UNARMED COMBAT: The Art of Physical Defence and Attack Practically Explained and Illustrated

Unarmed Combat: The Art of Physical Defence and Attack Practically Explained and Illustrated, by James Hipkiss, is a practical self-defence booklet produced with the early Second World War Home Guard in mind, at a time when weapons and equipment were often in short supply. Written by an experienced judo practitioner, Hipkiss focuses on techniques that could be learned by ordinary recruits without requiring years of martial-arts training. The emphasis is firmly on practical, straightforward methods of physical defence and attack that could be applied quickly and effectively. The booklet covers a range of useful subjects, including vulnerable areas of the body, methods of controlling an opponent through the wrist, and techniques for delivering an effective hand strike. It also explains how to fall safely-an important skill when learning close-combat techniques. What makes the booklet particularly interesting today is its insight into the practical training given to members of the Home Guard. Rather than presenting elaborate martial-arts theory, Hipkiss concentrates on simple techniques that could be taught, practised and put into use under wartime conditions. For anyone interested in the history of the Home Guard, wartime self-defence or the training of Britains civilian forces during the Second World War, this is a fascinating little publication that provides a glimpse into how recruits were taught to defend themselves when conventional weapons were not always readily available.