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.
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