This section will cover some of the basics of special weapons and tactical (SWAT) training methods that will help you in your struggle against the undead.
A. The Martial Arts
Martial Arts training can be invaluable when defending yourself from an attacker, and also for neutralizing an opponent. Several schools of marital arts exist and all have value in self-defense, self-confidence and overall general fitness. I highly recommend training with a qualified instructor in any of the following disciplines:
- Aikido - this Japanese martial art is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on. This requires very little physical strength, as the aikidōka (aikido practitioner) "leads" the attacker's momentum using entering and turning movements. The techniques are completed with various throws or joint locks.
- Karate - another Japanese martial art, karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee strikes, elbow strikes and open hand techniques such as knife-hands, spear-hands, and palm-heel strikes. In some styles, grappling, throws, joint locks, restraints, and vital point strikes are also taught.
- Kung-fu - the Chinese martial arts are often referred to as kung-fu, gung-fu or wushu. They are a group of fighting styles based on traits or schools. Examples of such traits include physical exercises involving animal mimicry, or training methods inspired by Chinese philosophies, religions and legends. Styles that focus on qi manipulation are called internal, while others that concentrate on improving muscle and cardiovascular fitness are called external.
- Tae kwon do - is a martial art originating in Korea. It combines combat and self-defense techniques with sport and exercise. It is widely considered to be the world's most popular martial art.
- Jiu-Jitsu/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - is a Japanese martial art and a method of close combat for defeating an armed and armored opponent in which one uses no weapon or only a short weapon. There are many variations of the art, which leads to a diversity of approaches. Jujutsu schools (ryū) may utilize all forms of grappling techniques to some degree (i.e. throwing, trapping, joint locks, holds, gouging, biting, disengagements, striking and kicking). In addition to jujutsu, many schools teach the use of weapons.
- Muay Thuy/Kick-boxing - is a combat sport from the muay martial arts of Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. This physical and mental discipline which includes combat on foot is known as "the art of eight weapons" because it is characterized by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, shins and feet, being associated with a good physical preparation that makes a full-contact fight very efficient.
- Traditional/Western boxing - is a martial art and combat sport in which two people engage in a contest of strength, reflexes, and endurance by throwing punches with gloved hands.
- Wrestling - a form of combat sport involving grappling type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. A wrestling bout is a physical competition, between two (occasionally more) competitors or sparring partners, who attempt to gain and maintain a superior position. There are a wide range of styles with varying rules with both traditional historic and modern styles. Wrestling techniques have been incorporated into other martial arts as well as military hand-to-hand combat systems.
- Judo - created in Japan, Judo’s most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the objective is to either throw or takedown an opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue an opponent with a pin, or force an opponent to submit with a joint lock or a choke. Strikes and thrusts by hands and feet as well as weapons defenses are a part of judo, but only in pre-arranged forms (kata) and are not allowed in judo competition or free practice (randori).
- Krav Maga - National martial art of Israel. It is a non-competitive tactical self-defense system developed in Israel that involves boxing, Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu, wrestling and grappling techniques, along with realistic fight training. Krav Maga is known for its focus on real-world situations and extremely efficient and brutal counter-attacks.
Of course, this list is not exhaustive, and there are other forms of martial arts that can be explored. I picked these disciplines for their practicality, availability and popularity. But feel free to learn any martial art that appeals to you. Its your practice after all.
B. Weaponry
Even more so than the martial arts, combat weaponry training is especially effective in killing zombies. Guns, blades and bows are the items that come to mind in particular. These methods are very popular with characters in the main stream zombie culture media, wether it be in movies, television series, comic books or video games. It seems logical that if the apocalypse ever became reality then the same methods would apply.
- Guns - there are several types of guns, side-arms, rifles, etc. that can be used to kill zombies. The pros of using a gun should be obvious to most - when used properly, a well targeted shot to the head can instantly kill a zombie with one bullet. On the downside, that same shot will create a loud noise that may attract many more zombies creating a bigger problem than you originally had. A silencer is a must. A second con is that guns are only useful when they have bullets. Bullets are not infinite and when your supply runs out your weapon is basically useless besides use as a bludgeoning tool. The third problem is that if not properly maintained and cleaned, a gun can jam, and this can have devastating consequences for you instead of the zombie.
- Blades - wether it be a kitchen knife, hunting knife, dagger, axe, hatchet, machete or sword - a blade is a very effective zombie killing weapon. It can be used multiple times, will never jam up or run out of ammo. And unless its thrown into a place where it can’t be retrieved, then it can be used an infinite number of times. Its a quiet, effective killing tool. Just remember to keep it sharp as it will dull over time.
- Bows - Archery and crossbows are also effective zombie killing tools. They are less likely to jam than a gun, and most arrows can be retrieved, re-used, and even improvised, thus making ammunition less of a concern then that of guns. They are also much stealthier and quieter than guns. If you have the skill set to use a bow I think they are excellent options for the zombie apocalypse.
During a zombie apocalypse, I would at the very least have a knife and hatchet on my person. They are easily accessible in most kitchens or garages and take little to no training to learn how to use. Most people own at least a swiss army knife or Letterman for some reason, e.g. camping, convenience or other uses. I’d recommend keeping it close at hand because you never know when you’ll need it.
C. Ideas for Weaponry Practice
While it might be a little harder to practice your weaponry skills than it will be to train in the martial arts (which have established dojos and gyms), you can still come up with some creative ways to hone those basic skill sets needed for weapons use in the zombie apocalypse:
* Start using that dart board in your basement or at the local pub.
* While not as deadly, throwing lawn darts and horse shoes in your backyard will sharpen your throwing skills and develop excellent hand-eye coordination.
* Grab an axe/hatchet and start chopping wood.
* In a safe and restricted area, take target practice with a throwing axe or hatchet. In some cities Backyard Axe Throwing Leagues (BATLs) are growing in popularity.
* Get creative with different ways to swing and twist a baseball bat or golf club.
* Join a fencing club to learn proper swordsmanship.
* Check for a local outdoor sportsman club. You might be able to learn archery and marksmanship there. Many summer camps offer youth archery lessons.
* Try biathlon, the sport that combines cross-country skiing with rifle target shooting.
* Try skeet shooting, a sport that uses shotguns to break clay discs flung into the air.
* Paintball games provide a safe and interactive opportunity for combat weapons use and team building skills in mock warfare situations.
* If you live in the USA, you may want to consider membership with the National Rifle Association (NRA), who provide rifle and sidearms training and education.
(Always obey local laws concerning weapons. You may have to obtain a license before purchasing a firearm and complete a safety course. You may also have to be legal age before you can handle certain weapons. Safety first! Ignorance is no excuse.)
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Morgan’s Story - “Keeping up the Fight”
Chapter 7. Specialty Training Methods
Morgan poked her head out ever so slightly through the same broken door she entered from. Seeing no movement on the road outside she continued making her way back down Main Street towards the waterfront, keeping her eyes peeled and her body on high alert for any more zombies. Main street looked different now than it used to. Most of the shops were locked and boarded up with wooden planks, some with their metal grates pulled over protecting them from looters, while others where smashed and trashed completely. She was shocked to see this happen to her beloved home town. She always thought her neighbors, and the community as a whole, were a level-headed and compassionate group of people. How they could turn on the local merchants like this amazed her. With the exception of the big name department store and supermarket on either end of the block, most of the stores in this part of town were small, cherished mom and pop operations that existed for generations.
When she passed by Java Jolt, her favorite cafe, Morgan had to quickly stop inside to see if there was any sign of Jennifer, her best friend. She had been a barista there while working her way through grad school. Surprisingly, the front door was unlocked and she slid easily into the store. No crunching of broken glass under her feet this time thankfully. She started to call out Jen’s name but then thought better of it, not knowing what was around the back of the coffee shop. Instead she decided to silently scope out the shop first to be safe.
There looked to be a smashed coffeepot with days old coffee staining the countertop with its brown ooze. Following the spill backwards to its origin, it led her to the body of a woman laying face down on the floor behind the counter. It was impossible to tell who it was without moving her. With some hesitation Morgan walked behind the counter and knelt down next to the body. She knew she had to lift the head of the dead barista to see if she recognized the face, but at the same time she was terrified it would be Jen. But she had to know. Slowly, carefully, Morgan touched the flowing brown hair, parts of it stiff and stuck together from the congealed coffee, and began to gently lift her head off the floor. Much to her dismay, she instantly recognized the facial features of her best friend. The pale freckled face, the chicken pox scar on her forehead, even her favourite gold hoop earrings that Morgan gave her last christmas were still in her ear lobes. ‘No! Oh Jen, No!’ Morgan couldn’t help but cry out in despair.
There was nothing that could have prepared her for what happened next. Unbelievably, Jen’s eyes flew open wide and they slowly focussed on the person cradling her head. “Jen, Oh my God, Jen? Are you OK?’ The relief that initially flooded Morgan as she tried to revive her friend was soon replaced with a wave of anguish, as what was usually a friendly smile on her friends face had now turned into a menacing snare. Confused and frightened by her friends countenance Morgan let go of her grip on her friends hair and backed up a few steps. Instead of dropping down to the ground when released, Jen began to rise up from the floor and close in on her old friend. Still unable to process what was happening Morgan could only push Jen away with a hard shove to the chest when she lunged at her. Jen fell back onto the counter and a tray of coffee cups and saucers crashed loudly to the ground. Morgan winced at the sound, knowing what ramifications it would hold for her. Then, true enough, she saw two more bodies rising inside the cafe, blocking her way out the door. Joining them was another undead couple from the opposite side, a few tables back. Placing the counter between her and her best friend, she reached for her trusty hatchet and moved in to attack the other zombies first. She felt it would be easier to kill all four of those strangers then the one person she knew for some illogical emotional reason.
Quickly and efficiently, she killed the first zombie with an upward swing of her weapon cutting deep along the throat and jawline of the beast, she then turned the hatchet towards the second attacker and killed it with a powerful downward blow that cracked the skull of her target. However, what she hadn’t expected was the heavy set body of the zombie collapsing on top of her pinning her to the ground. Her arms were pinned down at her sides, away from where she left her hatchet still buried deep in the zombies skull, out of her reach. Dark reddish brown fluid oozing around the edges of the point of impact.
‘Damn it!’ she swore, not overly-concerned with the noise she was making now. With the other two zombies approaching and Jen still behind the counter slowing stumbling to her feet, Morgan knew she had to free herself, fast. With some effort, she managed to gain some leverage and with a hard shove, rolled the bloated corpse off her, timing it perfectly so that she would trip the other two zombies as they closed on her. Essentially using the corpse as a sweep. She now had a clear path to the door, so Morgan took off running, forced to leave her only hatchet in the skull of the zombie on the cafe floor, and her zombified best friend thrashing with murderous intent behind the kitchen counter.
Bolstered by fear and adrenaline, her fight or flight response took over. She piled a few large chairs against the door after she closed it behind her, in an attempt to prevent her attackers from chasing her. Tearing down the street, convinced it was only a matter of time before she was attacked again, Morgan scanned the street searching for a new weapon to defend herself. She needed another blade or even a gun if it came down to that. Although she was confident in her abilities to use her kickboxing as self-defense from another human, she was worried about its effectiveness against the undead. And what if she bloodied her knuckles with the blood of the undead? Would she contract the virus and get sick too? She had to assume the virus transmitted in such a way. She suddenly felt extremely vulnerable.
She considered just continuing her run to the harbor front, but she guessed that might still be about ten kilometers away, and she could only guess how many obstacles would lay in her path. No, she needed a weapon if she was going to stand a reasonable chance of living through this.
There weren’t many shops left at the end of the block, and she didn’t want to back track any, losing the distance she’d gained since leaving her condo and family house yesterday. So she decided to duck into the remains of the small strip mall and scrounge whatever defensible weapon she could. The main store at the front of the mall was a general department store. Full of cheap clothing, toiletries and housewares. She didn’t normally shop here, it smelled like moth balls and the merchandise was of cheap quality, but being as still and quiet as it was, the department store had never been more appealing to her than that moment.
That was until she spotted the security guard beginning to rise up from his bench and lurch towards her. Trying to make his path as difficult as possible, Morgan began knocking over clothes racks in the hopes that the zombie security guard would trip up before he caught up with her. She figured her best bet for finding a weapon would be the hardware section so she ran in what she thought was that general direction, all the while trying to shake the trail of the zombie security guard. She zig-zagged across aisles and occasionally picked up a heavy box of housewares and threw it hard at his head, beaning him on most shots as he made no attempt to duck out of the way of the projectiles. It was the strangest game of chase she had ever played.
She turned around again once more to gauge the distance between them when she finally tripped up herself. A broom handle had fallen across the width of the aisle and her toe caught the edge of it and she crashed to the ground. She grabbed the now broken end of the broom handle and scrambled back up on her feet in a defensive posture when the zombie guard came upon her. Having no actual weapon beside the broom stick handle, she knew she had to fight largely with her own body this time. She had the greatest reach with her legs so when there was a couple feet left between them, and closing fast, she struck out her left leg with a front kick powerful enough to knock the zombie off balance and then she let fly a right hook using the broom stick that stunned the zombie as it fell down on its ass down onto the floor of the department store.
Hoping not to trip again, Morgan turned to run while her foe was still down, aiming to reach the hardware aisles where she hoped to find another sharp weapon that would help keep her alive. Then in the corner of her peripheral vision she saw what she needed. Under the fire alarm unit on the wall was the emergency kit with fire hose and fireman’s axe. This axe was twice the size of her camping hatchet with a blade on one side, a pick on the other, and sharp as hell. It was perfect. She lunged towards the fire safety unit on the wall with renewed vigor. Fumbling with the latch, she knew she didn’t have much time before the beast was upon her once more, so she turned the handle and pulled the small glass door open and pried the axe from its place on the wall. Now she was ready.
‘Come on asshole! Come get some of this!’ she taunted the zombie. Predictably, it started for her and with one determined swing she decapitated the beast, its head rolling onto the floor like a warped bowling wall. Its body crumpling beside it.
With a grim sense of self-satisfaction, Morgan made for the store exit and the long sprint towards the harbor front. Fire axe securely in hand, she was on her way now and ready to destroy anything that stood between her and her destination.
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