As an instructor, author, and presenter, I try and keep up with what others are doing in the martial art and self-defense industry.  I am constantly trying to learn and better myself, and in doing so I read many books and view many videos.

     Additionally, I will add product reviews from time to time for products I believe in and think may help you as well.

     You will notice that most of the reviews on this site are positive.  That is because if I am going to take the time to write something, I am going to write about the good books and videos I read and view.

     There are a lot of great resources out there and I rather lead people to those sources than spew negative comments towards anyone.  Yes, I have read books and watched videos that had very little value, had extremely poor production quality, or were filled with information that was not accurate with the description it was being sold under, or was not realistic in any manner.   I don't want to waste my time writing about those when I don't have the time to write about all of the good sources out there.  If there is a book or video you are wondering about, write me and I will tell you if I am familiar with it and give you my honest opinion.

     On a final note, these reviews are my opinions, and you may disagree.  I have been studying martial arts and self-defense since 1982, and have been writing and doing videos myself since 1996.  I have read or viewed hundreds of books and videos on the subjects and that is what my reviews and opinions are based on.  If you want to discuss any of the reviews, or any other subject for that matter, e-mail me.  I'm sure we can learn from each other.

Reviews of Alain's products:

Hard-Won Wisdom From The School Of Hard Knocks by Alain Burrese

Hapkido Hoshinsul with Alain Burrese

Streetfighting Essentials with Alain Burrese

Hapkido Cane with Alain Burrese

Lock On: Joint Locking Essentials with Alain Burrese will be posted soon!

Reviews by Alain Burrese:

Self-Defense

Under the Gun - Fundamentals of Handgun Disarming with James Miller (video)

Pool Cues, Beer Bottles, & Baseball Bats by Marc "Animal" MacYoung

The Brutal Art of Ripping, Poking, and Pressing Vital Targets by Loren W. Christensen

Surviving Armed Assaults by Lawrence A. Kane

The Dirty Dozen: 12 Nasty Fighting Techniques For Any Self-Defense Situation by Larry Jordon

Fight Like a Girl: A Woman's Guide to Transforming Cardio Kickboxing Into Effective Self-Defense with Addy Hernandez (video)

Cheap Shots, Ambushes, and Other Lessons by Marc "Animal" MacYoung

Real World Self-Defense: A Guide to Staying Alive in Dangerous Times by Jerry VanCook

Fighting Dirty: A `No Sweat' Guide to Hardcore Self-Defense Training with Loren W. Christensen

Armor Plated: The Encyclopedia of Defensive Skills for NHB and the Street with Mark Hatmaker

Street Stoppers: The Martial Arts' Most Devastating Trips Sweeps and Throws for Real Fighting by Mark Mireles and Loren W. Christensen

Up Close & Personal: A Street-Smart Guide to Fighting from the Clinch with Richard Nance & David Hallford (video)

Street Chin Na: Joint Locking and Bone Breaking Techniques for the Street with Willie "The Bam" Johnson (video)

Reality-Based Personal Protection by Jim Wagner

The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes - And Why by Amanda Ripley

Martial Arts

Secrets of Pankration with Jim Arvanitis (video)

Fighters Video Guide To Hard Core Heavy Bag Training with Wim Demeere (video)

Fighters Guide To Hard Core Heavy Bag Training by Wim Demeere with Loren Christensen

Championship Streetfighting: Boxing as a Martial Art by Ned Beaumont

The Warrior's Mantra by Rodger Ruge

The Martial Way and its Virtues - Tao De Gung by F.J. Chu

The Way of the Warrior: Martial Arts and Fighting Styles From Around the World by Chris Crudelli

Hook Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence Vol. 7 by Shawn Kovacich

Wheel Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence Vol. 2 by Shawn Kovacich

The Fighter's Body by Loren Christensen and Wim Demeere 

Jeet Kune Do Experience by Jerry Beasley

Dueling with the Sword and Pistol by Paul Kirchner

The Way To Black Belt by Lawrence Kane and Chris Wilder

Warrior Wisdom by Bohdi Sanders

Roundhouse Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence Vol. 9 by Shawn Kovacich

Hatchet Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence Vol. 8 by Shawn Kovacich

Dynamic Chux: Fast and Flashy Nunchaku Techniques for Form and Demonstration with Mitch Thomas (DVD)

Side Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence Vol. 10 by Shawn Kovacich

Back Kick: Achieving Kicking Excellence Vol. 1 by Shawn Kovacich

Martial Mechanics: Maximum Results with Minimum Effort in the Practice of the Martial Arts by Phillip Starr

Baguazhang: Theory and Applications by Master Liang, Shou-Yu and Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming

The Way of the Martial Artist: Achieving Success in Martial Arts and in Life by Kevin Brett

Eight Simple Qigong Exercises For Health: The Eight Pieces of Brocade with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming (video)

Sunrise Tai Chi: Simplified Tai Chi For Health & Longevity by Ramel Rones with David Silver

Kishido: The Way of the Western Warrior by Peter Hobart

Chin Na In Depth Course 1-4 with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming (video)

Simplified Tai Chi Chuan: Simplified 24 Postures with Applications and Standard 48 Postures with Master Liang, Shou-Yu (video)

Simple Qigong Exercises for Arthritis Relief with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming (video)

Knives and Knife Fighting

Fighting Folders with Michael Janich  (video)

Knives, Knife Fighting, & Related Hassles: How to Survive a Real Knife Fight by Marc "Animal" MacYoung

Combat Shooting

Close-Range Gunfighting with Gabe Suarez (video)

The Tactical Advantage: The Video with Gabe Suarez (video)

Kalashnikov Rifle Gunfighting: Too Simple to Be Tactical with Gabe Suarez (video)

Security & Law Enforcement

Restraint and Control Strategies with Loren Christensen (video)

Equal or Greater Force: A Delta Force Veteran Teaches You How to Survive Crime, Terrorism, Natural Disasters, and Other Calamities by Kit Cessna

Health & Fitness

Great Expectations by Clarence Bass

Ultimate Combat Conditioning for the Street Warrior by Sensei Mike Reeves and Robert G. Yetman Jr

You Are How You Move: Experiential Chi Kung by Ged Sumner

Personal Development

Create Your Own Future by Brian Tracy

Twelve Pillars by Jim Rohn and Chris Widener

The Japanese Samurai Code: Classic Strategies for Success by Boye Lafayette De Mente

I wish I'd said that! by Linda McCallister

Having It All: Achieving Your Life's Goals and Dreams by John Assaraf

Think Big and Kick Ass in Business and Life by Donald Trump and Bill Zanker

I Feel Great and you will too! by Pat Croce with Bill Lyon

Dare to Succeed: How to Survive and Thrive in the Game of Life by Mark Burnett

The Vision Board: The Secret To An Extraordinary Life by Joyce Schwarz

Rubies in the Orchard by Lynda Resnick

Enough Already! Clearing Mental Clutter to Become the Best You by Peter Walsh

The Ten Golden Rules: Ancient Wisdom from the Greek Philosophers on Living the Good Life by M.A. Soupios, PhD and Panos Mourdoukoutas, PhD

Peaks and Valleys: Making Good And Bad Times Work For You - At Work And In Life by Spencer Johnson

Trump: Never Give Up - How I Turned My Biggest Challenges into Success by Donald J. Trump with Meredith McIver

Getting Rich Your Own Way by Brian Tracy

Trump 101: The Way to Success by Donald Trump

A User's Manual For The Human Experience by Michael W. Dean

The Great Eight: How to Be Happy (even when you have every reason to be miserable) by Scott Hamilton

We Got Fired! And It's the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Us by Harvey Mackay  ("Fired Up!" in paperback)

The 24 Hour Turn-Around: Discovering the Power to Change by Jim Hartness & Neil Eskelin

It's Called Work For A Reason! Your Success Is Your Own Damn Fault by Larry Winget

Get Fired Up Without Burning Out by Carol Grace Anderson

Touchdown! Achieving Your Greatness On the Playing Field of Business (and Life) by Kevin Elko

Make Today Count by John C. Maxwell

The Angel Inside: Michelangelo's Secrets For Following Your Passion and Finding the Work You Love by Chris Widener

Negotiation

How to Outnegotiate Anyone (Even a Car Dealer!) by Leo Reilly

Perfect Phrases for Negotiating Salary & Job Offers by Matthew J. DeLuca and Nanette F. DeLuca

Business

The Home Office From Hell Cure by Jeffrey A. Landers

Nolo's Crash Course in Small Business Basics by Richard Stim

Working For Yourself: Law & Taxes for Independent Contractors, Freelancers & Consultants by Stephen Fishman

Re-Think: A Business Manifesto For Cutting Costs and Boosting Innovation by Ric Merrifield

Stopping Identity Theft: 10 Easy Steps to Security by Scott Mitic

I'll Make You An Offer You Can't Refuse: Insider Business Tips from a Former Mob Boss by Michael Franzese

Instant Turnaround! Getting People Excited About Coming To Work And Working Hard by Harry Paul and Ross Reck

Thank God It's Monday: How to Create a Workplace You and Your Customers Love by Roxanne Emmerich

Leadership

Leaders Make the Future: Ten New Leadership Skills for an Uncertain World by Bob Johansen

Leading The Charge: Leadership Lessons From The Battlefield To The Boardroom by General Tony Zinni and Tony Koltz

The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies For New Leaders At All Levels by Michael Watkins 

Time Management

How to Handle 1,000 Things at Once by Don Aslett

How To Have A 48 Hour Day by Don Aslett

Done: How to Accomplish Twice As Much in Half the Time at Home and at the Office by Don Aslett

Organization

Organize Your Life: Free Yourself From Clutter & Find More Personal Time by Ronni Eisenberg with Kate Kelly.

Ready, Set, Organize! by Pipi Campbell

It's All Too Much: An Easy Plan For Living A Richer Life With Less Stuff by Peter Walsh

Get It Together: Organize Your Records So Your Family won't Have To by Melanie Cullen with Shae Irving

No Time To Clean! How To Reduce & Prevent Cleaning The Professional Way by Don Aslett  (more on cleaning, but has a little of his de-junking advice)

Current Events

Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America by Chuck Norris

Ethics for the Real World: Creating a Personal Code to Guide Decisions in Work and Life by Ronald A. Howard and Clinton D. Korver

Why We Suck: A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid by Denis Leary

Life Strategies For Dealing With Bullies by Jay McGraw

Gladiator: A True Story of 'Roids, Rage, And Redemption by Dan Clark, aka Nitro, star of the original "American Gladiators"

Miss Conduct's Mind Over Manners: Master the Slippery Rules of Modern Ethics and Etiquette by Robin Abrahams

Writing & Speaking

Get Organized, Get Published by Don Aslett and Carol Cartaino

$30 Writing School by Michael W. Dean

Get Known Before The Book Deal: Use Your Personal Strengths to Grow an Author Platform by Christina Katz

Legal

The Foreclosure Survival Guide: Keep Your House Or Walk Away With Money In Your Pocket by Attorney Stephen Elias

Every Landlord's Legal Guide (9th Edition) by Marcia Steward and Attorneys Ralph Warner & Janet Portman

Essential Guide to Divorce by Attorney Emily Doskow

The Sharing Solution: How to Save Money, Simplify Your Life & Build Community by Janelle Orsi and Emily Doskow

The Public Domain: How to Find & Use Copyright-Free Writings, Music, Art & More by Attorney Stephen Fishman

First-Time Landlord: Your Guide to Renting Out a Single-Family Home by Janet Portman, Marcia Stewart, and Michael Molinski

Selling Your House in a Tough Market by Ilona Bray, J.D. & Alayna Schroeder, J.D.

Nolo's Plain-English Law Dictionary by the Editors of Nolo, Gerald N. Hill and Kathleen Thompson Hill