Defendo is the forgotten Canadian martial art

Discover the utterly Canadian martial art called Defendo, developed during the Second World War by Bill Underwood, who mastered the art of offing bad guys with your bare hands

[@RecoveringGenius]

This guy is an asset to the Martial Arts world. After 30 years in the Martial Arts, I have come to realize how rare it is to see someone who knows his techniques, can actually do them, and also has the ability to teach them... in this case, he also has the added rarity that these types of techniques are becoming harder and harder to find-- as sport based fighting becomes more popular. Cheers mate!

[@midnightmosesuk]

Everybody was Defendo fighting, eh? Those Canucks were fast as lightning In fact it was a little bit scary They did it with extra courtesy.

[@jackslater5886]

4:01 "That'll teach you to try and shake my hand you bastard!" Up next, how to defend against a supportive pat on the back :p

[@nozecone]

LOL! Good one! But I want to know what to do about the friendly arm around the shoulders? Or the greeting hug followed by the air kiss-of-death?

[@No1Agge]

@@nozecone How about. "Not interested!" or "Please leave me alone".

[@nozecone]

@@No1Agge Thank you - but I would prefer something that involves inflicting pain, if not actually breaking bones.

[@No1Agge]

@@nozecone How about mental pain? "Bwaaahahahah... I am totally out of your league! Who do you think you are!!? Bwaaahahaha!"

[@nozecone]

@@No1Agge Well ... okay, I'll give that one a try - yes, I'll let you know how it works out.

[@billyclub56]

Next time someone tries to shake my hand, I'll show them

[@nozecone]

That's why the fist bump has become so popular.

[@JoJo-st6jk]

That technique works well at church gatherings. Sister Ursula never knew what got her after we shook hands. Later, after she regained consciousness, she admitted that it was a good one 👍

[@deltavictor290]

Not forgotten by everyone, Canadian Combatives is still teaching his content.

[@cristianluna5568]

Which channel?

[@deltavictor290]

@@cristianluna5568 not for all to see, only teaches in person and through closed members only groups.

[@cristianluna5568]

@@deltavictor290 ok. Well I am a bit of a detective Myself.

[@Triumph2024.]

Ok, Canadians! It's looking like the enemy may attack us at dawn, eh? So all of you's remember your training! 1. Exist in close, direct, geographic proximity to the United States. 2. Maintain exceedingly tight relationship with the United States. 3. Repeat. DefendUS: The Canadian Art of Self-Defense.

[@conmcgrath7502]

I never heard of the man before! Delighted to hear about him though. I wonder if he met with William Fairbairn or Eric Sykes during WW2? They were def 'operating in the same arena' to some extent. Respect from afar, pax dude.

[@franklinfleming1237]

The canadian hand shake lmao 🤣

[@ryneagheilim9782]

Well, they used to train some British WWII Commandos in Camp X, Whitby Park in Oshawa.... They mustve met there

[@davidquinningan8352]

I hope the Canadians will develop this very effective martial arts. Easy to master and totally effective. Very suitable for civilians who don't have the time to train long hours in complicated martial arts.

[@ddooodddoo]

Well defendo was a watered-down version of it's original style known as Aggresso which was more aggressive and lethal

[@DG-oo8zf]

3:21 you can hear the joints.

[@RandomPerson-ck6rm]

D G so i wasnt imagining anything

[@justinjackson3164]

Love all martial arts. Never new there was one in Canada! This was great!

[@janzanssen9660]

only for the armed forces.

[@nicholasvondoelln6814]

Yes but instead of saying hi-yah as you strike you say sorry right after you strike. 😂

[@pablocruz62]

The fact that this not well known here in America has always baffled me. I have been looking for Fairbairn for some time and finally figured out if I wanted to find more information I needed to look to Canada 🇨🇦. I almost immediately saw Bill Underwood and remembered him from Johnny Carson. I’m on a good track now. Thanks Canadians for keeping this alive.

[@nozecone]

I don't think it's "well-known" in Canada, either - as a Canadian, I never heard of it till I watched this video, and I've always had a bit of an interest in martial arts.

[@avroarchitect1793]

because the Canadian government has made it completely secret and illegal for most people to learn and teach.

[@crisanderson5176]

@@avroarchitect1793 And yet, I learned it in a community centre.

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

I thought Combato (and Defendo) was a direct derivative of Fairbarne Sykes Gutter fighting, not a completely different system.

[@MP-tf7cc]

I believe both started or were refined for the military. Fairbairn's system became Defendu. Combato was Underwood's military system. Defendo was his system modified for civilian use. Haven't heard of any direct contact or collaboration between the two.

[@pejutahaspa]

Chuck Norris looks Under his bed for Bill

[@Eric-zs9rh]

I watched this again. Thanks, really informative.

[@Billy_Mandalay]

Interesting that even in the traditional chinese arts, the 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 styles are more linear and direct in approach. No nonsense, no frills, all aggressive, gets the job done quickly.

[@shirleymental4189]

Just a bit of friendly advice. It always looks more impressive when the defender is taking down someone twice his size. Not HALF his size.

[@robertspiegel2658]

Robbie great video and I am glad to see you are promoting the Underwood System. It was a pleasure to come up an do a seminar in the Nelson System for your school several years ago. You were the consummate professional and I would like to come up again or have you come down and train with you in both the Defendu and Nelson System. All the Best Bob Spiegel, Senior Instructor CNSDS

[@amourdresbach8017]

I am grateful for this video and I am here because I looked up Defendu vs other martial arts. I highly value it and never knew there was a Defendo or Combato. Someone also mentioned an Agresso.

[@riod43]

Does this system involve saying "Sorry" each time you throw them?

[@Slim2134]

Lol, too funny

[@Triumph2024.]

Ok, Canadians! It's looking like the enemy may attack us at dawn, eh? So all of you's remember your training! 1. Exist in close, direct, geographic proximity to the United States. 2. Maintain exceedingly tight relationship with the United States. 3. Repeat. DefendUS: The Canadian Art of Self-Defense.

[@XiahouJoe]

was looking for this comment. Was going to say instead of 'kiai' it was 'sorry' was shouted.

[@michalbukvai7548]

So this is where Boss drew inspiration from when creating CQC with Snake :)

[@PpAirO5]

R.I.P. Boss 😔

[@hughgevainey3181]

No! This guy stole the Joy's moves from big boss.

[@Slim2134]

Great to see you on the video and great video to the legacy of Mr. Underwood. I'd love to catch up when COVID is over. Take care my Brother. Andrew S

[@russellthompson6079]

this is a fantastic video, thank you mate!

[@ruiseartalcorn]

Great stuff!!! :)

[@justinrpool]

Loving it!!!!

[@jm7578]

He and Fairbairn We’re amazing pioneers in the Art of combat

[@lovernotfighter]

I used to have the Defendo Book.

[@thomasharrison6367]

Interesting... but as Bill was a Brit and army veteran wouldn’t he of trained in the William Ewert Fairbairn unarmed combat system in the UK forces?

[@TonyqTNT]

I'm trying to find that information myself. I think Fairbairn and Underwood developed their combatives system independently.

[@Pernicion]

He served for Canada in WWI. Theoretically they may have had some interaction (possibly Canadian Troops moving through the UK?). Bill Underwood was never in the British Armed Forces.

[@srijanghoshh8633]

God bless you Sir Bill

[@trentreimer130]

Now I know how to defend myself from kind people who want to shake hands.

[@marthaluntz1508]

excellent vidio-Ari of Don't be a victim Clarksville Tn

[@NabilAbdulrashidComedy]

Where can we find this new defending guys channel?

[@vinceparlante3723]

A lot of grappling hand and arm locks as well as finger locks are also taught in a variety of martial Arts. Kenpo... Jujitsu even the Israeli Krav Mega . These techniques? Are all very good quick techniques to quickly control the other person and if done right? Even the biggest person can be put down and controlled. But the video was good.

[@ariturbo4094]

Looks like aikijujitsu technique !!! Great,,,, any dojo in Indonesia??? Or where can i learn online???

[@MrZombiejoe]

I wonder if Bill ever met Gene Lebell.

[@errolwaguespack3447]

good question

[@monitor4728]

Beautiful that’s it’s still being taught a modified ju-jitsu style 👍🏻

[@Ontonaut]

Where can we find and watch "Don't Mess With Bill"?

[@l2a3sterling]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lafZaqWslM6Bb6M - Marvelettes

[@Outrider74]

I remember hearing about this when younger. Would be nice to find a place around me that teaches it.

[@chevy6632]

Depending on where you live in Canada, Robbie can point you to the closest personne to teach you if not him.

[@Outrider74]

@@chevy6632 Alas, I'm in Michigan, in the States.

[@tubewatcher38]

Saw Bill on Carson a couple times, but never could find his book or any place teaching Defendo. Anyone now teaching it or similar systems?

[@Slim2134]

Robbie Cressman, Underwood Systems

[@MP-tf7cc]

@@Slim2134 Thanks

[@HariOmRadhaKrishna]

If it works against the Hulk, it must be good. Cool Canadian martial art

[@bigpapaboomboom9735]

Interesting.

[@PpAirO5]

You can easily tell, this ain't bullshit.

[@nicholasmuro1742]

Not sure if you are being sarcastic or not 🤔

[@PpAirO5]

@@nicholasmuro1742.. I'm not.

[@ricka4192]

how is it I'm now hearing about him?

[@moa3008]

This defendo technique should be taught to all police departments in the United States; used by any police officer who has a problem with a criminal!

[@ainahko16]

5:06 He pulled off the Walls of Jericho way before Chris Jericho.

[@samuraisteve2775]

Or if someone did real, amatuer wrestling it is actually called a Boston Crab.🙏

[@ryneagheilim9782]

5:00 Lotus leg lock XD 5:03 BOSTON CRAB!! XD

[@nated2922]

Anyone know how to get in contact with Mr. Cressman?

[@MattrickBT]

My stepdad is good friends with him.

[@feliciafelicity5456]

good old defendo

[@khlothostonney5760]

im kind of skeptical this can really work in a real fast paced environment. all the videos i have seen of this guy are careful slow motion guys coming at him for demonstration. real life is really hectic, did you guys know this?? for example, ill just throw my whole self at him, i dont think he will be able to just pin point one specific area to overwhelm at such extent. ALTHOUGH i do believe if he is fast and careful enough he can overwhelm me on a second slower turn.

[@Kyrelel]

You know that this was designed and tested operationally in WAR, right, and is still taught to military Elite forces and LEO personnel 80 years on. Unless you think the enemy always attacks in a slow, predictable manner ... ??

[@kriskanapo7931]

I was until I tried it. It's (defendo) direct and does the job. One senior Jiu Jitsu person said to me that he could see the Judo/Jiu Jitsu element but could tell that it had a more military background. Defendo nor the style demonstrated in the book Combato are actual Combato as taught use in Camp X however. Apparently there were three variations of the Combato. One being designed for assassins. Shame Bill Underwood's name isn't more known.

[@surftx11]

Looks similar to Krav Maga. I saw some Judo, Catch wrestling and aikido techniques as well.

[@matiasg713]

nice sode tsurikomi goshi 0:38

[@HondoTrailside]

Defendo is very direct. You take control, and kill the enemy. In policing, the out is handcuffing, and then the process of transfers. Since you can't cuff a criminal, and we aren't trying to kill an enemy, the direct approach doesn't have a great resolution on the street. Not suggesting it isn't useful, but I would like to better understand where it leads.

[@ddooodddoo]

Actually Defendo is a watered-down version of the military martial art style Aggresso

[@maodanz1672]

A lot of kempo type stuff or jujitsu

[@chicagotimesskateboarding_2149]

I want to use combato though 😢

[@NormanScyth]

Forgotten Canadiana! Good day Eh?

[@seansteele1269]

I thought Hockey Fights were the Canadian Martial Art. I saw the thing on Johnny Carson with Lou Ferrigno when I was a kid I was so amazed to watch this old man beat up The Hulk.

[@Triumph2024.]

Ok, Canadians! It's looking like the enemy may attack us at dawn, eh? So all of you's remember your training! 1. Exist in close, direct, geographic proximity to the United States. 2. Maintain exceedingly tight relationship with the United States. 3. Repeat. DefendUS: The Canadian Art of Self-Defense.

[@redcastlebowser4179]

Nothing is new, its just been rediscovered

[@TimeStrider]

That’s weird, I thought it was Fairbairn who invented this style of fighting.

[@restistance4387]

That's what i thought which was called WW2 combatives.

[@errolwaguespack3447]

I thought Antonio Perrera

[@restistance4387]

@@errolwaguespack3447 I will look him up.Not familiar who he is.

[@errolwaguespack3447]

@@restistance4387 I could have spelled his last name incorrectly.

[@patricknumsen4002]

Hopping bruh paps?! Nah PAPS!

[@PpAirO5]

Just curious, where are you from ?

[@Wavemaninawe]

Is that blood, on Kathleens diploma? 😐

[@l2a3sterling]

I saw this footage back around 1986/ about 10 years ago i looked without luck for this film (cbc). Love the footage at the end in the park. film was " "Don't Mess With Bill"". There's a song - "Don't Mess With Bill" kzbin.info/www/bejne/lafZaqWslM6Bb6M

[@nozecone]

You're the second person to link to that song ... I don't get why ... ?

[@rezlogan4787]

Okay, but are there any techniques for moose defense?

[@Triumph2024.]

Ok, Canadians! It's looking like the enemy may attack us at dawn, eh? So all of you's remember your training! 1. Exist in close, direct, geographic proximity to the United States. 2. Maintain exceedingly tight relationship with the United States. 3. Repeat. DefendUS: The Canadian Art of Self-Defense.

[@shamfyre]

1:15 he took down Conor McGregor five decades before he was even born!

[@nicholasmuro1742]

I'm going to sue. You made me crack a rib lol

[@c-459]

BadA$$

[@w.jtradingcards5153]

Was he Canadian thought he was a Brit who moved to Canada in his early 20s ,think that classes him as a Brit.

[@HondoTrailside]

It depends, what did he say? My dad moved to Canada and has lived here probably twice as long as he lived in UK. He figured if you moved somewhere you got citizenship and voted, etc... From that point on he said he was Canadian.

[@jackreacher112]

@@HondoTrailside I know a few guys who came to Canada from Ireland and Serbia and they all insist they are true Canadians because this is the county of their choice, they chose to be Canadians and they had to pay big bucks to do so. Also a lady who came here about 30 years ago from El Salvador who has many relatives in the U.S. who CHOSE Canada over the the U.S.

[@Pernicion]

He emigrated to Canada in 1911, I believe he was around 16. He fought for Canada in WWI. He trained Canadian, American, and British troops and special operatives during WWII. Including training at "Camp-X" the same camp (not necessarily the same time) as Ian Fleming supposedly went to, in Canada. Yeah, that's right, not only is Bill Underwood a Canadian... so is James Bond.

[@thomasharrison6367]

Pernicion that’s interesting... but Ian Fleming was born in London in 1908

[@Pernicion]

@@thomasharrison6367 Yes, he supposedly spent time at "Camp-X" which was in Ontario. And James Bond himself, is based on Canadian super-spy, Sir William Stephenson.

[@wannabecarguy]

I know this as joint manipulation.

[@fucu41]

I see alot of qinna techniques

[@zerubbabelsbridge]

Defendo sounds about as deadly as Canadian bacon.

[@midnightmosesuk]

It's not meant to be, but combato can train a woman to take down a fully grown bull moose.

[@Triumph2024.]

Ok, Canadians! It's looking like the enemy may attack us at dawn, eh? So all of you's remember your training! 1. Exist in close, direct, geographic proximity to the United States. 2. Maintain exceedingly tight relationship with the United States. 3. Repeat. DefendUS: The Canadian Art of Self-Defense.

[@shmoopiebear]

Camp X

[@shusukeueno6006]

i thought snow shoveling was the lost canadian martial art

[@alexpsyt]

Throwin Ferrigno around isn't nothin . Lets see him whip the Hulks ass for him!!!!!!

[@Rensune]

Canadian "Martial Arts": Here's how you defend from a Handshake, eh?

[@windingdriveway]

Jiu Jitsu that's what this is, straight from Japan.

[@manticore4952]

Guys like this were hybrid fighters, not yet MMA. They learnt things like Jiu Jitsu with wrestling so they made quick systems of self defence.

[@julianwelz4450]

See RMA Systema - it's similar

[@glennrobinson7193]

WHY IS IT that 99% of self defense videos demonstrate techniques at full speed?? This is m.a. nonsense. Because makes it hard to follow and see what is going on.

[@sorryim3671]

Glenn Robinson they don’t want you to use it

[@glennrobinson7193]

@@sorryim3671 Yes, I believe you are right. Thanks for your reply. From Australia

[@jimlowe5433]

That's the complete opposite of the complaint about self defense being demonstrated at slow speed. One reason for the speed shown was the effectiveness of the results. It should cause you to seek out instruction.

[@brooktu4249]

Well, at least it seems to work if you're a foot taller than the guy attacking you.

[@nicholasmuro1742]

Also works when you know the attack is coming, how you are going to be attacked, and your attacker cooperates with your defense

[@RedQNZ]

And Everyone is nice and calm and and not going completely crazy filled with adrenaline

[@RedQNZ]

It may work in certain situations but go to a MMA gym and try it or try that on a high school wrestler

[@nicholasmuro1742]

@@RedQNZ nah, the only situation this would work is in a demonstration, as it is here. The assistant attacker is practically handing him the knife and allowing himself to be disarmed. Real knife fight, loser dies on scene, winner dies on way to hospital. You are correct though, unarmed, mma or wrestler destroys this guy.

[@No1Agge]

I never understood why people are training wrist locks and finger locks as a defense from the terrible and very dangerous attack called "a handshake".

[@nozecone]

A handshake is the next most dangerous thing to a kiss - be careful out there!

[@nicholasmuro1742]

How about early in the video the assistant attacker has a gun and gets disarmed? He practically hands him the gun by stepping into him. Who would do that? You have a gun, create distance. No need to be in close, even if you're the attacker. Bullshido

[@No1Agge]

@@nozecone That is right. I once met a girl and shook her hand at a party. And before night was over she was doing things to me that potentially could have given me a deadly disease.

[@nozecone]

@@No1Agge Now you know the value of Defendo!

[@fernandiaz8212]

More like pretendo

[@Xguy890]

its all from Japanese Asian fighting.....to me MY OPINION ASIAN MARTIAL ARTS IS GOOD

[@TheSADHU88]

They already invented all of this.

[@oneguy7202]

It's all from Greece and pamachon and pankration

[@mstrdbear]

@@oneguy7202 Asia*

[@adonblustar5495]

I'm going to call it combato it sounds cooler *eh* now Canadiens need to embrace Manly P. Hall

[@AnonymousNotSoOfficial]

Educate yourself... Combato was original combat style made by Bill, after police forces and some other departments asked him to teach this away, he developed Defendo to be more civilian-friendly ;)

[@c-459]

This Man wasn’t about Cool Grasshopper

[@powerplay4real174]

Defendo is English and Chinese by way of Shanghai.

[@crisanderson5176]

No. William Fairbairn's Defendu came from Shanghai. Defendo is a different art.

[@powerplay4real174]

@@crisanderson5176 The founders learn theirs skills in Shanghai and Cops and then taught it in the military to others Cris Anderson. Both Fairbairn and Sykes studied in Shanghai early on.

[@powerplay4real174]

He learn from them or one of their students it's as simple as that.

[@lolobuto1608]

I thought it's just one of those mcdojos videos.

[@andreluizsiqueirabraga9751]

That is aikijujutsu

[@patmat7984]

Developed from Japanese jujutsu....I thought westerners hated martial arts from the East?...I guess only when it's created by a none Westerner.....

[@aadilmohammed5143]

See this is what bugs the crap out of me with this sort of "reality" marital arts training. 1st when they just add stuff just to look cool or like they are pretending to be like a navy seal from what they are in movies. (Not in this particular video but the shirt Smithsonian one). 2nd over selling, a hall mark of a martial art that is severely lacking; the assistant's punch/"attack" comes in super slow but the teacher pulls off the technique at warp speed. This BS is dangerous, and it's techniques and false sense of confidence well get people killed.

[@MattrickBT]

My stepdad was special forces and taught this stuff alongside Robbie from this video. I've met Robbie several occasions. He's 100% legit and will own basically anyone hand-to-hand.

[@zomuankimakhawlhring5366]

No offence but whenever I see and overweight martial arts instructor, I know something's wrong. Now you could argue that he was old so he was not in shape, then have you seen any legit martial artist when their old, Bill Wallace is a good example, still fit in his old age. Have you ever seen Okinawan karate masters, their very muscular and strong.

[@nozecone]

@@zomuankimakhawlhring5366 You don't have to be in great shape to know the tricks and demonstrate them.

[@zomuankimakhawlhring5366]

@Evan Hodge yes, they would say that. But they still won't be unconditioned and overweight.

[@nicholasmuro1742]

I was thinking the same. Defendo looks more like Bullshido. I get it's a demonstration so not going full speed but the attacker is playing along not fighting back. Ferrigno has size, strength. He could bum rush him and knock him down no problem. These techniques may work if you know when the attack is coming and you square up. But that's not practical.

[@adamemerson7522]

Defendo definitely sounds more Mexican than Canadian! 🤔

[@monsantofungaro5704]

So he's like a Canadian Frank Dux?

[@pinkchorizo3070]

Diharrendo...try jujutsu when you have the shits

[@eclipsewrecker]

Hahahaha This is dangerous. Charlatans should be called out. FYI: if they are demonstrating a move and they move in bursts, and overall faster then the assistant, then they are probably trying to make crap look good. Just impatient how fast they would need to move to pull off the same technique against a full speed, nonstop attacker.....yeah a superpower that they do not have.

[@eclipsewrecker]

@Nathaniel Abbott what’s the difference between sport and self defense? My point is that a legit “slow to show how to do it,” would include the ‘dummy’ moving step for step instead of 1 step and then multiple steps taken by the demonstrator.

[@user-id6bs7xc8y]

Ju Jutsu is old shit.

[@biggusdickkus2956]

Combat & Defendo two more of the Marx Bros 😂 😂

[@mortgagefinancing5558]

It was a joke then and now too

[@robertspiegel2658]

It is only a joke to those whom are key board warriors. Its easy to hide behind a key board and quite another to actually show up and be a man. The fact you use a false identity tells me all I need to know. I am a man and stand by my words and you can find me and see what a joke it is then.

[@jamesnevitt3400]

I wanna attend that guys dojo he will make me a bad ass. Mr Mortage financing.

[@shdj1200]

No fake name here, This is a joke.

[@Alex-jf8mw]

Mortgage Financing Troll

[@harrygreb8427]

Canadian defense from a Liverpudlian!! Hardly Canadian is it

[@vitukoleon]

This is false. Defendu, not defendo, is a british martial art, not canadian martial art.

[@powerplay4real174]

This is bull crap , Fairbairn and Sykes taught Defendo as they learn from Shanghai Martial Artist when working as cop in Shanghai.

[@powerplay4real174]

He calling it Combatdo and its Defendo. Bill is a nice student of Sykes and Fairbairm obviously.

[@warkal868]

It's forgotten because it's crap.

[@ccboss490]

Nope. Fake.

[@proper90s43]

This is complete and utter BS. 'Defendu' was NOT in any way a 'Canadian martial art'.I laughed when I saw your post. Learn your history! 'Defendu' was devised by Will Fairbairn and Eric Sykes (both British) through their times in Hong Kong, as Policemen. They developed it and then the later went on to found the first commando school in the World at Achnacarry, in Scotland in 1941.

[@Triumph2024.]

Ok, Canadians! It's looking like the enemy may attack us at dawn, eh? So all of you's remember your training! 1. Exist in close, direct, geographic proximity to the United States. 2. Maintain exceedingly tight relationship with the United States. 3. Repeat. DefendUS: The Canadian Art of Self-Defense.