Total Body Self Defence [DVD]

This is a clear and detailed self-defence DVD. Unlike many training programs, Total Body Self Defence appears to assume that the viewer has some common sense to start with. Rather than it being a step by step idiots guide, it's lends itself to being more like a demonstration/seminar on self-defence, which is then clearly explained to you after the demonstration.
I teach a kickboxing class, which doesn't involve too much locking or grappling, but I have already incorporated some of the techniques from TBSD into the training.
The breakdown of each move is clearly shown & can be viewed from multi angles, sections can easily be repeated & the team explain not only what they are doing but why as well.
This isn't just some guy with a camcorder in his dojo - These guys have thought about this and put together a superb training DVD.

Please do not buy this DVD if you are looking for an action film - it is an introduction to a highly effective form of self-defence and the concept of learning about this from a DVD may seem strange at first, but bear with me.

You won't immediately learn overnight to fight off hordes of armed men by watching this DVD, but then you're not going to run the London marathon by just watching Nell McAndrew's latest aerobics DVD either.

Honesty is usually the best policy, only if because it is less work then lying and less embarrassing than getting caught lying. This DVD has been made by Alun Williams and his senior students. Years ago, I was one of Alun's regular students. I rate his personal abilities as a martial artist and instructor very highly but I didn't quite know what to make of the idea of making a DVD when he floated it over six years ago and was prepared to be critical. Labours of love can often turn out to be only interesting or relevant to the producer; and highly embarrassing for those who try to remain diplomatic when asked their opinion.

Years have passed since work and circumstances took me away from Alun's instruction and I was recently made aware of the DVD being released and bought a copy for old times sake, probably out of an even mixture of curiosity and loyalty to old friends.

You can view Alun's impressive credentials on his equally impressive website - http://www.totalbodydefence.com - so I won't replicate them here.

I'm taking the time to write a review, so is it any good? Yes, unequivocally, yes it is. Most DVDs have a main body of film followed by extras, special features and hidden bonuses depending upon the style, content and quality. Total Body Defence is more like a living library book and introduces you swiftly and easily to this effective, practical and accessible form of self-defence.

The production team have taken the sensible decision to compartmentalise eight core techniques and offer these with a level of precision, imagination and detail that immediately catches your eye and your attention.

Each of the techniques can be viewed from multiple angles, all sides and above. All of the views can be flipped to see the view of the person attacking and the person defending themselves. You can watch the techniques being deployed at speed from all of these angles or you can watch frame by frame in still photography. Every technique has an 'instruction' option in which Alun demonstrates it slowly and in great detail; step by step and teaching it to the viewer as he goes. The depth of information is substantial and every strike and body movement is explained and can be viewed from various angles. There is also a 'Matt-Man' option (inspired by Matt Hall, one of Alun's students upon whom many of the techniques are demonstrated) which shows in CGI anatomical detail the effect of each strike, lock or movement along with its intention and consequence.

Previous attempts to show martial arts on video or DVD have faltered because they have been limited either by the technology of the time or the presentation of the material. This DVD does not have a set running time and you can dip in and out of it as you wish. It requires no prior knowledge, yet does not patronise the experienced practitioner. It allows you to see what you need or want to see clearly and from many different perspectives.

Not for nothing was 'Total Body Defence' awarded DVD of the year at SENI 2008 (the biggest European martial arts exhibition and show-area). I'm almost moved to disregard that in favour of a more subjective but wider-ranging praise - this is a DVD presentation that can and should transcend specialist retailers and those interested in the field. It is a fantastic presentation in its own right, as I have seen from the reaction of non-martial arts interested friends and family who have taken a look while I have been watching it and sat down and watched it themselves.

Who might buy this DVD? Anyone interested in martial arts at any level will immediately appreciate the level of skill and application on show here. There is genuine learning for students of all levels and preferences and this includes complete beginners or those who may never consider buying such a DVD. Maybe you want an idea about self-defence but lack the time or self-confidence to visit a class? Maybe you want to add some fresh ideas to your own established training routine? You won't regret spending a bit of time with this DVD.

If you've tolerated my rambling this long, then please indulge me one favour. Don't switch off and say any of the following:

"There's no point watching that - it's not real."
"I do (insert martial art of choice here) and it's much better."
"How will I know if it works or not?"

This DVD doesn't claim to be the second coming and able to transform your defensive capabilities overnight and no DVD, video, live presentation or internet viral could be. What this DVD gives is a detailed and accessible introduction and instruction into a highly effective martial art and form of self-defence. This is not a contest with or criticism of other arts styles or systems - it's a fantastic opportunity to learn about this one and I stress again - an excellent presentation in its own right.

There are inputs on defences against weapons, including knives and guns included on the extras, but throughout it is stressed that these techniques are not infallible and that this is a very bad situation to be in. No stupid or untrue claims are made and this DVD responsibly stresses what self-defence training should give you - maybe an idea, option or slim chance to escape or lessen the impact or effect of a potentially horrible, violent and unprovoked incident that you find yourself trapped in through no fault of your own; without any other option to fall back on.

Ultimately this is a DVD about self-defence. Not prize fighting or competition point-scoring. You may never have cause to use the techniques you see on this DVD and most people sincerely hope that they will never have to. In terms of effective ideas about violent self-preservation, this DVD offers distilled and effortlessly enjoyable information and will assist you with both technique and application.

I struggle to see how the main body of the DVD showcasing the eight techniques could possibly be improved. The sheer user-friendly nature of the menus just makes you want to use the DVD again and again.

I would counsel that the extras are exactly that. There are some very good presentations on footwork, weapon attacks and some demonstrations by Alun and his students who have featured on the DVD, showing their individual styles. These are well worth seeing, but are not in the detail of the eight main techniques. It really is worth working your way through the main body of the DVD or at least playing with it before viewing the extras. This is purely because the technique menus and interface are so good and also because the extras make more sense when viewed afterwards, especially for viewers new to martial arts.

One interesting point on the footage of Alun's students on the extras - it shows how this style of self-defence can work for all shapes and sizes of people and for different levels of fitness. Don't assume that you're too fat/thin/short/tall - the evidence is there on the screen that everyone can defend themselves when they work to their strengths.

Don't be put off by the apparently niche nature of this DVD. I offer what I consider to be the sincerest praise - watching makes me want start training again. Remember how watching a fantastic sporting event can make you lace up your trainers or how a good meal can cause you to put down the micro-food and take the time to cook for yourself. Watch this DVD and you will find yourself on your feet, evading, striking and then watching it again from the fifth angle for the third time.

Feel free to call me a liar if you don't.

This DVD has been a long time in the making, I can say, however, that the result is more than worth the wait, as 'Total Body Defence' is the most comprehensive and inter-active DVD I have reviewed and is quite literally the next best thing to having personal tuition with Alun in a live class. 'Total Body Defence' has taken the technology available and run with it, presenting the viewer with a multitude of practical options, packing the DVD with relevant information and visual flair, to the point that I believe 'Total Body Defence' is now the template for the modern self-defence DVD.

There is so much to admire here and foremost is the fact that Alun readily brings his regular instructors into the mix. This might seem a minor detail but it is important in that it proves the techniques do not simply work for their originator but also for those he teaches as well. Alun himself is a fluid communicator, both verbally and physically and acts as an able and engaging host. Whilst talking about the physical elements, Alun wisely concentrates on just eight techniques, giving the viewer variety without weighing them down with too much choice, a genuine case of 'less is more'. The techniques are straightforward yet explosive and incorporate striking, grappling and footwork, the culmination of Alun's years in Goshinkwai Yawara and twenty odd years in the martial arts overall.

If we take Alun William's ability and experience as a given, what is a revelation are the technical elements of the DVD that emphasise just how much work has gone into this superior offering. Each technique has its own (very easy to navigate) page and within this framework the potential student has multiple inter-linked options, the whole providing a complete dissection of the technique in the most comprehensive audio/visual manner.

Everything is shot using five cameras therefore the technique is displayed from a variety of angles and ranges, even the demo section benefiting from 3 separate angles. The instructional aspect is handled very much as a class environment, with Alun demonstrating and talking through the technique as it is repeated from varying angles.

So far par for the course but where the DVD really ex cells is in the extra features that can be found for each technique, notably the simple but very effective flip technique mode that instantly reverses the action. Added to this is a commentary track that imparts valuable additional information that would be too 'wordy' for the instructional section but really adds an extra dimension to the viewers understanding of the technique.

If this were not enough there is the magazine style slide-show that further breaks down the technique and a unique 'Matt' man, giving a biological insight into the effect the strikes and locks have anatomically on bones, muscle and tissue.

The result is a technique that is explored thoroughly both practically and theoretically to provide an in-depth rather than surface understanding of the mechanics involved.

It almost sounds too good to be true but 'Total Body Defence' really is that slick, professional and informative. There's even icing on the cake, in the form of a number of extra features, including defence against gun and knife and, before I hear you groan, Alun is at pains to point out that defence against such weapons is a controversial area and insists that his techniques are not a guaranteed solution rather they offer the viewer slightly better odds in a genuinely life-threatening situation. To conclude, this is the best DVD I have seen in terms of presentation, content and style.

Malcolm Martin martial arts commentator for Sky and Channel 5