Having spent 15 years as a military CQB chief instructor and over thirty years training and qualifying in armed and unarmed combat and I am well accustomed to the terminology and tradecraft practises relating to my trade an unusual circumstance for a civilian.
This edition of the close combat files will outline the importance of attending official training courses of instruction in military CQC/CQB and passing test phases that ensure you are confident and competent in the skills tactics principles and official military combative terminology. It will also outline roles and scope of combative skills employments and how to be the best combatant you can be you need to remain current by continuation training in the most current and battle proven your close combat instructed by your HQ.
This not only reduces skill fade but also ensures you are privy to the most current developments of your HQ training research and development sections.
I used to take for granted that all proclaimed close combat instructors would have similar backgrounds and would have completed the training and qualification courses required to move up through the ranks from basic exponent to instructor.
Bearing this in mind one would presume they would be competent in the writing of the doctrine training and management packages as well as course manager aspects and of course possess all the required attributes of a military qualified close combat instructor.
This would include having a thorough knowledge of the terminology and commands.
This has proven frequently not to be the case and often when I am using correct CQB terminology my audience that are supposed to be military combative qualified look dumbfounded.
CQB technique to command is a great indicator of an individual’s knowledge of skills commands and terminology. The excuses I have heard and the blank looks on faces when simple commands are given that even basic level exponents understand says it all.
Proof of this is very apparent when they have taken their place in the in the ranks been given direct instructions using such correct terminology and they demonstrate anything but what they should, often moving in the complete opposite direction to the rank and file.
Others just stand there waiting for a translation or for the instructions to be repeated and then with an embarrassed look state they do not understand.
I have heard explanations such as our CQB and they are talking about a variation of their martial art does not call the said skill by that name or execute it in the same way.
I remind them that it’s probably because the letters CQB could hardly be considered derived from Asian kanji and so the terminology commands orders and instructions do not have Asian titles but are military combative in origin.
Technique to command on the annual CQB course camp Todd 2010
The military in some cases post-World War II lost a considerable amount of combative practices. The terminology although not foreign in a military environment to the modern day combatant does require most recruits to be indoctrinated to the combative related use of tiles and commands along with explanations and descriptions.
This is natural when you consider this is their first introduction to military CQB and once they have qualified on their basic course they will understand the skills principles tactics and the terminology.
The more experienced combatants just require some remedial training to get them used to the multi usage of jargon and slight variations in relation to CQB/CQC and general military subjects titles descriptions and commands.
The subject of this article land air and sea CQC/CQB will utilize long-range unarmed offensive assault skills or for those not familiar with such terminology stamping kicks to destroy the integrity of the joints of the lower leg mainly the knee joint in order to disarm and disable your enemy of their unarmed capabilities decentralizing them and incapacitating them leaving them venerable to disposal.
We could apply the land air and sea roles and contingency options outlined in this edition of the close combat files utilising long range unarmed offensive assault to all armed and unarmed combat skills principles and tactics employments.
The long-range unarmed offensive assault skills can be employed individually or as part of an unarmed offensive assault combination employment or can be executed utilizing a long range unarmed offensive assault strategy incorporating distractions feints cheats or a wide range of dirty tricks.
They can be employed covertly overtly offensively and counter offensively or in a wide range of green black grey or brown roles employments as well as for civi/urban self-protection where they are considered the most effective means of unarmed offensive and counteroffensive assault options for self-protection.
The reason they are the most effective means is simple, because you are utilizing your longest limb that produces considerable power and provides maximum execution safety range from your enemy as well as utilizing the sole of your boot that is far more resilient than your bare hands.
If I gave the instructions to my CQB savvy pers to execute a land warfare-based right leg stamp at five o’clock they would fully understand.
Likewise if they were instructed to execute an air assault axe kick to 12 o’clock or using our other means of direction identification without hesitation on the command move in training the skill would be executed.
During technique to command training if the command was given close range unarmed offensive assault 2x hand edge entry strikes axe kick finishing skill long range leg stamp continuance heel stomp ground disposal move they would fully under stand and execute the previous.
Sea or amphibious combative requirements such as on the deck of a rolling ship or under beach landing conditions as well as in the surf or a river operationally or in close combat training and on the command, Amphib or Sea warfare leg stamp left side move they would immediately understand and execute the required skill.
The land air and sea long-range unarmed offensive assault skills are very important practices to ensure combatants have the necessary range of situational contingency and terrain specific variations to ensure their primary practice can be employed under all conditions situations and in all directions from a wide range of positions.
The common positioning description of the land air and sea employments of combative skills is Land (crouching) Air (hanging) Sea (Prone). Crouching in land warfare combative skills executions to lower ones centre of gravity reduce target mass increase stability by direct body mass to surface contact and increase unarmed skills power and velocity through maximum balance maintenance and power generation from the grounds surface upwards.
Hanging in Air warfare combative upright positioning as in being suspended and executing a your combative skill or hanging upright as in standing straight upright in crowd fighting when boxed in and going combative.
Sea in Lying down or away, in the water floating or swimming employment of Sea warfare combative skills or lying down when decentralised or away in balance recovery or maintenance on a ship deck or boat pontoon as well as lying down in ground combat counter offensive employments and counter abduction.
Todd European military close combat systems have commonality in all the important basic principles of stances guards and footwork and as such the basic principles of unarmed combat are the same for armed combat and the same land air and sea basic principles apply.
Knife combat for example utilises the land warfare crouched positioning and air warfare the more upright positioning and with sea warfare the prone or leaning away knife combat positioning.
Combat aimed and instinctive shooting with the need to be able to fire from various positions in relation to terrain tactics and situation is another example of land sea and air combative principles applying.
There are cross overs from land air and sea options employments in relation to roles such as urban operators utilizing air operations combative Stamp kicks for self protection in close quarters crowd fighting and sea-based operations combative stamp kicks being used for land warfare close combat on soft or slippery terrain or in the process of recovering one’s footing.
Phase amphib combative counter offensive recovery.
In explanation the following will outline the physical skills and principles differences in land air and sea stamp kicks employments.
The land warfare-based leg stamp execution is from a crouched body mass reduction cover guard position where the stability leg hand is braced on the thigh providing maximum stability through a lowered centre of gravity and direct bodily weight transfer through the stability leg to the ground surface.
The land warfare-based axe kick execution is from a crouched cover guard position providing maximum frontal self protection a lowered centre of gravity and reduced target mass along with a squat like highly stable balanced stance.
The crouched position involves the bending of the knees pushing the buttocks backward and ground ward as well as bending the torso forward and somewhat downward while keeping the back straight and eyes up and on the enemy initially.
In a position resembling a cross between downhill skiing and squatting heavyweights.
Land warfare leg stamp
Land warfare axe kick
Land warfare close quarters clinch leg stamp
In the air assault leg stamp or axe kick utilized for roles such as the requirement for unarmed combat in air operations CQC hanging from a rope or parachute harness and going unarmed counter offensively or under climbing roles and conditions for example during climbing escape and evasion up a cliff face with a more straight upright body positioning.
The same variation of the upright stamp kick may have to be employed in an urban operators environment or civi self protection situation where there is no time to crouch or you are boxed in as in crowd fighting.
Air based warfare
Air warfare climbing counter offensive stamp kick
Air warfare climbing counter offensive stamp kick
The amphibious or sea-based warfare combative stamp kick employment executed on the deck of a ship or RIB (rubber inflatable boat) may require your stability leg hand to provide additional balance and stability by extending back to improve and regain your compromised balance or if your balance has been lost by being placed firmly on the deck of the ship or pontoon of a rubber inflatable boat or seizing or securing a fixing or rope during the execution of the stamp kick.
The same practice may be necessary for beach combative warfare executions of stamp kicks where your balance is lost on soft greasy or sandy terrain.
The same would apply to land warfare employments of stamp kicks where you have lost your balance and during recovery from the ground counteroffensive leg stamps need to be employed from a kneeling position supported by your non cover guarding hand being palm down on the grounds surface for stability and balance maintenance.
From a combative side falling position in ground combat phase recovery and self protection the skyward leg would be utilised first counter offensively. The reason for this is the combative impact reduction of the combative side fall that reduces impact by rocking backward and in the process cocking your skyward leg ready for a forward return leg stamp utilising the momentum of the recovering forward body rocking motion.
Many martial arts would employ the ground closest leg for ground kicks in relation to achieving their objectives. Military CQB/CQC objectives and important considerations such as terrain dangers as well as combative falling in battle dress under load bearing conditions with pack and webbing not to mention role and the modus operandi of lethal option CQB/CQC require role specific options. The environment and surroundings of martial arts and combat sports training and competition are very different to that of military CQB/CQC operationally.
There is also the important consideration of combative falling operationally being required on hard uneven surfaces or in terrain that can expose you to extreme dangers.
Rocks logs rivers or the ocean require risk reduction side combative falling to least expose your human bodily vitals to impact and as such provide a means of unarmed counter offensive based on the characteristics of the falling and recovery action.
The ground ward closest leg could certainly be employed statically post combative side fall with the skyward leg positioned to increase stability by propping.
Left: Combative side falling and counter offensive leg stamp as employed in land warfare
Right: Recovery position as employed in land and sea warfare unarmed combat
Any loss of balance including in transport situations where your balance has been compromised and a land warfare stamp kick would be risky or would require recovering your footing then the sea role stamp kick would be a primary option.
You must always remember to achieve the highest possible levels of unarmed skills velocity and destructive power you require maximum levels of stability.
Land and sea warfare execution of a leg stamp where maintaining balance through situation or terrain is required
Land or sea warfare employment of a leg stamp when balance is compromised or to improve stability holding on is required
There are many principles of land air and sea warfare that are common to armed and unarmed combat.
Ground combat in the military where the use of armed capabilities and definitely deadly unarmed combat in unarmed roles is the primary objective. Known as ground fighting in traditional martial arts the role and objective requirements are very different. Ground combat is based on some sound mountain role climbing principles like keeping three pins or points of contact with the climbing surface or in this case the ground.
Combative falling basic principles are based on some military fast roping and parachute landing safety practises and provide fast recovery and cohesive armed or unarmed counter offensive options employments.
There are many examples of CQB stamp kicks that can be employed in more than one role and often in multiple situations.
Urban vehicular offensive vehicle exits or counteroffensive prevention against car jacking can employ seated stamp kicks that are a variation of the stamp kicks employed in anphib RIB (rubber inflatable boat) operations unarmed counter boarding situations for example.
In a cramped restrictive crowd fighting environment stamp kicks are a primary option and can also be used in a wide range of climbing situations sharing in the more upright stance through situational requirements or necessity.
Upright air assault unarmed combat skills employed in crowd fighting training
Crowd fighting training
In shallow water such as in beach landings or river crossings in the close quarters clinch an option is the stamp kick to decentralise and incapacitate your enemy so as to be able to use the aqua puree as an improvised terrain provided weapon to neutralise the threat.
When in amphib swimming escapes where your unarmed enemy is trying to seize one of your legs a trusty straight body stamp kick like employed in crowd fighting but in the prone position is a useful option.
Like wise in urban anti-abduction situations where to put an instant stop to being lifted or dragged into a vehicle and where the abductors need to achieve their snatch in seconds to avoid capture, self decentralisation and the employment of stamp kicks to suit your position and situation will not only provide you with time and make you a much harder target but also the potential to incapacitate your assailant. This type of counter-abduction stamp kick from the ground could resemble a land warfare crowd fighting or ground combat type stamp kick on your back where you maintain three points of ground contact with the ground, your back and both knees bent and boot soles on the ground or on your side the stamp kick would be based on air assault straighter body stamp kick options.
Similar to safety and combative options in air operations such as parachuting or fast roping or climbing where you can use the sole of your boots to prevent bodily contact with objects or structures so can you employ a similar option in counter-abduction to push off the ground vehicles or structures hindering your assailants ability to drag or lift you and take you captive.
The outcome can range in effectiveness from achieving the previous primary objective to breaking the close quarters clinch and achieving disengagement through to self decentralising falling away from your enemy and hard targeting.
The unfortunate reality is that we simply do not see such previously described military combative correct specific role trade craft practises and terminology being commonly used by instructors; however that may well change after some instant expert’s brief exposure to this edition of the close combat files.
One must remember this is but a glimpse of CQB trade craft practises in relation to role terminology and skills employment of one combative subject and to be competent in all the specialist orthodox and unorthodox terms titles descriptions tactics principles and skills one needs to step up and move up through the ranks and instructor qualify.
There is no place for bastardisation or name changing of military combative terms principles tactics procedures and skills as they relate to not only military CQB/CQC but also wide ranging military subjects and operational employments
In tracking fast tracking and in CQC fast mapping for example employment of contingency options on the move to meet threat situational and environmental changes.
I have seen instructors of no military qualified backgrounds come on civi CQC short courses and demonstrate little or no knowledge of military combative trade craft practises then not long after hear of them trying to not only rename and claim military combative skills but also rewrite history claiming they come from their style when weeks earlier they could hardly keep up with entry level exponents in skills learning proficiency levels and required standards.
It is critical that commonality is maintained in CQC and CQB terminology to reduce the factor of confusion and maintain the highest possible standards just as it is critical that CQB and CQC skills are role specific and battle proven.
This has been a brief look at my correct military terminology in relation to the roles and applications of one unarmed combative skills module the primary unarmed long range offensive and counter offensive assault stamp kicks.
Finally remember unarmed combat is usually an emergency last resort option in military close combat operationally when you consider the operator has at their disposal a wide range of carried primary secondary and improvised weapons capabilities not to mention terrain and environmental provided improvised weapons.
In military close combat we always train for not only the primary option but right down to the emergency unarmed options.
Exponents and instructors of military close combat must remember it is a living package and is constantly being re-evaluated by the Master-Chief Instructors to ensure it is the very best of tactically correct and battle proven.
Exponents and instructors must remain current by regular exposure to the most current and proven in skills tactics dirty tricks and procedures if they want to be the very best combatant they can be as there is no other way.
While the terminology may be everlasting generally the physical skills are ever evolving with some previous skills tactics and principles being made obsolete and others having to be modified and some made dormant.
This applies to all aspects of close combat including specialist close personal protection and self protection where I am constantly evaluating changes in threat and developing skills to ensure our allied personnel have the best means at their disposal to achieve their objectives.
So while the physical practices may change over time the general terminology and commands are to a large degree constant ensuring the rank and file have a sound understanding or orders and instructions.
The only exception to the rule is the addition of new individual skills that are introduced on basic courses or through continuation training.
The enemy never rests and as in the words used in a world war two Army unarmed combat production proclaiming the enemy has a dirty mind so we must be masters of our trade and stay at the forefront of the enemy and their tactics weaponry and techniques.
The best combatants and instructors are those that are current in all aspects of military close combat and as such armed with the best of battle proven knowledge.
This edition of the close combat files has used the unarmed option to outline the subject of military close combat terminology roles and commands.
Like wise in urban anti-abduction situations where to put an instant stop to being lifted or dragged into a vehicle and where the abductors need to achieve their snatch in seconds to avoid capture, self decentralisation and the employment of stamp kicks to suit your position and situation will not only provide you with time and make you a much harder target but also the potential to incapacitate your assailant. This type of counter-abduction stamp kick from the ground could resemble a land warfare crowd fighting or ground combat type stamp kick on your back where you maintain three points of ground contact with the ground, your back and both knees bent and boot soles on the ground or on your side the stamp kick would be based on air assault straighter body stamp kick options.
Similar to safety and combative options in air operations such as parachuting or fast roping or climbing where you can use the sole of your boots to prevent bodily contact with objects or structures so can you employ a similar option in counter-abduction to push off the ground vehicles or structures hindering your assailants ability to drag or lift you and take you captive.
The outcome can range in effectiveness from achieving the previous primary objective to breaking the close quarters clinch and achieving disengagement through to self decentralising falling away from your enemy and hard targeting.
The unfortunate reality is that we simply do not see such previously described military combative correct specific role trade craft practises and terminology being commonly used by instructors; however that may well change after some instant expert’s brief exposure to this edition of the close combat files.
One must remember this is but a glimpse of CQB trade craft practises in relation to role terminology and skills employment of one combative subject and to be competent in all the specialist orthodox and unorthodox terms titles descriptions tactics principles and skills one needs to step up and move up through the ranks and instructor qualify.
There is no place for bastardisation or name changing of military combative terms principles tactics procedures and skills as they relate to not only military CQB/CQC but also wide ranging military subjects and operational employments
In tracking fast tracking and in CQC fast mapping for example employment of contingency options on the move to meet threat situational and environmental changes.
I have seen instructors of no military qualified backgrounds come on civi CQC short courses and demonstrate little or no knowledge of military combative trade craft practises then not long after hear of them trying to not only rename and claim military combative skills but also rewrite history claiming they come from their style when weeks earlier they could hardly keep up with entry level exponents in skills learning proficiency levels and required standards.
It is critical that commonality is maintained in CQC and CQB terminology to reduce the factor of confusion and maintain the highest possible standards just as it is critical that CQB and CQC skills are role specific and battle proven.
This has been a brief look at my correct military terminology in relation to the roles and applications of one unarmed combative skills module the primary unarmed long range offensive and counter offensive assault stamp kicks.
Finally remember unarmed combat is usually an emergency last resort option in military close combat operationally when you consider the operator has at their disposal a wide range of carried primary secondary and improvised weapons capabilities not to mention terrain and environmental provided improvised weapons.
In military close combat we always train for not only the primary option but right down to the emergency unarmed options.
Exponents and instructors of military close combat must remember it is a living package and is constantly being re-evaluated by the Master-Chief Instructors to ensure it is the very best of tactically correct and battle proven.
Exponents and instructors must remain current by regular exposure to the most current and proven in skills tactics dirty tricks and procedures if they want to be the very best combatant they can be as there is no other way.
While the terminology may be everlasting generally the physical skills are ever evolving with some previous skills tactics and principles being made obsolete and others having to be modified and some made dormant.
This applies to all aspects of close combat including specialist close personal protection and self protection where I am constantly evaluating changes in threat and developing skills to ensure our allied personnel have the best means at their disposal to achieve their objectives.
So while the physical practices may change over time the general terminology and commands are to a large degree constant ensuring the rank and file have a sound understanding or orders and instructions.
The only exception to the rule is the addition of new individual skills that are introduced on basic courses or through continuation training.
The enemy never rests and as in the words used in a world war two Army unarmed combat production proclaiming the enemy has a dirty mind so we must be masters of our trade and stay at the forefront of the enemy and their tactics weaponry and techniques.
The best combatants and instructors are those that are current in all aspects of military close combat and as such armed with the best of battle proven knowledge.
This edition of the close combat files has used the unarmed option to outline the subject of military close combat terminology roles and commands.
