Combatives is a general term for hand-to-hand combat systems primarily used by members of the military. These systems focus on simple, proven, war-zone-survival and fighting techniques that can be learned in a short amount of time. Some military combatives systems have been adapted for use by law enforcement, security professionals, and civilians.
This article provides an overview of military combatives and how they differ from civilian self-protection systems such as the GMAU Krav Maga course.
Image Source Adobe Stock
by Volodymyr
Military combatives, often referred to as hand-to-hand combat or close-quarters combat, is a system of unarmed and armed fighting techniques and strategies developed for military personnel. Military combatives programs are diverse, reflecting the unique needs and approaches of different countries and branches of the military. While the specific techniques and systems may vary, the following list includes some of the better-known combatives systems:
Defendu: The Defendu system, developed by William E. Fairbairn and Eric A. Sykes, was used by British commandos and special forces during World War II. It emphasizes quick and effective techniques for incapacitating opponents.
United States Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP): The MCMAP is a comprehensive martial-arts program used by the U.S. Marine Corps. It integrates techniques from various martial arts, including striking, grappling, and weapons training.
United States Army Combatives: The U.S. Army has its own combatives program that focuses on teaching soldiers hand-to-hand combat skills, including ground fighting and submission techniques.
Russian Systema: Systema is a Russian martial art used by various branches of the Russian military. It focuses on relaxation, breathing, and adaptability in combat situations.
Israeli Commando Krav Maga: This is a specialized form of Krav Maga developed for use by Israeli special forces and commando units. It places a strong emphasis on war-zone combat scenarios, emphasizing offensive weapon use, survival techniques, and hand-to-hand combat.
French Commando Training: French special forces, such as the Foreign Legion and GIGN, receive training in a variety of hand-to-hand combat techniques that are designed for close-quarters combat and self-defense.
Chinese Sanda: The Chinese military incorporates Sanda, also known as Chinese kickboxing, which combines elements of traditional Chinese martial arts with modern combat techniques.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): Although not exclusive to the military, BJJ is used by some military and law enforcement units for ground fighting and submission techniques.
Image Source Adobe Stock
by John
While both military combatives and “civilian” Krav Maga share the goal of equipping individuals with effective self-defense skills, there are some key differences — in particular, what they focus on in training.
Military personnel focus on the use of weaponry and use hand-to-hand combat as a “last resort”, much like the Samurai of ancient Japan. Also, they’re well aware they’re training for combat situations they’re probably going to be involved in. This is unlike civilian training where students may never be attacked and, if they are, they’re more likely to be caught off guard.
In adition, military personnel train in other areas so they can survive in war zones. This includes learning skills in weapons handling, demolition, apprehension tactics, wilderness survival, evasive driving, intelligence gathering, foreign language, leadership, and communications.
The “civilian” version of Krav Maga was adapted from the original system used to train Israeli commandos. It focuses on urban situations and threats that may occur in the life of a non-military person. The skillset for the non-military trainee is limited to self-defense techniques, rather than on a wider range of survival methods. As such, the training emphasis is on personal safety and escape techniques within a civilian context.
The GMAU Krav Maga Course
Are you interested in a simple, straightforward system of personal self-defense without a steep learning curve? If so, check out the GMAU Krav Maga course.
Set up a FREE beginner’s account and start training TODAY!
