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,…
One of the most persistent criticisms leveled against Judo is surprisingly simple: “Judo won’t work if the other guy isn’t wearing a gi or a jacket.” Historically, however, the American military spent decades demonstrating otherwise. Long before modern…
Understanding the Architecture of the U.S. Army’s WWII Close-Combat Course At first glance, the World War II-era Restricted Judo course can look like a collection of harsh hand-to-hand combat techniques assembled for soldiers preparing for war. There are…
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…
CROSS TRAINING VS. CROSS RANKING Martial arts are built on discipline, respect, and legitimacy. While two terms – cross training and cross ranking – may appear similar, they represent opposite approaches to growth and recognition within the martial community. As…
“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…
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…
Tsurikomi Goshi – Lifting and Pulling Hip Throw, is one of the original 40 throws of Judo as developed by Jigoro Kano. It belongs to the second group, Dai Nikyo, of the traditional throwing list, Gokyo, of Kodokan…