US ARMY FM 21-150 - Hand To Hand Combat - Modern Prepper

CHAPTER 3CLOSE-RANGE COMBATIVESIn close-range combatives, two opponents have closed the gap between themso they can grab one another in hand-to-hand combat. The principles ofbalance, leverage, timing, and body positioning are applied. Throws andtakedown techniques are used to upset the opponent’s balance and to gaincontrol of the fight by forcing him to the ground. Chokes can be applied toquickly render an opponent unconscious. The soldier should also know countersto choking techniques to protect himself. Grappling involves skillful fightingagainst an opponent in close-range combat so that a soldier can win throughsuperior body movement or grappling skills. Pain can be used to disable anopponent. A soldier can use painful eye gouges and strikes to soft, vital areas togain an advantage over his opponent.3-1. THROWS AND TAKEDOWNSThrows and takedowns enable a hand-to-hand fighter to take an opponent tothe ground where he can be controlled or disabled with further techniques.Throws and takedowns make use of the principles involved in taking theopponent’s balance. The fighter uses his momentum against the attacker; healso uses leverage or body position to gain an opportunity to throw theattacker.a. It is important for a fighter to control his opponent throughout a throwto the ground to keep the opponent from countering the throw or escapingafter he is thrown to the ground. One way to do this is to control theopponent’s fall so that he lands on his head. It is also imperative that a fightermaintain control of his own balance when executing throws and takedowns.b. After executing a throw or takedown and while the opponent is on theground, the fighter must control the opponent by any means available. Hecan drop his weight onto exposed areas of the opponent’s body, using hiselbows and knees. He can control the downed opponent’s limbs by steppingon them or by placing his knees and body weight on them. Joint locks, chokes,and kicks to vital areas are also good control measures. Without endangering3-1