Master J.G. Townsend with the staff and students of The Tao-Zen Academy of Traditional Martial Arts.

You hold the keys to the power of self-defense.

Self-Defense for Peaceable People is for everyone seeking a realistic command of basic self-defense. This accessible yet authoritative intorducti0n to the art of unarmed self-defense presents a method that's compatible with all existing martial arts systems, but requires no prior training or previous martial experience.

Drawing on a twenty-year career in law enforcement and a lifelong practice of marital arts, author John Townsend explains the philosophy and theory behind self-defense, and describes the most common types of attacks that can happen anywhere. Photo sequences illustrate in detail the evasion and coiunterattack techniques that will enable you to defend yourself effectively in real-world situations, regardless of your size, gender, age, or strength. Armed with these simple techniques, you'll gain a new sense of freedom, personal confidence, and peace of mind.

This book will show you how to:

Practice useful, easy-to-understand techniques for all levels of response, from avoidance to direct defense.
Take control of an attack by reading an attacker's body language and responding appropriately.
Discover and develop your body's natural defensive weapons, and use them quickly, effectively, and decisively.
Be confident and prepared for any situation, anytime, anywhere.

Founder of the Tao-Zen Ryu Shindo system of Taoist-oriented martial arts, Master John Townsend is one of eight senior instructors appointed as direct successors to the legendary martial arts Grandmaster, Hak Tok Yun (10th Dan).

Contents

Foreword
How to use this book
1 Theory
The taoist perspective in traditional martial arts
Evening the odds
Introduction to the shindo theory of kinetics-Force and power; Your personal space: Maai and the sphere of influence; T'an T'ien, breathing, and ch'i; Centerline; LIne of attack; Breaking the root
Awareness and avoidance
Evasion: When avidance fails
Improving your people-reading skills
Open-hand techniques
Situationally appropriate response
Perseverance
II Techniques
Techniques: The tools of the trade
Building your self-defense toolbox
Setting up
Kihap: The power shout
Whole-body power
Stances
Basic blocks-Low block; Middle block; High block; Crossing hammer block
Crescent steps
Carry the water
Natural weapons: The tools yoiu were born with
Warrior talk
Palm heel
Shuto-The sword hand
Side fist hammer/forefist
Biu-ji-Shooting fingers
Eagle wing
Empi-Elbow weapons
Kicks-Front ('Snap') kick; Side kick; Back kick; Cobra kick
Moo-rop: Knee weapons
The infamous head butt
Drops: Throws, sweeps, and take-downs-Forward/front drop; Rear drop
III Applications
Applications: Defensive responsese
Strikes-Strike defense #1:Close-range body punch; Had punch defense #2; PUnch defense #1
Grabs and captures-REar arm grab defense #1 and #2; Breast grope/skulder'hug'; Two assailants-arm grab; Front hari brab defense #1; Rear hair grab defense #1; Lapel grab defense #1; Front wrist grab; Front shoulder grab; Headlock defense #1
Chokes and strangleholds-Standing front choke defense #1 and #2; Standing rear choke defense #1 and #2; Rear arm bar choke defense #1
Groundwork-Groundwork defense #1; Straddle strangle, both arms free
Weapons defenses-Stick/club defense #1; Knife defense #1
IV Appendices
A very brief history of unarmed self-defense-The ancestral arts; Tao-Zen Ryu Shindo
Finding the right school for you
Outfitting your own gym-affordably
Bibliography
Acknowledgments
About the author