Page 9 - Pat O'Keeffe Combat Kick Boxing

Foreword

It is a great pleasure for me to write the foreword to this new book by Pat O’Keeffe,
not least because its subject matter – self-protection – is one that is close to my
heart. Most people seem to broach the subject of self-protection via books, videos
and classes, in a totally unrealistic manner. They cram page upon page, frame
upon frame and speech upon speech with unrealistic and totally unworkable
physical techniques that would have you falling at the first hurdle in your bid to
protect yourself or those that you love. This book is refreshingly different; it is far
more comprehensive and contemporary, it prepares people for reality with honesty
and integrity. We need books of this quality if we are going to stay safe on the
volatile streets, and equally we need gutsy authors and instructors like Pat who
have the wherewithal to take life-saving information and convert it into readable
and legible ink.
This marvellous book covers everything you might need to avoid, escape or
survive a real attack, from the all important awareness, which allows you to avoid
conflict before it even begins, to vital targets, to the very controversial, but
imperative pre-emptive strike. The inclusion of the latter – the pre-emptive strike
– is impressive. Why? Because Pat is one of the very few people in the martial arts’
world brave enough to get off the fence and underline its validity in real combat.
I know of many credible martial artists who will privately admit the importance
of striking first when your life is threatened, but only the smallest minority have
the courage of their convictions to place their views in print.
There is a massive responsibility when you write a book on personal protection,
because if you are not honest with people and do not tell them how it is, warts
and all, then you fail to prepare them, or even worse you ill-prepare them, and
that could cost them their life. Pat has shouldered that responsibility admirably;
he has stepped up to the plate with courage and I commend him for that. I highly
recommend this book because it tells it how it really is. Please read it and get your
kids to read it; the information might be all you need to escape serious attack, or
even death.

Geoff Thompson
Coventry 2002

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