I personally don't recommend engine braking; brake-pads/rotors are much cheaper and easier to replace versus an over-revved engine. Just always keep the car in gear and you should be fine (eg. no coasting in neutral). I used to stick the shifter in neutral and then brake when approaching a stoplight, but after I burned through pads a bit too quickly I just kept the car in gear until most of my braking was done.

Shingo