What's the very best book about fighting. My dad never taught me. Now Spend a lot of time on the street.

It would be nice to know how to defend myself with something other than a telegraphed right cross. Thanks.

What's the very best book about fighting. My dad never taught me. Now Spend a lot of time on the street.
As someone who's been a martial arts student for many years, but never really an instructor, I'd say that books are not the place to learn the fundamentals of self-defence. Find a reputable martial arts school, take classes, and once you are a serious "student" of the martial arts, THEN turn to books to expand your knowledge. The best books, I find, are the ones that are written to experienced fighters--and these just can't be understood the same way unless you've been in training yourself. Bruce Lee's "Tao of Jeet Kune Do" is a must-read for anyone, regardless of what style/art you study, but I can't imagine it making any sense to anyone who hasn't had some live experience.





The best thing you can do, short of actual martial arts training, is just get in good shape and condition yourself. Not only does this make a big difference between fighters of comparable skill level, but if you have a generally intimidating physique, that (and the humility/common sense to keep your head down) will keep you out of a lot of trouble, since street toughs in particular seem to target those weaker than themselves.
Reply:to tell you the truth, even if you can be the crap out of someone-don't do it-or try to avoid at much as possible. fighting just makes you look like an idiot, and you'll get kicked out of the place you're in and maybe even arrested


there's ALWAYS a way to make a joke aobut the other guy's insults, which is usually a downer for him and his buddies
Reply:I have been a martial arts instructor for over 10 years, have been in the army, and have worked as a bouncer in a pretty rough biker bar. I definitely think fighting is something to be avoided. However if you must defend yourself of course you want to be as effectie as possible. I definitely dont think you will learn what you need from a book. Also, in most cases martial arts isnt a great answer unless it's something you are going to work at for a long time. Sometimes local universities and martial arts school have 1 or 2 day seminars in self defense or, even better, Model Mugging. Model mugging is by far the most effective crash course in self defense I have ever witnessed. Finally, there's no substitute for experience. You can have all the training in the world and you still won't know how you'll react the first time someone plants a fist in your face. Which brings me back to point number one: try to avoid fighting.