Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)How I wish the term 'Handbook' had not been used... This is another one of those books that's as good for martial artists (to broaden their horizons) as it is for military science buffs (albeit in a very specific area: soldier training). This book starts by specifying the needs of a soldier in the field, where unarmed combat is concerned, and then goes into a quick (and somewhat inaccurate, to me) overview of traditional martial arts. I'd say that as someone who does a lot of solo training, the most valuable part of this book to me was the section on how SPECOPS trains their people in a short period of time. While techniques are explained, many are not illustrated, so this is definetly not a how-to book. This book coveres a little history, some training methods, vital targets, some escapes and combinations, and defense against various weapons, including bayonets, guns, knives, and clubs. I never really learned what particular special forces these techniques were derived from, though to be honest, I didn't see anything really "special" about most of it. I wish the author had given a references or bibliography section. I will say that the pencil illustrations are some of the best I've seen, very realistic. While this wouldn't be my first choice to go to for self-defense techniques, it does make a pretty good reference manual. Decent, for what it offers, but please understand that it is primarily a reference book.
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The Elite Forces Handbook of Unarmed CombatUnarmed combat is the oldest form of fighting known to man.Despite the development of weapons technology, a soldier - particularly a special forces soldier - can find himself in an empty-hand fight as a result of weapons failure, depleted ammunition, a need for silence, or a failed escape and evasion attempt.To survive, he needs to be fully trained in the use of weapons that are always at his disposal, never jam, and never run out of ammunition - his hands and feet.Properly used, they can stop an attacker dead in his tracks.In a military context, close-quarters combat is about survival:any and all means are valid.Surprise and speed are essential and the intention is to attack, not simply defend.The Elite Forces Handbook of Unarmed Combat provides a detailed examination of the subject, with clear descriptions supported by black-and-white photographs and line drawings showing specific techniques.Starting with an overview of the historical development of unarmed combat, this book works through training (both physical and mental), vulnerable areas of the body, and particular techniques:punching and kicking, blocks, chokes and headlocks, breaking holds, throws, and ground fighting.The techniques used by special forces around the world are examined here:the lethal strikes of the Spetsnaz, locks and constrictions used by the Egyptian special forces, U.S. Army throws and holds, and elementary methods taught to Britain's Parachute Regiment.The Elite Forces Handbook of Unarmed Combat spells out the elements of hand-to-hand fighting from the soldier's point of view.
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