After finding my Great Uncle’s World War 1 unarmed combat manual, I went down a bit of a rabbit hole looking into British Army combat methods from World War 2. It’s a real throwback — old school techniques, old training methods, and an old English voice-over that I honestly found pretty entertaining. I’ve uploaded a video talking about the topic and sharing some of the things I found interesting along the way. Let me know what you think 👊 https://youtu.be/Cm_HS7J2y78?si=nqwaSJS05C8MTm08

While cleaning out my dad’s attic, I came across something incredible — an original British Army manual belonging to my Great Uncle Joe called Methods of Unarmed Attack and Defence, issued in June 1917 during WW1. This wasn’t just a random book… it was an official hand-to-hand combat training manual used to prepare soldiers for close quarters combat during trench warfare. Inside are illustrated techniques covering: Striking Wrestling and grappling Defences against weapons Restraints and controls Close combat drills Even using a steel helmet as a weapon What’s really interesting is how familiar some of the movements still look today. You can see early influences of boxing, wrestling, military combatives, and even old jiu-jitsu concepts that would later shape modern self-defence systems. As someone passionate about martial arts, combat systems, and the history behind them, it’s amazing holding a piece of history like this and realising soldiers were learning structured unarmed combat over 100 years ago. It makes you appreciate how martial arts continue to evolve, while still being connected to the past.

Hello! Brand new to eskrima/kali/arnis and looking to learn. There was someone teaching across the river from me, but the school closed. Where do I start? (I have a pair of sticks.) Thanks!

This drill focuses on boxing reflexes using a partner attack-and-defend flow. Great for developing reactions, timing, defense and coordination in a controlled format. More breakdowns and syllabus content coming soon.

Hello martial arts community, I'm looking to purchase a Bo Staff, ideally 5 or 6ft in length and made from wood but I have no idea what material is good or bad. I'm also not sure what companies offer good quality martial arts training equipment and am in search of advice please 🙏 Any information would be greatly appreciated. @Gareth Drury