Scaling Force: Dynamic Decision Making Under Threat of Violence Paperback – October 1, 2012

It took me a while to get Scaling Force. I'm not entirely sure why, except that Rory has a lot of stuff out there, and I can only read so fast. But I recently got my hands on the Scaling Force DVD (review coming soon), and I figured I should read the book for a full comparison. I'm really glad I did...this is another gem from Rory.In talking about self-defense with martial artists, I've noticed that there are often two big gaps in their training. One is the psychological aspects of self-defense (what we call Fight One in the PDR/SPEAR System). The other, and honestly, probably the most often ignored, is the legal aspects of self-defense (what we call Fight Three in the PDR/SPEAR system). Scaling Force presents a system and method for martial artists to address fight three in a pretty comprehensive fashion.The Thing ItselfI read this book on Kindle, so I can't comment on what the hard copy version is like. The kindle format generally works well. My only complaint (and it is a minor one) is that the kindle version seems to think that every single section is a new chapter, which meant that the little ticker at the bottom constantly said "one minute left in chapter" or "chapter complete". Like I said, minor complaint.What's InsideScaling Force begins with an overview of some fundamental self-defense principles. Rory's breakdown of social and asocial/predatory violence appears here, as does some information on situational awareness, the IMOP principle and other legal niceties, and an explanation of what the Scaling Force...scale (it's not a continuum, the authors tell us) is. The scale offers six stages of potential responses to a confrontation: Presence, Voice, Touch, Empty Hand Restraint/Physical Control, Less Lethal Force, and Lethal Force.(I should expand on that, actually. The point the authors are making here is that the scale isn't something you move up through during a confrontation--you just enter at the level that's appropriate. You don't start with level one if level six is what you need.)This is all very solid information, though long-time readers of Rory's work will find some of it (particularly the social/predatory violence information) familiar, and possibly repetitive. Personally, I find a good review of good information always helpful. For anyone who is reading Miller for the first time, this stuff is invaluable.The remainder of the book is six chapters, each devoted to a stage on the force scale. Each chapter provides a breakdown of the force level: how it works, what the key concepts are, and some ideas for drills and training at each level. The information here is all very detailed, but it's presented in a way that's easily accessible for a general audience. None of it is particularly style or system specific, and most of it could be integrated into just about any training system without a great deal of strain.What's GoodThe whole thing.The legal aspects of self-defense have got to be one of the most overlooked areas of self-defense training. Possibly even more so than the psychological aspects (which at least get some lip service). Scaling Force offers a solution for that. More importantly, because the information is presented in a non-style specific way, it's information that can be integrated into any training method that's concerned with self-defense. Just reading the book will probably illuminate some holes in your training. Actually putting this stuff into practice will fill those holes nicely, and expand all of your skills as a martial artist (or as a human being).It is worth noting that while each chapter contains some drills and concepts for working on that particular level of force, getting into any level in greater detail requires going beyond the scope of the book. Chapter Four, for example, contains a nice discussion on the mechanics and tactics of joint locking, but getting really good at joint locks is going to require some time on the mat, and probably some hands on training with someone who is good at that sort of thing. That's not a complaint--going in depth on every section of this book would make the book so enormous as to be unwieldy.Who Is This For?Self-defense instructors, martial arts instructors who think they are teaching self-defense, or people who practice self-defense but don't teach it. Basically, if you are interested in self-defense in any way, this book is a must read.If you are a martial artist who ISN'T interested in self-defense, this book might still be worth reading, just to understand where the gaps in your training are. You might not care about filling them, but it's better to know they're there ahead of time than to ignore them and find out later.

Rory Miller and Lawrence Kane have put their heads and collective experience together to author a new book available here:http://www.amazon.com/Scaling-Force-Dynamic-Decision-Violence/dp/1594392501/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349277482&sr=8-1&keywords=scaling+forceIt's titled 'Scaling Force', and it's jammed full of good information and advice that will surely help many understand the LEGAL definition of the legal term 'self-defense', and will guide ANY martial artist through the legal maze that may result from the use of your chosen art in an altercation.This book will also clearly define the many variables that are involved, and the pitfalls that you may face if you choose to use your training - it can come back and bite you! I don't mean to discourage anyone - this is going to be a great read, and for many it will be a revelation! Reading through the who's-who of forewords and beta-reader's quotes will clue you in to the seriousness of the subject matter - quotes from many notable martial artists, including Marc MacYoung, Alain Burrese, Loren W. Christensen and Ian Abernethy get right to the heart of what you have in store for you to consider.The reality of 'self-defense' as you may be currently taught in the dojo is anything but the reality! Your MA training is incomplete without this text - you are being taught wrong. Simple as that. If your MA dojo is teaching you about the legal implications, they are doing YOU a disservice. Period.This book will tell you WHY, and teach you about something that used to be called The Force Continuum in Law Enforcement circles. In today's society we believe too much of what we see on T.V. or read on the internet forums. Self-Defense is a buzzword used by many to take your money and in turn provide you with an incomplete program. It's taken me personally a few years to get to this mindset, and trust me - I've invested a lot of hard earned funds into developing solutions that would work for me and with my given set of circumstances. I was lucky to find Rory a few years ago, I own and have read and or re-read ALL of his output to date. I encouraged him to publish a book last year that I felt was important, and that would help many in my field break some new ground. I connect with Rory's writing and experience - he's got an easy manner of expressing difficult concepts and/or ideas. He doesn't sugar coat things, but slaps you in the face with what the reality is - often in a very humorous way, but often with no B.S. or glossing over.If you even anticipate being in a situation where you're likely to have to use your training, save yourself GRIEF> BUY THIS BOOK AND READ IT. It'll save you money, heartbreak, and untold anxiety. This book is another in a continuing series of books about VIOLENCE - as authored by both Rory and Mr. Kane. They've put out some of the best books on VIOLENCE that I've found on a subject that I thought I knew something about - until I read THEIR books. Now I KNOW differently. I was only kidding myself, and was also steeped in what T.V. has provided me with over a lifetime of exposure. Do yourself a HUGE favor - BUY THIS BOOK - but you better read it and more importantly UNDERSTAND what you are reading!I highly recommend this book to everyone. Defend yourself FIRST by being well-informed - and this book will set you on that path. Read the quotes provided by many from the MA community and those from the LEO community as well - they pull no punches. Read/consider/re-read, let it all sink in, and read it again. Understanding violence, understanding 'self-defense' as you currently think you know it are likely totally wrong. Really.

If you are in the business of dealing with violence you read to read this and the other Miller books, specifically Meditations on Violence. The man speaks with honesty and clarity - a rarity in this field unfortunately.

One of the best book from Rory

Good book, written by people with real world experience, a good addition for anyone involved in self defence training/teaching. Some of the scenarios are very familiar and their 'take' on them was eye-opening. Obvious now its pointed out, but that's the beauty of it, you can feel the authenticity of the authors.

If you have martial arts training, you need to read this book, especially if you think your training alone will keep you safe.

Great book. One of my best purchases.