Focusing on Ed Don George, a wrestler and hand-to-hand combat instructor during World War II, the book highlights his role at the U.S. Navy Pre-Flight School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It features a collection of articles and photographs that showcase his contributions to training young cadets for combat. The narrative emphasizes George's patriotic efforts and aims to reintroduce his significant impact during a pivotal time in history.
An eccentric millionaire and amateur boxer, Anthony Joseph Drexel Biddle Sr. was a pioneer of combatives in the U.S. He started his career as a Marine Corps instructor in bayonet tactics during World War I and became a major proponent of W.E. Fairbairn's Defendu, teaching hand-to-hand combat to Marines and G-men through World War II. This book provides an overview of Biddle's life and his influential combat system, highlighting his unique contributions to military training and self-defense techniques.
Allan Corstorphin Smith, an unsung pioneer of Combatives, adapted Jiu-Jitsu techniques from the Kodokan during World War One, later developing his own system called Battle Fighting for World War Two. His teachings aimed to empower individuals from various backgrounds, including students, Boy Scouts, policemen, and soldiers, by providing them with practical self-defense skills to enhance their confidence and safety in everyday life.
The manual, authored by Captain Jaromir Picka in 1942, serves as a guide for hand-to-hand combat training specifically designed for Czechoslovak operatives of the Special Operations Executive. It offers insights into the techniques and strategies employed during that era, reflecting the rigorous training methods necessary for operatives engaged in covert operations. This historical document highlights the practical skills and combat readiness essential for survival and effectiveness in wartime scenarios.
Focusing on the evolution of Combatives in the U.S. from World War II to today, the narrative follows the career of Anthony R. Flores, a judoka and hand-to-hand combat instructor. It highlights unarmed combat courses at prestigious military institutions like West Point and Fort Oglethorpe, showcasing the development and significance of these training programs through Flores's experiences and teachings.
With commentary provided by members of the Rough And Tumble Society (RATS)
Set in 1923, the book features articles on self-defense by Lieutenant K.E. Shephard, a former Marine Corps instructor, and boxer Jack Dempsey. Their writings, originally published in The Long Beach Telegram, are complemented by modern commentary from experts who evaluate the effectiveness of the techniques. This blend of historical perspective and contemporary analysis offers readers insights into self-defense strategies from both a historical and practical viewpoint.
The narrative centers on Grey Otter, a half Cherokee man and renowned knife and tomahawk thrower, who developed a unique tomahawk fighting system during World War Two. The book explores his innovative techniques while delving into his personal history. Additionally, it highlights the stories of other warriors who bravely fought against the Axis powers, providing a broader context of their contributions and experiences during the war.
This book, from 1950, presents the Military Police School course titled Personal Encounters. It focuses on unarmed combat techniques that equip MPs with the knowledge and confidence to effectively handle situations, ensuring they can rely on these skills when needed.