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The Little Black Book Violence: What Every Young Man Needs to Know About Fighting Paperback – Illustrated, April 1, 2009

4.4 out of 5 stars 262 ratings

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Finalist - 2010 Book of the Year Award by ForeWord MagazineFinalist - 2010 USA Best Book Award
The Little Black Book of Violence will arm you with the knowledge and good sense to make informed choices in hazardous situations. While some yahoo spewing insults about your favorite sports team is worlds apart from a drug-crazed lunatic lunging at you with a sharp knife in his hands and bloodlust in his eyes, there is a large gray area in between these two extremes where hard and fast rules do not always apply. This is where wisdom, oftentimes hard-earned wisdom, makes the difference between good decisions and bad ones.
Every time you engage in violence, no matter how small or trivial it may appear to be at the time, it has the potential of escalating into something extraordinarily serious. What is really worth fighting for when you might find yourself spending the rest of your life behind bars, confined to a wheelchair, or trying to dig yourself out of bankruptcy from beneath the crushing weight of a civil lawsuit? It is important to ask yourself, "Is this really worth fighting over?" While in some instances the response could legitimately be "Yes," more often than not it ought to be "No."

More than mere techniques, this book fills in crucial information about street survival that most martial arts instructors don't teach or even know. You will learn how to use awareness, avoidance, and de-escalation to help stave off violence. Despite the best intentions, however, you may still find yourself in situations where you have no choice but to fight and others where it is prudent to do so. Consequently you will also learn smart things you might want to try and dumb things you should attempt to avoid during a physical confrontation.

In addition to learning strategies and techniques for defending yourself on the street you will also learn how to manage the aftermath of violence, including performing first aid, interacting with law enforcement, managing witnesses, finding a good attorney, navigating the legal system, dealing with the press, and overcoming psychological trauma.

Men, who commit about 80 percent of all violent crimes, are twice as likely to become victims of aggressive behavior as women. While written primarily for this at-risk demographic, this comprehensive tome is essential reading for anyone who regularly deals with violence, thinks they may encounter a hostile situation, or who simply wants to increase their ability to survive a dangerous encounter.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Kane and Wilder's book will save lives. It will keep others out of prison. As an attorney, a self-defense instructor, and someone who has experienced violence, I was most impressed with the practical and realistic information" -- Alain Burrese, J.D., former U.S. Army 82nd Airborne, author

"An exceptionally modest title for a volume so comprehensive. Kane and Wilder maintain an engaging, readable, and occasionally humorous style that makes the book not just incredibly useful, but hard to put down as well." -- Barry Eisler, best-selling author John Rain series

"Every parent of an adolescent should read this." -- Julie Van Dielen, Producer, Law Enforcement Training for In the Line of Duty

"A very cool yet frightening perspective on violence; a book where the dreams of heroism and adventure are acted upon with proper forethought and intellect." -- Martina Sprague, martial arts instructor, author

Complete with forewords by a police sergeant and an expert—aptly named "Animal"—who has survived all kinds of street violence, this book belong in the hands of every young and not-so-young male. -- Alan J. Couture ―
Foreword Reviews

From the Author

Praise for The Little Black Book of Violence:

"
This book will save lives. It will keep others out of prison. I commend both Kane and Wilder for providing this much-needed resource." -- Alain Burrese, J.D.
 
"
Reminiscent of Musashi's Book of Five Rings, Little Black Book of Violence gives the reader insight way beyond punching and kicking back. Well done and comprehensive." -- Kancho John Roseberry
 
"
Every parent of an adolescent should read this." -- Julie Van Dielen
 
"
This wonderful book fills a necessary void of knowledge in the realm of martial science. I rate it at five out of five stars. Bravo!" -- Jeffrey-Peter A.M. Hauck, J.D.
 
"
Everyone with a pulse should read this book, but it's a must read for teenaged boys, who aren't likely to get this kind of a tutorial at home or school." -- William C. Dietz, bestselling author
 
"
A very cool yet frightening perspective on violence; a book where the dreams of heroism and adventure are acted upon with proper forethought and intellect." -- Martina Sprague
 
"
Fills in crucial information about street survival that most instructors don't teach or even know." -- Loren W. Christensen, 7th dan
 
"
This book is an important work that all youth of any post-elementary school age should read or at least should have portions read to them (with the caution that the graphic nature of some of the words and illustrations could be overwhelming to some adolescents). I like to call this book Scared Smart or at least Scared Thoughtful." -- Michael F. Murphy, School Board Director
 
"
A must read for any man or woman who is interested in learning not only how to defend oneself, but how to read other people's aggressions, and understand both the mental and physical aspects of violence." - Staff Sgt. Bryan Hopkins, USMC
 
"An exceptionally modest title for a volume so comprehensive. Kane and Wilder maintain an engaging, readable, and occasionally humorous style that makes the book not just incredibly useful, but hard to put down as well." -- Barry Eisler, bestselling author

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ YMAA Publication Center; 1st edition (April 1, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 370 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1594391297
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1594391293
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.5 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.39 x 0.92 x 9.47 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 262 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
262 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and consider it essential reading for young adults, providing solid knowledge about violence prevention and situational awareness. They appreciate its practical content and concise length of 130 pages. The presentation receives mixed feedback, with one customer noting its logical structure, while opinions on violence content are divided.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

43 customers mention "Readability"43 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and mindblowing, with several noting it should be required reading for young adults.

"...Hatred leads to feuds. This is a great book for all martial artists to read and think through before we act." Read more

"...appropriate for him to better understand the things that the authors clearly articulate (I read the book before giving it to him):..." Read more

"This is a very informative book. It's not for the weak of heart...." Read more

"...This 9 by 7 inch, 336 page tome is must reading for not just young men, but old men, women, law enforcement people, martial artists and anyone else..." Read more

38 customers mention "Information quality"35 positive3 negative

Customers find the book provides solid knowledge that helps young men avoid bad decisions and understand violence, with one customer noting its sensible strategies for dealing with various situations.

"...This book brings out many aspects of self-defense others only vaguely discuss. I add to it: “Be a Man!” Act wisely...." Read more

"...The main point of his training is to be physically capable of defending himself (or others) and this book will help prepare him mentally and perhaps..." Read more

"...It is particularly useful for young men and anyone who works with at risk youth such as social workers, teachers, administrators, but to be..." Read more

"...In conclusion, this is an important book that should be must reading in all police academies, formal martial art schools and self-defense..." Read more

6 customers mention "Practical content"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's content practical, with one customer noting it's mostly common sense.

"...Entirely wise but certainly not what some would expect. I will be passing it on to my children to read for their own safety." Read more

"Good book. Mostly common sense, which ain't as common as it should be." Read more

"...It had lots of practical tips in it." Read more

"great practical knowledge about what one may think is so but most likely isn't A few runs through it could save one a lot of trouble" Read more

3 customers mention "Book value"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book valuable, with one describing it as a coffee table book/magazine.

"...All their books are great buys." Read more

"A total MUST buy book for every Kid/Guy/Man on the planet!..." Read more

"...It is a coffee table book / magazine. Lots of pictures. But other than its incredibly misleading name. I have NO complaint...." Read more

3 customers mention "Length"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate that the book is only 130 pages long.

"...Far from little, it is a weighty tome, almost 400 pages long. And it is packed with invaluable information...." Read more

"...like a pocket size type of book, but the little book is a full size kind of text...." Read more

"...Protection." Ayoob's book is powerful, realistic and only 130 pages long. Just the sort of thing a young man needs." Read more

7 customers mention "Presentation"4 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the presentation of the book, with one customer finding it very to the point, while another mentions it includes graphic content.

"...This is a very to the point presentation without a lot of esoteric philosophies...." Read more

"...Though it is at times graphic - because it is honest and totally realistic - this book should be read by every young adult so that they can..." Read more

"...the material presented, but to have it all in one place, presented in a logical manner is very efficient...." Read more

"...The image does not respond well to increasing the font size. But for $9.95, I would recommend that you purchase this kindle version." Read more

6 customers mention "Violence level"2 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed views on the book's approach to violence, with some expressing concern about its content, while one customer appreciates how it helps readers make smart decisions about fighting.

"...Violence is a horrible thing. Its messy, its gory, it is painful, and it often results in death, disfigurement, and legal action...." Read more

"...ramifications and consequences of violence so that we can make smart decisions about fighting...." Read more

"...The sole purpose of this book is to convince you that fighting is extremely dangerous and has lots of negative consequences...." Read more

"The LITTLE Black Book of Violence. My ASS it should be the honking BIG book of Violence. It is a coffee table book / magazine. Lots of pictures...." Read more

4 customers mention "Boredom"0 positive4 negative

Customers find the book boring.

"...Violence is a horrible thing. Its messy, its gory, it is painful, and it often results in death, disfigurement, and legal action...." Read more

"...Too thick. Too slow. Too long. Too boring...." Read more

"...That said, I found it an utter bore. Most of it is filler and anecdotes are few and far between. I returned it." Read more

"Not bad...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2021
    I like the no-nonsense attitude concerning violence and its consequences for law biding citizens. I firmly believe that, if you think and believe that your life is in danger, then it is. The AOJP is a good guideline but the Judge, Jury, Lawyers, Press, friends and family are not there. As a man, make the best decision that you can and stick to what you believe!!! Speak the truth and do not waver. Period!
    As a law biding citizen, be prepared to shoulder the consequences of your actions. That’s all we can do. At the end of the day, we have a conscious. Thugs only care about what they can get away with. They are animals, plain and simple.
    As a principle, as a man, do not let your emotions rule you. Let Christ Jesus rule your heart and mind. When violence comes, aggressively defend, seek escape and try to remain calm. How? TRAIN! TRAIN!! TRAIN!!!!!
    It is what we martial artists do all our lives. It marks us and makes us different from the crowed ( the sheep & the wolves).
    In a violent encounter, we do not think using our frontal lobe. We React!!! Training “helps” to build into us good reactions that “may” save our lives. But make no mistake! It’s not a movie. You won’t be thinking with your frontal lobe and the thug who attacked you has no compunction about taking your life.
    Awareness is key. Prudence mandatory. A Good Lawyer is vital to survival.
    This book brings out many aspects of self-defense others only vaguely discuss.
    I add to it: “Be a Man!” Act wisely. Speak the truth and accept the consequences of your actions by standing firm on your beliefs and God given right to defend your life. Finally, forgive your enemies as well as yourself. Hatred leads to feuds.
    This is a great book for all martial artists to read and think through before we act.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2010
    We bought "The Little Black Book of Violence" for my teen son who, along with me, has recently taken up Mixed Martial Arts training. My son is much taller and stronger than most of his peers and, combined with his easy going personality, that tends to actually make him a target in school for kids with something to prove. Now that he has some training and has actually become a decent fighter, my wife I agreed that it was appropriate for him to better understand the things that the authors clearly articulate (I read the book before giving it to him):

    1) Look for ways recognize and avoid confrontational situations
    2) When it is appropriate to use force and how to apply it effectively
    3) How to handle the repercussions of a serious altercation

    While we have explained much of what is covered here, and the instructors at our Dojang (one is a police officer) have certainly emphasized as well, this book presents our son with this information in a no nonsense easy to follow format. The main point of his training is to be physically capable of defending himself (or others) and this book will help prepare him mentally and perhaps even Legally.

    Highly Recommended!

    CFH
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2025
    This is a very informative book. It's not for the weak of heart. It teaches you methods that can get you out of a jam really quick and if you're not careful right back into another jam.(Legal jam by using the contents on someone)
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2010
    Kane and Wilder really made me think about fighting in a way that I never have before. The authors lay out the cost of violence in stark, realistic terms. It is scary stuff, but it ensures that we understand the full ramifications and consequences of violence so that we can make smart decisions about fighting. I got a little queasy reading some of the author's examples and viewing some of their pictures was downright disturbing (thank god they are not in color), but I learned a LOT from the experience. And I know that I am better off for it too.

    The title is catchy, but don't let it mislead you. Far from little, it is a weighty tome, almost 400 pages long. And it is packed with invaluable information. There is a non-judgmental survey to fill out before and after reading the book that helps us determine what we are willing to do or not do, and what we are willing to have done to us or a loved one. I really loved that part. It is a fantastic way of sorting out what is worth fighting for and what is not. Such choices cannot rationally be made during an encounter, so we need to think about it ahead of time. This book truly made me think.

    I cannot recommend The Little Black Book of Violence highly enough. It is particularly useful for young men and anyone who works with at risk youth such as social workers, teachers, administrators, but to be perfectly honest anyone can benefit from the information. The tone of the book is not aimed at women or older adults, but the material is appropriate for all people of all ages who are serious about self defense.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2018
    I really hate to say anything negative about a book that, in essence, was written to help people avoid or escape from a life-threatening situation, but most of what is here mostly boils down to common sense. I feel like the book spends most of it's time telling you to avoid a fight than anything else due to all the legal issues out there. Do I agree with that philosophy? Yes, 100%, but....I had expected the book to explain what happens more in greater details if you (for example) get into a fight and survive, what to expect at the police station (assuming you are arrested), getting a lawyer involved, etc. There are some real-life examples given, but they feel very generic and are not very informative, let alone surprising. In my opinion, this book would probably best suit teenagers who think they have life all figured out and feel the need to resort to violence. For me personally, I hardly feel like I have life all figured out by any stretch, but since I am cursed with common sense I guess I was expecting more than what the book amounts to in the end. I really do give the authors an A for effort, however.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Urbanmeister
    5.0 out of 5 stars Violence is not 'glamourous' - it hurts
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 10, 2014
    The main thing I so like about this book is that it really does away with the 'glamour' of violence. Violence is not glamourous, it's 'orrible, messy, smelly and it hurts as the authors state repeatedly. And rightly so. If you can, walk away even if the individual causing you grief is doing his 'monkey dance' and mouthing off. Even better, don't get into the situation in the first place - walk away. The authors also stress the importance of being situationally aware. Being so will help prevent you becoming involved in the violence so well described here - and not in a glamourous way. To repeat, as they do continually, walk away, it ain't worth it. Understanding as I do just a bit of what's involved in violence, I continued to be impressed by the quality not only of the writing but the language used. It's appropriate and punchy, (pun intended.) There are also some darkly humourous elements as well which also work.

    Not only does this book talk about the difference between fighting and combat - and there is - but they let you know about what's involved in both. There's also outstanding insights into the actual cost of any violence you may commit or in which you might be involved, for example, the psychological, financial, reputational and so on. If you are involved in a violent confrontation and the police arrive, don't blabber your mouth off. They provide the reasons why you might do this and suggest why you shouldn't. The police have a job to do and you may be just one of many incidents they may have to address on that Saturday night. Also, be aware that you might go to jail overnight, or prison for a long time even if you feel you're in the right. There are also discussions of the media, lawyers as well as what you might be feeling after a violent confrontation, e.g. guilt, anger, PTSD etc.

    I have just completed reading this book and will look through it again, and again. It's a no nonsense, well written, well researched piece of work that in the main applies anywhere in the world. Obviously it's targeted at the US market especially with regard to the law. However, even here the authors strongly suggest you identify what is / is not allowed locally to protect yourself.

    In sum, one of the best books I've read in a long time. Recommended.
  • M
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in Germany on December 21, 2023
    That book is a must read for every martial artist who is into self defence. That and/or Miller's Meditations on Violence.

    I like the list of questions in the appendix. Copy them twice and fill them out before and after reading the book. Compare and learn.
  • Grandad
    5.0 out of 5 stars Important Read for Everyone
    Reviewed in Canada on December 20, 2013
    This book is an important read for everyone; not just young men. The author gives important insight into the types of violence out there and how you can try to avoid being a victim. Although the book is aimed at young men, it is not just the male of the species who acts out. Unfortunately, young women are mixing it up, too. I wish I had read this book earlier in my life as it gives important insights into what motivates predators and young men showing off that I now realize I lacked. I say this as a martial artist with 31 years experience and as a correctional officer/later parole officer who dealt with these people for a living.
  • Cliente Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Molto bello
    Reviewed in Italy on July 17, 2020
    Molto ben scritto, tratta una grsn varietà di argomenti inerenti al tema della difesa personale. La materia e’ trattata in modo realistico e diretto. Contiene consigli utili e spunti di riflessione per chi lavora nel settore della protezione personale (body guards, door men, istruttori ecc) non può comunque sostituire l’esperienza diretta.
    Report
  • fast1
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on March 18, 2018
    no issues.