Stillman, Marshall – Boxing and Self Defense, The Marshall Stillman Principle

Description

Stillman, Marshall ‘Boxing and Self Defense, The Marshall Stillman Principle’. 1919. 94-pages, well-illustrated. Sections: 1. Five Sub-Conscious Lessons in Boxing (the hit, guard, duck, footwork, feinting and clinching), 2. One Lesson for Daily Exercises, 3. Three Rounds of Shadow Boxing, 4. Eight bone-breaking holds and releases (Jiu jitsu…) for use against violent attack, 5. Eight Holds in Standing Wrestling for use against violent attack. Contents in two ring metal binder as issued. Good condition (5) $60 each. Another missing its title page for $40.

Book Description:
The 1919 manual was written by Alpheus Geer, the founder of the Marshall Stillman Association. It was designed as an innovative, home-study course targeted at young men and amateur athletes.
• The Mechanical Presentation: The book stands out for its unique, early technical layout. It features loose-leaf pages with two heavy-duty punch holes. These pages are bound within rigid, cloth-wrapped hardcover boards using two heavy metal snap-rings. The interior consists of approximately 94 pages. It is heavily illustrated with over 100 photographic plates capturing real models executing defensive and offensive postures.
• The Instructional System: The course teaches what Geer called the “Shorthand or Subconscious Method” of boxing. Instead of teaching complex pugilistic theories, it builds on instinctive human movements. It breaks lessons down into specific modules covering basic punching, footwork, shadow boxing, defense against muggers, wrestling releases, and fundamental Jiu-Jitsu holds.
• The Celebrity Endorsement: Legendary middleweight champion Professor Mike Donovan heavily endorsed this specific mechanical concept before his passing. He even posed for many of the instructional photos replicated within the text.