Emerson Combat Systems

Emerson Combat Systems

Emerson Combat Systems
Focus	Hybrid
Country of origin	U.S.
Creator	Ernest R Emerson
Parenthood	Jeet Kune Do, Boxing, Brazilian Jujitsu, & Escrima

Emerson Combat Systems is a form of modern combatives designed by Ernest Emerson. The system is based on Emerson's accumulated 35 years of study of martial arts and combat and incorporates empty hand training as well as use of weapons from knives and sticks to rifles and pistols. This system is taught to military, law enforcement, and civilians.

Emerson Combat Systems was developed as one of numerous eclectic martial systems that arose in the 1980s. Rather than teach individual philosophies and parameters of different fighting styles that he studied such as Jeet Kune Do, Kyokushin, Shotokan, Brazilian Jujitsu, Boxing, and Escrima; Emerson took elements that he thought were useful from those arts and presented them as part of a system.

An important component of Emerson Combat Systems is developing what Emerson calls "the combat mindset". Emerson's courses feature guest speakers from various walks of life such as active and former members of the US Military, former teachers of his such as Richard Bustillo, and authorities on legal aspects such as attorneys and judges. These speakers go into greater depth on the realities of the use of deadly force.

The techniques taught are based on two factors: the human body's physiological response to stress and its reduction to the use of gross motor skills. According to Emerson, the techniques are based upon the physical and instinctual laws that govern the survival instincts and physical function of a human being. For example, when unarmed and attacked with a knife or a stick, the student will drive forward into the attacker's zone, using the outer edges of the arms to protect the body and force the attacker off balance to where the student can gain an advantage.

This system is characterized by training "realistically": protective equipment is worn, and students wear street clothing as opposed to uniforms. Weapon transition skills are taught in advanced classes, including drills where a primary weapon might fail and the student falls back to a secondary weapon. There is a strong emphasis placed on overall physical fitness. Emerson maintains he does not teach a "martial art" encumbered by ritual or sporting aspects but a combatives system where the goal is more than simple self-defense.