INTRODUCTION TO "ALL-IN FIGHTING"

From my friend Clint Sporman's excellent site "Gutterfighting" http://www.gutterfighting.org/History.html

INTRODUCTION TO "ALL-IN FIGHTING"
By W.E. Fairbairn

This book is based upon earlier works issued under the titles of Defendu, which was written for the police forces of the Far East, and Scientific Self-Defence, published by D. Appleton, of New York. Every method shown in these books has stood the criticism of police from practically every country in the world, including the Far East, which is the recognized home of Jiu-jitsu (Judo). A more expert community for criticizing works on self-defense it would be impossible to find.

The majority of the methods shown are drastic in the extreme. In contrast to judo, they recognize no accepted rules. They are not intended to provide amusement for all-in wrestling spectators, but for use in these dangerous times as part of the national preparedness against our enemies.

The question may well be ask, 'Why should I trouble to learn this "rough-house" method of fighting?'

We wish to make it clear that there is no intention of belittling boxing, wrestling, or rugby football. A knowledge of these is an asset to anyone intending to study all-in fighting, and those who already have it start off with a great advantage over those who have never taken part in these sports. No-one will dispute the effectiveness of a straight left or right hook to the jaw or body, but unfortunately it takes months of practice to develop a good punch. Quite a number of persons, after long and intensive training, have given it up in despair. The edge of the hand blow and chin jab, if applied as demonstrated in this manual, will quickly convince the student that in a matter of days he has developed a blow that is not only as effective as a good punch with the fist, but one which permits him to obtain a knock-out under conditions in which it would be almost impossible to punch effectively with the fist. Every method shown in this manual is practicable, and the majority of them have been successfully used in actual combat on many occasions during the pasty thirty years by the author or his students. They were specially selected to enable the young man of only average strength, and those past middle age, who have not led an active life, to overpower a much stronger opponent. In critical moments the trouble you have taken to master a few of them will more than repay you, and knowledge that you can deal effectively with one or more opponents has its psychological value at all times.

Some readers may be appalled at the suggestion that it should be necessary for human beings of the twentieth century to revert to the grim brutality of the stone age in order to live. But it must be realized that, when dealing with an utterly ruthless enemy who has clearly expressed his intention of wiping this nation out of existence, there is no room for any scruple or compunction about the methods to be employed in preventing him. The reader is requested to imagine that he himself has been wantonly attacked by a thug who has put the heel of his hand under his nose and pushed hard. Let him be honest and realize what his feelings would be. His one, violent desire would be to do the thug the utmost damage-regardless of rules. In circumstances such as this he is forced back to quite primitive reactions, and it is the hope of the author that a study of this book will fit the ordinary man with the skill and the ability to deal AUTOMATICALLY with such a situation.

There are very few men who would not fire back if they were attacked by a man with a gun, and they would have no regrets if their bullet found its mark. But suggest that they retaliate with a knife, or with any of the follow-up methods explained in this manual, and the majority would shrink from using such uncivilized or un-British methods. A gun is an impersonal weapon and kills cleanly and decently at a distance. Killing with the bare hands at close quarters savours too much of pure savagery for most people. They would hesitate to attempt it. But never was the catchword, 'He who hesitates has lost,' more applicable. When it is a matter of life and death, not only of the individual but indeed of the nation, squeamish scruples are out of place. The sooner we realize that fact, the sooner we shall be fitted to face the grim and ruthless realities of total warfare.

In war, your attack can have only two possible objects: either to kill your opponent or to capture him alive. You must realize that he will be fighting for his life or to prevent capture, and that it will be a very difficult matter for you to apply a "Hold", etc., without first having made him receptive by striking him either with your hand, foot, or knee, etc., thus disabling him or rendering him semi-conscious, after which you will have no difficulty in disposing of him by one of the methods shown.

We do not advocate that students should attempt to master all the methods, but that they should select about ten, and specialize in thoroughly mastering them. Although we claim that every method is practicable, it is natural that individuals should find thay can master one much more quickly than another. This is mainly on account of one's height, weight, build, or, in some cases, slight deformity, all of which will have to be taken into consideration before making the final selection.

Students are warned not to consider themselves experts until they can carry out every movement INSTINCTIVELY and AUTOMATICALLY. Until then they should spend at least ten minutes daily in practice with a friend. Every movement is made either with the object of putting your opponent off-balance, or to permit of your getting into position to deal an effective blow or to secure a hold. Students should first practice every movement slowly and smoothly. They should then gradually increase the speed. Pressure should be applied on the points indicated, and only when necessary. Where breaks are indicated in practice, the pressure should be applied gradually and with smoothness-not with a jerk, which will be sure to be painful. Provided that reasonable care is taken, with reasonable consideration for the feelings of your friend, no harm other than a slightly stretched muscle will result.

It will be noted that several methods are demonstrated of breaking away from holds that have been considered unbreakable; and also that ground wrestling and holds on the ground are not shown. The reasona are as follows. The author and his students have had the advantage of trying out these holds in that very hard school of learning - PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE, where they have not infrequently met their master. Ground wrestling is excluded because it takes years of practice to become proficient, even in dealing with one opponent. To attempt it in time of war, when one is not unlikely to be attacked by two or more opponents, cannot be recommended.

No manual of this nature would be complete without reference to the use of the rifle, and we have been very fortunate in obtaining the services of Captain P.N. Walbridge, who is one of the greatest authorities on the subject.

William Ewart Fairbairn,

1942