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.
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