Military Science - Hand to Hand Combat: Books, Videos

The U.S. Marine Corps has come to epitomize courage under fire and deadly effectiveness on the field of battle. Now their close combat secrets are available to the public for the first time in this explosive Paladin video production. This three-disc DVD series features instruction in the LINE (Linear Infighting Neural-override Engagement) program, one of the most successful, effective and enduring close-quarter battle systems ever devised for military use. The techniques of this hand-to-hand combat program are simple, direct and deadly and cover every aspect of close combat, including grappling, knife fighting, joint locks and removal of key enemy personnel. Taught by Master Sergeant Ron Donvito (Ret.), who developed the system after decades of martial arts experience and extensive research of human anatomy, this video series presents a comprehensive self-defense course that should be required viewing for anyone determined to survive a close-combat encounter. For information purposes only.

M.Sgt. Ronald Donvito, USMC (Ret.) began his study of the martial arts at age four and has earned black belts in judo, jujutsu and Shorinji Kempo. Based on his extensive martial arts experience, military training and detailed research into the vital points of the human anatomy, he developed the LINE program. This program was officially adopted by the Marine Corps in 1989, and Donvito was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his accomplishment. Donvito retired after 20 years of military service and now operates Honor Technologies, a training and consulting company that provides instruction in the LINE program and other combat-related skills to elite military and law enforcement units.
$79.95
DVD-R 805966 001036 200 minutes 3-Disc Set

The father of modern hand-to-hand combat, Captain W. E. Fairbairn, taught the famed British Commandos from this classic, long-out-of-print manual on unarmed combat. Known for his "get tough" attitude, Fairbairn designed these practical methods after years of training troops and watching ruffians, thugs, bandits and bullies. Now you can profit from his experience.

Captain W.E. Fairbairn taught unarmed combat to the famed British Commandos and the U.S. armed forces during World War II. Before the war he served as assistant commissioner of the Shanghai Police Force. He was the inventor of the Fairbairn Commando Knife and the author of the classics Defendu, Scientific Self Defense and Shooting to Live.
$19.95
Softcover 978-0-87364-002-2 120 pages 5.5" x 8.5" illustrations

The LINE (linear in-fighting neural-override engagement) is the most efficient and complete system of military close combat ever developed. This official USMC instruction manual provides comprehensive instruction in all aspects of this deadly system, including unarmed combat methods, knife and bayonet fighting and use of improvised weapons.
$20.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-889-9 200 pages 5.5" x 8.5" photos

In Extreme CQB, eight ICCIA master instructors present detailed lessons in their close-combat specialties, including unarmed combat, weapon disarming, knife fighting, sentry elimination and combat groundfighting. This is a rare glimpse into the real world of close-quarter fighting and an unprecedented opportunity to study with the instructors of some of the world's best special operations warriors, counterterrorist operators and elite law enforcement professionals. For information purposes only.
$19.95
DVD-R 805966 057231 74 minutes

Close Combat
a U.S. Marine Corps Manual

This exclusive new manual contains the most current close combat methods being taught to U.S. Marines for use on today's battlefield. Developed with input from one of the most highly qualified committees of close-combat specialists ever assembled, it outlines the Marine Corps' latest lethal and nonlethal weapons techniques, use of knives and sticks and the full spectrum of unarmed tactics: strikes, throws, chokes, holds and ground fighting. Because a Marine engaged in combat cannot get bogged down with useless techniques, the fighting methods shown here are designed to be fast and aggressive for maximum effect. For academic study only.
$20.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-073-9 116 pages 8.5" x 11"

This exact reprint of the U.S. Army's most current field manual on hand-to-hand combat (FM 3-25.150)reflects the first major revision to the Army's close-quarters combat program in a decade. It incorporates the latest training undertaken by Army Rangers with the legendary Gracie family, blending their proven ground fighting tactics with the Army's latest training curriculum to create a unique battlefield form of Brazilian jujitsu. This manual provides instruction in basic and advanced ground fighting along with the entire spectrum of vital close-quarters skills, including vicious takedowns and throws; no-BS punches and kicks; offensive techniques with knives, bayonets, sticks and entrenching tools; standing defenses against armed and unarmed attackers; and group tactics for both lethal and nonlethal situations.

Expertise in hand-to-hand combat is one of the fundamental skills of the modern soldier. Whether the task is subduing an angry mob or fending off a sudden assault by a knife-wielding enemy, today's fighting men must know how to instantly respond and prevail in violent situations where they cannot resort to firearms. This field manual shows them how.
$25.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-448-1 272 pages 8.5" x 11" photos, illust.

This shocking manual takes you through the army's close-quarter combat system as taught by its master instructor. Find out how to break a man's arm after disarming him, do a bad guy with a bayonet or entrenching tool and many more battlefield techniques .For academic study only.

Leonard Holifield is a frequent lecturer on executive protection, unarmed self-defense and one-man solo security/protection operations. During his 10-year military career, he served as chief combatives instructor to the U.S. Army. He has trained Special Forces, Infantry, Airborne, Air-Recon, Military Police, Psychological Operations and Special Reaction Teams, to name a few. His work in the field of military combatives has been recognized throughout the armed forces and has been featured in such publications as Soldiers, ARMY, KORUS and Military Police magazines; Stars & Stripes; and Armed Forces Korea Network news.

Holifield's martial arts career spans four decades. He is the president and founder of the International Sikaron Karate Federation and Supreme Grandmaster of the Sikaron Karate system, an integrated martial art system that incorporates judo, jujitsu, aikido, hapkido, combat karate, shotokan karate, ninjitsu, hwrangdo advanced knife fighting, boxing, grappling, and tameshiwari.
$25.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-924-7 116 pages 8.5" x 11" photos

Paladin is pleased to present this rare reprint of a little-known hand-to-hand combat classic. At the outset of World War II, boxing heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey was appointed as a lieutenant in the U.S. Coast Guard and given the job of director of physical fitness. His orders: "Make 'em tough!" His task: to teach rookie Coast Guardsmen how to fight down and dirty in the face of the very real threat of enemy troops infiltrating American shores. Get in the ring with "the Manassa Mauler" as he gives 18 fully illustrated lessons in the art of bashing and brawling on the battlefield, including Subduing an Armed Enemy, The Unbreakable Strangle, Beating the Punch, Hammering Your Way Out of a Stranglehold, The Belt Trick, Fooling the Smart Knife Man, Turning the Tables with a Bayonet and Breaking a Standoff. All students of nasty close-quarters combat in the tradition of Sykes, Fairbairn, Applegate and other giants of the World War II era will thoroughly enjoy this fascinating piece of CQB history.
$15.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-315-6 136 pages 5.5" x 8.5" 116 photos

This is the best- and longest-selling book on close combat in history. Reprinted and in current use by the U.S. Marine Corps as an official training manual, it details methods of self-defense, offensive close combat, combat shooting and crowd-control techniques in riot situations. This book by Colonel Rex Applegate is considered the standard by which all other books on the subject are judged.

The late Colonel Rex Applegate was universally recognized as America's foremost authority on close combat with or without weapons.
$40.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-558-7 436 pages 5.5" x 8.5" photos

Arwrology is derived from the old Welsh word arwr, meaning an all-out hand-to-hand fighter. It was developed by Gordon E. Perrigard, a Canadian medical doctor who combined his knowledge of advanced ju-jitsu with his knowledge of human anatomy to come up with this devastatingly effective close-in combat system. Arwrology was originally released in 1943 in Canada for use in training combatants for World War II. Martialists from all over the world quickly hailed its superior fighting methods, and today it remains one of the most highly sought after – and most valuable – fighting manuals in the world. Don't miss your chance to add this authentic reproduction of an extremely rare combat classic to your library at a price you can afford.
$30.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-507-5 294 pages 5.5" x 8.5" photos, illust.

This handbook was written during World War II, not for commandos or professional wrestlers, but for Canada's Home Guard – that is, for ordinary people. The continued interest in and demand for an illustrated book on this subject resulted in its reissue in its wartime format. The author, of the Royal Canadian Artillery, believes that knowledge of self-defense is a sound investment on anybody's part at any time – not just during war – and he sets out to provide that knowledge. The text is clear and straightforward, and the illustrations make misunderstanding impossible. This book is essential for anybody with an interest in self-defense, weapons or military combat.
$10.00
Softcover 978-0-87364-060-2 48 pages 5.5" x 8.5" illustrations

One of the most highly sought volumes in the library of legendary hand-to-hand combat manuals is finally available from Paladin Press. W.E. Fairbairn's Scientific Self-Defence, published in 1931 as a slightly modified reprint of Defendu (1926), outlines the brutally effective close-quarters combat program developed during Fairbairn's renowned service with the Shanghai Municipal Police. Fairbairn's straightforward techniques for defending against various holds, dealing with assailants armed with guns or knives, applying truly effective holds and throws, using the club and walking stick for self-defense, and other areas of close-in fighting have had an extraordinary influence on the development of the combat arts. His immense impact on generations of fighting men – from an elite cadre of instructors who trained soldiers in realistic hand-to-hand combat during World War II to today's practitioners of hard-core self-defense – can now be studied directly from the source in this quality reprint edition of Scientific Self-Defence.

Captain W.E. Fairbairn taught unarmed combat to the famed British Commandos and the U.S. armed forces during World War II. Before the war he served as assistant commissioner of the Shanghai Police Force. He was the inventor of the Fairbairn Commando Knife and the author of the classics Get Tough and Shooting to Live.
$20.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-529-7 182 pages 5.5" x 8.5" photos

This is the remarkable story of how Col. Rex Applegate, William Fairbairn, Eric Sykes and Wild Bill Donovan trained and employed OSS and MID commandos during WWII. Includes the facts behind the development of point shooting, knife fighting, hand-to-hand combat and a staggering number of other fighting skills as taught by the top instructors of the era. Contains rare archival photos and the Colonel's graphic original lesson plans.

The late Colonel Rex Applegate was universally recognized as America's foremost authority on close combat with or without weapons.
$34.95
Softcover 978-0-87364-998-8 208 pages 8.5" x 11" photos, illust.

Defendu, William E. Fairbairn's seminal manual on close-quarters combat, is finally available in a quality reprint edition. Originally published in 1926, the book was the first to present Fairbairn's hard-core system of close-in fighting under the name by which it became legendary among practitioners of no-holds-barred self-defense and battlefield skills.

Through Defendu and his other revolutionary books (including Scientific Self-Defence, Get Tough and All-In Fighting), as well as his years spent training members of the Shanghai Municipal Police in the 1930s and elite-unit soldiers during World War II, W.E. Fairbairn probably had more influence on the evolution of practical hand-to-hand combat than any other individual in modern history. As U.S. Marine Corps veteran and CQC expert Kelly McCann writes in the exclusive foreword to Paladin's reprint edition, "W.E. Fairbairn contributed more to the knowledge base of how to kill the enemy in close quarters than perhaps anyone else."

Paladin spent years actively searching for a copy of Defendu through the Internet, out-of-print book outlets, rare-book shops and military book specialists before we found one we could borrow to make this reprint edition possible. So it is with great pride that we add this highly sought volume, with an insightful foreword by best-selling author Kelly McCann to our library of Combat Classic titles.

Captain W.E. Fairbairn taught unarmed combat to the famed British Commandos and the U.S. armed forces during World War II. Before the war he served as assistant commissioner of the Shanghai Police Force. He was the inventor of the Fairbairn Commando Knife and the author of the classics Get Tough and Shooting to Live.
$25.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-602-7 178 pages 7" x 10"

Kill or Get Killed by Col. Rex Applegate has always been considered one of the most influential books on close-quarters combat ever published. But most readers are familiar only with the revised 1976 edition, with the distinctive red cover. Few have had the opportunity to study the extremely rare 1943 edition, written as America and its Allies were fighting desperately across Europe and in the Pacific. Now, serious students of the evolution of modern battlefield skills have access to this combat classic. The original flap copy best captures the conception, spirit and intent of the book:

The grim reality of the present World War expressed in the title of this book is the best explanation for the fact that it has been written . . . Accepting as hard necessity the kind of war this is, there remains for us but one course: to be tougher and more dangerous than the enemy . . . This is not a book about "self-defense." It is a book about an increasingly important aspect of war as it exists today's offensive fighting at close quarters, with and without weapons. It is a book intended to be itself a weapon: a weapon to kill enemies and to save the lives of our own men that they may kill more enemies. That is what "total war" means: that is the challenge that our soldiers must meet.

When Kill or Get Killed was first released, British Army Capt. Eric A. Sykes - veteran of the Shanghai Municipal Police and one of Applegate's earliest instructors - wrote, "It is the first book, as far as my knowledge goes, to deal with the subject on sensible lines and without doubt will replace what I can only describe and always think of as peace-time methods."
$20.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-621-5 186 pages 5.5" x 8.5" photos

Now you can own one of the classic publications in the history of U.S. military close-quarters combat training. The complete program shown in this book was designed to train sailors and naval aviators of World War II in the deadliest techniques of "commando tactics," jiu jitsu, boxing, wrestling and other fighting systems. Its goal was to teach "cold, efficient method[s] of overcoming your enemy in a manner most suitable to the performance of your mission or the saving of your life . . . without any regard to the comfort or pleasure of the enemy." In 11 photo-heavy chapters, Hand-to-Hand Combat covers training tips; vulnerable targets; the brutal fundamentals of close-in fighting; frontal and rear attacks; prisoner search and control techniques; disarming pistols, rifles, clubs and knives; offensive means of "liquidating an enemy"; and much more. After reading this book (originally published by the United States Naval Institute in 1943), you will see why it has long been sought by collectors and historians of hand-to-hand combat.
$30.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-423-8 240 pages 8.5" x 11" photos

This hard-to-find 1942 classic on hand-to-hand combat from Capt. W.E. Fairbairn – one of the most respected names in close-quarters combat – is finally available to collectors of World War II-era literature and practical, ruthless fighting instruction in its original, all-inclusive British version.

All-In Fighting, published in the United States with the title Get Tough, was written to introduce soldiers and civilians alike to the realities of close combat. As Fairbairn states in his introduction: "Some readers may be appalled at the suggestion that it should be necessary for human beings of the twentieth century to revert to the grim brutality of the Stone Age in order to live. But it must be realized that, when dealing with an utterly ruthless enemy who has clearly expressed his intention of wiping this nation out of existence, there is no room for any scruple or compunction about the methods to be employed in preventing him."

Featuring the same clear, no-holds-barred information as Get Tough, but with an expanded introduction by Fairbairn, a preface by Lieut. Colonel J.P. O'Brien Twohig and a section on rifle and bayonet fighting by Capt. P.N. Walbridge, All-In Fighting covers strikes, holds, releases and more, all vividly illustrated.

Original copies of this book are highly sought after and, when they can be found, command a high price. This exact reproduction from Paladin Press offers every collector a chance to add Fairbairn's legendary wisdom to his personal library.

Captain W.E. Fairbairn taught unarmed combat to the famed British Commandos and the U.S. armed forces during World War II. Before the war he served as assistant commissioner of the Shanghai Police Force. He was the inventor of the Fairbairn Commando Knife and the author of the classics Get Tough and Shooting to Live.
$15.00
Softcover 978-1-58160-506-8 130 pages 5.5" x 8.5" illustrations