Book Review: Meditations on Violence

Many people begin their study of the martial arts with the intention of developing self defense capabilities.  Yet few people appreciate that the subject of violence is a complex one, and that self defense is as much a legal concept as it is a physical one (much less an ethical or moral one).

Is a bar fight self defense?  What about stomping a would be mugger’s throat after sweeping him to the ground?  What’s the best way to train for a “real fight?”

Enter Rory Miller: a lifelong martial artist who worked corrections and booking for 17 years, dealing with violent criminals on a daily basis. And he has some very important things to share about the differences between classical martial arts training, combat sports, fights for social reasons (monkey dancing), and criminal assault.

His practical experiences coupled not only with his martial arts skills but his studies in writing and psychology come together in Meditations on Violence.

I cannot recommend this book enough.  I consider it essential reading for martial artists in the same vein that others may speak of Musashi’s Book of Five Rings or Sun Tzu’s Art of War.

More than any other author, Miller effectively explains why fighting and self defense are not the same thing.  You may be an excellent martial artist or competitor, but that does not mean that your practice is geared towards self defense.

 In an era where more people than ever have the chance to study martial arts recreationally, understanding the difference in context, environment, legal ramifications, and intent between a tournament, a pair of young men squaring off at a club, and criminal assault becomes key.  Not all techniques or strategies are appropriate (or legal). A sparring or dueling mindset can get you killed against a violent attacker whose sole motivation is to cause overwhelming harm.  Likewise, breaking your drunk uncle’s neck at a family reunion is uncalled for and unnecessary.

Recognizing what you are trying to get out of your martial arts training and focusing appropriately is essential.  That does not mean you cannot seek multiple goals within your training; merely that you should recognize what you are training for in any given session.

I can also say that Miller’s professional opinions as far as training methods and physical techniques are hand in hand with KunTao Silat and reinforce how lucky I feel to study it.  In fact, Miller’s follow up book, Facing Violence, recommends the Bella Lugosi Pose ( he calls it, “Dracula’s Cape”) and the Morote Uke or reinforced block (which is called “Besot” in Bahasa Indonesia) as the two best automatic responses to violent ambush in his practical experience; both of these postures are straight out of Djurus Satu.  Moreover, the mindset of ruthless counterattack against assault is the same as KunTao Silat’s essential combat philosophy.

Even if you are studying KunTao Silat for health, artistic expression, or some other non-combative reason, I still encourage everyone to read Meditations on Violence.  The hard won lessons therein will serve you well throughout your training.

Dr. Jon