Anatomy and Physiology for Combatives

(A.P.C - Module One)

Course Provider:Ibn Khattab Military Institute Online www.ibnkhattab.com
Firstly we would like to thank God whose great creation one can only wish to completely
understand and whos divine light has inspired us to create this course for the benefit of the
righteous Warriors.

Introduction:
Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body and Physiology is the study of the functions of the
body. The body is a chemical and physical machine that operates under natural laws. There are
many parts of the body each designed to do a specific job. As a Combatives Specialist (C.S)
one should be familiar with the different sciences that surround the study of the human body, as this
is what we are training to preserve as well as destroy. This course is based on the teachings of the
legendary doctor Abdullah Ibn Sinas The Canon of Medicine and of course, Modern science
and research. This is not a medical course, but rather a professional development course
designed for the C.S specifically and giving information on important aspects of anatomy
and physiology as they relate to physical combat with other human beings.

The Foundational Concepts and Terminology

Terminology:
Each profession and each science has its own language. The study of Anatomy and Physiology in
the sphere of combatives also uses specific terminology that must be learned in order to effectively
understand the lessons and communicate ideas in an exact way. Some terminology is the same as
standard courses you would find in any university and other terminology and concepts have been
specifically created to facilitate the effective learning of this course. The terminology may be
somewhat difficult to take in at first but once learned it will provide you with a more precise
language with which to explain your target locations and attack concepts.

Seriousness of Study
As one can clearly see we use the term C.S as not to segregate a Police Officer from a Martial
Artist, a Security Officer from a Boxer. Each has a specific role to play in the reality of close
quarter combat. Before beginning the study modules of this course it is very important to reflect on
the reasons why we are studying it. For the C.S knowledge of the human body greatly increases
the chances that you can employ the correct amount of force necessary against a hostile enemy as
needed without raising that level of force accidentally like many ill trained individuals would do.
The knowledge you are on the edge of learning will put you in a totally superior position to others
who have no knowledge of this information. Regardless of whom you encounter, you must always
remain professional with your knowledge and not abuse it. We study to be protectors of life,
not arrogant takers of life. We train to be righteous and serve well.

The Anatomical Position When describing relative locations, the body is always assumed to be
in anatomical position. This is the imaginary position we always think of an opponent in. It is used
as a general map, which we then plot attack locations on. The anatomical position has the body
standing erect in front of you with the palms facing outwards towards you. All target locations are
given from this position.

The Anatomical Position

Left (Anterior/front) Right (Posterior/back) view
Vertical Centerline (Saggital) This imaginary line cuts the body straight down the center into
two halves, left and right.
Horizontal Centerline (Transverse) This imaginary centerline cuts the body into two perfect
halves, the upper (superior) and the lower (inferior).
Absolute Center This is the center point of the body, the navel. Absolute Center creates the
intersection of the Vertical Centerline and the Horizontal Centerline, which then makes the four
sectors.
Anterior - the front surface of the body or structure, also used to describe the relationship of
structures within the body. For example, the sternum is anterior to the heart so anterior also means
towards the front. The heart will also have an anterior surface.
Posterior - the back surface of the body and towards the back of the body. For example, the spine is
posterior to the heart and the heart has a posterior surface.
Superior - The upward part. Inferior - The downward part.
Lateral At the side of the body.
For example, the head is a superior target, and the knee an inferior target. The terms are not meant
to be judgmental but as a way to effectively give attack location, Attacks to the inferior sectors of
the body seriously limit the enemys mobility, this is how the terms are used.

Sectors After having established Absolute Center we can then go on to sector the body into four
unique areas as shown in the diagram. Sectors are from the Anatomical Position.
Sector 2
Sector 1

Sector 4
Sector 3

Sector 1 The superior left area of the body

Sector 2 The superior right area of the body
Sector 3 The inferior left part of the body
Sector 4 The inferior right part of the body

Systemic Targets:
A target that when hit would cause serious damage to one of the major systems of the body,
example, a stab into the lungs would attack the pulmonary system.
Structural Targets:
A target that when hit would cause serious damage to the structure of the body, example, a stick
striking the fingers would smash the bones in the fingers rendering the hand unusable.
Tissues:
A tissue is a group of cells with similar structure and function. There are four groups of tissues:
Epithelial tissues - cover or line body surfaces; some are capable of producing secretions with
specific functions. The outer layer of the skin is epithelial tissue.
Connective tissues - connect and support parts of the body; some transport or store materials.
Blood, bone, and adipose tissue are examples of this group.

Muscle tissues - specialized for contraction, which brings about movement. Our muscles and the
heart are examples of muscle tissue.
Nerve tissue - specialized to generate and transmit electrochemical impulses that regulate body
function. The brain and optic nerves are examples of nerve tissue.
Organs:
An organ is a group of tissues precisely arranged so as to accomplish specific functions. Examples
of organs are the kidneys, liver, lungs, and stomach.
Organ Systems:
An organ system is a group of organs that all contribute to a particular function. Examples are the
urinary system, digestive system, and respiratory system.
Putting it all together:
Now that you have a basic comprehension of the terminologys and concepts we will be using in
this course, go ahead and start doing the beginning assignments.
Assignment 1:
Plot the location of one systemic target that you know using the terminology you learned above
using the following formula, STP (Sector, Target, Position). Example: An attack to the second
sector carotid artery from a frontal position.
Assignment 2:
Give definitions for the following terms.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Sector
Posterior
Inferior
Anatomical Position
Absolute Center

Assignment 3:
Write a short essay about why you think gaining this type of knowledge is important and how it can
advance your skills as a C.S. The essay should be between 1 and 2 pages long maximum.
Submit all completed assignments together to info@ibnkhattab.com
Please allow up to two weeks for corrections and marks to be calculated.