What We Do
Our methodology combines a science based skill training approach with extensive experience from coaching combat sports at the highest level, into a combatives training framework with large technical and tactical flexibility.
We believe combatives should be stripped down to its simplest moving parts, the fundamental skills.
They are the keystones that all combat effectiveness rest on.
The fundamental combative skills should be developed in a dynamic environment with a resisting training partner as early as possible, bringing the learning environment as close to reality as possible.
In that way, the key parts of the training environment is always representative of the reality we are preparing for, and that will ensure skill transfer to a real world confrontation.
With correct training design and coaching, smaller areas of the fight can be isolated without loosing transfer value to a real fight.
This guarantees faster learning by way of a much higher amount of dynamic repetitions of the skill being trained, compared to more “open” live sparring/exercises.
Correct drill design also greatly lowers risk of concussions and other injuries by making it easier for the instructor to control intensity when going live.
We always tailor our training framework to our customers needs, so everything is predesigned to fit into your specific tactical/strategical goals and current training situation.
What We Offer
Foundations of combatives skill training
This course is aimed at combatives instructors, and covers our approach to teaching the fundamental skills of fighting in all areas of the unarmed hand-to-hand fight, as well as blunt and sharp weapon defense:
– Standing striking engagement
– Clinching
– Grounded
– Defending against a blunt weapon
– Knife defense
Attendees will get practical experience in how to utilise an ecological approach to combatives training to make the best use of available training time.
Subjects covered include:
– Constraints led approach to skill training and differential learning
– Injury prevention through proper training design, intensity adjustments and “psychological safety” principles of coaching
– A large range of drills and games to teach attacking/defending with strikes, grappling and weapons as “alive” as possible
– A framework for designing training sessions, to make it easier for attendees to apply the tools they learned in their own training/teaching
– Analytical tools to optimize drills for the best possible transfer to a real world confrontation.
The full course duration is 5 days, but adjustments can be made if necessary. Get in touch if you want to discuss specifics.
Brain safe training
This course is designed to teach combatives instructors how to run a live training environment while minimizing the risk of head injuries.
A live training environment is needed to ensure transfer of combatives skills to a real world situation, but it can sometimes be difficult to balance the need for intense “alive” training with the risk of injuries.
Subjects covered include:
– How to design training to minimize head injury risk without loosing transfer value to a real fight
– Using the constraints led approach and “small sided games” to ensure transfer
– Controlling intensity through coaching cues and design of the psychological training environment
– Principles and drills for using padwork to simulate fighting
– Key defensive drills that can be done without hard head contact
– Substituting targets for less head contact in training
– Screening for concussions if accidents happen
– Evidence backed Return-to-play and Return-to-work guidelines for concussion recovery
The full course duration is 2 days, but adjustments can be made if necessary. Get in touch if you want to discuss specifics.
We are always ready to co-create another type of course or shorter workshop if our offerings does not suit your specific needs. Lets talk if you are interested or have any questions.
Fundamental Combatives is owned and run by Thomas la Cour and based in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Thomas is a former pro MMA fighter and BJJ blackbelt with a background in sports science.
He has competed in MMA, submission wrestling, BJJ and Muay thai, but his true passion lies in coaching.
His coaching style is heavily influenced by the ecological approach to skill aquisition and modern coaching and motor learning science.
Thomas has coached 5 athletes that later got signed by the UFC, 2 Bellator fighters and 4 Cage Warriors champions as well as many other amateur and professional fighters.
He also worked as a physical trainer and self defense instructor at the Danish Police Academy for several years.
Alongside teaching combatives, Thomas is working with concussion rehabilitation.
- BSc. Sports science from University of Copenhagen
- 25 years of experience with martial arts
- Black belt in BJJ under Chris Haueter
- Former physical trainer and selfdefense instructor at the Danish Police Academy
- Z-Health Master Trainer (neuro-based training system)
Damir Hadžović
UFC fighter
“During the time that Thomas la Cour was my coach, I learned a remarkably lot about submission wrestling/grappling and clinch for my MMA, which had a tremendous impact on my professional MMA fights. Thomas is undoubtedly one of the best MMA coaches I have ever had the privilege of working with.”
Thomas Iburg
5 x Danish Judo champion
Nordic Championship winner
International competitor
“I have had the pleasure of training MMA under the guidance of Thomas la Cour. When Thomas is the coach, you are in safe hands. He approaches training with enthusiasm and knowledge that only comes from genuine interest and intensive study. If there is a need for individual considerations or if you have technical or tactical problems, there are always solutions in la Cour’s intricate mind. The training environment around him is serious and informal at the same time, which, in my opinion, is the best environment to learn in. I highly recommend training with Thomas la Cour.”