Combatives

[FNG]

Reading Donna`s post made me think of the thread on Bram`s forum on WWI1 Combatives. I recommend it. It`s a gold mine. Myers was kind enough to post a link to FM 21-150. From the `60`s version; not much has changed.
I am not an FMA practitioner. I like to play Kendo. Not ones first choice for street thugs. So, there is one view.
Some things in any martial art may well be useless to you or, not natural to you. If you are not intending to open a school, why not skip them?
eg: There are several methods of sentry silencing illustrated. My own method is not there, nor are a couple of others that I know to work. Why so many virtually identical techniques? Why, so you can pick a couple that work well for you and use them.
The FM is to train draftees in war time, with its training time restrictions. We know that it works.
However, if you want to be able to pass a test on 1001 moves, and be a 100th. Dan in something, then this is not for you. Anyone of you can come up with a variation on a combatives move. It`s done all of the time, but is there the complexity that most want in an art; no.
I`m not surprised that some see an FMA connection here. Look at the history and the curious nature of U.S. G.I.`s. That may be worth exploring.
I am a bit supprised that anyone is selling it. You and a couple of friends can learn it from the FM. One plays instructor for safety. A demonstrator to play BG, and you`re set. there are just enough moves to conform to most body types and inclinations. That`s the way the Army does it. They just need instructors expert enough to teach a part at a time. They switch, so eventually an instructor can teach it all. In "free play" time they usually pass on other stuff that they have learned, and like for your amusement.
Also, other nations are exporting their recruit training, some of which is not combat proven. Caveat emptor.
Speaking of caveats, they may do things differently now, but I don`t see why they would.
Spec. Ops guys sometimes call in consultants now. Why; because it`s fun, and they have the budget.
To sum up Donna`s question, as I understand it, you need to know the function to make a proper choice of form.

 

[Donna Barnas]

Hi FNG,
Thanks for that informative post. I mentioned you over in the other thread. What is great about your experience is that you train in a martial art but have also fought through many life and death situations to know what works in those situations and what doesn't. Taking into account this post and the email you sent me your message is keep it simple because under the stress of combat i.e. a life and death situation, none of the complicated/fancy moves will be remembered.

On your statement about the arts teaching many techniques but you are to take the ones that work best for you, Tuhon Bill McGrath who teaches many techniques once stated that he only expects his students to take the 10% that work best for them.

 

[FNG]

I have a friend who teaches TKD for a living. Hitting hard things with my body parts is not my idea of fun, but he also can instruct Judo and Hapkido. TKD sells here so the others are paid for by it. As this is his life, he can use TKD to keep up with the others. Hapkido has some good cane techniques, and I drill on those. Judo is fun, as is Kendo, which he is better than I at, but doesn`t have the belt to sell it, as if it would sell here. So, the MA`s really can be a smorgasboard.
A problem with many less than lethal techniques is that they require a cooperative subject. Many won`t work with an actively resistive subject. So, you need to, in real life, to subdue enough to apply the technique, or luck into the setup for it, which does happen.
We all have learned things that we would not use on the street. It may be a good idea to take an inventory and pick your "Carry guns", as opposed to "Race guns", and practice those in a seperate session to associate those with your combat mind set.
Most have seen part of the Rodney King tape. If nothing else it shows just how hard subject control can be.
Situational awareness can`t be over done. A MA should give you that. It is always a part of FAA and NTSB Classes. The danger of tunnel vision opposed to the need to focus. Turning your head to beak exessive focus, etc. Saving night vision, etc., things that need to be habit.
Hunting is good training. The line between predator and prey is clear. Prey is the one surprised.
The "What if?" should be asked. The more you pre plan the faster you can choose options. Some don`t like the "If this then", approach, it`s not art. Yet, if you have time, what`s wrong with sizeing things up, and asking,"What if?". It is often unclear just what the situation is, or may become.
Don`t fly with your head up and locked, or fat,dumb and happy.
Just some thoughts,that you may wish to think about.