This is the classic hand-to-hand combat system based on practical experience mixed with jujutsu and boxing that Fairbairn developed to train the Shanghai Municipal Police, and was later taught in expanded form to the Office of Strategic Services and Special Operations Executive members during World War II.

The classic close-quarters combat manual that offers practical fighting skills and historical insight into the evolution of this self-defense technique. Scientific Self-Defence is William E. Fairbairn’s seminal manual on his complete, close-quarters combat system of the same name. Covering both armed and unarmed moves as well as a variety of restraint techniques, students will find a wide range of easily learnable skills that will be useful everywhere from home to the streets to the battlefield. The material is clearly presented and can be useful to everyone from the light weight beginner to a powerful martial artist. The knowledge you gain just might save your life! Fairbairn influenced the world of hand-to-hand combat as a member of the Shanghai Municipal Police in the 1930s and a trainer of elite-unit soldiers during World War II. He is a modern legend in the history of fighting and self-defense skills and is widely regarded as one of the fathers of modern hand-to-hand combat. Fully illustrated with over 200 demonstrative photographs

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.

Vexed by French verbs? Fear no more! In 500 French Verbs For Dummies, beginning French language learners can find a quick reference for verbs in the basic present tenses. More advanced French speakers can utilize this book to learn more complex verb tenses and conjugations as well as advanced verbs with irregular endings. One page for each of the 500 most commonly used verbs in the French language —alphabetically arranged and numbered for easy reference Special designation of the 50 most essential French verbs A summary of basic French grammar that includes verb tenses and moods An explanation of verb conjugation—the seven simple and seven compound tenses, as well as the imperative The accompanying CD-ROM includes flash cards and multiple choice questions with audio for practicing French verb conjugations and pronunciation 500 French Verbs For Dummies is beneficial for students, travelers, professionals, and life-long learners who need a reference to the intricacies of French verb usage.

Choose Barron’s for language learning--a trusted resource for over 50 years! This edition of 501 French Verbs provides language learners with fingertip access to a carefully curated selection of the 501 most common French verbs--in all tenses and moods! Each verb is listed alphabetically in chart form—one verb per page along with its English translation. Follow the clear, concise instruction, then take your language fluency to the next level with an all-new online activity center. This comprehensive guide also includes: • Lists of synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and usage examples for every verb • A concise grammar review for easy reference • The popular 55 Essential Verbs feature, with an in-depth look at usage and formation for the trickiest French verbs •Over 2,300 additional verbs conjugated like the 501 models Online content includes: • Audio program modeling native speaker rhythms and pronunciation • Listening comprehension • Four practice quizzes with automated scoring and answers

Learning the French language is easy with help from the 501 Verb Series! This book presents the most important and commonly used verbs from the French language. The verbs are arranged alphabetically with English translations in chart form, one verb per page, and conjugated in all persons and tenses, both active and passive. In addition, this comprehensive guide to French verb usage offers a wealth of reference material and language tips, including a bilingual list of more than 1,250 additional verbs, helpful expressions and idioms for travelers, and verb drills and short tests with all questions answered and explained.