Close Combat Files

The Close Combat Files covers all aspects of close quarter combat and self defence. Close Combat is known by many names, including unarmed combat, hand-to-hand combat, combatives, close quarter battle, and close quarter combat. Although some martial arts use this terminology in recent times, the articles in this column are specific to military combatives, which stems from the World War II pioneers such as W.E. Fairbairn, E.A. Sykes, Colonel Rex Applegate, and Charles Nelson.

The author of these articles is Geoff ‘Tank’ Todd, who has trained and qualified with both Col. Applegate and Charles Nelson. Tank is the Director of Overseas Affairs for the International Close Combat Instructors Association (ICCIA), which is comprised of former and current military close combat instructors.

For further information or training opportunities, see the Todd Group website.

Unarmed Counter Offensive Considerations. Cover Guard vs. Blocking

Published by on

In Military CQB we have definite practises when it comes to combating unarmed enemy assault. The instructed practises as previously covered are based on primary, secondary and emergency options when it comes to unarmed counter offense. The primary and secondary options are evasion based and used prior to employing counteroffensive options. It is the emergency […]

Combating Enemy Fighting Arts – Part 2

Published by on

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. Specific threat stand-up striker or kicker There are two primary ways of stopping the stand-up enemy threat. 1. Anti unarmed assault. 2. Counter […]

Combating Enemy Fighting Arts Part 1

Published by on

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. My military close combat courses incorporate a combating and familiarisation with enemy fighting arts of the world component. These modules provide […]

Dagger Disarming – Part 2 — Part 41 of the Close Combat Files

Published by on

The Contingency Options And Ambush Phase 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. Military close combat is about principles and skills not techniques that are set in stone, […]

Dagger Disarming — Part 40 of the Close Combat Files

Published by on

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. The two main categories of non ballistic type weapons commonly associated with close quarters combat or urban self protection armed threats […]

Unarmed Close Combat Contingency Options — Part 39 of the Close Combat Files

Published by on

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. True European military combative systems show commonality in skills and principles throughout all phases and levels of training. The very important […]

Unarmed Comparisons — Part 38 of the Close Combat Files

Published by on

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. This edition of the close combat files is to provide information as to why the Todd Close Combat Systems consider skills […]

The Combat Boot — Part 37 of the Close Combat Files

Published by on

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. Combat kicks are the primary unarmed offensive and counter offensive option. These kicks are not sporting or traditional and in this edition […]

Damage Reduction – Part 2 — Part 36 of the Close Combat Files

Published by on

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. This is the second part of the two part series on damage reduction in what is known in military close combat as […]

Damage Reduction — Part 35 of the Close Combat Files

Published by on

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' […]