1.) From a ready position, you see the aggressor start to throw a rear hand punch. Push off the left foot and step forward with your right foot at a slight angle along the right side of the…
One of the most significant elements of the U.S. Army’s mid-century hand-to-hand combat doctrine was not simply the selection of Judo throws it taught, but how the soldier entered in to those throws. In the 1954 FM 21-150,…
Understanding the Cross Hock as a Distinct Combative Takedown The Cross Hock Takedown occupies an interesting position in the history of American military hand-to-hand combat. At first glance, the technique bears a superficial resemblance to Judo’s Osoto Gari,…
The False Lead Advantage The False Lead is an asymmetrical, highly unorthodox combat posture that completely decouples the upper-body weapons from the lower-body base. By placing your right foot forward as your heavy anchor, yet blading your torso…
“Barron Shepherd is a tremendous advocate for all the things that make combative training great! Martial artists travel along a path. Some find the beginning of that path in a dojo and remain for a lifetime. Others…
During WWII, military combatives programs prioritized techniques that were practical, easy to learn, and effective under stress. The reverse hip throw was one of four core throws taught across U.S. military training manuals because of its proven success…
Barron Shepherd’s Combat Judo differs from traditional Judo in several key ways, largely in its focus and application. While both are rooted in the same Japanese martial arts principles, Combat Judo is specifically tailored for real-world combat situations.…
GENERAL OVERVIEW Combat Judo is a specific interpretation and application of judo that emphasizes a strategic integration of traditional judo techniques for self-defense and combat situations, focusing on effective entry and disruption to successfully engage and neutralize…
Many people will dismiss the usefulness of Judo as a fighting method because it is practiced in a Gi. It’s common to see some in the martial arts community diminish judo as a viable method of self defense.…