Review: Fit To Defend
General Information
Title: Fit To Defend
Presenter: Jean Jacques Machado, Roger Lacombe, hosted by Rita Sever
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Full Screen, NTSC, 2 Disc DVD Set
Studio: Garri Productions
Release Date: March 17, 2004
Run Time: 235 minutes
UPC: 883757000017
Price: $20
Summary
Fit to Defend is an introductory Martial Arts self improvement/self defense set. The material presented is from both a Japanese Karate and Jiu-Jitsu background. The instructional is aimed somewhat towards women but could better be utilized by a man. Forms, kata, and traditions of the martial arts are not covered. Focus is on self defense situations where it is imperative to strike unexpectedly and retreat at the first opportunity.
High Point
"Nuts, for lack of a better term."
Low Point
Instructors acting as if they are in more pain than they would be while on the receiving end of some technique. Young/small children performing moves that they physically would not be able to pull off.
The Scores
Clarity & Presentation (3 out of 4.2): The presentation is very well done. The instructors are, for the most part, well spoken and easily understood. The video and audio are very clear. The settings were very well chosen and lit. Contrast between the participants and the background is very high making it easy to make out the intricacies of the movements.
Structure (4 out of 4.2): The structure of the DVD is very good. The two DVD set is broken out into four chapters and each of these chapters is further broken down into individual attacks with counters followed by an overview and finally a workout section. Each chapter is well described in the menus and short enough to fast forward through to find a specific technique.
Examples (3 out of 4.2): The DVD is full of examples where the instructor is describing and demonstrating a specific real world use of a given technique. The technique is then demonstrated multiple times with multiple partners.
Exercises (3 out of 4.2): Each of the four sections has a workout section. The exercises chapter in these sections is typical but should give a good workout.
Completeness (2 out of 4.2): To the uninitiated the DVDs would probably feel fairly complete. Many types of real world situations are covered and the techniques shown are, more or less, calibrated for a smaller defender. However, I do not believe that enough stress is placed on repetition of moves, history of the martial arts, the possibility that the attacker may continue his attack through some amount of serious pain, or that the attacker may be a competent fighter.
Editing (4 out of 4.2): The editing was well done with shots being cut from far out encompassing both combatants to close in showing specific gestures. Color balance and contrast were spot on. Background music is present throughout the DVD, however, it is at a low enough volume so as to not interfere with the learning process.
Production (3 out of 4.2): The production of the DVD set looked very high. This was due in large part to the use of multiple and well chosen locations. The format of one untrained host and two high caliber instructors also helped increase production value. This combined with good editing, music, and the DVD authoring elevate this set. above many others I have seen.
Entertainment (2.5 out of 4.2): Like most martial arts instructional videos, the entertainment value was limited for this set. Although not dry like some sets. The hostess is very easy on the eyes and I am sure the two instructors could woo any lady as well. For the most part the instructors are all business, with the hostess interjecting a small bit of humor here or there. The chapters are kept short enough to keep your attention throughout.
Value (4.2 out of 4.2): For around $20 this can't be beat.
Overall (3 out of 4.2): Overall this was a well done DVD set. I can see this set being used by a novice or beginner as a primary introductory to the martial arts and possibly as a supliment by intermediaries in styles outside of Karate and Jiu-Jitsu as a broadening of skills. I can also see it being used by instructors as suplimental materials for their students. As with many martial arts training videos though, a partner is required for a large proportion of techniques demonstrated by the instructors. Without a partner to train with, this set would be ineffective.
"Fit To Defend" receives a very respectable 31.7 out of a possible 42.
