It was with much excitement that I read through the emails from friends in the USA. 

Their message brought the news that the works of Bob Kasper were finally being released as a book.  For over a year there had been rumours that the thoughts and knowledge of the late combatives instructor would be brought to the public domain.

Finally in the autumn of 2008 Paladin Press announced the release of Bob Kasper's Individual Close Combat Vol 1 & 2. 

For those of you not familiar with Mr. Kasper and his work.  A quick catch-up.  Robert C Kasper was a former marine MP, combatives instructor, knife designer, security operative, student of the late Charles Nelson, and founding member of the GHCA - The Gung-Ho Chuan Association - a organisation of former marines dedicated to keeping the memory of WW2 combatives techniques alive and well. 
Bob Kasper sadly passed away in 2006. 

The book begins with a foreword by Kelly McCann, the noted security consultant and combatives trainer, who worked and was a friend of Bob Kasper for many years.  It gives a look into the life of a very private man who had a real passion for his subject matter and how to apply these skills into real life street combat. 

This is not a book rich in techniques, nor do I believe it is meant to be.  Instead it caters for the newcomer to the combatives world, but also serves as an applicable aide memoire detailing the fundamental principle, tactics and concepts of close quarter combat. 
Topics covered include the fundamental mindset and tactics needed for modern day combatives and close quarter combat, and as with any good CQC system they should include aggressive attitude, power development, personal protection tactics, and where to attack the opponents vulnerable targets for effective strikes.

Volume 2 deals exclusively with basic footwork, the guard position (so prevalent in Kasper's unarmed and knife combat syllabus), and the use of passive stances. 

Also included are points on the use of deception and how to attack from these positions using a variety of classic combative striking skills, such as a tiger claw, chin jab and axe-hand.   The photographs of senior GHCA instructors (Fred Bauer, John Devenny and John Watson) help to enhance the text and get the concepts and fluidity of movement across.

An all round fantastic book that should be on the shelves of ALL serious students of WW2 combatives and aficionados of modern close quarter combat.  Hopefully we can look forward to more of Bob Kasper's work over the coming years. 

The book is available from Paladin Press. 


Copyright - MCG - 2009