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Scaling Force: Dynamic Decision Making Under Threat of Violence
Conflict and violence cover a broad range of behaviors, from intimidation to murder, and require an equally broad range of responses. A kind word will not resolve all situations, nor will wristlocks, punches, or even a gun. Scaling Force introduces the full range of options, from skillfully doing nothing to employing deadly force. You will understand the limits of each type of force, when specific levels may be appropriate, the circumstances under which you may have to apply them, and the potential costs, legally and personally, of your decision.
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Conflict and violence cover a broad range of behaviors, from intimidation to murder, and requires an equally broad range of response. A kind word will not resolve all situations, nor will wristlocks, punches or even a gun.
If you have mastered punching and kicking, what skills do you have to safely stop two friends from fighting? If you are incredibly skilled at locks and takedowns, is it even possible to apply a submission as a way to escape a lethal threat? If you are an expert marksman, what skills do you have to deal with a teenager who wants to cut her own wrists?
Some people study martial arts for self-defense, yet almost any style you can name focuses on a narrow range of responses, typically empty-hand restraint or less lethal force. High-end skills only come into play in true self-defense situations. Unless you're the bad guy, that usually means you're losing. And everything you know about timing, distance and power generation may not work.
To go through life with a narrow range of skills, hoping any emergency will just, by luck, happen to require the skills you have... that's not a strategy. That is whistling in the dark. It's stupidity.
In Scaling Force Kane and Miller introduce you to the full range of options, from skillfully doing nothing to applying deadly force. They realistically guide you through understanding the limits of each type of force, when specific levels may be appropriate, the circumstances under which you may have to apply them, and the potential cost, legally and personally, of your decision.
It's vital to have a holistic skillset for dealing with every level of violence. You must not only know how to enter this scale at the right level, but also be able to articulate why the amount of force you used was appropriate. Use too much and you're looking at prison time; use too little you are in for a world of hurt.
If you do not know how to succeed at all six levels covered in this book there are situations in which you will have no appropriate options. More often than not, that will end badly.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2012
33 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Rory Miller
61 books130 followersSergeant Rory Miller is a corrections officer, a martial artist, and an instructor in both of those areas.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 28, 2013
Rory Miller is a well rounded expert on the subject of self defense. Scaling Force is a great read with a wealth of useful, practical, and realistic information. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the brutal reality of violence and how it can affect you in an attack, from freezing up to the over application of force. I felt that there were many parallels between this book and his other book, Facing Violence (which I preferred more), though both books address important points not included in the other.
April 4, 2015
Self-defense instruction, martial arts, and Krav Maga are selling like hot cakes on a Saturday morning! Why? Some folks simply want to enhance their self-confidence; others have had their peace of mind stolen by the viral fear-breeding in our culture; a few are mesmerized by the glamorous brutality of “Olympus Has Fallen” or “Die Hard”; and then there are those who have been real victims of violence who never want to be victimized again. Into this mix of motives comes a sensible 342 page paperback, “Scaling Force: Dynamic Decision-making under the Threat of Violence” written by Rory Miller and Lawrence A. Kane, both of whom are seasoned in violent confrontations from a law enforcement and security perspective.
“Scaling Force” looks into the bigger scenario of violence and defense, guiding the reader through the various types of violence (social and predatory); situational awareness; legal ramifications of self-defense; and the six levels of force (presence, voice, touch, empty-hand restraint, less-lethal force, and lethal force). The main concept that acts like scaffolding around a building project is the importance of I.M.O.P (Intent, Means, Opportunity, and Preclusion). If you must retaliate or forcefully respond to an assault, you need to be able to vocalize the reasons behind your defense: that the bad guy intended attack; he had the means to do harm; he had the opportunity to actually do you injury; and you were precluded from escaping (36-9). Miller and Kane, like a pack of feral dogs jaw-locked on a piece of bone, will not let the reader forget this, and for good reason; “If one or more of these conditions are absent, you are on shaky legal ground” (36). A milder aspect of this scaffolding is that the victim must know when to (as well as when not to) stop. The authors press home how important it is for the victim not to slide into becoming the victimizer, and the assailed not to become the assailant.
Throughout “Scaling Force” the authors’ premise is doggedly drummed and chanted like a rap song, “The goal of self-defense is not to win the fight, but rather to avoid combat in the first place” (49). Don’t fall into the “Monkey Dance”; don’t look like an easy mark; use your head to avoid an attack; beat the predator at the “victim interview”; beware of the bad guy’s use of dialogue, deception, distraction and destruction. Even the way Miller and Kane picture the moment of combat takes the fascination out of the fight. It’s not going to be pretty; it will likely smell bad and be slimy; nothing will go as nice and neat as your training might make you believe it will; there will probably be arrests and you will be one of the arrested; there are cameras and court scenes after it’s all done; and then there is the personal angst and regret. The authors have done an excellent job in stripping away the theatrical charm many people have about a fight.
With all of the above pulsing through the book, nevertheless “Scaling Force” is about self-defense, and Miller and Kane take it serious. Moving through the different levels of force, they pull out and examine almost every piece, explaining, pointing, and describing. And each section is riddled with personal, real-situation examples. The authors know their business; they know their assailants and aggressors; and (it seems to me) they know their audience. Though the book is packed with tons of information, it will help a reader become less of a victim and more aware of what they could be up against.
“Scaling Force” has one serious glitch, though. In describing moves, holds, bars, and hits, there are no pictures or diagrams. The places on the human body, how one twists, throws, punches and grabs are left to the imagination. To offset this, there is the DVD by the same name. The DVD doesn’t show everything, but it beefs up what is lacking in the book.
I have been very impressed with “Scaling Force”. The tone and tenor of the book is sound, sober minded and sane. It addresses areas most people would never think of with regard to personal protection, as well as showing the holes and blind-spots in most self-defense programs. This book (along with the DVD) would be a significant addition to any martial arts school or self-defense curriculum. I highly recommend the book.
Thanks to YMAA for the free copy of “Scaling Force” used for this review.
“Scaling Force” looks into the bigger scenario of violence and defense, guiding the reader through the various types of violence (social and predatory); situational awareness; legal ramifications of self-defense; and the six levels of force (presence, voice, touch, empty-hand restraint, less-lethal force, and lethal force). The main concept that acts like scaffolding around a building project is the importance of I.M.O.P (Intent, Means, Opportunity, and Preclusion). If you must retaliate or forcefully respond to an assault, you need to be able to vocalize the reasons behind your defense: that the bad guy intended attack; he had the means to do harm; he had the opportunity to actually do you injury; and you were precluded from escaping (36-9). Miller and Kane, like a pack of feral dogs jaw-locked on a piece of bone, will not let the reader forget this, and for good reason; “If one or more of these conditions are absent, you are on shaky legal ground” (36). A milder aspect of this scaffolding is that the victim must know when to (as well as when not to) stop. The authors press home how important it is for the victim not to slide into becoming the victimizer, and the assailed not to become the assailant.
Throughout “Scaling Force” the authors’ premise is doggedly drummed and chanted like a rap song, “The goal of self-defense is not to win the fight, but rather to avoid combat in the first place” (49). Don’t fall into the “Monkey Dance”; don’t look like an easy mark; use your head to avoid an attack; beat the predator at the “victim interview”; beware of the bad guy’s use of dialogue, deception, distraction and destruction. Even the way Miller and Kane picture the moment of combat takes the fascination out of the fight. It’s not going to be pretty; it will likely smell bad and be slimy; nothing will go as nice and neat as your training might make you believe it will; there will probably be arrests and you will be one of the arrested; there are cameras and court scenes after it’s all done; and then there is the personal angst and regret. The authors have done an excellent job in stripping away the theatrical charm many people have about a fight.
With all of the above pulsing through the book, nevertheless “Scaling Force” is about self-defense, and Miller and Kane take it serious. Moving through the different levels of force, they pull out and examine almost every piece, explaining, pointing, and describing. And each section is riddled with personal, real-situation examples. The authors know their business; they know their assailants and aggressors; and (it seems to me) they know their audience. Though the book is packed with tons of information, it will help a reader become less of a victim and more aware of what they could be up against.
“Scaling Force” has one serious glitch, though. In describing moves, holds, bars, and hits, there are no pictures or diagrams. The places on the human body, how one twists, throws, punches and grabs are left to the imagination. To offset this, there is the DVD by the same name. The DVD doesn’t show everything, but it beefs up what is lacking in the book.
I have been very impressed with “Scaling Force”. The tone and tenor of the book is sound, sober minded and sane. It addresses areas most people would never think of with regard to personal protection, as well as showing the holes and blind-spots in most self-defense programs. This book (along with the DVD) would be a significant addition to any martial arts school or self-defense curriculum. I highly recommend the book.
Thanks to YMAA for the free copy of “Scaling Force” used for this review.
December 23, 2012
Excellent, pragmatic, and quite good assessment of the dynamics of making self-defensive decisions at all levels. A must-read for anyone engaged in a workplace or other situations which could turn violent without warning. Should be read by anyone wanting to sound off about preventing other situations like Sandy Hook.
August 9, 2013
From my book review blog at:
http://kickinbooks.wordpress.com/2013...
I was provided a copy of this book by YMAA Publication Center for the purposes of reading and reviewing the book. While it was provided to me at no cost, I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
That said, go out and buy this book. Now.
Unless you live in a bubble and never interact with others, which not likely the case if you're reading this blog, you have the opportunity of interacting with others in a potentially violent way. Sure, do what you can to avoid circumstances, etc., but things happen despite our best laid plans.
This is exactly where "Scaling Force" comes in. It addresses in extensive detail the six levels of force, in ascending order:
Presence - This can be a law enforcement, bouncer, security or other presence of authority, or it could simply be witnesses when the attacker doesn't wish his actions to be seen. Sometimes it's enough to de-escalate. In the case of social violence, where pecking order and ascension in a hierarchy require validation of actions, it's actually enough to cause the violence to happen.
Voice - Sometimes proper use of our voice is enough calm a situation. Other times the words you choose and how you say it (body language, facial expressions, rate, tone, volume, etc.) are enough to escalate the encounter.
Touch - This can be anything from a girlfriend's "It ain't worth it, baby" light touch on a forearm to grabbing someone on their triceps to redirect or guide them. The point here is that it's intended to be non-threatening, but it won't always be interpreted that way.
Empty-Hand Restraint - This is when you actually are using force to detain or control someone against their will.
Less Than Lethal Force - Notice I didn't say "non-lethal force". The point of this level is intent. A punch to the stomach isn't typically enough to rate as lethal force, but if the other person falls forward and hits his head on a table, killing him, guess what? That's lethal force. This level could also include joint destructions, throws, etc.
Lethal Force - Without a doubt, the absolute last resort in most cases. This is the application of force with the intent to kill.
The authors go into much more detail of each level. They are also careful to express that the above is not a ladder. You don't always move from one level to another in a direct progression. You may have to go straight from Level 2 (Voice) to Level 6 (Lethal Force), depending on the actions of your attacker(s). Or sometimes it fluctuates as tempers cool and then flare again. You have to be able to recognize the appropriate level of response and act.
Miller and Kane also spend a lot of time talking about legalities related to the use of each level. While this is not meant to be construed as legal advice, it will definitely give you something to think about. There is even a break immediately preceding Level 4 where the authors are clear to point out that if you apply anything in Level 4 or 5, congratulations! You've just committed a crime. Sure, it may be justified, and you better hope you've got the attorney to prove it, but once you put make contact with the intent to harm someone, it's a crime.
Throughout the book are real-world examples provided by the authors, mostly of their own experiences in security or law enforcement, to help you understand the dynamics of each situation they are discussing. They are also very clear in helping the reader understand that everything they are talking about is still fuzzy in interpretation. What feels like the exact same scenario at different times could have completely different outcomes, even if you take the same course of action. That's why you have to be able to adapt to the situation on the fly. Quickly.
Overall, this is an outstanding reference for everyone, not just martial artists, bouncers, LEOs, etc. Everyone has the chance of finding themselves in a potentially violent encounter, and they certainly don't want to have On The Job training, so to speak, if they can forewarn and educate themselves.
Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)
http://kickinbooks.wordpress.com/2013...
I was provided a copy of this book by YMAA Publication Center for the purposes of reading and reviewing the book. While it was provided to me at no cost, I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
That said, go out and buy this book. Now.
Unless you live in a bubble and never interact with others, which not likely the case if you're reading this blog, you have the opportunity of interacting with others in a potentially violent way. Sure, do what you can to avoid circumstances, etc., but things happen despite our best laid plans.
This is exactly where "Scaling Force" comes in. It addresses in extensive detail the six levels of force, in ascending order:
Presence - This can be a law enforcement, bouncer, security or other presence of authority, or it could simply be witnesses when the attacker doesn't wish his actions to be seen. Sometimes it's enough to de-escalate. In the case of social violence, where pecking order and ascension in a hierarchy require validation of actions, it's actually enough to cause the violence to happen.
Voice - Sometimes proper use of our voice is enough calm a situation. Other times the words you choose and how you say it (body language, facial expressions, rate, tone, volume, etc.) are enough to escalate the encounter.
Touch - This can be anything from a girlfriend's "It ain't worth it, baby" light touch on a forearm to grabbing someone on their triceps to redirect or guide them. The point here is that it's intended to be non-threatening, but it won't always be interpreted that way.
Empty-Hand Restraint - This is when you actually are using force to detain or control someone against their will.
Less Than Lethal Force - Notice I didn't say "non-lethal force". The point of this level is intent. A punch to the stomach isn't typically enough to rate as lethal force, but if the other person falls forward and hits his head on a table, killing him, guess what? That's lethal force. This level could also include joint destructions, throws, etc.
Lethal Force - Without a doubt, the absolute last resort in most cases. This is the application of force with the intent to kill.
The authors go into much more detail of each level. They are also careful to express that the above is not a ladder. You don't always move from one level to another in a direct progression. You may have to go straight from Level 2 (Voice) to Level 6 (Lethal Force), depending on the actions of your attacker(s). Or sometimes it fluctuates as tempers cool and then flare again. You have to be able to recognize the appropriate level of response and act.
Miller and Kane also spend a lot of time talking about legalities related to the use of each level. While this is not meant to be construed as legal advice, it will definitely give you something to think about. There is even a break immediately preceding Level 4 where the authors are clear to point out that if you apply anything in Level 4 or 5, congratulations! You've just committed a crime. Sure, it may be justified, and you better hope you've got the attorney to prove it, but once you put make contact with the intent to harm someone, it's a crime.
Throughout the book are real-world examples provided by the authors, mostly of their own experiences in security or law enforcement, to help you understand the dynamics of each situation they are discussing. They are also very clear in helping the reader understand that everything they are talking about is still fuzzy in interpretation. What feels like the exact same scenario at different times could have completely different outcomes, even if you take the same course of action. That's why you have to be able to adapt to the situation on the fly. Quickly.
Overall, this is an outstanding reference for everyone, not just martial artists, bouncers, LEOs, etc. Everyone has the chance of finding themselves in a potentially violent encounter, and they certainly don't want to have On The Job training, so to speak, if they can forewarn and educate themselves.
Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)
June 1, 2013
Chock-Full of Practical, Eye-Opening Advice
Don't read this book if you are looking to extend your fantasy of glorious, heroic, movie-like violence because this book and its experienced authors will blow a gaping hole in the side of that ship.
I picked up this book because I saw Rory Miller's name on it, but I almost gave up on the book half-way through reading the first forward which I found to be overly braggadocious and unnecessarily crude.
I am certainly glad that I hung on and persevered! The content of the book is full of extremely valuable information. I found myself constantly highlighting through the entire book.
Numerous real-life stories perfectly illustrated the logically proffered advice that was evidently based on real world experience.
Don't read this book if you are looking to extend your fantasy of glorious, heroic, movie-like violence because this book and its experienced authors will blow a gaping hole in the side of that ship.
I picked up this book because I saw Rory Miller's name on it, but I almost gave up on the book half-way through reading the first forward which I found to be overly braggadocious and unnecessarily crude.
I am certainly glad that I hung on and persevered! The content of the book is full of extremely valuable information. I found myself constantly highlighting through the entire book.
Numerous real-life stories perfectly illustrated the logically proffered advice that was evidently based on real world experience.
April 10, 2013
An excellent book that I would recommend for anyone in security or self defence, or looking to become a more 'complete' martial artist or fighter.
Rory does an excellent job outlining what violence is, the types of violence you may encounter, and the levels of force that can be used (the majority of the book covers the levels of force). He outlines legal issues you should consider and also gets you to think hard about what your actions would mean from a physical, mental, and legal point of view through questions and stories throughout the book.
June 18, 2013
Great book that was largely a "copy paste" from his other works. Some original and interesting parts though.
September 14, 2018
Solid book about the force continuum and general principles of decision making in violent situations. Emphasizes the extreme value of presence and verbal communication (levels 1 and 2), and the challenges of 4, 5, and 6 (empty hand restraint, less-lethal, and lethal force). I'm a fan of Rory Miller's books, as they provide a lot of examples from his own life (corrections and policing, in particular), aren't dull, and don't over-simplify things into universal rules.
I did find a lot of the level 4 stuff pointless (and he even said explicitly that it generally is only applicable to police and security); in general, unless it's being applied to someone you explicitly do not want to injure but dramatically overmatch (misbehaving child, drunken friend), a private individual is going to go from verbal to avoiding the situation, or in extreme cases less-lethal or lethal force without anything in between.
I did find a lot of the level 4 stuff pointless (and he even said explicitly that it generally is only applicable to police and security); in general, unless it's being applied to someone you explicitly do not want to injure but dramatically overmatch (misbehaving child, drunken friend), a private individual is going to go from verbal to avoiding the situation, or in extreme cases less-lethal or lethal force without anything in between.
July 14, 2019
If you have a serious interest in protecting yourself, you should consider reading this book and everything else Rory Miller has written.
If you teach self-defense professionally, you MUST read everything written by Rory Miller if you care about doing your job the best it can be done. This is not debatable. Every competent self-defense instructor would agree with this statement.
I teach Karate and self-defense internationally and have for several decades. And I talk about Rory Miller often. When people ask me which book I suggest they read, I always say "All of them!"
You can thank me later. ;-)
If you teach self-defense professionally, you MUST read everything written by Rory Miller if you care about doing your job the best it can be done. This is not debatable. Every competent self-defense instructor would agree with this statement.
I teach Karate and self-defense internationally and have for several decades. And I talk about Rory Miller often. When people ask me which book I suggest they read, I always say "All of them!"
You can thank me later. ;-)
February 6, 2015
ObDisclaimer: I know the author, not on a "personal friend" level, but I have gone to several of his seminars. So weigh that in your opinion of my opinion. [grin]
I have enthusiastically recommended some of Miller's earlier books for people who are looking for a self-defense primer. They're not meant to teach you how to fight, but they are meant to help you spot, avoid, and tailor your response to the signs of trouble. This book is also not meant to teach you how to fight, but it's one I'll be recommending to people who are likely to somewhat regularly encounter fraught or violent situations. (I'd say "to martial artists", but many people who want to be martial artists don't want to go into situations where there are going to be fights for real.) I appreciate the thoroughness of this book for covering the different possible levels of response, including being there, talking someone down, defusing situations, and leaving. Lots of folks don't consider these as part of a martial artist's repertoire, but they're a centrally important part of the skillset. If you've read Miller's previous books then substantial parts of this one are going to be review to you. If you haven't, I'd recommend "Meditations on Violence" as a lengthier and more thoughtful exposition on some of the different kinds of group violence out there -- it's touched on but not covered in depth here. Either way, it's a good read.
I have enthusiastically recommended some of Miller's earlier books for people who are looking for a self-defense primer. They're not meant to teach you how to fight, but they are meant to help you spot, avoid, and tailor your response to the signs of trouble. This book is also not meant to teach you how to fight, but it's one I'll be recommending to people who are likely to somewhat regularly encounter fraught or violent situations. (I'd say "to martial artists", but many people who want to be martial artists don't want to go into situations where there are going to be fights for real.) I appreciate the thoroughness of this book for covering the different possible levels of response, including being there, talking someone down, defusing situations, and leaving. Lots of folks don't consider these as part of a martial artist's repertoire, but they're a centrally important part of the skillset. If you've read Miller's previous books then substantial parts of this one are going to be review to you. If you haven't, I'd recommend "Meditations on Violence" as a lengthier and more thoughtful exposition on some of the different kinds of group violence out there -- it's touched on but not covered in depth here. Either way, it's a good read.
July 28, 2013
Excellent book on the levels of force, the first 4 of which folks don't normally associate with the word 'force'. Rory Miller has worked in jails and prisons with the worst of the worst for 20 years and seems to have escaped being jaded by the experience. His writing is at all times professional and while he doesn't sugar-coat his advice, is nevertheless very direct. He dispels a great many myths and misconceptions. Even for the reader who's only interested in the initial 4 levels, I would recommend reading all the way through Level 6 (Lethal Force).
The techniques described in this book in Levels 1 through 4 are as useful in business and family relationships as they are in averting violence on the street. Levels 5 and 6 are never chosen by the victim, they are forced on us. That being the case it behooves us to know what we can and cannot do in such an undesired situation.
Mr Miller echo's my answer to someone who asked me what I thought the best martial arts move was. My answer, don't be there when bad stuff is about to happen. It's better to avoid a fight than win one. It's better to run from a fight than to seek one. It's not unmanly, it's good strategy and good sense for those of us who value our freedom. The law takes a dim view of fighting. Self defense is not fighting.
The techniques described in this book in Levels 1 through 4 are as useful in business and family relationships as they are in averting violence on the street. Levels 5 and 6 are never chosen by the victim, they are forced on us. That being the case it behooves us to know what we can and cannot do in such an undesired situation.
Mr Miller echo's my answer to someone who asked me what I thought the best martial arts move was. My answer, don't be there when bad stuff is about to happen. It's better to avoid a fight than win one. It's better to run from a fight than to seek one. It's not unmanly, it's good strategy and good sense for those of us who value our freedom. The law takes a dim view of fighting. Self defense is not fighting.
March 30, 2013
To date this is the best martial arts/self-defense book I've ever read.
Both authors understand the nature of violence and how best to deal with it. Refreshingly, they spend a good deal of time going over methods of avoiding violence before it occurs. They also discuss the social dynamics of violence, something most self-defense books don't do.
The book is candid...even necessarily harsh. The language is often vulgar. The descriptions of violence are graphic. If you can't handle such stuff, I'd make the argument you're not mature enough to approach the topic realistically.
It's roughly written and poorly edited. It has the limitations that all print media has in regards to physical movement. Those criticisms aside, I'd go so far as to say every martial arts instructor who teaches self defense skills should read this book...
...and then do as I did. I bought three more copies and handed them out to the black belts in my school.
My next purchase will be "Meditations On Violence", by one of the authors, Rory Miller. Anything either man writes on the subject is going on my shelf.
Both authors understand the nature of violence and how best to deal with it. Refreshingly, they spend a good deal of time going over methods of avoiding violence before it occurs. They also discuss the social dynamics of violence, something most self-defense books don't do.
The book is candid...even necessarily harsh. The language is often vulgar. The descriptions of violence are graphic. If you can't handle such stuff, I'd make the argument you're not mature enough to approach the topic realistically.
It's roughly written and poorly edited. It has the limitations that all print media has in regards to physical movement. Those criticisms aside, I'd go so far as to say every martial arts instructor who teaches self defense skills should read this book...
...and then do as I did. I bought three more copies and handed them out to the black belts in my school.
My next purchase will be "Meditations On Violence", by one of the authors, Rory Miller. Anything either man writes on the subject is going on my shelf.
June 6, 2013
Practical readable guide to dealing with the risk of human-human violence and the threat of violence, without losing your head, your life or your liberty. There are simple alertness and defensive drills everybody can practise and frank case stories in first-person and third-person (bystander) situations.
While this is most relevant for readers in a civil security force such as police and security guards, self-defence is discussed and basic techniques may be applicable to everybody. Readers with a violent conviction may have a "if only I'd known" feeling reading simple clear passages about the legal requirements to prove self-defence in criminal and civil cases under U.S. law. In the e-book edition I read, there are hyperlinks for footnotes, headings, and cross-references in the index. There is a short glossary and a comprehensive index at the end. A bibliography provides further references.
I read a review copy from the publisher.
While this is most relevant for readers in a civil security force such as police and security guards, self-defence is discussed and basic techniques may be applicable to everybody. Readers with a violent conviction may have a "if only I'd known" feeling reading simple clear passages about the legal requirements to prove self-defence in criminal and civil cases under U.S. law. In the e-book edition I read, there are hyperlinks for footnotes, headings, and cross-references in the index. There is a short glossary and a comprehensive index at the end. A bibliography provides further references.
I read a review copy from the publisher.
April 19, 2021
For a martial arts discussion group that I lead, I finished re-reading Scaling Force for a second time. We covered one chapter/level each week. If you have read Roy Miller's or Lawrence Kane's other works you will enjoy this. The stories are not quite as interesting as Facing Violence or Meditations on Violence, but the topics of escalation and de-escalation are more well thought out. It covers the techniques, methods and preparation for the 6 levels of potential violence.
Sections on targeting were interesting to me and the authors share experiences that I hope I never will have. I recommend other readers to checkout the the Little Black Book on Violence and Training for Sudden Violence: 72 Practical Drills to complement this material.
Sections on targeting were interesting to me and the authors share experiences that I hope I never will have. I recommend other readers to checkout the the Little Black Book on Violence and Training for Sudden Violence: 72 Practical Drills to complement this material.
March 1, 2013
Written by the best, Rory Miller and Lawrence A. Kane, two authors that know more about violence than most will find in their life time. The book cover says, "Use too much force and you are going to jail. Use too little force and you're in for a world of hurt." I don't think I could sum it up better. This book focuses on how to stop violence BEFORE it happens, how to choose the appropriate response to violence, and how to avoid going to jail for defending yourself. It's smartly peppered with short synopsis of actual events that teach you why, what not and what to do in a given situation. Really excellent.
April 21, 2015
Must for martial artist who train or teach self-defense
It gave me refreshers and pointers for self-defense training. I also found new subject matters to add to our women's self-defense classes especially psychological factors and preparedness to violence. I look at my training different understanding the true severity of damage I can cause so I will teach class with better warnings of damage and legal responsibility. Teaching how to scale violence thus your level of force is a must to avoid sending students to jail.
It gave me refreshers and pointers for self-defense training. I also found new subject matters to add to our women's self-defense classes especially psychological factors and preparedness to violence. I look at my training different understanding the true severity of damage I can cause so I will teach class with better warnings of damage and legal responsibility. Teaching how to scale violence thus your level of force is a must to avoid sending students to jail.
August 7, 2013
The title clearly says what the book is. This is a guide, to use of force, when certain levels are appropriate, and a guide to what the consequences of using those levels of force will be. Every martial artist should read this, and every citizen could use the information contained within.
July 17, 2014
This may be the most directly applicable to my own practice of Miller's books that I have read so far. (I have not read Kane's book, but I am familiar with him through his podcast, so can't compare it to his other written work.)
February 14, 2015
I'm a big fan of Miller and this is another great insight to the world of violence. What to consider and how do deal with potentially violent situations - and how to deal with what comea after. Highly recommended to the student of human behaviour, violence and aelf-defence.
February 28, 2013
If you are a martial artist or carry a weapon you must read this book. It is extremely well written, insightful, and informative.
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