Links to Useful Websites

Many of the websites below offer instructional videos and DVDs. Some of these can be valuable educational resources. However, it is very helpful to have had some hands on training with a qualified instructor in some type of martial art or self defense system in order to get the most benefit from them. Even then, you must practice what you have learned with a partner. If something on a tape seems to be too complex for you to learn fairly easily, it is probably too complex to be of much real value to you in an actual self defense situation.

Brain Development and Learning: Making Sense of Science  

This is a conference offered by the University of British Columbia on July 12th to 15th 2008. The purpose of the conference is to enrich and improve the lives of children by making cutting-edge research in neuroscience and child development available, relevant, and understandable to those who work with children on a daily basis (regular people -- not researchers -- parents, family physicians, educators, therapists).

WR Mann www.realfighting.com

WR Mann, the publisher of this very popular reality based self defense site, has received some training from KIDPOWER and is an advisor to our organization in issues related to defense against weapons. Issue #8 of his website has a very detailed lead article on KIDPOWER written by our Executive Director, Irene van der Zande.

Marc MacYoung www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/home.html

Lots of information from someone with plenty of experience on the street. Great volumes of written information. WARNING! Marc does sometimes use profanity in his writing to make a point, more in his books than on his web site.

Tony Blauer www.tonyblauer.com/

Canadian self defense authority with a mixed martial arts background in wrestling, Tai-kwan-do, and boxing. The emphasis in on tools and tactics, rather than specific techniques. He has some good videos, although they are a bit on the expensive side, and the production quality is somewhat lacking. His child safety video in not among his better offerings. The audio tapes are an excellent value.
 

Sanford Strong www.sanfordstrong.com/

Author of Strong on Defense, one of the best safety and self defense books I have read. He is a former marine and police officer. The book is excellent. The web site does not seem to have much new to offer.

Geoff Thompson www.geoffthompson.com/

Former doorman in one of the toughest parts of London. His book Dead or Alive, the Choice is Yours is a good summary of many of his other books. He is a very interesting character with much to offer. His perspective is strongly influenced by his experience as a bouncer, but his material does generalize well to other situations.

Geoff’s book, Watch My Back, which chronicles his nine years on the door, is an interesting read because it provides insight into his self defense philosophy. He has a whole series of self defense manuals. Among the best are also The Fence, and The Art of Fighting Without Fighting.

Vee Arnis Jitsu www.veearnisjitsu.com/

These folks have some very interesting, high quality videos for those interested in a practical, mixed martial arts approach to self defense.

Wolfe Self Defense www.defendo.com/wolfes/index.html

Based right here in North Vancouver. Bill Wolfe has a background in Hapkido, the military, and law enforcement. He has an extensive line of video tapes and DVDs, which are among the best I have seen. Some of the techniques used are quite complex, and could only be mastered with considerable training. However, there is lots of good, practical stuff as well. Training at Wolfes Self Defense provides exposure to a very eclectic style of self defense, and a very good cardiovascular workout. Classes are very informal, but Bill does like to make you sweat.