|
Origins of the term "Defendu"
The
first appearance of the term DEFENDU was as the title of W.E.
Fairbairn's 1926 publication on his method of "scientific
self-defence". We are further informed that this treatise is the
"official text book for the Shanghai Municipal Police, Hongkong(sic)
Police and Singapore Police".
The
usage of DEFENDU is found twice in the forward of the 1926 edition.
However, in this context it would be important to remember that
Fairbairn claims almost complete originality in the methods presented,
stating however that they are drawn from several different sources. In
this regard it would not be applicable to use Asian terms or
nomenclature, i.e. "Jiu jitsu" or Western descriptive phrases such as
"Chinese Boxing". Fairbairn claims originality in the methods
presented, hence an "original" descriptive term would be apropos.
This
situation however caused confusion among readers of this edition and
hence in the 1931 edition of Fairbairn's work the title was changed to
"Scientific Self-Defence". This was done to make the content of this
edition more clear to the average individual.
The
term DEFENDU is found again in Biddle's work "DO OR DIE"(1937).
Fairbairn is credited with developing this method. It is interesting to
note that Biddle makes a clear distinctionbetween "Jiu-Jitsu" and
"Defendu". The 1944 edition of Colonel Biddle's book also uses the term
DEFENDU and the text is virtually the same as in the earlier edition.
Excepting one important point: In the later edtion Biddle refers to
Fairbairn's book "GET TOUGH". However, he does not correct the fact
that Fairbairn by this time was a Major serving with US Forces(not
Assistant Comissioner of the SMP). There are of course obvious reasons
for this lapse.
The
point however is that the term DEFENDU relates too much earlier methods
espoused by Fairbairn and did not reflect his thinking at this time
(1944). The British edition of "ALL IN FIGHTING" also mentions DEFENDU,
but just as a passing comment in reference to Fairbairn's earlier
works. "GET TOUGH" the US reprint of "ALL IN FIGHTING" refers to the
close combat fighting method present as the "Fairbairn System".
So
what is the point? Well here it is......... I believe that the changes
in terminology referring to LT. COLONEL(NOT CAPTAIN, NOT MAJOR, as so
MANY ill informed individuals refer-DO YOUR DAMN RESEARCH!)Fairbairn's
methods reflect a CHANGE(growth if you will)in his COMPLETE ATTITUDE
regarding close combat.
In
describing his MOS for paperwork detailing his duties and
responsibilities in connection with being awarded the "Legion of
Merit", Fairbairn refers to his methods of close combat as
"Gutter-fighting". Consider if you will the change in attitude from
"Scientific Self-Defence" to "GUTTER FIGHTING". Fairbairn further
elucidates his feelings by describing two key elements: VEHEMENCE and ARTIFICE! "SCIENTIFIC" self defense this is NOT!
Now
for those who have proposed that DEFENDU remains the POLICE "version"
of the Fairbairn method and make a distinction as to the military
method, well consider that after WWII the manual of choice used by
POLICE agencies under Fairbairn's consult was "GET TOUGH", reprinted in
the language of that particular agency.
Now
as to the possible origins of the original term DEFENDU. I have over
the years heard several stories. Some were simply ridiculous in light
of the facts we KNOW! Two however stand out as possible(and very
plausible)candidates. First, is the simple use of DEFEND combined with
the well known term jiu-jits"U". Hence, DEFENDU. Aside from what others
may claim, Jiu Jitsu(of this period) influenced Fairbairn far more than
even he was willing to admit. And that goes for the staple methods of
the edge hand, chin-jab, and even the "tiger" claw. Jiu jitsu had these
very blows and gave great credence to their effectiveness in "real"
combat(YES! this can be verified by books, manuals, etc. in the
writer's possession)these "rock crushing" blows HANDS OFF, however
predated by usage in turn of the century Jiu jitsu manuals describing
these Atemi)were extant in "real" Jiu jitsu for centuries. As far as
the claims of GREAT influence by "Chinese" boxing methods, such as
Chin-Na, Ba Gua, Hsing-I, etc.,I feel that the evidence denies this
(Yeaton's letter concerning Fairbairn's thoughts on the matter). Hence,
the use of DEFENDU pays some homage to Jiu jitsu, as well as giving the
Western flavor to Fairbairn's methods.
Secondly, simply a descriptive term stating the obvious: to DEFEND YOU!, or DEFEND U, or DEFENDU.
I hope that the above was edifying and of some interest. It is course open to speculation, discussion and further research.
Last
point: The periphery is interesting. But the real issue is can you drop
that maniacal SOB(s) intent on your demise? Talking about the edge of
hand, chin jab, tigers claw ain't really worth a tinkers damn, if you
CAN'T USE 'EM! So if you ain't training your ass off, you may as well
go and take up tiddly winks! Happy New Year, may God bless and all the
best of luck!
|
Articles 
