Streetwise Self Defence [VHS]

The great strength of this video is that it’s as simple and natural as the techniques he endorses and by that I mean that the structure is simple and as a result very effective. Andy takes us through a range of street scenarios and then shows us how to practice them in the gym before returning once more to the scene of the crime. This straightforward, no nonsense approach reinforces technique through repetition and the video benefits from choosing a small range of easily identifiable “classic” street attacks.

Andy himself is a fluent and confident visual narrator, whether it is walking through the streets discussing the wider principles of self defence, or in the gym breaking down the techniques with the aid of his students. As a result the narrative is clear, concise and informative, especially as it is allied to solid camera work that utilises the clearest angles. The street scenarios are excellent in that they represent situations all of are only too well aware of, (even if only as spectators) and we can therefore relate to them on a personal level. The attacks are filmed in such a way that they have the gritty air of authenticity and a number of the street scenes benefit enormously from having real (as opposed to glamour girl models) women illustrating the defences to emphasise Andy’s argument that technique rather than strength is the key.

The chosen attacks continue the vein of authenticity as they highlight swinging punches and kicks, grapples, chokes, hair grabs, and attacks with knives and pool cues. A lot of thought has gone into making the structure simple and the key to this tape, as to the real training, is repetition. The original street scene is played out (very convincingly by Andy’s students) and then taken to the gym, where it is analysed and broken down into its component parts. We then return to the street with a better understanding as the scene is replayed once more in slow motion. Finally we are taken through training drills that replicate street situations not only in technique terms, but by introducing the pressure element that helps reproduce the adrenaline charged emotions that course through the veins of a potential victim.

This is a classic example of less definitely being more and the 45 minute running time carries no excess weight, just sound advice, solid techniques and realistic scenarios, professionally produced. If nothing else, the all-too believable situations on display will get us all asking that crucial question, “could I deal with an attack when it really counts - on the street?” And that’s got to be a good thing.

This video is a product of real quality. Accessible and eminently informative, this tape will appeal to complete novice or black belt alike, and acts as a genuine introduction to practical street self defence.

From the moment I started watching the tape I was picking up on new techniques to defend myself from open attack either by an individual or a group of persons.

This is definately a No Nonsense approach to Self Defence!