I agree with you that BJJ does not have all the answers, for sure. But IF you end up on the ground, especially with a much larger attacker, you need to have basic BJJ skills to be able to escape. Those BJJ skills should ideally be complemented by dirty tactics that will give you a greater advantage. However without the fundamental understanding of position, how to escape from an inferior position, etc., you’re really not going to have a chance on the ground.

I also agree with you that if you’re drunk or caught completely off guard there is no technique that’s going to help you. That’s why I say awareness and prevention is 95% of self defense, and anyone can learn to be aware of their surroundings without spending a great deal of time training in physical self defense.

BUT, I think people who teach others that physical “tips and tricks” alone are sufficient for self defense are doing a real disservice. Like you said, there’s no technique in the world that’s going to help you if you’re caught completely off guard and outweighed by 50-100lbs. However, being aware of your surroundings combined with solid techniques and training methods (especially if they involve weapons) will. In my self defense ebook I explain what it really takes to defend yourself, and provide the techniques and training methods to get to that point. I completely understand if someone doesn’t have the time or desire to train enough to be able to defend themselves. But that doesn’t diminish the fact that a few physical tips alone aren’t going to save them. Anyway, good points!

As far as self defense on the ground, BJJ is probably the best form around, but it does not have all the answers. All the technique in the world is not going to get you away from a man who has you outweighed by 50 to 100 lbs, especially if you are drunk, sick, or caught completely off guard. We don’t all have the time or money to learn bjj, or any form of self defense for that matter; but we can all practice being aware of who may be creeping up behind us.

“Tips and Tricks” can be useful, as it is better to have a little knowledge than none at all. It would be nice to be able to practice self defense 3 to 4 days a week for the rest of out lives, but it isnt realistic. The reality is, most of us work at jobs that don’t require us to be self defense experts, so the intrest just isnt there.

I, for one, would definately buy your book. I am a firm believer in self defense, and the more knowledge a person can absorb, the better off they will be. But a specific style, system or philosophy is not going to save anyone. Life is just too unpredictable.