Photos compliments of Normanton Photography.
Dunedin, New Zealand, the location of the Todd Group, is truly the world capital of European Military close combat. Dating back to when Harry Baldock was the chief instructor the Todd Group is in its 80th year and leads the way in military close combat training and a wide range of related services.
2006 was the tenth consecutive annual International close combat course conducted by the Todd Group since they went global with the Todd close combat systems. Every year the course has become even more of an under taking with Tank and his instructor teams capacity instructing schedule.
2005 the course had to be rescheduled because of overseas contract instructing commitments and 2006 was even more of struggle to undertake. Tank arrived home the evening before the course started and left again the day after the course ended along with his instructing team.
To ensure members that would be unavailable for the annual course received their annual continuation training Tank had to conduct individual and small group training courses in the months leading up to the annual course followed by a phase three component prior to the phase one and two courses starting.
The course was conducted at the camp that the Todd Group recently purchased set in 280 acres of native bush and grassed areas. The camp that will be renamed camp Todd is a designated camp available for renting by clubs for their training camps.
Camp Todd – Training Hall
The camp made for a great training environment and more realistic training. The camp is well set up with army huts and a female barracks block as well as a training hall commercial kitchen and toilet and shower blocks.
Male barracks.
We also hired a large marque for additional outdoors training if the weather cut up rough but it was barely used. Training and presentations were also conducted at the Todd Group HQ in Dunedin city in the evenings so exponents could experience the atmosphere of the old Head Quarters facility.
Instructors on the course included Todd Group 2IC Cowboy Mitchell, Howard Bell, Lee Smith, Gannett Yee and Frodo Nicholls. Ron Evans was back on the instructing team all the way from the UK and Johnny Whipp made the trip down under from Australia.
Technique to Command
Exponents were truly a mixed bunch and the accents on course were varied. The group were a realistic bunch and many after self analysing realised they simply were not up to phase testing and did not accept the testing challenge on this course preferring to further prepare before testing at a later date.
Pugil Fighting
There were only three phase one passes and five phase two passes. The pre-test video presentation of past phase tests may have been a decider in some exponent’s cases.
Todd Group respected member, when he is sober, Dr Stefan Eriksson was not only a training exponent on course but also was our medic so we were fortunate that he did not end up a casualty himself.
Living on course and living CQB is as close as it gets for a civilian and being in the company of a wide range of professions including service personnel is a different experience for many of the entry level exponents.
The camp cook and novelist Tracy was an asset and the group really appreciated her substantial meals.
Unfortunately many courses planned for later this year may have to be postponed due to a capacity instructing schedule for Tank and his instructing team so it was very fortunate indeed to be able to once again ensure the annual course could go ahead. Having so much training space and all the required equipment as well as highly qualified military trained and qualified instructors made for a very unique experience for many exponents on course and they truly appreciated the opportunity.
We have had a constant stream of inquiries as to the Australian and Thailand courses set down for 2006 as well as the Close Combat Instructors Association convention and training components set down for the USA. Interested individuals should forward their letters of interest and full contact details to [email protected] and they will be kept informed as details are decided.
Most exponents and instructors on course spent many a spare dollar in the fight times shop and the Combative Masters of the 20th Century book was a top seller along with the On Your Todd self defence device.
Before we knew it the course was over and we were on our way to the next location and group of willing exponents.
To the many applicants that were unable to secure a position this year on course I suggest you apply as early as possible and practical for 2007 as we have already received applications.
To all the instructors that return every year and to all the exponents that put themselves on the line crack on and see you on course again soon or next year.
Interested in Close Combat Training? Todd Group Depots are located throughout New Zealand and at various overseas locations.
For more information on Todd System of Close Combat see the following books, dvds and cds:
- Close Combat Books
The Do's and Don'ts of Close Combat – Tactical C&R – Control and Restraint – No Nonsense Self Defence – Military Close Combat Systems Phase One – Combative Masters Of The 20th Century - Close Combat DVDs
Self Defence of the Elite – 80 Years of Combative Excellence – Primary Option Control & Restraint – Military Unarmed Combat – Phase 1 - Close Combat CDs
Technique To Command – Combative Code of Conduct
