Be Secure Be Aware Be Prepared Be Safe

Combatives
The International Academy of Tactical Defence (IATD) was created out of the need to
teach Self-Defense and Combatives to members of the public, security and military
personnel. As Chief Instructor, Bob brings to the IATD his knowledge of training in the
martial arts since 1967, years of research into various civilian self-defense and military
combative systems, especially the WW2 Combatives of Fairburn and Sykes and their
successors, the knowledge acquired from teaching at risk individuals and groups, as well
as his personal experience of confrontation and violence gained from working in the
security industry.
Bob also teaches Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate Do, Jundokan and is an 8th Dan Kyoshi
(Black Belt), this is a high level master qualification awarded to him by the masters in
Okinawa, Japan. Bob is also recognised as Jundokan Chief Instructor for Lithuania,
Russia, Tajikistan and India, as well as being Technical Director for the United Kingdom.
He is well respected internationally for his experience, skill and teaching ability.
Teaching from ones own experience of confrontation and violence is important in gaining
the confidence of students. This coupled with an understanding of what tactics and
techniques work in real situations is vital. To this end Bob worked security within the
entertainment for over 10 years, which included some personal protection work.
Bob was also employed by the Security Division of Royal Mail for 25years. The work
included the movement of cash and valuables to post offices and businesses as well as
building security. Because of his knowledge and experience of personal security Bob acted
as a consultant for the Training Division giving advice on threat awareness skills, how
security personal should react during an armed robbery or being held under duress, as in
the case of a hostage situation. He also advised on matters of personal security, including
Tiger Kidnaps (of particular interest in relation to terrorism and the security industry).
At the IATD we teach Self-Defense and Combatives. However, is important to understand
what differentiates them. Although the tactics and techniques are fundamentally the same
there is a difference in approach between the two. The Self-Defense we teach is designed
for civilians and should only be employed in defence of themselves, their loved ones or a
member/s of the public, when there is no other option than to do so. Combatives is a term
we use when teaching security personnel and the military, because of the nature of their
profession they may, if the situation dictates have to take proactive and offensive action.

Combatives includes offensive unarmed combat, knife-fighting, stick-fighting, weapons

disarming and combative use of firearms. Nonetheless, it is vital to understand whether it
be Self-Defense or Combatives, we stress that individuals are responsible for any action
they may take, and any use of force employed must be within the confines of the Law on
Self-Defense or in case of military personnel their designated Rules of Engagement.
It is vital to understand that the Combatives we teach at the IATD were originally forged in
the streets of Shanghai, China in the 1920s and 30s and tempered in the European and
Pacific theatres of war during WW2. In recent years it was put to the test by security and
military personnel in high risk environments such as Mexico, Bosnia, Peru, Haiti,
Indonesia, Kosovo, the Middle East, Africa, Israel, Afghanistan and Colombia. Built upon
and refined by the experience of men and women who have successfully employed them in
combat, Combatives are still considered today by many to be the true essence of closecombat. Although it is always essential to analyse ways of refining and improving what has
been handed down to us, based on current criminal, terrorist tactics and trends etc.,
fundamentally little has changed since the early days. It must be remembered that
experience is always a great leveller to what is effective and what isnt, especially when it
comes to a life or death situation.
Importantly, what we teach also includes the development of a combative mind-set,
situational awareness (SA) and threat recognition skills, vital for surviving life-threatening
situations.

IATD Combative Syllabus (A Brief Outline)

Understanding the nature of aggression and conflict
Continuum of Force or Rules of Engagement
Turning fear into a positive tool
Cultivating a Combative Mind-Set (This being the most important factor in close-combat)
How to become Situationally Aware (SA)
The development of threat recognition skills
Conflict Resolution
Taking control of the situation
Tactical positioning
Correct use of tactical body language
Verbal skills
Backing an aggressor off
Tactical Unarmed Combat
Tactical theories and principles
Combative mind-set
Attack recognition skills
Combative tactics
Unarmed Combat Skills
o Combative Striking
o Escapes from Holds
o Grappling Skills

o Ground Combatives
o Restraint and arrest techniques
Weapons Disarming
Blunt Weapons: Blunt weapons include batons, baseball bats, sticks, metal pipes
etc.
Edged Weapons: An edged weapon can be anything that has a sharp edge or point
including, knives, box-cutters and improvised weapons such as screwdrivers,
broken bottles, beer glasses.
Firearms: These come in the form of handguns, rifles, shotguns etc.
Tactical Weapon Skills
Pepper Spray: If used correctly, this is an excellent combat tool.
Knife: Students learn the realities of knife combat as well as the tactics and
techniques necessary for its proficient use.
Baton: We will teach students the tactics and techniques necessary for the
proficient use of a baton.
Improvised Weapons: How everyday objects can be turned into weapons of
opportunity.
Firearms: Combative use of firearms.