Peyton Quinn

As a bouncer in a biker bar, Peyton Quinn learned a thing or two about what really goes down in a fight. As a black belt, he also learned that martial arts training is useful, but no substitute for experience.

In this unique guide, Quinn reveals the psychology, strengths and weaknesses of a sucker puncher, the characteristics of a fight and tips for dealing with aggressive people and ambushes.

An important section of the book also deals with avoiding violence -- something as important as knowing how to throw a good punch. As a side note, he also takes a look at what martial art might be right for you.
 

Bouncer's Guide to Barroom Brawling: Dealing with the Sucker Puncher, Streetfighter and Ambusher (Paladin Press) 264 pages, ISBN 0873645863ISBN 0873645863

There's a lot of good things to be said for this book. The author has been exposed to a handful of very different martial arts styles, has worked as a bouncee, and so has field-tested a lot of this stuff. He emphasizes principles over technique, a concept that makes the techniques actually easier to apply. The author goes into the "fight interview," which a lot of "saloon warriors" will use to determine whether or not a victim is ripe for attack. He goes through some techniques to avoid the sucker punch, which is something missing from many self-defense books. While I don't think that all of his stuff is a good idea (one of his avoidance techniques is to act crazy ... but in public?), I think that it is worth looking at. The actual techniques are drawn from Wado-ryu Karate, Wing Chun and White Crane Kung Fu, Judo, Aikido and a little boxing. He doesn't cover grappling too well, and completely avoids the subject of ground fighting, but the idea, I guess, is to make sure you never go to the ground. Any wrestling or BJJ book will teach some good reversals and escapes, and can be used to supplement this book. The overall idea of this book is that real fighting is messy and technically ugly, so it's best to have a handful of high-percentage techniques, as well as a good grasp of the principles behind them, but realize that "anyone can get their [booty] kicked". This book has valuable chapters on distancing, facing, and footwork, how to recognize a sucker punch, and choosing a martial art that's right for you. For those that practice at home, there are a number of drills included to help one function under high-stress scenarios. I'd say that for someone who's really interested in good self-defense, this book and its system would be a good foundation, especially if you've got experience in a "hard" style. But as I mentioned earlier, I think the program needs to be supplemented by a groundfighting/grappling program, and probably some weapons training. Overall, though, I'm glad I bought the book. -- Joseph M. Burtner, Kilmarnock, Virginia

This is a no nonsense book about keeping yourself safe BEFORE the punches start flying. It's got great concepts and info on staying away from getting yourself stomped. It's a must read for any martial artist.

Peyton Quinn knows his stuff! -- Chris Pellitteri, Upland, California