Before World War II, judo was something very different from what we see now.

The Japanese in particular, while on a world war footing, practiced a type of judo that has little in common with the “sport” of today.

Japanese “bujin”, particularly those located in China during this period, had to be the BEST they could be. The Japanese police were famous for having among their ranks many of the best judokas.

The Japanese presence in Shanghai ensured that the quality of the judoka practicing there was of the highest calibre. Shanghai during this period was a volatile, seductive and dangerous place.

Into this mix comes a young Irishman named Dermot Michael O’Neil. He joined the SMP in 1925 at the age of twenty. He rises through the ranks, secures a respected position in the SMP Riot Squad, is recognized as a WE Fairbairn protégé, and earns a reputation as a “good” man in a fight. In addition to his recruit training and his assignment under WEF in the Riot Squad, he becomes a dedicated devotee of Japanese and Chinese fighting, especially Kodokan Judo.

He becomes a recognized expert, a real expert, tested both on the tatami of various “dojo” and on the streets of Shanghai. He trains with some of the BEST native Japanese sensei available. He travels to mainland Japan to test his skill in shiai and randori, often winning against some of Japan’s best. He trains diligently at the Kodokan. He becomes a protégé of the famous Uchijima Sensei, a master of Judo, particularly “newaza” or ground fighting. He gets a practical working knowledge of Judo, Jujutsu, Karate, Chinese Boxing and who knows what else. In 1938 he left the SMP after 13 years of service and headed the security detail of the British legation in Tokyo. He has served in this position for two years. Living and training in Japan, he gets the BEST of his time (and probably ours too)!

FAST FORWARD…

The world is at war. The Allied Powers vs. the Axis of Evil. O’Neil is now in the US, attached to the OSS, working for the WEF. He is forming a new “commando” unit headed by a man named Fredericks. This group comprised of assault raiders coincides with the US and Canadian forces under the banner of the FIRST SPECIAL SERVICE FORCE. They will become LEGEND!

Colonel Fredericks then contacts General Donovan of the OSS and requests the services of the WEF to train these troops. Fairbairn recommends DM “Paddy” O’Neil. O’Neil agrees and goes a step further… he doesn’t Just “train” these men, HE JOINS THEM!

O’Neill gave a lot of thought to the needs of these special troops in relation to close combat. He was instrumental in the development of the V-42 combat knife. But it was the hand-to-hand combat “system” that he devised that was the genius of him!

The entire O’Neill system, as taught then, is little known today. But suffice it to say that this method was a mix of tactics, strategy, and physical combativeness that was amazing, and PROVEN EFFECTIVE in REAL COMBAT countless times.

Now this is not about the practical aspects of the O’Neil method.

The point is this: with ALL of O’Neill’s experience and expertise, the method he devised for all intents and purposes was devoid of any judo or grappling techniques (and remember that the Forces’ initial contact with the enemy would be the Japanese). JUDO WAS HIS FORTE. Why? Because he knew and understood perfectly what the mission of the 1st SSF was about. He tailored the training to address the needs these troops would face in REAL COMBAT!

O’Neill’s logic and genius are evident in the entire method (not just drop by drop of various FM and TM). But more importantly, what lessons can be drawn from this? What can be learned? Why did O’Neil choose the methods and tactics (more important than technique) that he did?

No doubt O’Neil knew his business and knew it well. Then why? That is the question. And what will the answer teach us, now?

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