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.
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