Hand-to-hand combat
Hand-to-hand combat (in Ukrainian, rukopashnyi bii) is a combat sport and applied discipline that joins strikes, throws and work on the ground. Its sport form grew out of military training in the Soviet era, and today it is widespread in Ukraine: clubs teach it to children and adults, and it is also trained in the army and law enforcement. Several federations hold competitions, and their rules differ.
What it is for
Section titled “What it is for”- An all-round set of skills: punches and kicks, throws, and holds on the ground.
- Applied self-defence: many clubs also teach escapes from grabs and defence against a knife or a stick.
- Strength, speed, endurance and agility, built with a lot of general physical training.
- Discipline and confidence, especially for children and teenagers.
- Competitions for those who want them, from club tournaments upwards.
Equipment
Section titled “Equipment”- A training uniform: many clubs use a jacket and belt similar to a judo or karate uniform; others train in shorts and a T-shirt. Ask your club.
- Hand wraps and gloves, a mouthguard, a groin guard, and shin and foot guards.
- For sparring and competitions, a helmet — under some rules one with a face guard — and, under some rules, a body protector.
- Training is barefoot on mats. Mats, bags, pads and training weapons are at the club, and many clubs lend protection to beginners.
How training goes
Section titled “How training goes”- 60–90 minutes; many clubs have separate groups for children and adults.
- A warm-up with running and gymnastics. Rolls and safe falls come first, because every throw depends on them.
- Striking technique on pads and bags: punches, kicks and combinations.
- Throws and takedowns in pairs, then work on the ground — holds, locks and escapes.
- In applied sessions: escapes from grabs and defence against training weapons.
- Sparring with full protection for those who are ready, then strength work and stretching. A first class covers the stance, falls and basic strikes.
Who it suits best
Section titled “Who it suits best”- People who want strikes, throws and ground work in one discipline rather than choosing between them.
- Children and teenagers — it builds general fitness and discipline.
- Anybody who wants practical self-defence with a sporting side.
- Athletes from boxing, sambo or judo who want to widen their skills. For a similar mix with international rules, see MMA.
- It is less suited to anybody with a neck, back or joint injury, or a condition that rules out blows to the head — ask a doctor, and tell the coach before you start sparring.