Surviving Inside the Kill Zone: The Essential Tools You Need to Survive Deadly Combat

As someone who is in his very late 70s (but “I refuse to let the old guy out.”) with a back ground in numerous martial arts, Combatives and law enforcement tactics (Judo, Jujitsu, Karate-Do, Boxing, Wrestling, Krav Maga and street Combatives, and numerous weapon arts) my passion for intense workouts is still strong. I am always on the lookout for old, new and unique books on self-defense, the martial arts, and combat fitness. One of my favorite authors has a number of books out and I recently finished reading this absolutely fantastic 136 page soft cover book (Surviving inside the killing zone: The essential tools you need to survive deadly combat by Ernest Emerson) which I purchased on Amazon. For those who do not know the author’s background, he is the founder and owner of Emerson knives of which I own several of these quality blades.Even though I have trained in many formal martial arts; nevertheless, my law enforcement background has always recognized the difference between sport and street combat techniques and principles. I love this book because it deals strictly with street fighting reality rather than make believe fighting where there are rules. Even though I am familiar with most of these principles the author emphasizes in this book; however, the material is presented and taught in a unique and no-nonsense way that makes it all appear fresh and new.This excellent book begins with a brief bio about the author and his ten commandments of a warrior. After a great introduction the seven chapters cover the following material:Education principles, training for combat, conditioning for combat, tactical awareness, the warrior mindset, goals, and capacity.The author has a number of books published and if you are seeking real life practical and effective advice on living and training like a combat wise warrior you may want to check out this book and the other volumes by this author.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Tanto-Jutsu Techniques: An official manual of Bushi Satori Ryu).

I have been in Law Enforcement and have studied various martial arts over my lifetime, and when I read the preview for this book it fell right in line of various ideas/concepts that I was looking to build and re-enforce.The book was very good however my two complaints are: (1) it is a little on the thin side - although the book is technically 131 pages, the main portion is only 90 pages large font (the other 40 are excerpts from Emerson's other books); (2) if you have had any sort of training in Law Enforcement, Military, and/or "Combative" Martial Arts training - there is nothing really new to learn - IT IS a great refresher/reminder. I highly respect Ernest Emerson, his history, knife products, combative background, and ideals - and his 10 Commandments of a Warrior is probably the best part of the book...but this book "serves" best for individuals with no background as described.

This is, hands-down, the worst written and edited book I have ever read. Before you even open the book, on the back cover, in the first line of the description of the author are grammatical errors that a decent 10th grader could avoid with just the mildest review of their writing. BUT, we can get over a poorly written about the author section.Once you open the book, the chaos begins. THE INFORMATION INSIDE OF IT IS GREAT. As a combat veteran myself, I can see that Ernest Emerson has excellent insights into combat and survival. However, his grammar, syntax, and the skill of his editor are the weakest bits I have ever seen.These simple grammatical missteps are unforgivable from someone who claims to be professional.The biggest crime within these pages is the stumbling use of commas throughout the text. They frequently (we're talking nearly EVERY sentence) appear where they don't belong and are absent where they should be.Once again: if you can stomach the terribleness, you might be able to get to the actual info in the book, but I recommend going through it with a red pen and making it readable. Emerson's book is full of good info, but it is the most terribly written and edited piece I've ever encountered.Avoid it.

This book is filled with the kind of information that everyone needs to know. Just buy it, and you won't be dissapointed. But beware, this is the kind of information a person who is willing to do what is takes to survive applies to. Not the other kind

This is terrific information on the combat mindset. It's not a book that will teach you techniques for fighting, but rather a guide to developing a combat mindset that will allow you to effectively avoid confrontation, and put your combat skills to use effectively when retreat is not an option. I would give this book 5 stars if it was priced at $4.99. It's a short book and, in my opinion, a little pricey in the $9.00 range.

Mr. Emerson is an intense man. We need this kind of man as the Shepherd to keep the wolves out. The book is very much in line with this viewpoint, with which I agree.

Very satisfied with the book. Really learning alot. Ernest Emerson is no joke. He knows what he's talking about.

The author is awesome.. no question about it.. the book has lots of "psych and philosophical stuff" which is helpful. Its not a tactile training book. It is a good read.