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F M 3 -2 5.1 50 (F M 21 -1 50)
COMB A TIVES
HEADQUARTERS
D E PA RT M EN T O F T HE A RM Y
DISTR IBUT ION RESTR ICTION : App ro ved fo r p ub lic rele ase; d istrib utio n is u nlim ite d.
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B y O rder of the S ecretary of the A rm y:
Official:
I M I 81U.~
~ 8. HUDSON
Admin is trativ e Ass is tant to the
S ecretary of th e A rmy
0202404
E RIC K . S HIN SE KI
Genera l, United S ta te s A rmy
Chie f o f S ta ff
DISTRIBUTION:
Active A rmy, A rmy Natio na l Guard , a nd U .S . A rmy Reserve :
T o be d istrib ute d in
a cc ord an ce w ith th e in itia l d is trib utio n n um b er 1 10 17 6, re qu ire me nts fo r
FM 3-25 .150.
FM 3 25 .150
(F M 2 1-1 50 )
18 JA NU AR Y 2002
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PREFACE
This fie ld manual con ta in s in fo rma tion and guid ance perta in ing to rifle -b ayonet fighting
and hand-to-hand com bat. The hand-to-hand com bat portion of this m anual is divided
in to b asic an d a dv an ced tra in in g. T his manual serv es a s a g uid e fo r in stru cto rs, train ers,
a nd sold ie rs in th e a rt o f in stin ctiv e rifle -b ayonet fighting.
The proponent for this publication is the United States A rm y Infantry School. Send
comments and recommendations on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to
P ublications and B lank F orm s) directly to C ommandant, U nited States A rmy Infantry
S ch oo l, ATTN: ATSH-RB, Fort B en nin g, GA , 3 19 05 -5 43 0.
U nless this publication states otherw ise, m asculine nouns and pronouns do not refer
exc lusively to men.
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Page
CHAPTER 3. BASIC GROUND-FIGHTING TECHNIQUES
Section I. Dominant Body Position 3-1
3-1. Back Mount 3-1
3-2. Front Mount 3-2
3-3. Guard 3-3
3-4. Side Control 3-4
II. Basic Techniques 3-4
3-5. Body Positioning Moves 3-4
3-6. Finishing Moves 3 -24
3-7. Drills 3 -40
3-8. Defense Against Headlocks 3-41
Section
CHAPTER 4. ADVANCED GROUND-FIGHTING TECHNIQUES
Section I. Advanced Attacks 4-1
4-1. Advanced Body Positions .4-1
4-2. Pass the Guard 4- 2
4- 3. Attacks from the Mount .4-14
4-4. Attacks from the Back Mount 4-25
4-5. Attacks from the Guard .4-30
4-6. Knee Mount 4-41
4-7. Leg Attacks 4-52
II. Strikes. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 4- 5 7
4-8. Pass the Guard 4-57
4-9. Striking from Side ControL .4-63
4-10. Defending Against Strikes in the G uard 4-65
Section
C HA PTER 5.
TAKEDOWNSANDTHROWS
5-1. Breakfalls 5-1
5-2. Closing the Distance and Achieving the Clinch 5-4
5-3. Throw and Takedown Techniques 5-6
5-4. Defending Against Headlocks 5-13
5-5. Takedowns from Against a Wall 5-21
5-6. Double Leg Attack 5-24
5-7. Single Leg Attacks 5-28
5-8. Attacks from the Rear 5-31
C HA PTER 6.
STRIKES
6-1. A rm Strikes 6-1
6-2. Punching Combinations 6-6
6-3. Kicks 6-6
6-4. Transition Between Ranges 6-9
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C HA PTER 7.
Section I.
Section
C HA PTER 8.
Section I.
Section
C HA PTER 9.
Section I.
Section
Page
II .
H AN DH EL D W EA PO NS
Offensive Techniques 7-1
7 -1. Angles of Attack 7-1
7-2. Rifle with Fixed Bayonet 7-2
7 -3. BayonetlKnife 7 -23
7 -4. Knife-Against- Rifle Sequence 7 -24
7-5. Advanced Weapons Techniques and Training 7-28
Field-Expedient Weapons 7 -29
7 -6. Entrenching TooL 7 -29
7 -7. Three-Foot Stick 7 -33
7 -8. Six-Foot Pole 7 -36
II .
S TAND ING DEFENSE
U nanned Opponent 8-1
8-1. Defense Against Chokes 8-1
8-2. Defense Against Bear Hugs 8-7
Anned Opponent 8-13
8-3. Defense Against Anned Opponent 8-13
8-4. Defense Against a Knife 8-14
8-5. Unanned Defense Against a Rifle with Fixed Bayonet 8-22
II .
G RO UP TA CTIC S
Lethal Force Scenarios 9-1
9-1. Range 9-1
9-2. ControL 9-1
9-3. Finishing 9-1
Restrictive Force Scenarios 9-2
9-4. Two Against One 9-2
9-5. Three Against Two 9-2
9-6. Parity 9-2
9-7. One Against Two 9-2
9-8. Two Against Three 9-3
APPENDIX A. SITUATIONAL TRAINING A-I
APPENDIX B. COMPETITIONS B-1
GLOSSARY Glossary-l
REFERENCES References-l
INDEX Index-l
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e. D om inant Body Position. Position refers to the location of the fighter's body in
relation to his opponent's. A vital principle w hen fighting is to gain control of the enemy
by co ntro llin g th is relatio nsh ip . B efo re an y k illin g o r d isa blin g tec hn iq ue ca n b e a pp lie d,
the soldier m ust first gain and m aintain one of the dom inant body positions (C hapter 3,
Sect ion I ).
f. D istance. Each technique has a w indow of effectiveness based upon the am ount
of space betw een the tw o com batants. The fighter m ust control the distance betw een
him self and the enemy in order to control the fight.
g. Physical Balance. Balance refers to the ability to m aintain equilibrium and to
remain in a sta ble upright pos itio n.
h. Leverage. A fighter uses the parts of his body to create a natural mechanical
advantage over the parts of the enem y's body. By using leverage, a fighter can have a
g reater effec t o n a much larg er en emy.
1-4. SAFETY
The Army's combatives program has been specifically designed to train the most
competent fighte rs in th e sho rte st pos sib le time in th e s afe st pos sib le manne r.
a. General Safety Precautions. The techniques of Army combatives should be
taught in the order presented in this manual. They are arranged to not only give the
n atu ral p ro gressio n o f te ch niq ue s, b ut to p resen t th e more d an ge ro us tech niq ues a fter th e
soldiers have established a fam iliarity w ith the dynam ics of com bative techniques in
g en era l. T his w ill resu lt in fewe r se rio us in ju rie s from th e more d yn am ic mov es.
b. Supervision. The m ost im portant safety consideration is proper supervision.
B ecause of the potentially dangerous nature of the techniques involved, com batives
tra in ing must a lway s be conducted under th e supe rv is ion o f qua lifie d le aders.
c. Training Areas. M ost training should be conducted in an area w ith soft footing
such as a grassy or sandy area. If training m ats are available, they should be used. A hard
su rfa ce a re a is not app ropria te fo r combativ es tra in ing.
d. Chokes. Chokes are the best w ay to end a fight. They are the m ost effective w ay
to incapacitate an enemy and, w ith supervision, are also safe enough to apply in training
exactly as on the bat tle fie ld .
e. Joint L ocks. In order to incapacitate an enemy, attacks should be directed against
large joints such as the elbow , shoulder, or knee. A ttacks on most of these joints are very
p ain fu l lo ng b efo re cau sin g an y in ju ry , which allows fu ll-fo rc e train in g to b e co nd uc ted
w ithout significant risk of injury. T he exceptions are w rist attacks and tw isting knee
attacks. T he w rist is very easily dam aged, and tw isting the knee does not becom e painful
u ntil it is to o la te. T here fo re, th ese attack s sh ou ld b e tau gh t w ith g reat care an d sh ou ld n ot
b e a llowed in spa rring o r competitio ns.
f. Striking. Striking is an inefficient w ay to incapacitate an enem y. Strikes are,
however, an important part of an overall fight strategy and can be very effective in
m anipulating the opponent into unfavorable positions. S triking can be practiced w ith
various types of protective padding such as boxing gloves. D efense can be practiced
using reduced force blow s. T raining should be continuously focused on the realities of
fighting.
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CHAPTER 2
TRAINING
This chapter discusses the trainer s role in teaching and sustaining
effective hand -to-hand com bat. It also discusses unit training, training
areas, teaching techniques, and safety precautions that must be
conside red befo re conducti ng combat iv es train ing.
Sectio n I. TRA IN -THE -TRAINER
P ro fessio nal in stru ctio n is th e k ey to su ccess in combativ es train in g. In stru cto rs must b e
p hy sically fit an d h ig hly p ro fic ien t in th e d emon stratio n an d p rac tic al ap plicatio n o f th e
skills. T hey must review and be fam iliar w ith this m anual. C onfidence, enthusiasm , and
tech nical e xp ertise a re essen tial fo r su cc ess in tea ch in g h an d-to -h an d c ombat. A ssistan t
in stru cto rs must also b e p ro pe rly train ed to h elp su pe rv ise a nd d emon stra te man eu vers.
S ele cting th e tra in ers is th e firs t s te p in e sta blis hing an e ffe ctiv e p rogram .
2-1. RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRAINERS
D ilig en t effo rt is n ee ded to p erfec t th e v ario us h an d-to -h an d combat te ch niq ues, to a pp ly
them instinctively, and to teach others to safely m aster them . T he follow ing instructor
re spon sib ilitie s a re th e core o f p la nn ing and execu ting combativ es tra in ing.
a. Seek m axim um efficiency w ith m inim um effort. C ontinually strive to reduce all
unnecessary explanations, m ovem ent, and activity. Stream line the training w ithout
compromis ing con tent , e ff ic iency, o r saf ety.
b. Stress cooperation and technical m astery. Prom ote suppleness and controlling
aggressIon.
c. Reinforce the details of each technique and provide positive feedback when
w arranted. U se occasional humor to motivate soldiers, but avoid degrading or insulting
them.
d . E nsu re se rv ice ab le train in g a id s a re p re se nt in su fficie nt q uan tities fo r all so ld iers
being trained. Ensure training areas are well maintained and free of dangerous
obstructions.
e . Ensu re in stru cto rs and a ssista nt in stru cto rs a re well-re he ars ed and p repa red befo re
all tra in in g sessio ns. Condu ct in stru cto r train in g a t least fiv e h ou rs week ly to main tain a
h igh ski ll leve l.
f. Develop as many skilled combatives instructors for each unit as possible.
Instructor-to-soldier ratios should not exceed 1 instructor for 20 soldiers. E ncourage
a ft er -duty tr ain ing and educa tion for in struc to rs .
g . R eq uire strict d iscip lin e o f all so ld iers.
2-2. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
To p rev en t in ju ries, th e in stru cto r must c on sid er th e fo llowin g sa fety p reca utio ns b efo re
conduct ing combatives t ra in ing .
a. Supervise all practical work closely and constantly. Never leave a group
unsupervised.
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b. Familiarize the soldiers with each maneuver by a complete explanation and
demonstra tio n befo re th ey a ttemp t th e move s.
c. D o no t allow the soldiers to get ahead of the instruction.
d. Ensure the training partner offers no resistance, but allows the m aneuver to be
fre ely exe cu ted during th e le arn ing s ta ge s and while p erfe cting th e te chnique s.
e. Ensure there is adequate space betw een soldiers during all practical w ork-for
ex ample, allow a t least an 8 -fo ot sq ua re fo r e ach p air o f so ld ie rs.
f. Ensure that soldiers empty their pockets, and remove their jewelry, and
identi fica tion tags before t ra in ing .
g. Stress that only sim ulated strikes to vital points, such as the head, neck, and groin
area are to be executed. So ldiers m ay use light blow s to other vulnerable areas; how ever,
th ey must ex erc ise ca utio n at all tim es.
h . E nsu re th at so ld iers u nd erstan d th e u se o f b oth p hy sical ta pp in g an d v erb al sig nals
to in dicate to th e p artn er when to sto p th e p re ssu re in g rap plin g a nd ch ok in g te ch niq ue s.
i. M ake sure soldiers w arm up and stretch properly before practical w ork.
j. T each and practice falls before conducting throw s.
k. Ensure that the soldier to be disarmed does not place his finger in the trigger
gua rd during rifle and bayonet d isa rm ing.
1. M ake sure soldiers keep scabbards on knives and bayonets firm ly attached to
r if le s wh il e learn ing bayonet d isarming methods.
m . U se b ay on et sc ab bard s o r ru bb er k niv es d urin g k nife d isarm in g train in g.
n. If utilizing a sawdust pit, inspect all sandbags on retaining w all before conduct of
training to ensure that all bags are serviceable, at least 75 percent full, and that the entire
retaining w all is covered w ith sandbags. A ny bag placed w here personnel are likely to
fall w ill be filled w ith the sam e consistency filler as the saw dust in the pit and w ill also
provide a m inimum of 6 inches of saw dust.
o. M aintain a buffer zone of 6 feet from retainer w all and demonstration area during
a ll tra in ing, e sp ec ia lly tra in ing requ iring th rows and takedowns by s tudents .
p. Rake the training pit to loosen sawdust and rem ove all sharp objects. Properly
in sp ec t th e p it so th at all safe ty h az ard s are removed b efo re in stru ctio n o r d emon stratio ns
are executed .
q. Perform inspections of the depth of saw dust w ith enough tim e before training to
resurface the pit. Rem em ber that new sawdust will need to be raked and inspected for
fo re ign obje cts th at may cau se in ju rie s.
Section II. UN IT TRA IN ING
Entry-level soldiers receive a training base in com batives during basic training and
one-station unit training (O SU T). A dvanced individual training (A IT) com manders
should review the training presented during basic training and, as tim e perm its, expand
into the more advanced techniques discussed in this m anual. F or soldiers to achieve and
su sta in p ro ficien cy lev els reg ular u nits must in co rp orate combativ es in to an o rg an ized
tr ain ing program to include s ituationa l t ra in ing exe rc is es (Append ix
A).
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2-3. BASIC OR ONE-STATION UNIT TRAINING
This is a suggested training program for basic training or O SU T. It is based on ten hours
of available training tim e, divided into five periods of tw o hours each. T raining should
start w ith ground grappling, w hich is not only easier both to teach and to learn, but also
provides a sound base for the more difficult standing techniques. A program should not
begin with techniques that will take a long tim e to m aster. The result w ould be alm ost
uni fo rm dis illu sionment with combat ives in general.
a. Period 1 (2 hours).
. Introduc tion to combatives saf ety .
. Comba t d emon stratio n p erfo rmed by in stru cto rs o r train ers to g ain atten tio n
and to mo tiv ate s old ie rs.
.
Warm-ups and s tr etches.
. S tan d u p in b ase.
. E scape the mount by trap and roll.
. Pas s th e gua rd .
. Ach ieve th e moun t.
.
D rill N o.1, 10 to 15 repetitions; escape the mount, pass the guard, achieve the
mount, in sequence.
. E scape the mount by shrim p to the guard.
. Escape th e moun t d rill.
b. Period 2 (2 hours).
.
Warm-ups and s tr etches.
.
Drill No.1 , te n repe titio ns .
.
A rm push and roll to the rear m ount.
. Escape th e re ar moun t.
. D rill N o.2: A rm push and roll to the back m ount, escape the back m ount.
. G rappling for position, five m inutes and then change partners. Repeat for
durat ion o f c la ss .
c. Period 3 (2 hours).
.
Warm-ups and s tr etches.
. Drill No.1 , te n repe titio ns .
. Drill No.2 , te n repe titio ns .
. Int roduction to choking.
. Rea r n aked choke .
.
Cro ss co llar ch ok e from th e mount a nd g uard .
.
Front guil lo tine choke .
d. Period 4 (2 hours).
.
Warm-ups and s tr etches.
. Drill No.1 , te n repe titio ns .
. Drill No.2 , te n repe titio ns .
. Bent arm bar from the mount and cross mount.
.
S traig ht arm b ar from th e mount.
. S traig ht arm b ar from th e g uard .
. Swee p from straig ht a rm b ar attempt.
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e. Period 5 (2 hours).
. Warm-ups and s tr etches.
. Dr ill No .1 , ten repet iti ons.
. Dr ill No .2 , ten repet iti ons.
. Review.
.
Rules introduction.
. Competition.
2-4. UNIT SUSTAINMENT TRAINING PROGRAM
Command emphasis is th e k ey to a su cce ssfu l combativ es p ro gram. Combativ es train in g
se ssio ns sh ou ld b e reg ula r, an d sh ou ld b e in clu ded o n unit tra in in g sch ed ules a t company
and p la toon leve l.
a. Successful unit com batives program s continue to focus on the core techniques
taught in the basic training or OSUT program . Mastery of these moves w ill result in more
p ro ficie nt fig hters th an ex po su re to a larg e n umber o f tec hn iq ues w ill.
b. A s the level of proficiency rises the natural progression of moves is as follow s:
.
Advanced ground grapp ling.
.
Takedowns.
. Str ikes and k icks .
. Fight s trategy.
. Situational training.
c. P rim ary trainers should be designated at all levels. R egular training sessions w ith
th ese train ers w ill en su re th e q uality o f train in g a t th e small u nit lev el.
d . P rimary tra in ers sh ou ld b e o f th e a pp ro priate ran k; fo r in sta nce, a p lato on p rimary
tra in er sh ou ld b e a sq ua d lead er o r th e p lato on se rg ean t to e nsu re th at th e train in g ac tu ally
occurs.
e. M odem com batives allow soldiers to com pete safely. To inspire the pursuit of
exc elle nc e, indiv idua l so ld ie rs may compete during o rg an iz ationa l d ay . Leade rs may a lso
call squads, sections, or individuals to com pete random ly as a m ethod of inspecting
tra in in g le vels. A ll combativ es competitio ns sh ou ld b e co nd uc ted lAW ru les esta blish ed
in A ppendix B of this m anual. H owever, com petition should not becom e the focus of
combativ es tra in ing, but remain a tool to in sp ire fu rth er tra in ing.
S ectio n III.TRAIN ING AREAS
A n advantage of com batives training is that it can be conducted alm ost anyw here w ith
li ttl e p repa ra ti on o f the tr ain ing a rea.
2-5. TRAINING FORMATIONS
Formations used for physical training may also be used for combatives training
(FM 21-2 0). If th e ex ten ded re cta ng ular fo rmatio n is u sed , th e first an d th ird ran ks sh ou ld
face th e se co nd an d fo urth ran ks so th at eac h so ld ier is d irectly a cro ss h im a p artn er.
A la rg e, g rassy , o utd oo r area free o f o bstru ctio ns is su ita ble fo r tra in in g. E ac h p air o f
soldiers should have an 8-foot square training space. W hen practicing throws or
d is arm ing te chnique s, so ld ie rs n eed tw ic e th e norma l in te rv al b etween rank s. In stru cto rs
a lso pair s old ie rs a ccord ing to height and weight.
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2-8. BAYONET ASSAULT COURSE
The bayonet assault course provides the com mander a unique training opportunity by
allow ing soldiers to em ploy rifle-bayonet fighting skills under sim ulated com bat
conditions. The course can be built and negotiated so that demands placed on the
soldiers' abilities and on their endurance approach those experienced under com bat
conditions. Realistic sights and sounds of battle-fire, smoke, confusion, and
pyrotechnics---can also be created to enhance realism . T he training objectives of the
bayonet a ssau lt cou rse include:
. Improving r if le -bayonet f ighting ski ll s.
. Improv ing physi ca l f itnes s and aggress ivenes s.
.
Improv ing speed , s tr ength , coo rd ination , and accuracy.
.
Provid ing rea li st ic r if le -bayonet f ighting under nea r combat condit ions .
.
C hallenging the soldiers' determ ination and stam ina, w hich are needed in
combat.
. Providing an opportunity for team and squad leaders to develop their
leader sh ip and con trol measures .
a. Safety. The safety of the soldiers should be the prim ary concern of the instructor
an d h is a ssista nts. T he b est sa fety aid s a re c on stan t co ntro l an d su perv isio n. In a dd itio n,
instructors should brief soldiers at the beginning of each class on the requirem ents for
saf ety dur ing r if le -bayonet tr aining. Ins truc to rs use the fol lowing safety measures :
(I) B ayonets must be fixed and unfixed only on command.
(2) R ifles should be grounded near the targets w hen the soldiers are ordered to move
to the instruc to r's p la tform for exp lana tions o r demons tr at ions .
(3) A level surface that does not becom e slippery w hen w et should be provided for
the t ra in ing a rea.
(4) Left-handed soldiers should be positioned so they are opposite another
le ft-h an ded so ld ier when work in g a gain st th e ta rg ets. T his ty pe o f a rran gemen t p rev en ts
pos sib le in ju ry when execu ting a s erie s o f movements .
(5) W hen using the M I6 rifle against a target, the force of contact during the thrust
movement m ay drive the hand gripping the sm all of the stock into the forward assist
assem bly (on the right-hand side of the w eapon near the stock). To prevent injury to the
hand, the soldier m ust m aintain a firm grip on the sm all of the stock. G loves should be
worn a s p art o f th e train in g u nifo rm when wea th er d ictate s.
b. L ayout. The 300-m eter-Iong course consists of a series of targets to attack, and
o bstac les to n eg otiate. L ay it o ut o ve r n atu ral terrain , p refera bly ro ug h an d wooded a reas.
Includ e natural obstacles such as stream s, ravines, ridges, and thick vegetatio n. B uild
artificial obstacles such as entanglem ents, fences, log w alls, hurdles, and horizontal
ladder s (Figure 2 -2 ).
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8. LOG BALANCE AND
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Figure 2-2. Exam ple of nine-lane, 300-m eter bayonet assault course.
c. T argets. U se a variety of targets to provide experience in different attacks. The
local T raining and S upport C enter (T SC ) can build the targets. T argets composed of old
tires are appropriate as w ell as the Ivan-type targets used by range control-that is, the
E -type s ilhouette , th re e-d imen siona l p ers onne l ta rg et (la rg e), FSN 6920-01-164 -9625 o r
the F-type si lhouette,three-dimensionalpersonnel target (small), FSN 6920-00-T 3 3 - 8 7 7 7 .
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T argets should be durable but should not dam age w eapons. P lace a sign near each target
to indicate the type of attack to be used.
d. U sage. A n exam ple of how to conduct the bayonet assault course is as follow s:
(1 )
Task.
Negotia te th e bayonet a ss au lt c ou rse .
(2 )
Conditions.
Giv en n in e lan es o n a 3 00 -meter b ay on et assau lt co urse o ver irre gu lar
te rrain w ith fo ur ty pes o f targ ets: th ru st; p arry th ru st targ et; p arry , b utt stro ke to th e g ro in
target; and parry, butt stroke to head target (Figure 2-3). The targets are m arked w ith a
sign to indicate the required attack. Given seven types of obstacles as shown in
Figures 2-4 through 2-10. G iven a soldier in battle dress uniform w ith load-carrying
eq uipmen t a nd a rifle w ith a fix ed b ay on et.
1. THRUST TARGET
2. PARRY THRUST TARGET
3. PARRY, BUTT STROKE TO GROIN TARGET
4. PARRY, BUTT STROKE TO HEAD TARGET
F igure 2-3. T ypes of targets.
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~
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F ig ure 2 4. L og w all.
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V AR IA BLE H EIG HTS
-
27 IN CH ES M AXIM UM
VARIABLE INTERVALS
~
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Figure 2 5. H urdles.
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.~
...
-.
...
.
\,
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F igu re 2 -6 . D itc
h
.
Jump.
'o
:'t.\'''''
I
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Figure 2-7 Lo
g balance and h
.
o rlzo nta lla dd er.
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I
2 FT
J
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R ':
-
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-
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2 FT
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F igure 2-8. Tunnel craw l.
'.
F igu re 2 -9. F en ce va ult.
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~-
-~::
~
--
..
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4---~
; T
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- . -
Ir, ,.~
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.
Figure 2-10. D ouble-apron barbw ire fence.
(3 )
Standards
The c ou rse must b e su ccessfu lly n eg otia ted b y all so ld iers in th e cla ss
w ith each soldier obtaining kills on 75 percent of the total targets in his lane. T he course
m ust be negotiated in 5 m inutes or less (about 30 seconds for each 50 m eters and tim e to
attack and negotiate obstac les) .
WARNING
T o a vo id in ju ry in stru cto rs e ns ure th at th e p ro pe r
in te rval is constantly ma in ta ined .
S ec tio n IV . T EA C HIN G T EC H NIQ U ES
This se ctio n d iscu sses a v ariety o f e ffectiv e tea ch in g tec hn iq ues to u se while co nd uc tin g
combatives training.
2 9.
WARM-UPSAND STRETCHES
Before com batives training, the soldier m ust be prepared for the upcom ing physical
stress. A warm -u p p erio d g rad ually in cre ases th e in tern al temp era tu re o f th e b od y a nd th e
h ea rt ra te. S tretch in g p rep ares th e lig amen ts, ten do ns, muscle s, an d h eart fo r a work ou t,
d ecre asin g th e c han ces o f in ju ry . A fte r th e in itial w arm -u p, tra in in g d rills ca n b e u sed
to
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further w arm up. T his allow s for the m aximum use of training tim e combining a portion
o f th e warm up w ith b uild in g musc le memory , an d refm in g th e b asic tech niq ues.
a. Warm -up E xercises. T o begin w arm -up exercises, rotate the m ajor joints---neck,
shoulders, hips, and knees. The warm-up should include at least 7 to 10 minutes of
stretching, running in place or jogging around the training area, and calisthenics. G rass
drills and guerrilla exercises are good to use as a w arm -up for combatives training. T hey
co nd itio n th e b od y th ro ug h motio n in a ll ran ge s, acc ustom th e so ld iers to co ntact w ith th e
g round, and promote aggress ivenes s.
b. Stretching Exercises. Any of the stretching exercises in FM 21-20 are
recom mended for hand-to-hand com bat training. Five other exercises that increase
flexibility in areas of the body that benefit hand-to-hand com bat movem ents are as
follows:
(1 ) Backro ll S tretch .
(a )
Position.
Lay on ground on back with legs extended and arm s by sides, palm s
down.
(b ) Action. R aise legs over head and roll back as far as possible, trying to place toes
on the ground behind head. K eep knees locked and feet and knees together; hold for 20
s econds (F igure 2 -11). G radually re tu rn to s ta rtin g pos itio n. Repea t two o r th re e time s.
;~
~ .
-. .
~
~~
~:a.
~--::--- .-....-..
F igure 2 -11. Back ro ll s tre tc h.
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(2 )
Buddy-As si st ed Split s (Leg Spreade r) .
(a )
Position.
Sit on ground facing buddy with legs extended and spread as far as
pos sib le . Pos itio n fe et in sid e ank le s o f buddy .
(b )
Action.
Interlock hands w ith buddy and alternate pulling one tow ard the other,
causin g the buddy to bend forw ard over the hips until a stretch is felt (Figure 2-12). H old
this position for 20 seconds, then alternate and have him pull you into a stretch. Do
se qu en ce two o r th re e times.
........
..~iI
fit.....
~
--
.. .
-- .
-=_.~.,..~
...~..
~
-
~
==::::----.
-
~
~
~--
~ -
.
- --
--
~- ~
- ~
Figure 2-12. B uddy-assisted splits (leg spreader).
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(3 )
Buddy-As si st ed Hamstr ing S tr etch.
(a )
Position.
Sit on ground w ith right leg extended to front and foot pointing up. B end
left leg w ith sole touching to inside of the right thigh. H ave buddy kneel behind you w ith
h is h an ds o n y ou r sh ou ld ers (F ig ure 2 -1 3).
(b )
Action.
Slowly bend forward from hips over the right leg and reach your hands
toward ankles until stretch is felt (Figure 2-13). Hold this for 10 to 15 seconds. The
buddy then applies downward pressu re and allow s you to adjust your stretch. H old for 10
to 1 5 se co nd s a nd rep eat. A lte rn ate leg s a nd p ositio ns after two o r th ree se qu en ce s.
-::-~h
~'~~
-
. ~..
~-...
-
~
-
-----
F igure 2 -1 3.
Buddy ass is ted hamstring s tretch.
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(4 )
Buddy-As si st ed Groin (Bu tt er fly ) S tr etch.
(a )
Position.
Sit on ground with the soles of your feet together, close to the torso.
H old ankles w ith hands. H ave bud dy kneel behind you w ith his hands on your knees.
(b )
Action.
The buddy places his hands on top of your thighs at the knees. The
buddy's w eight is supported by your shoulders w hile little w eight is placed on the thighs.
T hen, the buddy increases downward pressure on your thighs until stretch is felt (F igure
2 -14). Ho ld fo r 20 s econds , th en a lte rn ate positio ns.
'-f
---...
- .~~
~
~
-. -
-- -
--
F ig ure 2 -1 4. B ud dy-assisted g ro in (b utterfly ) stretch .
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(5 )
Buddy-As si st ed Back S tr etch.
(a )
Position.
S tan d b ack -to -b ack w ith b ud dy a nd in te rlo ck arm s a t y ou r sid es.
(b ) Action. B end forw ard at the w aist and pull buddy up on your back over your hips.
The buddy allows his back to arch and tells you when an adequate stretch is felt
(F igure 2 -15). Hold th is pos itio n fo r 20 se cond s, th en , c hange p la ce s.
~~-' :..~ ~~
.
---:.:a ~--.~
~ -~
~
. -
' If ' -
-~
.~
-' -
~
- ,-
-
~- .s.. ...--
Figure 2 -15. B uddy assisted back stretch.
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assista nt in stru cto r. T he p rimary in stru cto r talk s h im se lf th ro ug h th e d emon stra tio n. H e
stresses co rre ct b od y mov emen t a nd k ey teach in g p oin ts as h e d oe s th em .
2-12. EXECUTION BY THE NUMBERS
Instructors use execution by the num bers to break techniques dow n into step-by-step
phases so soldiers can clearly see how the movements are developed from start to finish.
Execution by the num bers also provides soldiers a way to see the m echanics of each
tech niq ue. T his tea ch in g meth od allows th e in stru cto r to ex pla in in d etail th e se qu en ce o f
each movement. For example, on the command PHASE ONE, M OVE, the attacker
throw s a right-hand punch to the defender's face. A t the sam e tim e, the defender steps to
the inside of the attacker off the line of attack and m oves into position for the right-hip
th row. A ssistan t in stru cto rs are ab le to mov e fre ely th ro ug ho ut th e train in g fo rmatio n a nd
make on-the-spot correc tions .
2-13. EXECUTION AT COMBAT SPEED
When the instructor is confident that the soldiers being trained are skilled at executing a
tech niq ue b y th e n umbers, h e h as th em ex ec ute it at combat sp eed . E xe cu tin g mov emen ts
at com bat speed enables soldiers to see how effective a technique is. This builds the
soldier's confidence in the technique, allow s him to develop a clear m ental picture of the
principles behind the technique, and gives him confidence in his ability to perform the
technique during an actual attack. For exam ple, the com mand is, PASS TH E G UA RD
A T CO MBAT SPEED, M OV E. The soldiers then execute this technique from start to
fm ish. It is im portant to rem ember that combat speed does not alw ays m ean very quickly.
Spe ed requ ire s sp ac e and spac e o fte n favo rs th e defender.
2-14. DRILLS
D rills are used to w arm up, to reinforce the im portance of dom inant body position, and to
perfect soldiers' basic skills through repetition. D uring these drills, basic positional
techniques are repeated at the beginning of each training session w ith a different detail
emphasized each session. In this way the emphasis is kept on perfecting the basic
tech niq ues, while a t th e same time mak in g th e b est u se o f lim ited train in g time.
2-15. TRAIN ING PAD S AND OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Training pads are highly recom mended to enhance training (Figure 2-16, page 2-20).
T hey allow full-forced strikes by soldiers and protect their training partners. A lthough
striking is a inefficient way to end a fight, it is a very im portant part of a fight. Pads
enable soldiers to feel the effectiveness of striking techniques and to develop pow er in
th eir strik in g. In stru cto rs sh ou ld en co ura ge sp irited ag gressiv en ess. P ad s can b e tac kle
dum my pads or m artial arts striking pads. Training pads can be requisitioned through
supply channel s o r purchased loca lly.
a. The use of pads is especially recom mended for knee-strike practice drills, and
kicking drills. Ideally, the pad is placed on the outside of the training partner's thigh,
protecting the com mon perennial nerve. Pads can also be held against the forearm s in
front of the head and face to allow practice of knee or elbow strikes to this area.
b. O ther protective equipm ent, such as shin guards, can also be useful to practice
with improvi sed weapons.
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/'
1
j
...
~
F igu re 2-16 . T raining pads.
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CHAPTER 3
BAS IC GROUND-FIGHTING TECHNIQUES
B as ic g ro un d-fig htin g te ch niq ue s b uild a fu nd am en ta l u nd ers ta nd in g
of dom inant body position w hich should be the focus of m ost com batives
training before m oving on to the m ore difficult standing techniques.
G round fighting is also w here technique can m ost easily be used to
o ve rc om e s iz e a nd s tr en gth .
Section I. DO MINA NT BO DY PO SITIO N
Before any killing or disabling technique can be applied, the soldier m ust first gain and
m aintain dom inant body position. The leverage gained from dom inant body position
allows th e fig hter to d efe at a stro ng er o pp on en t. An ap pre cia tio n fo r d om in an t p ositio n is
fundam ental to becoming a proficient fighter because it ties together what would
otherw ise be a long confusing list of unrelated techniques. If a finishing technique is
attem pted from dom inant position and fails, the fighter can sim ply try again. If, on the
other hand, a finishing technique is attem pted from other than dom inant position and
fails, it w ill u su ally mean d efea t. T he d om in an t b od y p ositio ns w ill b e in tro du ced in o rd er
of precedence.
3-1. BACK MOUNT
The back m ount gives the fighter the best control of the fight (Figure 3-1, page 3-2).
From this position it is very difficult for the enemy to either defend himself or
counterattack. B oth legs should be w rapped around the enem y w ith the heels hooked
inside his legs. O ne arm is under an arm pit and the other is around the neck and the hands
are clasped. E ven though a fighter m ay find him self w ith his own back on the ground this
is still th e b ack mount.
CAUTION
While in the back mount, the fighter s feet should
never be crossed because this would provide the
en emy an o pp ortu nity fo r an an kle b re ak.
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-.:
-
Figure 3-1. Back m ount.
3-2. FRONT MOUNT
The fro nt mount (F ig ure 3 -2 ) is d om in an t b ecau se it allows th e fig hte r to strik e th e en emy
with punches without the danger of effective return punches, and also provides the
leverage to attack the enemy's upper body with joint attacks. Knees are as high as
possible tow ard the enem y's arm pits. T his position should be held loosely to allow the
enemy to turn over if he should
try.
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,.,
~
_
.
yo '
-
~
-
,
-..........
-- -
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-
F igure 3-2. F ront m ount.
3-3. GUARD
If the fighter must be on the bottom, the guard position (Figure 3-3) allows the best
defense and the only chance of offense. It is im portant initially for the fighter to lock his
feet together behind the enemy's back to prevent him from simply pushing the fighter's
k ne es d own a nd ste pp in g o ver th em .
~-~
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-=-~'
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....
..., ~~
I
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F igu re 3 -3. Guard.
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3-4. SIDE CONTROL
A lthough side control (F igure 3-4) is not a dom inant position, m any tim es a fighter w ill
fmd himself in this position, and he must be able to counter the enemy's defensive
techniques. The fighter should place his elbow on the ground in the notch created by the
enem y's head and shoulder. H is other hand should be palm dow n on the ground on the
near side of the enem y. The leg closest to the enem y's head should be straight and the
other one bent so that the knee is near the enem y's hip. H e should keep his head dow n to
avo id knee s tr ikes .
L
-
/
Figure 3-4. Side control.
Section II.BASIC TECHNIQUES
These b asic te ch niq ue s n ot o nly teach a fig hte r to u nd ersta nd d om in an t b od y p ositio n, b ut
also provide an introduction to a system atic w ay of fighting on the ground. A lm ost all
types of finishing m oves are represented by the sim plest and, at the sam e tim e, m ost
effective exam ple of the type. B efore any tim e is spent on the m ore com plex and harder
to le arn te chnique s p re sented la te r in th is manua l, th e fighte r must mas te r th ese basic s.
3-5. BODY POSITIONING MOVES
The key to developing good ground fighters is ingraining a feel for the dom inant body
p ositio ns a nd h ow th ey relate to e ach o th er.
a. Stand up in Base. This is the most basic technique. It allow s the fighter to stand
up in the presence of an enem y or potential enem y without com prom ising his base and
thus m aking him self vulnerable to attack. T he principles of body movement inherent in
this technique m ake it so im portant that leaders should reinforce it every tim e a fighter
s tands up
(1 ) t p 1 (Figure 3-5). The fighter assum es a seated posture resting on his strong
side hand w ith his w eak side arm resting com fortably on his bent knee. H is feet should
not b e c ro ss ed .
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:-~
.
-
-
. -
-
-- ..'
- . - - - - -
Figure 3-5 Stand up in base, step 1.
(2 )
t p
2 (Figure 3-6). Placing his weight on his strong side hand and weak side
foot, the fighter picks up the rest of his body and sw ings his leg betw een his tw o posts,
placing his foot behind his strong side hand. It is im portant that the knee should be
behind the sam e side arm as shown.
,w...
....
...
Figure 3-6. Stand up in base, step 2.
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(3 )
Step
3 (F ig ure 3 -7 ). A fter p la cin g h is weig ht o n b oth feet, th e fig hter lifts h is h an d
from the ground and assum es a fighter's stance. He holds his hands high to protect his
head and face. H is fists are clenched, but relaxed. H is elbow s are close to his body, and
his w eight is evenly distributed on both feet, creating a stable base. H e is light on his feet
w ith h is k ne es slig htly flex ed to a llow quick mov emen t in an y d irectio n.
~...
: : ; , , li . : : \ t : 1 1
JIU.Jlr~U
.':~n
~l~,1Ir.6KJllnc.lITlKU
,
.
--
F igure 3-7. T he fighter's stance.
b. Escape the M ount, Trap, and Roll. This m ove starts w ith the fighter on his back
and the enemy mounted on his chest.
(1 )
Step
1 (Figure 3-8). U sing both hands the fighter secures one of the enemy's arm s
and places his foot over the sam e side foot of the enem y, keeping his elbow s tucked in as
much a s pos sib le .
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Figure 3-8. E scape th e moun t, trap , and roll, step 1.
(2 ) t p 2 (Figure 3-9). The fighter now lifts the enem y straight up w ith his hips and,
because the enemy has neither a hand nor a foot to stop him , he will topple over.
Figure 3-9. E scape th e moun t, trap , and roll, step 2.
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(3 )
t p
3 (Figure 3-10). A s the enem y begins to fall, the fighter turns over, ending
w ith in th e e nemy's g ua rd .
~:.m-
~ -
Figure 3-10 . Escape the mount, trap, and ro ll, step 3.
c. Escape the M ount, Shrim p to the G uard. This mov e a lso starts w ith th e fig hter
on his back and the enemy mounted on his chest. W hile the fighter is attempting to
escape the mount, trap, and roll, he may be unable to capture the enemy's leg. This
occurs when the enemy moves his leg away. This movement, however, creates an
opening under the same leg. The term shrim p refers to the action of moving the hips
away , which is cru cial to th e su cc ess o f th is te ch niq ue .
(1 )
t p
1 (Figure 3-11). T he fighter turns on his side and faces tow ard the opening
created by the enemy, ensuring that his leg is flat on the ground.
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...
Figure 3-11. Escape the mount, shrimp to the guard, step 1.
(2 ) Step 2 (Figure 3-12). The fighter now uses either his elbow or hand to hold the
enemy's leg in place and brings his knee through the opening.
..
--.
'-~
I.~
Figure 3-12. Escape the mount, shrimp to the guard, step 2.
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(3 )
Step
3 (Figure 3-13). W hen his knee gets past the enem y's leg, the fighter places
his w eight on the sam e leg and turn tow ards the other side. T his action w ill bring his knee
up and create enough space to pull the leg out and place it over the enem y's leg.
'
.....
Figure 3-13. Escape the mount, shrimp to the guard, step 3.
(4 ) Step 4 (Figure 3-14). T he fighter now uses his hands to hold the enemy's other leg
in p lace to rep eat th e actio ns from th e first sid e.
.' -
: - - :~ .r :- -t
-- -
-~
Figure 3-14. Escape the mount, shrimp to the guard, step 4.
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(5 )
t p
5 (Figure 3-15). It is im portant that the fighter lock his feet together around
the enemy, placing him in the open guard.
~
4--
Figure 3-15 . Escap e th e moun t, shrimp to the gu ard, step 5.
d. Pass the Guard and Achieve the Mount. The fighter is in base within the
enemy's guard. F rom this position, the fighter m ust escape from w ithin the enemy's legs.
T his actio n is ca lle d p assin g th e g uard .
(1 )
t p
1 (F igure 3-16). T he first thing the fighter m ust do is defend against the front
choke by using one hand to pin one of the enem y's arm s to the ground at the biceps. He
a lso keeps an upright postu re .
Figure 3-16. Pass the guard and achieve the mount, step 1.
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(2 )
t p
2 (Figure 3-17). T he fighter then raises his opposite side foot and places it on
the ground just out of reach of the enem y's hand. H e turns his hips, creating an opening,
a nd pushes h is h and th rough, finge rtip s firs t.
Figure 3-17. Pass the guard and achieve the m ount, step 2.
(3 )
t p
3 (F igure 3-18). T he fighter then slides down and back until the enemy's leg
is on h is s hould er.
Figure 3-18. Pass the guard and achieve the m ount, step 3.
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(5 )
Step
5 (F ig ure 3 -2 0). T he fig hter rid es th e e nemy down in to sid e c on tro l.
1--.
~
~
-
---
Figure 3-20. Pass the guard and achieve the m ount, step 5.
Figure 3-20. Pass the guard and achieve the mount, step 5 (continued).
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(6 )
Step
6 (Figure 3-21). The fighter faces tow ard the enem y's legs and changes his
hips, ensuring that his knee is controlling the enemy's hip, and that his legs are spread out
to avo id a reve rs al.
./
Figure 3-21. Pass the guard and achieve the mount, step 6.
(7 )
Step
7 (Figure 3-22). The fighter uses his free hand to control the enem y's legs,
and sw ings his leg over into the mount.
....
I ;.J J ~
Figure 3-22. Pass the guard and achieve the mount, step 7.
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e. Escape the Half Guard
Frequently the enem y w ill w rap his legs around one of
fig hter's from th e b ottom. This is called th e h alf g uard .
(1 )
t p
1 (Figure 3-23). The fighter m ust prevent the enem y from either regaining
the guard, or rolling him over. To do this, the fighter m ust assum e a strong position. H e
should ensure that his elbow is against the side of the enem y's neck, and he is blocking
the enemy from placing his leg under him w ith his bottom knee.
\
I.
-----
\
\
F igur e 3 -2 3. Escape the half gu ard, step 1.
(2 )
t p
2 (Figure 3-24). By m oving first the toe and then the heel of the captured
foot, th e fighte r wa lk s it c lo se r to th e enemy's butto ck s.
)
\
,
Figure 3-24. E scape the half gu ard, step 2.
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(3 )
Step
3 (F igure 3-25). T he fighter uses his free han d to push the enemy's knee until
the fighter's knee is exposed, and then drives it over the enemy until it is on the ground.
-'
, ~
-
t
-
,
--- - -
;; .
~
\
r;
~~
\ ~~~
Figure 3-25. Escape the half guard, step 3.
(4 ) Step 4 (F igure 3-26). If the enemy attempts to push against the fighter's kn ee w ith
his hand, the fighter places his hand under the enem y's arm at the bend in his elbow and
push es it u pward toward s h is h ea d.
Figure 3-26. Escape the half guard, step 4.
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f. Arm Push and Roll to the Rear Mount. The fighter starts this technique in the
f ront mount.
(1 )
t p
1 (Figure 3-27). W hen the enem y attem pts to protect his face from punches
by crossing his arm s over it, the fighter uses both hands to push one arm farther across
and captures it in place by using his body w eight.
Figure 3-27. A rm push and roll to the rear m ount,
step 1.
--
Figure 3-27. A rm push and roll to the rear mount, s tep 1 con tinued ).
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Figure 3-27. A rm push and ro ll to the rear mount, step 1 con tinu ed ).
(2 ) Step
2 (Figure 3-28). W hile keeping control w ith one hand, the fighter uses the
other hand to reach around the enemy's head and grasp the w rist of the captured hand.
Figure 3-28. A rm push and roll to the rear m ount, step 2.
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(3 )
Step
3 (Figure 3-29). T he fighter now places the first hand on the enem y's elbow
and, by pushing w ith his chest, turns the enem y onto his stom ach. The hand on the elbow
is used to hold the enemy in place while the fighter repositions his chest for further
pushing.
-- -
Figure 3-29. A rm push and roll to the rear m ount, step 3.
(4 )
Step
4 (Figure 3-30). The enem y w ill som etim es use his elbow as a post to avoid
being turned to his stom ach. When this happens, the fighter brings his w eight slightly off
of the enem y and uses his hand to pull the elbow under the enem y, pushing him forw ard
onto h is s tomach.
Figure 3-30. A rm push and roll to the rear m ount, step 4.
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(5 )
t p
5 (Figure 3-31). From this position the enem y norm ally tries to rise up and
get his knees under him . W hen he attem pts this, the fighter sits up and brings both legs
aro un d, h oo kin g th em in sid e o f th e en emy's leg s, an d g rasp s h is h an ds to geth er aro un d
the enem y's chest. O ne arm should be over the enem y's shoulder and the other should be
u nd er h is arm .
Figure 3-31. A rm push and roll to the rear m ount, step 5.
g. Escape the Rear M ount.
This technique begins w ith the fighter face dow n and
the enemy on the fighter's back in the rear mount.
(1 )
t p
1 (Figure 3-32). T he fighter m ust first roll over one shoulder so the enem y
ends u p u nd ern ea th h im , b oth fac in g sk yward .
\
- --
\
\
F igur e 3 -3 2. Escap e the rear mount., step 1.
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(2 )
t p
2 (Figure 3-33). H e now places one arm beside his ow n ear as show n and the
other across his body in his arm pit. T his w ill prevent the enemy from securing a choke.
--
F igure 3-33. E scape the rear mount. step 2.
(3 )
t p
3 (Figure 3-34). Falling tow ard the side of his own raised arm , the fighter
pushes him self tow ard his own shoulders using the ground to scrape the enemy off his
back.
..
:;;;i
~
---
F igure 3-34. E scape the rear mount, step 3.
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(4 )
t p
4 (F igure 3-35). O nce his back is on the ground, the fighter uses his arm s and
legs to step over and gain the mount.
F igure 3 -3 5. Escape the rear m ount, step 4.
~
f=:::
J
Jj
J
..
F igure 3-3 5. E sc ape th e re ar mount, ste p 4 contin ued).
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3-6. FINISHING MOVES
W hen dom inant body position has been achieved the fighter can attem pt to finish the
fight secure in the know ledge that if an attem pt fails, as long as he m aintains dom inant
p ositio n, h e may simply try ag ain .
a. Rear Naked Choke.
Chokes are the most effective method of disabling an
enemy. T his technique should only be executed from the back mount after both leg hooks
a re in p la ce .
(1 )
t p
1 (Figure 3-36). L eaving the w eak hand in place, the fighter reaches around
the enemy's neck and under his chin w ith the strong hand.
......
~
F igure 3-36. R ear naked choke, step
1.
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(2 )
t p
2 (Figure 3-37). The fighter now places the biceps of the w eak hand under
the strong hand, m oves the w eak hand to the back of the enem y's head, and com pletes the
ch ok e b y e xp an din g h is ch est.
--
.....
Figure 3-37. R ear naked choke, step 2.
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b. Cross Collar Choke from the M ount and Guard.
This technique can only be
ex ec uted from th e g uard o r th e mount.
(I )
t p
1 (Figure 3-38). W ith the w eak hand, the fighter grasps the enem y's collar
an d p ulls it o pe n.
F igure 3 -3 8. Cross collar choke from the mount, step 1.
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(2 )
t p
2 (Figure 3-39). W hile keeping a hold w ith the w eak hand, the fighter now
inserts his strong hand, fingers first, onto the collar. The hand should be relaxed and
reach around to the back of the neck grasping the collar.
..
F igur e 3 -3 9. C ross collar choke from the mount, step 2.
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(3 )
t p
3 (Figure 3-40). A fter grasping the back of the enem y's collar, the fighter
inserts the w eak han d under the strong hand and into the collar, fingers first, touching or
v ery c lo se to th e first h an d.
~
1;;-
r
'
F igure 3 -4 0. C ross co llar ch oke from the mount, step 3.
(4 )
t p
4 (Figure 3-41). The fighter turns his wrists so that the palm s face tow ard
him , and brings his elbow s to his side. H e w ill complete the choke by expanding his chest
an d p ullin g w ith th e musc les o f h is b ack .
-,..
~
.....
\ 1
Fig ure 3-41. C ross co llar ch oke from the mount, step 4.
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Note: If the fighter is applying this choke from the m ount, he should put his head on the
ground on the side of the top hand and relax into the choke.
c. F ront G uillotine C hoke. M any tim es this technique m ay be used as a counter to
th e double le g ta kedown.
(1 )
t p
1 (Figure 3-42). A s the enemy shoots in tow ard the fighter's legs, the fighter
should ensure that the enemy's head goes underneath one of his arm s. T he fighter w raps
his arm around the enemy's head and under his neck. T he fighter's palm should be facing
h is own ch est.
.
--~
Figure 342. Front guillotine choke,
step 1.
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(2 )
t p
2 (Figure 3-43). W ith the other hand, the fighter grasps the first hand,
ensuring that he has not reached around the enem y's arm , and pulls upw ard w ith both
hands.
Figure 3-43. Front guillotine choke, step 2.
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(3 )
t p
3 (Figure 3-44). H e now sits dow n and places the enem y w ithin his guard,
and finishes the choke by pulling w ith his arm s and pushing w ith his legs.
III
--
F igu re 3 -4 4. F ront gu illotine choke, step 3 .
d. Bent Arm Bar from the M ount and Cross M ount.
(1 )
t p
1 (Figure 3-45). W hen the fighter has m ounted the enem y, the enem y m ay
try to cover his face by putting both arms up. Using the heel of his hand, the fighter
drives the enem y's w rist to the ground ensuring that his elbow goes to the elbow notch
(elb ow b etwee n co llarb on e an d th e h ead w ith p ressu re ag ain st th e n eck ).
Figure 3-45. B ent arm bar from the m ount and cross m ount, step 1.
3-31
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Figure 3-45. Bent arm bar from the mount and cross mount, step 1
(continued).
(2 )
Step
2 (F igure 3-46). W ith the other hand, the fighter reaches under the enemy's
bent arm and grasps his own w rist.
.,-. ,#1,#1
...-
~
,.....
Figure 3-46. Bent arm bar from the mount and cross mount, step
2.
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(3 )
t p
3 (Figure 3-47). The fighter raises the enem y's elbow and at the sam e tim e
drags the back of his hand along the ground like a paint brush, breaking the enem y's arm
a t the shoulde r.
Figure 3-47. Bent arm bar from the m ount and cross m ount, step 3.
e. Straight A rm Bar from the M ount.
(1 )
t p
1 (Figure 3-48). From the m ount, the enem y m ay attem pt to push the fighter
off w ith his arm s. The fighter places both of his arm s on the enem y's chest ensuring that
his arm goes over the targeted arm .
~
~.
F igu re 3-48 . S traig ht a rm bar from th e moun t, step 1.
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(2 )
t p
2 (Figure 3-49). Placing all of his w eight on the enem y's chest, the fighter
pops up and places his feet under him , ensuring that he keeps his butt low .
,
\
Figure 3-49. Straight arm bar from the mount, step 2.
(3 )
t p
3 (Figure 3-50). K eeping his w eight on the enemy's chest, he now sw ings his
leg around and over the enem y's head and slides dow n the arm .
F igure 3 -5 0. S tra ig ht a rm bar from the moun t, step 3.
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(4 )
t p
4 (F igure 3-51). T he fighter now pinches the enemy's arm betw een his legs,
grasps the arm at the w rist, and falls back extending the arm . The breaking action is hip
p re ssure aga inst t he e lbow jo in t.
Figure 3-51. Straight arm bar from the mount, step 4.
f. Straight Arm Bar from the Guard.
(1 )
t p
1 (Figure 3-52). W hen the fighter is on his back w ith the enem y in his guard,
the enemy will sometimes present a straight arm such as when trying to choke. The
fighte r s hould s ecure th e ta rg et a rm above th e should er.
---
D .
F igure 3 -5 2. Straigh t arm ba r from th e gua rd , step 1.
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(2 )
t p
2 (Figure 3-53). The fighter inserts his other hand under the enem y's leg on
the side opposite the targeted arm . T he hand should be palm up.
F igu re 3-53 . S traig ht a rm bar from th e gu ard, step 2.
(3 )
t p
3 (Figure 3-54). By releasing his legs from around the enem y's w aist and
raisin g th em above h im , th e fig hter ch an ge s h is ce nter o f g ra vity .
~
F igu re 3-54 . S traig ht a rm bar from th e gu ard, step 3.
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(4 )
t p
4 (Figure 3-55). He now curls his back to give himself a point on which to
spin, and by pulling w ith the arm on the side opposite the targeted arm , he spins around
and places his leg over the enemy's head, capturing the target arm betw een his legs.
F igure 3 -5 5. Straigh t arm ba r from th e gua rd , step 4.
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(5 )
t p
5 (Figure 3-56). T he fighter now brings his hand from under the enemy's leg
and secures the w rist of the targeted arm , completing the move by breaking the targeted
arm w ith p ressu re from h is h ip s.
F igu re 3-56 . S traig ht a rm bar from th e gu ard, step 5.
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g. Sw eep from the A ttem pted Straight A rm B ar.
(1 )
t p
1 (Figure 3-57). If the enemy tucks his head in to avoid the arm bar, The
fighter maintains his grip on the enemy's leg and swings his own leg down to gain
momen tum. The fig hter e nsu re s th at h e cu rls h is leg u nd er a fter sw in gin g it d own.
a
Figure 3-57 . Sweep from the attempted straigh t arm bar, step 1.
(2 )
t p
2 (Figure 3-58, continued on page 3-40). The fighter pushes the enemy
s tra ight ove r w ith h is o th er le g and fin ish es moun ted.
Figure 3-58. Sweep from the attempted straigh t arm bar, step 2.
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I
< I~J-
---
.~
~
'
a
1
1
/J
Figure 3-58. Sw eep from the attem pted straight arm bar, step 2 (continued).
3-7. DRILLS
D rills are used as a portion of the w arm -up, w hich allow s the m axim um use of training
tim e, stresses the im portance of position, and also keeps training focused on perfecting
the basic m oves. D ifferent details can be taught or em phasized during each training
session. T his w ill result in a deeper understanding of the techniques, as w ell as building
muscle memory , tea ch in g th e so ld iers to mov e in th e most efficien t way s n atu rally . Mo re
ad van ced te ch niq ue s c an b e su bstitu ted w ith in th e framework o f th e d rill after su fficien t
sk ill le vel is sh own in th e b asics.
a. D rill (B asic D rill). T his d rill b eg in s w ith o ne so ld ier mounted .
(1 ) Step 1. The soldier on the bottom escapes the mount using the trap and roll
technique.
(2 )
Step
2. T he sam e soldier passes the guard and achieves the mount.
(3 )
Step
3. The roles now reverse and the second soldier goes through steps one and
two.
b. D rill 2. T his drill also begins w ith one soldier m ounted.
(1 ) Step 1. U sing the arm trap and roll technique, the soldier on top gains the back
mount.
(2 )
Step
2. A s soon as the first soldier sets the hooks in, the second soldier rolls over
o ne sh ou ld er an d esca pes th e b ac k mount.
3 4
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(3 )
t p 3.
W hen the second soldier is m ounted, the roles w ill reverse, and they w ill
go back through steps one and tw o.
3-8. DEFENSE AGAINST HEADLOCKS
The headlock is a very poor technique for anything more than immobilizin g an enemy. It
is, however, a very com mon technique in actual fighting; therefore, knowing how to
escape is very im portant for a soldier. The techniques are progressive, and should be
a ttempted in th e o rd er ta ught.
a. Form the Frame.
(1 )
t p
1 (Figure 3-59). The fighter's first step in escaping from a headlock is to
ensure that his arm is not captured. W ith a short jerky motion, the fighter pulls his elbow
in and turns on his side.
~.
Figure 3-59. Form the fram e,
step 1.
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(4 )
Step
4 (Figure 3-62). The fighter reaches w ith both legs to grasp the enem y's
head. If the enemy lets go of his headlock, the fighter squeezes the enemy's neck w ith his
legs.
~
.IL -
~ -4 -
~c~
~
--~
----
.' '
Figure 3-62. Form the frame, step 4.
(5 ) Step 5 (Figure 3-63). If the enem y does not release the headlock, the fighter
r ota te s a round until h e is on both o f h is knees beh ind the enemy's back.
Figure 3-63. Form the frame, step 5.
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(6 )
t p
6 (Figure 3-64). The fighter uses his top hand to clear the enem y's legs out
of the w ay and steps over, bringing his foot in tight against the enem y's hip. The fighter
estab lish es h is b ase b y p uttin g b oth h an ds o n th e g ro un d.
Figure 3-64. Form the fram e, step 6.
;
F igure 3 -64 . F orm th e frame , ste p 6 con tin ued).
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(7 )
t p
7 (Figure 3-65). The fighter forces the enemy to release his grip on the
fighter's neck by form ing the fram e and leaning tow ard the enem y's head, driving the
bone of his upper arm under the enemy's jaw bone.
~
I
I
Figure 3-65. Form the fram e, step
7.
b. Follow the Leg. Although the fighter should always try to form the frame,
sometimes th e en emy w ill tu ck h is h ead in mak in g it impo ssib le .
(1 )
t p
1 (Figure 3-66). After ensuring that his arm is not captured as in the first
technique, the fighter m oves as close to the enem y as possible and places his leg over
him . T he fighter's heel should find the crease at the enemy's hip form ed by his leg.
- - = =
- --
-
=--
- - --
Figure 3-66. Follow the leg, step 1.
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c. Roll Toward the Head
(F igure 3-69). If the enemy should succeed in capturing
the fighter's arm , the fighter can use the enem y's reaction to his attem pts to free it to his
ad va ntag e. W ith sh ort je rk y motio ns, th e fig hter a ttemp ts to p ull h is arm free. T he e nemy
w ill have to adjust his position by leaning tow ard the fighter. Im mediately after the
fighter attem pts to pull his arm free and feels the enem y pushing, the fighter arches
towa rd h is h ea d an d th en o ver h is o pp osite sh ou ld er, tak in g th e en emy over.
;'
Figure 3-69. Roll toward the head.
F igur e 3 -69. Roll toward th e h ead (continued ).
Note:
The roll m ust be tim ed correctly and m ust be tow ard the fighter's head and not
s tra ight ove r h is body.
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4-1
CHAPTER 4
ADVANCED GROUND-FIGHTING TECHNIQUES
After achieving an understanding of the basics of ground fighting,
other elements of fighting on the ground are added. These techniques,
however, are dependent on a thorough grasp of the basics. Beingsystematic is important in building competent fighters. Staying with the
program will not only produce competent fighters quickly, but will
produce the most competent fighters over time as well.
Section I. ADVANCED ATTACKSConcentrating on offensive techniques is preferable when developing a training plan. The
best defense is simply knowing that the technique exists. If defenses are to be taught,there should be ample time between teaching the offense and teaching the defense to
allow time for the students to master the offensive skills first. Training the defense
prematurely will hinder development.
4-1. ADVANCED BODY POSITIONS
a. North-South Position (Figure 4-1). This position allows many possible attacksand is very difficult for the enemy to escape from. You should attempt to control the
enemys arms by placing your elbows on the ground in his arm pits. You will also need to
shift your weight in order to prevent him from rolling you over.
Figure 4-1. North-south position.
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4-2
b. Knee in the Stomach (Figure 4-2). Another very important dominant body
position is the knee mount. When in the knee mount, the knee should be in the middle ofthe enemys chest. The foot should be hooked around his hip. The opposite knee should
be off of the ground and back away from the enemys head, and the hips should be set
forward to maintain balance.
Figure 4-2. Knee in the stomach.
4-2. PASS THE GUARD
When you are inside of the enemys guard, he has many options to attack you or reversethe positions. Therefore, you will need several possible techniques to pass.
a. Closed Guard. In the closed guard, the enemy has his legs locked together
behind your back.
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4-3
(1)Knee in the Tailbone.
(a) Step 1(Figure 4-3). Moving one hand at a time, grasp the enemy at the belt withboth hands. Keep pressure on him to prevent him from sitting up.
Figure 4-3. Knee in the tailbone, step 1.
(b) Step 2 (Figure 4-4). Place one of your knees in the enemys tailbone. You will
need to lean toward the other side to prevent him from compromising your balance.
Figure 4-4. Knee in the tailbone, step 2.
(c) Step 3(Figure 4-5). Push with both hands, and move your other knee back away
from him. This should create a 90 degree angle from the knee in the tailbone. This action
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4-4
will also create more distance between the knee in the tailbone and your hip, forcing him
to loosen the grip with his legs.
Figure 4-5. Knee in the tailbone, step 3.(d) Step 4 (Figure 4-6). Release your grip with the hand on the side you are facing
and move it under the enemys leg on the same side. You will then lift his leg, pulling itto you to gain control, and pass normally.
Figure 4-6. Knee in the tailbone, step 4.
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Figure 4-6. Knee in the tailbone, step 4 (continued).
e. Step 5 (Figure 4-7). Pull your remaining hand out from between his legs at the
earliest possible time to avoid the arm bar, and secure a grip at his waist.
Figure 4-7. Knee in the tailbone, step 5.
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4-6
(2) Stand Up With One Sleeve.
(a) Step 1(Figure 4-8). Gain control of one of the enemys sleeves near the wrist, andwith the other hand grasp his jacket in the center to keep him from sitting up.
Figure 4-8. Stand up with one sleeve, step 1.
(b) Step 2(Figure 4-9). Stand up with the leg closest to the arm you are controllingfirst and arch your back slightly, pulling on the sleeve that you control.
Figure 4-9. Stand up with one sleeve, step 2.
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Figure 4-9. Stand up with one sleeve, step 2 (continued).
(c) Step 3(Figure 4-10). Switch control of his sleeve to your other hand and use the
original hand to push downward on his legs to break his grip. It is helpful to step slightlyback with the leg on the side you are attempting to open.
Figure 4-10. Stand up with one sleeve, step 3.
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(d) Step 4(Figure 4-11). When his grip breaks, reach under the leg and pull it to you,
tightening up to gain control and pass like before. It is important to control the leg belowhis knee so that he cannot bend it to escape and regain the guard.
Figure 4-11. Stand up with one sleeve, step 3.(3) Hands in the Arm Pits.(a) Step 1 (Figure 4-12). Pin the enemys shoulders to the ground by either placing
the fingers of your hands in both of his armpits, or placing both hands around his neck.
Figure 4-12. Hands in the arm pits, step 1.
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Figure 4-12. Hands in the arm pits, step 1 (continued).
(b) Step 2(Figure 4-13). Stand up one leg at a time, placing one of your knees in his
tailbone and stepping back with the other. The heal of your foot must be planted on theground.
Figure 4-13. Hands in the arm pits, step 2.
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(c) Step 3 (Figure 4-14). Sit down so that your knee is driven upward between theenemys legs. This will break the grip of his legs behind your back.
Figure 4-14. Hands in the arm pits, step 3.
(d) Step 4(Figure 4-15). Drive your knee over his leg on the opposite side. This will
immobilize the leg so that you can bring both legs over into side control.
Figure 4-15. Hands in the arm pits, step 4.
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Figure 4-15. Hands in the arm pits, step 4 (continued).b. Open Guard. Once you have opened the enemys guard, he may block your
passing by controlling you with his legs. You must gain control of his legs before you can
pass.
(1) Throw the Legs.(a) Step 1 (Figure 4-16). Grasp the enemys pant legs near the ankles with a firm
grasp and stand up, pulling him slightly toward you.
Figure 4-16. Throw the legs, step 1.
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(b) Step 2 (Figure 4-17). Swing both legs from side to side and then throw them
forcefully to one side.
Figure 4-17. Throw the legs, step 2.
(c) Step 3(Figure 4-18). Close the distance and gain control in either the side controlor knee mount position.
Figure 4-18. Throw the legs, step 3.
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(2)Push the Knees.
(a) Step 1(Figure 4-19). Gain control of the enemys pant legs on top of each knee.
Figure 4-19. Push the knees, step 1.
(b) Step 2(Figure 4-20). Step back and drive both knees downward.
Figure 4-20. Push the knees, step 2.
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(c) Step 3(Figure 4-21). While still holding the enemys knees down, jump forward
with both legs into the mounted position.
Figure 4-21. Push the knees, step 3.
4-3. ATTACKS FROM THE MOUNT
After the mount has been achieved, there are many options on how to attack. The first is
to throw punches into the enemys face and force him to turn over, giving up his back. Ifhe does not turn over he will most likely give an opening, making the following attacks
easier.
a. Chokes. The most efficient way to incapacitate an enemy is to choke him intounconsciousness. An advantage of prioritizing chokes in training is that they can be
applied in training exactly as applied in combat.
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(1)Paper Cutter Choke.
(a) Step 1 (Figure 4-22). Start by opening the collar with the weak hand, as in thecross collar choke. With the strong hand grasp deep into the collar, inserting the thumb
on the inside.
Figure 4-22. Paper cutter choke, step 1.
(b) Step 2(Figure 4-23). Release the grip of the first hand and grasp the opposite side
of the enemys jacket, pulling it tight against the back of his neck.
Figure 4-23. Paper cutter choke, step 2.
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(c) Step 3(Figure 4-24). Drive the elbow of the other hand across the enemys neck
to complete the choke.
Figure 4-24. Paper cutter choke, step 3.
(2) Leaning Choke.(a) Step 1 (Figure 4-25). Grasp both sides of the collar. The knuckles should be
pointed inward and there should be three or four inches of slack.
Figure 4-25. Leaning choke, step 1.
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(b) Step 2 (Figure 4-26). Pull one side of the collar across the enemys neck so the
pinky knuckle is just past the Adams apple where the blood vessels are located. Pull theother hand tight as you drive this hand into the enemys neck.
Figure 4-26. Leaning choke, step 2.
(3)Nutcracker Choke.(a) Step 1(Figure 4-27). Grasp the collar with both hands at the sides of the enemys
neck. Knuckles should be pointed in against the neck.
Figure 4-27. Nutcracker choke, step 1.
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(b) Step 2 (Figure 4-28). Pull the collar tight against the back of the enemys neckwith both hands and, with the pinkies acting as the base, drive the pointer finger knuckles
of both hands into the enemys neck on either side of the Adams apple.
Figure 4-28. Nutcracker choke, step 2.
(4) Sleeve Choke.(a) Step 1 (Figure 4-29). Place the fingers of one hand inside the sleeve cuff of the
other with a firm grip.
Figure 4-29. Sleeve choke, step 1.
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(b) Step 2 (Figure 4-30). Drive the other hand behind the enemys head so the
forearm of the first hand goes across the neck.
Figure 4-30. Sleeve choke, step 2.
(c) Step 3 (Figure 4-31). Drive the elbow across the enemys neck toward the backwhile pulling with the other hand.
Figure 4-31. Sleeve choke, step 3.
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(c) Step 3(Figure 4-34). Change the grip of the first hand to the opposite side of his
lapel to tighten the collar against the back of his neck.
Figure 4-34. Lapel choke, step 3.
(d) Step 4(Figure 4-35). Tighten by extending both arms.
Figure 4-35. Lapel choke, step 4.
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(2) Straight Arm Bar.The enemy may attempt to block the choke with his hands.
(a) Step 1(Figure 4-36). Ensuring that your arm is under the enemys arm, push hiselbow forward and hold it in place by grasping your own collar.
Figure 4-36. Straight arm bar, step 1.
(b) Step 2(Figure 4-37). Place your other hand on the enemys head.
Figure 4-37. Straight arm bar, step 2.
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(c) Step 3(Figure 4-38). Rest all of your weight on the enemys head, and point your
toe straight back.
Figure 4-38. Straight arm bar, step 3.
(d) Step 4(Figure 4-39). Swing your leg around on top of his head and sit back into
the straight arm bar.
Figure 4-39. Straight arm bar, step 4.
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(3) Gain the Back Mount.If the enemy defends both the choke and the arm bar, you
still have another option.(a) Step 1(Figure 4-40). Push the enemy toward his stomach with chest pressure, and
at the same time bring your foot close to the enemys back.
Figure 4-40. Gain the back mount, step 1.
(b) Step 2(Figure 4-41). Sit back, pulling the enemy on top of you, ensuring you give
yourself room to swing your foot around to sink in your hook. You will finish in the back
mount.
Figure 4-41. Gain the back mount, step 2.
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4-4. ATTACKS FROM THE BACK MOUNT
Once the back mount has been achieved, keeping it is the most important goal. Theposition learned earlier of one hand in the armpit and the other over the opposite shoulder
allows the most possible attacks.
a. Collar Choke.
(1)Step 1(Figure 4-42). Grasp the collar with the hand in the armpit, pulling it opento insert the thumb of the other hand deep into the collar. Secure a firm grip.
Figure 4-42. Collar choke, step 1.
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(2) Step 2 (Figure 4-43). Change the grip of the hand under the armpit to grasp the
opposite lapel, pulling down to tighten the collar against the back of the enemys neck.
Figure 4-43. Collar choke, step 2.
(3) Step 3(Figure 4-44). Set the choke by pushing outward with both hands.
Figure 4-44. Collar choke, step 3.
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(3) Step 3 (Figure 4-47). Bring your hand around behind his head and finish the
choke by pushing out with both hands.
Figure 4-47. Single wing choke, step 3.c. Straight Arm Bar.
(1) Step 1(Figure 4-48). If the enemy is protecting his collar effectively, push yourarm further through his armpit, pulling your own collar open with the other hand. Graspyour collar with the hand that is through his armpit.
Figure 4-48. Straight arm bar, step 1.
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(2)Step 2(Figure 4-49). With the palm of your other hand, push his head away and
step your leg over it. Break his grip by pushing with your legs and extending your body.
Figure 4-49. Straight arm bar, step 2.
(3)Step 3 (Figure 4-50). Finish with hip pressure against his elbow as in the basic
straight arm bar.
Figure 4-50. Straight arm bar, step 3.
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4-5. ATTACKS FROM THE GUARD
a. Arm Lock.(1) Step 1(Figure 4-51). If the enemy places his hand on the g