704. THE PUGIL STICK

a. General.—The execution of the movements of bayonet fighting in response to a verbal command from instructors are kept to a minimum. This type of training is necessary to teach the movements, but once they have been learned the student must automatically execute them in response to the movements of his opponent. There is no substitute for practical application when learning a skill. Actual bayonet fighting is not practical because of the hazards involved. However, bouts employing the pugil stick bear a close resemblance to actual bayonet fights, and can be employed without serious injury to either contestant. The student sees for himself the importance of assuming the attack immediately, as well as the importance of aggressiveness and ferocity. He sees which combinations of blows are successful, and learns to understand the result of his making a mistake in an actual bayonet fight. Here he learns the meaning of the term “kill or be killed.”

Figure 37.—The Pugil Stick Material.

b. Construction.—See figure [37].

(1) Materials for construction of the pugil stick include the following:

(a) An octagonal stick 1¾ inches in diameter and 44 inches long.

(b) Two canvas bags 10 inches long, one 6 inches in diameter and one 8 inches in diameter.

(d) A roll of foam rubber 15 inches wide.

(e) Tape, wire, and tacks.

(2) Method of Construction.

(a) Cut grooves ½-inch deep in the stick as shown in the diagram (see fig. [37]). Taper the stick at the hand grips to approximately 1¼ inches in diameter.

(b) Fill the bags with chopped foam rubber and cotton.

(c) Wire and tack the bags to the end of the stick. Tighten the wire into the grooves at the end of the stick. The stick should extend 6 inches into the bag, leaving 4 inches of overlap and making the total length of the pugil stick 52 inches, the length of the M-14 rifle with bayonet.

(d) Cover the wire and tacks with tape.

(e) Wrap foam rubber around the center of the stick, leaving only the 6 to 8 inches of tapered hand grip exposed. Secure the foam rubber padding with tape.

(3) Size of Pugil Stick.—The pugil stick should be approximately the same length and weight as the M-14 rifle with bayonet attached. This enables the bayonet fighter to train with a weapon which closely approximates the weapon he uses in an actual combat situation.

c. Safety Equipment and Precautions

(1) Whenever engaged in a pugil stick bout, the student should be equipped with the following:

(a) A football helmet with full bird cage face mask.

(b) Lacrosse gloves.

(2) Instructors in charge of pugil stick bouts see that proper bayonet fighting procedures are followed by students engaged in bouts. The proper bayonet fighting grip is employed at all times. The pugil stick is not used as a baseball bat. In no instance do the hands leave the pugil stick. Neither throwing or swinging is allowed. Pugil stick fighters refrain from hitting their opponent with the center portion of the pugil stick.

(3) Instructors ensure that protective equipment is properly secured before the bout begins. Bouts will be stopped whenever one participant becomes completely defenseless, after a telling blow has been struck, when equipment becomes loosened or knocked off, or when the pugil stick is being used improperly. Students are instructed to stop all action when the whistle is blown.

d. Regulations for Bouts

(1) Students are normally paired off so that opponents are of approximately equal height and weight.

(2) Each bout is officiated by an instructor with a whistle.

(3) Contests continue until one contestant has scored a killing blow. A killing blow is one delivered solidly to the head, neck, groin, or midsection with the blade end of the pugil stick; and to the head, groin, or neck with the butt end of the stick. If a killing blow is struck in the first few seconds of the bout, for training purposes the bout may be continued for a prescribed period of time. The winner will be the individual who struck the most killing blows in the time allotted. Time limits may be set by the instructor, taking into consideration the physical condition of the students and the time available.

(4) Instructors periodically remind students that basic attack movements and combinations are most effective. Instructors also continually emphasize aggressiveness. They ensure that all trainees yell and growl while engaged in a bout.

(5) Short bouts, with rapid changing of equipment, retains enthusiasm and interest.

(6) Bouts begin with both contestants in the guard position and about 5 yards apart. (See figs. [38] and [39].)

(7) No score occurs if a student removes either hand from the weapon to throw or swing at his opponent. (See fig. [40].)

Figure 38.—On Guard With Pugil Stick.

Figure 39.—Square Off With Pugil Stick.

Figure 40.—Vertical Butt Stroke With Pugil Stick.

(8) A round-robin type elimination is effective in getting all students into bouts, and emphasizing the importance of aggressive action in winning. The winners of each bout are allowed to fight again after a brief rest, until they are defeated. This provides one winner in the end, with appropriate personal recognition.

e. Demonstration and Application.—All movements, offensive, defensive, and combinations are demonstrated with the pugil stick. The student is then given the opportunity to go through the movements with the pugil stick in slow motion, and then at normal speed. After gaining proficiency in all movements the students are given an opportunity to practice what they have learned against a target. An artificial stationary target offering resistance further develops timing and coordination. Heavy bags, similar to the type used by boxers in training, can be used effectively to train bayonet fighters. (See fig. [41].) After the student has attacked the dummies, allowing him the sensation of attacking a solid target, and practicing the attack movements, he is then ready for bouts against other students.

Figure 41.—Stationary Targets for Pugil Stick Training.