Tank Todd

Special Operations CQB Master Chief Instructor. Over 30 years experience. The only instructor qualified descendent of Baldock, Nelson, and Applegate. Former instructors include Harry Baldock (unarmed combat instructor NZ Army WWII), Colonel Rex Applegate OSS WWII and Charles Nelson, US Marine Corps. Tank has passed his Special Forces combative instructor qualification course in Southeast Asia and is certified to instruct the Applegate, Baldock and Nelson systems. His school has been operating for over eighty years and he is currently an Army Special Operations Group CQB Master Chief Instructor. His lineage and qualifications from the evolutionary pioneers are equalled by no other military close combat instructor. His operation includes his New Zealand headquarters, and 30 depots worldwide as well as contracts to train the military elite, security forces, and close protection specialists. Annually he trains thousands of exponents and serious operators that travel down-under to learn from the direct descendant of the experts and pioneers of military close combat. Following in the footsteps of his former seniors, he has developed weapons, and training equipment exclusive to close combat and tactical applications. He has published military manuals and several civilian manuals and produced DVDs on urban self protection, tactical control and restraint, and close combat. He has racked up an impressive 100,000+ hours in close combat.

‘To Take Out’ Over ‘To Take On’

Published by Tank Todd on August 7, 2009

The difference between ‘take on’ and ‘take out’ to an instructor who has been trained and qualified in military close combat coming up through the ranks is very clear in that to take out the enemy or neutralize the enemy in relation to the rules of engagement and standard operating procedures is the primary and […]

Todd Group Annual Close Combat Course 19-28 March 2009

Published by Tank Todd on April 3, 2009

There was no hint of the recession "Down Under" as once again exponents and instructors turned up to train test and instruct. The phase 3 specialist training commenced the week before the phase 1 and 2 courses of instruction and this proved to be a valuable new regime that enabled the instructor cadre and specialist […]

CQB Orthodox and Unorthodox Explanation

Published by Tank Todd on February 20, 2009

Caution: The contents of this article are for education purposes only. The principles described are extremely dangerous and are for military close combat training and operations only. Their application applies solely to the military. Close combat, being a continually developing and changing package, in order to stay at the forefront of enemy specific threats, tactics, […]

International Close Combat Instructors' Association Convention and Training Workshops

Published by Tank Todd on January 29, 2009

During December 16-20, 2008, Dunedin, New Zealand was the location for the International Close Combat Instructors' Association (ICCIA) convention. The association’s director of overseas affairs, Tank Todd, hosted the convention at the Todd Group’s headquarters and training camp. The convention attracted approximately 100 exponents from all over the world and six association member instructors, including […]

Ray Meining

Published by Tank Todd on December 11, 2008

Ray Meining was born in Dunedin in 1917 on the second of April; he was one of three children having a sister and a brother. His father was a butcher owning his own shop in South Dunedin. V.C. Dedication with Govt Gen. at Queens Gardens. Ray displays War Medals and NZ Order of Merit. Ray […]

WO1 Jimmy Page

Published by Tank Todd on December 4, 2008

New Zealand has only ever had a few military qualified unarmed combat (CQB) chief instructors and the late Mr Jimmy Page was one of those pioneer instructors along with the late Shocker Shaw. Jimmy PageRoyal NZ Infantry Regiment 1950 Jimmy sadly passed away on June 17th 1999. He is survived by his wife Mrs Sylvia […]

Bill Hall

Published by Tank Todd on November 27, 2008

We begin this new regular column in the magazine to provide individuals recollections of their service to their country. The Anzac day dawn parades are very much an indication of the respect that all New Zealanders have for their heroes. The huge turnouts at the dawn parades are made up of a large percentage of […]