Friday, July 11, 2008
Best Value Kerambit?
I had an opportunity last night to handle the live blade variation of the K1 trainer put out by Keen edges. Wow! Awesome blade. I cannot tell you how impressed I am. The price is more than reasonable at 140 dollars, and imo, is a terrific blade for potential carry, use and practice. It's the kind of kerambit that makes you want to get back out on the training floor and practice. It handles well, has great weight distribution, nice effective edge/point alignment and I think will fit easily 80 per cent of potential users out there. Check 'em out!!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Finally Caught Up HERE!
Dang!
I just realized that somehow at that OTHER place it'd been awhile since things were working right!
Found a missing post that I had done about a week ago, on bowie, here on THIS blog? Dang.
Anyway, i'm beat, and i've had it... glad to be here. Hope you all enjoy.
I just realized that somehow at that OTHER place it'd been awhile since things were working right!
Found a missing post that I had done about a week ago, on bowie, here on THIS blog? Dang.
Anyway, i'm beat, and i've had it... glad to be here. Hope you all enjoy.
Old Stuff plus 4
Attacking on Diagonal Lines
Feb. 6th, 2008 | 11:28 am
While working on the taping of Disc 5 materials I couldn't help being amazed at how vulnerable the body is to the diagonal lines. When the attack line is delivered and contact is made between the attacking limb and the countering limb, it is so easy to dominate the receiver of the attack in a large variety of ways; especially at close quarters with a kerambit. The design of the kerambit shows its strength and versatility in very close quarter range. It is something to be explored and developed in detail. Just some food for thought.
Practicing with Kerambits in each hand?
Aug. 25th, 2007 | 03:45 pm
Much common wisdom dictates that using paired knives or Kerambits is a very difficult proposition. Many experts feel that it is best to have one hand "free" or empty of a blade, and thus this "live" hand can be used to push, punch, strike, grab, offset, check,etc, and enable the typical practitioner to have the best possible choices of response to an opponent.
In Neo Tribe Kali training, because we advocate the use of smaller, fixed-blade Kerambits, and also teach a variety of grips, the practitioner who has a pair of matched-Kerambits is still able to do all of the above, even when our secondary hand is occupied with the presence and availability of another Kerambit for use in application. Now, the off-hand can still do the pushes, pulls, punches, strikes, grabs, etc as if we were empty-handed, but also have the versatility of yet another tool, with all its attributes that we can take into the fight.
Being able to use a Kerambit in each hand requires alot of patience, and time put in to actually apply the myriad techniques available to the off-hand. This offers the practitioner a greater breadth of practice and opportunity.
In Neo Tribe Kali training, because we advocate the use of smaller, fixed-blade Kerambits, and also teach a variety of grips, the practitioner who has a pair of matched-Kerambits is still able to do all of the above, even when our secondary hand is occupied with the presence and availability of another Kerambit for use in application. Now, the off-hand can still do the pushes, pulls, punches, strikes, grabs, etc as if we were empty-handed, but also have the versatility of yet another tool, with all its attributes that we can take into the fight.
Being able to use a Kerambit in each hand requires alot of patience, and time put in to actually apply the myriad techniques available to the off-hand. This offers the practitioner a greater breadth of practice and opportunity.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Jul. 26th, 2007 | 07:42 am
Kerambits come in many shapes and sizes. While there may be 1 or 2 general sizes that will accommodate the vast majority of users for training purposes, for the purposes of EDC those 1 or 2 general sizes might not be suitable for your specific given needs. In my opinion, the first consideration necessary for effective EDC is how comfortable is it to carry and holster on your person in your usual daily activities? Typically, smaller sized Kerambits and those with less of an acute angle will be easier to wear on one's person. That's important for ease of withdrawal, ease of movement while wearing the Kerambit, and greater likelihood of unnoticed carry.
The second consideration for EDC carry is what type of techniques do you feel comfortable employing, and does the handle shape and ring size accommodate the necessary grip changes to perform those techniques effectively and efficiently. I believe there is too much of an emphasis upon handles with sleek designs and too much reliance upon thinner profiled handles because of a perceived need for good looks. Many of the older types of Kerambit i've handled often had wider handles which allowed for better options with secure grips and application of technique.
Unfortunately the best way to find out the size of Kerambit that works for you is to seek out many different available models and try them under a variety of circumstances. That can become a bit costly, but the investment, in my opinion is well worth the cost.
The second consideration for EDC carry is what type of techniques do you feel comfortable employing, and does the handle shape and ring size accommodate the necessary grip changes to perform those techniques effectively and efficiently. I believe there is too much of an emphasis upon handles with sleek designs and too much reliance upon thinner profiled handles because of a perceived need for good looks. Many of the older types of Kerambit i've handled often had wider handles which allowed for better options with secure grips and application of technique.
Unfortunately the best way to find out the size of Kerambit that works for you is to seek out many different available models and try them under a variety of circumstances. That can become a bit costly, but the investment, in my opinion is well worth the cost.
Old Stuff plus 3
Kerambit Dexterity Drills
Jul. 18th, 2007 | 11:11 pm
In my DVD series on Kerambit training I present some dexterity drills. The dexterity drills allow for passing the Kerambit from one hand to another, allow for a change in grip to another grip, allow for a change in position, etc. Quite a number of people have inquired as to why dexterity drills should be practiced.
The more we handle our Kerambits, the more familiar we become with them. We are less likely to cause self-inflicted wounds, we are better able to execute a variety of techniques more comfortably and reliably. As a Kerambit player, we understand that we may become injured and that sometimes when we access our Kerambits, we may not necessarily have our hands in the optimum position to retrieve a given Kerambit in a given circumstance.
There maybe times that we need to use our Kerambit in our "off-hand." As an example if we are trying to use a Kerambit to cut something, but we cannot reach it with our right, but can reach it with our left, AND in a different position, it would be best if we knew HOW to get our tool from one hand to the other, AND be able to change grips or alter position to allow for ease of application and increase the likelihood of effectiveness with whatever we are trying to do at the time.
There are other reasons as well, but for the sake of mere introduction to the notion of Kerambit dexterity drills, this provides some immediate food for thought.
The more we handle our Kerambits, the more familiar we become with them. We are less likely to cause self-inflicted wounds, we are better able to execute a variety of techniques more comfortably and reliably. As a Kerambit player, we understand that we may become injured and that sometimes when we access our Kerambits, we may not necessarily have our hands in the optimum position to retrieve a given Kerambit in a given circumstance.
There maybe times that we need to use our Kerambit in our "off-hand." As an example if we are trying to use a Kerambit to cut something, but we cannot reach it with our right, but can reach it with our left, AND in a different position, it would be best if we knew HOW to get our tool from one hand to the other, AND be able to change grips or alter position to allow for ease of application and increase the likelihood of effectiveness with whatever we are trying to do at the time.
There are other reasons as well, but for the sake of mere introduction to the notion of Kerambit dexterity drills, this provides some immediate food for thought.
Individuality
Jul. 15th, 2007 | 10:01 pm
Over the course of my travels and teaching across the US, i've come across quite a number of Kerambit practitioners that are very well-versed in a few moves. When I watch them, I always smile and appreciate the work they have put in to be able to replicate the patterns of movement they have been shown by teachers they've been in contact with. I think it's very complimentary and very worthwhile to be able to emulate great instructors we have the opportunity to meet.
What gives me pause though, is when I watch them try to improvise, or use the techniques they've been shown in different circumstances, or against different strikes or varying types of pressure. Then, it becomes clear that more often than not, they've become clones of movement patterns they've been taught, and do not truly understand or have not embedded the material thoroughly into their minds and bodies.
I believe that it is important for each Kerambit practitioner to find out what movements and rhythm and timing of application works best for him or her. Every practitioner will develop preferences for strikes, cuts, thrusts, techniques and must learn to move in a manner that is fluid and Natural for him and/or her. I think that only by recognizing the need for individuality and creativity, can every practitioner achieve the maximum potential they are capable of.
Even when I teach my students, I drill them in the movements that work for ME. And, I make it clear that while they can learn from those movements, they need to experiment and explore the concepts and ideas being presented to them in their own way.
What gives me pause though, is when I watch them try to improvise, or use the techniques they've been shown in different circumstances, or against different strikes or varying types of pressure. Then, it becomes clear that more often than not, they've become clones of movement patterns they've been taught, and do not truly understand or have not embedded the material thoroughly into their minds and bodies.
I believe that it is important for each Kerambit practitioner to find out what movements and rhythm and timing of application works best for him or her. Every practitioner will develop preferences for strikes, cuts, thrusts, techniques and must learn to move in a manner that is fluid and Natural for him and/or her. I think that only by recognizing the need for individuality and creativity, can every practitioner achieve the maximum potential they are capable of.
Even when I teach my students, I drill them in the movements that work for ME. And, I make it clear that while they can learn from those movements, they need to experiment and explore the concepts and ideas being presented to them in their own way.
Benefits of Partner Practice with Kerambits
Jul. 14th, 2007 | 11:23 am
In class the other night, we had a decent sized group practicing with a wide variety of skill levels present. It was also very interesting to note the wide range of body types present as well. During partner practice it was clear that almost everyone would move similarly in response to a given Kerambit attack. Subsequent follow-ups and counters and re-counters were developed rapidly and they proved to be very consistent.
Clearly, solo practice is great and very useful. Very clear also is that partner practice adds a dimension to training that hopefully is not ignored.
Having many partners of different sizes and abilities and training under different conditions makes one more and more familiar with the possibilities of use with a Kerambit, and will expose lines of thinking and creativity that can and perhaps should be explored more thoroughly.
Clearly, solo practice is great and very useful. Very clear also is that partner practice adds a dimension to training that hopefully is not ignored.
Having many partners of different sizes and abilities and training under different conditions makes one more and more familiar with the possibilities of use with a Kerambit, and will expose lines of thinking and creativity that can and perhaps should be explored more thoroughly.
Live Blades, Respect and Practice
Jul. 12th, 2007 | 05:20 pm
Common wisdom here in the West is to use a 'trainer' or simulated blade for practice. There is much to be said for that line of thinking. However, if one is very serious about his or her understanding of the use of a Kerambit, there has to be significant time and energy devoted to practice with a live blade. I practice with my live blades daily.
One of the things I do is to practice SOMETHING whenever the opportunity and the thought strikes me. This way, I can get training time in often and I am very regular with my practice. I practice when i'm wide awake, when i'm drowsy, when i'm fatigued, like I wrote earlier, I will practice whenever the whim strikes me.
Live blades and fatigue are a dangerous combination. The addition of two new scars on my arm is a reminder of the small things we need to pay attention to in order to become expert with what we do. Remaining calm in the face of pain, and injury and not permitting such a small distraction to deter us from our continued practice is critical to growth. I look at each time I make an obvious mistake as feedback as to what I need to work and practice on, to make the likelihood of injury less likely.
The more you actually use your live blade, the more familiar you are with its strengths and limitations, if any. Each time we get 'bitten' by our blades is a reminder that we need to pay even THAT much more respect to its power, and its abilities as a potential weapon and tool. For me, it's been a good 2 years since i've had an accident such as I did the other day. I'm reminded that every time I have the Kerambit in hand, I must truly focus my effort and concentration towards good and PROPER practice.
One of the things I do is to practice SOMETHING whenever the opportunity and the thought strikes me. This way, I can get training time in often and I am very regular with my practice. I practice when i'm wide awake, when i'm drowsy, when i'm fatigued, like I wrote earlier, I will practice whenever the whim strikes me.
Live blades and fatigue are a dangerous combination. The addition of two new scars on my arm is a reminder of the small things we need to pay attention to in order to become expert with what we do. Remaining calm in the face of pain, and injury and not permitting such a small distraction to deter us from our continued practice is critical to growth. I look at each time I make an obvious mistake as feedback as to what I need to work and practice on, to make the likelihood of injury less likely.
The more you actually use your live blade, the more familiar you are with its strengths and limitations, if any. Each time we get 'bitten' by our blades is a reminder that we need to pay even THAT much more respect to its power, and its abilities as a potential weapon and tool. For me, it's been a good 2 years since i've had an accident such as I did the other day. I'm reminded that every time I have the Kerambit in hand, I must truly focus my effort and concentration towards good and PROPER practice.
Old Stuff plus 2
Ideas for Training
Jul. 7th, 2007 | 05:58 pm
As I was doing some research for preparation on another series of instructional DVDs, I came across an old book that I used to read when I was a kid back in the 70s. As I was looking at it, I realized yet again, the fantastic offerings and ideas that have come before us, and the treasures available to us today for new ideas and methods of practice. This particular book was a gem of practical scenarios to consider and learn application of different techniques for self-defense. I immediately realized the value and need for similar methods applied to Kerambit usage. Too often, we become easily fixated upon the ORIGINAL methods that are presented to us, and do not extrapolate enough into the 'real world' applications that are more likely to occur here in the environment and climate of the USA of the 21st century. While we have various types of tactical scenario training used in the Neo Tribe Kali (NTK) curriculum, this book reminded me of how important it is to consider "everyman's" needs, and NOT just those who are planning to delve into a lifetime of study and practice in the Art of the Kerambit. Good stuff to consider.
Kerambit Basics re-visited
Jul. 6th, 2007 | 07:37 pm
In the Neo Tribe Kali and NYC Tactical Kerambit curriculum we spend a great deal of time on basics. Understanding and respect for foundational development leads to individual growth and expression of use and application. Practicing a movement such as the Figure 8 pattern leads into many options and techniques depending upon the type of counter to a given attack or recounter is available. Sometimes beginners forget that while the WHOLE motion is practiced in form, we can use ANY given part of the entire movement to effect a response/reaction or strike to an opponent. The WHOLE motion teaches us Flow and movement, but the Individual Pieces of the Whole movement used at any given moment in time, in application is the real jewel that we are attempting to learn and apply in real time.
In my own practice, I will often break down the entire flow into half movements, then quarter movements, and then I will piece the together a flow of the individual components that i've created. I will then get a partner, and have a partner deliver an attack with one arm, and piece together a reaction, and see if I can actually apply that flow I've made. IF successful, then, i'll have my partner deliver another attack, with the opposite arm, and see if it would work, etc, etc.
Too many individuals believe that if they attend a weekend seminar or two that they are experts. Some experts I know have NEVER attended a seminar, but they sure could teach a bunch if they were "known" to those seeking knowledge and information. Gaining exposure and instruction is a good thing, but the key to really improving is the practice and the research and appropriate stimuli and conditioning to make things work.
In my own practice, I will often break down the entire flow into half movements, then quarter movements, and then I will piece the together a flow of the individual components that i've created. I will then get a partner, and have a partner deliver an attack with one arm, and piece together a reaction, and see if I can actually apply that flow I've made. IF successful, then, i'll have my partner deliver another attack, with the opposite arm, and see if it would work, etc, etc.
Too many individuals believe that if they attend a weekend seminar or two that they are experts. Some experts I know have NEVER attended a seminar, but they sure could teach a bunch if they were "known" to those seeking knowledge and information. Gaining exposure and instruction is a good thing, but the key to really improving is the practice and the research and appropriate stimuli and conditioning to make things work.
Kerambits... Do they pose a disadvantage because of decreased reach?
Jul. 4th, 2007 | 09:15 pm
On the internet there are many people that have opinions about things related to Kerambits. Many people like to make comparisons of "this knife vs a Kerambit," or "this knife vs THAT knife," etc. Very often people will make statements that if you choose to use a Kerambit you "give up reach" or "distance." I am always feeling very sad when I read stuff like that because from their statements, I can tell that they have possibly a very distorted view about actual application and use of ANY given knife, let alone a Kerambit.
There are instructors that will promote the idea and concepts of dueling or sparring and sport-like approaches to knifework. It is my contention that serious users of knives and Kerambits never intended for these tools to be used in this fashion, but rather understood that tools like the Kerambit were designed for personal protection and designed for various types of utility and backup use, with other weapons and tools available to be used as primary choices.
There are several different ways to compensate for the shorter blade length of most Kerambits. Things that may readily be altered are the type of grip being used, a slight adjustment of footwork, and a slight adjustment of body turn and bodyshifting or leaning into a strike. Any one of those things or a combination of those variables would more than compensate for a "longer" blade being used by a guy with little experience or understanding of how he could actually use his 10 or 12 inch knife.
Study, research and practice learning all the facets of use available to a person in regards to Kerambits will always defeat the mere physical attribute of length of another "type" of knife. As always, it is NOT the tool per se, but rather the individual wielding the different tool in consideration that matters most. Trust me, I never feel in any way compromised because I prefer a 2" bladed Kerambit to trying to carry a 10" bowie knife hanging inside my pants while I go to work here in NYC. Just some food for thought.
There are instructors that will promote the idea and concepts of dueling or sparring and sport-like approaches to knifework. It is my contention that serious users of knives and Kerambits never intended for these tools to be used in this fashion, but rather understood that tools like the Kerambit were designed for personal protection and designed for various types of utility and backup use, with other weapons and tools available to be used as primary choices.
There are several different ways to compensate for the shorter blade length of most Kerambits. Things that may readily be altered are the type of grip being used, a slight adjustment of footwork, and a slight adjustment of body turn and bodyshifting or leaning into a strike. Any one of those things or a combination of those variables would more than compensate for a "longer" blade being used by a guy with little experience or understanding of how he could actually use his 10 or 12 inch knife.
Study, research and practice learning all the facets of use available to a person in regards to Kerambits will always defeat the mere physical attribute of length of another "type" of knife. As always, it is NOT the tool per se, but rather the individual wielding the different tool in consideration that matters most. Trust me, I never feel in any way compromised because I prefer a 2" bladed Kerambit to trying to carry a 10" bowie knife hanging inside my pants while I go to work here in NYC. Just some food for thought.
Leg Strength and Kerambit Use
Jul. 3rd, 2007 | 07:04 pm
Leg Strength is a critical component to successful martial arts practice. The need for leg strength in conjunction with the movements and application of a Kerambit is often neglected and overlooked. In order to drive forward for an initial entry or to move quickly to reposition for ideal counter and entry enhanced strength will increase the chances that a technique will be successful, and the movements efficient and reliable.
Stronger legs allow us to change height levels quickly and will allow a practitioner to move in deep, and tight with an opponent and use the power of the legs to power a "lifting" cut or thrust that will truly rip aside anything obstructing the blade's path.
Strong legs will also better enable a Kerambit player to build a strong receiving foundation against the power and weight of the entry of an opponent. Without strength in the lower extremities it is very easy for a Kerambit player to be overwhelmed quickly and suddenly. In addition, stronger legs will increase the spped and mobility required to potentially contend against a group of attackers. A good sense of mobility via applied footwork and strength will allow a Kerambit player more options when he/she has to deal with a variety of attackers in a greater variety of conditions.
Stronger legs allow us to change height levels quickly and will allow a practitioner to move in deep, and tight with an opponent and use the power of the legs to power a "lifting" cut or thrust that will truly rip aside anything obstructing the blade's path.
Strong legs will also better enable a Kerambit player to build a strong receiving foundation against the power and weight of the entry of an opponent. Without strength in the lower extremities it is very easy for a Kerambit player to be overwhelmed quickly and suddenly. In addition, stronger legs will increase the spped and mobility required to potentially contend against a group of attackers. A good sense of mobility via applied footwork and strength will allow a Kerambit player more options when he/she has to deal with a variety of attackers in a greater variety of conditions.
Old Stuff plus 1
Ideal Kerambit?
Jul. 1st, 2007 | 09:40 am
We all have our given preferences for the choices of Kerambit designs we pursue. Sometimes the appeal is strictly visual, sometimes there is an intangible but very perceivable emotional attachment we feel for a given piece of work. Some people choose NOT to look at the art, but rather focus upon the functional abilities of a given Kerambit. I believe the more we know, the more we understand, the Greater our appreciation of all the components that lead us to our choice in handling, owning and practicing with these terrific blades.
How Much Force is Needed to...
Jul. 1st, 2007 | 09:29 am
How much force is needed to penetrate heavy denim and then enter the flesh to allow a ripping cut of a lower extremity artery? How much force is needed to be able to penetrate clothing in general, and rip upwards and through a resistant target? The answer is probably more than most people can imagine. The Art of Using and Appreciating what a Kerambit is capable of can be appealing to everyone. That is a good thing, as a general appeal and interest can keep knowledge and existence of Kerambits around for a greater length of time than without.
However for those who would actually train with the possibility of having to use a Kerambit or those who need to Know, whether it be to pass onto others, or train those in serious need, I think it is critical to be knowledgeable about such issues. In order to trap a limb the person holding the Kerambit must be able to withstand serious counterpressures. To cut through heavy resistant materials, appropriate body mechanics and alignment are critical.
An awareness of one's own personal limitations in terms of strength, attitude, or willingness is critical. An awareness of the limitations of the Kerambit you choose to own is a very necessary ingredient to determing the true effectiveness of the techniques one chooses to pursue. Knowledge of how much and what type of resistance one is likely to receive at the hands of an antagonist or target is important to consider as well. What are or could be the differences in response from someone who is untrained, vs someone who is skilled, vs someone who has knowledge and abilities in arts other than yours?
So much to learn to so many questions to be asked and answered.
However for those who would actually train with the possibility of having to use a Kerambit or those who need to Know, whether it be to pass onto others, or train those in serious need, I think it is critical to be knowledgeable about such issues. In order to trap a limb the person holding the Kerambit must be able to withstand serious counterpressures. To cut through heavy resistant materials, appropriate body mechanics and alignment are critical.
An awareness of one's own personal limitations in terms of strength, attitude, or willingness is critical. An awareness of the limitations of the Kerambit you choose to own is a very necessary ingredient to determing the true effectiveness of the techniques one chooses to pursue. Knowledge of how much and what type of resistance one is likely to receive at the hands of an antagonist or target is important to consider as well. What are or could be the differences in response from someone who is untrained, vs someone who is skilled, vs someone who has knowledge and abilities in arts other than yours?
So much to learn to so many questions to be asked and answered.
Non-Dominant Hand Practice
Jul. 1st, 2007 | 12:46 am
Working the Kerambit is not natural nor intuitive for me when using my non-dominant hand. I make a very conscious effort and decision to practice ambidexterity and familiarity with my off-hand in case I find my dominant hand injured, or I might need to use my non-dominant hand for whatever reason.
I practice dexterity drills on both sides, I practice passing back and forth from one hand to the other. I repeat cutting patterns and drills on both sides, and often I'll do many more reps on my non-dominant side to ensure that I am able to move and function on either side with comfort and effectiveness.
It takes time to develop skill on one side of the body. It takes more than twice the effort to work both sides of the body, but I seriously believe the end result is worth the time and energy put into the practice. If you practice as I do with a live blade regularly, be advised that with the non-dominant hand, the likelihood of injury is greater. The key to safe and progressive practice in my opinion is to go slowly and leave the ego out of the equation of practice. Repetition is the key, I believe.
I practice dexterity drills on both sides, I practice passing back and forth from one hand to the other. I repeat cutting patterns and drills on both sides, and often I'll do many more reps on my non-dominant side to ensure that I am able to move and function on either side with comfort and effectiveness.
It takes time to develop skill on one side of the body. It takes more than twice the effort to work both sides of the body, but I seriously believe the end result is worth the time and energy put into the practice. If you practice as I do with a live blade regularly, be advised that with the non-dominant hand, the likelihood of injury is greater. The key to safe and progressive practice in my opinion is to go slowly and leave the ego out of the equation of practice. Repetition is the key, I believe.
How Many Types of Kerambit Techniques Are There?
Jun. 29th, 2007 | 02:52 pm
Last night while teaching class and in discussions afterwards, it became clear that people often believe there to be a limited number of techniques they can do with their Kerambits. I'm not sure why that is so. Some of the newer students to the class had not realized that Kerambits could be used for punching or thrusting techniques. I explained to them, how design was critical in that yes, the design could potentially limit the different types of techniques available. Some of the students were not aware of how they could use the Kerambit as an impact tool. That is all good, since that is where I fulfill my role as a teacher.
Last night I demonstrated a couple of variations of striking with the kerambit that allowed for impact AND ripping simultaneously using different aspects of the design of the Kerambit I personally use. It was fun to see the surprise and then the delight in their eyes as they tried out something new, which led to a fun time of experimentation and exploration.
It was also interesting to see how even some of the advanced students had difficulty making a translation from their empty hand techniques and then translating them to a Kerambit enhanced concept. Experiences in class like that demonstrate clearly that certain types of techniques need to be highlighted more and different teaching methods employed to help the students fully realize the potential their given tools can help supply them.
Last night I demonstrated a couple of variations of striking with the kerambit that allowed for impact AND ripping simultaneously using different aspects of the design of the Kerambit I personally use. It was fun to see the surprise and then the delight in their eyes as they tried out something new, which led to a fun time of experimentation and exploration.
It was also interesting to see how even some of the advanced students had difficulty making a translation from their empty hand techniques and then translating them to a Kerambit enhanced concept. Experiences in class like that demonstrate clearly that certain types of techniques need to be highlighted more and different teaching methods employed to help the students fully realize the potential their given tools can help supply them.
Old Stuff
Modern Day Kerambit User or... Something else?
Jun. 28th, 2007 | 09:33 am
Kerambit training these days is done in all sorts of environments. DVDs and pictures and video clips show guys in rural mountainous areas, in driveways in urban cities, in Karate schools, and in nice cozy martial arts academies or in the countries of origin, like Indonesia or Malaysia. I believe an important question to ask yourself as a modern day Kerambit practitioner, where do you live, and IF you had to apply the skills of your Kerambit, where do you practice, and HOW do you practice?
Me? I live in NYC. If I go to the local area park, I feel like i'm in the wilderness. When I lived in the country down in rural Florida, my girlfriend at the time used to laugh at all the armament I used to carry, as I was not used to snakes of the animal kind, and only the human type was known to me. When I lived down there, I stuck out like a sore thumb. She called me the Northern Yankee Short Fake Chinese Man, and my dress and appearance sure didn't fit in when we'd go to the flea markets and such selling used toilets and used guns, and things. A very far cry from the neighborhoods I knew comfortably.
The point is, perhaps for the vast majority of Kerambit users there is only so many ways to cut and thrust. But folks who decide to really delve into this art come to learn there is so much MORE out there that this tool is capable of doing. To fully realize the potential of the Kerambit and to make it a true part of one's lifestyle or application, you'll need to ask, can i do what I train where I live, in its given environment and wearing the clothes i'd normally be wearing whether it be at work or at a party. I don't see too many guys walking around the streets of NYC in Karate uniforms or in traditional Indonesian dress as an example.
I believe it is important to recognize a tool's cultural origins and to respect it. I think it is important to also respect where we are and where we live and how we train for today's world and the environment that we're interacting in.
Me? I live in NYC. If I go to the local area park, I feel like i'm in the wilderness. When I lived in the country down in rural Florida, my girlfriend at the time used to laugh at all the armament I used to carry, as I was not used to snakes of the animal kind, and only the human type was known to me. When I lived down there, I stuck out like a sore thumb. She called me the Northern Yankee Short Fake Chinese Man, and my dress and appearance sure didn't fit in when we'd go to the flea markets and such selling used toilets and used guns, and things. A very far cry from the neighborhoods I knew comfortably.
The point is, perhaps for the vast majority of Kerambit users there is only so many ways to cut and thrust. But folks who decide to really delve into this art come to learn there is so much MORE out there that this tool is capable of doing. To fully realize the potential of the Kerambit and to make it a true part of one's lifestyle or application, you'll need to ask, can i do what I train where I live, in its given environment and wearing the clothes i'd normally be wearing whether it be at work or at a party. I don't see too many guys walking around the streets of NYC in Karate uniforms or in traditional Indonesian dress as an example.
I believe it is important to recognize a tool's cultural origins and to respect it. I think it is important to also respect where we are and where we live and how we train for today's world and the environment that we're interacting in.
Observation Skills
Jun. 27th, 2007 | 09:57 am
How critical do we need to be when we develop our skills of observation? When we watch different video clips, what is the point of YOUR eye's focus? As we improve in our technology and our understanding of the application of skills, we begin to look for both the good characteristics and the negative things that a person's movments will reveal to us.
Any type of kinetic activity, otherwise known as a movement, will be compromised by ANY weakness along the chain of its skeletal structure. When using a tool like a Kerambit, when we are moving in free space without obstruction we can get away with alot of error, and fortunately for the vast majority of practitioners, 95% of the population will never notice or be cognizant of obvious weaknesses and flaws in technique.
The remaining 5% of skilled and knowledgeable practitioners note and monitor the weaknesses of others. In real time, impact, cut resistance, body response, and tissue detoriation and compromise, all will act and pose difficulties for the unskilled technician trying to apply the skills that he or she believes she has. Always seek to remove ANY weak links in the chain of skeletal structure supporting the movement you are trying to execute.
Any type of kinetic activity, otherwise known as a movement, will be compromised by ANY weakness along the chain of its skeletal structure. When using a tool like a Kerambit, when we are moving in free space without obstruction we can get away with alot of error, and fortunately for the vast majority of practitioners, 95% of the population will never notice or be cognizant of obvious weaknesses and flaws in technique.
The remaining 5% of skilled and knowledgeable practitioners note and monitor the weaknesses of others. In real time, impact, cut resistance, body response, and tissue detoriation and compromise, all will act and pose difficulties for the unskilled technician trying to apply the skills that he or she believes she has. Always seek to remove ANY weak links in the chain of skeletal structure supporting the movement you are trying to execute.
Kerambits and Humidity
Jun. 27th, 2007 | 09:38 am
Training outside yesterday was brutal. A very hot and very humid day, the sweat was dripping off my body and was making retention on the Kerambit difficult. Walking about and training while the blade was sheathed on my person was also difficult as I was very much aware of how much sweat was being absorbed by my sheath and blade, and the hot and humid conditions was clearly making me uncomfortable.
When our clothes are wet and damp, our carry equipment sometimes becomes more outlined. If you observe someone being fidgety and fussing with different parts of their person, you have to wonder what is there. Maintenance of the Kerambit becomes an issue, as we consider what type of steel are we using, how often is maintenance performed on your equipment, what biological aftereffects of training linger upon our sheath and blade and attachment devices? Can this become unpleasant, or leave a tell-tale stimulus that is unwanted?
While trying to be somewhat funny and somewhat light-spirited this morning, i've mentioned some serious considerations that need to be addressed if one is serious about their equipment. Proper selection of blade steels, positioning, sheathing, and handling are critical to consider in relation to one's environment. Just some food for thought.
When our clothes are wet and damp, our carry equipment sometimes becomes more outlined. If you observe someone being fidgety and fussing with different parts of their person, you have to wonder what is there. Maintenance of the Kerambit becomes an issue, as we consider what type of steel are we using, how often is maintenance performed on your equipment, what biological aftereffects of training linger upon our sheath and blade and attachment devices? Can this become unpleasant, or leave a tell-tale stimulus that is unwanted?
While trying to be somewhat funny and somewhat light-spirited this morning, i've mentioned some serious considerations that need to be addressed if one is serious about their equipment. Proper selection of blade steels, positioning, sheathing, and handling are critical to consider in relation to one's environment. Just some food for thought.
Sigh... Moving is such a Pain!!
OK. Maybe I need a new life, anyway...
I hate when things don't work. Blogger has Always worked well for me, sooooo... i'm moving my kerambit blog over to here.
Hope you enjoy!
Thanks for checking in.
I hate when things don't work. Blogger has Always worked well for me, sooooo... i'm moving my kerambit blog over to here.
Hope you enjoy!
Thanks for checking in.
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