Combatives Training With Mick Coup.

Baggio...

Hey y'all,

Just thought I'd mention a training session that I had recently, for those of you out there who are interested in Combatives or RBSD. I was chatting to a few different guys on the Geoff Thompson forum, asking who would be best guy to train with over in the UK, however one chap mentioned a guy called "Mick Coup", I've got to be honest, I'd never heard of him at the time. Although I was directed to read a few articles that Mick had written, so I did - and I gotta' say I thought they were bang on the money (you may remember I posted a link to them some weeks back). He seemed to have the exact attitude I was after - realistic, practical and forward thinking.

We exchanged a couple of emails, and Mick had some free time, so I headed over to Cardiff where he's based. Mick had told me over the phone that he called the physical aspect of what he taught "C2 - Core Combatives". It became evident to me after a short time on the phone that Mick was the real deal. Mick's experience is drawn from many years in the military, and working as a consultant for various private security firms, travelling to places like Africa and Iraq. He has had real experiences far beyond that of the average instructor (for more details about Mick's background check out the article coming up in Martial Arts Illustrated).

I was not too sure what to expect when I arrived in Cardiff, to be honest , but I met Mick in Starbucks, which I thought was an interesting start. We chatted for some time and both of us had the same attitude regarding modern day Combatives. Then we went down to a place called "Train Station 2" a really large well kitted out Gym. We sat down and Mick discussed the foundation elements of his C2 concept (which comes before any physical training). From the start I was well impressed.

It was evident that the C2 system was well rooted in pure physics and simplicity, but with highly effective techniques. "Attitude" is at the core of the system and is pervasive through the C2 "strategy and tactics". Here you learn to cultivate controlled aggression, and not to give in (assuming you have no other choice than to use physical force). In this system one learns to get straight down to it, there is no messing about. One thing I had noticed over the time I have been interested in Combatives, that modern CQC instructors are adding to their original systems as opposed to "boiling it down", which was not the original intention in WW II. Mick has kept his method simple and functional at the foundation level, thus being able to learn quickly and easily. C2 is about concentrating on your primary weapons - as Mick calls them, the "big three". These can be pretty much used for most confrontations that would ever take place. The "Secondary Tools" are only employed as a support system. It would be easy for someone to say that modern day combatives can be just a "re-hash" of Fairbairn's WWII system. However C2 has alternative roots and has progressed forward and beyond, or possibly even 'regressed' to a more simple and instinctive form.

C2 uses a unique perpendicular striking principle that utilises physics based "attack-lines", which, when properly executed, achieves huge striking power. "Indexing" as Mick calls it, is also used to control and assist striking the target, which greatly improves the accuracy of the strike, even in low light conditions. Mick conducted some very unusual striking drills, which gets you to track and strike the target at any angle, including various flanking positions. It forces you to continually drive forward, always keeping pressure on your opponent no matter where or to which angle he moves. It also teaches you to use the correct weapon for the correct range. All too often people seem to re-manufacture "punching range". Mick shows you how to avoid this pitfall with simple drills. Much of these tactics are derived from Mick's experience with combat shooting as well as CQC i.e. straight to the target as quickly as possible with the most fire power. Again it would take me far too long to cover the whole system in depth, or what I covered for my day over in Cardiff, but for me it was well worth it.

As an instructor Mick style of teaching is very on the level and down to Earth. He has an easy way of showing you where things are going wrong, he enabled me to fine tune my skills very quickly. He breaks the movements down methodically so they can easily be seen and remembered and followed. Also showing you how to achieve maximum power by following rudimentary physical laws, which many instructors seem to forget these days. He also has a unique way of "programming" you to immediately attack and then track an available target efficiently. He moves the focus mitts in an organic way, something that I have not seem before, thus mimicking the way the human body should behaves in a "live situation".

I've been into combatives for a few years now and I have just been following DVDs, which is just not enough. Within a short space of time Mick had analysed my moves (drop step etc.) and showed me the correct way. He dispelled some modern Combatives myths which I had been originally clinging to. I told Mick that there was not too much in the way of Combatives training over here, and Mick seemed to be very interested in introducing the C2 system over here in a series of seminars - starting off with the foundation and then progressing. He also mentioned that he could do group and private lessons if any one was interested. Also, he has a website on the way so I'll keep you guys posted!

Cheers,

Baggio.

Millionaire

Thats a great review.

I read I think on urbancombatives about a course he taught in uK.

when I come home on hols (with next 12 months) I would love to go over and do some of that training in uk.


How did it compare to , say stuff Lee Morrison would teach?

Primary weapons - ok like chin jab, palm, slap?

Seconday - is that where your back up training like Thai, boxing, wrestling etc comes in?

Musashi

Interesting stuff, other than Boru I doubt there are any Combatives instructors in Ireland? Do keep us informed of any seminars or articles coming up Baggio, cheers for the review!

Millionaire

I was a Combatives instructor, had a school for a few months, before I moved over to the beautilful land of the smiles!

Combatives mixed with the better parts of KM.

If I was back, I would love to be in a hardcore combatives training groups.

Millionaire

I see John Brawn is hosting a Denis Martin Seminar down in Mayo.

MaxBax

Millionarie have you met john brawn?

dlofnep

Oh god..

Baggio...

Hi Mill,

Glad you liked the review, it might give people who are interested in Combatives and RBSD an insight into Mick's C2 system. I'm really looking forward to the next trip over to Cardiff - and the foundation seminar, when it's comes to Dublin.

To Compare Mick and Lee's style is pretty hard to do, as I have never had the opportunity to train with Lee in person. I just bought his CQC manuals and his DVD's, etc. Lee has had a huge influence on my training, and it was thanks to him that I got into Combatives in the first place. I think his material is really excellent. However, after studying with Mick, I feel more at home with the C2 system from what I have seen so far (and this is only the beginning!). I really like Mick's way of thinking, attitude, and the practicality. He also was a cool instructor, very analytical and down to earth. But that's just my take - both guys are excellent, but the C2 is the route I've decided to take. Hopefully you will get a chance to train with him sometime.

Great news on the Den Martin seminar BTW!

Talk to you soon,

Baggio.

Baggio...

Hey Musashi,

No worries.... I'll keep you posted with any info. I was talking to Mick yesterday, and he wants to do the foundation seminar ASAP. I'd say you would be well into it.

Catch you later,

Bagg.

Baggio...

Hi Max Bax,

What's the scoop with John Brawn? I see he's training "Combatives" down in Mayo. I've heard some conflicting reports about his stuff. His courses always sounded pretty expensive. Is he any good does anybody know?

Cheers,

Baggio.

PS - I see Dlofnep is a big fan;)

Baggio...

Hello all,

Just in case any one is interested....

Here is a review of Mick Coups second workshop, from Lee Morrison at Urban Combatives (basically a follow up seminar covering more concepts).

http://www.urbancombatives.com/mickcoup2nd.htm

Cheers,

Bagg.

Millionaire

MaxBax wrote:

Millionarie have you met john brawn?

yes I met him once on an NLP course in dublin, about 1 year ago.

We had a good chat about training and stuff.

I also intended to do one of his courses, but did not get around to it!

Millionaire

Baggio... wrote:

Hi Mill,

Glad you liked the review, it might give people who are interested in Combatives and RBSD an insight into Mick's C2 system. I'm really looking forward to the next trip over to Cardiff - and the foundation seminar, when it's comes to Dublin.

To Compare Mick and Lee's style is pretty hard to do, as I have never had the opportunity to train with Lee in person. I just bought his CQC manuals and his DVD's, etc. Lee has had a huge influence on my training, and it was thanks to him that I got into Combatives in the first place. I think his material is really excellent. However, after studying with Mick, I feel more at home with the C2 system from what I have seen so far (and this is only the beginning!). I really like Mick's way of thinking, attitude, and the practicality. He also was a cool instructor, very analytical and down to earth. But that's just my take - both guys are excellent, but the C2 is the route I've decided to take. Hopefully you will get a chance to train with him sometime.

Great news on the Den Martin seminar BTW!

Talk to you soon,

Baggio.

Thats interesting.

I certainly liked Micks Coups articles on Geoff Thompsons web site.

He really says it as it is, as in regards to what can happen on the street, and where he talks about peoples size and strenght.

I think alot of SD instructors, do not consider size and strenght. always tell stories of how a small , little female, destroyed a big massive attacker. sorry!... I just ain't that easy!

I shall check his stuff out more.

I should be reading more on geoffthompsons forums, that on here. its great you can actually interact with the top SD instrcutors in the world on geoffs forums.

Baggio...

Hey Mill,

Yeah Mick is a clever guy alright, and knows the anatomy of street fighting (he's had plenty of experience). It's interesting that he places a large emphasis on size and strength. A point which a lot of CQC guys over look (better get the weights out of that dusty cupboard:) ). People who don't think that size or strength is an issue have never faced some 6 foot nutter with huge biceps. Mick's training involves a fair bit of weights, but done in a way so it aids you cqc technique.

I've heard that type of tall tale as well – “Kenpo Gal unleashes hell! On 18 attackers”, very silly stuff indeed.

Aye, Geoff forum is very cool, lots of great material. Check out for Q&A
session with Mick, it will be coming soon.

Also, did u hear Lee is coming over to Dublin on may the 6th?

Later bro',

Bagg

Mick Coup

Hello all,

Just thought I'd drop a quick post onto your forum, my ears were burning!

Baggio,

Glad you liked the material, looking forward to seeing you over here again - always a pleasure to train guys like yourself.

Thanks for the great review, now we've covered the basics I can give you plenty more to write about next time you come over!

Mick

Millionaire

Hello Mick!

Welcome!

I read your articles on Geoff Thompson and on urbancombatives sites.

I am Gman on Geoff Thompson sites.

I really liked that story about when on a military exercise that big monster beat 4 soldiers who captured him to bits. its an interesting point.!!
eye jabs , balls shots and all and he still got away.

Anyway Ireland needs to get good combatives teachers coming over.

I live in Thailand now, learning Thai Boxing, and have me lee morrisson and senshido DVDs for company.

So next holiday I am home, I am going to make it over to Uk to hook with for lessons with some of you guys..

Mick Coup

Millionaire,

I use that 'story' to remind people how hard a determined and strong man can be to stop - I see so much nonesense that will supposedly put a man down that has absolutely no chance of being effective. I was one of those soldiers and I used a G3 rifle butt on the guy that smashed his face in and broke his teeth - with little effect! For real he'd have had a dose of 7.62 to calm him down!

Real combat has 4 'truths' the way I teach it, mostly overlooked or ignored because they're not nice: 1) It all happens faster than you think - people are beaten before they realise they're even in a fight. 2) It all takes place much closer than you think - stuff that works in sparring needs more space than you actually have. 3) More force is used than you are usually prepared for - small skinny druggies can actually throw you around the room and won't be tied in knots like you think. 4) It is much harder to incapacitate a person than you think - humans are a lot tougher than people realise.

Training worst-case is never a bad idea, ultimately combat has always been, is now and always will be, an ugly pig's ear of a deal - people need to stop trying to make it into a silk purse! If ever I paint a picture of it being a bleak and desperate situation it's because it really is!

Can't wait to get over to the Emerald Isle, and you guys are always welcome here if you fancy it.

Mick

Baggio...

Hey Mick,

Cheers for taking the time to post on the forum! Glad you liked the review BTW, I just hope that I did your system some justice. As Millionaire was saying, we've all been on a steady diet of DVDs, as there has not been too much in the way of Combatives instructors over here. Although I've noticed a few guys are on their way over pretty soon. Very much looking forward to your “Foundation Seminar” when you get a chance to come over.

I'm really looking forward to our next training session, and beyond. I've been beating the crap out of the BOB with some of the stuff you showed me. I've seen a big difference in my power and technique already.

Liked also what you said about the ”4 truths” of Real Combat. No harm in “over estimating” in my opinion either. As you can always tone it down when you need to.

Catch you later,

B.