Out of the Cage: A Complete Guide to Beating a Mixed Martial Artist on the Street Paperback – June 8, 2013

For more than 7 decades I had had a passionate interest in numerous martial and weapon arts, (Judo, Jujitsu, Karate-Do, Boxing, Wrestling, Street Combatives, Krav Maga, MMA, stick, knife, and gun fighting) systems. Even though I am well into my senior years with various health and age-related issues; nevertheless, I still do intense workouts 6 days a week. This is why when I saw this 192-page soft cover book, (Out of the cage: A complete guide to beating a mixed martial artist on the street by Sammy Franco) on Amazon I decided to purchase it.I have read quite a few books by this author and enjoyed them; however, this does not mean I always agreed with all his views and opinions on fighting and street self-defense. The author is the founder of “Contemporary Fighting Arts, LLC” which is a system that focuses on practical street combat self-defense. First off, I do like the author’s approach in this volume, and he explains the advantages and disadvantages of MMA fighting and no holds bar street fighting. He has a lot of respect for MMA fighters and gives them credit for being in super fighting shape, but it is true, that it is a sport with rules and regulations and a street fight has NO RULES.In any case, this practical large format, fully illustrated book covers the following topics: A detailed and long introduction explaining his (CFA) system, which he has included in all of his instruction books. Mixed martial arts explored, MMA and the street, the primary MMA disciplines, understanding MMA tactics, fighting in the clinch, countering the takedown and when it goes to the ground. It also has a detailed glossary section, which is basically the same one he has in his many other books. The black and white photographs are large and clear showing the techniques in the book.In conclusion, whether or not you are into MMA fighting this is an interesting and very informative book for anyone who has a passion for combat arts.Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Tactical Principles of the most effective Combative Systems).

Sammy Franco gives a short and to the point look at the relative strengths and weaknesses of a typical mixed martial artist when employing their training in a no-rules violent street altercation and offers pretty sound methodolgies for neutralizing them. I feel, however, I should inform potential buyers that the bulk of Franco's work here is working from the assumption that the assailant (an MMA fighter in this case) will always seek to take the fight to the ground in order to apply a submission or simply "ground and pound". While this area of fighting should never be ignored, not all cage fighters prefer to grapple with opponents. It is just as likely that they could employ the stand-up skills acquired from boxing or Muay Thai to beat a victim into submission without ever closing in for a take-down. While I am happy with this purchase and would recommend this book to anyone interested on the subject, I feel it could've been made better if the author had taken a more complete look at the potential skill set of an MMA practitioner instead of mostly focusing on the "grappling specialist".

I debated between 4 and 5 stars. I began training in ITF taekwondo in 1981, and continue that as my primary training. I've also trained in BJJ at a BJJ school that was traditional. (Not MMA based). Chose 5 stars because the author covered the essential basics of ground fighting, likely ways one may end up on the ground, and some good ways to defend oneself from takedowns and ground techniques. Almost 4 stars because; even though the author made it very clear that To be able to defend against grappling, one must train regularly in grappling: I did not see, or missed the point, that the best thing to do is join a grappling school and "just do it." If one wants superior ground skills, train in BJJ; likewise if one wants superior kicking ability, train in TKD. Of course superior technique does not guarantee winning, but all other things equal, it gives one the advantage. I would recommend this book to any one studying martial arts.

This is all common sense how to illustrated guide to "what if an MMA fighter attacked you on the street." Anything from exploiting a cage fighter's weaknesses to combat proven self defense techniques that are extremely dirty and savage. For example MMA is not a smart choice for real world self defense despite it's popularity and the media claims it's self defense. However unlike Okinawan Karate, Chinese Gong Fu, Aikijujutsu/Aikido, Filipino Kali, Krav Maga, and Pencak Silat; MMA is still missing the right components to make it truly effective. Things like defense against an multiple attackers, guns, knives, and crazed/psychotic individuals. Also there have been styles of martial arts like Silat and Gong Fu where the martial artist is capable of fighting off a bear or a tiger. In MMA the techniques are so watered down that fighting a dangerous animal would be "reckless and stupid."

Like all of Sammy Franco's books this is another excellent resource. I am a big fan of MMA but my experience in nightclub security has shown me the last place you want to end up is on the ground. That being said need you need to know ground fighting to avoid going to the ground or how to get up if the fight goes to the ground . I have a lot of respect for professional fighters but street fighting is a different mind set. A lot of the tools used in MMA can be used in self defense but they have limitations. I recommend this book it's worth your time.

With the huge success of MMA, things on the street are drastically different, people are more well trained and this book addresses some "chinks in the mma fighters armor" so to speak. This book has some good things to think about and train for self defense on the street if you end up in an unavoidable situation. Surprised that this issue is not more widely addressed in other books.

Good discussion of counter techniques. Would definitely recommend this as it makes one think about weaknesses in man techniques. Excellent.

This book looks more like a marketing stunt, a self-promotion for its author than an actual strategic analysis of the differences between the mindset of a MMA fighter and the way a street-fighter or a thug act.