FOREWORD
In Real Combat Judo, Sensei Barron reminds us how quickly our training can fly out the window when we are not prepared for an attack. Because our world is full of unpredictable perils, developing self-defense skills is essential for all of us who wish to walk this earth with confidence. As a two-time Olympian and Olympic Coach, I know that nothing in the world will take the place of hard physical training; however, mental toughness is a trait that can be strengthened by anyone who is willing to put the effort into its development by studying and implementing techniques and drills that are designed to keep us focused on the goal – the goal of staying alive.
In Real Combat Judo, Sensei Barron gives clear and concise instructions that will guide you as you practice the drills. Consistent practice will help heighten natural instincts and build mental and physical resilience. I highly recommend this book to all combat sport coaches, athletes and individuals tasked with keeping others safe.
Patrick M. Burris 1972 & 1976 Olympian (Judo), 1996 US Men’s Olympic Judo Team Coach
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When I entered the U.S. Army in 1984 and attended Infantry training at Fort Benning Georgia, one of the things I was most looking forward to was training in hand-to-hand combat. Having been brought up on war movies that showed American soldiers to be highly trained in all forms of combat, including martial arts, I anticipated a grueling crash course that would turn my hands into lethal weapons. Sadly, the two days of hand-to-hand training that I received, although based in sound principles, was little more than a cursory introduction.
Later, when I went on to train as an elite Airborne Ranger and ultimately as a Special Forces Operator (Green Beret) I was similarly disappointed by the lack of emphasis that hand-to-hand combat received as part of the training curriculum. I came to realize that the modern military had lost the focus that had once been so prevalent during the era of Merrill’s Marauders and the 1st Special Service Force. It was a new Army, that prioritized technology over the ability to be a bare-knuckle brawler.
As I have always considered training in martial arts to be a vital tool in the kit of any soldier, I ultimately took it upon myself to seek out training on my own. What I discovered, was that the civilian world of martial arts had become so sport oriented that most styles were stagnant and lacked pressure testing. It was not until the era of the Global War on Terror (GWOT) that close quarter battle and hand-to-hand combat once again began to receive the emphasis that it deserves.
What I noticed immediately, was that all of the effective forms of military combatives borrowed heavily from the combat proven fighting systems of the past, and that they emphasized solid principles over gimmicky “Deadly techniques” that could never be proven nor disproven until it was too late. All of the really great instructors and systems chose to stand on the shoulders of giants rather than attempting to reinvent something that human beings have been doing since the day Cain picked up a rock and attacked Abel.
What Barron Shepherd has done in this book is truly remarkable. He has combined his unique knowledge as both a student of military combatives history and a lifelong practitioner of judo. Through both exhaustive research and personally pressure testing each and every technique, he has compiled a comprehensive road map for the serious practitioner to follow. His no-nonsense approach to what works and what doesn’t, combined with his in-depth understanding of unarmed combat make for a book that is easy to follow and invaluable in the information that it provides. Whether you are military, law enforcement, or just someone who wants to be able to protect themselves should the need arise, REAL COMBAT JUDO will provide you with the tools to get you to the level you wish to attain. Not fancy, not easy, but nothing in warfare or in life ever is.
Doctor Mike Simpson, Major, U.S. Army (Retired)
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I’ve known Barron Shepherd for a long time. I can’t think of a tougher individual — someone who has faced off incredible adversity and continued to fight his way through it. I mean, it’s not everybody who can bare-knuckle brawl a semi-truck and at least come away with the fight as a draw.
In the time I’ve known him I’ve also found Barron to be a patient teacher and a man of great character. He always asks after your well-being; he always cares. He takes no grief, but he’s not full of himself, either. In that way, I think he epitomizes the humble but firmly confident teacher, who knows what he knows, but isn’t interested in pretending to be anyone he isn’t.
In this book, Barron has put together a real gem. It’s got the basics, but Barron has put his own spin on this, giving you his outlook for making this martial art a practical foundation for a workable combatives system. It’s clear, concise, easy to follow, and enjoyable to read.
I should add that having spoken with Barron at length, I cannot help but read this book in his voice. That brings a smile to my face every time I thumb through these pages… and if you could hear his pleasant, paternal drawl, it would make you smile, too.
Real Combat Judo is a fine addition to any martial arts lexicon. Its author is a good man and a talented martial artist. Read this book knowing that both matter to the end result.
Phil Elmore – April, 2021
INTRODUCTION
There is a gulf between traditional Judo and self-defense. Traditional Judo relies heavily on the use of the gi material to affect a throw and most self defense systems focus on either striking or groundwork. There is a middle ground. That ground is effective throwing of your opponent. Using the ground itself as a weapon and not necessarily going to the ground with your opponent.
No tee shirts were harmed in the making of this book. Barron and I laugh every time we say it, but it is true. The biggest detractors of the Real Combat Judo constantly bring up that if you try to throw someone wearing just a tee shirt, that shirt will rip. I can guarantee that will not happen if your technique is correct and the content of this book will prove it.
Barron has decades of Judo experience as well as time spent in the military as well as law enforcement. The fact is anyone can learn to throw effectively, regardless of age, if you are willing to put in the training time.
There are plenty of beginner Judo books on the market, this is not one of them. You do not need to be a Judo expert before adopting the training, but you do need to have an open mind and be in decent physical condition. The throws in this book require physical dexterity, coordination, and the ability to take a throw. This book contains the techniques and more importantly the theories behind how and why this system is effective. If you spend the time training the material in the book your self-defense arsenal will be greatly enhanced.
To use this book the way it was intended start at the beginning and WORK your way through each technique before moving on to the next throw. You notice I said WORK. The training does not work through osmosis, you cannot just read the book and look at the pictures, you have to get on the mat and get after it. Start by learning to fall properly and not sustain any damage if you were to be thrown in a physical altercation. Next move on to the basic variation of the throw and then move on to the more advanced versions. If you are in law enforcement, we have you covered. There are throws that can be performed in full gear with controlling techniques once the fight hits the ground. You will also find ways to quickly and effectively deploy a knife in an altercation if the situation requires it.
Now go grab a partner, get on the mat, and kick some ass!
David Perrington
Police Officer- Special Enforcement Team
Self Defense and Firearms Instructor
Interested in more information about Combat Judo techniques and the history of Combat judo in the military. Real Combat Judo and Combat Judo to Kajukenbo by Barron Shepherd are now available in ebook format for 9.99 usd each.
