“Army Hand-to Hand Combat” is the literal translation of a Eurasian martial art form known as Armeyski Rukopashnyy Boyy or ARB. This “striking” combat form is said to have originated from Russia/Soviet Union. Apparently, this martial art form is said to have been created by fusing elements belonging to many other styles. Furthermore, the ARB is generally fought on a square carpet measuring 14 x 14 centimeters. In addition, equipment such as kimono, foot protector of the heel, overlay for the shins, a cup for the groin, a protective waistcoat, gloves, knee protection, forearm and elbow protection, and a helmet with metal lattice is worn by the fighters in this style of combat.

a. History/origin of ARB:

According to the cultural history of the Soviet Union, it was in the year 1979 in the city of Kaunas in Lithuania that ARB first made its presence felt as a military based martial art form. Apparently, ARB is said to have been developed by a group of martial art experts and fanatics as a form of a sport for the Soviet Army. Furthermore, it was in this championship that ARB as a martial art form was first displayed. In addition, it was also successfully added as a training component within the Soviet Army.

b. Weapon used in the ARB:

The “hands and legs” of the fighter is mainly used as a weapon in this form of combat.

c. Technique used in the ARB and training availability:

In terms of technique, a fighter basically makes use of moves such as “striking and throwing” to overcome an opponent. Furthermore, in an ARB bout one fighter is supposed to wear a dark blue belt (along with the kimono) while the other is supposed to wear a red belt. As for training centers/schools, there are none available around the world for this “striking” martial art form.

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