When Seconds Count : Everyone's Guide To Self-Defense

Rating:
Summary: A Self-Defense Book for Everyone
Review: "When Seconds Count" is one of the best, if not the best, book on self-defense that I've read. Mr. Franco takes a step-by-step approach to explain in detail the various aspects of self-defense. He paints a rather graphic picture of the evil human beings are capable of committing. Next, he provides, in detail, the preliminary aspects of self-defense: awareness, assessment and de-escalation. By increasing our skills in these three areas, it is possible to avoid the need to fight back. But if that is not possible, Mr. Franco provides the tools to do so. The last option available is the use of deadly force. He explains, in detail, the advantages/disadvantages of using guns and knives.The material is presented in such a way as to make the reader understand their responsibily in their own self-defense. I particularly liked the quiz,which helped me assess my risk as a crime victim. In addition, Mr. Franco provides a chapter on CFA Safety Rules & Guidelines covering automotive, street, child, home, workplace, telephone and vacation & travel safety which I have found to be very useful. I recommend this book to anyone concerned about this issue. I particularly would recommend it to women. Although I initially found some of the material rather graphic and disturbing, further readings and experience convinced me of its truthfulness. The less illusions people have about self-defense, the less likely they are to be surprised by violent crime.

Rating:
Summary: A Self-Defense Book for Everyone
Review: "When Seconds Count" is one of the best, if not the best, book on self-defense that I've read. Mr. Franco takes a step-by-step approach to explain in detail the various aspects of self-defense. He paints a rather graphic picture of the evil human beings are capable of committing. Next, he provides, in detail, the preliminary aspects of self-defense: awareness, assessment and de-escalation. By increasing our skills in these three areas, it is possible to avoid the need to fight back. But if that is not possible, Mr. Franco provides the tools to do so. The last option available is the use of deadly force. He explains, in detail, the advantages/disadvantages of using guns and knives.The material is presented in such a way as to make the reader understand their responsibily in their own self-defense. I particularly liked the quiz,which helped me assess my risk as a crime victim. In addition, Mr. Franco provides a chapter on CFA Safety Rules & Guidelines covering automotive, street, child, home, workplace, telephone and vacation & travel safety which I have found to be very useful. I recommend this book to anyone concerned about this issue. I particularly would recommend it to women. Although I initially found some of the material rather graphic and disturbing, further readings and experience convinced me of its truthfulness. The less illusions people have about self-defense, the less likely they are to be surprised by violent crime.

Rating:
Summary: as good as it gets
Review: I have read just about every book out there on self defense and this book by Sonny Franco is right up there with the best of them. Like all good self defense books, this one puts a big emphasis on awareness and de-escalation skills.But where i think this book stands out is when it gets down to the nitty gritty- the physical confrontation with the attacker. Mr. Franco teaches survival- plain and simple. The techniques described are meant to maim and kill. Nothing pretty, just whatever is neccessary. I thought this book was very empowering. If one fully integrated the information from this book into their psyche, that person would about as ready for trouble as you can get.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best books available, period.
Review: I've been researching this field extensively for about the last 4 years, and When Seconds Count is one ot the best books I've read. It heavily emphasizes awareness skills (a topic sadly lacking in most books.) It is also dedicated to showing the reader how to counterattack when necessary with efficiency, effectiveness and safety, covering the continuum from empty-hand fighting all the way to firearms. I had an opportunity to train with Mr. Franco personally, and the man is an authority. He has the personal experience, discipline and expertise to back up what he says in print. If he says it works, it's because he has made it work, and he's taught other people to make it work for them too. An excellent work by an excellent author. Read his other books as well. You won't be disappointed. (Qualifying note: Street Lethal, Franco's first book, is a bit dated. It's very helpful if you want to see the development of Franco's fighting system, but otherwise, it's missable.)

Rating:
Summary: One of the best books available, period.
Review: I've been researching this field extensively for about the last 4 years, and When Seconds Count is one ot the best books I've read. It heavily emphasizes awareness skills (a topic sadly lacking in most books.) It is also dedicated to showing the reader how to counterattack when necessary with efficiency, effectiveness and safety, covering the continuum from empty-hand fighting all the way to firearms. I had an opportunity to train with Mr. Franco personally, and the man is an authority. He has the personal experience, discipline and expertise to back up what he says in print. If he says it works, it's because he has made it work, and he's taught other people to make it work for them too. An excellent work by an excellent author. Read his other books as well. You won't be disappointed. (Qualifying note: Street Lethal, Franco's first book, is a bit dated. It's very helpful if you want to see the development of Franco's fighting system, but otherwise, it's missable.)