This 19th-century self-defense manual—written by a master swordsman—will appeal to fencers and martial artists as well as fans of Victorian-era culture, steampunk, and American history Colonel Thomas Hoyer Monstery was a master swordsman who participated in more than fifty duels, fought under twelve flags, battled gangsters, and was constantly involved in the great conflicts and upheavals of his time. In the 1870s, he began writing his magnum opus—a series of newspaper articles that are now collected here for the first time in Self-Defense for Gentleman and Ladies. In this book, Colonel Monstery presents a unique look into the Victorian-era fighting world. He describes styles such as British “purring” (shin-kicking), Welsh jump-kicking, and American rough-and-tumble fighting, in addition to providing illustrated instruction in the art of gentlemanly self-defense with a cane, staff, or one’s bare hands. Fifty rare drawings and photographs from the period illuminate Monstery’s world, while an extensive glossary of terms and an introductory biography of Colonel Monstery—including fascinating details of his many duels as well as his groundbreaking devotion to teaching fencing and self-defense skills to women—update his text to make it accessible and useful to gentlemen and ladies of any era. Contents Colonel Thomas Hoyer Monstery: The Unknown American Martial Arts Master I. Introduction. II. The Logic of Boxing. III. Standing and Striking. IV. Advancing to Strike and Feinting. V. Simple Parries in Boxing. VI. Parries with Returns. VII. Effective or Counter Parries in Boxing. VIII. Offence and Defense by Evasions. IX. Trips, Grips, and Back-Falls. X. Rules for a Set-to with Gloves. XI. Observations on Natural Weapons. XII. The Use of the Cane. XIII. The Use of the Cane (continued). XIV. The Use of the Staff. XV. The Use of the Staff (continued). Appendix: Monstery's Rules for Contests of Sparring and Fencing Glossary

A comprehensive guide to self-defense for women that focuses on increased awareness, psychology, avoidance, and physicality to enable women to prevent a person or people from causing physical harm or theft; and provides step-by-

Realistic Self-Defense for Men and Women is a comprehensive self-defense manual that starts with the basic techniques and moves into realistic scenarios. Based on Sensei Marc Bochner's twenty plus years of martial arts training, this book is an informative for everyone wanting to increase their safety and learn how to defend themselves, and their loved ones.

Hone your senses, increase awareness, and learn the techniques that could save your life. Self-Defense: Steps to Survival will teach you to identify danger, avoid assault, and defend yourself and others against attackers in a variety of situations. Based on the proven strategies and techniques taught on campuses and in metropolitan areas worldwide, Self-Defense: Steps to Survival is both practical and immediately applicable for men, women, and teens regardless of previous experience. You'll learn these skills: -Assess your surroundings, notice warning signs, and remove yourself from potential harm. -Use the power of your own voice to thwart an attack. -Recognize warning signs of violence in an intimate relationship. -Resist and escape physical and sexual violence by strangers and acquaintances. -Free yourself from an assailant's grasp. -Develop an arsenal of strikes, kicks, and defense techniques for countering physical attacks. -Defend yourself against weapon attacks and multiple attackers. Don't live in fear! Self-Defense: Steps to Survival will change the way you approach everyday life, giving you the assurance that you'll be prepared for the unexpected. See all the titles available in the Steps to Success Series.