Life of Combat is a very personal, soul-baring passage from a bruised childhood to becoming the founder of WU-CHI, one of the most powerful martial arts systems that Simmons painstakingly developed after decades of study, combat, and survival. What starts as a tale of trauma soon becomes a bright and empowering narrative of transformation and resilience.
Not Your Average War Story — A Memoir That Kicks Back
Born in 1953 amid chaos — and, as he later discovers, in the middle of his mother's nervous breakdown — Dale Simmons never stood a chance at a "normal" life. Molested, beaten, mocked, and emotionally starved, Simmons turns to science, then martial arts, and finally the Marines, not to fight others but to fight for himself.
The turning point? A childhood beating by a trained boxer left Simmons seeing stars — literally and sparked a vow to master every martial art in existence. From that moment, he begins a lifelong quest for power, not through destruction but through precision, control, and discipline. His weapon of choice? WU-CHI is a martial arts system as deeply philosophical as it is effective.
Life of Combat doesn't just describe battles. It dissects them, capturing not only the pain and panic but also the psychology, timing, and strategy behind every move, physical or emotional.
Grit, Grace & A Splash of Gritty Poetry
The book isn't all fists and fury. Simmons' poetic side shines through in verses like Artist of War and If Shoes Could Fly — raw, darkly humorous pieces born from growing up dodging flying footwear and heavy expectations. His poetic rhythm feels like therapy with brass knuckles — biting, sharp, and strangely beautiful.
Through brutal childhood flashbacks, comedic reflections, and clinical dissection of combat scenarios, Simmons stitches together a mosaic of what it means to rise when the world is hell-bent on keeping you down.
From Traumatized Kid to Tactical Genius
Over the course of years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Simmons didn't just train — he reinvented training itself. His system, WU-CHI, evolved into a comprehensive martial arts discipline focused on efficiency, non-lethal intervention, and tactical grace. More than a fighter, Simmons became a scientist of violence — always seeking to disable, not destroy.
Through emotional recollections and practical insights, Life of Combat shares the evolution of his philosophy — a blend of Eastern martial discipline, Western logic, and hard-won personal experience. His story offers hope, tools, and validation for anyone who's ever been powerless — until they weren't.
Not Just for Fighters — For Thinkers, Survivors, and Seekers
Yes, this is a combat memoir. But it's also an emotional survival guide wrapped in military gear and street smarts. Simmons doesn't just teach how to fight — he shows how to reclaim power, set boundaries, and heal through movement and mental sharpness.
He speaks candidly about the scars left by parents, the silence of bystanders, and the battles no one sees — the internal ones. Life of Combat is a call to arms for anyone who's ever had to fight for their identity, their voice, or their space in the world.
Early Praise & Community Impact
Professor Jim Hopkins, Simmons' creative writing mentor and martial arts student, urged him to "humanize" his martial teachings. The result? A work that's as compelling in its humanity as it is instructive in its martial craft.
Veterans, survivors, martial artists, and therapists alike are calling Life of Combat a "raw masterpiece" and "an essential read for anyone interested in trauma-informed healing.
About the Author
Dale C. Simmons is a retired Gunnery Sergeant of the United States Marine Corps with over two decades of service and a lifetime of martial arts study. He is the creator of WU-CHI, a multidimensional self-defense system. Simmons now lives in California, where he continues to write, teach, and empower others through storytelling and martial philosophy.
Availability
Life of Combat is available now in paperback and digital format. To request a review copy, author interview, or event appearance, please contact below.
Media Contact
Company Name: The Empire Publishers (USA)
Contact Person: Dale C. Simmons
Email: Send Email
City: Killeen
State: Texas
Country: United States
Website: https://www.theempirepublishers.com/
