During World War Two various hand to hand combat systems were developed by the allied forces. Initially these fighting systems were reserved for special military units and agents working deep behind enemy lines. However as the war dragged on these unique combat programmes filtered down through to the rest of the military.
William Ewart Fairbairn was one of the founding fathers of World War Two Combatives. His unique approach to combat was influenced by his experiences, whilst serving with the Shanghai Municipal Police during the early part of the 1900's.
During this period Shanghai was probably the most dangerous place in the world.
It was a time of uncertainty and civil strife, as political and criminal gangs fought for control of the streets. This certainly kept the ex Royal Marine busy and at one point he even came close to death after having a nasty close encounter with members of the Tong gang who were infamous for their ruthlessness.
After a lengthy recovery Fairbairn was directed to Okada a Japanese Jiu Jitsu master, who was teaching in Shanghai at the time. For the next few years he devoted himself to the study of this effective martial art.
Whilst serving in Shanghai Fairbairn was also exposed to Chinese martial arts
(or as the popular generic term used for chinese fighting systems kung fu).
He also attained his black belt in judo and his certificates were signed by the man himself Jigoro Kano.
This led Fairbairn to develop a very practical and unique fighting system known as Defendu. He discarded all the impractical elements of these arts and focused on the most effective components. When he returned to England in 1940 Fairbairn went on to teach his method of unarmed combat to the famous British Commandos and other Allied special units.
It is my humble opinion that the systems developed by Fairbairn and others such as Styers, Perrigard, Underwood are the most viable and conducive forms of self protection that can be found anywhere. These men did not lend themselves to fanciful ideas or showmanship but laid down the foundation for the development of practical fighting programmes in later years.
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