[chiguy]

I don't have the money to invest in self defense or martial classes. What are some good books or videos one can recommend for the self learner? Thanks.

[samurai6string]

Unfortunately, videos or books aren't going to be much help if you've never had any kind of formal training under a teacher. At best you would just develope bad habits that you would have to un-learn in the event that you start going to an actual class. Work on improving your fitness, rather than trying to cultivate skills you can't learn on your own. This will help you out the most in the long run.

[lakan_sampu]

I agree, that would be better. You know how to punch more or less, right? If you really can't get a formal class on any martial art then train physically. It would help you a lot when you start training in any art in the future.

[zefff]

Actually I personally do think there are good books out there that can give you useful info for self-defence. Have a look for Geoff Thompsons books which are cheap and easy reading. They deal with all aspects of self defence, motivations, thuggery and predation rather than just pages of techniques or strategies and any techniques that may be in the books are VERY simple and basic with WHY to do things being emphasised over HOW to do things.

Ive also heard Jamie O'keefe has some good writings on offer but Ive not read his stuff myself.

If you want to actually gain some physical skills then boxing is very cheap, very prolific and very effective. If you cant find a free boxing gym near you then maybe find a freind to work with and start training in your yard, basement, local park etc. Theres loads of boxing training info on the web but a good read on here is Jack Dempsey's 'Championship boxing'. A member called Badboy has a thread with the entire book posted inside it. A great read foer anyone!

Good Luck

P.S. Training can cost about the same a broadband connection

[WushuPadawan001]

Don't let the money stop you. Look around your area and talk to martial arts teachers. One may be willing to teach you in return for services (One guy on TUF paid for his MA training by cleaning the MA School). I bet if you showed that you really wanted to learn you could find a teacher who would help out on the money side of things.

[samurai6string]

let me amend my comment to agree with Zefff about Geoff Thompson. Thompson's stuff is great for anyone, and covers aspects of self defense that everyone should familiarize themselves with. Excellent suggestion.

[Hengest]

Jamie O'Keefe is definitely worth reading. His books don't win any prizes for presentation - I think his approach to publishing is the same as his no-nonsense approach to self defence - but don't let that put you off. My personal favourite is Pre-emptive Strikes for Winning Fights but you could probably benefit from anything he's written.

Peter Consterdine is also excellent. If you can get it (cos I think it may be out of print), I'd highly recommend his book Streetwise.

I'd also recommend anything by Kevin O'Hagan and the aforementioned Geoff Thompson. All Geoff's books are great, but if you can only afford one, I'd say get Dead or Alive. It's a great overview of his methods.

[graham1]

Lee Morrison has a number of books & DVD's out that are well worth looking at, and he has posted articles from his books on his web-site.

http://www.urbancombatives.com

[Tease T Tickle]

Tonight you have homework assignments. I want you to go out and start a fight with a total stranger. And I want you to lose.

[Tapout95]

Originally Posted by Tease T Tickle

Tonight you have homework assignments. I want you to go out and start a fight with a total stranger. And I want you to lose.

shhhh.....remember rules number one and two.....