The Approach Self Protection

Having just finished Eddie Quinn’s "20 Dangerous Mistakes People Make About Self-Defence and What You Must Know to Stay Safe," I can confidently say this book is a must-read for anyone serious about personal safety, whether you’re in law enforcement, the military, private security, or simply a civilian who wants to protect yourself and your loved ones. What struck me immediately is Quinn’s authenticity. He doesn’t just teach theory, he’s lived it. His story of surviving a brutal stabbing as a teenager is harrowing, and it gives his advice a weight that’s impossible to ignore. When he talks about the realities of violence, the chaos, the unpredictability, the aftermath, he’s speaking from hard-earned experience, not just classroom knowledge. The book is structured around 20 common mistakes people make when it comes to self-defence. Each chapter is concise, practical, and packed with insights that challenge a lot of the myths and misconceptions I’ve encountered in both traditional martial arts and self-defence circles. For example, Quinn emphasizes the importance of awareness over technique, reminding us that predators are looking for easy targets, often those lost in a “digital fog” of phones and headphones. This is a wake-up call for anyone who thinks self-defence starts with a punch or a kick; in reality, it starts with your mindset and your ability to read your environment. One of the most valuable aspects of this book is how it bridges the gap between sport-based martial arts and real-world self-defence. Quinn doesn’t dismiss the value of martial arts training, but he’s brutally honest about the limitations of techniques that work in the dojo but fall apart under real pressure. His advice to pressure-test your skills, train for chaos, and never assume you’ll “rise to the occasion” in a real fight is essential reading for professionals and civilians alike. For those in law enforcement or security, Quinn’s insights into the legal ramifications of self-defence are especially important. He stresses the need to “paint the right picture” before, during, and after an incident, showing that you did everything possible to avoid violence and that your actions were justified and proportionate. This is the kind of advice that can keep you out of jail as well as out of harm’s way. I also appreciated his focus on adaptability and lifelong learning. Quinn is candid about how age, injury, and changing circumstances should influence your training. His approach is accessible, he strips down self-defence to natural, instinctive movements that anyone can learn, regardless of age or fitness level. This is empowering, especially for those who might feel intimidated by the idea that you need decades of training to be effective. Finally, what makes this book stand out is its balanced approach. Quinn isn’t advocating paranoia or living in fear. Instead, he teaches preparedness, awareness, and the wisdom to avoid trouble whenever possible. His lessons are as much about mental and emotional resilience as they are about physical skills. In summary, "20 Dangerous Mistakes People Make About Self-Defence" is a practical, honest, and deeply personal guide that cuts through the noise and gets to the heart of what it takes to stay safe in the real world. Whether you’re a police officer, soldier, security professional, or a concerned civilian, you’ll find actionable advice and hard-won wisdom in these pages. I highly recommend it to anyone who takes their personal safety, or the safety of others, seriously. Thank you Eddie for your many years of inspiration! – M. Dyck Instructor, British Columbia, Canada

Whether or not you’re a martial artist, this Guide was very easy to digest and comprehend. Thank you Eddie!

Very good and practical, talks a lot of common sense and reality.

Eddie doesn't hold back with his insightful and honest reality check on keeping yourself safe. If you are a student, parent or a martial arts instructor, you will learn sensible tips and strategies to help with your self protection knowledge.

Very straight forward, realistic and grounded. Something many in the martial arts community could use a good helping of.

Sound, common sense advice to all ages, particularly in this era where digital devices separate us from the real world. Thanks Eddie

The text concurs with my own limited experience of violence. I've been assulted twice, both times I didn't see it coming. Controlling the ego and walking away is best. You cannot predict the outcome. The legal situation is tricky and you can end up being convicted yourself.

Eddie keeps it simple which means what he teaches can be applied by anyone. Even though outcomes can never be certain, these principles with give you the edge to tip the balance more in your favour. Reading this will undoubtedly help, however, investing the time to learn from Eddie face to face is not only better but his energy will empower you.