Testimonials
The Brutal Truth - An Extra Chilli Sauce Review
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"A fantastic read and an amazing story"
Geoff Thompson, Martial Artist & BAFTA winning writer
"A faboulous insight into a world people rarely enter"
Tina Page
"A realistic expression of the reality of street violence. I'd suggest every instructor reads it before claiming they teach Self Protection."
Gary Chamberlain
"An excellent story"
K. S. Dhindsa
"like watching a scary movie through the gaps in your fingers - you know its going to be bad but can't help but carry on!"
A. Stephen
"a must read"
K. Morris
"I could not put it down"
Helen Knight
"John's book of getting more violent on learning Kung-Fu and how he kept purpose in his life is quite extraordinary.
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Lewis Brooks
Reviews:
The tale of a violent self absorbed lunatic cashing in on his violent past through the veil of redemption, what more do you want?
Skillens writing is punchy gripping and adrenaline fuelled. He puts you right in the tense centre of a macho world few of us understand.
A gripping read!
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John's story is shocking, inspiring, gripping and in touch with the real world.
Whilst being known as a martial arts expert, it surprised me to discover so much more about is career in security and venue management in different parts of the country. John proves that no matter what cards you are dealt, keeping focused on what you want, and never giving up in the face of difficult challenges really is so important.
The format of the book is great because each chapter is like a short story. The description of scenes especially the fights is particularly dramatic and would make excellent film script! Never the less John keeps the reader informed of his deep emotional thoughts which channel his actions.
Thanks to John's recollection of many defining moments of his life, anyone can take something away from this story, even if its just knowing another perspective, taken from scenes we can all recognise. John is someone who has gone from a "just another youth" with little hope to a person who finds happiness, and makes his mark, without needing to be and world famous celebrity or entrepreneur.
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This book is not short but was despatched within a few days reading! A truly inspirational story which is violent, gritty, honest, in parts quite disturbing but overall a triumph. John, I expect by his own admission, is not a professional writer, but manages to record his life's experiences to date with remarkable clarity, wit and on occasion with a really elegant turn of phrase.
The book starts in a very shocking way and was like watching a scary movie through the gaps in your fingers, you know its going to be bad but can't help but carry on! It then develops into a fascinating rites of passage tale of one young man struggling with poverty, religious persecution, exclusion but most importantly violence and lots of it. What John lacked in material worth he made up for with his strength and determination.
A story of great loyalty develops, (who wouldn't want to gain revenge on those who persecute your own flesh and blood?) and of his transformation to respected member of the community. John is a great example of showing how everyone is faced with choices and whichever ones you choose go on to define your life.
I am a 12 stone weakling and would run from a fight at every chance, yet the story was as relevant to me as it was to anyone. I really would not be surprised if this turned into a movie of the 'lock stock' genre.
In my trade cement no longer goes 'hard' it goes 'Skillen'.
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I have known of John's reputation as an awesome street-fighter for some time. So his book was at the top of my wish list. I have to give it a solid 5 stars. It would have being more, lol but the little i know about John. Is he's not one to boast. I'm sure he has way more stories he can tell (2000 give or take) in another book maybe.
I am at the minute reading this again and have recommended it to some friends.
I also agree it is scary at times But it goes to shows his mental strength and character to change his life into something where upon people look up-to him.
As some others have said your gripped by the first page and can't let go. What amazed me about John's awesome fighting was how young he was when he was in real down n dirty fights. Forget Krav Maga or any other so called self -defence styles, get down and train under John Skillen. His videos from his own site give you a little insight as to what the man is capable of if you get on the wrong side of him.
I don't what else to say but if you have an interest in your safety in the streets BUY THIS BOOK!
He is Spartacus of our times.
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What can I say! A Fantastic Story! Personally as a Loughborough lad born and bred I was hooked from first page to last. A great read for anyone looking for inspiration within their lives whether you know the places and people or not.
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This book is truely amazing, I couldn't put it down!! It's a very inspiring book and shows that you can reach a goal if you work hard enough for it. I wish there was another book to follow it.
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Extra Chilli Sauce is an exciting, gripping and brutally honest book about the author's rise from a violent Youth to a well respected Gym owner.
The book is over 400 pages long and i finished it within 2 days, i couldnt put it down. I enjoyed every page and i'd highly recommend it to anyone.
If you think that life is hard and theres nothing you can do to change it you should definately read this book, as John shows you can always have a say in how you live your life for the better, and no matter how tough life can be there is always a way out, it may not be easy but is worth the struggle in the end.
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