We started CQC on my Basic Infantry Qualification course this week. I'm enjoying it a lot. So far we have learnt about pressure points, bayonet drills, vulnerable points, the continuum of force, break falls, rolls, striking techniques (elbows, knees, uppercuts, hooks, palm strikes, hammer strikes, knife strikes, eye gouges, head butts, snap kick, side snap kick, roundhouse, back kick), blocking techniques, pugil stick fighting, and we've done the basic/intermediate bayonet ranges.

We've been told all the techniques are a based on a combination of dozens of arts, and all are useable with full fighting order on. From my small experience with kickboxing and some other arts, the system we are using is very effective. The techniques are simple, efficient and powerful. Next week we are going to do the advanced bayonet range, full contact bouts with the pugil sticks, takedowns, joint manipulation, counter attacks, sentry removal, and more of that good stuff.

It's mainly a crash course in close quarters combat, because the training is added on at the battalion level with the Black Arts Society, which is optional.

I can't remember the last time my whole body hurt this much It's so much fun though, especially the bayonet range. Lunge! Butt Stroke! Bash! Slash! Ground Point!

My course is flying now, we are finishing up our live fire exercise and our close quarters combat training. It would be a shame to get injured at this stage. I love it though, and I can't wait to get my posting. It's been confirmed, I am going to Shilo Manitoba. If nothing bad happens I will be part of Task Force 1-08 in Afghanistan