Lessons from the Western Warriors

by Fred Neff

Book Overview

Examines methods of hand-to-hand fighting developed from the Greeks and other Western peoples, contrasts them with the Eastern martial arts, and gives instructions in using boxing and other techniques in self-defense.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0822595338
• ISBN13: 9780822595335
• Release Date: January 1988
• Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group
• Length: 88 Pages
• Weight: 2.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.8" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

Carry a Big Stick and Speak Softly +++

Not too many are aware that the spectrum of Western self-defense Arts has equivalents to all major areas of Eastern [and World] self-defense Arts -- starting with very ancient kickboxing and grappling Arts of the Egyptian and Mediterranian peoples and very effective Medieval Western combat Arts into more modern times -- but always streamlined, realistic and rational -- which helps with practice -- in the guild learning hall and out in the world. The recent so-called "Mixed Martial Art" encounters seem to have proven for current times that Western Arts can work as well as any. This has been quietly known before -- and much may depend on individual Will and Skill -- as always. Fred Neff has written a number of great books on self-defense Arts. This book, like the others, is well done in balanced moderation -- and is easy to learn from. The author has written many books on Eastern Arts, as well as a few on Western Arts. But, the few on Western Arts match any books I have seen on self-defense in presentation and application -- quite rational and clear in strategy, tactics and technique and to-the-point -- as fencing, kickboxing and wrestling Arts can so be. The author has a mixed background -- Eastern and Western Arts. So, it is most interesting that he has a very personal dedication in the front of this book -- to his father as a master of self-defense. This reminds me of Bruce Tegner with his heart-felt dedication in the front of his first book on Savate [combat kickboxing]. Tegner seems to have appreciated his Western experience all-the-more for having strong Eastern experience -- being California State Judo champion, as well as teaching Combat Judo as a USA Marine, for example. My mixed Eastern [Kenpo Jiujitsu and other] and Western [Savate Combative and other] learning of some self-defense arts helps me to be very aware of just where the author is coming from -- and to be inspired by this excellent modest manual on Western "Dynamic Self-Defense Techniques" -- as I always further my own sub-style of Kenpo +++

Western Warriors book gives new perspective

The media has so saturated the public with Asian martial arts stories that the western heritage of combat has been forgotten by many people. Lessons From The Western Warriors provides a new perspective by taking the reader on an exploration of effective fighting moves and tactics used in the western world. The author Fred Neff, who is both a Kempo master and a lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, provides a fascinating history of western fighting going back to the ancient Hebrews, Egyptians, Babylonians and Greeks. The author Fred Neff's explanation of the Greek art of pankration, which encompassed both striking and grappling was intriguing. Also, very interesting was the development of boxing and wresting throughout history as explained in the book. I really enjoyed the author's straight forward way of presenting little known history. Author Fred Neff's book is divided into chapters on Common Questions, Physical Conditing, Stance and Movement, Punching, Kicking, Dodges and Blocks, Combinations (of blows), Combining Boxing and Grappling, Strategy and Suggestions for Enhancing Training. Learning how to out think the adversary comes through loud and clear in this presentation. The strategy section helps provide guidelines for doing this that should be adaptable for anyone. I like the flexibility Fred Neff provides by teaching moves and tactics that can be adapted for use in a variety of different situations. From Fred Neff's narration to the safety guidelines for practice the book emphasizes the avoidance of excessive violence and respect for other people. The broad base of experience of author Fred Neff as a teacher, Kempo Master and accomplished Minneapolis, Minnesota, lawyer no doubt played a part in the new perspective provided in this unique work. Fred Neff has received many awards for his active community involvement including the City of St. Paul Citizen of the Month Award, a Commendation for Distinguished Service From the Sibley County Attorney's Office, and the Lamp of Knowledge Award from the Twin Cities Lawyer's Guild that are reflective of his interest in helping other people. Lessons From The Western Warriors is not only very interesting, but is helpful to readers in a number of ways. It provides a fresh historical perspective on the fighting arts, teaches the use of western fighting moves for self-defense and emphasizes the need to out-think the adversary rather than just rely on powerful or exotic moves. Just as a powerful swing of a bat in baseball does no good if it is not timed correctly, similarly a powerful or exotic blow is not effective unless it is tactically timed to hit the adversary. Lessons From The Western Warriors is a book that provides valuable information, methods and tactics in a straght forward and interesting manner, so it earns my unqualified recommendation.

Lessons from the Western Warriors is truly dynamic

While browsing, I happened to find a truly unique and dynamic book entitled Lessons from the Western Warriors by Fred Neff. The self-defense techniques included in the book are from the western world as opposed to the usual rehash of Asiain fighting arts. As I looked through the book, I found it interesting to find reference to the ancient art of pankration that was practiced by the Greeks. I was fascinated to discover that people in the west had their own martial arts history. I ended up buying the book. Once I got into reading the text, looking at the photographs and practicing the techniques, I found that they were both effective and efficient. I think this book is simply terrific and heartily suggest that anyone with an interest in learning really effective self-defense and fighting techniques get a copy of the book.

I have to give this book my highest recommendation.

This book on western fighting tactics is truly unique. After reading Lessons from the Western Warriors I could only conclude that this book is a very well thought out approach to showing the core fighting methods that has emerged over time from the western world. Many of the punching techniques were familiar to me based on my experience with boxing. I have personally used some of the same techniques shown in this book both in the boxing ring and in more than one fight outside the ring. From my experience, the fighting moves shown in the Lessons from the Western Warriors really work! I like this book by Fred Neff very much and give it my highest recommendation. (Even if all you are interested in is basic self-defense, this book is a must.)

Dynamic Self-Defense for Sure

During my senior year in high school, I hit upon a book at the library called Lessons from the Western Warriors by Fred Neff. I took it out and started to practice the techniques in it. A byproduct of my practice was that I started feeling stronger and more confident. After graduation, I was at a party where the "jock" who had the reputation of being the toughest guy at our school was, as ususal, picking on my friends. He was big and powerful with a very intimidating way about him. I always tried to avoid him, becuase of the beating he had delivered to people I knew. That night he added me to his list of potential victims, when he purposely bumped into me and ended up challenging me to a fight. Having studied and practiced from the Lessons from the Western Warriors book, I carefully sized up this tough guy and accepted his challenge. Despite my nervousness and to the surprise of everybody at the party, I won the fight. After that time, he never bothered me again. I credit the book on Lessons from the Western Warriors for that win. In April of this year, I came upon and bought this great book. Lessons from the Western Warriors shows realistic fighting techniques and strategy that can be used by anyone. The book provides tremendous lessons on fighting techniques and strategy that should be useful in mounting an effective defense against all types of antagonists. This book is really worth reading.