Discover the life of William E. Fairbairn, the martial arts pioneer and World War II instructor who shaped modern combatives and self-defense training.
William E. Fairbairn: The origins of Combatives and Close-Quarters Battle
When martial artists and soldiers discuss the origins of modern combatives and close-quarters battle (CQB), one name stands out: William Ewart Fairbairn. A British soldier, police officer, martial artist, and military instructor, Fairbairn transformed real-world fighting into a system that influenced armies, police forces, and martial artists across the globe.
Early Life and Background
William Ewart Fairbairn was born in 1885 in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, England. At the age of 15, he enlisted in the Royal Marines, where he served for several years. During his early military career, he was exposed to harsh conditions and learned the importance of discipline, toughness, and survival.
Martial Arts Training in Asia
In 1907, Fairbairn joined the Shanghai Municipal Police — one of the toughest police forces in the world at the time, operating in the dangerous International Settlement of Shanghai. There, street gangs, criminals, and warlords made violence a daily occurrence.
It was in Shanghai that Fairbairn first trained in judo and jujutsu under Japanese masters, including Professor Okada. He became the first foreigner to earn a black belt in judo from the Kodokan in Japan. Over time, he studied boxing, wrestling, savate, and various street-fighting methods, combining them with his police and military experience.
Development of Defendu
Fairbairn quickly realized that traditional martial arts, while valuable, were not always practical in the chaotic and brutal street fights of Shanghai. To address this, he developed a streamlined system he called Defendu — a blend of striking, throwing, joint-locks, and dirty fighting techniques designed for speed, simplicity, and effectiveness.
Defendu emphasized:
- Rapid strikes to vulnerable areas (throat, eyes, groin).
- Joint locks and throws for control and takedown.
- Weapons defense and use of improvised weapons.
- Aggression and mental readiness in close combat.
This system would later evolve into the foundation of modern military combatives.
World War II Contributions
When World War II began, Fairbairn’s expertise was recognized by the Allied forces. He was recruited to train elite units such as:
- The British Commandos
- The Special Operations Executive (SOE)
- The U.S. Office of Strategic Services (OSS), precursor to the CIA
Fairbairn, alongside his colleague Eric A. Sykes, also developed the famous Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife, a double-edged dagger designed for stealth and efficiency in combat.
His instruction manuals and training shaped the way soldiers and secret agents learned to fight in life-or-death situations.
Legacy and Influence
Fairbairn’s contributions to martial arts and combatives cannot be overstated. He is remembered as:
- The pioneer of modern combatives, influencing military and police systems worldwide.
- The creator of Defendu, a direct ancestor of today’s close-quarters battle training.
- The designer of the Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife, still iconic in military circles.
- A man who bridged the gap between martial arts tradition and real-world combat.
His philosophy of simplicity, brutality, and efficiency remains the backbone of modern reality-based self-defense systems.
Conclusion
William E. Fairbairn’s life is a story of adaptation, innovation, and service. From the streets of Shanghai to the battlefields of World War II, his teachings have saved countless lives and shaped how we understand close combat today. For martial artists, soldiers, and self-defense practitioners, Fairbairn stands as a true father of modern combatives.
