Below are set out the general principles and description of Unarmed Combat. Appendix "D" contains a list of holds and counters, also photographs demonstrating the first six of the series. Further photographs demonstrating the remainder of the holds and counters set out in the list will be published in successive A.T.M.'s. Owing to the number of photographs involved it is not possible to publish all in one number.
- The term "Unarmed Combat" is usually applied to the tactics adopted by an unarmed man against an opponent who is armed. Unarmed combat means complete ruthlessness when used against the enemy. "All-in" wrestling, in spite of its name, does not mean quite the same thing, as it. is a test of skill and strength between two unarmed opponents, and intentional killing or maiming is not allowed. "All-in" wrestling forms a part of Unarmed Combat training, because it has been proved beyond doubt that a course of tuition in "All-in" wrestling makes men more receptive of the Unarmed Combat holds and counters. In the list, holds that may be used in wrestling are marked with an asterisk. Many of them are preliminaries to the application of ruthless tactics.
- Use of Defence and Offence — Unarmed Combat has hitherto been considered as a means of defence at close quarters when no weapons are at hand. Its use as a means of attack, however, cannot be overlooked, particularly on such occasions as those when weapons cannot be conveniently used, e.g., the stalking of a sentry, when no noise must be made. Moreover, it should be noted that every defensive movement is invariably followed, if successful, by an offensive movement, whereby absolute mastery of an opponent should be obtained.
- Ruthlessness — War is a matter of life and death, even where unarmed combat is concerned; hence there must be no scruple or compunction over the methods employed. Complete ruthlessness is necessary in order to gain the mastery over one's opponent. Such brutal methods of attack as kicking, gouging the eyes, etc., though foreign and detestable to the Britisher, must be used without hesitation against a desperate enemy. At the same time, one must not underestimate the value of a good solid punch should the opportunity for its use occur.
- Essentials of Success — Surprise, speed and smoothness of execution, and, possibly most important of all, the gaining and retention of the initiative, are all essential if success is to be achieved. These cannot be achieved without a thorough knowledge of the art, allied to constant practice with a variety of partners and under different conditions; e.g., in the matter of dress, or when one is tired, or when it is dark. No two opponents will attack in precisely the same way, but the skilled exponent of unarmed combat will, by virtue of his continual practice under all conditions, have a variety of moves at his command. Although the initiative of an attack may appear to be with the combatant who is armed, the unarmed man can, and should, by skillfully-timed offensive action, seize the initiative, disarm his opponent, and thus secure the upper hand.
- Avoidance of Injuries — Great care must be taken during practice to avoid injuries; hence speed of movement may have to be partially sacrificed. Nevertheless, all movements should be made as realistic as possible. In actual combat, do not be misled by the false cries of an artful opponent into relaxing a lock or a hold before control has been obtained.
- Use of the Steel Helmet — The steel helmet can be used with great effect as a weapon of offence, as well as serving its usual role as a means of protection. Even when kept on the head it can still be used to deal a vicious blow. Similarly it can be used in the hand to deliver blows, full use being made of its sharp cutting edge. Finally it can be used as a shield, particularly against bayonet or dagger thrusts, or even against a thrown knife. The rubber lining of the steel helmet is intended as a shock absorber, which makes it all the more suitable for use as a shield. Whenever it is used in the hand, the chin strap should be wound around the wrist, to avoid dropping and possibly losing the helmet. For this reason the steel helmet should never be thrown.
- Dress — In the early stages, unarmed combat may be practised in P.T. kit. Later, however, it may be performed in any type of dress; gradually working up to battle dress and equipment.
- Instruction.
(a) To obtain best results the squad should not consist of more than 14 men, and must be under supervision of a qualified Instructor.
(b) Under no circumstances should .men be put through Unarmed Combat training without first being well warmed up with loosening and quickening exercises for a period of not less than five minutes.
(c) The Instructor will demonstrate each movement to the squad at high speed to show its effectiveness, then execute slowly, explaining every detail.
(d) To practice movements, the squad will be paired off with ample space between pairs to prevent one pair fouling another.
(e) The Instructor will put the squad through the movements very slowly until they have been thoroughly mastered, gradually working up to maximum speed. Great care must be taken that correct technique is maintained throughout.
(f) As men gain confidence and reach a higher state of efficiency, battle tests in Unarmed Combat can be introduced for periods of 10 to 12 minutes' duration, changing partners every 2 minutes.
This exercise takes the form of hand-to-hand combat, with men putting into effect grips and counters, already learnt, and assures that each man works with various partners and gains the experience of different weight, style, etc., thus developing toughness, initiative, and the ability to make split second decisions as opportunities present themselves.
(g) Quick-decision exercises should be practiced in the form of ambushes, surprise attacks, etc., e.g., the noiseless capture of the last man of a patrol moving along jungle trails. This will foster a sense of alertness, and develops in men the ability to react instinctively.
(h) In this war of movement and infiltration no unit is immune from surprise attack. Men with a knowledge of Unarmed Combat are not helpless even if caught unarmed.
(i) It is only by constant practice in actual hand-to-hand combat that men can be brought to that state of toughness and efficiency required of a capable Unarmed Combat man.
- Initial Lesson — How to fall and tumble; balance and leverage. Explain wristlocks, arm bars, face bars, arm rolls, headlocks, crutch holds, body scissors, head scissors, quarter, half and three-quarter nelsons, throat and wrist strangles, toe holds, hammerlock.
- Vulnerable Points of Body.
Front — Head, eyes, temples, base of nose between eyes, under nose, point of chin, and jaw, under lobes of ears, sides of throat, Adam's apple, collarbone, under and above heart, solar plexus, testicles, knee caps, shins and insteps.
Rear — Head, base of skull, nape of neck, ears, all spinal region, base of spine, kidneys, inside legs above knees, heels.
- Ruthless Tactics — Gouging, kicking, kneeing, biting, striking with elbows, wrists and forearms. Use of thumbs and fingers for breaking holds. Striking with heel of palm. Pulling hair. Fingers up nose. Tearing mouth.
