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FLWCA COMBATIVES ACADEMY

Level I Handbook
The History Modern Army Combatives
The History Modern Army Combatives (MAC)
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In 1995 when the Commander of the 2 Ranger Battalion ordered a reinvigoration Combatives training
within the battalion, it didn’t take long for serious problems with the Army’s existing Combatives program
to surface. There was the general feeling among the Rangers that the techniques would not work and that
it was a waste of valuable training time. In general the Rangers would rather have been shooting, road
marching or anything else that they felt they would get actual training value from.

At that time the Army had a Combatives manual, FM 21-150 (1992), but had no program to produce
qualified instructors or any system for implementing the training in units other than the vague approach of
leaving it to local commander’s discretion. Unit instructors inevitably ended up being whatever martial arts
hobbyist happened to be in that unit and the training progressed along the lines of whatever civilian
martial arts they had studied in their off duty time. In most units there was no training at all.

The Ranger commander appointed a committee, headed by Matt Larsen, which began to look for a better
method. The instructors within the battalion consisted of various traditional martial artists: karate, ju-jitsu,
ninjitsu, boxing, wrestling etc. J. Robinson, the head coach of the University of Minnesota wrestling
program, himself a Vietnam era Ranger, came out to evaluate the emerging program and gave some
valuable advice, mainly that a successful program must have a competitive aspect in order to motivate
Soldiers to train and that it must include “live” sparing in order to be useful in growing a combative culture.
The committee began to develop a program based around wrestling, boxing and the various martial arts
they had experienced such as Judo and Muay Thai. Eventually, after looking at many different systems,
several Rangers went to train at the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Torrance, California.

The Jiu-Jitsu taught at the Gracie Academy fit many of the battalions needs. It was easy to learn, had a
competitive form, and was proven effective within the arena of Mixed Martial Arts fighting. It did however
have some problems. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was principally designed for the venue that had made it famous,
one on one arena fighting, also, sportive Jiu-Jitsu, had great potential to change the art into something
not oriented toward fighting at all.

Rorion and Royce Gracie made three trips to the battalion over the next couple of years and Larsen and a
couple of others made the trip down to Torrance on their own. During this time within the battalion they
were developing the drill based training program that has become an essential element in the Modern
Army Combatives (MAC) program.

The basic idea is that, since commanders have many competing priorities when it comes to training their
units, any Combatives program that competes for training time with, for example, shooting is doomed to
failure. A successful Combatives program then must fit around the other elements of a units training. By
developing a system based on drills, each drill being designed to engrain the basic concepts behind the
system, small unit leaders can train Combatives as a part of their existing physical training program
without displacing other elements such as running our other forms of PT. With this approach, Combatives
can become an integral part of every Soldier’s normal day.

As the system matured they began to realize what it was about the techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that
made them work, namely that you could practice them at full speed against a fully resistant opponent.
With this principle, techniques that do not work are quickly abandoned for those that do. They also began
to draw from other martial arts that share various levels of this “live” training to fill in the tactical gaps of
pure Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The classic plan of taking an opponent down and submitting them works well in the
arena but in the real world the tactics must fit the tactical situation and therefore this basic “rice and
beans” approach of take them down and finish them on the ground wasn’t enough for the Ranger’s
needs.

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As the program began to grow technically, its success made it grow outside of the battalion, at first to the
rest of the Ranger Regiment, and then throughout the infantry and eventually, with the publishing of the
new Field Manual FM 3-25.150 (2002) written by Larsen, became doctrine Army wide.

As they began to explore the various training methods of the other “feeder arts”, the ways they
complemented each other and exposed each others weaknesses become clear. The concept of
positional dominance from Jiu-Jitsu was expanded to the other ranges of combat and blended with
techniques from wrestling, boxing, Muay Thai, judo to name just a few. With weapons fighting lessons
from Kali and the western martial arts and their own experience from years in the infantry including actual
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combat, by September 11 , 2001 they had developed a totally integrated system of Close Quarters
Combat and laid a sound foundation from which to learn the lessons of the battlefields to come.

By that time Larsen had already established what would become the U.S. Army Combatives School at Ft.
Benning Georgia, to train the cadre at various infantry leadership courses, and the first two levels of
Combatives Instructor qualification which at that time was still primarily drawn from the lessons from
Mixed Martial Arts competitions mixed with the prevailing wisdom on Close Quarters Battle.

When fighting started in Afghanistan, they began to conduct post action interviews with Soldiers who had
been involved in hand-to-hand fighting, developing an interview format and procedures to draw out the
lessons that might be missed in a simple narrative. What equipment was the Soldier wearing, what was
the tactical situation and other questions? In the years since then, the Combatives School has conducted
hundreds of these interviews and adjusted the curriculum with the lessons learned. For example, while
every hand-to-hand fight documented has involved grappling, there have not been any that involved
striking alone although striking is always a part of the grappling. Also, around thirty percent of the fights
have ended with gun shots. Fighting in an environment where everyone is armed means that very
frequently the fight is over who controls the weapons.

In order to improve the hand-to-hand fighting ability of every Soldier in a unit, it is necessary to
systematically develop skills, movement patterns and understanding of fight strategy. The basic
techniques are a blueprint for doing just that. This is the method used in the first two instructor training
courses. Before moving on Soldiers should have mastered every detail of these basic techniques and
drills. Beyond these basics, which must be proscriptive because of the demands of teaching over a million
students, the training will become conceptual, more how to train than technique specific. At that level the
techniques should be taken as examples of the kind of things that work and should point you in the right
direction. The nature of today’s battlefield, the equipment we may be wearing, the missions we find
ourselves tasked with, like the needs that you may have for Combatives training, are constantly changing.
Effective Combatives training must also be an ever evolving process. The Modern Army Combatives
Program will point you in the right direction to begin that process.

FIGHT TACTICS/TRAINING STRATEGY


When two untrained fighters meet, almost anywhere in the world, their tactic to win the fight will most
likely be to pummel each other with their fists until one of them receives enough damage that they cannot
fight back effectively. This is referred to as the Universal Fight Plan because everyone knows it
instinctively. The approach that most martial arts take to training is to make fighters better at executing
this same strategy. This has the drawback of pitting fighters directly against their opponent in what
essentially becomes a contest of athletic ability, the bigger, stronger and faster of the two having a natural
advantage. With a large enough skill advantage this can be overcome but striking skill is one of the more
difficult areas of combative technique to master.

It is more efficient to teach fighters to control a fight by controlling the elements of the fight. These
elements are the Range, Angle and Level. The first step is to teach a tactic that defeats the universal

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fight plan through this control and lays a foundation for mastering more complex tactics that are
dependant on higher levels of skill.

The Basic fight strategy of MAC has three phases. They are:

1. Close the distance


The untrained fighter is primarily dangerous at punching range. The goal is to avoid that range. Even if
you are the superior striker, the most dangerous thing you can do is to spend time at the range where the
enemy has the highest probability of victory. When training soldiers, the primary goal should be instilling
the courage to close the distance. The willingness to close with the enemy is the defining characteristic of
a warrior and the ability to do so against an opponent who is trying to hit you is the first step in learning
the use of range to control a fight.

2. Gain dominant position


Before any killing or disabling technique can be applied, the soldier must first gain and maintain dominant
body position. It is the leverage gained from dominant body position that allows the fighter to defeat a
stronger opponent. An appreciation for dominant position is fundamental to becoming a proficient fighter
because it ties together what would otherwise be a long confusing list of unrelated techniques. If a
finishing technique is attempted from dominant position and fails, the fighter can simply try again. If, on
the other hand, a finishing technique is attempted from other than dominant position and fails, it will
usually mean defeat.

3. Finish the fight


When dominant body position has been achieved, the fighter can begin attempts to finish the fight secure
in the knowledge that if an attempt fails, as long as he maintains dominant position, he may simply try
again.

Training will start with ground grappling, which is not only easier both to teach and to learn, but also
provides a sound base from which to move to the more difficult standing techniques. The material
covered in this handbook is considered the baseline knowledge that every soldier should know.

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1. Stand in Base (pg-6) -- Fall to the side
-- Sit like a fighter -- Scoot out to that side
-- Knee through the armpit -- Use the ground to “scrape” him off your back
-- assume a fighters stance -- Get the knee on the ground at his hip
-- Use the foot to hook under his knee
2. Escape the Mount, Trap and Roll (pg-16) -- Roll into and gain the mount
-- Elbows in and on the ground
-- Capture the arm 7. Escape the Mount, Shrimp to the Guard(30)
-- First hand with no thumb --You have captured your opponent’s arm in an
-- Second hand with the thumb on the outside attempt to roll him. He moves his leg to avoid being
-- Capture the leg on the same side rolled and creates an opening
-- Knee in the butt -- Uses your elbow to lift his leg, face toward the
-- Lift with the hips opening and move your leg under it until the knee
-- Roll over into his guard comes out, loops over leg, and hooks that leg
-- Places your weight on the foot of that leg and turn
3. Pass the Guard (pg-18) to face the other side
-- Assume good posture -- Use your hands to push on the opponent’s leg
-- Control the arms at the biceps -- Moves your other leg under the opponent’s leg
and over like

Drill Three
-- One leg comes up to turn the hips
-- If you foot gets caught faces away from it and
Drill One

-- Same side hand goes through the legs, fingers first


-- Place the hand on the ground and the knee on the moves your hips back to make space
ground and scoot away -- Places your opponent in your guard
-- Step and reach
-- Grasp the collar with the thumb on the inside 8. Scissors Sweep (pg-42)
-- Change the knees and bring the hips around to the -- Enemy creates space when raising leg to pass
side guard
-- Stack him up, pushing his knee straight over his -- Grasp opposite arm, relax guard, pivot on his thigh
head until you break the grip of his legs with your calf
-- Let his leg past your head -- Drop opposite knee flat on ground in front of his
-- Place the elbow in the elbow notch posted knee
-- Place the other hand under the hips and assume a -- Drop knee of pivot leg across enemy’s waist line,
good side control position hook hip with foot
-- Grasp collar with free hand, pull down
4. Achieve the Mount from Side Control(21) -- Scissors legs, end up mounted
-- Sit through and place your knee against the hip
-- Spread your legs to avoid being taken over 9. Rear Naked Choke (pg-32)
backwards -- Biceps against one side of the neck
-- Use the hand to clear the legs -- Forearm against the other side
-- Step over and mount -- Shrug to synch it up
-- Place the hand of the choking arm on biceps of
5. Arm Push and Roll to the Rear Mount(24) other arm
-- Trap opponent arm with your chest -- Hand comes behind his head as if you were
-- Ratchet opponent onto his stomach combing his hair
-- Position your feet near opponent’s hips -- Tuck your head down
Drill Two

-- As opponent rises to hands and knees execute the -- Choke by expanding the chest
rear mount -- Only done from the rear mount

10. Cross Collar Choke from the Mount and


6. Escape the Rear Mount (pg-27)
-- Arms beside your head and other hand in your
Guard (pg-33)
armpit -- Weak hand opens the collar
-- Opponent’s hand points the way -- Hand goes in fingers first

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-- All the way behind the neck -- Break the elbow with forward hip pressure
-- Second hand goes under the first
-- Fingers on the inside all the way until it meets the 14. Sweep from the Attempted Straight(pg-44)
other hand Arm Bar
-- Turn wrists so that your palms face you -- The enemy tucks his head to avoid the arm bar
-- Pull him into you -- Pull his leg close to your head
-- Choke by expanding the chest, pulling the -- Swing leg to gain momentum, and curl it
shoulders back and elbows in to your sides -- Push him straight over to come up mounted
-- Done from either the mount or the guard

15. Close the Gap and Achieve the Clinch(pg-46)


11. The Bent Arm Bar (Mount and Side -- Start from a fighting stance outside of kicking
Control) (pg-35) range
-- You are mounted and your opponent blocks with -- Tuck in your chin and use the arms to cover the
arms parallel vital points of the head
-- With the heel of the hands, strike the opposite -- Aggressively close the distance
arm and drive it to the ground -- Head goes to the enemy’s chest and cupped
-- Elbow in elbow notch and thumb-less grip hands to his biceps
-- Other arm goes under the elbow and grasps your -- Face away from the side you are moving to
own wrist -- Control the far side arm by reaching over it and
-- Drag like a paintbrush and raise the elbow at the pulling into your armpit, holding it at the elbow
same time -- Drive the other elbow under his elbow
-- Keep head down on the wrist /protect eyes -- Grasp him around the waist

12. The Straight Arm Bar from the Mount (37) 16. Front Takedown to the Mount (pg-50)
-- The opponent tries to defend the mount by -- Release the grip on the elbow and grasp hands
pushing straight up again your chest behind his hip
-- Lean on his arms and decide which arm you want -- Step slightly to his front
to break -- Pull with the hands and push with head to push
-- Arms go over and under the arm to the broken him over backwards
-- With all of your weight resting on his hands, pop -- Release the grip as he falls and step over to the
up to a low squatting position Note: Keep butt low mount
-- Turn away from the arm to be broken and move
the foot over the head
-- Slide down the arm like a fireman’s pole
17. Rear Takedown (pg-51)
-- Pinch the arm between your legs -- Head in opponent’s lower back
-- Break the arm by raising the hips up against the -- Trap opponent’s far foot
elbow joint -- Sit down while maintaining hold on opponent
-- Do not cross the feet -- Release grip as opponent falls and step over into
mount
13. The Straight Arm Bar from the Guard (39)
-- Your opponent is in the guard and attempting a 18. Front Guillotine Choke(pg-40)
choke -- The opponent attempts a double leg takedown
-- Decide which arm to break -- Sprawl slightly so that his head is in your armpit
-- Grasp the arm to be broken at or above the elbow -- Reach around under his chin
-- Place the other hand to the knee, palm up -- Without going around his arm grasp the hand of
-- Relax the legs and bring them above you the first arm with the second
-- Curl your back -- Both palms should be facing you
-- Pull with the arm under his leg and spin -- Pull up to tighten the choke
-- Place the leg over his head -- Sit down to place the enemy in the guard
-- Pull the hand from behind the knee and grasp his -- Finish the choke by pulling with the arms and
wrist pushing with the legs

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GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC TECHNIQUES
STAND IN BASE
Stand In Base allows the fighter to stand in the presence of an opponent or potential opponent without compromising his base and making
himself vulnerable to attack. Leaders should reinforce the principles of body movement inherent in this technique every time a fighter stands up.

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(1) Sit like a fighter. Place your (2) Placing your weight on (3) Swing the leg between the two (4) Place the foot behind (5) After placing your weight
dominant hand behind you on the your dominant hand and posts. your dominant hand. on both feet, lift your hand
ground to provide a base. Bend non-dominant foot, pick up from the ground, and assume
your non-dominant leg at the the rest of your body. NOTE: Keep the knee a Fighting Stance.
knee, and post the foot on the behind your same-side arm,
ground. Bend your non-dominant WARNING as shown.
arm at the elbow, and place the
elbow near the knee of your non- NEVER bend over at your
dominant leg, with the palm of waist. This will allow your
your hand in front of your head opponent to strike your
facing your opponent to defend face with knees and
blows. Keep the striking foot of kicks.
your dominant leg parallel to the
ground, and use it to kick your
opponent to create space to
stand.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC TECHNIQUES
FIGHTING STANCE
The Fighting Stance allows the Soldier to assume an offensive posture conducive to attack, while still being able to move and defend himself. The
Fighting Stance is not only a platform for unarmed fighting; it can also be used for various weapons, from close-range contact weapons to projectile
weapons.

Turn your waist slightly so that the lead hip is


Hold your hands high, with the palms facing
facing your opponent, but keep your head
each other in a loose fist. Keep your line of
and shoulders above your hips.
sight just above the hands.

Keep your chin tucked. Look just beneath


Keep your elbows tucked into your body to
your eyebrows at your opponent. Block the
cover the sides of your torso; they should not
side of your face with your lead shoulder.
fly out horizontally while punching. Hold your
forearms perpendicular to the ground so that

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your elbows are positioned over your knees.

Place your lead foot 12 to 18 inches in front Bend your lead knee, and push it forward so
of your trail foot, and turn your lead foot that your knee is directly above your toe.
about 15 degrees inward. Position your feet Bend your trail knee slightly.
approximately shoulder-width apart. Turn
your trail foot about 45 degrees outward to
provide stability in all directions. Keep the
heel of your trail foot off the ground, and
carry your body weight on the balls of your
feet.

NOTE: The lead foot is the non-dominant foot. The trail foot
is the dominant foot.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC TECHNIQUES
OPPOSING THUMBS GRIP
The fighter uses the Opposing Thumbs Grip when his opponent may be able to attack his grip by peeling back his fingers; for example, when his
hands are positioned in front of his opponent.

NOTE: DO NOT interlock your fingers. This


may allow your opponent to break your

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fingers or escape the lock.
Grasp hands tightly together, with one
thumb facing up and the other facing down.
Tuck both thumbs tightly.

Keep all fingers together, and use each


hand as one unit.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC TECHNIQUES
WRESTLER’S GRIP
The fighter never uses the Wrestler’s Grip when his hands are positioned in front of his opponent.

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Hold hands together as though clapping. Tuck Tuck the bottom thumb to prevent your
both thumbs. opponent from escaping.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC TECHNIQUES
THUMB/THUMBLESS GRIP
The Thumbless Grip is very strong in the direction of the fingers and when clamping against something, such as a fighter's chest. The Thumb Grip
can provide more control, but is very weak in the direction of the thumb and fingertips.

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GROUND GRAPPLING—DOMINANT BODY POSITIONS
REAR MOUNT
The Rear Mount gives the fighter the best control of the fight. From this position, it is very difficult for the opponent to defend himself or
counterattack.

Place one arm under your opponent's armpit and the other over his
opposite shoulder.

Clasp your hands in an Opposing NOTE: Keep your head tucked to


Thumbs Grip. avoid headbutts.

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Wrap both legs around your opponent,
with your heels "hooked" inside his legs.

WARNING
When in the Rear Mount, DO NOT cross your feet; this
would provide the opponent an opportunity for an
ankle break.
GROUND GRAPPLING—DOMINANT BODY POSITIONS
MOUNT
The Mount allows the fighter to strike the opponent with punches, while restricting the opponent’s ability to deliver effective return punches. The
Mount also provides the leverage to attack the opponent's upper body with chokes and joint attacks.

Position your knees as high


as possible toward the
opponent's armpits.

NOTE: The Mount


allows the fighter to
strike the opponent with
punches, while WARNING
restricting the opponent’s
ability to deliver effective Place your toes in
return punches. line with or inside
of your ankles to

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avoid injuring your
ankles when your
opponent attempts
to roll you over.

TRAINING INSTRUCTIONS

When practicing this position, the Soldier assuming the role of the opponent should position himself using the instructions below:

(1) Lie on your back, bend your knees, and post both feet on the ground.

(2) Pull your elbows tightly into your sides, and keep them on the ground to prevent your opponent from assuming a High Mount.

(3) Hold your head off of the ground to prevent secondary impact concussions from strikes.

(4) Keep your hands up to protect your head.


GROUND GRAPPLING—DOMINANT BODY POSITIONS
GUARD
A fighter never wants to be under his opponent; the Guard enables him to defend himself and transition off of his back into a more advantageous
position. The Guard allows the bottom fighter to exercise a certain amount of control over the range by pushing out or pulling in his opponent
with his legs and hips. With skill, the bottom fighter can defend against strikes and even apply joint locks and chokes.

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TRAINING INSTRUCTIONS

When practicing this position, the Soldier assuming the


role of the opponent should position himself using the WARNING
instructions below:
The Soldier defending against the Guard must keep his toes
(1) Assume a good posture by establishing a wide base with inside of his ankles to prevent breaking them if he is swept.
your knees, keeping your toes inside of your ankles to
prevent breaking them if you are swept.

(2) With your elbows turned inward, place your hands on


your opponent's hip flexors.

(3) Keep a straight waist.


GROUND GRAPPLING—DOMINANT BODY POSITIONS
SIDE CONTROL
Although the Side Control position is less dominant, it allows the fighter to hold his opponent down and inflict damage, and if reversed, allows the
fighter to avoid being positioned underneath his opponent. Further, Side Control is a transitioning position; a fighter can strike or submit an
opponent while in this position.

Keep your head turned


away to avoid knee
strikes.

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Place your elbow on the
Keep the leg closest to your ground in the notch created
opponent's head straight, and by the opponent's head and
bend the other leg so that the shoulder (elbow notch).
knee is near your opponent's Position your other hand palm
hip. down on the ground under the
opponent's near-side hip.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC BODY POSITIONING MOVES
ARM TRAP AND ROLL
A fighter applies the Arm Trap and Roll when his opponent secures the Mount and invests his hands or arms into a choke. The non-dominant fighter must
remain relaxed and fight the position, but not focus his energy on attempting to defeat the submission until he has placed himself in a better position.

NOTE: Conduct this technique when you are on your back on the ground and your opponent is sitting on top of you with both knees and feet on
the ground near your ribs.

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(1) Trap one of your opponent's arms. Wrap one hand around his wrist with a (2) Plant the foot on the same side as the trapped arm on the ground outside of
Thumbless Grip, and with the other, grab above his elbow notch with your thumb the opponent’s foot.
on the outside. Pull your elbow to the ground, if possible.
(3) Align your opposite-side knee with the center of your opponent’s spine.
NOTE: Keep your elbows in and on the ground, even while your opponent is
choking you. Raising your arms will allow your opponent to secure a High Mount NOTE: Align your opposite-side knee with the center of your opponent’s spine
or Arm Lock. to avoid the Grapevine.

TRAINING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING
When performing this technique, the top fighter must position his toes in line with or inside of his ankles to prevent severe ankle injury.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC BODY POSITIONING MOVES
ARM TRAP AND ROLL (CONTINUED)

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(4) Thrust upward with your hips, driving your (5) Roll your opponent over, trapping his leg. (6) Secure good posture in the Guard. Control your
opponent's head to the ground. opponent's elbows.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC BODY POSITIONING MOVES
PASSING THE GUARD
When locked inside of his opponent's Guard, a fighter cannot finish the fight as quickly or efficiently as he can from a more dominant body
position. Additionally, his opponent can attack him with strikes, submissions, and sweeps. Often, a fighter will attempt to strike or submit the
opponent from within the Guard, further setting up these attacks.

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(1) Assume a good posture by establishing (2) Turn your fingers inward, and drive (3) Move your arms out to (4) Post one foot, and turn your
a wide base with your knees, keeping your your hands to your opponent's chin, control your opponent's hips to create space.
toes in line with or inside of your ankles. placing your face in his sternum. This biceps. Roll your hands back,
Place your buttocks on your heels. Keep a position exposes only the top and back of and cup them with a
straight waist to avoid having your posture your head to his strikes. Thumbless Grip.
broken. Keep your elbows tight, and reach
your hands down to control your opponent's NOTE: Never use a Thumb
hips. Place your hands outside of your Grip, as your opponent can
opponent's hip flexors, fingers point out. attack with a wrist lock.

NOTE: Your opponent will often attempt to


drag both of your arms to one side of your
body to force you to submit or get behind
you.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC BODY POSITIONING MOVES
PASSING THE GUARD (CONTINUED)

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(5) Release your same-side grip. (6) Place your hand on the ground. (7) Place your knee on the ground. (8) Grab your opponent's leg just
Drive your hand (with a knife edge) Scoot the same-side leg back at a above the hip.
through the opening. Turn your head 45-degree angle, and drive your
and eyes in the opposite direction to shoulder beneath your opponent's
prevent blows to the face from the knee.
arm you no longer have secured.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC BODY POSITIONING MOVES
PASSING THE GUARD (CONTINUED)

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(9) Pull your opponent onto your lap by (10) Step toward your opponent's shoulder with (11) Reach your same-side hand across, and secure
straightening your back. Keep your head above your outside leg, your knee pushing inward to your opponent's collar, thumb on the inside, fingers
his knee. control your opponent's hip. on the outside.

NOTE: Maintain a good straight posture with NOTE: Drive your hips into your opponent, (12) Drive your knee to the ground, toward your
your waist to prevent your opponent from and maintain this pressure throughout the opponent's ear to prevent the Overhead Sweep.
choking you with his legs. remainder of this move to prevent your Position yourself perpendicular to your opponent.
opponent from escaping. Post your trail foot. Drive your opponent's hips
upward, and keep them in place by resting his hips
on your trail knee.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC BODY POSITIONING MOVES
PASSING THE GUARD (CONTINUED)

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(13) Push your opponent's knees over his head until you break the (15) Assume good Side Control.
grip of his legs. Remove your arm from his bicep, and grab his
belt line.

NOTE: Maintain tight body contact when transitioning from the


Guard to Side Control to limit your opponent’s ability to compose
Guard.

(14) Lift your opponent's legs past his head.


GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC BODY POSITIONING MOVES
ACHIEVE THE MOUNT FROM SIDE CONTROL
Fighters often move from Side Control to the Mount or Rear Mount, where they can land more effective strikes and submissions.

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(1) Achieve good Side Control. (2) Move the hand closest to your (3) Sit through facing your opponent's legs,
opponent's leg to control his hips. Be and place your bottom knee against the hip.
aware of his knees, and look down to Spread your legs to avoid being thrown
avoid strikes. backward. Use the hand that was securing
your opponent's hip to control his legs.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC BODY POSITIONING MOVES
ACHIEVE THE MOUNT FROM SIDE CONTROL (CONTINUED)

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(4) Swing your back leg up and over the top. (5) Secure a mounted position.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC BODY POSITIONING MOVES
ARM PUSH AND ROLL TO THE REAR MOUNT
The fighter uses the Arm Push and Roll to the Rear Mount to turn the opponent from his back to his stomach, giving the fighter a better
opportunity to employ strikes and submissions.

NOTE: Conduct this technique when you have achieved the Mount and are attempting to strike, but your opponent is using a Standard Block to
avoid your strikes.

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(1) Target the arm closest to the (2) Place one hand on the back (3) Push the arm across your
top of your opponent's head. of your opponent's elbow and opponent's body in the direction
one hand on his wrist, both of his hand. Pin the arm with
with Thumbless Grips. your body.
TRAINING INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION
When performing this technique, the bottom fighter must form a fist with the hand of his trapped arm. Further, he must be
mindful of where the hand and wrist of the trapped arm are located to prevent injury.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC BODY POSITIONING MOVES
ARM PUSH AND ROLL TO THE REAR MOUNT (CONTINUED)

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(4) Release the grip of the hand on the elbow, and (5) Move the hand that was on the opponent's (6) Change your posture to make room for your opponent
drive it under your opponent's neck to secure his wrist to his elbow. to roll.
wrist with both hands in Thumbless Grips.
NOTE: Maintain body and chest pressure to prevent your
opponent from escaping.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC BODY POSITIONING MOVES
ARM PUSH AND ROLL TO THE REAR MOUNT (CONTINUED)

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(7) Use your body strength to push your (8) Take your weight off of your opponent, and (9) From this position, the opponent normally tries
opponent with your chest (using ratchet motions) fold his arms underneath him while pushing to rise using his knees. When he attempts this, sit
until his elbow stops him from going any further. him forward. up and hook both legs inside of the opponent's
legs. Push to straighten your arms with your hands
NOTE: Make sure you don't go too far over in the back of your opponent's collar.
center.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC BODY POSITIONING MOVES
ESCAPE THE REAR MOUNT
When his opponent has assumed the Rear Mount, the fighter must defend attacks while escaping the position in a timely manner.

26
(1) Place one hand over your head, with your palm facing out, your bicep very tight to the side of (3) Wrap your other arm around, making a Figure Four.
your head, and your hand covering your ear. Place the other hand near your armpit, with your
palm facing in.

(2) Once your opponent reaches in, the hand under your armpit secures his wrist and pulls it
through.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC BODY POSITIONING MOVES
ESCAPE THE REAR MOUNT (CONTINUED)

27
(4) Place your back on the ground on your underhook side. (5) Once your body weight is on your opponent's arm, let go and move your
shoulders to the ground, using the ground to scrape your opponent off of your
NOTE: Do not put your back on your overhook side. back.

(6) Push your hips through your opponent's legs, one hand on his hip and the
other on his knee to prevent him from achieving the Mount.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC BODY POSITIONING MOVES
ESCAPE THE REAR MOUNT (CONTINUED)

28
(7) Continue until your hips clear his legs. (8) Move your hips to clear your legs. Move your (9) Reach your top hand into your opponent's
inside leg through and to the ground, knee toward far-side collar (or grab the back of his head, if he
your opponent's armpit and foot hooking his groin does not have a collar), with your bottom hand
area. Move your opposite leg through the middle, posted on the ground. Roll into the Mount, and
and hook the back of his knee with your foot. achieve good posture.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC BODY POSITIONING MOVES
ESCAPE THE MOUNT, SHRIMP TO THE GUARD
While the fighter is attempting to escape the Mount, Trap, and Roll, his opponent may move his leg away, making the fighter unable to capture it.
This movement, however, creates an opening under the same leg. The term "shrimp" refers to the action of moving the hips away, which is
crucial to the success of this technique.

NOTE: Conduct this technique when you are on your back with your opponent mounted on your chest.

29
(1) Place your leg flat on the ground. (2) Turn on your side, and face (3) Turn facing the opponent's (4) Move your knee from underneath
the opening created by your posted leg, with that side leg flat. your opponent's leg.
opponent. Using the space the
opponent created by posting
his leg, prop the opponent's
leg up with your elbow.

NOTE: Turn on your hip to


create more space.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC BODY POSITIONING MOVES
ESCAPE THE MOUNT, SHRIMP TO THE GUARD (CONTINUED)

30
(5) Turn to your other hip, and hook your (6) Use both hands to push (7) Move your other knee from between (8) Turn your body, and face the
opponent's leg to prevent him from your opponent's hip away. your opponent's legs, and put your weight opposite direction. Loop your legs
reestablishing the Mount. on your posted foot. around your opponent, and lock
your feet to reestablish your
Guard.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC FINISHING MOVES
REAR NAKED CHOKE
The Rear Naked Choke slows the flow of blood in the carotid arteries, which can eventually cause your opponent to be rendered unconscious for
a short period of time.

31
(1) Achieve a Rear Mount, and (2) Leaving the underhook in (3) Place the bicep of your (4) Move your underhook to (5) Pinch your shoulder
hook both legs in place. place, sneak the hand of your underhook under your the back of the opponent's blades together, and expand
overhook arm around your overhook with a Thumbless head to the knowledge bump, your chest to finish the
opponent's neck. Put your Grip. as if combing his hair back. choke.
bicep against the side of your
opponent's neck. Roll your NOTE: Tuck your head to
forearm to the other side of avoid getting hit.
your opponent's neck, with
both the bicep and the
forearm resting against the
carotid arteries. Position your
elbow against the trachea.
Externally, your opponent's
chin will line up with your
elbow.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC FINISHING MOVES
CROSS-COLLAR CHOKE FROM THE MOUNT AND GUARD
The Cross-Collar Choke is a blood choke that can only be employed when your opponent is wearing a durable shirt. This choke should be
performed from either the Mount or Guard.

M
O
U
N
T

32
(1) With your non-dominant hand, open your (2) Reach across your body, and insert (3) Relax the dominant hand, and reach all the way
opponent's same-side collar. your dominant hand into the collar you just behind your opponent's neck, grasping his collar with
opened. your fingers on the inside and your thumb on the outside.
NOTE: When in the Guard, change your angle to
position yourself for the choke.

G
U
A
R
D
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC FINISHING MOVES
CROSS-COLLAR CHOKE FROM THE MOUNT AND GUARD (CONTINUED)

M
O
U
N
T

(4) Release the grip of your non-dominant hand, (5) Using the same grip (fingers on the inside, (6) Turn your wrists so that your palms face you, and
and move your dominant-side forearm across your thumb on the outside), reach all the way back until pull your opponent into you. Expand your chest, pinch
opponent's neck under the first arm, clearing his your dominant hand meets the other hand. your shoulders together, and bring your elbows to

33
chin. your hips to finish the choke.

NOTE: When conducting this technique from the


Mount, post your head forward on the ground, over
your top arm.

G
U
A
R
D
GROUND GRAPPLING— BASIC FINISHING MOVES
BENT ARM BAR FROM THE MOUNT AND SIDE CONTROL
The Bent Arm Bar is a joint lock that attacks the shoulder girdle. This technique can be employed from either the Mount or Side Control.

NOTES: 1. As with any submission technique, apply this shoulder lock using slow, steady pressure, and release as soon as your training partner
taps.
2. Conduct this technique when your opponent uses the Parallel (Boxing) Block.

M
O
U
N
T

34
(1) With Thumbless Grips, drive your opponent's wrist and elbow to the ground, moving your elbow to the
notch created by your opponent's neck and shoulder (elbow notch).

S
I
D
E

C
O
N
T
R
O
L
GROUND GRAPPLING— BASIC FINISHING MOVES
BENT ARM BAR FROM THE MOUNT AND SIDE CONTROL (CONTINUED)

M
O
U
N
T

35
(2) Keeping your head on the back of your hand to protect your face (3) Grab your own wrist with a Thumbless Grip. Drag the back of
from strikes, place your other hand under his elbow. your opponent's hand toward his waistline. Lift his elbow, and
dislocate his shoulder.

S
I
D
E

C
O
N
T
R
O
L
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC FINISHING MOVES
STRAIGHT ARM BAR FROM THE MOUNT
The Straight Arm Bar is a joint lock designed to damage the elbow. While this exercise outlines a Straight Arm Bar performed from the Mount,
this technique can be performed from any dominant position.

NOTE: As with any submission technique, apply this elbow joint lock using slow, steady pressure, and release as soon as your training partner
taps.

36
(1) Decide which arm you wish to (2) Placing all of your weight on your (3) Turn your body 90 degrees to face the (4) Bring the foot nearest to your
attack. Isolate that arm by placing opponent's chest, raise to your feet targeted arm. opponent's head around his face,
your opposite-side hand in the in a very low squat. and plant it in the crook of his neck
middle of your opponent's chest, NOTE: While turning, keep a slight on the opposite side of the targeted
between his arms. Targeting the NOTE: Be conscious not to raise forward posture, stay in a very low squat, arm. Slide your hips down the
unaffected arm, press down to your hips. This will allow your and continue to apply pressure on your targeted arm, keeping your buttocks
prevent your opponent from opponent to escape. opponent's chest to prevent escape. tight to your opponent's shoulder.
getting off the flat of his back.
Loop your same-side arm around NOTE: Remember to isolate the
the targeted arm and place that elbow joint by trapping only the
hand in the middle of your bicep/triceps region between your
opponent's chest, applying legs.
greater pressure.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC FINISHING MOVES
STRAIGHT ARM BAR FROM THE MOUNT (CONTINUED)

37
(5) Secure your opponent's wrist with both of your hands in (6) Apply slow, steady pressure by trapping your opponent's wrist on your chest,
Thumb Grips. Keep his thumb pointed skyward to achieve and arching your hips skyward.
the correct angle. Pull your heels tight to your buttocks, and
pinch your knees together tightly with the upper arm trapped
between your knees, not resting on your groin.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC FINISHING MOVES
STRAIGHT ARM BAR FROM THE GUARD
Fighting from your back can be very dangerous. When your opponent attempts to strike and apply chokes from within your Guard, use the
Straight Arm Bar from the Guard, a joint lock designed to damage the elbow.

NOTES: 1. As with any submission technique, apply this elbow joint lock using slow, steady pressure, and release as soon as your training
partner taps.
2. Conduct this technique when your opponent uses his arms in a choke or attempts to bend your arms up.

38
(1) When your opponent (2) Insert your other hand (3) Open your Guard, and (4) Contort your body by pulling (5) Move the hand that was
presents a straight arm, under the opponent's thigh bring your legs up, while with the hand that is on the back behind your opponent's thigh to
secure his arm at or on the side opposite the curling your back to limit the of your opponent's thigh. Bring grasp the wrist that you secured
above the elbow. Hold targeted arm. The hand friction. your head to his knee. Place at the elbow with a Thumb Grip.
your opponent's elbow for should be palm up. your leg over his head. With Curl your calf downward and
the remainder of the your leg, grab your opponent, push up with your hips to break
move. and pull him down by pulling your opponent's arm.
your heels to your buttocks and
pinching your knees together.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC FINISHING MOVES
GUILLOTINE CHOKE
Often an opponent will attempt to charge the fighter and will present his neck during the tackle. The Guillotine Choke allows the fighter to present
a defense to the takedown.

39
(1) As your opponent charges your legs, direct his head underneath one of your arms, and take a step back. (2) Wrap your arm around your
opponent's head and under his neck.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC FINISHING MOVES
GUILLOTINE CHOKE (CONTINUED)

40
(3) With your other hand, grasp the first hand (4) Sit down. (5) Place your opponent within your Guard, and finish the
where a watch would be, ensuring that you have choke by pulling with your arms and pushing with your legs.
not reached around your opponent's arm. Cinch
the choke by bringing your arm further around NOTE: You must lock both legs around your opponent to
your opponent's head, improving your grip. prevent him from securing a top position. Even with a choke
in place, if the opponent can clear your legs and get on top,
NOTE: Your palm should be facing your he will be able to defeat the submission and you will be in a
own chest. non-dominant position.
GROUND GRAPPLING— BASIC SWEEPS
SCISSORS SWEEP
A fighter can use the Scissors Sweep to reverse positions with his opponent and gain a dominant position.

NOTE: Conduct this technique when your opponent attempts to pass your Guard as you control his arms at the elbows.

(1) When your opponent posts one of his legs to create (2) Hang your calf on your (3) Drive your leg across your opponent's waist like a belt. Use
space, relax your Guard, and keep your knees tight. opponent's posted leg, and your foot to hook his waist tightly, with your knee lower than the

41
post your opposite shoulder to ankle. Position your other leg flat on the ground to trap your
swing your hips toward his opponent's non-posted leg.
posted leg.
GROUND GRAPPLING— BASIC SWEEPS
SCISSORS SWEEP (CONTINUED)

42
(4) Reach across your body and secure (5) Make a scissoring motion with your legs to sweep your opponent over. (6) Achieve the Mount.
your opponent's collar on the opposite
side of his posted leg, maintaining NOTE: If your opponent attempts to prevent the sweep by posting his
control of the arm on the side you intend sweep-side arm, sweep the posted arm in the direction of the fingers.
to sweep. Extend your body to take your
opponent off his base, while pulling him
forward by his collar.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC SWEEPS
SWEEP FROM THE ATTEMPTED STRAIGHT ARM BAR
When a fighter attempts to apply the Straight Arm Bar from the Guard, his opponent will often tuck his head to avoid the Arm Bar. Should this
occur, do not abandon the position; simply change the attack to the Sweep from the Attempted Straight Arm Bar.

43
(1) With the hand that is behind your opponent's thigh, pull his knee as close to your (2) Swing the leg that was supposed to hook your
head as possible in order to position your body perpendicular to your opponent. opponent's head in a big circle, originating from your head
following a path to your opponent's far-side leg.
NOTE: Do not release control of the previously targeted arm.

TRAINING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING
When performing this technique, the fighter being swept must keep his toes in line with or inside of his ankles to prevent injury.
GROUND GRAPPLING—BASIC SWEEPS
SWEEP FROM THE ATTEMPTED STRAIGHT ARM BAR (CONTINUED)

44
(3) With the leg that is hooked under your opponent's armpit, push toward his
head so that you will roll right up into the Mount. Use the momentum from the leg
that is swinging in a circle to sweep your opponent.

NOTE: Ensure that you tuck your leg to prevent it from being trapped beneath
your opponent's body.
CLINCH FIGHTING—ACHIEVE THE CLINCH
CLOSE THE DISTANCE
Fighters use Close the Distance when the opponent is within striking range.

45
(1) Face your opponent, and assume the Fighting Stance just (2) Tuck your chin, and use your arms to cover (3) Drive your head into your
outside of kicking range. your head while aggressively closing the distance. opponent's chest, and move your
cupped hands to your opponent's
biceps.
CLINCH FIGHTING—ACHIEVE THE CLINCH
MODIFIED SEATBELT CLINCH
Once the fighter has Closed the Distance, he uses the Modified Seatbelt Clinch to draw his opponent in.

46
(1) After Closing the Distance with your opponent, raise one of his arms. Move (2) Reach around your opponent's waist to grab his opposite-
yourself perpendicular to your opponent. side hip. With your other arm, pull his arm into your chest,
controlling his arm at the triceps.
CLINCH FIGHTING—ACHIEVE THE CLINCH
DOUBLE UNDERHOOKS
The fighter uses Double Underhooks when both fighters have an overhook and an underhook grip on each other, with their heads on their
overhook sides.

47
(1) Drive your overhook hand (with a knife edge) under your opponent's underhook arm. (2) Clasp your hands in a Wrestler’s Grip behind
your opponent, while keeping head pressure on
his chest.
CLINCH FIGHTING—ACHIEVE THE CLINCH
REAR CLINCH
The fighter uses the Rear Clinch when he moves too far as he attempts to achieve the Modified Seatbelt Clinch.

48
(1) Step behind your opponent. (2) Clasp your hands around your opponent's waist in an Opposing Thumbs
Grip, and place your forehead in the small of his back to avoid strikes. From
this secure position, you can attempt to take the opponent down.

NOTE: Tuck your head into your opponent's lower back to avoid elbows
to the head.
CLINCH FIGHTING—BASIC TAKEDOWNS
FRONT TAKEDOWN
The Front Takedown is a simple technique used to throw the opponent off-balance. It allows the fighter to transition from the Modified Seatbelt
Clinch to the Mount.

49
(1) From the Modified Seatbelt Clinch, (2) Release your grip on your (3) Pull your opponent into (4) Step over your opponent and release your grip, ending in the Mount.
step slightly in front of your opponent so opponent's elbow, and reach you with your hands, and
you can drive him off his leg. Ensure that over his arm, keeping it push your upper body and
you keep good head control to drive his trapped under your overhook head to make his back WARNING
upper body backward. armpit. Secure a Wrestler’s arch.
Grip low on your opponent's Release your hands to avoid landing on them.
side at the hip near the small
of his back.
TRAINING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING
Opponents must not attempt to reach for the ground while being taken down, as this will lead to severe injuries.
CLINCH FIGHTING—BASIC TAKEDOWNS
REAR TAKEDOWN
After achieving the clinch, the fighter is often positioned with his head behind his opponent's arm. Once he reaches a secure position, he can
attempt to take his opponent down.

NOTE: Conduct this technique when your head is positioned behind your opponent's arm after you have achieved the clinch.

50
(1) Step to one side so that you are behind your opponent at an angle. Place one foot on the outside of his foot (2) Place the instep of your other foot
so that your foot is perpendicular to your opponent's. behind your opponent's far-side foot so
that he cannot step backward.
CLINCH FIGHTING—BASIC TAKEDOWNS
REAR TAKEDOWN (CONTINUED)

51
(3) Sit down as close to (4) The opponent will fall backward over your (5) Rotate into the Mount.
your other foot as possible, extended leg. As he does so, tuck your elbow to
and hang your weight from avoid falling on it, and release your grip.
your opponent's waist.

WARNING
Tuck your elbow to avoid landing on it.

TRAINING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING
Opponents must not attempt to reach for the ground while being taken down, as this will lead to severe injuries.
10 Lesson Training Plan: These are the 90-minute lesson plans that should be followed
to train all soldiers in the Basic Combatives tasks of the Modern Army Combatives Program.
Note: All lessons should begin with a warm up and finish with an AAR.

Session 1 Session 2
- Grappling History/Demo/ - Escape the Mount, Trap and Roll
Lecture/Safety - Pass the Guard
- Stand Up in Base - Explain Side Control
- Dominant Body Positions - Achieve the Mount from Side Control
- Demo - Drill #1

Session 3 Session 4
- Drill #1: Detail: Hand & Knees on Ground - Drill #1: Detail: Thumb Inside Collar & Choke
- Escape the Mount, Shrimp to the Guard - Arm Push and Roll to the Rear Mount
- Shrimp, PE - Escape the Rear Mount
- Escape the Mount, PE - Drill #2
- Pass the Guard, PE - Bouts for Dominant Body Position Only

Session 5 Session 6
- Drill #1: Detail: Change Hips - Drill #1: Detail: Good Posture
- Drill #2: Detail: Thumb less Grip - Drill #2: Detail: Ratcheting
- Rear Naked Choke - Bent Arm Bar
- Cross Collar Choke from Mount/Guard - Straight Arm Bar from Mount
- Bouts for submission by Chokes - Bouts for submission

Session 7 Session 8
- Drill #1: Detail: Head Above Knee - Drill #1: Detail: Savor the Moment
- Drill #2: Detail: Sitting Up - Drill #2: Detail: Protect Neck & Control Arm
- Straight Arm Bar from Guard - Drill #3: Detail: Shrimp to Guard
- Scissors Sweep - Fighters Stance
- Sweep from the Attempted - Close the Gap and achieve the Clinch
Straight Arm Bar - Bouts for submission
- Bouts for submission

Session 9 Session 10
- Drill #1: Detail: Control Hip & Legs - Drill #1: Practice
- Drill #2: Detail: Proper Feet Position - Drill #2: Practice
- Drill #3: Detail: Use both Sweeps - Drill #3: Practice
- Front Takedown to the Mount - Review/Demonstrate Combatives Evaluation
- Rear Takedown - Combatives Evaluation
- Front Guillotine Choke
- Bouts for submission

52
Combatives Evaluation: The thirteen core moves of the Modern Army
Combatives Program are evaluated during the performance of five tasks.
This is designed to emphasize that these moves form the core of a
complete system and are not just memorized individual moves. Some tasks
simultaneously evaluate both fighters conducting the offensive and
defensive moves.

Task Number Conditions Article II. Standards

1 1- Fighter uses Escape the Mount, Arm


Basic The enemy is mounted on the Trap and Roll.
Soldiers chest 2- Pass the Guard.
3- Achieve the Mount from Side Control.
4- Repeat task for 2 nd Fighter.
1-Fighter uses Arm Push and Roll to the
2 The Soldier is mounted on the Rear Mount.
Rear Mount enemy’s chest 2-Establishes Rear Naked Choke.
3-Releases the choke
4-2nd Fighter Escapes the Rear Mount.
5-Repeat task for 2 ndFighter.
1-Fighter uses Escape the Mount, Shrimp
3 Fighter is Mounted on the to the Guard.
Shrimp Enemy’s chest. 2-Attacks using the Cross Collar Choke
or the Straight Arm Bar from the Guard.
3-Fighter uses Sweep from the
Attempted, Straight Arm Bar, or the
Scissors Sweep if attacks fail.

4 1-Fighter Achieves the Clinch.


Front Takedown The Soldier is facing the enemy 2-Fighter uses Front Takedown to the
at approximately ten feet Mount on the enemy.
3-Properly applies the Bent Arm Bar or
Straight Arm Bar.

5 The Soldier is facing the enemy 1-The Soldier Achieves the Clinch and
Rear Takedown at approximately ten feet when the enemy turns, goes behind
2- The Soldier uses the Rear Takedown
to the Mount
3- Properly applies the Bent Arm Bar or
Straight Arm Bar
6 The Enemy attempts a double- 1-Fighter defends takedown attempt with
Guillotine leg takedown on the Fighter. the Front Guillotine Choke.
2-Then Places the Enemy in the Guard.
3-Completes the choke by pulling with his
arms and pushing with his legs.
Note: Stand up in the base is evaluated each time the Fighter stands.

53
Session One: Demonstrations
Fight scenario demonstration: fighter 1 closes the gap achieves the clinch and takes
fighter 2 down, 1 mounts 2, 2 trap and rolls 1, 1 puts 2 in guard, 2 passes guard
achieves side control and mounts, 1 shrimp escapes and puts 2 back in guard, 1
scissors sweeps and mounts 2, 2 traps and rolls 1, 1 conducts a straight arm bar from
the guard and 2 taps out.

End of the Lesson Demonstration: Soldiers want to know how these dominant body
positions will put them in a place to finish the enemy: What did I learn today? How is this
going to relate to winning a fight?

Demonstrate: Cross Collar Choke, Bent Arm Bar, and Straight Arm Bar from the Mount
Demonstrate: Cross Collar Choke, Straight Arm Bar, and the Sweeps from the Guard
Demonstrate: Rear Naked Choke from the Rear Mount
Demonstrate: Bent Arm Bar, and Mount from Side Control

Note: Don't do a thorough talk through. State the dominant body position you are in
and the name of the finishing move you are going to demonstrate. Demonstrate the
finishing moves and transition on to next dominant body position and the finishing
moves available from there. Explain this is where the training is headed and that they
will learn these moves in subsequent sessions.
DO THIS AT END OF SESSION. By presenting this demonstration here, the student
can walk away visualizing how each dominant body position can and will lead to a
finishing move that they can demonstrate in later sessions where they will bout.

54
General Competition Information

A look at the history of Combatives systems reveals two fundamental mistakes,


both of which are related to competition. The first mistake is having no form of
competition. This is generally done due to the misguided thought that the techniques
are “too dangerous” to be done competitively. While many techniques are too
dangerous to be executed during live competition; there are great benefits to be gained
by competing even in a limited set of techniques. The boxer is a better puncher than the
traditional martial artist not because of the mechanics of punching but because his
technique has been refined in the crucible of competition. The feel for an enemy’s body
movement of most high school wrestlers is superior to most traditional martial artists for
this very same reason.

For military units there are many other reasons that a competitive form is useful.
The problem of developing a strong unit program is really the problem of how to
motivate subordinate unit leaders to emphasize the training. Competitions can be useful
for this in several ways. Competitions are also a very good way to encourage the pursuit
of excellence in soldiers.

The other mistake is that once you have decided on a method of competition,
training will naturally become focused on winning at competition rather than on winning
in combat. Over time, the system changes until it bears only a slight resemblance to the
original combat art. This is evident in almost every Combatives system. Boxers do not
concern themselves with how to defend against takedowns. Wrestlers do not concern
themselves with defending against chokes.

The dilemma then is how to garner the benefits from competition without falling
into the trap of a competitive focus. The answer is to have a graduated system of
competition rules. In this way there will not be a competitive advantage to training
specifically for competitions. Those who do will find themselves unprepared for the
additional techniques that are allowed at the next level of competition. This also allows
for a very safe subset of techniques to be used at the lower levels without losing the
combat focus.

There are four sets of rules governing Combatives competition. Other combative
sports are also encouraged, however it should be recognized that they sometimes
reinforce bad combative habits.

Basic Competitions
The basic competition rules are designed for entry level soldiers, or soldiers with a limited knowledge
base. Soldiers will begin with a handshake, face each other on their knees and fight until submission or a
designated time limit. On reaching the time limit, a winner will be designated by the referee based upon
aggressiveness and technical superiority.

55
Standard Competitions

1. Uniform: Soldiers should compete wearing BDUs and bare feet or wrestling shoes.
For ease in scoring, one soldier may wear a DBDU top.

2. Duration: Matches last five to ten minutes. Specific match duration is decided in
advance.

3. Scoring: Points are awarded to establish good fight habits and emphasize the
importance of dominant body position. It is important to remember that submission will
end the fight regardless of the score. The point values are:

2 Points---------Take Down: From the standing position, the fighter places his opponent on
the ground but fails to gain dominant position.
3 Points----------Take Down: From the standing position, the fighter places his opponent
on his back and gains a position past the guard: side control, mount, knee mount, north-
south, etc.

3 Points----------Pass the Guard: From between his opponent's legs, the fighter clears
the legs and gains side control or the mount.

3 Points----------Sweep: From the guard position, the fighter changes positions, placing
his opponent on his back.

3 Points----------Knee Mount: From side control, the fighter establishes one knee in his
opponent's chest / abdomen and the other knee up and away from him and stabilizes
himself.

4 Points----------Mount: The fighter establishes the mount with both knees and feet on
the ground.

4 Points----------Back Mount: The fighter establishes the back mount with both feet
hooked in position.

1 Point --------Stalling: Planning to use the clock to your advantage. Fighter will receive
three warnings, after which his opponent will be awarded the point, this process will
continue until action is resumed.

2 Points--------Passivity: Fighter disengages from the top position, the referee awards
two points to the other fighter.

56
Standard Competition: Continued
Note: All positions must be stabilized to the judges’ satisfaction to earn points.
4. Judging: Each match has one judge and one score keeper. It is the judge’s
responsibility to ensure a safe and fair match. All decisions are final.

5. Illegal Techniques: The following are illegal and dangerous techniques. Their use
may result in disqualification:

Strikes of any kind

Twisting knee & ankle locks

Finger techniques

Wrist techniques

Grabbing the fingers


Toe holds

Attacking the groin

Spiking Slam

Slamming the opponent to pass the guard

6. Tie Breaking: If the score is tied at the end of the allotted time, the match will
continue until the next point is scored or deducted.

7. Time limits: Time limits tend to change the type of technique commonly employed.
There is however a need to limit the length of matches, especially when conducting a
large number of them, for instance in a tournament. It is preferable to have no time limit,
the victor decided by submission. If time limits are to be employed, a specific time limit
will be decided on in advance, commensurate with the number of fights to be
conducted. Another technique is to have a set amount of maximum points, usually
fifteen. The first fighter who reaches that limit is the winner. Everyone involved should
however keep in mind that a victory by submission is far preferable to a point victory.

57
FLWA MODERN ARMY COMBATIVES ACADEMY
GRAPPLING SAFETY BRIEF

A. All Standard rules apply.


B. Tapping procedures will be adhered to.
1. Students will Tap when in pain, they feel that they are about to go
unconscious or an effective joint lock is being applied.
2. Students preferably will attempt to Tap vigorously on there opponent
when the above conditions apply. If a student can not Tap on there
opponent they should Tap on either themselves or the Mat.
3. In the event that a student is unable to Tap they should verbally submit,
exclaiming “Tap Tap Tap”.
4. Once opponent taps students will immediately stop what they are doing.
5. Students should not tap to just to escape an uncomfortable position.
C. Students may not stand up unless to pass the guard.
D. Students may not pick an opponent up and slam them on the mat. This includes
when they are in there opponents guard.
E. No finger chokes are allowed.
F. Students may not apply any sort of small joint manipulation. This includes wrist
locks and the bending of fingers.
G. All joint manipulation will be applied with slow steady pressure.
H. When grabbing the hand, students will grab either the whole hand or at least four
fingers.
I. No leg attacks of any kind are allowed in the level I Course.
J. No striking is permitted.
K. No pressure points will be applied
L. No fish hooking will be permitted.
M. Students will at no time grab there opponents genitals.
N. No eye gouges.
O. Conduct proper hygiene
1. Clean uniforms daily.
2. Wash hands after using the latrine.
3. Ensure soldiers trim finger/toe nails.
4. No rings, watches, belts, ID tags, or pin on rank.
5. Tape up zippers on ACUs.
6. Have bleach rags outside of latrines.
7. Mop mats with bleach water before & after training.
P. Cold Weather
1. During times of Cold Weather Soldiers will ensure they have adequate change
of clothes to meet weather condition IAW USARAK Policy Letter 0-08

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Head Injury Warning

Dear Student:

You may have suffered a head injury. Head injuries vary in severity from mild to
severe concussions to skull fractures. Though most severe head injuries can be
recognized at the time of the injury, the signs and symptoms of others may not develop
until a later time. Therefore, it is imperative that any Soldier who may have sustained
even a minor head injury to take prudent precautions.

We suggest the following:


1. Eat a light diet.
2. Do not take any sedatives or consume any alcoholic beverages.
3. Immediately go to the emergency room and call the cadre if any of the
following occur:
• Severe or progressively worsening headache
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Unusual drowsiness
• Blood or other fluids draining from ears nose or mouth
• Convulsions and/or seizures
• Confusion and/or inability to concentrate
• Blurred vision and/or double vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Balance difficulties
• Dilated and/or unequal pupil size
• Temperature above 100.5 with or without neck stiffness

4. Do not take more than two (2) Extra-Strength Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or


three (3) regular strength for headaches. Do not take aspirin or Ibuprofen!!
Do not take any other pain medications.

If any symptoms occur, report them to the cadre before your next class.

59
FLWCA Level I Schedule – 40 Hours 1130-1300 Lunch
1300-1330 RPT (1/2)
Monday 1330-1430 Standup Review
0630-0730 In-processing/Admin
1430-UTC Sparing with submissions
0730-0800 Intro/ history
0900-0930 Stand in base (w/ kick also) Dominant
Thursday
Body Positions
0800-0830 Warm-up(1/2) and review
0930-1130 Escape the mount/ trap and roll
0830-0900 Stand-up fighting class
Pass the guard
0900-1130 Clinch against the puncher exercise (
Achieve the mount/ drill #1
close the distance/ achieve the
1130-1300 Lunch break
linch/Pummel near side, far side/
1300-1400 Film/lecture on realistic training plan
pummel drill/ trapping arm in your
1400-1430 Shrimp escape/ (`escape the double
armpit)
grapevine)
1130-1300 Lunch
Shrimp drill
1300-1400 Film/lecture on training plans
1430-1500 Escape the mount practical exercise
1400-1530 Front takedown to the mount
1500-1530 Arm push and roll to the rear mount
Rear takedown to the mount
1530-1600 Escape the rear mount/drill #2
1530-1630 Guillotine choke
(Quick roll rear mount escape)
1630-UTC Gauntlet/Drill/Review
1600-UTC Sparing for dominant position

Friday
Tuesday
0800-0900 Warm up (1/2) and Review
0800-0900 Warm-up and review
0900-1130 Student teaching
0900-0930 Rear naked choke/ (unbreakable
1130-1300 Lunch
Japanese strangle)
1300-1400 Warm-up and review
0930-1000 Cross collar choke (from the knees,
1400-1500 Grappling with punches class
mount, then guard
1500-1600 Grappling with punches exercise
1000-1030 Bent arm-bar from mount and side
Knees from side control
control
1600-1630 Class on the realities of fighting on the
1030-1130 Straight arm-bar from the mount
battlefield
Straight arm-bar from the mount drill
1130-1300 Lunch
1300-1400 Film/lecture on realistic training plan
1400-1430 Warm-up and review
1430-1500 Straight arm-bar from the guard
Straight arm-bar from the guard drill
1500-1530 Sweep from the attempted straight
arm-bar
1530-1600 Scissors sweep/ kick the knee out/ Drill
#3
1600-UTC Sparing with submissions

Wednesday
0800-0900 Warm-up and review
0900-1000 Drill/Review
1000-1130 Sparing with submissions

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