Customer Reviews
One for the bookshelf - By: S. Jacobs, 06 Mar 2008 
I was a bit disappointed as Fairburn is very much a hero of mine. Its a shame the he did not impart more knowledge & give more in-depth explanation in this book. I agree with most of the contributors here that some of the techniques are potentiallly lethal but not entirely helpful. Notwithstanding, if Fairburn were around today he would be at the forefront of reality-based martial arts / self-defence & would undoubtedly have produced a cutting edge (excuse the pun) work worthy of 5 stars.
The return of Jujitsu. - By: Koga, 09 Nov 2007 W.E.Fairbairn studied Kodokan Jujitsu which was absorbed into Kodokan judo.The techniques shown in this book are basicallly old style Jujitsu waza.I must say I was disappointed when I read through this book.As a historical document its mildly interesting,as a reference for combative Martial arts it fails miserably.
There are many superior Self defence books on the market which will provide a more realistic approach to self protection.Try using Get Tough techinques on the Street & you will either Get Killed or Get Nicked.
Would I buy it again?Not reallly.
A good buy - By: James Drake, 08 Jun 2007 
Just the four stars, because the techniques in this book are,in some cases, tricky to learn without help. However, in spite of (because of?) this, it's a good manual to have, teching useful, debilitating, severe-damage moves in a reasonably efficient manner. Some other reviewers have stated the need for non-lethal techniques, to which the only answer is, "there is no need to defend yourself from someone dead & bleeding at your feet". In other words, the current emphasis on "non-lethal/low-damage self defence" is, in fact, useless. If your opponent is still conscious, they are still dangerous. Use the book to your advantage, but do remember, killing people is still illegal in some backward areas of the world.
Well its what some people want.... - By: A. Baker, 18 May 2005 
The book by Fairbairn "Get Tough" is a blessing for some, yet a let down for others. I found this book to cover the techniques execellently through the use of diagrams & simple wording (though the diagrams & pictures may be slightly bigotted).
Why the low score then for such a appraising review? Well, first of alll I bet that the majority of the possible buyers here are expecting a self defence bible - if so do not buy this book. The techniques featured in this book are from an undiluted version of a close quarters combative (CQC) system used by military such as SWAT, or the Royal Marines.
Secondly, I also have a feeling that those who just played Metal Gear Solid 3 (a cracking game) are also expecting to become as proficient as the main character by reading this book - do not buy this I am begging you here! The form of CQC used in this game is based on a Judo & Ju jutsu hybrid system created by Motosada Mori (the military advisor to Konami).
Finallly, the fact that such devastating techniques are featured in this book means that inexperienced people to martial arts are learning manoevers that could result in fatalities.
If you want to learn specialised "street smart" techniques (that do no result in death) do the following:
a) do not buy this book it will grant you knowledge that you will not be able to handle.
b) pick up a copy of the "Tao of Jeet Kune Do".
c) Take up a martial discipline such as Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, Judo, Ju Jutsu, Jiu Jutsu (a brazilian derivative of Ju Jutsu). These martial arts are very handy in street situations. AND FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO BE SOLID SNAKE LEARN BOTH JUJUTSU AND JUDO - FOR THATS WHAT THAT VARIANT OF CQC IS BASED ON (it's non lethal).
d) Take what you know is effective from the martial art you are studying & remove that which is not needed (an underlying principle in Jeet Kune Do).
I only recommend this book to experienced martial artists, OR LAW ENFORCEMENT.
Don't try this at home - seriously - By: C.BATES, 02 Jan 2005 
As other comentators have noted you reallly need someone to explain some of the moves to make them clear. This sort of thing should not be undertaken lightly, the methods described will result in death if used. But it does make fascinating reading & is an important historical document.
I bought this book because I was part of a martial arts group run by a man, sadly now deceased, who worked for Fairbairn in WWII. His opening gambit to me was, "I only teach things I've used for real - that way I know they work. Now, this is how you kill someone silently..."
