Rating: 
Summary: A Personal Trainer for Self Defense?
Review: Do you want to learn martial arts and/or self defense? Is there a difference between the two? When you have finished reading this book, you will have a clear understanding of what self defense is and that not all martial arts teach you self defense.
This is really a book for someone new to martial arts or self defense. The author clearly explains what self defense is compared to martial arts in general and what to look for if you are seeking self defense instruction. In particular, the author explains how Wing Tsun Kung Fu is a no nonsense "Martial Art" that focuses totally on self defense in it's training. There are also chapters covering: 1. opinions of former practitioners of other styles of martial arts as to what self defense now means to them, and how Wing Tsun Kung Fu delivers this self defense training. 2. Wing Tsun Kung Fu is explained together with its training programs, theory, principles, etc. 3. There is a chapter covering "Women and Martial Arts". 4. A chapter covering Motivation, which applies to self defense training and everything else you do in life. 5. A chapter discussing what a professional instructor is. 6. And finally a Chapter focussing on a Personal Trainer and Coach for Self Defense. On this last point, the Author explains why it would be beneficial to hire a professional Personal Trainer to help you in your knowledge for self defense training. If you are looking for a book to teach you self defense, you will not find it here. Rather the book points you in the direction of seeking a Professional Trainer/Coach specialized in Wing Tsun Kung Fu (or any other martial art/instructor for that matter) if you are seeking realistic self defense training. In Wing Tsun Kung Fu "feeling is believing"!! Happy Hunting!
Rating:
Summary: Each time I open the book; I find a gem of information!
Review: First I've read the book twice, and then skimmed through it many more times. Each time I open the book; I manage to find a gem of information that aids me.The focus of the book: "REALISTIC Self-Defense" ... that's what it's all about. I've seen many books and information packets that show some techniques, and pretty much leave it at that. I was really impressed with your emphasis on AWARENESS. Awareness of your surroundings, awareness of your abilities, and even awareness of how a potential victim behaves. You can't successfully promote self-defense without awareness. The more I find out about Wing Tsun Kung Fu, the more I'm convinced that it is a martial art that is uniquely suited to self-defense. The chapters five and eight were especially interesting for me.
In chapter five, I found the information on fighting ranges, managing confrontation, managing power, managing building blocks, and managing tools to be very informative. I found the sections on Chi-Sao and Lat-Sao exercises particularly interesting. Chapter eight was also a strong re-enforcement for chapter five. I really found it interesting, how the four fighting principles can be used during a fight. (Go Forward, Stay with what comes, Yield to a greater force, and Follow through). I've never trained in a martial art that lays down specific guidelines for reacting in a fight. Every art that I have trained, has pretty much left me to my own resources when it comes to sparring/fighting. Another comment that I would like to make, is about the testimonials by your students. I can especially relate to the remarks by Chris Chinfen. His search through the martial arts for over 20 years seems to mirror mine. I am very interested in his comments on his early Wing Chun training versus his present Wing Tsun training, and would like to contact him to hear more about his reasons for choosing Wing Tsun. The last comment that I have to make is: When is the next book due out? Please let me know, as I plan to purchase it.
Rating:
Summary: Real Self Defence
Review: Have you ever seen those quick-fix martial arts books that claim to be able to teach a person martial arts in 5 easy steps? Or how about the late night infomercial that sells a video teaching you "secret" techniques of the "Grandmasters"?ever encountered a school that advertises thousands of techniques to overwhelm your attacker with? The truth of the matter is that these books, videos and schools, just like the many diet books that are flooding the market are merely fads, and that real self-defense does not involve doing a triple axel spinning jump kick to the head or the stuff you see in movies. Real self-defense is not a joke, and it is not a game, nor should it be presented as such, and For the First Time Understand Realistic Self Defense! is a book that passes this message very well. Ralph Haenel's book is one that doesn't pretend to be a solution manual for every hostile situation possible, but instead serves as a beginning point to lead you in the right direction. This direction is true self-defense, and self confidence, the self-confidence to know that what you learn will work, regardless of your gender, physical size, strenghth or speed. If you are looking to be able to do fancy moves that look cool, then take gymastics, but if you are seriously looking for a self defence system that works, this book is your best bet.
Rating:
Summary: One of the most read books in my martial arts library.
Review: I acquired a copy of your book, `For the first time understand Realistic Self-Defense`, in April 2002. The book was well written and presented. I really like the concepts, recommendations and suggestions throughout the book. Your book and `On Single Combat` written by Keith R. Kernspecht, are two of my most read books in my martial arts library. I am looking forward to the succeeding volumes you have announced. I am trying my best to adapt and apply your Wing Tsun concepts on realistic self-defense to my personal training and my regular public classes in the Filipino combat arts of Eskrima and Kali. I view these arts alongside Wing Tsun as purely combative and for self-preservation. We have further streamlined our Kali/Eskrima program to the bare essentials ... as your Wing Tsun saying 'LESS IS MORE' is a very, very important mind set to us. Chris Chinfen, who wrote a interesting article in your book, was a Kali student of mine in the early 1990's and eventually became a good friend. He has also been very kind in sharing some of the Wing Tsun concepts with me when time permits amidst our busy family schedules. All the best and success in your current and future endeavors. Respectfully yours,
Louie D. Lindo
Head Instructor
Ikatan Filipino Kali Association (Canada)
Rating:
Summary: One of the most read books in my martial arts library.
Review: I acquired a copy of your book, `For the first time understand Realistic Self-Defense`, in April 2002. The book was well written and presented. I really like the concepts, recommendations and suggestions throughout the book. Your book and `On Single Combat` written by Keith R. Kernspecht, are two of my most read books in my martial arts library. I am looking forward to the succeeding volumes you have announced. I am trying my best to adapt and apply your Wing Tsun concepts on realistic self-defense to my personal training and my regular public classes in the Filipino combat arts of Eskrima and Kali. I view these arts alongside Wing Tsun as purely combative and for self-preservation. We have further streamlined our Kali/Eskrima program to the bare essentials ... as your Wing Tsun saying 'LESS IS MORE' is a very, very important mind set to us. Chris Chinfen, who wrote a interesting article in your book, was a Kali student of mine in the early 1990's and eventually became a good friend. He has also been very kind in sharing some of the Wing Tsun concepts with me when time permits amidst our busy family schedules. All the best and success in your current and future endeavors. Respectfully yours,
Louie D. Lindo
Head Instructor
Ikatan Filipino Kali Association (Canada)
Rating:
Summary: Congratulations
Review: I have been wondering how to express my appreciation and thanks for your book "Understand Realistic Self-Defense". It is wonderful - so well written and the illustrations and photographs are terrific. As well as a teaching book it is fun to read. I must admit that at my age, and living in a small city, self-defense was not something I thought about -- but as you say, it is never too late to learn.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Introduction
Review: I read "For The First Time Understand Realistic Self Defense" and I couldn't put it down. I have studied and read about several different martial arts and this is the most realistic of them all. The book is easy to read and does a very good job of explaing what the principals are and how they are applied to the real world. What is the use of learning self defence if it isn't going to help you in real life situations? After reading Ralph's book, I attended an open class where I could see Ralph's teachings in action. I have since joined Ralph's class and have been enjoying Wing Tsun Kung Fu ever since. I have not only learned realistic self defence, but the classes keep my body in terrific shape and my self confidence has increased. I would highly recommend reading "For The First Time Understand Realistic Self Defence". The book does exactly what the title promises.
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Summary: what's real
Review: I've been studying martial arts since 8 years ago..different styles but with something in common..beautiful high kicks, jumps
and spectacular movements..I really liked it until I got in touch with WT..so simple,so easy,not so beautiful to see but totally functional.I actually would never try to kick hardly an opponent who's studying wt ..I would be afraid to break my leg by myself..if bruce lee (hero of all of us)would have kept on studying wingtsun(wingchun) for many more years he would have never invented his new style (jkd)!!!!(in my opinion ,of course).
Sifu Ralph(he is a good friend for me)speaks very easy when he teachs ,also when he writes..he only wants you to understand that fighting is a science like chemistry and fisic.In the third millenium science is the right way to read the man's nature and
under the thoughts of si jo leungting he tries to unify art and science to find the perfect way of achieving (for real ) your goals.try to read his book or if you can take a private class with him ..it doesn't matter the kind of fighting system you are studying.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Guide To Understanding "Realistic" Self Defence
Review: It seems that everywhere you go, you find banners and headings of martial arts magazines and books all celebrating how their systems are so realistic and effective that anyone can utilize the skills and defeat any opponent on the street. You rarely ever find a book that tells you the truth on what Realistic Self Defence truly entails. To fully encompass what has been written in this book you really need to sit down and make notes and write down each of the main points because there is a lot of information here. It's difficult to comprehend at times the dynamics involved in being able to defend yourself efficiently and effectively when you are not able to see it for yourself in person. Luckily, we have a book written by Ralph Haenel that, in its rarity has given us a glimpse of how little most of us really know the difference between martial art as a sport and martial art as self defence. The rules of the arena are quite different than the rules of the street and fancy techniques and footwork will not save you if there is no true substance behind the movements. The book's purpose is not to teach you how to be able to defend yourself in any way, shape, or form, but instead it broadens your perspective on how many things can go wrong when you are faced with a situation that may only be resolved by combat. Your life may be in danger, and do you want to risk your life without truly knowing how the situation can go from bad to extremely bad? The book offers several scenarios and has a brief chapter on cognitive reasoning and the science behind learned responses. In order for any self defence system to be effective you have to be able to leave your mind at the door and have your body react faster than your brain can think. My only complaint about the book would be that it has a lot of information that takes time to fully understand the concepts. It is like opening a box for the first time and seeing for the first time something new and magical. It takes some time before you are able to grasp the true meaning behind Haenel's words, but when you do, it's almost like a revelation. In any case, I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in understanding self defence and how it relates to them.
Rating:
Summary: I look forward to a safer, brighter future.
Review: My friend Ada is passionate about Wing Tsun Kung Fu. She credits the effects of this self-defense system to repairing her hips and neck that were badly injured as a result of multiple car accidents. In her words: "Wing Tsun is a different kind of martial art. Rather than depending on brute strength and 'hardness' you rely on flexibility, and you develop sensitivity to whatever comes at you by practicing a exercise called Chi-Sao, which does amazing stuff in terms of using muscles you didn't even know you had. Eventually, your whole body becomes flexible and strong enough to move as a 'wave', so to speak. You do get unbelievably strong, however, because you use constant forward pressure."
When she first tried to enlist me into trying a class I was resistant for many reasons. I consider myself to be of a non-violent nature, engaged by outdoor pursuits such as mountaineering, trail running and kayaking. As a professional fitness trainer and outdoor guide I felt and looked strong, agile and physically very active and accomplished. When I first laid eyes on the book I was even further repelled by the picture of a young woman punching a would-be attacker in the face. This was not for me!
Then, with some trepidation I attended a class. The instructor Ralph, author of the book "Realistic Self-Defense" was both engaging and dynamic. I enjoyed the physical exertion of "the form" an application of eccentric contractions using both upper and lower body fully as a complete unit. To my amazement I signed up for private lessons on the spot and have since joined the regular class sessions further developing my skills and body in this new and challenging way. My friend Ada was right, flexibility and strength could be achieved by this means. My joints felt impossibly tight and my core, actually ineffective when tested under more practical conditions. I had much to learn.
As my interest in Wing Tsun grew so did my curiosity about the "self-defense" aspect. I purchased Ralph's book with this in mind. The book is easy to read and designed for new initiates to this fascinating practice. Everything is clearly stated and logically laid out using a question format and easy to follow illustrations to further make his points.
He explains "Realistic Self-Defense" as one that is simple and effective, based on reflexive actions rather than learned applications that may only work in a gym or with a willing partner. What further appeals to me about both the book and the sport is that it can be understood and carried out by anyone regardless of age, gender and fitness. Even someone like me, a gentle, sensitive female, can feel as if I can defend myself and react better whether under attack or on the mountain possibly sliding to oblivion.
"What does Self-Defense mean?", "Quick Facts", "About Wing Tsun Kung Fu, its history and how it works" are simply explained in the text. I gained an appreciation as well as respect for its use even beyond the physical benefits explained earlier. Because of my newness to this sport and to any form of martial art I read the contributions made by other students with interest particularly that provided by Victoria Haenel on a woman's approach. Of further interest to me was the chapter on "Realistic approach of a self-defense system" which presented the fighting and strength principles as well as key features to the system.
Reading the book generated multiple questions on my part, which have been answered during personal training sessions:
- Is it necessary to make contact in practice?
- Why not maintain the safety zone? Move Forward? In all cases?
- What is the thinking behind "sticking with what comes" - if one cannot use the opponent's strength is it better to retreat?
- What is the best self-defense for a novice? For a shy, non-aggressive woman?
- Should a woman or smaller person attempt to wrestle or is our kick and speed are best weapons?
The book is only a preview of what may be gained by joining a class. As a scientist, it enabled me to gain information on what otherwise would have been a very daunting if not impossible feat for me: to actually punch and fight with both men and women. On a personal note, I wish to thank Ralph and Ada for their help in getting me over these major hurdles and I look forward to a safer, brighter future.
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