Modern warfare may rely on advanced weaponry and cutting-edge technology, but the foundation of every soldier’s strength lies in their physical and mental conditioning. When disarmed or in close quarters, every fighter must rely on hand-to-hand combat techniques to defend, subdue, or neutralize a threat.
In the Indian Armed Forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force—martial arts and unarmed combat training form a critical part of early and ongoing military preparation. This training isn’t just about fighting—it builds reflexes, discipline, aggression control, and survival instinct.
Let’s explore what exactly is taught, how it’s applied, and how India compares globally in the realm of close-quarter combat (CQC).
Across all three services, recruits undergo basic unarmed combat training during their initial boot camp or military training. This includes:
This training is adapted to real-life combat situations like riot control, room-clearing, prisoner restraint, and more.
The Indian Army focuses heavily on Close Quarter Battle (CQB) training for its soldiers. Units like the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and Ghatak Platoons receive advanced hand-to-hand combat instruction.
Key combat systems taught:
The Indian Navy emphasizes maritime security, so hand-to-hand combat is tailored to confined environments like ships and submarines.
Training includes:
MARCOS, India’s elite naval commandos, receive elite unarmed combat training inspired by US Navy SEALs and Russian Spetsnaz.
While airmen may not be expected to engage in ground combat as often, Garud Commandos and airbase security units receive comprehensive unarmed training.
Key aspects:
Garud commandos undergo joint training with Army Special Forces and thus receive the same level of hand-to-hand training.
India’s elite special forces—NSG (Black Cats), Para SF, MARCOS, and Garuds—receive highly specialized martial arts instruction. Their training is intense, relentless, and based on real-time scenarios.
Martial arts used include:
They’re trained to kill with bare hands if required, and often go through unarmed combat sparring, live disarmament drills, and pain resistance conditioning.
Beyond physical skill, soldiers are trained to:
Combat simulation rooms, pressure scenarios, and “no-rules” sparring sessions make this training visceral and mentally challenging.
While modern martial arts like Krav Maga dominate, India also promotes its rich legacy of indigenous systems:
These arts are celebrated during military parades, competitions, and heritage weeks, reinforcing pride in Indian warrior traditions.
With increasing inclusion of women in combat roles—especially in the Army and Air Force—female cadets now undergo the same hand-to-hand combat training. This includes self-defense, pressure point control, and scenario-based aggression drills.
Combat training in the Indian Armed Forces is not just about martial arts—it's a life-saving skill, a mindset, and a philosophy. From elite commandos to cadets in boot camp, every soldier learns to trust their body and instincts in the face of danger.
With a blend of Krav Maga, indigenous arts, and relentless conditioning, Indian soldiers are trained to handle the unexpected—armed or unarmed.
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