Phil Elmore

The sword has been a brutally effective weapon for thousands of years, but try to find instruction on using one for self-defense today and you're liable to find nothing but books written by dojo-dwelling, gi-wearing marital artists hung up on ancient traditions and picture-perfect stances. For the modern sword afficionado looking for real-world advice, author and pragmatic martial artist Phil Elmore wipes the slate clean with Street Sword: Practical Use of the Long Blade for Self-Defense.

Despite attempts by elitists to romanticize, deify, or otherwise elevate it into a mystical artifact, Elmore treats the sword like a tool for delivering force, period. It's a great big knife. It's a sharp bat. It's a really long, really strong pointed stick. These are all the things master swordsmen will tell you the sword is not-and in the context of their very specific dueliing arts, they're right. In the wider and more appropriate context of using the sword to defend yourself, however, there is nothing that makes the sword special. It is a mundane object that obeys the laws of physics, just like any other weapon.

But in an area ehen shotguns handguns, expandable batons, and other modern weapons are more portable and concealable, why would you arm yourself with a sword? There are many valid reasons: You might be unwilling or unable to own firearms. You might have a sword in your home as a backup for when you run out of ammo. You might be concerned abut overpenetration of projectiles in an urban setting (such as in an apartment complex). You might want an advantage of physical reach. You might just think swords are cool-and we're lying to ourselves if we don't admit that, yes, they really are.

Street Sword will give you a framework in which to use the sword as a functional, practical weapon in todays violent world quickly providing an understanding of the simple physics involved, as well as concepts like timing and distance. Reading this book won't help you win a colored belt or an Olympic fencing medal, but it may be invaluable if a knife-wielding thug ever comes crawling through your bedroom window one dark night.

At first I thought that 'Street Sword' by Phil Elmore was just a joke. I mean, honestly, does anyone carry around a spare Katana for self defense these days? Is it practical to carry such a thing around for self defense? Well, I am sad to report that Elmore appears to think that the Katana is a perfect self defense weapon for the 21st century. This book is clearly a case of the Larping philosophy taken to its conclusion.

Mr. Elmore is not only happy to dispense lots of untested advice on personal protection, he insists on dragging the reader into his own warped, incredibly paranoid, Randian world. Mr. Elmore advocates 'sizing up' anyone who is close enough to you to pose a threat. Perhaps this tactic works in the sticks, but anyone who has lived more than a year in the city knows, that sizing people up is a good way to instigate an attack. Of course people should engage the world with some caution, but Elmore seems to fear every shadow. He is locked in a 'modern-day warrior' fantasy, in which he is the lonely everyman, who stands against a world of people who have relinguished their freedom to the collective.

One can't help but wonder, if Mr. Elmore has simply read too many science fiction novels. His writing style has a fantasy/sci-fi feel, and he seems to be one of those armchair martial artists, who gets all of his information on the sciences and reason from the Fantasy section at Borders.

This book isn't worth the paper it is printed on. You asking for trouble if you lug around a katana into the city. The basic premise of the book, is simply flawed. The Katana, of all the options available today, is one of the worst personal defense items out there. But it gets worse. Mr. Elmore not only thinks it is a great personal defense weapon. He inexplicably advocates 'dual wielding' (to use the Larping and RPG vernacular) a Katana and personal firearm! Someone needs to sit down with Mr. Elmore and stop him from watching bad action movies and sci-fi flicks. -J. Hauser

Mr. Elmore fully understands that Street Sword's bold premise will be dismissed and the messenger personally thrashed. Such is the animus our modern western culture possesses toward the blade as a defensive weapon, be it long or short--too gruesome for our delicate sensibilities. It's a hard argument to make, especially in this age of easily concealed distance weapons (handgun). Yet, the author pushes ahead with his polemic.

The writing style is engaging and entertaining. It reads like his articles do from the blogzine 'The Martialist' where one can explore concept papers (e.g.'Be a Martialist') and product reviews. The b/w photographic stills reproduced well. However, they do not depict a 'street' environment. They are shot in a snow covered forest. Further the illustrations are missing vital sequences (the draw from concealment--'excuse me while I whip this out') as well as intermediate states showing the complete blade movement. For a superior depiction of sword technique using stills see Obata's 'Shinkendo: Japanese Swordsmanship' where a series of photographs with captions lead the student through all the basic cuts, drawing/resheathing, and forms. Also see Dwight McLemore's 'The Fighting Sword' for a successful example of line drawings with tremendous communicative power. But I suspect a proper treatment would have increased production costs well beyond the target goal for works in this category ($15).

As fascinating as some of this material is (combining sword and pistol), it's hard to resist reality. Carrying three feet of steel concealed is problematic--if your illegal handgun doesn't print, three feet of steel will. If one wants a stealthy blade, there are better choices than a katana or hand-and-half sword. A wakizashi or bowie readily come to mind. But instead of a sword as a companion to my glock, I might want to consider a non-lethal force alternative--a cane or walking stick. I can think of many scenarios where such a socially accepted prop could render invaluable service.

3.5 stars for a provocative premise but ultimately unconvincing argument. 0.5 stars for style. (P.S. In a review of another Mr. Elmore's works 'Shorthand Empty Hand', the reviewer believed that Mr. Elmore was engaging in satire. I've not read SHEH, but I detected no hint of satire in this work, nor in his 'Flashlight Fighting'. All of his little works are principally concept papers and not training manuals. It's your job to adapt the idea to work with your existing skills or get additional training.) -L.M. Jordan

This techniques and tactics in this manual follow no specific sword system. What it does cover is some very basic sword cuts that can used for self-defense. Though this book focuses on the Katana, I personally feel the same principles, techniques and tactics can be used with a medium length sword like the Wakizashi. In fact, it is my strong contention that inside a home for self-defense it would probably be much more effective using a Wakizashi (medium sword) or a large Tanto. I personally have always kept a Wakizashi, Tanto and gun in close reach in my own bedroom.
This 92-page text is broken down into four chapters. Chapter one covers an introduction to the sword. Chapter two explains the mechanics of the sword, showing the basic cuts that can be done. Chapter three teaches the basics of fighting theory using the sword. The final chapter emphasizes the legal aspects, transporting the sword, swords in the home, first aid and training in swordsmanship. The appendix section gives a brief overview of seven lessons from Miyamoto Musashi. In conclusion, this is an interesting and practical book on the use of the sword for self-defense.

RATING: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Wakizashi-Jutsu Official Manual--Bushi Satori Ryu). -J. Truncale

Unlike the reviewers 'Darkwave' and 'the Professor' I have read the book Street Sword by Phil Elmore and enjoyed it.

I own two swords that my lovely wife purchased for me as gifts. Sadly my busy schedule has not allowed me to spend years studying the sword. My training time is filled with Tae Kwon Do. Lucky for me Phil Elmore wrote a quick guide to using swords in a self defense situation which makes my swords an alternative.

Street Sword like Phil Elmore's Shorthand Empty Hand is a basic guide for beginners with the information that you need to defend yourself. That is it. All of the fluff is removed.

Phil Elmore's background in several martial art styles gives him a wide variety of techniques. His experience as a technical writer makes his books clear and easy to follow. How many other self defense writers can say that? (Don't answer that if you have not bothered to read their books either) -Eric Shepherd

Phil Elmore starts out with a statement of the elitism of modern Japanese Sword Arts (JSA). It is a sad reflection of the arts, but it's true. The 'cult of the Katana' (along with the snobbery that is often seen in the Western Sword Arts (WSA) community) leads one to believe that the only way to effectively use a sword of any ilk, is to spend decades meditating upon the sword and what it means. This attitude (of Phil's) strikes a cord with me, as I've been a mildly active student of the WSA, but not he elitist kind.

But that is an aside. Phil starts with the statement, to clear the air. This book is not intended to address the finer aspects of handling a sword against an inanimate object. No it's here to show one the basics of the use of longer blades in defense.

Chapter one: Focus's on the 'why a sword' question, that the book beggars. Simply put, because we are not all; able (such as I) willing, or up too, owning a firearm. It also addresses the image that the media has portrayed 'modern' sword use in (think Highlander, and ignore).

Chapter Two. ' Mechanics of the Sword' as a pragmatic weapon of self-defense. Phil COULD have taught the multitude of guards associated with the use of a Katana or hand-and a half blade (the blades he chooses to demonstrate with).

He begins with 'selecting a sword' and gives good advice on what NOT to buy (materials, design etc), he also gives some of the better companies out there a nod. As a collector and users of swords his advice is sound. .

Next comes grip (normal and reverse). How to do it if a left or right-hander. 'Baseball' stance, overhead stance, etc and of course the thing that most people forget 'foot work'

Chapter 3 'Fighting Theory'; Basically what the title says. It talks about the angle parity theory, drawing and cutting, blocking etc. While the Mechanics were discussed last chapter, pragmatic use is discussed here, including the 'preemptive strike'. The chapter ends with a discussion of matching a sword, with a hand gun.

Chapter 4: 'The sword mans path'. To me in many ways this is the most important chapter of the book. Here Legal ramifications are discussed, be it preemptive force, parity of force, or transporting a sword. I also appreciate the comments of first aid. In my humble opinion, any book on self-defense that does not mention legal ramifications of medical consequences has failed utterly!

Appendix A; Has a condensed version of the classic '7 Lessons of Miyamoto Musashi' reproduced. Applicable today as well as in the past.

The Book is succinct, well produced, and the photography crystal clear. My only beefs would include (perhaps) that it is a tad too succinct, the photographs do not flow (due to the size format of the book rather than the photography) and that due to the nature of the material it will attract both kooks and the elitist of the sword world!

Slan-Dr Gareth Damian Thomas

Phil Elmore is a controversial author whose books are a must for today's dangerous time.
I have a passion for Alternative Weaponry (I have a passion for ANY Weapon...) because they can be at hand when no conventional Weapon can be with me, and I can even walk on 'Gun-Free' zones, armed, ready, and not breakin' the Law.
Hence, Phil Elmore's other book (on fightin' with a Flashlight) is something anyone livin' in urban environment need to know. One can be armed, being unarmed... read the book to understand what I mean...
But I can not imagine Phil Elmore as an author of a Classical Weapon fightin' book.
His new book STREET SWORD is 21St. Century equivalent of Hans Talhoffer's masterpiece 'Fechtbüch aus dem Jahre 1467' ('Fencing Book of the Year 1467') was for the 15th Century.
Hans Talhoffer's Fechtbücher are illustrated treatises describing methods of fighting with various weapons, including swords. He is a contemporary of fencing-master Paulus Kal and taught within the tradition of Johannes Liechtenauer.
But serious Sword use in combat is still an old times science whose main works range from Oriental formal systems (Kendo, Iaido, Wu-Shu) to Occidental middle-age treatises, or Olympic Fencing discipline. All these methods are precious, since they keep history alive thru sport or reenactment. This is fine, but placin' one's life integrity on these teachings is a bad bet - maybe a lethal mistake.
Until now it was nearly impossible to learn how to be able to use a Sword effectively to defend oneself or one's castle (home).
But it changed now, and forever.
Phil Elmore wrote a GREAT BOOK that teaches step-by-step, in a simple language and with plenty of good photos HOW TO USE A SWORD AS A MODERN COMBAT WEAPON!
To me, an urban animal, a Cane-Sword is a fine weapon - and even with a handgun on my belt, the Sword'll be FASTER to put in ACTION - faster than a bully can strike me with his Weapon. Why faster? Because it is already on my hands! I do not have to draw anything, and when unsheated, it doubles as a Stick and a Sword!
Well, now I KNOW HOW TO USE IT - Thanks to Phil Elmore's STREET SWORD!
And STREET SWORD is more, much more indeed... it is the ONLY BOOK that seriously analyses the LETHAL USE of SWORD on HOME DEFENSE!
Swords for home defense??? You may ask.
Yes, SWORDS for serious combat inside one's house.
Even in today's Firearm-Armed criminals, in Close-Quarters-Combat a good Sword on trained hands can be formidable.
Hey, I love Firearms, used and use Firearms, long and short, and love from the tinny .22 Rimfire BB CAP to the massive 20mm Lahti (20×138mm Solothurn Long), and Firearms are on both sides of my bed.
But there are Swqords also.
Why?
Simple because Swords are (1) silent, (2) extremely lethal, (3) easy to use, and (4) truly awful Weapons from the sharped point side...
I'm not intending to sound callous, but the kind of destruction a Sword can inflict on an human being (or a dangerous animal like an enraged dog) is something only a Shotgun or a powerful Rifle round can do.
A blast from a 12-Ga. Shotgun at less than 15ft. easily destruct an arm, a leg, or a head. Something no Handgun can do - except a Shotgun Pistol.
But a Sword can easily amputate an arm, a leg, or behead any foe as fast - and under 15ft. of range, inside one's darkened house, it can be a better choice.
Phil Elmore's STREET SWORD tells the mechanics of the Sword, introduce and guides us from theory to practice, show several new fightin' stances, foot work, unknown grips, even how to partially conceal a full-sized Sword.
I'm an author also, with several books published in my homeland (Brazil) and abroad - including one in USA: 'BLOODY BRAZILIAN KNIFE FIGHTIN' TECHNIQUES'.
One of the co-authors of that book, Sensei 'Kamikazi' Nakayama, although being a Firearms Instructor and owning Firearms, tells me that he'll chose a Knife to defend himself on the streets, and a full-sized Sword to defend his home.
And he is not alone on this option.
Back to STREET SWORD, it is finished by an appendix entitled 'SEVEN LESSONS FROM MIYAMOTO MUSASHI' - truly a 21st. Century 'translation' of the famous Oriental Combat Master most important teachings, or rules.
This chapter/appendix alone is worth the book's value.
I'm really fascinated by this modern Masterpiece of Personal Combat.
J.R.R.Abrahão, a.k.a. 'Mad Abe'. -Abarahao

Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Mechanics of the sword
Chapter 3 Fighting theory
Chapter 4 The swordsman's path
Appendix A: Seven lessons from Miyamoto Musashi… (meer)

With Halloween right around the corner, it's time to pick a few stories to get you in the mood for a spooky holiday. If I had my druthers, Phil Elmore's The Thing in the Office would be the short story collection choice of the season.

Elmore's writing is clear, concise, and careful, reminiscent of the Twilight Zone at times. The effect is gripping, and sometimes chilling, with each tale set in a vivid and occasionally surreal and fantastical setting. Each word seems like it has been carefully selected with precision from a parsimonious supply, and yet, what is said becomes as important as what is not said, as what is implied, as what is alluded to...maybe more so. Characters pop from the page, reality twists at just the right moment in the story, and the twist makes each story...satisfying and sweet, providing that comfortable and happy feeling that comes when promises are made and fulfilled.

More simply put, The Thing in the Office was a blast to read, and I enjoyed every story. I'll be adding Elmore to my list of favorite authors and reading more of what he's written and will write.

Do yourself a favor, and go buy it yourself. The Thing in the Office is worth far more than the $.99 it costs to put the collection of short stories on your device. More, it's a great choice for Halloween.… (meer)