C. R. Jahn

C.R. Jahn (AKA Captain Hook) has abeen studying the fighting arts since the age of five, and is the director of Righteous Warrior Temple, a literary and philosophical society dedicated to educating, people about the Warrior Path.

Hardcore Self-Defense is totally unlike any other martial-arts book you've ever read. It is the result of a lifetime of experience by one who walks the warrior's path. Jam-packed with useful information, no space is wasted with 'filler material' like training show more methods, foreign terminiology, or photographs of the author pretending to spar. No, this book gets right to the point and tells you the best ways to defend oneself, as well as commonly taught nonsense that will not work against a real opponent. This book is heavy on combat psychology and weaponscraft, and is intended for those who are truly serious about protecting themselves and their loved ones. Be warned, this book is NOT FOR THE MEEK!

If one is serious about becoming more knowledgeable about self-defence, this is one book which should be on your short-list. No, there are no photos and diagrams in this text; however, the book contains a ton of must-know information. This book hammers home the point that self-defence is no game. There is absolutely nothing glamorous about violence - it isn't pretty. To defend yourself successfully, you must act quickly and decisively. In addition you must be prepared to use brutal techniques if fleeing isn't an option or you can't talk your way out of a situation. If you don't have the right mind-set you're going to be put in the hurt locker by some thug or some thug and his buddies. I don't think this book is the last word on self-defence nor do I agree with the author on every point - but it is worth the money. I enjoyed reading this book and I believe you will as well.

This book gives some of the best advice on mental preparation, unarmed combat, knifefighting, gunfighting, and improvised weaponry I have ever seen in any format. This is no theoretical fantasy written by some 'armchair commando,' but a collection of practical and realistic tactics written by someone who obviously has been there and knows what he's talking about. I do not understand what would motivate certain anonymous reviewers -- who obviously have not read this book, but might've glanced at the online excerpts -- to spout such ignorance. I would not be at all surprised to find that 'ladyastral' was really a 40 year old man with a poor self-image and an alcohol problem! Do not write insulting 1-star reviews for books you have not read . . . there are far more productive ways to utilize your spare time. This was a great book, and giving it 1-star makes it very clear where your head is at. To the best of my knowledge, there is nothing similar to 'Hardcore Self-Defense' being offered anywhere else for any price, and the information it provides will prove invaluable if you ever find yourself in a really bad situation. Admittedly, it doesn't provide pages of photos and diagrams for folks to gawk at, and it surely was never intended to have 'mass market appeal,' but it clearly does what it was intended to do -- transmit a large amount of very specific information about what works best and why. This book may not be suitable for the average citizen who thinks that the simple act of reading a 'self defense' book will make them immune to muggers, but those who actually are in harms way on a day to day basis will get a lot out of it. Unfortunately, too many self-proclaimed 'experts' have flooded the bookstores with far too many fantasy-based systems that consistantly fail to perform as advertised. There are less than a dozen really good practical self defense manuals out there, and this is one of the best.

This is a very well-written, concise, and authoritative book intended for those who have some basic knowledge of self-defense techniques. One feature that distinguishes this book from lesser manuals is the author's diligence in describing techniques that DON'T work, and explaining why they don't.

If you're looking for a basic introduction to self-defense with lots of illustrations, this probably isn't your book. On the other hand, if you're just starting out in a martial art, this book might save you thousands of wasted hours (and bucks) by steering you away from some techniques that will only wind up getting you stomped with a little style.

For the intermediate-level martial artist, this book is filled with solid advice and suggestions that might help redefine your training emphasis in ways you probably never expected.

'Hardcore Self-Defense' is not your standard self-defense book. There are no pictures or illustrations, and the book is not really intended to teach techniques. What 'Hardcore Self-defense' does teach is concepts and principles that will help anyone learn to protect himself or herself from a violent attacker.

'Hardcore Self-defense' also offers numerous tips and ideas for improvised weapons. When I first read the book I found some things (like belt fighting) which seemed like a pretty good idea, and when I practiced them they worked out OK. A couple months later I was looking at 'Hardcore Self-defense' again and found a couple more ideas that I liked (adapting large steel washers as a thrown distraction weapon; and the idea of hidden body armor beyond that of the `bulletproof vest'), that again after practice worker out quite well.

There is also a very interesting introduction to knife-fighting, where the author points out some of the finer points of using a knife in combat, such as the need for a longer blade (6 inches, ala James Keating's American Blade Concepts / Riddle of Steel instruction).

Overall, I found 'Hardcore Self-defense' to be a very interesting book with several good ideas for anyone interested in self-defense to consider. -Michael Chesbro

Very interesting book. . .

Unlike other books in this genre, which seem directed at traditional martial artists or the average civilian, this seems to have been written for a more specialized audience -- those who are already familiar with self-defense, but want to take their knowledge 'to the next level'.

The bulk of the text seems to be divided into two main categories. First, several aspects of self-defense (i.e., preparedness, rape prevention, combat, and the aftermath) are discused from an abstract psychological perspective that is insightful, intense, and unlike anything else I've ever read. These are intermediate to advanced concepts which, once understood, can improve your chances of survival much more so than the typical collection of 'tactics and techniques'. Secondly, a significant portion of the book is spent discussing the various types of weapons available -- with great emphasis placed on improvised weapons -- and details the strengths and weaknesses of each, as well as explodes various myths about the 'effectiveness' of a number of inferior choices.

This was a very unique book which anyone with a strong interest in the subject is encouraged to read. You WILL learn! -Mister Smith

This title is unique among self-defense books in the fact that it doesn't include hundreds of pictures of a uniform-wearing 'instructor' showing traditional martial arts techniques the author claims to be self-defense. In fact, this title is just the opposite. It contains no pictures to distract the reader and instead emphasizes simple but effective self-defense techniques, tactics, and strategies.

It's one of the best books available on this subject. -Safety Steve

This small book deserves merit as brain food for the martial artist. You don't have time to be scarred in a fight or to figure out what you are going to do once a fight starts. When you are attacked you will respond according to the very way you train today. Your luck depends on being prepared and being ready to respond appropriately, and the chapter on mental preparation may just save your life! I only gave 4 stars because he didn't have any photos, but the squimish will do good to read it without photos.
Train hard and have fun!-Guro Dennis Servaes

I have found the Grail!!! Excellent, excellent book . . . I have read nearly every book published over the past 30 years pertaining to self-defense, streetfighting, knifefighting, and related topics, and have NEVER seen anything which even comes close to this masterpiece. Mister Jahn is the only author who has the cohones to really tell it like it is, and he does not pull any punches when it comes to expressing his opinions. 'Hardcore' indeed! Some people are sure to be offended by this book, but the material speaks for itself. Mister Jahn really knows from whense he speaks.

This book is divided into a number of sections. The best part was the chapter on 'Mental Preparation.' This information goes way above and beyond anything else available today. The chapters on 'Invulnerability' (inconspicuous armor and advanced awareness techniques, 'Rape Prevention,' 'Unarmed Combat,' 'Beltfighting,' and 'Handguns' were all great. The chapter entitled 'Introduction to Knifefighting' was worth any three books on the subject, and the sections on improvised weapons and weapon selection were encyclopedic in scope. Easily the best self-defense book available at any price -- but be advised: this material is NOT for everyone! Brutally effective.

Contents

Introduction
Mental preparation
Invulnerability
Rape prevention
Unarmed combat
Invisible weapons
Beltfighting
Introduction to knifefighting
Handguns
Primitive weaons for home defense
'Choose your weapons!'
A. Firearms
B. Primitive weapons
C. Personal weapons
D. Improvised weapons
E. No weapon
F. Worse than nothing
Endnote
The aftermath
Afterword
About the author show less