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COMBATIVES OVERVIEW
SUMMARY: Combatives is a hand-to-hand, close quarters combat (CQC) system used by the military. Its techniques are simple yet highly effective.
Definition of Combatives
As defined by US Army FM 21-150 Combatives:
Hand-to-hand combat is an engagement between two or more persons in an empty-handed struggle or with handheld weapons such as knives, sticks, and rifles with bayonets. These fighting arts are essential military skills. Projectile weapons may be lost or broken, or they may fail to fire. When friendly and enemy forces become so intermingled that firearms and grenades are not practical, hand-to-hand combat skills become vital assets.
History
The development of combatives can be traced to Major W.E. Fairbairn, Eric Anthony Sykes, and Rex Applegate in World War II. The two classic texts are Get Tough
Its popularity comes from the demands in WWII that it could be taught to thousands soldiers, was easy to learn and recalled, and can be executed effectively with modest physical demands. This hand-to-hand military system is a supplement to armed combat, and used when soldiers are disarmed or weapons fail.
Because combatives was designed for war, its techniques are more offensive than defensive, and can maim or kill. Care must be taken when training with others. Civilians need to be careful to not use excessive force in a self-defense situation.
Techniques
Techniques are based on what the smallest person can do to the largest, using elements of surprise when possible, with ruthless disregard for the opponent.
Some typical techniques include:
- Blows/Strikes. Knife (or edge-of) hand, chin jab, boot/side kick, knee strike.
- Releases. From a wrist, strangle, or hair hold; bear hug.
- Holds. Thumb, sentry, Japanese strangle, handcuff, bent-arm, head holds.
- Throws. Hip, wrist, and back throws.
- Disarms. Of a gun or knife, from front or behind.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Books Combatives books. Includes recommended books.
- Videos Combatives DVDs and videos serve as excellent supplemental learning tools. Learn at your own pace in the comfort of your home.
- Training Live Combatives training from qualified instructors allows more personalized training, technique correction, and practice with partners.
- Information Additional websites that provide Combatives information.
- More Articles Read more Combatives articles from our library.