Author: Hakim Isler
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
ISBN: 1462915604
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 233
Book Description
Apply the ancient close-combat secrets of the Samurai to modern warfare with this military martial arts self-defense guide. Today's ground soldier may be required to carry up to 60 lbs. of equipment when on patrol, or in any situation where they might be engaging the enemy. Unfortunately, mobility is sacrificed in the name of protection. In close-proximity combat, the modern soldier is at a decided disadvantage compared to his more nimble opponent -- but this is nothing new in the history of warfare. On the battlefields of medieval Japan, the Samurai faced a similar situation. This created the need to devise a new defense method that you can learn from today. In his self-defense guide Modern Hand to Hand Combat, Isler has blended Samurai techniques with the battlefield combat needs of the modern soldier. This book gives step-by-step instructions on how to effectively deal with life and death situations through movements and principles that still hold true. These principle-driven guidelines make for a variety of self-defense applications and are valuable to everyone from law enforcement officers and security personnel to soldiers and military professionals. With almost 300 illustrations and a detailed instructional DVD, the guidelines set out in this book and DVD set can, and will, significantly enhance the warfighter's ability to survive in combat. Topics covered include: Chapter 1) JOURNEY TO CREATION Chapter 2) LESSONS FROM THE PAST Chapter 3) B.P.C. PHILOSOPHY Chapter 4) FOCUSES OF B.P.C. TRAINING Chapter 5) THE BASICS Chapter 6) UNDERSTANDING DISTANCE Chapter 7) WINNING CONCEPTS Chapter 8) EXHAUSTIVE MEASURES Chapter 9) BATTLEFIELD GROUND COMBAT Chapter 10) TECHNIQUE SET 1 To learn how the martial arts of the Samurai can be useful to those in the military and beyond, Modern Hand to Hand Combat is the most comprehensive guide to blending these two systems for optimal safety and effectiveness.
Modern Hand to Hand Combat
Author: Hakim Isler
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
ISBN: 1462915604
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 233
Book Description
Apply the ancient close-combat secrets of the Samurai to modern warfare with this military martial arts self-defense guide. Today's ground soldier may be required to carry up to 60 lbs. of equipment when on patrol, or in any situation where they might be engaging the enemy. Unfortunately, mobility is sacrificed in the name of protection. In close-proximity combat, the modern soldier is at a decided disadvantage compared to his more nimble opponent -- but this is nothing new in the history of warfare. On the battlefields of medieval Japan, the Samurai faced a similar situation. This created the need to devise a new defense method that you can learn from today. In his self-defense guide Modern Hand to Hand Combat, Isler has blended Samurai techniques with the battlefield combat needs of the modern soldier. This book gives step-by-step instructions on how to effectively deal with life and death situations through movements and principles that still hold true. These principle-driven guidelines make for a variety of self-defense applications and are valuable to everyone from law enforcement officers and security personnel to soldiers and military professionals. With almost 300 illustrations and a detailed instructional DVD, the guidelines set out in this book and DVD set can, and will, significantly enhance the warfighter's ability to survive in combat. Topics covered include: Chapter 1) JOURNEY TO CREATION Chapter 2) LESSONS FROM THE PAST Chapter 3) B.P.C. PHILOSOPHY Chapter 4) FOCUSES OF B.P.C. TRAINING Chapter 5) THE BASICS Chapter 6) UNDERSTANDING DISTANCE Chapter 7) WINNING CONCEPTS Chapter 8) EXHAUSTIVE MEASURES Chapter 9) BATTLEFIELD GROUND COMBAT Chapter 10) TECHNIQUE SET 1 To learn how the martial arts of the Samurai can be useful to those in the military and beyond, Modern Hand to Hand Combat is the most comprehensive guide to blending these two systems for optimal safety and effectiveness.
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
ISBN: 1462915604
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 233
Book Description
Apply the ancient close-combat secrets of the Samurai to modern warfare with this military martial arts self-defense guide. Today's ground soldier may be required to carry up to 60 lbs. of equipment when on patrol, or in any situation where they might be engaging the enemy. Unfortunately, mobility is sacrificed in the name of protection. In close-proximity combat, the modern soldier is at a decided disadvantage compared to his more nimble opponent -- but this is nothing new in the history of warfare. On the battlefields of medieval Japan, the Samurai faced a similar situation. This created the need to devise a new defense method that you can learn from today. In his self-defense guide Modern Hand to Hand Combat, Isler has blended Samurai techniques with the battlefield combat needs of the modern soldier. This book gives step-by-step instructions on how to effectively deal with life and death situations through movements and principles that still hold true. These principle-driven guidelines make for a variety of self-defense applications and are valuable to everyone from law enforcement officers and security personnel to soldiers and military professionals. With almost 300 illustrations and a detailed instructional DVD, the guidelines set out in this book and DVD set can, and will, significantly enhance the warfighter's ability to survive in combat. Topics covered include: Chapter 1) JOURNEY TO CREATION Chapter 2) LESSONS FROM THE PAST Chapter 3) B.P.C. PHILOSOPHY Chapter 4) FOCUSES OF B.P.C. TRAINING Chapter 5) THE BASICS Chapter 6) UNDERSTANDING DISTANCE Chapter 7) WINNING CONCEPTS Chapter 8) EXHAUSTIVE MEASURES Chapter 9) BATTLEFIELD GROUND COMBAT Chapter 10) TECHNIQUE SET 1 To learn how the martial arts of the Samurai can be useful to those in the military and beyond, Modern Hand to Hand Combat is the most comprehensive guide to blending these two systems for optimal safety and effectiveness.
U.S. Army Hand-to-Hand Combat
Author: U.S. Department of the Army
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing Inc.
ISBN: 1602397821
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 209
Book Description
In close-quarter combat, there is no second chance and no room for error. On the street, as in military combat, even the smallest mistake can make the difference between life and death. U.S. Army Hand-to-Hand Combat is the official field manual (FM 21-150) used by U.S. Army soldiers—men and women trusted, trained, and tasked to protect the United States from enemies in every kind of situation. When weapons are unavailable or not advisable, the techniques in this manual will show every reader the skills necessary to neutralize an attacker swiftly and effectively.
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing Inc.
ISBN: 1602397821
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 209
Book Description
In close-quarter combat, there is no second chance and no room for error. On the street, as in military combat, even the smallest mistake can make the difference between life and death. U.S. Army Hand-to-Hand Combat is the official field manual (FM 21-150) used by U.S. Army soldiers—men and women trusted, trained, and tasked to protect the United States from enemies in every kind of situation. When weapons are unavailable or not advisable, the techniques in this manual will show every reader the skills necessary to neutralize an attacker swiftly and effectively.
Arwrology
Author: Gordon E Perrigard, M D
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 244
Book Description
Gordon E. Perrigard was a Canadian medical doctor who combined his knowledge of advanced ju-jitsu with his knowledge of human anatomy to come up with this devastatingly effective close-in combat system.Arwrology is derived from the old Welsh word 'arwr', meaning an all-out hand-to-hand fighter. Arwrology was originally released in 1943 for use in training combatants for World War II. Martial artists from all over the world quickly hailed its superior fighting methods, and today it remains one of the most highly sought after-and most valuable-fighting manuals in the world.Arwrology is distinctive because it uses a single system of conditioned reflexes based on general body movement for both armed and unarmed fighting. If one method fails to subdue an attacker, a practitioner can effortlessly flow to another technique without exposing his body to attack.Through clear instructions, photos, and illustrations Arwrology shows you how to: Defeat someone armed with a firearm, knife, dagger or clubUse knowledge to overcome brute strengthFall without injury and rise up without using your handsGet out of strangleholds, grips, and other holdsTrain to develop fast reflexes and important fighting muscle
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 244
Book Description
Gordon E. Perrigard was a Canadian medical doctor who combined his knowledge of advanced ju-jitsu with his knowledge of human anatomy to come up with this devastatingly effective close-in combat system.Arwrology is derived from the old Welsh word 'arwr', meaning an all-out hand-to-hand fighter. Arwrology was originally released in 1943 for use in training combatants for World War II. Martial artists from all over the world quickly hailed its superior fighting methods, and today it remains one of the most highly sought after-and most valuable-fighting manuals in the world.Arwrology is distinctive because it uses a single system of conditioned reflexes based on general body movement for both armed and unarmed fighting. If one method fails to subdue an attacker, a practitioner can effortlessly flow to another technique without exposing his body to attack.Through clear instructions, photos, and illustrations Arwrology shows you how to: Defeat someone armed with a firearm, knife, dagger or clubUse knowledge to overcome brute strengthFall without injury and rise up without using your handsGet out of strangleholds, grips, and other holdsTrain to develop fast reflexes and important fighting muscle
The Seven Strategies of Hand to Hand Combat
Author: Ernest Emerson
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781507688816
Category : Hand-to-hand fighting
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
This is not a book about techniques. Black Belt Hall of Famer and Tier One tactical instructor, Ernest Emerson opens the doors to the previously hidden Strategies, Tactics, and Mentality of the world''s deadliest warriors, giving you the tools to upgrade your training in any system, into a truly effective program of combat ready skills. Emerson''s genius is in being able to break down human conflict (combat) into its most basic component parts and then explain them in terms that make perfect sense. Then in turn, he gives you the ability to train and supercharge those components individually so that when they are reassembled the result is an Abrams tank powered by jet engines. But, if you''re looking for a book on how to block a punch, you won''t find it here. This is about giving you the means to create a supercharged capability to take what you already know to the elite level, ready for actual combat. The difference between tier one operators and the rest of us is not that they know more techniques or possess secret skills. They know the same things as we do. They just know how to do them much better. Emerson takes you into his classroom to teach you the real secrets, the forbidden knowledge of the warrior elite, America''s Special Operations and Black Ops Units. The problem with training for real-world hand-to-hand combat skills is that almost all martial arts are over 200 years removed from actual combat and have been softened up or "sporterized" to be palatable to the general public. The difference between conventional training and combatives training is defined by two simple words; intent and intensity. Each needs the other to be maximally effective and conventional martial arts lack both. Without truly knowing if something will actually work in live combat, how can an instructor teach combat skills to someone whose life may depend on those skills? If you are ever in a situation where you''re face-to-face with pure evil, and you''re not both physically and mentally prepared for violent, deadly combat, then that is the day you will likely die. The author shows that you must be able to bring violence of action against the bad guy to such a degree that it doesn''t just counter his attack, but destroys him, for attempting to do you harm. You will learn how to evaluate your current training against the criteria of the perfect technique, to judge everything you do as to whether it will work in real combat or not, and avoid wasting your valuable time doing things that are of no value. Learning and applying principles and concepts outlined in this book will give you the confidence you need, to never again wonder "Will this really work or Can I do this? You will learn that the true mastery of fighting skills is not just based on confidence in the techniques but ultimately in the confidence you have in yourself. Some of the subjects covered in detail include; 1. The principles, strategies, and tactics of combat2. The physical, physiological, and psychological effects of combat on the human body and how to use them to your advantage3. The 3 Laws of Combat and the 6 Instinctual Triggers4. The high art of preemptive self-defense5. The importance of being able to distinguish between capability and capacity Combative fighting skills is not a martial art. It is hard, intense, painful training along with the development of the Warrior Mindset. Without that mindset and the iron will to win, you are only using half of your power. The other half is in the mind. You will learn how important it is to never neglect one for the other. Ernest Emerson has worked with members of the Naval Special Warfare Community, Navy SEALs for over 25 years. He carried a DOD top secret clearance for 15 years. He is the owner of Emerson Knives, Inc. and the Black Shamrock Combat Academy in Los Angeles California.
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781507688816
Category : Hand-to-hand fighting
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
This is not a book about techniques. Black Belt Hall of Famer and Tier One tactical instructor, Ernest Emerson opens the doors to the previously hidden Strategies, Tactics, and Mentality of the world''s deadliest warriors, giving you the tools to upgrade your training in any system, into a truly effective program of combat ready skills. Emerson''s genius is in being able to break down human conflict (combat) into its most basic component parts and then explain them in terms that make perfect sense. Then in turn, he gives you the ability to train and supercharge those components individually so that when they are reassembled the result is an Abrams tank powered by jet engines. But, if you''re looking for a book on how to block a punch, you won''t find it here. This is about giving you the means to create a supercharged capability to take what you already know to the elite level, ready for actual combat. The difference between tier one operators and the rest of us is not that they know more techniques or possess secret skills. They know the same things as we do. They just know how to do them much better. Emerson takes you into his classroom to teach you the real secrets, the forbidden knowledge of the warrior elite, America''s Special Operations and Black Ops Units. The problem with training for real-world hand-to-hand combat skills is that almost all martial arts are over 200 years removed from actual combat and have been softened up or "sporterized" to be palatable to the general public. The difference between conventional training and combatives training is defined by two simple words; intent and intensity. Each needs the other to be maximally effective and conventional martial arts lack both. Without truly knowing if something will actually work in live combat, how can an instructor teach combat skills to someone whose life may depend on those skills? If you are ever in a situation where you''re face-to-face with pure evil, and you''re not both physically and mentally prepared for violent, deadly combat, then that is the day you will likely die. The author shows that you must be able to bring violence of action against the bad guy to such a degree that it doesn''t just counter his attack, but destroys him, for attempting to do you harm. You will learn how to evaluate your current training against the criteria of the perfect technique, to judge everything you do as to whether it will work in real combat or not, and avoid wasting your valuable time doing things that are of no value. Learning and applying principles and concepts outlined in this book will give you the confidence you need, to never again wonder "Will this really work or Can I do this? You will learn that the true mastery of fighting skills is not just based on confidence in the techniques but ultimately in the confidence you have in yourself. Some of the subjects covered in detail include; 1. The principles, strategies, and tactics of combat2. The physical, physiological, and psychological effects of combat on the human body and how to use them to your advantage3. The 3 Laws of Combat and the 6 Instinctual Triggers4. The high art of preemptive self-defense5. The importance of being able to distinguish between capability and capacity Combative fighting skills is not a martial art. It is hard, intense, painful training along with the development of the Warrior Mindset. Without that mindset and the iron will to win, you are only using half of your power. The other half is in the mind. You will learn how important it is to never neglect one for the other. Ernest Emerson has worked with members of the Naval Special Warfare Community, Navy SEALs for over 25 years. He carried a DOD top secret clearance for 15 years. He is the owner of Emerson Knives, Inc. and the Black Shamrock Combat Academy in Los Angeles California.
Hand-to-hand Fighting
Author: Arthur Elmer Marriott
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Hand-to-hand fighting
Languages : en
Pages : 96
Book Description
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Hand-to-hand fighting
Languages : en
Pages : 96
Book Description
Special Forces Unarmed Combat Guide
Author: Martin J. Dougherty
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781435122697
Category : Hand-to-hand fighting
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781435122697
Category : Hand-to-hand fighting
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
Get Tough!
Author: W E Fairbairn
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN: 9781096350910
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 132
Book Description
This book, by the man who taught them, shows how the British Commandos fought in the Second World War in unarmed hand-to hand combat. It shows how they won their fights - even against enemies who were bigger, stronger, and armed. Brute strength is not required. This book shows you how to put a thug out of action with your bare hands, so fast he won't know what's hit him. Get Tough is filled with clear, graphic line drawings which, with the easy-to-follow directions, demonstrate the Fairbairn System. The author, Major W. E. Fairbairn, was a tough Police officer who spent 30 years with the Shanghai Municipal Police, where he learned ju-jitsu (Judo), Chinese boxing and other martial arts. He was senior instructor to British Special Forces during the war, and was the co-inventor of the legendary Sykes-Fairbairn Commando knife. While in China he became the first foreigner, living outside Japan, ever admitted to Kodokan Jiu-Jutsu University in Tokyo where he was awarded the black belt, second degree. Combining all the knowledge thus acquired he developed a system that stopped the Shanghai terrorists in their tracks, demoralized the Nazis, and probably proved a decisive factor in the success of Allied Special forces in World War Two. This is a must book for the armed forces, civilian defense groups, police, security guards, and indeed anyone whose life may be threatened.The method of hand-to-hand fighting described in this book is the approved standard instruction for all members of His Majesty's forces. The Commandos, and parachute troops, harrying the invasion coasts of Europe, have been thoroughlytrained in its use. Britain's two-million Home Guard are daily being instructed in its simple but terrible effectiveness. The units of the United States Marine Corps who were stationed in China between 1927 and 1940 learned these methods at my own hands when I was Assistant Commissioner of the Shanghai Municipal Police.There will be some who will be shocked by the methods advocated here. To them I say "In war you cannot afford the luxury of squeamishness. Either you kill or capture, or you will be captured or killed. We've got to be tough to win, and we've got to be ruthless - tougher and more ruthless than our enemies."
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN: 9781096350910
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 132
Book Description
This book, by the man who taught them, shows how the British Commandos fought in the Second World War in unarmed hand-to hand combat. It shows how they won their fights - even against enemies who were bigger, stronger, and armed. Brute strength is not required. This book shows you how to put a thug out of action with your bare hands, so fast he won't know what's hit him. Get Tough is filled with clear, graphic line drawings which, with the easy-to-follow directions, demonstrate the Fairbairn System. The author, Major W. E. Fairbairn, was a tough Police officer who spent 30 years with the Shanghai Municipal Police, where he learned ju-jitsu (Judo), Chinese boxing and other martial arts. He was senior instructor to British Special Forces during the war, and was the co-inventor of the legendary Sykes-Fairbairn Commando knife. While in China he became the first foreigner, living outside Japan, ever admitted to Kodokan Jiu-Jutsu University in Tokyo where he was awarded the black belt, second degree. Combining all the knowledge thus acquired he developed a system that stopped the Shanghai terrorists in their tracks, demoralized the Nazis, and probably proved a decisive factor in the success of Allied Special forces in World War Two. This is a must book for the armed forces, civilian defense groups, police, security guards, and indeed anyone whose life may be threatened.The method of hand-to-hand fighting described in this book is the approved standard instruction for all members of His Majesty's forces. The Commandos, and parachute troops, harrying the invasion coasts of Europe, have been thoroughlytrained in its use. Britain's two-million Home Guard are daily being instructed in its simple but terrible effectiveness. The units of the United States Marine Corps who were stationed in China between 1927 and 1940 learned these methods at my own hands when I was Assistant Commissioner of the Shanghai Municipal Police.There will be some who will be shocked by the methods advocated here. To them I say "In war you cannot afford the luxury of squeamishness. Either you kill or capture, or you will be captured or killed. We've got to be tough to win, and we've got to be ruthless - tougher and more ruthless than our enemies."
All-in Fighting
Author: W. E. Fairbairn
Publisher: Andrews UK Limited
ISBN: 1781519749
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 146
Book Description
The author of this concise guide to unarmed combat and self-defence is a legend. W. E. Fairbairn (1885-1960) spent over thirty years in the tough environment of the Riot Squads of China's Shanghai Municipal Police. In order to lower levels of Police mortality at the hands of Chinese Tongs, he studied ancient Chinese and Japanese martial arts, including Ju-jitsu, and was the first foreigner to be awarded a black belt in the discipline. He developed his own system which he called 'Defendu'. At the outbreak of the Second World War, he was recruited by Britain's Special Operations Executive as an Instructor in unarmed combat and expounded the deadly mysteries of attack and defence to scores of trainee agents about to be dropped into occupied Europe. His methods were approved and officially adopted throughout the British army. Fairbairn also developed weapons and defence aids such as bullet proof vests. He is best known as the co-inventor of the famous Sykes-Fairbairn knife. In this book he expounds his distilled experience of unarmed combat. Fully illustrated, it shows how to deliver deadly blows with hand, fist, knee and boot; wrist, bear- and strangle holds (and how to break them); how to throw an enemy, and how to break their backs; how to disarm a pistol-wielding attacker; and securing a prisoner. The book also contains a chapter on the use of the rifle in close combat by Captain P. N. Walbridge.
Publisher: Andrews UK Limited
ISBN: 1781519749
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 146
Book Description
The author of this concise guide to unarmed combat and self-defence is a legend. W. E. Fairbairn (1885-1960) spent over thirty years in the tough environment of the Riot Squads of China's Shanghai Municipal Police. In order to lower levels of Police mortality at the hands of Chinese Tongs, he studied ancient Chinese and Japanese martial arts, including Ju-jitsu, and was the first foreigner to be awarded a black belt in the discipline. He developed his own system which he called 'Defendu'. At the outbreak of the Second World War, he was recruited by Britain's Special Operations Executive as an Instructor in unarmed combat and expounded the deadly mysteries of attack and defence to scores of trainee agents about to be dropped into occupied Europe. His methods were approved and officially adopted throughout the British army. Fairbairn also developed weapons and defence aids such as bullet proof vests. He is best known as the co-inventor of the famous Sykes-Fairbairn knife. In this book he expounds his distilled experience of unarmed combat. Fully illustrated, it shows how to deliver deadly blows with hand, fist, knee and boot; wrist, bear- and strangle holds (and how to break them); how to throw an enemy, and how to break their backs; how to disarm a pistol-wielding attacker; and securing a prisoner. The book also contains a chapter on the use of the rifle in close combat by Captain P. N. Walbridge.
SAS and Elite Forces Guide Extreme Unarmed Combat
Author: Martin Dougherty
Publisher: Lyons Press
ISBN: 9781493036776
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
Presented in a handy pocketbook format, Extreme Unarmed Combat considers the different fighting and martial arts skills a person can use before looking at the areas of the body to defend, showing how to attack without letting oneself be hurt as well as how to incapacitate an opponent.
Publisher: Lyons Press
ISBN: 9781493036776
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
Presented in a handy pocketbook format, Extreme Unarmed Combat considers the different fighting and martial arts skills a person can use before looking at the areas of the body to defend, showing how to attack without letting oneself be hurt as well as how to incapacitate an opponent.
The Combat Codes
Author: Alexander Darwin
Publisher: Hachette UK
ISBN: 0316493139
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 431
Book Description
In a world where battle-hardened warriors determine the fate of empires, war-ravaged nations seek out a new champion in the first book of a thrilling science fantasy trilogy: "that rare book that fully satisfies me as an action fan" (Fonda Lee, author of Jade City). "A book about warriors written by a master of the martial arts, and the mastery shows." – Evan Winter, author of The Rage of Dragons In a world long ago ravaged by war, the nations have sworn an armistice never to use weapons of mass destruction again. Instead, highly-skilled warriors known as Grievar Knights represent their nations’ interests in brutal hand-to-hand combat. Murray Pearson was once a famed Knight until he suffered a loss that crippled his homeland — but now he’s on the hunt to discover the next champion. In underground and ruthless combat rings, an orphaned boy called Cego is making a name for himself. Murray believes Cego has what it takes to thrive in the world's most prestigious combat academy – but first, Cego must prove himself in the vicious arenas of the underworld. And survival isn’t guaranteed. "Darwin writes violence with the rhythm and surprise of a well-executed sonnet, wedding the smooth grace of choreography with the unflinching brutality of fists breaking bone. The fights are mesmerizing, layered like fascia, twitching and flexing and propelling the story toward a conclusion that both satisfies and opens the door to the next volume." – The New York Times "Bare-knuckle brilliance." – Jackson Ford, author of The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t with Her Mind
Publisher: Hachette UK
ISBN: 0316493139
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 431
Book Description
In a world where battle-hardened warriors determine the fate of empires, war-ravaged nations seek out a new champion in the first book of a thrilling science fantasy trilogy: "that rare book that fully satisfies me as an action fan" (Fonda Lee, author of Jade City). "A book about warriors written by a master of the martial arts, and the mastery shows." – Evan Winter, author of The Rage of Dragons In a world long ago ravaged by war, the nations have sworn an armistice never to use weapons of mass destruction again. Instead, highly-skilled warriors known as Grievar Knights represent their nations’ interests in brutal hand-to-hand combat. Murray Pearson was once a famed Knight until he suffered a loss that crippled his homeland — but now he’s on the hunt to discover the next champion. In underground and ruthless combat rings, an orphaned boy called Cego is making a name for himself. Murray believes Cego has what it takes to thrive in the world's most prestigious combat academy – but first, Cego must prove himself in the vicious arenas of the underworld. And survival isn’t guaranteed. "Darwin writes violence with the rhythm and surprise of a well-executed sonnet, wedding the smooth grace of choreography with the unflinching brutality of fists breaking bone. The fights are mesmerizing, layered like fascia, twitching and flexing and propelling the story toward a conclusion that both satisfies and opens the door to the next volume." – The New York Times "Bare-knuckle brilliance." – Jackson Ford, author of The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t with Her Mind