Every once in a while one discovers one of those little gems available on the arguably glutted self-defense market.  There are countless books on "street defense" and "reality fighting" out there, some of which are great and some of which are less than stellar.  Now and again, though, one stumbles across a previously overlooked treasure available for mere pennies.

Strictly Street Stuff: Practicing Personal Protection is one of those great finds.  Bill Bryant, Sr., may not write with the polish you've seen in some of the more glamorous self-defense texts out there, but he speaks from experience and wastes little time imparting what he knows.  The book is, to be honest, a self-published pamphlet -- a stack of standard letter-sized paper folded in half and stapled in the middle, with a black photocopy bearing white block lettering for the cover.  The result is a neatly laid-out 82 pages of simple, direct advice.

"This book is not normal," Bill writes in the introduction.  "It is about brawling.  Though martial arts are mentioned they are neither glamorized nor vilified.  ...I wanted to produce a very economical book that could be used by virtually anyone to improve their chances of surviving a violent encounter.  I also wanted to entertain instead of making it one of those dry books on how to deliver a rear snake fang kick to the left nostril of Godzilla."

Strictly Street Stuff is evidence that Bill accomplished his goal.  A veteran brawler and martial artist who worked as a Shore Patrolman for the navy and as a bouncer (doorman, for our UK readers) for a security firm, Bill is no stranger to casual violence.  He begins his book by describing the mental aspects of successful self-defense.  You must believe in yourself, he states.  Always believe you have an advantage -- and mentally prepare yourself for the worst. 

When you feel pain, Bill counsels, react with anger rather than apathy.  When you feel fear, react with anger.  He dismisses as "high minded crud" talk of control over one's emotions, instead advocating viciously counterattacking your assailant by going into a "fighting rage."

Mr. Bryant offers his advice on a variety of topics, including selecting a martial arts school (he recommends finding one that emphasizes fitness, cross-training, and realistic competition) to developing a "personalized combat form" -- a physically expressed catalog of one's fighting techniques to be practiced each day.  He devotes one chapter to "Mechanics," recommended a fairly conventional boxing-type fighting stance.  He also covers various punches and strikes, from the straight punch to the palm heel to jabs, "Bottom Fist Strikes," and forearm blows.

"Simply put," Bill writes, "kicking is not all it is cracked up to be."  He suggests simple front kicks and knee strikes before moving on to headbutts, diving (some would call it "shooting"), throws, and pressure points.

In a chapter devoted to weapons, Bill covers last-ditch gun defenses, dealing with knives (he is not a big advocate of carrying knives, but does think joggers and lone walkers would benefit from carrying one attached to a wrist lanyard), using environmental weapons, clothing concerns, carrying canes for defense, and wielding sticks. Among other weapons of opportunity, he recommends constant carry of "click type ballpoint pens," which make expedient stabbing implements.

There is a chapter devoted to "breakaways" -- escaping grabs, holds, chokes, and locks.  There is also one on defending against blows and throws.  This is followed by chapters on attacking, ground grappling (which is very dangerous), and physical training.  Among other exercises, Bill mentions Hindu Squats and Hindu Pushups.  The squats alone are notorious for the tool they take on the knees if you are not careful, so consult your physician before engaging in an exercise regimen.

Bill's book could easily be finished in a single sitting.  The time it takes to read is very well spent.  Informative and easily absorbed, it is also very entertaining, containing numerous anecdotes of fights in which Bill has been involved.  Mr. Bryant also has a quirky sense of humor that shines through his prose -- which, while rough by professional standards, gets the job done simply and directly. 

Nothing would be more appropriate for a book of this type.

Strictly Street Stuff may be
ordered online through this link.