Background Combat

naval combat of iquique, 21 may 1879 - oil on canvas painting thomas somerscales, 19th century.

combat in warfare involves 2 or more opposing military organizations, fighting nations @ war (although guerrilla warfare , suppression of insurgencies can fall outside definition). warfare falls under laws of war, govern purposes , conduct, , protect rights of combatants , non-combatants.

combat may armed (using weapons) or unarmed (not using weapons). hand-to-hand combat (melee) combat @ close range, attacking opponent body (striking, kicking, strangling, etc.) and/or melee weapon (knives, swords, batons, etc.), opposed ranged weapon.

hand-to-hand combat can further divided 3 sections depending on distance , positioning of combatants:

clinch fighting
ground fighting
stand-up fighting