There are several ways combative activities can be used in a class period:

1. Each squad holds elimination contests, with winners competing against winners of other squads.

2. Whole class divides into pairs, and all compete in one activity. Losers pair off to try another activity while winners continue till a final winner is declared.

3. Each squad competes in four different combative activities. Winners from each squad compete against other squads.

4. One squad pairs off with another squad in a series of combatives. Each team keeps a score of the victories over the other squads.

Generally, it is not a good idea to let eliminated losers become spectators. They should practice a skill learned earlier or enter more competition. Youngsters should get a maximum of activity in each class. It might be a good idea to allow the class to see the finalists compete.

Note: It may be wise in some of these activities to use mats.

COMBATIVE

1.INDIAN HAND WRESTLE

Opponents grasp right hands (like shaking hands) and stand with their right feet braced against each other, outer edges touching. The left foot is well to the rear to give a firm stance. The object is to throw the opponent. The first to move the left foot, or touch the ground with any part of the body loses.

2. PUSH AND PULL

Two players face each other from opposite sides of a line, their right feet touching the line, and hands clasped. By pushing and pulling, each student will attempt to make his opponent put a foot over the line or move his right foot.

3. FOOT PUSH

Contestants sit on floor facing each other. The feet are placed in contact and the knees bent. Each contestant supports himself by his hands in the rear.

4. SQUAT TUG

Contestants squat opposite one another, holding a piece of rope or cloth 18 inches long. On signal, they try to force one another off balance.

5. GOING DOWN

Contestants sit side by side in a long sitting position with right arms linked. On signal, they try to force one another to roll backward. They may not touch the floor with the free hand.

6.PUSH WAR

Two chalk lines are drawn 20 to 30 feet apart with a line midway between them. Contestants stand on the center-line and place their hands on each others' shoulders. On signal, they try to push one another back to the end line. Turning while pushing disqualifies the guilty one.

Variations:

a) Contestents stand back to back with elbows locked and each tries to push opponent to line he is facing. Lifting an opponent is not allowed.

b) Contestants stretch arms out sideways, lock finger and push chest to chest.

7. PULL WAR

Players clasp right hands and stand with right foot advanced, outside of foot against opponent's. Contestants try to pull each other over the line as in 'Push War.'

8. SPARROW FIGHT

Standing in a six foot circle, the contestants bend forward and grasp their ankles with their hands. The object is to upset the opponent or shoulder him from the circle.

9. STEPPING ON TOES

Players stand facing each other, hands on opponents' shoulders. At a signal, they attempt to step on each others’ toes. The one who first steps on the others' toes wins.

10. ARM

Opponents of approximately the same size and strength sit on the floor back to back, their legs spread widely, arms locked at the elbows. The object is to lean to the left to pull the other over so that his right arm or hand will touch the floor.

11. DRAGON'S MOUTH (A)

Using a hoop for an area of combat, competitors hold each other on the shoulders and try to force the other out of the hoop or to knock down a pin in the hoop.

12. DRAGON"S MOUTH (B)

Contestants stand three feet to one side of a five foot circle drawn on the floor ('the dragon's mouth'). Each player tries to put the other into the dragon's mouth. Any tactics may be used, barring unnecessary roughness or pulling on clothes. A person is captured by the dragon when any part of his body crosses the line of the dragon's mouth, so it is best to push or throw.