Army Training Memorandum - Unarmed Combat

Army Training Memorandum - Unarmed Combat November 1943 1 Unarmed Combat - The Army Training Memorandum (WAR) (Australia) that made up this course. The first No. 27, was dated 22nd November 1943. 13. UARMED COMBAT Below are set out the general principles and description of Unarmed Combat. Appendix "D" contains a list of holds and counters, also photographs demonstrating the first six of the series. Further photographs demonstrating the remainder of the holds and counters set out in the list will be published in successive A.T.M.'s. Owing to the number of photographs involved it is not possible to publish all in one number. 1. The term "Unarmed Combat" is usually applied to the tactics adopted by an unarmed man against an opponent who is armed. Unarmed combat means complete ruthlessness when used against the enemy. "All-in" wrestling, in spite of its name, does not mean quite the same thing, as it. is a test of skill and strength between two unarmed opponents, and intentional killing or maiming is not allowed. "All-in" wrestling forms a part of Unarmed Combat training, because it has been proved beyond doubt that a course of tuition in "All-in" wrestling makes men more receptive of the Unarmed Combat holds and counters. In the list, holds that may be used in wrestling are marked with an asterisk. Many of them are preliminaries to the application of ruthless tactics. 2. Use of Defence and Offence — Unarmed Combat has hitherto been considered as a means of defence at close quarters when no weapons are at hand. Its use as a means of attack, however, cannot be overlooked, particularly on such occasions as those when weapons cannot be conveniently used, e.g., the stalking of a sentry, when no noise must be made. Moreover, it should be noted that every defensive movement is invariably followed, if successful, by an offensive movement, whereby absolute mastery of an opponent should be obtained. 3. Ruthlessness — War is a matter of life and death, even where unarmed combat is concerned; hence there must be no scruple or compunction over the methods employed. Complete ruthlessness is necessary in order to gain the mastery over one's opponent. Such brutal methods of attack as kicking, gouging the eyes, etc., though foreign and detestable to the Britisher, must be used without hesitation against a desperate enemy. At the same time, one must not underestimate the value of a good solid punch should the opportunity for its use occur. 4. Essentials of Success — Surprise, speed and smoothness of execution, and, possibly most important of all, the gaining and retention of the initiative, are all essential if success is to be achieved. These cannot be achieved without a thorough knowledge of the art, allied to constant practice with a variety of partners and under different conditions; e.g., in the matter of dress, or when one is tired, or when it is dark. No two opponents will attack in precisely the same way, but the skilled exponent of unarmed combat will, by virtue of his continual practice under all conditions, ha