Streetwise

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A very rare treat - Rated
As a teacher of personal protection classes, I have been unfortunate enough to see some absolutely terrible books on self defense. These kinds of books advise victims of violent attack to attempt to perform techniques which people who have been training in martial arts for years can't pull off! As a martial artist myself, with over 13 years of training, I can recognise the effort it takes to perform some self defense techniques advised in other books. The techniques shown in this book take advantage of natural insticts and gross motor skills so that anyone can perform them. There is a fanstastic example in Streetwise of a woman trying to fend off a knife-wielding maniac by wrapping her coat around her arm. This is obviously shown as an example of the rubbish which is out there. As Peter says in the book, if you have had time to put your coat around your arm, you could have run!
The techniques in this book are quick, effective and simple, there is none of the completely ludicrous rubbish that depends on decades of training.
Although the physical side is obviously useful to know, where this book shines is the psychology of attacks and how to recognise potentially dangerous situations. As the infamous Mr Miyagi once said, the best defense is not to be there in the first place! Even topics such as the adrenaline dump, tunnel vision and loss of fine motor skills are covered.

Overall, a very thorough and useful book, both for an instructor and student of personal protection.

Best Book Ever on Personal Security & Conflict Management. - Rated
In retrospect, it's not just the BEST book, but probably the ONLY book that deals effectively with this subject in one comprehensive volume.

This book really is in a class of its own when it comes to self-defence. Yes, it's a large book but it's packed FULL of information that you'll ever need to protect yourself (or your family) with. Simply laid out in an easy to read fashion. Peter C. is in a league of his own when it comes to this subject, his lifetime of study and experience are all summarised in this book.

You don't have to be a martial artist or learn any fancy moves here - just easy to apply common sense practices to keep you safe, any time, anywhere.

Don't be put off by the price either, it's worth every penny. That's why it's becoming rare, everyone wants a copy!!

If you're a martial arts instructor or self-defence expert, this is probably the last book you'll ever need to buy on the subject. If you're 'just' a member of the public, it may just save you're life!

Streetwise: Manual of Personal Security and Self Defence - Rated
At last an excellent book to learn how to deal with bullies & scumbags, However I would recommend training in Grappling, Muay Thai Kickboxing, as well as Disarming Techniques like Krav Maga only then do you have a complete fighting system. Combinations spped skill stamina and Power the essential to win a street fight or a tournament. As for me I live in Canada where one can obtain a Firearms Licence. The best defense is a Gun. Provided you have Firearms training skills CQB.
Buy this book you wont regret it .

Top notch! - Rated
Top notch!

This is one of the best books on self-protection. It's also one of the few books to span the gap between martial arts and self-protection. Aside from martial arts training, I served as a Guardian Angel on the London Underground in the early 1990s; I have practical experience of being attacked by weapons and the odd gang. If 'Streetwise' had been published then, I might have escaped with less injury!

The reviewer who wrote, "the actual combat moves you were hoping for are seriously lacking" has totally missed the most important points of the book. Moreover, having attended training seminars by both Peter Consterdine and Geoff Thompson, I can attest that the "actual combat moves" could never be learnt solely from a book.

Whilst some self-protection books now mention the mental side of things, 'Streetwise' goes further by giving practical solutions to dealing with expectation, adrenal response, etc. As you would expect, the physical side is also well covered, but this book goes well beyond simply how to fight.

It is true that this book has appalling spelling mistakes and editing. However, it's well worth persevering to read past these, given the excellent content. 'Dead or Alive' by Geoff Thompson is also a highly recommended read. Given the option, it would be worth reading both books, as they cover some different material (e.g. Action Triggers in 'Streetwise' and interviews with perpetrators in 'Dead or Alive'). Peter Consterdine and Geoff Thompson founded the British Combat Association, which produces a newsletter and training, and would be worth joining for more information and to stay up-to-date.

better books abound on the subject. - Rated
this book does have good information in it about being streetwise, i'll grant it, it was in fact the first book i read on the subject. However the book is written fairly poorly, spelling mistakes and bad editing just detract from the publication, and some are so bad you got the feeling no one read it for errors before sending it to print. It waffles on endlessly sometimes, taking the most long windest approach to arrive at the crux of points, which i found frustrating.

The actual combat moves you were hoping for are seriously lacking, to the point that they are only mentioned as being too complex to go into detail (despite leaning towards pre-emptive striking) and you must buy his video. This really annoyed me. I would stray away from any of this writer's work as to me there doesn't appear to enough pride taken in this publication to warrant it. Overall it looks a little amateurish if the advice itself is sound. A painful, laborious read but i did learn a few things. Geoff Thompson books are much better for the same category.

All in all