Meditations on Violence: A Comparison of Martial Arts Training and Real World Violence

I’ve long realized that all martial arts are models. Models are simplifications; they inevitably leave elements out—sometimes because those elements don’t seem relevant and sometimes because they can’t realistically (re: sanely) be included. Those of us trained as social scientists say two things about models. 1.) All models are wrong, and 2.) All models lie. The question is whether your martial art is the least wrong, i.e. tells the most acceptable lie, for your purposes. Rory Miller’s work illuminates the most crucial part of what martial arts leave aside, violence and the context in which it takes place in the modern world. I say the most crucial part because it’s not excluded because it’s irrelevant; it’s left out because it’s impossible shun safety / encourage violence without the practice devolving into a last man standing competition. (FYI: If you’re saying, “Man, the martial art I study is completely street realistic,” then you need this book more than anyone.)While it’s important to have safety in a training environment and, therefore, true violence must be prohibited (simulated, but not carried out), it’s important to understand violence so that one can prepare one’s mind for it and train oneself to recognize various types of violence so that one knows the best approach to avoid a bad outcome. One doesn’t want to end up wondering “how could this happen” as one is bleeding out on the ground as martial artists from a range of styles have experienced. I’m not saying martial arts aren’t valuable, and I don’t think Miller is either (he’s long practiced them, as have I.) While martial arts may not prepare one perfectly for a violent conflict, they move one in the right direction. The only real downside is if one allows oneself to be deluded into thinking one is going to roll through waves of enemies without a scratch like Jet Li or Steven Seagal on the silver screen. That’s why it’s important not only to read such a book as this, but to give serious thought to changing the narrative that plays out in one’s mind about the nature of violence so as to move it away from movie / sport fighting towards an approach that is most likely to get one and one’s loved ones out alive.The book consists of seven chapters, plus front and back matter. The first chapter introduces two matrices as ways to frame one’s thoughts on the conflict. The first, the tactical matrix, looks at different types of attacks one might experience (eg. surprise ambush through preemptive attack) relative to allowable use of force (can one legitimately injure or kill one’s opponent?) The second, the strategic matrix, considers the various types of combative endeavors (e.g. self-defense, duel, sport, combat/military operations) and there goals, approaches, and dangers.Chapter two is entitled, “How to Think,” and the emphasis is on “to think.” The central lesson is to not take ideas on faith, particularly ideas about the nature of violence from people who haven’t experienced it—particularly when those ideas seem to run counter to reality. Because violence is such a rarity, it is a subject for which there is a great disconnect between expertise and experience. (i.e. Chances are your plumber has unclogged tens to thousands of drains, but also that the person teaching you knife disarms has never been in a single knife fight.) The chapter considers the various fallacies and how they can be resistant to destruction. Emphasis is given to understanding your goals, making them realistic, and having a pragmatic path to achieving them. The take-away quote is, “Do not let yourself be crippled by something that only exists in your mind.” The chapter ends by looking at decision-making at the speed of a fight, which is pretty quick.Chapter three gets to the heart of the subject, violence. It differentiates various types of violence, and considers the context (setting, timing, and the nature of the interaction) in which violent interactions take place. Much of the discussion revolves around what Miller calls the “monkey dance” -an attempt to exert dominance that often escalates into a fight. This is differentiated from predatory violence that demands a different approach. This section also addresses the neurochemical cocktail that gets shot into one’s system and the effects that it typically has—which is a leading cause of events unfolding differently than expected.Chapter four describes the various types of individuals with whom one might find oneself engaged in a violent altercation. This is an important topic because the path to a best outcome varies depending upon the nature of the criminal, and so one’s ability to differentiate types of predator and to know how to best deal with each is as essential a skill as knowing the technical nuances of a punch or choke.The fifth chapter examines training approaches, and how the typical martial arts education leaves one with blind-spots and built-in flaws. The chapter begins by looking at the many ways in which martial arts make modifications from realistic conditions in order to be safe. Most martial artists realize that they are training techniques or drilled responses into their subconscious so that their bodies can respond automatically--without the need for [slow] conscious thought--during a conflict. However, there’s a further assumption that the unrealistic parts of that movement (e.g. slowness or avoiding vulnerable targets) will go away under real life conditions. In an earlier chapter, there was a discussion of the fact that attacks are usually faster, harder, at closer range, and more surprising than expected (Miller calls it the four basic truths), and this chapter considers some ways that one can prepare for those realities.The sixth chapter considers how one can make self-defense work. It should be pointed out that this isn’t just about how to engage in the fight, but also how to stay out of a fight or get away from it as quickly as is possible. There’s also a discussion of set rules for determining when one must fight. This is the type of notion that one must think about ahead of time, because one can’t expect to think clearly once the adrenaline has been dumped into one’s system. The remainder of the chapter explores how one is most likely to get out of an altercation alive once the fight has become inevitable.The final chapter delves into the question of what comes after the violent encounter. This is also a subject on which many martial artists have unrealistic notions. If one survives in an unheroic / ungraceful way, one may have guilt or dismay about how imperfectly events unfolded. On the other hand, say everything works out for one, but one kills the predator. Most people seem to think that this won’t be troubling, because it was justified. This misses the fact that there are many traumatized soldiers who were also completely justified, but if you aren’t a hardcore psychopath, you aren’t wired for killing.I found a lot of valuable food for thought in this book. The author includes many stories (sometimes funny and sometimes disturbing) that help to make the lessons memorable and poignant. Tables, charts, and the occasional photograph are used to illustrate points as well.I’d recommend this book for anyone who’s concerned about violent altercations. If you’re a martial artist who has no such concerns because you think you have a lock on it, then you probably doubly need this book.

One of many well written books by Rory Miller on Violence, Martial Arts, Training ideas, Opinions, etc. First I'll mention concerns and then the many good points of the book. For those who prefer to know the credentials of an author, to establish credibility, a deeper explanation of the author's background is necessary. Saying that one has studied martial arts since 1981 and being a veteran corrections officer is minimal information. In another book of Mr. Rory background is mentioned in much greater detail - which should be included in all his books. Credentials in the martial arts are very important and should include DAN Rank (hopefully much higher than 1st DAN, Black Belt), the style of martial arts and a well recognized governing and promotion organization, years of practice and teaching experience. Too many author's state a Dan number (often 5th and higher) without any further information. This may appeal to those with minimal experience and limited martial arts training or those without any martial arts training but in general it doesn't establish credibility and relevant recognized experience. These are the types of credentials expected and are comparable to a physician with an MD, a law degree, Ph.D., M.A. etc. which are usually clearly displayed. It clearly demonstrates qualifications at a required level have been met and are recognized in that field. Since Mr. Miller makes comments in his books about martial arts that are not always complimentary it is not enough to say that I have practiced for X number of decades without any clear and detailed documented evidence of recognized skill. Maybe those numerous years have been spent in a limited group of friends who various techniques but few credentials ??, the reader doesn't know. Though many comments are made about various aspects of martial arts by Mr. Rory, they seem to be generalizations which may not be true of all styles, all schools, all instructors but only of limited experience and exposure. Generalizations can be unfair and misleading. From my own experience of teaching and studying at high DAN level at a number of schools in a number of styles, his comments have applied to some of those schools and styles but clearly not to all of them. My experience also involves teaching self defense to law enforcement as well as having been a fully trained reserve police officer for many years. However, Mr. Rory's comments are a valid start for assessing one's martial arts training. It should also be noted that Mr. Rory's experience with violent behavior comes from a closed environment, i.e. a correctional institution. Caution must be used in extrapolating to the world at large without additional study, though many of his insights may apply. However, his excellent discussions provide valuable insights and strong motivation for additional research and study. The seven chapters cover in depth many aspects of violence: How to Think; Violence; Predators; Making Self Defense Work, etc. - all well worth reading and additional thought. It should be remembered that martial arts schools provide a student with all the tools of the art studied and after sufficient training experience at Black Belt level the potential to apply these techniques in an actual self defense situation. In class instructors may not have time to discuss various topics such as violent behavior, actual self defense, etc. legal aspects of using force i n self defense, etc. Some instructors, irregardless of rank, may not have the experience in a self defense situation, violent behavior, legal aspects, to provide instruction on these topics. Sports competition is far different from an actual self defense situation. What is necessary is as much mental training, creativity, and the ability to apply learned AND mastered techniques in a real life situation - extracurricular topics all explored by the student on his/her own. Far too often, martial artists put the majority of emphasis on the physical training with very little on the very important mental aspects. This book is highly recommended for all martial artists, law enforcement personnel and readers who want to develop knowledge and skills needed to defend themselves in a violent encounter. An excellent Bibliography is included.

You don’t need to be a martial arts practitioner to read this novel. My only experience with this was being send to Judo at 10 years old to spend two hours being kicked about by older and stronger boys for their amusement. Having said that I still have two good defence techniques in my repertoire to floor an opponent when you are knocked to the floor yourself, which pretty much tells you everything about my fighting experience and style.This is part of a trilogy of books (by different authors) I would advise anyone interested in violence, its causes, effects and perpetrators, to read. The other two are Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker and Homicide by Wilson & Daly.The subject matter is delivered from mainly a personal perspective – that is to say Rory Miller uses incidents in his own experience to demonstrate how the theories work, and how they sometimes do not. However at no point does this become a “look at me” book. His examples are often counter-examples where things did not go at planned and he is very honest in admitting the gaps in his experience. So you will not end up being irritated by a smug author.The book will change your perception of the world – or perhaps rather shift it. The chapter on predators is probably the most eye opening sections of the book. His advice to go to public places and scan for individual who would appeal to predators and those who would not. How to they hold themselves? How do they move? It is both a chilling and fascinating exercise.We do live in the west in the safest of times and the chance of encountering violence for most people is vanishingly slight. But if it were to happen this book might just give you a nudge, a second of action, that may make a massive difference. If nothing else the author give a fool proof mantra to follow:“Its better to avoid than to run; better to run than to de-escalate; better to de-escalate than to fight; better to fight than die.” [p136]

This book is truly awesome, an overworked word, but true, I recommend this for anyone interested in self defence, Martial Arts, combat sport and indeed psychology.It is down to earth but also IMO, literature, but non fiction, it is also valid but strong bitter medicine, for those interested in 'spirituality' and self improvement.He also shows how sometimes, wierd amazing things do happen in hand to hand fighting, even if we can't fully explain them.NLPers note, this is how you really generate tachipsychia, (slow time distortion) and it ain't by hypnosis, or by doing things in your head, and it ain't pretty. but it works, its called training with real danger - not a how to manual though.It could be IMO a source of comfort for anyone who has been assaulted, robbed, raped and wants help in coming to term with what happened, and with their own responses and self recrimination ie 'why didn't I fight back?'For me it reminds me that when I was training in kung fu I could see that it was unhelpful for street attacks where people don't step then punch, but instead get in close then punch or whatever, but somehow still believed in the kung fu.This book discusses this issue a lot.Best book on anything that I have read for years

Books on the Martial Arts are as many and varied as the styles themselves. The one constant is that they are mostly rubbish and mainly about making money. If you ever read just one book about surviving violence it should be this one. Your money, your life. The author has made me question the effectiveness of anything I learned in the dojo rather than in a real situation and showed that what works in one situation may get you killed in another. He writes from personal experience and has survived more violent encounters than most of readers are ever likely to meet.Over the years I have read many different books, studied a wide range of different styles and watched more videos than I can remember. I gradually came to two conclusions and didn't like either of them, nor will you. 95% or more of what you learn is useless in a real fight, and there is no secret method, style or technique that will guarantee survival, never mind make you unbeatable. Most styles work very well in the dojo or tournament setting but would you buy a book on origami so you could service your own car?When I was about 10 years old I realised that the only sure way of winning a fight was to be faster and nastier than the bullies and then they left me alone. I forgot this simple truth in my quest to be better than Bruce Lee but I was never much good at high kicks due to my own physical limitations and two finger press-ups make you good at press-ups, not fighting.Instructors never bothered to inform me that film fights are meant to look good and engage the viewer, and are about as far from reality as The Force. Most demonstrations of techniques seemed to be to prove they were better than their ookai. They all pedaled the myth that the ultimate warrior will fell his opponent in an elegant and stylish manner to the applause and admiration of the onlookers. Get over it. If a technique looks good then, in my view, it is probably no use in reality. One of my senior students was recently criticised at a grading for "being scrappy" although his techniques were effective. Scrappy? Have you ever been in a street or bar fight that wasn't?

This is, hands down, the best book on martial arts that I have read- and I've read a fair few. The book puts all the arguments about which style works in real life best. The short answer is none of them and maybe all of them. Crucially, people don't often learn to deal with violent, frenzied attacks or ambushes in the dojo. Read this book if your aim in training a martial art was to prepare you for a street altercation: your mind will be open by an author who really has been there.

This books is a gem in more ways than one.It is one of the most insightful and informative books I have ever come across. It will teach you things you never thought you needed to know (if you are a regular person) - from the different types of violent situations that can arise and how to (attempt to) prevent them, through the conflicts themselves and why we are sometimes drawn to them, to dealing with the after effects.Most remarkably though, it is not just an exposé of another world ("on the other side of the looking glass"), but of human nature. I stopped counting the parallels I drew between violence and "pick up" or even stand up comedy (!), and I am sure there are parallels with almost any aspect of human interaction, e.g. controlling your own state, influencing the other person's actions through it, to name but a few.It contains life lessons, it's humbling, it's raw, it's eye-opening.Do yourself a favour and get it - even if you are not into the subject. Especially if you are not.