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Book Review: The Way is in Training
In physical form, The Way is in Training is a large book, measuring 11 inches tall and 1-inch thick. Outwardly, it looks more like a technical manual than a book designed to guide aspects of your self-defense proficiency, and that’s likely by design. Once you open the cover, the size of the font and the spacing in paragraphs is also remarkably generous. All of these factors are not a mistake. They are designed for a specific purpose: to make the material as digestible as possible. As a U.S. Army Special Forces combat veteran, former nationally ranked martial arts competitor, and former operational supervisor for a major metropolitan SWAT team, Matthew Little is no stranger to passing along knowledge about firearms, tactics, and combatives. What he’s put together is a bite-sized manual to address parts of life along with how those actions apply to competition shooting and the profession of arms.
The 411
This book is an enjoyable read in its format and holistic approach. There’s something to be learned for anyone. He delves into physical training techniques, nutrition for an individual and their goals, shooting drills related to competition and carrying a firearm for work, and many other topics. Whether you sit down and read in large chunks or small snippets as a busy life allows, The Way is in Training can improve your defensive capabilities.
“Books” one and two are mind and body. Each book is similar to a chapter, with subsections under each for easy reference as you go along or in the future. These first two books prepare you for the rest of the baseline knowledge you’ll need as you continue reading. As Little says, “I don’t get PTSD, I give it. I’m the carrier.” The right mental and physical state you’ll need to understand is of fundamental importance for the rest of the book to be valid. Delving into topics such as time pressure, emotion and will, and acceptance appear in later material regarding mental preparedness. On the physical side, issues Little deeply understands, such as needs analysis, durability, and longevity are addressed. Without giving anything away, Little has endured a series of events that would’ve crushed lesser men.
Books three through five have to do with applying tools and training. This is the meat of the material and includes everything from shooting drills, close contact shooting and grappling tips, and the proper selection of tools for a given mission set. A recurring theme to pay attention to throughout your reading is data usage. Little wisely quotes Thomas Harris saying, “Technique is the religion of the dangerous trades.” Regarding performance-based outcomes, Little demonstrates a deep understanding and a passion for the data used to achieve success as much as the outcome. The application becomes paramount in these three books, and readers will see the fruits of preparing their bodies and minds. Little lays a simple groundwork for success and gives enough information to start that journey.
Book six is reflective and deeply important to the other five. Little quotes Robert Heinlein: “A generation who ignores history has no past — and no future.” Books like this are rare. It is imperative not to forget where we have come from as a people and nation. Little understands that fundamentally, and it’s pervasive throughout his writing. This book is a labor of blood, sweat, tears, and, most importantly, love. On these pages, he poured everything he has for readers to use as they will.
The Verdict
There’s been a resurgence in the desire to read more often and to read works that are more than simple fiction. If you’re someone looking for easily applicable self-improvement tips with an emphasis on preparedness, this book is a great fit. For those in a profession of arms especially, this should be required reading. Gone are the days when men and women must constantly sacrifice their mental and physical well-being for a cause day in and day out. Little lays a solid groundwork for still doing the job at a high level and walking away — rather than wheeling out — at the end of your day. This book is best read when you have time to appreciate small bites of the material at a time and to reflect on them personally after.
Little is still imparting wisdom and experience through his training company Greybeard Actual. He continues to host classes nationwide in firearms and tactics, which can be found on his website. He’s also got a solid YouTube channel with various firearms information, drills, and competition videos that are worth your time.
Making time in the day is difficult in the modern world. When you can squeeze in a few minutes, The Way is in Training demands your attention. It will be worth its weight in paper, which is not light, and you will be better for applying its wisdom.
About the Book
Book & Author: The Way is in Training, By Matthew Little
Publisher: Independent
MSRP: $12 Paperback (Amazon)
URL: amazon.com
Pages: 439
Rating: Thrive | Survive | Die
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Editor's Note: This article has been modified from its original print version for the web.
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