Part 35 of the Close Combat Files

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.

In a perfect CQB execution the rule of takeout and not take on would apply. However we all know that ‘O Shit’ situations do happen, through human error, being compromised or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

All good CQB programs provide primary, secondary and emergency options against a wide range of threats and it is the terminal emergency options I will cover in this file.

Many of the situations the combatant may be caught in will prevent the employment of evasive manoeuvres or through being held by an accomplice, even being able to cover or deflect against strikes or kicks.

Such situations include being held and hit, grabbed and stabbed, decentralised and stomped, fired upon or garrotted or even ambushed at weapon point in a mugging or hostage situation.

Lets begin with common natural human reaction to unperceived assault. Human nature and tactically correct principles combined should see the combatant crouch and cover making themselves a smaller protected target and maintaining stability and an affinity with ground foot contact.

From this cover guard position, strikes can be covered against if they are roundhouse or deflected if they are straight line.

To combat kicks from stationary from a cover guard position the use of the combat boot is the primary option. Combat a kick with a kick by executing an axe type kick or a stomping leg stamp. Ensure that the arch of the foot is positioned around the front of the enemies shin just below the knee joint. Kick your enemies kicking leg or stability leg whichever is the closest at the time of counter.

The next ‘O Shit’ situation is under edged or bludgeon type weapon ambush when you are being held from behind and a second enemy attacker advances on you from the front to stab or bludgeon you. Keep your centre of gravity low to prevent being lifted, watch your attacker’s weapon. Timing is everything and as his weapon is on its final approach towards you, his intended target, simultaneously squeeze your holding enemy’s crotch as you pivot your feet away from the incoming weapon travel and step diagonally behind the holding attacker and away from the incoming travel of the weapon and bending diagonally forward.

The previous actions must be executed in one simultaneous and aggressive action. The desired end result will be your holding enemy will have been turned inline of his accomplice’s weapon ending in him being the victim of a friendly weapon.

To combat the same situation unarmed being held from behind and hit or kicked unarmed, employ the same principles as the armed ambushed situation of previous up until you have completed the pivoting of both feet. Next employ a leg stamp at the entry attacker followed by a close quarter leg stamp and crotch strike to the holding attacker.

Following your release move behind the prior holding attacker keeping both attackers to your front and employ further close quarter options or escape.

Reducing the effect of punches to the head when your hands are tied behind your back or for whatever reason can’t be raised or utilised to guard in time or at all through injury etc.

Knowing how to use your shoulder or as a last resort your skull to deflect blows is necessary. The cranial bone is some of the strongest bone in the human body.

Crouch, pivot your feet and tuck your chin and jaw inside your shoulder. Lock your teeth, make ready your neck for deflection impact and position the curve of your skull above your forehead to deflect the blow if required.

You must control your breathing and remain focused adjusting your position if required to ensure desired placement and angle of deflection.

How to escape crushing holds on your vitals.

Throat squeezing, digit biting, groin grabbing.

For throat and groin attack, secure a grabbing hand or wrist and pick it off or release pressure to reduce the effect. Now you need to deliver an attack to your enemy’s vitals that will instantly cause a release. Attack the eyes, throat or lower legs, this will impair vision, affect the airway or dislocate the knee joint respectively. Be aware that throat strikes kill and are for military ‘kill or get killed’ options only.

Biting although painful is a slow assault and can be combated by instantly targeting the vitals previously outlined in throat and groin grab situations.

Combating a rear pull down in an ambush, abduction or sexual violation encounter.

Firstly do not attempt any of the downright dangerous reach back behind your head to locate the attackers grasping fingers methods so often taught.

Golden rule of European close combat and combat sports, never reach behind yourself unless you have eyes in the back of your head.

Self-preservation and recovery must take over when you find yourself being pulled backwards or downwards. Drop your centre of gravity as you are initially pulled back, resisting the downward or backward pull which should come naturally.

Secondly through prior learnt practised and installed skills training, swivel to face your enemy and fast map (assess) to ascertain exposed vitals and target them.

A well-trained combatant with good reactions would add to this an option to clear the attacker’s holding arms as part of the swivel like an elbow clearance over the holding arms.

If the arms were not free or were too low to clear the target during the swivel, a backhand edge strike to the groin could be employed.

Finally this is the first part of two parts of this Close Combat Files subject.

What to do if your vision is impaired in close quarter situations.

Cover guard and shut down your enemy by driving forward and pushing against him with your forearms. Focus on the blur of his person to shut him down. Once you have made contact employ a temporary close quarter secure skill to restrict his arms.

Now you can use your sense of feel to follow his sternum to his throat, chin or eyes, or use the toes of your boots to find his foot and travel up it to stamp out the knee, rip down the shin and crush the small bones of the foot.

You can also from his belt locate his crotch to attack it.

In part two I will cover more armed ‘Oh Shit’ situations.

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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 BooksThe 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 DVDsSelf Defence of the Elite – 80 Years of Combative Excellence – Primary Option Control & Restraint – Military Unarmed Combat – Phase 1
• Close Combat CDsTechnique To Command – Combative Code of Conduct