The book presents a classic hand-to-hand combat system developed by Fairbairn for the Shanghai Municipal Police, blending practical experience with techniques from jujutsu and boxing. It emphasizes effective self-defense strategies and combat skills, making it suitable for both law enforcement and civilians looking to enhance their personal safety. The system is rooted in real-world application, showcasing Fairbairn's expertise in martial arts and his commitment to practical training.
One of the most influential combat shooting books ever published, Shooting to Live is the product of Capt. W.E. Fairbairn's and Capt. E.A. Sykes' practical experience with the handgun from their many close-quarters gunfights while working for the Shanghai Municipal Police in the 1930s. This expanded edition contains a new foreword by British World War II combatives expert Phil Mathews, which sheds new light on the career of E.A. Sykes - the "forgotten hero" of the Fairbairn-Sykes duo - as well as previously unpublished photos. Hundreds of actual incidents provided the basis for this first true instruction manual on life-or-death shootouts with the pistol. In clear, concise terms, the book teaches the concepts, considerations and applications of combat pistolcraft. A foreword by Col. Rex Applegate explains how Fairbairn and Sykes introduced their groundbreaking methods into American military training circles at the height of World War II.
The distilled knowledge of W.E. Fairbairn, legendary SOE instructor in unarmed combat, and inventor of the Sykes-Fairbairn knife, who learned his deadly skills in 30 years on the Shanghai waterfront. Fully illustrated.
W.E. Fairbairn, a renowned instructor in unarmed combat and co-creator of the Sykes-Fairbairn knife, shares his extensive expertise gained from three decades on the Shanghai waterfront. This fully illustrated guide encapsulates his distilled knowledge, showcasing techniques that influenced modern combat training. Additionally, Fairbairn's legacy may have inspired the Q Branch in Ian Fleming's James Bond series, highlighting his impact on both military and popular culture.
This book presents a classic hand-to-hand combat system developed by Fairbairn, combining practical experience with elements of jujutsu and boxing. Designed specifically for training the Shanghai Municipal Police, it emphasizes effective techniques for real-world situations. The system reflects a blend of martial arts that prioritizes efficiency and adaptability in combat scenarios.
W. E. Fairbairn, a renowned instructor in unarmed combat and the creator of the Sykes-Fairbairn knife, shares his extensive expertise in this illustrated guide. The book features colorized images that enhance the learning experience, making it a valuable resource for those interested in self-defense techniques and military training.
"Get tough, get down in the gutter, win at all costs... I teach what is called 'Gutter Fighting.' There's no fair play, no rules except one: kill or be killed." - W.E. Fairbairn
Learn self-defense from a legendary hand-to-hand combat expert! W. E. Fairbairn, a pioneer in martial arts, invented the SWAT team, riot police, bullet-proof vests, and the Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife, still utilized by Special Forces and Marines today. After enlisting in the British Royal Marines at 16, he spent 1903-1907 in Japan and Korea, studying various martial arts. Later, as a patrolman with the Shanghai Municipal Police, he faced organized crime and gang violence. Tasked with training the underfunded department, Fairbairn combined his military background, Eastern martial arts expertise, and street-fighting experience to create a no-holds-barred style called Defendu.
Over 35 years in Shanghai, he allegedly survived over 600 violent encounters, leaving him scarred from knife and bullet wounds. Afterward, he trained elite agents for the British Secret Service in preparation for WWII. Written in 1931, after two decades on Shanghai's brutal streets, this guide offers practical self-defense techniques against any attacker. With hundreds of diagrams and photos illustrating Defendu's defensive maneuvers and retaliatory attacks, this resource equips you with the skills to protect yourself effectively.
