I have read a number of articles recently that touch on this subject, albiet not involving the Canadian Forces. The brass hats in the CF sure could take a few pointers from the Americans and the Israelis on this issue. Some food for thought: approximately 80% of the world‘s population lives in some form of built up area (ranging from tiny hamlets to bustling cities). Hand to hand and FIBUA training is becoming increasingly relevant (not that it wasn‘t relevant in the first place), even vital, in the reality of the current times.
The 82nd Airborne Division has been implementing a large Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program, including tournaments that are increasing in both size and level of skill. It is proving to be a great confidence booster as well as a tool for developing aggression and fighting spirit.
In South Korea, the US Army‘s Second Infantry Division is developing a system of Taekwondo training (with largely the same purpose as the 82nd‘s use of BJJ) that also has the added benefit of increasing the ties between the US forces in the area and the military of South Korea.
If you look to the past, there are also some great examples of hand to hand combat expertise. For example, the techniques developed by Colonels Rex Applegate and William Fairbairn. The Marine Raiders also developed some very effective hand to hand techniques that are not only effective generally, but are ideally suited for combat while wearing full combat kit; these systems are not derived from sports. These techniques are being kept alive through some pretty dedicated folks. A link that may be of interest is the
Gung Ho Chuan Association‘s page
A lot of Israeli (ie: Krav Maga - sites of interest include
kravmaga.com hisardut.com hssinternational.com kapap.net ) and Russian instructors (by and large claiming to be former Spetznaz, some are supposed to be the real mccoy) are also offering a lot of training programs intended for military/spec ops.
A lot of reading material on the subject can be found at
Paladin Press.
With such a plethora of choices - and that is just the tip of the iceberg - why on earth is there a lack of effective hand to hand/bayonet/knife/stick/improvised weapon training?