June 24,
2008: A problem with learning
hand-to-hand fighting techniques is that you cannot use the most effective
moves in practice because people are liable to get hurt. This has long been a
problem with martial arts schools, and over the years, various types of
protective gear, using custom fitted foam-rubber padding, has been developed.
Finally, in the 1990s, one of the martial arts training organizations went to
work designing, building and testing a lightweight plastic/foam ensemble that allowed full
freedom of motion, but provided a high degree of protection. Weighing 7.5
pounds, the "High Guard" equipment eventually became popular with the military.
First SOCOM, then the army and marines, adopted it. This gear was used more
widely after the invasion of Iraq. That's because troops soon found that they spent
a lot of time conducting raids. The rules-of-engagement emphasized keeping
civilian casualties to a minimum, and it was soon discovered that martial arts
were useful to quickly subdue unarmed, but hostile, Iraqis sometimes
encountered. The "High Guard" gear allowed for full contact, very realistic
training for troops headed for lots of raiding operations.
