The book by well-known teachers and scientists in the field of sports and applied martial arts - A. Bleer, D. Tyshler and A. Movshovich, summarizes the experience of several generations of fencing specialists in the formation of techniques and tactics of army hand-to-hand combat and the use of improvised means. A modern methodology for training martial arts athletes is outlined, adapted by the authors for applied self-defense with its tactical and psychological components, the effectiveness of which has been repeatedly confirmed by victories at world championships and the Olympic Games. For the first time, the theoretical and methodological prerequisites for the formation of a system of applied combat with edged weapons and improvised means are presented, given a typical composition of techniques for self-defense with piercing and cutting-stabbing objects, the theoretical foundations of hand-to-hand combat, systematized special terms. The book is intended for specialists in applied martial arts, as well as for a wide range of amateurs interested in martial arts. Published in the author's edition.