another great book on preparing for real world violence is Gavin De Becker's "The Gift Of Fear". It's not a martial arts book per se but it does deal with the mental side of violent attacks and how your fear is actually a gift that you should listen to.Pat Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14120369550822699362noreply@blogger.com