Strength in Kerambit Application

How Important is Strength in Kerambit Application

By Guro Jeff Chung

2007

By now it is clear that there are many designs of Kerambit available. Different physical attributes will affect the ease with which different techniques are applied. The focus of this article is upon the practitioner of Kerambit skills. Is strength a necessary factor to consider in the development and application of Kerambit skills?

It is my contention that the answer to that question is very much a definitive YES. As an example when we look at many Kerambits, and we consider their use as a thrusting or punching tool, there must be sufficient strength in the hand/wrist juncture to ensure that maximum force is transmitted into the target. With the development of thicker blade stock, wider blade profiles and often the additions of things like rippers onto the anatomy of a Kerambit, once the blade is able to penetrate a target, we will encounter greater resistance for removal, greater resistance to retrieval, and need to be aware of the various obstacles that may or may not be present upon the surface or within the interior of the target that may limit penetration.

Many of you know that I am a proponent of target practice with different mediums to prepare us for the eventuality that we may need to actually apply skills. It is a sad thing to watch a supposed "expert" with a flimsy wrist position or obvious lack of awareness of how to align ones structure behind a strike that is supposed to debilitate an opponent. By having increased strength in our bodies, particularly the hands (for gripping), in the wrist for support, and the shoulders and torso (for power amplification and if necessary, retrieval, and/or throws, takedowns, etc) we become more effective in our abilities to use a Kerambit effectively.

There is an importance to understanding the focus of our training, too. When we consider who our potential opponents might be, we need to consider their size, strength and intent as well. Obviously, if we are faced with an 80 pound, scrawny weakling, strength is not such a need. Personally, I train to fight the biggest, largest, strongest and fastest and most skilled opponent I can imagine. This way, I believe I will have the best possible chance for success if called into play. Because of those considerations, I feel that enhanced strength is a critical component to becoming an effective Kerambit practitioner.


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