October 12, 2007: U.S. Army
Special Forces are providing additional close combat training for some of its
operators. The training combines elements of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (based on the
Kodokan school, with an emphasis on self-defense and and the use of chokeholds
and joint locks), Thai Kickboxing, and other techniques the Special Forces have
developed from combat experience. The new close combat methods are taught in
such a way that they become instinctive, and can be executed in high stress
situations, without much conscious thought. To this end, the Special Forces
have also developed safe practice techniques, so skills can be maintained,
without too much risk of the trainees hurting each other.