Knives, Knife Fighting, and Related Hassles: How to Survive a Real Knife Fight Paperback – January 1, 1990

I survived two knife encounters through sheer luck and stupidity before I found this book a few years ago. As a knight in a medieval recreation group (sort of like a black belt of swords, shields and stuff) I thought I really knew what I was doing. Problem is, street confrontations are nothing like tournament competition.I learned two essential lessons from MacYoung's book: The first is that there is no such thing as a knife fight as the author pointedly states (pun intended). It is really a knife ambush. Unless you are lucky or highly trained you'll never see it coming. Fortunately both punks I tangled with were rank amateurs who flashed their blades giving me enough time to react. The second is a comprehensive understanding of where, how, and why street thugs conceal their knives to pull off an effective assassination. The awareness is illuminating and very possibly life saving as well.Knives are as ubiquitous as cell phones these days. Working in a stadium where weapons of all types are prohibited and bags are searched on the way in, I nevertheless pull knives off at least a couple of fans every game. Imagine how often you find them out in the street where they are more or less legal. This book is packed with stuff you gotta know!My only complaint is that while it is long and deep on theory it is a bit short on technique. There are plenty of good sources to supplement this knowledge so that is not a serious detractor.Lawrence KaneAuthor of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

When looking for self-defense books, I never much respected the slew of street tuff authors. But since I accidently bought this book by "Animal", I decided to give it a read before re-selling it.First, the pictures....je-sus...the pics seem to be a stereotype of a tough guy wannabe who lives in his mother's basement. I cannot believe this guy makes a living at this.Second, the style of writing was entertaining, despite being somewhat immature. It frankly was the bridge between the pics and the serious nature of knife fighting. I zipped through the book in a couple hours...so add readability to the short list of pros.Third, from a serious martial art stand point, it is technically shallow, but that seems to be the point. Knife fighting is dangerous as hell. And throughout the book, Animal gave compelling and descriptive wisdom about not engage in knife fighting or fighting in general. Also, it is a primer for a beginner, thus had plenty of info to chew on.Finally, I probably learned a gem or two about combat fighting,. After reading hundreds of books, learning a gem or two from any book is a success.

This was a real fun read for me. The author "Animal" did a great job of explaining the danger of pulling a knife on someone. If you like knives and carry one for defence, or fantasize about knife fighting, then this is a must read. Read every word and understand the trouble a knife can get you into. Rory Miller's "Meditations on Violence" and this knife book are the only two books I recommend for real-world-street-self defense. I like them so much because they teach you how to avoid trouble in the first place. And they don't fill your mind with a bunch of moves, techniques, and hit/kick/slash/jab mumbo-jumbo. The more choices your mind has to sort through, the longer it will take you to act. KISS Buy this one and enjoy. Or buy two copies. One to loan out and one for you. Hard to get this book back when loaned out. Trust me on this one.

Never been in a knife fight but if I am sometime I believe -with this book, that I would be prepared. Lots of pictures and he describes and shows some dirty holds of a knife that either drunk or sober attacker could catch you off guard with and really mess you up, or, on the other hand, if you were put into the position where you couldn't run and had to defend yourself.

This book is a must read for anyone who carries a knife as a defensive tool. It doesn’t promote one fighting form over another but addresses the brutal and grim realities of knife fighting the reader needs to know. I have read this book 5 times and get more out of it every time.

This is a good book because no matter how good you think you are your going to get cut. Don't by this book and think it will make you an expert knife fighter. However it will help you with tactics and moves to get you started, and maybe not killed if you do get in to a situation you shouldn't have been in in the first place

Marc MacYoung is a pro. He has been there and done that. His street cred is way beyond what most claim.Its easy to talk the talk, Marc doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk as well. He shows simple easytechniques that if you pay attention may very well save your ass or a loved one. He also explains thebest and worst of life in the nasty lane. If you need or want to learn about the less cordial and kind sideof the street and how to defend yourself, read Marcs books on self defense and survival on the street.

WOW!!!! Marc is right.. ***t happens!! So be prepared and pick up this gem. You will definitely know more then most other people about how to defend yourself in a knife fight. Do you need a gift and have NO idea what to get? GET THIS!!! Not only will they laugh but it can be life saving later on! I'm serious!Definitely for the person who has everything .. because I bet they don't have "Knives, Knife Fighting, And Related Hassles" !!Thanks Marc "the Animal" MacYoung!!

This book is meant for people carrying and using a knife, it covers subjects such as legal considerations, mobility and balance, knife grip, hiding a knife in the hand without it being seen, stance, quick draw of knife and knife fighting tactics.This is a theory book so don't expect much techniques.Here in England carrying knifes is very restricted so the main purpose of the book is of limited use, however it does cover two very important facts that are rarely covered in most knife defence material.1) A lot of knife attacks are surprise attacks and the victim does not know they are even in a fight, let along a knife fight.2) It shows some common ways knifes can be hidden in the hand so the victim does not see the knife until they are attacked.These two points alone make the book worth the money, it is depressing how few martial arts tell you these things, Being able to spot the signs that somebody is hiding a knife in their hand is a vital skill and this book is one of the very few that even points this out.A book about using a knife which contains a few vital bits of information for people wanting to learn to defend against the knife as well.

Sorry I didn't like the book so skipped most of it. I'd read the start of a chapter think what! Then skip to the next chapter. Like Marc I've had lots of fights but never used karate style blocks or moves. Maybe because my background is predominantly boxing and muay thai. But look at the pictures looks more like two guys doing karate moves but in street clothes. I've never faced a knife except once and I shut the door till he left so cannot comment on knife conflicts. Sorry I didn't like this book .

Interesting read but there could have been more elaboration from certain chapters or just more topics covered. The book covers aspects such as identifying various methods of carrying a knife, stances, choosing a knife, etiquette and so on in an interesting and understandable style of writing (in his signature approach). Marc also talks about tactics/techniques such as counters and other things to watch in a knife fight.The book is 118 pages, black and white images.

This book is very good I really like it.

:-)