Ron Shillingford

Unarmed combat is the oldest form of fighting known to man. Despite the development of weapons technology, a solder-particularly a special forces soldier-can find himself in an empty-hand fight as a result of weapons failure, depleted ammunition, a need for silence, or a failed escape and evasion attempt. To survive, he needs to be fully trained in the use of weapons that are always at his disposal, never jam, and never run out of ammunition-his hands and feet. Properly used, they can stop an attacker dead in his tracks.

In a militry cotext, close-quarters combat is about survival: any and all means are valid. Surprise and speed are essential and the intention is to attack, not simpley defend. The Elite Forces Handbook of Unarmed Combat provides a detailed examination of the subject, with clear descriptions supported by black-and-white photographs and line drawings showing specific techniques. Starting with an overview of the historical development of unarmed combat, this book works through training (both physical and mental), vulnerable areas of the body, and particular techniques: punching and kicking, blocks, chokes and headlocks, breaking holds, throws, and ground fighting.

The techniques used by special forces around the world are examined here: the lethal strikes of the Spetsnaz, locks and constrictions used by the Egyptian special forces, US Army throws and holds, and elementary methods taught to Britain's Parachute Regiment. The Elite Forces Handbook of Unarmced Combat spells out the elements of hand-to-hand fighting from the soldier's point of view.

Ron Shillingford is a regular contributor on boxing an martial arts for a number of newspapers and radio and TV programs. He was the only journalist permitted to interview Mike Tyson on his British debut. Ron Shillingford is a member of the Boxing Writer's Cub and currently lives in London.

Contents

Chapter 1 Essential of unarmed combat
Chapter 2 The martial arts heritage
Chapter 3 Traininig kept simple
Chapter 4 Mental training
Chapter 5 Vulnerable areas of the body
Chapter 6 Punching and kicking
Chapter 7 Blocks against punches and kicks
Chapter 8 Chokes and headlocks
Chapter 9 Breaking free
Chapter 10 Throws
Chapter 11 Going to ground
Chapter 12 Defence against a firearm
Chapter 13 Defence against knife attack
Chapter 14 Defence against bayonet attack
Chapter 15 Defence against clubs and truncheons
Chapter 16 Multiple assailants
Index… (plus d'informations)