At STMA our sparring encompasses kb, grappling, MMA and chi sao.
It's hard to explain chi sao in writing and it's quite hard to see what it actually is if you are uninitated.
We practice basic luk sao roll drill as part of our FW drilling. It will instantly improve your trapping and locking sensitivity.
Chi sao has to be handed to a student by a Sifu and one stage at a time. I have to constantly check your position before allowing you to advance with each other. It takes time, but it's worth it.
We take the Jun Fan approach rather than the hard fixed WC approach, and you don't need to learn Sil Lum Tao first.
Chi sao is one of the areas in MA that is not often taught properly, especially by Westerners taught by Westerners with no real Chinese lineage.
As it's hard to see what it really is, unlike boxing or grappling, it's easy to misinterpret and get wrong.
Our chi sao is very adapted. It starts in Traditional WC, then works to Modified, the Jun Fan, which is much looser and works from a boxing stance.
WC enters quickly to chi sao, while JF is fully functional in the KB phase.
It's been said that chi sao is an expression of the Sil Lum Tao form in combat. I always interpret that as refering to an expression of the concepts of Sil Lum Tao as opposed to the literal techiques.
I won't be expecting members to learn the Sil Lum Tao form, or any WC forms, but we will do SLT exercises and definately expound the concepts in combat.
I was talking to one of the STMA students who had some previous chi sao experience and he mentioned something he had been told previously about the position of bon sao having to be 45 degrees.
This is a classic example of somebody who doesn't know what they are talking about!
This person did not understand Sil Lum Tao or Chi Sao at all.
Let me explain.
The first thing you learn is Tan Sao. In tan sao the arm is fixed at 45 deg. You use this as a bridge and block.
You then learn fok sao - the "bridge arm".
Once you have these you roll tan to bon sao.
Bon sao is the third arm position you learn.
If your tan sao is properly developed before you start rolling
YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE BON SAO AT 45 DEG!
What Paul mentioned was a class where the student's structures collapse and the hand at bon pulls in towards the body. This is because they were not taught SLT properly - how to fix tan sao and fok sao before ever rolling to bon sao.
If tan sao and the roll are properly trained there is no need to ever think about this bon sao "compensation"!
SLT training ensures the structures are correct from day one so there is no need for later correction.
EMPTY YOUR CUP and forget what you think you know!
........ WHITE TIGER MARTIAL ARTS CROYDON ........ SHIRO TORA BUDO KAI ........ South Croydon ........ – Weapons training – Unarmed Combat – Grappling – Kickboxing : Traditional and Contemporary Martial Arts : Practical, Realistic and Effective Street Self Defence : Get a great workout – Learn something – Have Fun! ....... : HIT HARD – HIT FAST – HIT FIRST! : If you want to learn to fight – come to see us!
Saturday 31 October 2009
MMA and VT progression
The best way to get MMA sessions working is to do the hard, heavy, sweaty rolling first, then stand up and add back in the kb phase.
Also, a fighter will be tired and well into the fight at this point so it feels more like a real fight than a sparring session. The range closes down quickly as the 2 fighters are prepared to go to the ground and carry on there.
We'll drill Thai roll, VT chokes, and HKE, as a standard part of this session, as well as some functional throws and takedowns, see if they come out naturally in the matches.
One thing we did note was that the proer use of Muay Thai makes all the difference - just using the cross to cave the guard and hacking the leg changes the game dramatically. We'll drill for that as well.
Also, a fighter will be tired and well into the fight at this point so it feels more like a real fight than a sparring session. The range closes down quickly as the 2 fighters are prepared to go to the ground and carry on there.
We'll drill Thai roll, VT chokes, and HKE, as a standard part of this session, as well as some functional throws and takedowns, see if they come out naturally in the matches.
One thing we did note was that the proer use of Muay Thai makes all the difference - just using the cross to cave the guard and hacking the leg changes the game dramatically. We'll drill for that as well.
Closing the gap
Defending the clinch to "stop a fight going to the ground" is a lot harder than you might think. Anyone who's done full ranges MMA sparring wil know this.
Unfortunately many who haven't assume they have the answers.
There are a lot of Wing Chun people who claim to have effective "defences against a Kickboxer" or "against a grappler" but they never try them out in free sparring real time, they just do them in theory.
If you watch things like UFC you don't see WC people entering and keeping the grapplers at bay with traps and blasts - it just doesn't happen that way.
Having said that, the WC adaptations into Jun Fan that Bruce made do work against a KB or grappler, and are played regularly in JKD training clubs - we do the same drills here.
So as for the "Wing Chun" phase the JF will work on the mat in MMA as will the Feng Wei, as they cover the KB and grappling phases.
But don't expect some WC stuff you've been shown in some club by a landswimmer who's only seen MMA and UFC on TV from the comfort of his armchair to work against a real shoot - the clinch will happen and you will go down!
A good example I've been using - go outside the confines of MA and watch concepts from athletics. An athlete can do a 100 metre sprint in around 10 seconds. That's 10 metres a second.
How fast does the gap of under 2 metres across the mat get closed? That's why grappling range happens and why it's almost impossible to stop.
You need to learn how to fight on the floor.
Unfortunately many who haven't assume they have the answers.
There are a lot of Wing Chun people who claim to have effective "defences against a Kickboxer" or "against a grappler" but they never try them out in free sparring real time, they just do them in theory.
If you watch things like UFC you don't see WC people entering and keeping the grapplers at bay with traps and blasts - it just doesn't happen that way.
Having said that, the WC adaptations into Jun Fan that Bruce made do work against a KB or grappler, and are played regularly in JKD training clubs - we do the same drills here.
So as for the "Wing Chun" phase the JF will work on the mat in MMA as will the Feng Wei, as they cover the KB and grappling phases.
But don't expect some WC stuff you've been shown in some club by a landswimmer who's only seen MMA and UFC on TV from the comfort of his armchair to work against a real shoot - the clinch will happen and you will go down!
A good example I've been using - go outside the confines of MA and watch concepts from athletics. An athlete can do a 100 metre sprint in around 10 seconds. That's 10 metres a second.
How fast does the gap of under 2 metres across the mat get closed? That's why grappling range happens and why it's almost impossible to stop.
You need to learn how to fight on the floor.
Thursday 29 October 2009
Martial Arts Croydon
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Corto range
The corto range is the place where ranges overlap and contrasts collide.
An obvious example is hubud - a Kali drill that can be performed with stick, knife, or empty hand, or empty hand against knife, against stick, or stick against knife. As locks work best at corto, these will differ depending on whether the opponent holds a stick or a knife, if you do, or if you both do.
In unarmed combat - boxers get kind of stuck in corto and wait for the referee to seperate them, while Thai boxers clinch and use the knee. Grapplers want to be in corto, in a clinch, safe from being kicked and punched, where they can work at getting a throw or takedown so they can be on the floor where they are master.
We will work at making corto a functional range for weapons and unarmed combat.
To be a White Tiger means that you fear no man at ANY range!
An obvious example is hubud - a Kali drill that can be performed with stick, knife, or empty hand, or empty hand against knife, against stick, or stick against knife. As locks work best at corto, these will differ depending on whether the opponent holds a stick or a knife, if you do, or if you both do.
In unarmed combat - boxers get kind of stuck in corto and wait for the referee to seperate them, while Thai boxers clinch and use the knee. Grapplers want to be in corto, in a clinch, safe from being kicked and punched, where they can work at getting a throw or takedown so they can be on the floor where they are master.
We will work at making corto a functional range for weapons and unarmed combat.
To be a White Tiger means that you fear no man at ANY range!
Wednesday 28th October
This was our most advanced grappling session yet and we were really able to get into some depth with the application of Jujutsu on the ground.
Attended by all seniors - no beginners, new members or beginners - and everyone had a gi jacket - and 6 members training on 10 mats throughout the session.
We started from standing and looked at the neck clinch, the Thai roll drill, and pull to hara clinch and the belt. We then looked at the 2 main hadaka VT shime - the sleeper and guillotine.
Then we went to the mat.
From kneeling we looked at how to get to the pin with different kneeling "throws". We looked at strategies to use against different kind of opponents such as Judoka, Jujutsu fighter, wrestlers, and shooter who have mastered "knee walking".
We looked at stabilising the pins - kesa, yoko and the mount, and how to get finishes from there with armlocks and chokes.
We looked at the guard, how to stablise as well as pass and counter. We looked at ways to finish from the guard using a lock or choke.
Finally all members were able to roll and try their grappling out in free sparring.
This was more or less a total ground session, an advanced total ground session. There was no KB or MMA element, or any weapons.
Obviously new members will need to learn basic grappling - the pins and finishes.
But for senior members we will be able to build on what we did last night, with more complicated finishes and drills, things we can bring out in your ground-sparring.
And we still need to look at ways to get there - ie throws, and make the throw for throw drill a regular part of mat day.
I will most likely instruct the seniors first in throw for throw while new members work on the basics they need.
We will look deeper into the Thai roll drill and the escapes, and we will work to perfect the VT standing chokes, their use in Self Defence, in "bouncing", and how they can be used on the ground.
As we are getting the seniors into chi sao at this time, we will blend the three arts of Wing Chun, Muay Thai and Jujutsu at this standing grappling range to create a comprehensive personal program that works!
The corto range is the place where ranges overlap and contrasts collide.
An obvious example is hubud - a Kali drill that can be performed with stick, knife, or empty hand, or empty hand against knife, against stick, or stick against knife. As locks work best at corto, these will differ depending on whether the opponent holds a stick or a knife, if you do, or if you both do.
In unarmed combat - boxers get kind of stuck in corto and wait for the referee to seperate them, while Thai boxers clinch and use the knee. Grapplers want to be in corto, in a clinch, safe from being kicked and punched, where they can work at getting a throw or takedown so they can be on the floor where they are master.
We will work at making corto a functional range for weapons and unarmed combat.
To be a White Tiger means that you fear no man at ANY range!
Attended by all seniors - no beginners, new members or beginners - and everyone had a gi jacket - and 6 members training on 10 mats throughout the session.
We started from standing and looked at the neck clinch, the Thai roll drill, and pull to hara clinch and the belt. We then looked at the 2 main hadaka VT shime - the sleeper and guillotine.
Then we went to the mat.
From kneeling we looked at how to get to the pin with different kneeling "throws". We looked at strategies to use against different kind of opponents such as Judoka, Jujutsu fighter, wrestlers, and shooter who have mastered "knee walking".
We looked at stabilising the pins - kesa, yoko and the mount, and how to get finishes from there with armlocks and chokes.
We looked at the guard, how to stablise as well as pass and counter. We looked at ways to finish from the guard using a lock or choke.
Finally all members were able to roll and try their grappling out in free sparring.
This was more or less a total ground session, an advanced total ground session. There was no KB or MMA element, or any weapons.
Obviously new members will need to learn basic grappling - the pins and finishes.
But for senior members we will be able to build on what we did last night, with more complicated finishes and drills, things we can bring out in your ground-sparring.
And we still need to look at ways to get there - ie throws, and make the throw for throw drill a regular part of mat day.
I will most likely instruct the seniors first in throw for throw while new members work on the basics they need.
We will look deeper into the Thai roll drill and the escapes, and we will work to perfect the VT standing chokes, their use in Self Defence, in "bouncing", and how they can be used on the ground.
As we are getting the seniors into chi sao at this time, we will blend the three arts of Wing Chun, Muay Thai and Jujutsu at this standing grappling range to create a comprehensive personal program that works!
The corto range is the place where ranges overlap and contrasts collide.
An obvious example is hubud - a Kali drill that can be performed with stick, knife, or empty hand, or empty hand against knife, against stick, or stick against knife. As locks work best at corto, these will differ depending on whether the opponent holds a stick or a knife, if you do, or if you both do.
In unarmed combat - boxers get kind of stuck in corto and wait for the referee to seperate them, while Thai boxers clinch and use the knee. Grapplers want to be in corto, in a clinch, safe from being kicked and punched, where they can work at getting a throw or takedown so they can be on the floor where they are master.
We will work at making corto a functional range for weapons and unarmed combat.
To be a White Tiger means that you fear no man at ANY range!
Wednesday 28 October 2009
Knife sparring
Gets the heart racing when you read that title doesn't it?
Obviously we don't use a real knife for this - or even a dummy knife.
We use a felt tip pen.
This way you know when you're really getting cut and if your defence works. Then you can go away and drill specifics to eliminate where you went wrong.
Fighting with a pen is the ultimate pressure test of your knife skills - well, without doing it for real, which is not the place to find out of they work or not (especially "or not"!)
Many "pedestallers" find out the hard way that they really can't defend against a real knife attack by trying his sparring method.
Many don't even want to try it.
Obviously we don't use a real knife for this - or even a dummy knife.
We use a felt tip pen.
This way you know when you're really getting cut and if your defence works. Then you can go away and drill specifics to eliminate where you went wrong.
Fighting with a pen is the ultimate pressure test of your knife skills - well, without doing it for real, which is not the place to find out of they work or not (especially "or not"!)
Many "pedestallers" find out the hard way that they really can't defend against a real knife attack by trying his sparring method.
Many don't even want to try it.
Vale Tudo/MMA with knives
In VT, we spar a knife man, with pen, against an unarmed fighter - all MMA rules of sparring apply, but the unarmed man has the added dimension of having to make sure he doesn't get cut - that includes in closing, in the clinch, and on the ground.
I always wear my best gi for this - which gives me the added incentive of not getting pen marks all over it!
We can also spar knife vs knife the same as we do stick v stick VT.
When WE "mix the martial arts" at STMA, we mix the weapons in as well!
I always wear my best gi for this - which gives me the added incentive of not getting pen marks all over it!
We can also spar knife vs knife the same as we do stick v stick VT.
When WE "mix the martial arts" at STMA, we mix the weapons in as well!
Ground fighting progression
It is important to drill the progression from grappling to MMA to Vale Tudo.
In Judo you can win by holding the pin. In Submission wrestling you have to get the tap. In MMA there will be strikes with the gloves, and in all out Vale Tudo and the fights we saw in the original UFC you will have heads, knees and elbows to deal with.
But as Royce Gracie so expertly showed us, get that pin secured and there's nothing the opponent will be able to get you with. Then you can work your finish.
In Judo you can win by holding the pin. In Submission wrestling you have to get the tap. In MMA there will be strikes with the gloves, and in all out Vale Tudo and the fights we saw in the original UFC you will have heads, knees and elbows to deal with.
But as Royce Gracie so expertly showed us, get that pin secured and there's nothing the opponent will be able to get you with. Then you can work your finish.
Vale Tudo and MMA sparring
Vale Tudo literally means "anything goes". It is where Martial Artists meet to try all out fighting. It is very different from the watered down safety ruled MMA of today. See original UFCs 1 to 5 for details.
Vale Tudo is to MMA what bare knuckle boxing is to boxing or original Muay Thai, with rope bound hands and full contact elbows is to modern Europen Thai Boxing.
MMA sparring is a safe way to combine kb and grappling.
MMA, in it's basic form it is a combination of kb and rolling.
OK, we deal with the vertical grappling phase with Thai HKE and we practice various throws. But, if you watch MMA, you rarely see a skilled throw, and never an "ippon" that finishes the fight - it kind of just goes to the ground and it is there that you need rolling skill to finish.
We do this by sparring until a clinch occurred generically. As you know from boxing matches, this happens all the time.
We remove the vertical grappling deliberately by freezing at this point, then kneeling, to continue with rolling. This practice also gives the fighter who prefers to wear boxing gloves for the kb phase to remove them for grappling.
We examine the element that in MMA and VT there will be striking in the ground phase, not just submission wrestling.
We capitalise on the MMA on the mat by having the usual "wood" kb, mat rolling, and then Mixed Martial Arts on mat mixing the martial arts of kb and grappling.
(Maybe we could call this MWTMA - Mixed White Tiger Martial Arts!?)
What we also do is look at the throws and takedowns phase seperately.
If you watch UFC and MMA contests you don't see skilled throws as you do in Judo or wrestling.
The reason for this is the striking at the vertical grappling phase. In Judo you grab on and then fight for throws. The same in wrestling. When your opponent is hitting you with knees it changes the game.
You do get a lot of improvised takedowns -when the knee-er is on one leg he is easier to off balance. Also the leg can be caught. But the grappler needs to be wary of being hit with that knee.
And in VT or street combat you will also have to worry about the elbow and the head, the full HKE.
So we will drill skilled throwing, and those who want can practice Judo randori and wrestling freestyle.
However for MMA we need to do realistic drilling that incorporates the HKE in the vertical grappling phase. Once we have this we won't need to "stop and kneel" everytime.
(Though stop and kneel is a good isolation exercise)
Similarly, in the kb we play the Thai knee phase.
In Thai, there is knee sparring where you tie up and fight with just knees, which is an important phase of Thai and a great skill in itself. If the opponent goes to the floor in knee spar, in Thai you break. In MMA, VT or Street, you would follow in with a strike - a drop knee or kick.
The Thai "throw" is called a "thum" and is a very effective throw for VT.
Vale Tudo is to MMA what bare knuckle boxing is to boxing or original Muay Thai, with rope bound hands and full contact elbows is to modern Europen Thai Boxing.
MMA sparring is a safe way to combine kb and grappling.
MMA, in it's basic form it is a combination of kb and rolling.
OK, we deal with the vertical grappling phase with Thai HKE and we practice various throws. But, if you watch MMA, you rarely see a skilled throw, and never an "ippon" that finishes the fight - it kind of just goes to the ground and it is there that you need rolling skill to finish.
We do this by sparring until a clinch occurred generically. As you know from boxing matches, this happens all the time.
We remove the vertical grappling deliberately by freezing at this point, then kneeling, to continue with rolling. This practice also gives the fighter who prefers to wear boxing gloves for the kb phase to remove them for grappling.
We examine the element that in MMA and VT there will be striking in the ground phase, not just submission wrestling.
We capitalise on the MMA on the mat by having the usual "wood" kb, mat rolling, and then Mixed Martial Arts on mat mixing the martial arts of kb and grappling.
(Maybe we could call this MWTMA - Mixed White Tiger Martial Arts!?)
What we also do is look at the throws and takedowns phase seperately.
If you watch UFC and MMA contests you don't see skilled throws as you do in Judo or wrestling.
The reason for this is the striking at the vertical grappling phase. In Judo you grab on and then fight for throws. The same in wrestling. When your opponent is hitting you with knees it changes the game.
You do get a lot of improvised takedowns -when the knee-er is on one leg he is easier to off balance. Also the leg can be caught. But the grappler needs to be wary of being hit with that knee.
And in VT or street combat you will also have to worry about the elbow and the head, the full HKE.
So we will drill skilled throwing, and those who want can practice Judo randori and wrestling freestyle.
However for MMA we need to do realistic drilling that incorporates the HKE in the vertical grappling phase. Once we have this we won't need to "stop and kneel" everytime.
(Though stop and kneel is a good isolation exercise)
Similarly, in the kb we play the Thai knee phase.
In Thai, there is knee sparring where you tie up and fight with just knees, which is an important phase of Thai and a great skill in itself. If the opponent goes to the floor in knee spar, in Thai you break. In MMA, VT or Street, you would follow in with a strike - a drop knee or kick.
The Thai "throw" is called a "thum" and is a very effective throw for VT.
Vale Tudo
Vale Tudo is from the Brazilian, it means "anything goes".
Basically it mixes kickboxing and grappling, what is now being referred to as Mixed Martial Arts in competitions.
There is also the lighter option of Jujutsu Kumite which mixes light contact karate style points sparring with Judo throws and newaza.
VT also includes "ground and pound" - striking while on the ground in a grapple.
Every dimension of unarmed combat is examined, drilled and sparred.
Basically it mixes kickboxing and grappling, what is now being referred to as Mixed Martial Arts in competitions.
There is also the lighter option of Jujutsu Kumite which mixes light contact karate style points sparring with Judo throws and newaza.
VT also includes "ground and pound" - striking while on the ground in a grapple.
Every dimension of unarmed combat is examined, drilled and sparred.
Locks
Shioda Shihan 10th Dan Aikido lists 160 techniques in his texts, though it must be said that many of these are just very subtle variations.
He lists 10 variations of ikkyo alone. However 5 of these are individual waza in their own right. The same applies to the first three forms of nikyo.
So it is fair to say there are 100 locks in Jujutsu, just as there are 100 throws.
That makes 200 techniques to learn from standing grappling!
He lists 10 variations of ikkyo alone. However 5 of these are individual waza in their own right. The same applies to the first three forms of nikyo.
So it is fair to say there are 100 locks in Jujutsu, just as there are 100 throws.
That makes 200 techniques to learn from standing grappling!
Locks
We have 5 major HIJI WAZA elbow locks and five major TEBUKI WAZA wrist locks we practice in STMA.
Hiji - elbow:
ikkyo - oshi taoshi - straight arm bar push down
ude gaeshi - figure four arm twist
hiki taoshi - inside arm bar push down
ude hineri - branch up arm twist
waki gatame - arm bar
tebuki - wrist:
kote gaeshi - wrist twist - supination
kote hineri - wrist turn - pronation
nikyo - hon gyaku - bent arm wrist bend
tenkai kote gaeshi
tenkai kote hineri - into sankyo, then hiki taoshi
sankyo - a variation on kote hineri
Hiji - elbow:
ikkyo - oshi taoshi - straight arm bar push down
ude gaeshi - figure four arm twist
hiki taoshi - inside arm bar push down
ude hineri - branch up arm twist
waki gatame - arm bar
tebuki - wrist:
kote gaeshi - wrist twist - supination
kote hineri - wrist turn - pronation
nikyo - hon gyaku - bent arm wrist bend
tenkai kote gaeshi
tenkai kote hineri - into sankyo, then hiki taoshi
sankyo - a variation on kote hineri
Jujutsu at White Tiger
Jujutsu at White Tiger
Our Jujutsu is based on Traditional Koryo Jujutsu, Kempo Goshin Jutsu and Sports Jujutsu.
We train through all 7 dimensions of grappling combat.
Newaza
Groundgrappling, as in Judo, BJJ and wrestling. Pins, chokes, and locks.
We grapple with gi jackets and without.
We also have Ground Fighting as in Vale Tudo and MMA where we keep the gloves on and allow striking in ground range.
Nage - Throws
As in Judo. We practice all kinds of throws and then apply them in randori free sparring.
As well as gi grappling, we use the wrestling concept of tieing up without grabbing the clothes.
Takedowns
Not the same as throws.
Double and single leg takedowns down from the outrange fall into this category.
After a takedown you have the option of following into grappling, locking the leg from standing, striking, or breaking away.
Catch kick takedowns
Fighting at Kickboxing range we catch or "shelf" the kick and perform our takedown.
Karate Sweeps
Fighting at Kickboxing range we sweep the leg to takedown the opponent, as part of an attack combination, or in defence
Projections
As in aikido, when we are grabbed on the wrist, sleeve or collar we use arm and wristlocks to project the opponent to the mat.
Handachi
This is when you are down and the opponent is standing.
In aikido there is a whole section called handachi for this. However, in the West, we don't kneel on the floor as they do in Japan. If you find yourself kneeling in front of a standing opponent you are at the takedown phase, so do a morote gari.
Our handachi would apply if you were sitting in a chair when attacked for example.
But the worst example of this is if you go down and are lying there while your opponent still stands and tries to kick you. The grappling response is to affect a leg takedown, which allows you to follow to grappling, or to get up and reverse the position - you standing, him lying.
Our Jujutsu is based on Traditional Koryo Jujutsu, Kempo Goshin Jutsu and Sports Jujutsu.
We train through all 7 dimensions of grappling combat.
Newaza
Groundgrappling, as in Judo, BJJ and wrestling. Pins, chokes, and locks.
We grapple with gi jackets and without.
We also have Ground Fighting as in Vale Tudo and MMA where we keep the gloves on and allow striking in ground range.
Nage - Throws
As in Judo. We practice all kinds of throws and then apply them in randori free sparring.
As well as gi grappling, we use the wrestling concept of tieing up without grabbing the clothes.
Takedowns
Not the same as throws.
Double and single leg takedowns down from the outrange fall into this category.
After a takedown you have the option of following into grappling, locking the leg from standing, striking, or breaking away.
Catch kick takedowns
Fighting at Kickboxing range we catch or "shelf" the kick and perform our takedown.
Karate Sweeps
Fighting at Kickboxing range we sweep the leg to takedown the opponent, as part of an attack combination, or in defence
Projections
As in aikido, when we are grabbed on the wrist, sleeve or collar we use arm and wristlocks to project the opponent to the mat.
Handachi
This is when you are down and the opponent is standing.
In aikido there is a whole section called handachi for this. However, in the West, we don't kneel on the floor as they do in Japan. If you find yourself kneeling in front of a standing opponent you are at the takedown phase, so do a morote gari.
Our handachi would apply if you were sitting in a chair when attacked for example.
But the worst example of this is if you go down and are lying there while your opponent still stands and tries to kick you. The grappling response is to affect a leg takedown, which allows you to follow to grappling, or to get up and reverse the position - you standing, him lying.
Jujutsu
The Jujutsu we practice here is Kempo Jujutsu.
It uses the close range kicks, punches and strikes of Kempo (Iron Fist) backed up with the techniques of Jujutsu such as chokes, strangles, locks, controls, throws, takedowns, groundfighting, and grappling.
Also called Goshin Jutsu and Combat Jujutsu it is a modern systems of self defence and the perfect complement to the Combat Karate of Shiro Tora.
It uses the close range kicks, punches and strikes of Kempo (Iron Fist) backed up with the techniques of Jujutsu such as chokes, strangles, locks, controls, throws, takedowns, groundfighting, and grappling.
Also called Goshin Jutsu and Combat Jujutsu it is a modern systems of self defence and the perfect complement to the Combat Karate of Shiro Tora.
Martial Arts Caterham
Shiro Tora White Tiger Martial Arts - Caterham, Surrey, Croydon. Martial Arts Schools Directory ...
Martial Arts Schools Directory - Shiro Tora White Tiger Martial Arts - Caterham, Surrey, Croydon
A google search:
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Turns up our online ad:
http://www.martialedge.net/martial-arts-school-directory/shiro-tora-white-tiger-martial-arts-%11-caterham,-surrey,-croydon/
Martial Arts Schools Directory - Shiro Tora White Tiger Martial Arts - Caterham, Surrey, Croydon
A google search:
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Tuesday 27 October 2009
Shiro Tora Budo Kai White Tiger Martial Arts. Practical, Realistic Effective Street Self Defence. Close quarter combat training Applied Fighting Arts
Shiro Tora Budo Kai White Tiger Martial Arts. Practical, Realistic and Effective Street Self Defence. Close quarter combat training taken from the Applied Fighting Arts.
Martial Arts, Self Defence, Street, Urban, Combat, Shiro Tora, White Tiger
Croydon, Caterham, Surrey
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Shiro Tora Budo Kai White Tiger Martial Arts. Practical, Realistic and Effective Street Self Defence. Close quarter combat training taken from the Applied Fighting Arts.
Martial Arts, Self Defence, Street, Urban, Combat, Shiro Tora, White Tiger
Croydon, Caterham, Surrey
Martial Arts, Self Defence, Street, Urban, Combat, Shiro Tora, White Tiger
Croydon, Caterham, Surrey
Saturday 24 October 2009
Karate compared to Kenjutsu
Karatedo in Japan is practiced a lot like Kenjutsu.
One of Funakoshi's maxims was "think of your hands and feet as swords".
Kendo is like karate kumite - you line up one step with a partner and put on armour for free sparring.
Iaido is kata - you practice with a live blade for a live feel, pre-arranged moves in sequence, and they all have bunkai which you need to understand in depth.
Batto is like tameshiwari - you cut for real against straw targets.
(You can't do this with a replica sword from Battle Orders!)
One of Funakoshi's maxims was "think of your hands and feet as swords".
Kendo is like karate kumite - you line up one step with a partner and put on armour for free sparring.
Iaido is kata - you practice with a live blade for a live feel, pre-arranged moves in sequence, and they all have bunkai which you need to understand in depth.
Batto is like tameshiwari - you cut for real against straw targets.
(You can't do this with a replica sword from Battle Orders!)
Shorin and Shorei kata
The Shorin katas are lighter and faster and suited for a smaller person, or people who like kicking.
This fighting style includes freestyle karate, semi contact, Lau Gar, TKD, largo mano.
The Shorei katas are heavier and stronger and suited for a larger person, or those who like to get stuck in.
This fighting style includes boxing, Thai boxing, FC KB, Judo, Wrestling, Krabi.
In sporting terms, Shorin is football and Shorei is rugby.
The katas are split between Shorin and Shorei.
Shorin includes:
3 Taikyoku
5 Heians
2 Kanku
Enpi
Shorei includes:
3 Tekkis
2 Bassai
Jion
Jitte
Ji'in
Hangetsu
So by the time you have done the first 20 kata, at 3rd dan, you will have 11 Shorin kata and 9 Shorei, a good mix.
This fighting style includes freestyle karate, semi contact, Lau Gar, TKD, largo mano.
The Shorei katas are heavier and stronger and suited for a larger person, or those who like to get stuck in.
This fighting style includes boxing, Thai boxing, FC KB, Judo, Wrestling, Krabi.
In sporting terms, Shorin is football and Shorei is rugby.
The katas are split between Shorin and Shorei.
Shorin includes:
3 Taikyoku
5 Heians
2 Kanku
Enpi
Shorei includes:
3 Tekkis
2 Bassai
Jion
Jitte
Ji'in
Hangetsu
So by the time you have done the first 20 kata, at 3rd dan, you will have 11 Shorin kata and 9 Shorei, a good mix.
Karate Katas - an explanation
Kihon kata
The basic kata. Teaches one step, one block and one strike. Also how to turn. The heian katas, and many other Shorin katas, are based on this basic pattern.
Heian
Called Pinan on Okinawa. Heian means "Peaceful mind", meaning that somebody who has perfected this series of 5 kata has a complete Self defence system and can protect themselves confidently.
Tekki
Called Naihinchi on Okinawa, as they were performed in the Naihinchi stance. Tekki are all performed in the Kiba Dachi horse stance. There are 3 Tekki kata, Tekki Shodan being the first you learn. They are strong Shorei kata.
Tekki means "Victory". Funakoshi was told by his teacher that they are the easiest and the hardest to learn. He spent 3 years learning each kata, spending a decade on the Tekki series alone. Like Heian, Tekki is almost a MA in it's own right.
Bassai
Called passai on Okinawa. Another Shorin kata, based on the moves of heian, specifically heian godan. A powerful combat kata meaning "to storm a fortress".
Bassai Dai is the second of the two bassai kata, but the first you learn.
Kanku
Called Kushanku on Okinawa after the Chinese fighting monk who introduced it to the island.
Kanku means "to look at the sky".
A Shorin kata, again based on the Heians, primarily Yondan and Nidan.
Jion
A powerful Shotokan kata that makes up a series with Heian Godan and the two Bassai.
At STMA this is the black belt kata
Jitte
The favourite kata of Master Enoeda. Meaning "10 Hands" - the person who has perfected this kata can successfully defend himself against 5 opponents.
This is the 2nd dan kata.
Taikyoku
Taikyoku refers to the singularity before the split into Ying and Yang polarity. It means harmony with the Universe, the goal of Zen.
Taikyoku Shodan is actually the Kihon Kata. However, practiced at black belt level it takes on a whole new meaning as basic technique becomes advanced technique.
The difference between a white belt doing Kihon kata and a black belt doing Taikyoku Shodan will be obvious to any observer.
A set of 3 kata.
Taikyoku Nidan introduces the high punch.
Taikyoku Sandan introduces the back stance and middle block.
On Okinawa, students learn the 3 taikyoku before the Pinans.
In STMA it's not until you get to black belt that you learn the other two Taikyoku.
You now have a greater appreciation of the Heians - they are no longer just some katas you did to get your first few belts.
The 3 Taikyokus and Heian Shodan make a nice series of 4.
H Ni to Go also makes a nice series of 4.
For 3rd dan there is no set kata or grading as such.
However you need to learn the next 2 Taikyoku, so you have all three, the next two tekki, so you have all three, and the next Bassai and Kanku. This fleshes out your understanding.
You then learn Ji'in, a Shorin kata based on Jion and Jitte, that makes a set of 3.
With Heian Godan, the Bassais, and the Jis, you have powerful set of 6 kata to perform.
Also, it's not just a case of knowing these kata, it's being able to break them down, perform the bunkai and teach them.
At 3rd dan you are awarded the title "Sensei" and the right to teach and grade your own students.
It is not something given away lightly, it as to be earned!
You now have the following kata:
3 Taikyoku
5 Heian
3 Tekki
2 Bassai
2 Kanku
Jion, Jitte and Jion
The next kata you learn are Enpi and Hangetsu.
Enpi is a Shorin kata, while Hangetsu is a strong Shorei kata.
You now have a total of 20 kata.
This is around the level we would look to promote you to 4th dan and award the title of Renshi
There are now 10 more kata we practice that you can learn over your progressive years in black belt training, if you wish:
Chinte, Gankaku, Meikyo, Seienchin, Wankan
Unsu, Nijushisho, Sochin, Gojushiho Dai, Gojushiho Sho
This makes a total of 30 Karate-Do Kata.
The basic kata. Teaches one step, one block and one strike. Also how to turn. The heian katas, and many other Shorin katas, are based on this basic pattern.
Heian
Called Pinan on Okinawa. Heian means "Peaceful mind", meaning that somebody who has perfected this series of 5 kata has a complete Self defence system and can protect themselves confidently.
Tekki
Called Naihinchi on Okinawa, as they were performed in the Naihinchi stance. Tekki are all performed in the Kiba Dachi horse stance. There are 3 Tekki kata, Tekki Shodan being the first you learn. They are strong Shorei kata.
Tekki means "Victory". Funakoshi was told by his teacher that they are the easiest and the hardest to learn. He spent 3 years learning each kata, spending a decade on the Tekki series alone. Like Heian, Tekki is almost a MA in it's own right.
Bassai
Called passai on Okinawa. Another Shorin kata, based on the moves of heian, specifically heian godan. A powerful combat kata meaning "to storm a fortress".
Bassai Dai is the second of the two bassai kata, but the first you learn.
Kanku
Called Kushanku on Okinawa after the Chinese fighting monk who introduced it to the island.
Kanku means "to look at the sky".
A Shorin kata, again based on the Heians, primarily Yondan and Nidan.
Jion
A powerful Shotokan kata that makes up a series with Heian Godan and the two Bassai.
At STMA this is the black belt kata
Jitte
The favourite kata of Master Enoeda. Meaning "10 Hands" - the person who has perfected this kata can successfully defend himself against 5 opponents.
This is the 2nd dan kata.
Taikyoku
Taikyoku refers to the singularity before the split into Ying and Yang polarity. It means harmony with the Universe, the goal of Zen.
Taikyoku Shodan is actually the Kihon Kata. However, practiced at black belt level it takes on a whole new meaning as basic technique becomes advanced technique.
The difference between a white belt doing Kihon kata and a black belt doing Taikyoku Shodan will be obvious to any observer.
A set of 3 kata.
Taikyoku Nidan introduces the high punch.
Taikyoku Sandan introduces the back stance and middle block.
On Okinawa, students learn the 3 taikyoku before the Pinans.
In STMA it's not until you get to black belt that you learn the other two Taikyoku.
You now have a greater appreciation of the Heians - they are no longer just some katas you did to get your first few belts.
The 3 Taikyokus and Heian Shodan make a nice series of 4.
H Ni to Go also makes a nice series of 4.
For 3rd dan there is no set kata or grading as such.
However you need to learn the next 2 Taikyoku, so you have all three, the next two tekki, so you have all three, and the next Bassai and Kanku. This fleshes out your understanding.
You then learn Ji'in, a Shorin kata based on Jion and Jitte, that makes a set of 3.
With Heian Godan, the Bassais, and the Jis, you have powerful set of 6 kata to perform.
Also, it's not just a case of knowing these kata, it's being able to break them down, perform the bunkai and teach them.
At 3rd dan you are awarded the title "Sensei" and the right to teach and grade your own students.
It is not something given away lightly, it as to be earned!
You now have the following kata:
3 Taikyoku
5 Heian
3 Tekki
2 Bassai
2 Kanku
Jion, Jitte and Jion
The next kata you learn are Enpi and Hangetsu.
Enpi is a Shorin kata, while Hangetsu is a strong Shorei kata.
You now have a total of 20 kata.
This is around the level we would look to promote you to 4th dan and award the title of Renshi
There are now 10 more kata we practice that you can learn over your progressive years in black belt training, if you wish:
Chinte, Gankaku, Meikyo, Seienchin, Wankan
Unsu, Nijushisho, Sochin, Gojushiho Dai, Gojushiho Sho
This makes a total of 30 Karate-Do Kata.
Karate Kata
For those wanting to grade in Traditional Karate-Do there is a kata assigned to each belt level:
9th Kihon kata
8th Heian Shodan
7th Heian Nidan
6th Heian Sandan
5th Heian Yondan
4th Heian Godan
3rd Tekki Shodan
2nd Bassai Dai
1st kyu Kanku Dai
black belts:
1st dan Jion
2nd Jitte
The kata we practice here is Japanese Shotokan kata.
However we also look at the ShotoKai versions of the kata for a more fuller understanding, and the Okinawan versions of the kata.
The Heians are called Pinan on Okinawa and performed slightly different. The Tekki are called Naihinchi, etc.
Nobody has to learn kata for STMA and I don't teach it in class regularly. It's there for people who want to add the dimension of kata to their training, or for those who want to learn the Traditional karate-Do.
I will sometimes teach a kata move and it's bunkai in class, explaining where it came from, to give students a deeper understanding, but they don't have to learn the whole kata.
In fact, I tend to start with bunkai and work back, so a kata is really a sequence of bunkai. This gives a greater understanding of what you are doing it for.
We also teach the 3 Wing Chun forms:
Sil Lum Tao
Chum Kil
Bil Jee
We also teach the Yang Tai Chi short form.
There will be weapons kata in the future for those who want to add that dimension to their kobudo.
We have kata for each of the Okinawan weapons:
Bo
Nuncha
Tonfa
Kama
Sai
in fact there are several nuncha kata we use.
There are forms for the WC Bart Charm Dao swords and the Kwane "Dragon" Pole, which is very different from Bo.
For the Japanese kobudo, "kata" means something different, so there are no set forms, although there is a Jo "kata" in Aikido worth learning.
9th Kihon kata
8th Heian Shodan
7th Heian Nidan
6th Heian Sandan
5th Heian Yondan
4th Heian Godan
3rd Tekki Shodan
2nd Bassai Dai
1st kyu Kanku Dai
black belts:
1st dan Jion
2nd Jitte
The kata we practice here is Japanese Shotokan kata.
However we also look at the ShotoKai versions of the kata for a more fuller understanding, and the Okinawan versions of the kata.
The Heians are called Pinan on Okinawa and performed slightly different. The Tekki are called Naihinchi, etc.
Nobody has to learn kata for STMA and I don't teach it in class regularly. It's there for people who want to add the dimension of kata to their training, or for those who want to learn the Traditional karate-Do.
I will sometimes teach a kata move and it's bunkai in class, explaining where it came from, to give students a deeper understanding, but they don't have to learn the whole kata.
In fact, I tend to start with bunkai and work back, so a kata is really a sequence of bunkai. This gives a greater understanding of what you are doing it for.
We also teach the 3 Wing Chun forms:
Sil Lum Tao
Chum Kil
Bil Jee
We also teach the Yang Tai Chi short form.
There will be weapons kata in the future for those who want to add that dimension to their kobudo.
We have kata for each of the Okinawan weapons:
Bo
Nuncha
Tonfa
Kama
Sai
in fact there are several nuncha kata we use.
There are forms for the WC Bart Charm Dao swords and the Kwane "Dragon" Pole, which is very different from Bo.
For the Japanese kobudo, "kata" means something different, so there are no set forms, although there is a Jo "kata" in Aikido worth learning.
Shiro Tora Karate - the White Tiger style
Our karate is Shiro Tora, Shihan's own style. As a 6th dan Kyoshi, Shihan is entitled to found his own style and call it what he wants. The style is Shiro Tora, the White Tiger style.
The background is the Funakoshi style developed in Japan from 1930 to 1950, originally called Shoto Kan (shoto's house). The modern Shotokan practiced in the UK is developed from Master Nakayama's 1957 JKA style. What is now called Shoto-Kai (Shoto's council), founded by Master Egami, is closer to Funakoshi's original Shoto-Kan.
Hence our style draws from modern Shotokan, which has more kumite drills, and ShotoKai, whch has more kata applications.
We also trace our style back to the Shorin and Shorei styles of Okinawa.
We also draw from Master Oyama's powerful kyukushinkai, especially some of our harder drills and knockdown kumite.
We have also studied Okinawan Goju and American Kenpo, to get a full flavour of the evolution of karate.
This karate system is kata based. We practice the 5 heian, 3 tekki, 2 bassai and 2 kanku as our first 12 forms. We then study a further 18 forms. Our study is heavy on bunkai, the application of the kata moves in self protection.
There are strong comparisons with Japanese Jujutsu and Chinese kung fu.
We also practice kihon solo drills, and kumite partner drills.
The background is the Funakoshi style developed in Japan from 1930 to 1950, originally called Shoto Kan (shoto's house). The modern Shotokan practiced in the UK is developed from Master Nakayama's 1957 JKA style. What is now called Shoto-Kai (Shoto's council), founded by Master Egami, is closer to Funakoshi's original Shoto-Kan.
Hence our style draws from modern Shotokan, which has more kumite drills, and ShotoKai, whch has more kata applications.
We also trace our style back to the Shorin and Shorei styles of Okinawa.
We also draw from Master Oyama's powerful kyukushinkai, especially some of our harder drills and knockdown kumite.
We have also studied Okinawan Goju and American Kenpo, to get a full flavour of the evolution of karate.
This karate system is kata based. We practice the 5 heian, 3 tekki, 2 bassai and 2 kanku as our first 12 forms. We then study a further 18 forms. Our study is heavy on bunkai, the application of the kata moves in self protection.
There are strong comparisons with Japanese Jujutsu and Chinese kung fu.
We also practice kihon solo drills, and kumite partner drills.
Freestyle Karate
Freestyle Karate and Semi Contact Kickboxing are pretty much the same thing. They have the same moves and ABCs and the same protective equipment and sparring rules.
J - Jab
gz - gyaku zuki
maw - mawashigeri - round kick
ura - uraken - backfist
haito - ridge hand
kek - kekome - side kick
mae - mygeri - front kick
hk - hook kick
r - rear
l - low
Basic ABCs:
J - gz
J - maw
gz - r ura
maw - gz
j - ura - gz
Gz - r haito
- henka "drive by"
- henka g, h, maw, ura
gz - j - gz
haito - gz
ura - gz - r maw
kek - ura
r maw - ura
ura - gz
mae - ura
maw - ura
angle maw
gz - r maw - gz
Advanced ABCs:
kek - maw - gz
gz - haito - r maw
hk - maw - kek
r maw - j - haito - hk
jump spin hook - gz
hk - spin hk - gz
(r hk) ura - spin ura - gz
lo j - spin hk
feint - hk - maw
kek - maw
maw - spin hk
gz - hk
gz - r hk
jump gz - maw
gz side door
- box guard
- SC guard
Sweeps:
hk, sweep, gz
ura - reap
de ashi - gz - r maw
Retreating:
jump haito
jump kek - spin hk
jump hk
kek, spin hook
defensive ABCs:
uke gz - r ged bar - r ura
uke gz - lo bon - ura
uke j - slip block - sweep - gz
J - Jab
gz - gyaku zuki
maw - mawashigeri - round kick
ura - uraken - backfist
haito - ridge hand
kek - kekome - side kick
mae - mygeri - front kick
hk - hook kick
r - rear
l - low
Basic ABCs:
J - gz
J - maw
gz - r ura
maw - gz
j - ura - gz
Gz - r haito
- henka "drive by"
- henka g, h, maw, ura
gz - j - gz
haito - gz
ura - gz - r maw
kek - ura
r maw - ura
ura - gz
mae - ura
maw - ura
angle maw
gz - r maw - gz
Advanced ABCs:
kek - maw - gz
gz - haito - r maw
hk - maw - kek
r maw - j - haito - hk
jump spin hook - gz
hk - spin hk - gz
(r hk) ura - spin ura - gz
lo j - spin hk
feint - hk - maw
kek - maw
maw - spin hk
gz - hk
gz - r hk
jump gz - maw
gz side door
- box guard
- SC guard
Sweeps:
hk, sweep, gz
ura - reap
de ashi - gz - r maw
Retreating:
jump haito
jump kek - spin hk
jump hk
kek, spin hook
defensive ABCs:
uke gz - r ged bar - r ura
uke gz - lo bon - ura
uke j - slip block - sweep - gz
Kihon - kata - kumite
Karate is made up of 3 parts - kihon, kata and kumite.
Kata I've explained in it's own post.
Kihon is a set of moved you practice on your own. Single punches, kicks, blocks and strikes.
These are first practiced on the spot, then moving - forward, backward, and turning.
Then you practice combinations.
Kumite is pre-arranged partner exercises.
Tori steps forward and punches, uke steps back and blocks. That sort of thing.
There is 5 step, 3 step and one step sparring, then one step semi free. Free kumite is free sparring.
In a way kata incorporates kihon and kumite, if done to it's obvious potential.
Take a section of kata and you are practicing kihon. Practice the bunkai with a partner and you are practicing kumite.
In fact, at Black Belt classes this is how I teach kata.
Students learn the basic kata on the way to Black Belt. I then use the kihon and kumite method to teach the advanced katas.
Kata I've explained in it's own post.
Kihon is a set of moved you practice on your own. Single punches, kicks, blocks and strikes.
These are first practiced on the spot, then moving - forward, backward, and turning.
Then you practice combinations.
Kumite is pre-arranged partner exercises.
Tori steps forward and punches, uke steps back and blocks. That sort of thing.
There is 5 step, 3 step and one step sparring, then one step semi free. Free kumite is free sparring.
In a way kata incorporates kihon and kumite, if done to it's obvious potential.
Take a section of kata and you are practicing kihon. Practice the bunkai with a partner and you are practicing kumite.
In fact, at Black Belt classes this is how I teach kata.
Students learn the basic kata on the way to Black Belt. I then use the kihon and kumite method to teach the advanced katas.
Tameshiwari
Tameshiwari means "trial by wood". It is the breaking of wood boards with the body weapons.
Traditionally this is done on a pine board as it has the same density as human bone.
It is said that to break 3 boards with a technique means you have mastered that technique.
Kyukushinkai have taken breaking to it's extreme, breaking bricks, stone, ice, and using all body weapons including the head.
TKD break boards with a range of kicks.
For 1st dan at ST Karate you need to break a board with both fudoken clenched fist and shuto knife hand.
For 2nd dan you need to break two boards.
For 3rd dan you need to break a stack of 3 boards with each. This shows you have mastered both the closed fist and knife had of karate.
Traditionally this is done on a pine board as it has the same density as human bone.
It is said that to break 3 boards with a technique means you have mastered that technique.
Kyukushinkai have taken breaking to it's extreme, breaking bricks, stone, ice, and using all body weapons including the head.
TKD break boards with a range of kicks.
For 1st dan at ST Karate you need to break a board with both fudoken clenched fist and shuto knife hand.
For 2nd dan you need to break two boards.
For 3rd dan you need to break a stack of 3 boards with each. This shows you have mastered both the closed fist and knife had of karate.
Friday 23 October 2009
STMA kit - Essential and recommended list
At some point every member will need kit to progress so we are now going to label certain kit as essential for STMA training:
Essential list
Gloves for sparring
You can make do with bag gloves for impact and light sparring.
However at some point you might want to consider boxing gloves for FC. You will also need a gumshield.
Stix
A pair of stix for krabi, sinawalli and serrada.
Even if you are not intending to take your weapons training to any particular level, you will need to do these basic drills to make your STMA fully functional.
Judo gi
Specifically the jacket.
You need to wear something for grappling, and the proper gi is the best thing. Also advanced grappling and self defence makes use of the collar.
Recomended list:
Groin guard
for guys
Headguard
SC foam head
FC full face
Shinguards
For kb
Clothing
Kung fu pants
Boxing boots
Weapons
Bokken
Tonfa
Check the price list here:
http://shirotoratiger.blogspot.com/2009/08/feng-wei-at-white-tiger.html
Essential list
Gloves for sparring
You can make do with bag gloves for impact and light sparring.
However at some point you might want to consider boxing gloves for FC. You will also need a gumshield.
Stix
A pair of stix for krabi, sinawalli and serrada.
Even if you are not intending to take your weapons training to any particular level, you will need to do these basic drills to make your STMA fully functional.
Judo gi
Specifically the jacket.
You need to wear something for grappling, and the proper gi is the best thing. Also advanced grappling and self defence makes use of the collar.
Recomended list:
Groin guard
for guys
Headguard
SC foam head
FC full face
Shinguards
For kb
Clothing
Kung fu pants
Boxing boots
Weapons
Bokken
Tonfa
Check the price list here:
http://shirotoratiger.blogspot.com/2009/08/feng-wei-at-white-tiger.html
Weapons sparring in 2010
This involves the skills built in the stick drills from Kali, Eskrima, Silat, and Krabi Krabong.
Like Kendo, we spar in armour.
Strikes are made to:
men - helmet
Do - body, though we also include the arms in stick
kote - wrists
Sune - we also strike to shins and knee - this is not done in standard kendo sparring, but it is done with naginata
We then remove the body armour.
We then remove the gloves
We then spar with just a fencing mask to protect the teeth and eyes (and nose for those of you who haven't had a break yet)
One of the goals for 2010 at STMA will be to add stick and the sword sparring in the armour.
We will use the excess funds to purchase 2 sets of student armour, then work to build up skill until weapon sparrng is as regular as rolling and kb.
We also spar nunchaku - with the foam chucks, though in armour we can use rattan chux.
Obviously we have the rattan stix for single and double sparring.
Members will need to look at getting either a rattan sword or shinai for kendo, rattan nuncha, and then later the longer rattan sticks Jo and Bo.
Oak weapons are OK for drilling but are not suitable for sparring, even in armour - we will use the lighter rattan weapons.
We'll start with stix then progress through the weapons.
As we have moved KB sparring up to Full Contact structure, adding boxing, kb and Thai, and full use of pads for drills, then protective equipment for the sparring, we'll do the same in the kobudo for those who want to take it to it's extremes.
Nobody HAS to do weapons work or sparring, it is something we are adding for those interested in exploring this diemnsion of MA and combat.
Like Kendo, we spar in armour.
Strikes are made to:
men - helmet
Do - body, though we also include the arms in stick
kote - wrists
Sune - we also strike to shins and knee - this is not done in standard kendo sparring, but it is done with naginata
We then remove the body armour.
We then remove the gloves
We then spar with just a fencing mask to protect the teeth and eyes (and nose for those of you who haven't had a break yet)
One of the goals for 2010 at STMA will be to add stick and the sword sparring in the armour.
We will use the excess funds to purchase 2 sets of student armour, then work to build up skill until weapon sparrng is as regular as rolling and kb.
We also spar nunchaku - with the foam chucks, though in armour we can use rattan chux.
Obviously we have the rattan stix for single and double sparring.
Members will need to look at getting either a rattan sword or shinai for kendo, rattan nuncha, and then later the longer rattan sticks Jo and Bo.
Oak weapons are OK for drilling but are not suitable for sparring, even in armour - we will use the lighter rattan weapons.
We'll start with stix then progress through the weapons.
As we have moved KB sparring up to Full Contact structure, adding boxing, kb and Thai, and full use of pads for drills, then protective equipment for the sparring, we'll do the same in the kobudo for those who want to take it to it's extremes.
Nobody HAS to do weapons work or sparring, it is something we are adding for those interested in exploring this diemnsion of MA and combat.
STMA Kit Price List
Essential list
Gloves for sparring
Bag gloves for impact and light sparring £15
Boxing gloves for FC £20
Gumshield £1.50
Stix £15
A pair of stix for krabi, sinawalli and serrada.
Judo gi £30
Recomended list:
Groin guard £10
for guys
Headguard
SC foam head £15
FC full face £30
Shinguards £10
For kb
Clothing
Kung fu pants or gi pants £10
Boxing boots £25
Weapons
Bokken £10
Tonfa £20 pair
Shinai £20
Gloves for sparring
Bag gloves for impact and light sparring £15
Boxing gloves for FC £20
Gumshield £1.50
Stix £15
A pair of stix for krabi, sinawalli and serrada.
Judo gi £30
Recomended list:
Groin guard £10
for guys
Headguard
SC foam head £15
FC full face £30
Shinguards £10
For kb
Clothing
Kung fu pants or gi pants £10
Boxing boots £25
Weapons
Bokken £10
Tonfa £20 pair
Shinai £20
Thursday 22 October
We started with a group working for the first hour on traditional Jujutsu waza.
This involved responses against grabs to the gi collar.
This training comes from a traditional Jujutsu ryu and goes back centuries. We are able to give it a modern application as the 3 most common attacks in a street fight are:
1. Collar grab and reverse punch
2. Reverse punch
3. Double collar grab
Obviously people don't wear gi these days. But in winter you will most likely be wearing an overcoat or a leather jacket. If I am standing outside a nightclub at 11pm in November I certainly will be.
So I dress accordingly.
So I expect my collar to be grabbed
So I train accodingly
Make sense?
Against the grab and punch - using the back stance - kokutsu dachi - we gained control and then responded with a ken kudaki (not a block) and then variations on the basic wristlocks kote gaeshi and kote hineri.
Against the double collar grab we used two techniques to lock the shoulder and takedown or throw.
As we had time we also looked at Crane - an application from Bassai kata against the collar grab - striking to various kyusho pressure points including uchi jaku zawa, yako, and areas such as the ribs and sternum.
Seniors also practiced the ude kansetsu kyusho in the grab, and came to appreciate the usefulness of REAL pressure point fighting.
We then bifurcated the class into karate and kobudo where I was able to drill the paddies in karate ABCs for sparring, and drill the woodies in sinwallli and bokken.
There was sparring for all at the end during the freeplay.
POINTS TO NOTE:
There are 3 Points of View in a fight.
The attacker
The defender
A third person watching
It is important to view the fight from all 3 POVs to completely understand it. We cover this reguarly in STMA training.
Pressure points are one of the most misunderstood and exaggerated areas of MA.
Kyusho is the Japanese word.
PSNA stands for Pressure Sensitive Nerve Areas, an American anacronysm.
People who don't know about them claim there are anywhere between 25 and 360 and they do various things. You can buy lists and charts showing all kinds of alleged PSNA. Most of these do nothing. The ones that do something are meaningless unless you are shown how to apply them in combat in real tme.
For example, we punch to the chin for a KO. A groin kick will stop an attacker. But to actually land these shots you need to train for them, not just know them theoretically. So it is with PSNA.
I teach a primary list of 54 PSNA for use in combat.
(One for each week of the year more or less!)
I do not give out lists and charts to be memorised. You learn these PSNA in context, in the dojo, and you remember them.
There are 3 kinds of PSNA:
ones you strike
ones you press
ones you rub
What I NEVER want to see is people in class trying to explain to each other what PSNA are "There's one there", "there's one there", things like that. You learn these at the proper time in the proper context, not from some chart or book, or what "a mate who does Jujutsu showed me".
Practice, not theory!
Keep I mind you can strike and grind these points with stick as well as your "body tools".
Torite is the art of seizing limbs and locking joints.
It also covers kyusho - Pressure Points.
In Chinese this system is called Chin Na.
Although it is a subset of Jujutsu, Karate, Kung Fu, Kali, etc, it is also a complete MA system in it's own right if developed to a high enough level.
In class, you may hear me refer to Chin Na or Torite in context, or that we are having a "Chin Na" session.
Most Martial Arts teach you HOW to do a technique, how to punch, how to kick.
So do we - it's the basics.
But most MA have no idea WHY you do that technique or WHEN in the fight you do it.
WHY do you do a cross there?
WHY do a kick that particular way?
WHY use that throw or that lock?
WHY use that counter to that attack?
WHEN do you do it?
You can have the fastest punch or strongest kick in the world, but without a sense or proper timing you'll never land it. Without the proper sense of distance you'll never be in range, always too near or too far.
We don't just teach the HOW at STMA, we teach the WHY and WHEN.
This involved responses against grabs to the gi collar.
This training comes from a traditional Jujutsu ryu and goes back centuries. We are able to give it a modern application as the 3 most common attacks in a street fight are:
1. Collar grab and reverse punch
2. Reverse punch
3. Double collar grab
Obviously people don't wear gi these days. But in winter you will most likely be wearing an overcoat or a leather jacket. If I am standing outside a nightclub at 11pm in November I certainly will be.
So I dress accordingly.
So I expect my collar to be grabbed
So I train accodingly
Make sense?
Against the grab and punch - using the back stance - kokutsu dachi - we gained control and then responded with a ken kudaki (not a block) and then variations on the basic wristlocks kote gaeshi and kote hineri.
Against the double collar grab we used two techniques to lock the shoulder and takedown or throw.
As we had time we also looked at Crane - an application from Bassai kata against the collar grab - striking to various kyusho pressure points including uchi jaku zawa, yako, and areas such as the ribs and sternum.
Seniors also practiced the ude kansetsu kyusho in the grab, and came to appreciate the usefulness of REAL pressure point fighting.
We then bifurcated the class into karate and kobudo where I was able to drill the paddies in karate ABCs for sparring, and drill the woodies in sinwallli and bokken.
There was sparring for all at the end during the freeplay.
POINTS TO NOTE:
There are 3 Points of View in a fight.
The attacker
The defender
A third person watching
It is important to view the fight from all 3 POVs to completely understand it. We cover this reguarly in STMA training.
Pressure points are one of the most misunderstood and exaggerated areas of MA.
Kyusho is the Japanese word.
PSNA stands for Pressure Sensitive Nerve Areas, an American anacronysm.
People who don't know about them claim there are anywhere between 25 and 360 and they do various things. You can buy lists and charts showing all kinds of alleged PSNA. Most of these do nothing. The ones that do something are meaningless unless you are shown how to apply them in combat in real tme.
For example, we punch to the chin for a KO. A groin kick will stop an attacker. But to actually land these shots you need to train for them, not just know them theoretically. So it is with PSNA.
I teach a primary list of 54 PSNA for use in combat.
(One for each week of the year more or less!)
I do not give out lists and charts to be memorised. You learn these PSNA in context, in the dojo, and you remember them.
There are 3 kinds of PSNA:
ones you strike
ones you press
ones you rub
What I NEVER want to see is people in class trying to explain to each other what PSNA are "There's one there", "there's one there", things like that. You learn these at the proper time in the proper context, not from some chart or book, or what "a mate who does Jujutsu showed me".
Practice, not theory!
Keep I mind you can strike and grind these points with stick as well as your "body tools".
Torite is the art of seizing limbs and locking joints.
It also covers kyusho - Pressure Points.
In Chinese this system is called Chin Na.
Although it is a subset of Jujutsu, Karate, Kung Fu, Kali, etc, it is also a complete MA system in it's own right if developed to a high enough level.
In class, you may hear me refer to Chin Na or Torite in context, or that we are having a "Chin Na" session.
Most Martial Arts teach you HOW to do a technique, how to punch, how to kick.
So do we - it's the basics.
But most MA have no idea WHY you do that technique or WHEN in the fight you do it.
WHY do you do a cross there?
WHY do a kick that particular way?
WHY use that throw or that lock?
WHY use that counter to that attack?
WHEN do you do it?
You can have the fastest punch or strongest kick in the world, but without a sense or proper timing you'll never land it. Without the proper sense of distance you'll never be in range, always too near or too far.
We don't just teach the HOW at STMA, we teach the WHY and WHEN.
Thursday 22 October 2009
Grappling, MMA and Vale Tudo at Shiro Tora
The way we do this is start on the ground. We do some stretches from yoga that are relevant to the muscles used in grappling, then play some moves and transitions as a warmup. Then we pair up and play pins. We use the Newaza from Judo and the basic ground moves from Brazilian Jujutsu as they complement each other perfectly and don't leave any gaps.
Each pin has an escape and we play these, also drills such as pass the guard-escape the mount. Then we look at finishes from each position - chokes and locks. Then we look at the counters and reversals.
Then we stand up and look at throws, simple moves from Judo and wrestling such as Kata guruma - cross hip, seoinage - flying mare, o soto gari, simple stuff like that, so we know how to get there, and moves such as morote gari and other leg takedowns, and how not to get caught in the guard. Also pad drills on the ground, punching the pads while in the mount and guard.
Then by adding back in strikes to vertical grappling, the Thai clinch drill, and HKE, we can progress to kickboxing on the mat, and from the clinch, go to ground, practice ground and pound, and grappling.
With the new mats at the club, we can regularly explore grappling, MMA and Vale Tudo, and devote maybe an hour from a 2 hour class to this dimension of our fight training.
newaza shime - chokes
No gi:
hadaka bar
sleeper choke
sangaku triangle
do jime - body choke
guillotine
kata gatame - from kesa or mount
Gi:
ashi jime
juji jime
3 henka - gyaku, kata, nami
okuri eri jime
kata eri jime
kata hajime
kakato jime
koshi jime
sode jime
hadaka bar
sleeper choke
sangaku triangle
do jime - body choke
guillotine
kata gatame - from kesa or mount
Gi:
ashi jime
juji jime
3 henka - gyaku, kata, nami
okuri eri jime
kata eri jime
kata hajime
kakato jime
koshi jime
sode jime
newaza neck locks
from kesa
kesa neck crush
stocks
from mount - kubi neck crank
from guard - reverse crush
from 4s - atama hishigi - head crush
kesa neck crush
stocks
from mount - kubi neck crank
from guard - reverse crush
from 4s - atama hishigi - head crush
Newaza arm locks
Juji gatame
kuzure kuru garami - juji henka
kesa garami
gyaku kesa garami - from ushiro kesa
ude gatame
ude garami - 2 versions - up and down
hantai kujiki - straight arm
waki gatame
ashi gatame
kuzure kuru garami - juji henka
kesa garami
gyaku kesa garami - from ushiro kesa
ude gatame
ude garami - 2 versions - up and down
hantai kujiki - straight arm
waki gatame
ashi gatame
Newaza The Guard
Finishes from the guard:
Sangaku jime - triangle choke
Juji gatame - arm bar
3 versions - uke standing, lie back, facedown
further locks:
ryo hiza - double knee
shime garami - knee
ude hishigi
ude gaeshi
uberplata - arm lock
Sangaku jime - triangle choke
Juji gatame - arm bar
3 versions - uke standing, lie back, facedown
further locks:
ryo hiza - double knee
shime garami - knee
ude hishigi
ude gaeshi
uberplata - arm lock
Newaza Pins
We have 8 basic pins we use:
Kesa gatama - scarf hold
Kata gatama
Makura kesa gatame
yoko or mune gatame
tate shiho gatame
kami shiho gatame
kuzure kami shiho
ushiro kesa
we also have The Mount and The Guard
Kesa gatama - scarf hold
Kata gatama
Makura kesa gatame
yoko or mune gatame
tate shiho gatame
kami shiho gatame
kuzure kami shiho
ushiro kesa
we also have The Mount and The Guard
Judo Gokyo
The Gokyo are the 40 throws of Judo. They are split into 8 sets of 5, hence "go" kyo.
There are about 100 throws in Jujutsu, some of which are variations on a basic theme.
40 of these throws made the Judo gokyo, the safe format that can be used competitively in randori and shiai. You learn the gokyo in Judo as your syllabus on the way to your black belt.
However Judoka pick only 2 or 3 throws to focus on for their use in randori, with 2 or 3 as backup. Nobody tries to perfect all 40 throws for daily use. In fact, most competitors don't start to really examine the gokyo until they retire from competition and start working on getting their higher dan grades.
In STMA we have picked the most applicable throws whcih work in randori and have combat application.
Judoka who train with us need to keep in mind that what we practice is Jujutsu not Judo and we are ultimately interested in combat throws not competition moves.
We also practice throws without the gi jacket, using the "wrestling concept" of collar and elbow tie up.
Finally, in a Judo match you will be against another skilled grappler fighting for throws. Your opponent on the street will not be a skilled grappler. He will also not be restricted to grappling and will be trying to strike you and maybe have a weapon. This is fine with us as we practice Atemi strikes "Blow before throw", such as HKE.
There are about 100 throws in Jujutsu, some of which are variations on a basic theme.
40 of these throws made the Judo gokyo, the safe format that can be used competitively in randori and shiai. You learn the gokyo in Judo as your syllabus on the way to your black belt.
However Judoka pick only 2 or 3 throws to focus on for their use in randori, with 2 or 3 as backup. Nobody tries to perfect all 40 throws for daily use. In fact, most competitors don't start to really examine the gokyo until they retire from competition and start working on getting their higher dan grades.
In STMA we have picked the most applicable throws whcih work in randori and have combat application.
Judoka who train with us need to keep in mind that what we practice is Jujutsu not Judo and we are ultimately interested in combat throws not competition moves.
We also practice throws without the gi jacket, using the "wrestling concept" of collar and elbow tie up.
Finally, in a Judo match you will be against another skilled grappler fighting for throws. Your opponent on the street will not be a skilled grappler. He will also not be restricted to grappling and will be trying to strike you and maybe have a weapon. This is fine with us as we practice Atemi strikes "Blow before throw", such as HKE.
Throws
Though there are about 100 throws in Jujutsu and 40 that made the Judo gokyo, we have 10 primary combat throws which we will practice on the mats.
The first 5 are hip throw:
O Goshi - Major Hip Throw
Koshi Guruma or Cross hip or Hip Wheel
Tai Otoshi - body drop
Uchi mata - inner thigh throw
Harai goshi - sweeping hip throw
Seoinage - shoulder throw or flying mare
O Soto Gari - major outer reap
O Uchi Gari - Major inner reap
Morote Gari - double leg takedown
Single leg takedown
However as you progress through your training you will encounter many other throws. Some you will want to add to your personal repertoire, which is to be encouraged.
Shihan Mifune 10th Dan Judo lists over 100 throws in his texts. Coming from Jujutsu, these can all be classified as Judo throws.
Here are some of my favourite secondary throws:
Okuri ashi harai
Kata guruma - shoulder wheel
Soto makikomi
Tani otoshi - valley drop
Tomoe nage - stomach throw
Kani basami - crab scissors
Kuchiki taoshi - rotten tree fall
and three from wrestling:
belly-belly suplex
belly-back suplex
rice bail
However:
The rice bail appears in Judo as tawara gaeshi.
It is an excellent counter to morote gari attack from a shooter.
Belly back suplex appears in Judo as corner drop
Kuchiki is similar to aikido's irimi nage, though here we use an o soto step to block the back of the opponent's leg.
In Tomiki shomen ate is another variation of this technique.
That's 3 different variations from 3 different arts - Judo, Aikido, and Tomiki - arts that all stem from JJ.
That's what the eclecticism of STMA is all about!
The first 5 are hip throw:
O Goshi - Major Hip Throw
Koshi Guruma or Cross hip or Hip Wheel
Tai Otoshi - body drop
Uchi mata - inner thigh throw
Harai goshi - sweeping hip throw
Seoinage - shoulder throw or flying mare
O Soto Gari - major outer reap
O Uchi Gari - Major inner reap
Morote Gari - double leg takedown
Single leg takedown
However as you progress through your training you will encounter many other throws. Some you will want to add to your personal repertoire, which is to be encouraged.
Shihan Mifune 10th Dan Judo lists over 100 throws in his texts. Coming from Jujutsu, these can all be classified as Judo throws.
Here are some of my favourite secondary throws:
Okuri ashi harai
Kata guruma - shoulder wheel
Soto makikomi
Tani otoshi - valley drop
Tomoe nage - stomach throw
Kani basami - crab scissors
Kuchiki taoshi - rotten tree fall
and three from wrestling:
belly-belly suplex
belly-back suplex
rice bail
However:
The rice bail appears in Judo as tawara gaeshi.
It is an excellent counter to morote gari attack from a shooter.
Belly back suplex appears in Judo as corner drop
Kuchiki is similar to aikido's irimi nage, though here we use an o soto step to block the back of the opponent's leg.
In Tomiki shomen ate is another variation of this technique.
That's 3 different variations from 3 different arts - Judo, Aikido, and Tomiki - arts that all stem from JJ.
That's what the eclecticism of STMA is all about!
Wednesday 21st October
Everybody got to try hubud, initially from corto with the stick. We'll look at the knife and the empty hand version as we progress. It's the first NRG drill that everybody needs to learn.
Seniors will progress with chi sao, though this will be at a slower pace, as it takes longer and can't be rushed.
Woodies got to try sinawalli and krabi, and those with tonfa brought them into the mix.
I was able to demonstrate the use of tonfa and nunchaku in close quarters, and how these Ok-Kob weapons tie in with karate.
We drilled some KB concepts and ABCs from freestyle karate and Muay Thai before sparring.
We had a great group sparring FC structure, including boxing, Kickboxing, and Thai boxing.
And good to see yet another new lady member join us!
Seniors will progress with chi sao, though this will be at a slower pace, as it takes longer and can't be rushed.
Woodies got to try sinawalli and krabi, and those with tonfa brought them into the mix.
I was able to demonstrate the use of tonfa and nunchaku in close quarters, and how these Ok-Kob weapons tie in with karate.
We drilled some KB concepts and ABCs from freestyle karate and Muay Thai before sparring.
We had a great group sparring FC structure, including boxing, Kickboxing, and Thai boxing.
And good to see yet another new lady member join us!
STMA kit list
At some point every member will need kit to progress so we are now going to label certain kit as essential for STMA training:
Essential list
Gloves for sparring
You can make do with bag gloves for impact and light sparring.
However at some point you might want to consider boxing gloves for FC. You will also need a gumshield.
Stix
A pair of stix for krabi, sinawalli and serrada.
Even if you are not intending to take your weapons training to any particular level, you will need to do these basic drills to make your STMA fully functional.
Judo gi
Specifically the jacket.
You need to wear something for grappling, and the proper gi is the best thing. Also advanced grappling and self defence makes use of the collar.
Recomended list:
Groin guard
for guys
Headguard
SC foam head
FC full face
Shinguards
For kb
Clothing
Kung fu pants
Boxing boots
Weapons
Bokken
Tonfa
Essential list
Gloves for sparring
You can make do with bag gloves for impact and light sparring.
However at some point you might want to consider boxing gloves for FC. You will also need a gumshield.
Stix
A pair of stix for krabi, sinawalli and serrada.
Even if you are not intending to take your weapons training to any particular level, you will need to do these basic drills to make your STMA fully functional.
Judo gi
Specifically the jacket.
You need to wear something for grappling, and the proper gi is the best thing. Also advanced grappling and self defence makes use of the collar.
Recomended list:
Groin guard
for guys
Headguard
SC foam head
FC full face
Shinguards
For kb
Clothing
Kung fu pants
Boxing boots
Weapons
Bokken
Tonfa
Tuesday 20 October 2009
Monday 19 October 2009
Grappling class
The grappling class is done on mats and looks at non striking combat involving throws and groundgrappling.
The core is Jujutsu, and it has many street fighting and combat applications. It is realistic and full on, but also fun and safe.
Throws are from JJ and Judo, as well as Western wrestling systems such as Olympic Freestyle, Greco Roman, and Russian Sombo.
Sparring is done fighting for throws, randori style with jackets as in Judo, and wrestling style with no jackets.
Groundgrappling is drawn from Judo and Brazilian Jujutsu, as well as a lot of wrestling techniques with and without the gi jacket.
Ground sparring is progressive:
pins,
submission using chokes and armlocks,
add use of leglocks
Grappling can start from kneeling, or from standing where a throw or takedown has to be made before grappling can start.
This has skills from Judo, Jujutsu, Brazilian Jujutsu and wrestling systems such as Freestyle, Greco and Sombo.
It's about learning throws then how to spar with throws, like in randori.
Then it's about groundfighting, as in newaza.
Both styles of sparring are done with and without gi jackets.
There is full wrestling done from standing and incorporating groundwork.
Sparring:
randori - fight for throws
wrestling - pins
- submission
The submission techniques include chokes, armlocks and leglocks.
The core is Jujutsu, and it has many street fighting and combat applications. It is realistic and full on, but also fun and safe.
Throws are from JJ and Judo, as well as Western wrestling systems such as Olympic Freestyle, Greco Roman, and Russian Sombo.
Sparring is done fighting for throws, randori style with jackets as in Judo, and wrestling style with no jackets.
Groundgrappling is drawn from Judo and Brazilian Jujutsu, as well as a lot of wrestling techniques with and without the gi jacket.
Ground sparring is progressive:
pins,
submission using chokes and armlocks,
add use of leglocks
Grappling can start from kneeling, or from standing where a throw or takedown has to be made before grappling can start.
This has skills from Judo, Jujutsu, Brazilian Jujutsu and wrestling systems such as Freestyle, Greco and Sombo.
It's about learning throws then how to spar with throws, like in randori.
Then it's about groundfighting, as in newaza.
Both styles of sparring are done with and without gi jackets.
There is full wrestling done from standing and incorporating groundwork.
Sparring:
randori - fight for throws
wrestling - pins
- submission
The submission techniques include chokes, armlocks and leglocks.
Matwork at the White Tiger
Matwork will give everybody the chance to practice the added dimension of going to the ground and fighting on the ground.
And this doesn't mean just grappling.
Vale Tudo drills involve "ground and pound" - punching from the mount and the guard, first on the pads, then with boxing gloves. We look at using the whole range of strikes in a ground fight.
We also use stix on the ground for when a stick fight ends there, including close ranges strikes, chokes and locks done with the stick.
And this doesn't mean just grappling.
Vale Tudo drills involve "ground and pound" - punching from the mount and the guard, first on the pads, then with boxing gloves. We look at using the whole range of strikes in a ground fight.
We also use stix on the ground for when a stick fight ends there, including close ranges strikes, chokes and locks done with the stick.
Matwork
Grappling
The first thing you learn is the pins.
In certain competitions, such as Judo or wrestling, you can win a match by pinning the opponent's shoulders to the mat.
In submission wrestling or combat grappling you need to pin the opponent before you can move to a finish.
So you learn the pins first:
The Mount
Kesa gatame - the scarf hold
Yoko gatame - the side hold
The Guard
Pins such as Kami shiho gatame and kata gatame, which some of you are familiar with are secondary pins.
Each pin has various escapes and you learn these in time, how to turn a position of disadvantage into one of advantage.
An early drill we pactice is escape the mount - pass the guard.
Submissions
We cause the opponet to submit or "tap out" by putting them in a choke or jointlock.
In Judo you are only allowed to lock the elbow, whereas in free fighting you can lock the wrist, knee or ankle.
The achilles lock is a particularly good leg techniques, a pressure point lock.
You learn straight armbars such as juji gatame, and the bent arm variations.
There are leg variations of some of these done from the guard.
Mount - ude garame, juji gatame
Yoko - ude gaeshi, both up and down branch
Scarf - choke, juji
Guard - sangaku jime, juji, ude gaeshi
Leg open - achilles, ankle lock
Uke turtles - take the back - choke, leglock, arm hammer
These are some basic moves, there are further secondary moves you learn later.
Every move also has a counter and reversal.
Throws
We focus on the Jujutsu nage as they are refined in Judo.
The first thing you learn is the appropriate breakfall for the throw to be practiced.
Then you practice uchikomi - the entry.
Then you learn to give and take the throw.
Then you practice throw for throw loop drill for flight time.
Turning throws include:
o goshi hip throw
koshi guruma - cross hip throw
seoinage - flying mare
Reaps include o soto gari and morote gari leg takedowns.
There are also single leg takedowns.
Sweeps
There are sweeps done in Judo, which we cover, but we focus more on sweeps as they appear in karate.
You can use them as part of an attacking combination (ABC) - kick, punch, sweep - or in defence where you sweep the opponent's kicking leg or his support leg.
There are also waza where you catch his kicking leg and take him down.
There is a whole dimension to leglocks done here.
Locks
We also practice our Jujutsu locks, taking the uke right to the mat for a finish. These are done more "positively" then possible on the wood.
We also practice locks with the stix and tonfa here.
The first thing you learn is the pins.
In certain competitions, such as Judo or wrestling, you can win a match by pinning the opponent's shoulders to the mat.
In submission wrestling or combat grappling you need to pin the opponent before you can move to a finish.
So you learn the pins first:
The Mount
Kesa gatame - the scarf hold
Yoko gatame - the side hold
The Guard
Pins such as Kami shiho gatame and kata gatame, which some of you are familiar with are secondary pins.
Each pin has various escapes and you learn these in time, how to turn a position of disadvantage into one of advantage.
An early drill we pactice is escape the mount - pass the guard.
Submissions
We cause the opponet to submit or "tap out" by putting them in a choke or jointlock.
In Judo you are only allowed to lock the elbow, whereas in free fighting you can lock the wrist, knee or ankle.
The achilles lock is a particularly good leg techniques, a pressure point lock.
You learn straight armbars such as juji gatame, and the bent arm variations.
There are leg variations of some of these done from the guard.
Mount - ude garame, juji gatame
Yoko - ude gaeshi, both up and down branch
Scarf - choke, juji
Guard - sangaku jime, juji, ude gaeshi
Leg open - achilles, ankle lock
Uke turtles - take the back - choke, leglock, arm hammer
These are some basic moves, there are further secondary moves you learn later.
Every move also has a counter and reversal.
Throws
We focus on the Jujutsu nage as they are refined in Judo.
The first thing you learn is the appropriate breakfall for the throw to be practiced.
Then you practice uchikomi - the entry.
Then you learn to give and take the throw.
Then you practice throw for throw loop drill for flight time.
Turning throws include:
o goshi hip throw
koshi guruma - cross hip throw
seoinage - flying mare
Reaps include o soto gari and morote gari leg takedowns.
There are also single leg takedowns.
Sweeps
There are sweeps done in Judo, which we cover, but we focus more on sweeps as they appear in karate.
You can use them as part of an attacking combination (ABC) - kick, punch, sweep - or in defence where you sweep the opponent's kicking leg or his support leg.
There are also waza where you catch his kicking leg and take him down.
There is a whole dimension to leglocks done here.
Locks
We also practice our Jujutsu locks, taking the uke right to the mat for a finish. These are done more "positively" then possible on the wood.
We also practice locks with the stix and tonfa here.
Grappling, MMA and Vale Tudo at the White Tiger
The way we do this is start on the ground. We do some stretches from yoga that are relevant to the muscles used in grappling, then play some moves and transitions as a warmup. Then we pair up and play pins. We use the Newaza from Judo and the basic ground moves from Brazilian Jujutsu as they complement each other perfectly and don't leave any gaps.
Each pin has an escape and we play these, also drills such as pass the guard-escape the mount. Then we look at finishes from each position - chokes and locks. Then we look at the counters and reversals.
Then we stand up and look at throws, simple moves from Judo and wrestling such as Kata guruma - cross hip, seoinage - flying mare, o soto gari, simple stuff like that, so we know how to get there, and moves such as morote gari and other leg takedowns, and how not to get caught in the guard. Also pad drills on the ground, punching the pads while in the mount and guard.
Then by adding back in strikes to vertical grappling, the Thai clinch drill, and HKE, we can progress to kickboxing on the mat, and from the clinch, go to ground, practice ground and pound, and grappling.
With the new mats at the club, we can regularly explore grappling, MMA and Vale Tudo, and devote maybe an hour from a 2 hour class to this dimension of our fight training.
Each pin has an escape and we play these, also drills such as pass the guard-escape the mount. Then we look at finishes from each position - chokes and locks. Then we look at the counters and reversals.
Then we stand up and look at throws, simple moves from Judo and wrestling such as Kata guruma - cross hip, seoinage - flying mare, o soto gari, simple stuff like that, so we know how to get there, and moves such as morote gari and other leg takedowns, and how not to get caught in the guard. Also pad drills on the ground, punching the pads while in the mount and guard.
Then by adding back in strikes to vertical grappling, the Thai clinch drill, and HKE, we can progress to kickboxing on the mat, and from the clinch, go to ground, practice ground and pound, and grappling.
With the new mats at the club, we can regularly explore grappling, MMA and Vale Tudo, and devote maybe an hour from a 2 hour class to this dimension of our fight training.
Friday 16 October 2009
Kobudo - Weapons at STMA
Progressive weapons training.
We start with the single stick drills of serada escrima, developing over 4 ranges:
largo (long), medio (mid range), Quarto (close) and grappling.
We then move to sinawalli double stick drills, which are done at the largo range.
These become increasingly complex as you progress.
Sparring is done in armour:
men - helmet
do - body armour
kote - gauntlets
A harder style of "dog" fighting is done at the higher level, with less protection, eventually wearing only a fencing mask.
The 2nd weapon you learn is the tonfa side handled baton.
As well as block and counter drills there is a wide range of grappling techniques, including many locks.
There is no tonfa sparring as such.
The 3rd weapon you learn is the nunchaku.
First singlely, then doublely, there are many challenging and exciting drills.
Sparring is done in the armour, usually with a single chuck of foam rubber.
After this you move onto two handed weapons.
The sword is an eclectic mix of Japanese kenjutusu, as well as the ninja art of kukkishinden ryu. We also employ drills from Filipino kampilan.
Sparring is done kendo style, in armour, with like baboo shinai or rattan bokuto.
We then move onto the
hanbo 3 foot stick
Jo 4 foot stick
Bo 6 foot stick.
After Bo there are drills with the yari spear and naginate halberd for those who want to take their training to higher levels.
There is possible sparring between swords, staves and spears, an art called To-So-Jutsu at the higher level.
This is basically a weapons based class. It takes the same spirit as systems such as kukushinden ryu, one of the nine schools of ninjutsu, which starts students with weapons training.
The first weapon is the single stick - serrada escrima - close quarter combat. Easy to learn and remember drills.
As early as this students can begin sparring in armour.
Armour is similar to kendo armour:
men helmet
do body armour
kote gloves
From single stick they progress to double sticks - the sinawalli drills.
There are also stick defences and disarms as well as stick locks.
There is double stick sparring
The second weapon is the tonfa - used single or in pairs, against sticks and other weapons.
There are a lot of tonfa locks.
There is no real practical tonfa sparring.
The 3rd weapon is the nuncha.
Initially single, later in pairs.
There is nuncha sparring.
Then we move onto longer weapons.
This is a more advanced stage of the student's training.
The short sword, as in katana and ninja to.
The hanbo, 3ft stick, which has a lot of locks.
The Jo staff and Bo staff.
Sparring is first done with shinai, as in kendo, and also with bokken.
We then use jo, bokken and bo against each other in drilling then sparring.
Serrada
Serrada is the close range system done at the medio and corto ranges.
Drills include:
sombrada - both 3 and 5 count
box sombrada
hubud
entry from largo to medio and out again
move from largo to medio to corto and out
locks with stick
Serrada uses the 12 angle number system of Cabales Eskrima.
We can also drill with tonfa at serrada, and even nuncha (called tayok in FMA)
Drills include:
sombrada - both 3 and 5 count
box sombrada
hubud
entry from largo to medio and out again
move from largo to medio to corto and out
locks with stick
Serrada uses the 12 angle number system of Cabales Eskrima.
We can also drill with tonfa at serrada, and even nuncha (called tayok in FMA)
Largo
Largo is the long range.
Largo mano actually means long hand, but we use it to cover weapons method as well.
The basic drill is an advancing and retreating 5 step kumite.
This can be done with the single stick, the longer stick, the sword and the staff, both jo and bo.
We can also mix and match weapons:
stick v 2 stix
boken v stix
boken v bo
boken v jo
jo v stix
bo v stix
tonfa v stix
tonfa v boken
tonfa v jo
tonfa v bo
Largo mano actually means long hand, but we use it to cover weapons method as well.
The basic drill is an advancing and retreating 5 step kumite.
This can be done with the single stick, the longer stick, the sword and the staff, both jo and bo.
We can also mix and match weapons:
stick v 2 stix
boken v stix
boken v bo
boken v jo
jo v stix
bo v stix
tonfa v stix
tonfa v boken
tonfa v jo
tonfa v bo
Sinawalli
Sinawalli means "weaving". It refers to the patterns the stick make in the drills.
Sinawalli is done with double sticks at the largo range.
The first thing you learn is the basic different counts:
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
4 count also has a twirl and sipat henka
5 also has a sipta henka
5 and 7 are also performed "offside"
6 count is a series in it's own right, containing standard, heaven, earth, redondo, stab and sipat henka.
The second thing you learn is "chains" - 2 and 4,
4 and 6,
2, 4, 6
6 chains such as heaven, earth
Then you learn concepts:
chaining, matching, mirroring, redondo, chasing, etc.
It is a very dynamic, thorough and fulfilling art to learn and practice.
It's also a lot of fun!
Sinawalli is done with double sticks at the largo range.
The first thing you learn is the basic different counts:
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
4 count also has a twirl and sipat henka
5 also has a sipta henka
5 and 7 are also performed "offside"
6 count is a series in it's own right, containing standard, heaven, earth, redondo, stab and sipat henka.
The second thing you learn is "chains" - 2 and 4,
4 and 6,
2, 4, 6
6 chains such as heaven, earth
Then you learn concepts:
chaining, matching, mirroring, redondo, chasing, etc.
It is a very dynamic, thorough and fulfilling art to learn and practice.
It's also a lot of fun!
Tonfa and nunchaku
We play tonfa and nuncha in serrada range as well as largo.
stick v tonfa
stick v nuncha
tonfa v nuncha
nuncha v nuncha
tonfa v tonfa
stick v tonfa
stick v nuncha
tonfa v nuncha
nuncha v nuncha
tonfa v tonfa
Knife
Though we do Japanese tanto training from kobudo and ninpo, the bulk of our knife training is from Eskrima.
Kadena de mano means knife and hand. It is the close range art of fighting and defending with the knife.
Knife to knife, hand to knife, and hand to hand are the 3 phases.
Knife uses the first 7 angles of Eskrima.
Knife defence we work on at an early level.
Knife "fighting" itself is taught to seniors.
Kadena de mano means knife and hand. It is the close range art of fighting and defending with the knife.
Knife to knife, hand to knife, and hand to hand are the 3 phases.
Knife uses the first 7 angles of Eskrima.
Knife defence we work on at an early level.
Knife "fighting" itself is taught to seniors.
Eskrima and Kali
Eskrima and Kali are the weapons arts of the Philipines, referred to as Filipino Martial Arts or FMA.
Training is done with the short stick, single or double.
In Eskrima we fight with the stick, so stick training represents stick combat.
In Kali we fight with swords, so stick training represents blade combat. That is the real distinction between the two. Kali is a lot like Krabi, but also very different, as you will see.
Eskrima training consists of:
Sinawalli - double sticks
Largo mano - long range single stick
Serrada - close range single stick
Kadena de mano - knife and hand
Training is done with the short stick, single or double.
In Eskrima we fight with the stick, so stick training represents stick combat.
In Kali we fight with swords, so stick training represents blade combat. That is the real distinction between the two. Kali is a lot like Krabi, but also very different, as you will see.
Eskrima training consists of:
Sinawalli - double sticks
Largo mano - long range single stick
Serrada - close range single stick
Kadena de mano - knife and hand
Krabi Krabong
Krabi Krabong is the weapons art of Thailand, the military weapons forerunner to the unarmed combat art of Muay Thai and the ring sport of Thai Boxing.
Krabi uses twin stix, the number 1 strike and jodan uke block.
It uses an advancing pushing, pressure step, and retreats with defence.
5 step sparring involves advancing and retreating in attack and defence.
We start with a single step and strike, then progress to a double step and strike.
We finish the sequence with a power strike, a "kradot" jumping strike or a double "tenchi" strike.
It is also possible to put in a kick at the end of the sequence.
The stixs represent swords, as in kali. Though brutal as a stick combat art, the ultimate intention is to train for blade combat.
It is , like boxing, a very basic and primative art, with not a lot to learn. Which is what makes it so effective.
Krabi Krabong means "sword and stick", so it is similar to eskrima's "espada y daga".
Or it can translate as "short and long", simlar to the nitto of Jap-Kob, the use of the katana and wakizashi, also called daito and shoto.
Krabi has a total of 9 weapons and 20 forms to learn, so is a complete kobudo system in it's own right.
Krabi uses twin stix, the number 1 strike and jodan uke block.
It uses an advancing pushing, pressure step, and retreats with defence.
5 step sparring involves advancing and retreating in attack and defence.
We start with a single step and strike, then progress to a double step and strike.
We finish the sequence with a power strike, a "kradot" jumping strike or a double "tenchi" strike.
It is also possible to put in a kick at the end of the sequence.
The stixs represent swords, as in kali. Though brutal as a stick combat art, the ultimate intention is to train for blade combat.
It is , like boxing, a very basic and primative art, with not a lot to learn. Which is what makes it so effective.
Krabi Krabong means "sword and stick", so it is similar to eskrima's "espada y daga".
Or it can translate as "short and long", simlar to the nitto of Jap-Kob, the use of the katana and wakizashi, also called daito and shoto.
Krabi has a total of 9 weapons and 20 forms to learn, so is a complete kobudo system in it's own right.
Caveman Strike and chamber
The number #1 strike is the Caveman strike, the natural strike of the human animal.
The Caveman chamber is when we chamber from the right shoulder.
The Police use this chamber and strike in their ASP wor.
There are other chambers, notably the number #2 chamber from the backhand position on the opposite shoulder.
The Caveman chamber is when we chamber from the right shoulder.
The Police use this chamber and strike in their ASP wor.
There are other chambers, notably the number #2 chamber from the backhand position on the opposite shoulder.
Bat strike
This is a basic block and counter from double stick.
We defend his strike with a roof block and counter with a caveman strike.
What lives on the roof of a cave? A bat.
Hence "Bat strike".
We defend his strike with a roof block and counter with a caveman strike.
What lives on the roof of a cave? A bat.
Hence "Bat strike".
To, So, Bo, Jo
Japanese kobudo.
These weapons are all made of red oak, the hard Japanese oak.
Sometimes you get weapons made of Japanese white oak.
To is the sword.
In practice we use the wooden bokken.
For sparring we use the shinai, split bamboo, and armour.
One of the WTMA innovations is to use rattan bokken. We make these simply by cutting a rattan Bo in half.
Bo and Jo are staff. If you take the average Japanese man as being 5 foot tall, a Bo is 6 foot and a Jo is 4 foot. For westerners we need to adapt this slightly. A 6 foot staff to a 6' 5" man would be more a Jo than a Bo.
So is the spear.
Just as when we are practicing with bokken it represents a real sword, sometimes when we are practicing with the Bo we are sometimes practicing spear work.
To-So-Jutsu is also an entire system in it's own right, the use of sword vs spear.
The hanbo is the half-staff, a 3 foot staff, the length of a walking stick.
For this we just cut a Bo in half to make 2 hanbo.
Hanbo-jutsu is a great self defence system, as it allows a walking stick to become a weapon. Favoured in Japan by the elderly.
A lot of Filipino Eskrima masters who settled in California use largo mano with their canes for Self defence.
These weapons are all made of red oak, the hard Japanese oak.
Sometimes you get weapons made of Japanese white oak.
To is the sword.
In practice we use the wooden bokken.
For sparring we use the shinai, split bamboo, and armour.
One of the WTMA innovations is to use rattan bokken. We make these simply by cutting a rattan Bo in half.
Bo and Jo are staff. If you take the average Japanese man as being 5 foot tall, a Bo is 6 foot and a Jo is 4 foot. For westerners we need to adapt this slightly. A 6 foot staff to a 6' 5" man would be more a Jo than a Bo.
So is the spear.
Just as when we are practicing with bokken it represents a real sword, sometimes when we are practicing with the Bo we are sometimes practicing spear work.
To-So-Jutsu is also an entire system in it's own right, the use of sword vs spear.
The hanbo is the half-staff, a 3 foot staff, the length of a walking stick.
For this we just cut a Bo in half to make 2 hanbo.
Hanbo-jutsu is a great self defence system, as it allows a walking stick to become a weapon. Favoured in Japan by the elderly.
A lot of Filipino Eskrima masters who settled in California use largo mano with their canes for Self defence.
The wood we use
Japanese and Okinawan weapons are made of hard red oak.
This includes the bokken, ninja to, hanbo, jo, and bo.
This also includes the tonfa and nuncha.
The Filipino weapons are made of lighter rattan.
This includes the eskrima sticks.
We also have rattan hanbo and sword, and rattan bo.
There are also rattan nunchas.
In the Philippines, the nuncha is called the tabok tayok.
It is a slightly different weapon, used differently, based on the principles of eskrima, as opposed to karate.
Also the tayok is lighter and faster than the heavy oak nuncha.
When doing weapons drills and sparring it is important to use the same kind of wood. Oak bokken against eskrima rattan causes a resonance which damages the woods in different ways.
For nuncha vs stick we use the rattan tayok, not the foam or wood nuncha, unless going very light.
Similarly we don't use wood against the foam weapons, as it just splits the foam.
This includes the bokken, ninja to, hanbo, jo, and bo.
This also includes the tonfa and nuncha.
The Filipino weapons are made of lighter rattan.
This includes the eskrima sticks.
We also have rattan hanbo and sword, and rattan bo.
There are also rattan nunchas.
In the Philippines, the nuncha is called the tabok tayok.
It is a slightly different weapon, used differently, based on the principles of eskrima, as opposed to karate.
Also the tayok is lighter and faster than the heavy oak nuncha.
When doing weapons drills and sparring it is important to use the same kind of wood. Oak bokken against eskrima rattan causes a resonance which damages the woods in different ways.
For nuncha vs stick we use the rattan tayok, not the foam or wood nuncha, unless going very light.
Similarly we don't use wood against the foam weapons, as it just splits the foam.
Kobudo - Japanese and Okinawan
At the present time we talk about Eskrima as our main FMA (Filipino Martial Art) and Kali as the blade art.
Krabi Krabong is the weapons art of Thailand.
Kobudo refers to the Okinawan weapons tonfa and nuncha, also the kama and sai, and the Ok Bo.
Kobudo also refers to the Japanese weapons, Hanbo, Ninja To, Bokken, Katana, Jo, Bo, Yari and Naginata.
At some point we'll look for a term to distinguish Ok kob from Jap kob.
Though at this time, if we say Ok-kob and Jap-Kob, everyone will know what we mean.
Krabi Krabong is the weapons art of Thailand.
Kobudo refers to the Okinawan weapons tonfa and nuncha, also the kama and sai, and the Ok Bo.
Kobudo also refers to the Japanese weapons, Hanbo, Ninja To, Bokken, Katana, Jo, Bo, Yari and Naginata.
At some point we'll look for a term to distinguish Ok kob from Jap kob.
Though at this time, if we say Ok-kob and Jap-Kob, everyone will know what we mean.
Yari and Naginata
In the Jap-Kob we practice with the Jo and Bo staff.
As with all our kobudo, a stick is sometimes not a stick, but represents a blade.
The Yari is the Japanese spear, a thrusting and stabbing weapon.
The Naginata is a halberd, a slashing and cutting weapon. (If you've never seen one, imagine a sword blade on the end of a staff.)
So some of our Jo and Bo practice incorporates Yari and Naginata.
There is also a Chinese spear in Kung Fu, which has it's own distinct use.
Kali also contains a sword called the Kampilan, a spear called a sibat, and a hybrid kind of halberd, all of which we cover in our largo training.
As with all our kobudo, a stick is sometimes not a stick, but represents a blade.
The Yari is the Japanese spear, a thrusting and stabbing weapon.
The Naginata is a halberd, a slashing and cutting weapon. (If you've never seen one, imagine a sword blade on the end of a staff.)
So some of our Jo and Bo practice incorporates Yari and Naginata.
There is also a Chinese spear in Kung Fu, which has it's own distinct use.
Kali also contains a sword called the Kampilan, a spear called a sibat, and a hybrid kind of halberd, all of which we cover in our largo training.
Sai and kama
As well as the Bo, nuncha and tonfa, the Ok-Kob also include sai and kama, other farm implements.
Sai are like jutte truncheons with two tines near the base.
If you've seen Elektra, they are her weapon of choice.
Kama are sickles.
Both can be used singley or in pairs.
Although sai can be used to stab and kill, they can also be used karate style and are self defence weapons.
Kama are "dark side" weapons. There is no benign way to attack somebody with a sickle!
Though we don't practice these weapons in the general class, I can teach them to students wanting a full understanding of Okinawan kobudo.
Film buffs who have seen American Ninja will recognise the sai as being Joe's weapon, while Black Star Ninja used the kama. The fight at the end is not a particularly good example of sai v kama kumite, but it's a chance to see these more rare weapons in action.
Sai are like jutte truncheons with two tines near the base.
If you've seen Elektra, they are her weapon of choice.
Kama are sickles.
Both can be used singley or in pairs.
Although sai can be used to stab and kill, they can also be used karate style and are self defence weapons.
Kama are "dark side" weapons. There is no benign way to attack somebody with a sickle!
Though we don't practice these weapons in the general class, I can teach them to students wanting a full understanding of Okinawan kobudo.
Film buffs who have seen American Ninja will recognise the sai as being Joe's weapon, while Black Star Ninja used the kama. The fight at the end is not a particularly good example of sai v kama kumite, but it's a chance to see these more rare weapons in action.
Blades and sticks
The stick arts complement Karate-Do. They are self defence weapons using blunt force trauma and impact.
Although it is possible to kill or maim with impact weapons, just as it is with empty hands (Kara Te), it is possible to choose not to.
There is no benign way to fight with a blade. If you use a blade you will kill or maim your opponent.
Blades are the "dark side" of STMA - we are developing this aspect seperately.
These include The Ninja and Samurai arts of Japan, the Kali warrior arts of the Philippines and the Krabi weapons of Thailand.
Although it is possible to kill or maim with impact weapons, just as it is with empty hands (Kara Te), it is possible to choose not to.
There is no benign way to fight with a blade. If you use a blade you will kill or maim your opponent.
Blades are the "dark side" of STMA - we are developing this aspect seperately.
These include The Ninja and Samurai arts of Japan, the Kali warrior arts of the Philippines and the Krabi weapons of Thailand.
The 12 angles of Eskrima
The first strike is Number #1 - the caveman strike from the caveman chamber - the natural strike of the human animal.
The 2nd strike is number #2 from the backhand chamber.
There are only these two chambers - all angle strikes are delivered from these, like in tennis - the forehand and the backhand.
With 2 exceptions.
The number #5 thrust is delivered from a low hip chamber.
The tenchi strike in kenjutsu - a two handed strike which is delivered from jodan no kamae. This strike itself is neither an 8 or 11 - it is tenchi, unique to kenjutsu.
Angles are based on geometry:
+ X .
x covers the diagonal strikes - 1, 2, 9 and 10
+ covers the vertical and horizontal strikes - 3, 4, 8, 11 and 12
. is the thrusts - 5, 6, and 7
This is the number system used in Cabales serrada, and the one we adopted for STMA.
An appendix strike is the #13, which is a 12 delivered behind.
A 12 is all vertical up strikes - a kingeri, uppercut, elbow. It applies to weapons as well.
(comic buffs will know that Judge Dredd KO'd Batman with a stick 12 in Judgement Over Gotham.)
A 13 is a mule kick, groin slap or back up elbow.
The 2nd strike is number #2 from the backhand chamber.
There are only these two chambers - all angle strikes are delivered from these, like in tennis - the forehand and the backhand.
With 2 exceptions.
The number #5 thrust is delivered from a low hip chamber.
The tenchi strike in kenjutsu - a two handed strike which is delivered from jodan no kamae. This strike itself is neither an 8 or 11 - it is tenchi, unique to kenjutsu.
Angles are based on geometry:
+ X .
x covers the diagonal strikes - 1, 2, 9 and 10
+ covers the vertical and horizontal strikes - 3, 4, 8, 11 and 12
. is the thrusts - 5, 6, and 7
This is the number system used in Cabales serrada, and the one we adopted for STMA.
An appendix strike is the #13, which is a 12 delivered behind.
A 12 is all vertical up strikes - a kingeri, uppercut, elbow. It applies to weapons as well.
(comic buffs will know that Judge Dredd KO'd Batman with a stick 12 in Judgement Over Gotham.)
A 13 is a mule kick, groin slap or back up elbow.
Knife sparring
Gets the heart racing when you read that title doesn't it?
Obviously we don't use a real knife for this - or even a dummy knife.
We use a felt tip pen.
This way you know when you're really getting cut and if your defence works. Then you can go away and drill specifics to eliminate where you went wrong.
Fighting with a pen is the ultimate pressure test of your knife skills - well, without doing it for real, which is not the place to find out of they work or not (especially "or not"!)
Many "pedestallers" find out the hard way that they really can't defend against a real knife attack by trying his sparring method.
Many don't even want to try it.
Obviously we don't use a real knife for this - or even a dummy knife.
We use a felt tip pen.
This way you know when you're really getting cut and if your defence works. Then you can go away and drill specifics to eliminate where you went wrong.
Fighting with a pen is the ultimate pressure test of your knife skills - well, without doing it for real, which is not the place to find out of they work or not (especially "or not"!)
Many "pedestallers" find out the hard way that they really can't defend against a real knife attack by trying his sparring method.
Many don't even want to try it.
Kadena de mano
Kadena de mano is one of the FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) we practice.
It involves knife to knife, hand to knife, and hand to hand combat.
The hand to hand is based on the moves learnt in the knife drills.
At STMA we have the added dimension of knife sparring - with the felt pens - to test the skills in real time.
It involves knife to knife, hand to knife, and hand to hand combat.
The hand to hand is based on the moves learnt in the knife drills.
At STMA we have the added dimension of knife sparring - with the felt pens - to test the skills in real time.
Stick fighting
This involves the skills built in the stick drills from Kali, Eskrima, Silat, and Krabi Krabong.
Like Kendo, we spar in armour.
Strikes are made to:
men - helmet
Do - body, though we also include the arms in stick
kote - wrists
Sune - we also strike to shins and knee - this is not done in standard kendo sparring, but it is done with naginata
We then remove the body armour.
We then remove the gloves
We then spar with just a fencing mask to protect the teeth and eyes (and nose for those of you who haven't had a break yet)
We also spar nunchaku - with the foam chucks, though in armour we can use rattan chux.
Like Kendo, we spar in armour.
Strikes are made to:
men - helmet
Do - body, though we also include the arms in stick
kote - wrists
Sune - we also strike to shins and knee - this is not done in standard kendo sparring, but it is done with naginata
We then remove the body armour.
We then remove the gloves
We then spar with just a fencing mask to protect the teeth and eyes (and nose for those of you who haven't had a break yet)
We also spar nunchaku - with the foam chucks, though in armour we can use rattan chux.
Thursday 15 October 2009
Sparring light vs hard
Light sparring freestyle gives you a chance to try out new moves and be daring. It lets you take chances.
In hard sparring, as in competition or combat, you can't take chances as you can't risk getting hit. You only use your best techniques, your tried and tested methods and ABCs.
So although hard sparring has it's place, it's the light sparring that will be your main development area.
Hard sparring is for pressure testing.
You can spar light in the points karate and freestyle SC, and also boxing, kb and Thai.
In hard sparring, as in competition or combat, you can't take chances as you can't risk getting hit. You only use your best techniques, your tried and tested methods and ABCs.
So although hard sparring has it's place, it's the light sparring that will be your main development area.
Hard sparring is for pressure testing.
You can spar light in the points karate and freestyle SC, and also boxing, kb and Thai.
Kickboxing
Kickboxing is our own system refined at Shiro Tora.
The core of the system, at the basic level, is the punches of boxing combined with the kicks of karate.
However the system is far more than these parts when you start progressing through your training.
Shihan has competed in traditional points karate, semi contact, and full contact kickboxing.
Our system also borrows from Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do and Savate Boxe Francais which Shihan has trained and sparred in.
Our TKD particularly sources the WTF system with it's full contact body sparring.
Training drills are impact based, using focus mitts, kick shields and Thai pads. We then progress to partner drills, then sparring.
Sparring is progressive and covers all levels:
Boxing - punching to head and body. Full gloves.
Kickboxing - punching and kicking to head and body. Full gloves and shin pads.
Lo Kix - kb with leg licks and blocks to add a whole new dimension.
Thai - as lo kix kb, but with the use of knees in the clinch.
Thai sparring becomes harder at the higher levels with the removal of protective equipment.
Trad karate - light or no pads and touch or light contact to the body. All head shots are pulled (sundome)
Perhaps the most skillfull and controlled form of sparring there is.
Sweeps - when sweeps are added it adds a new dimension
Semi contact - lighter pads and lighter contact than FC and a longer range. Relies more on long and high kicks.
TKD - like SC but with full contact to the body. Special "Hogu" armour is worn for this.
After studying classical Wing Chun in Hong Kong, Bruce Lee first taught a modified version in Oakland. When he moved to Seattle and started again, what he taught was the first real Jun Fan Kung Fu. When he got to LA and started again with Dan, he'd reversed his format and started teaching KB first - so students learned attributes before technique, and tried it all out in sparring. The "martial arts skills" came after.
My kb was originally adapted from the karate and boxing I was doing seperately. I worked the two skills together and tried it all out in sparring, and later in competition. As I was winning trophies I was obviously doing better than what other people were doing at the time, so I was on the right track.
I added a lot of Thai, some TKD - especially the kicks, and some savate to what the KB system now is.
I sparred with a lot of black belts from various styles such as TKD, Shotokan, Kyukushinkai, Thai, Freestyle and Lau Gar to adapt what I was doing to fit all kinds of opponents.
Now we have a system easy to learn and easy to fit into the style and character of the student.
Some students, big guys who like boxing, rugby and Judo, want to get stuck in with close combat and harder full contact sparring.
Some students, women and more athletic guys, into TKD, football, even dance, like to keep to semi contact and use a longer range, with more kicks.
As I've had students I've developed in these two extremes, and all the points in between, it's easy to set up a class that can accomodate and progress anyone.
The core of the system, at the basic level, is the punches of boxing combined with the kicks of karate.
However the system is far more than these parts when you start progressing through your training.
Shihan has competed in traditional points karate, semi contact, and full contact kickboxing.
Our system also borrows from Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do and Savate Boxe Francais which Shihan has trained and sparred in.
Our TKD particularly sources the WTF system with it's full contact body sparring.
Training drills are impact based, using focus mitts, kick shields and Thai pads. We then progress to partner drills, then sparring.
Sparring is progressive and covers all levels:
Boxing - punching to head and body. Full gloves.
Kickboxing - punching and kicking to head and body. Full gloves and shin pads.
Lo Kix - kb with leg licks and blocks to add a whole new dimension.
Thai - as lo kix kb, but with the use of knees in the clinch.
Thai sparring becomes harder at the higher levels with the removal of protective equipment.
Trad karate - light or no pads and touch or light contact to the body. All head shots are pulled (sundome)
Perhaps the most skillfull and controlled form of sparring there is.
Sweeps - when sweeps are added it adds a new dimension
Semi contact - lighter pads and lighter contact than FC and a longer range. Relies more on long and high kicks.
TKD - like SC but with full contact to the body. Special "Hogu" armour is worn for this.
After studying classical Wing Chun in Hong Kong, Bruce Lee first taught a modified version in Oakland. When he moved to Seattle and started again, what he taught was the first real Jun Fan Kung Fu. When he got to LA and started again with Dan, he'd reversed his format and started teaching KB first - so students learned attributes before technique, and tried it all out in sparring. The "martial arts skills" came after.
My kb was originally adapted from the karate and boxing I was doing seperately. I worked the two skills together and tried it all out in sparring, and later in competition. As I was winning trophies I was obviously doing better than what other people were doing at the time, so I was on the right track.
I added a lot of Thai, some TKD - especially the kicks, and some savate to what the KB system now is.
I sparred with a lot of black belts from various styles such as TKD, Shotokan, Kyukushinkai, Thai, Freestyle and Lau Gar to adapt what I was doing to fit all kinds of opponents.
Now we have a system easy to learn and easy to fit into the style and character of the student.
Some students, big guys who like boxing, rugby and Judo, want to get stuck in with close combat and harder full contact sparring.
Some students, women and more athletic guys, into TKD, football, even dance, like to keep to semi contact and use a longer range, with more kicks.
As I've had students I've developed in these two extremes, and all the points in between, it's easy to set up a class that can accomodate and progress anyone.
Thai boxing
With KB we have taken our drilling mainly from karate and boxing.
Thai boxing takes training methods from Muay Thai, a different MA.
This involves the use of the knee, and training on the Thai pads.
In the kb we play the Thai knee phase.
In Thai, there is knee sparring where you tie up and fight with just knees, which is an important phase of Thai and a great skill in itself. If the opponent goes to the floor in knee spar, in Thai you break.
In MMA, VT or Street, you would follow in with a strike - a drop knee or kick.
The Thai "throw" is called a "thum" and is a very effective throw for VT or the street.
Thai pad ABCs
Jab, Cross
Double kao
Double dte
J,C,H, Dte, kao
J, C, salute, H, Kao
J, C, dte
C, sok
H, sok
c, kao
tiip, C, H, C
Obviously Thai drills start on the Thai pads.
We have a couple of long ABCs, which are like Japanese budo kata, which means something different from Okinawan and karate meaning of kata.
Along with the Krabi drill, these are important "kata" for the learning of Muay Thai
All members need to know these 3 "Thai kata"
Punch kata:
Jab, cross, Hook, Elbow, Knee, double dte
henka:
Jab, cross, elbow, elbow, Knee, double dte
Kick kata:
Push kick, round kick, knee, clinch 2 knees, 2 elbows, kradot knee
Krabi:
5 step drill
4 endings:
strike with round kick,
kradot strike,
power strike,
double strike and push kick
Thai boxing takes training methods from Muay Thai, a different MA.
This involves the use of the knee, and training on the Thai pads.
In the kb we play the Thai knee phase.
In Thai, there is knee sparring where you tie up and fight with just knees, which is an important phase of Thai and a great skill in itself. If the opponent goes to the floor in knee spar, in Thai you break.
In MMA, VT or Street, you would follow in with a strike - a drop knee or kick.
The Thai "throw" is called a "thum" and is a very effective throw for VT or the street.
Thai pad ABCs
Jab, Cross
Double kao
Double dte
J,C,H, Dte, kao
J, C, salute, H, Kao
J, C, dte
C, sok
H, sok
c, kao
tiip, C, H, C
Obviously Thai drills start on the Thai pads.
We have a couple of long ABCs, which are like Japanese budo kata, which means something different from Okinawan and karate meaning of kata.
Along with the Krabi drill, these are important "kata" for the learning of Muay Thai
All members need to know these 3 "Thai kata"
Punch kata:
Jab, cross, Hook, Elbow, Knee, double dte
henka:
Jab, cross, elbow, elbow, Knee, double dte
Kick kata:
Push kick, round kick, knee, clinch 2 knees, 2 elbows, kradot knee
Krabi:
5 step drill
4 endings:
strike with round kick,
kradot strike,
power strike,
double strike and push kick
Semi Contact Kickboxing
This is the same as Freestyle karate.
Primary drilling is done on the focus mitts. Sparring uses the lighter mitts and is touch or semi contact only.
Additional hand techniques include the ridge hand and backfist.
The stance tends to be more side on the FC, and there is more use of the side push kick than the front push kick.
Good head kicking is necessary to become really proficient at SC KB.
ABCs:
J - Jab
gz - gyaku zuki
maw - mawashigeri - round kick
ura - uraken - backfist
haito - ridge hand
kek - kekome - side kick
mae - mygeri - front kick
hk - hook kick
r - rear
l - low
Basic ABCs:
J - gz
J - maw
gz - r ura
maw - gz
j - ura - gz
Gz - r haito
- henka "drive by"
- henka g, h, maw, ura
gz - j - gz
haito - gz
ura - gz - r maw
kek - ura
r maw - ura
ura - gz
mae - ura
maw - ura
angle maw
gz - r maw - gz
Advanced ABCs:
kek - maw - gz
gz - haito - r maw
hk - maw - kek
r maw - j - haito - hk
jump spin hook - gz
hk - spin hk - gz
(r hk) ura - spin ura - gz
lo j - spin hk
feint - hk - maw
kek - maw
maw - spin hk
gz - hk
gz - r hk
jump gz - maw
gz side door
- box guard
- SC guard
Sweeps:
hk, sweep, gz
ura - reap
de ashi - gz - r maw
Retreating:
jump haito
jump kek - spin hk
jump hk
kek, spin hook
defensive ABCs:
uke gz - r ged bar - r ura
uke gz - lo bon - ura
uke j - slip block - sweep - gz
Primary drilling is done on the focus mitts. Sparring uses the lighter mitts and is touch or semi contact only.
Additional hand techniques include the ridge hand and backfist.
The stance tends to be more side on the FC, and there is more use of the side push kick than the front push kick.
Good head kicking is necessary to become really proficient at SC KB.
ABCs:
J - Jab
gz - gyaku zuki
maw - mawashigeri - round kick
ura - uraken - backfist
haito - ridge hand
kek - kekome - side kick
mae - mygeri - front kick
hk - hook kick
r - rear
l - low
Basic ABCs:
J - gz
J - maw
gz - r ura
maw - gz
j - ura - gz
Gz - r haito
- henka "drive by"
- henka g, h, maw, ura
gz - j - gz
haito - gz
ura - gz - r maw
kek - ura
r maw - ura
ura - gz
mae - ura
maw - ura
angle maw
gz - r maw - gz
Advanced ABCs:
kek - maw - gz
gz - haito - r maw
hk - maw - kek
r maw - j - haito - hk
jump spin hook - gz
hk - spin hk - gz
(r hk) ura - spin ura - gz
lo j - spin hk
feint - hk - maw
kek - maw
maw - spin hk
gz - hk
gz - r hk
jump gz - maw
gz side door
- box guard
- SC guard
Sweeps:
hk, sweep, gz
ura - reap
de ashi - gz - r maw
Retreating:
jump haito
jump kek - spin hk
jump hk
kek, spin hook
defensive ABCs:
uke gz - r ged bar - r ura
uke gz - lo bon - ura
uke j - slip block - sweep - gz
Kickboxing - Full Contact
This is basically boxing with the addition of the 4 primary karate kicks:
front kick - mygeri
Round kick - mawashigeri
Side Kick - kekome
Back kick - ushiro geri
These are learnt on the shield and primarily delivered to the stomach.
Head kicks are secondary and you don't have to learn them unless you want to.
Other secondary kicks include the hook kick, done to the head, and jump kicks.
Practice is progressive:
ABCs:
Hand, hand
Hand, Foot
Foot, hand
Foot, foot
There are of course defences for the kicks and defensive combinations.
Then there is progressive sparring:
Boxing v boxing
Boxing v kickboxing
Kickboxing v kb
Then isolation sparring:
Lead hand only
Lead hand and leg only
LH and LL against kb
...etc
front kick - mygeri
Round kick - mawashigeri
Side Kick - kekome
Back kick - ushiro geri
These are learnt on the shield and primarily delivered to the stomach.
Head kicks are secondary and you don't have to learn them unless you want to.
Other secondary kicks include the hook kick, done to the head, and jump kicks.
Practice is progressive:
ABCs:
Hand, hand
Hand, Foot
Foot, hand
Foot, foot
There are of course defences for the kicks and defensive combinations.
Then there is progressive sparring:
Boxing v boxing
Boxing v kickboxing
Kickboxing v kb
Then isolation sparring:
Lead hand only
Lead hand and leg only
LH and LL against kb
...etc
Boxing at Shiro Tora
This is Western boxing, hands only fighting.
The main tools are:
Jab, Cross, Hook, Uppercut
The target is the head, the purpose is the knockout.
With lead and rear hooks and uppercuts, this generates 6 basic punches. You learn and practice these on the pads, then try them out in sparring.
Drilling is progressive:
Basic punches - the "big 6"
Defences
Attack combinations
Defensive combinations
Sparring
ABC means "Attack By Combination".
For ease, we use abbreviations for writing ABCs.
J - Jab
C - Cross
H - Hook
U - Uppercut
L - low, as in LJ or LC
R - rear, as in RU or RH. As the C is always rear we don't write RC.
These ABCs are practiced on the focus pads, drilled in lineups, then tried out in sparring.
J, C
J, J
C, H
RU, H
H, RU
J, C, H
J, C, J
C, J, C
J, C, J, C
C, J, C, J
J, C, H, RU, C
RU, RH, H
RU, H, C
J, C, H, C
U, RU, H, RH
H, RH, U, RU
Defensive ABCs
UKE attack - defensive move - counter
Uke J - slip out - LJ or C
Uke J - slip in - LC or H
C - slip out - LC or H, RU
J - snap back - J
C - roll - C
H - duck - LH
H - Bob & Weave - RH pr LH, RH
RH - B&W - H
Glove drill - cover punch then return J, C
Pressure ABCs:
J, J - forward pressure footwork
J, C, H - triangle footwork
The main tools are:
Jab, Cross, Hook, Uppercut
The target is the head, the purpose is the knockout.
With lead and rear hooks and uppercuts, this generates 6 basic punches. You learn and practice these on the pads, then try them out in sparring.
Drilling is progressive:
Basic punches - the "big 6"
Defences
Attack combinations
Defensive combinations
Sparring
ABC means "Attack By Combination".
For ease, we use abbreviations for writing ABCs.
J - Jab
C - Cross
H - Hook
U - Uppercut
L - low, as in LJ or LC
R - rear, as in RU or RH. As the C is always rear we don't write RC.
These ABCs are practiced on the focus pads, drilled in lineups, then tried out in sparring.
J, C
J, J
C, H
RU, H
H, RU
J, C, H
J, C, J
C, J, C
J, C, J, C
C, J, C, J
J, C, H, RU, C
RU, RH, H
RU, H, C
J, C, H, C
U, RU, H, RH
H, RH, U, RU
Defensive ABCs
UKE attack - defensive move - counter
Uke J - slip out - LJ or C
Uke J - slip in - LC or H
C - slip out - LC or H, RU
J - snap back - J
C - roll - C
H - duck - LH
H - Bob & Weave - RH pr LH, RH
RH - B&W - H
Glove drill - cover punch then return J, C
Pressure ABCs:
J, J - forward pressure footwork
J, C, H - triangle footwork
White Tiger Phrases
At the Shiro Tora we have adopted a number of handy catchphrases which are both inspirational and informative:
Accentuate the Positive, Eliminate the Negative.
Absorb What Is Useful, Discard What is Useless, Add What is specifically your own.
Using no way as Way, Having no limitation as limitation.
If you see it taught, you see it fought.
Higher Consciousness through harder contact.
The moment of truth is in the fight.
Step don't stretch
Don't be afraid to get some dirt on your shirt
Hit Hard - Hit Fast - Hit First!
Train Hard - Fight easy
Fights are won in Training
The harder you sweat in training, the less you bleed in battle
Don't mistake kindness for weakness
Adopt, Adapt, Improve
If he leaves 'em swinging, set 'em ringing
Leave your ego at the door
It's better to fight like a tiger than live like a pussy.
"Your answer is always violence."
"If you didn't want the answer, you shouldn't have asked the question."
If it's me or him, it ain't gonna be me!
The first rule of Self Defence - Learn to Hit f**king Hard!
One fist of iron, one fist of steel. If the right one don't get you, the left one will.
Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6
Never start a fight, but always finish it
It doesn't matter what the colour of the cat is, as long as it catches mice
If you're not living on the edge you're taking up too much room
These are some great slogans from No Fear T Shirts:
remember them?)
There are many things to be learnt from competition - bt fear is not one of them
Does not play well with others
(it appears "others" have a problem with losing)
At 200mph you have no friends
Some explanations:
Accentuate the Positive, Eliminate the Negative
Focusing on what you are good at, you can work to maintain and improve on these elements. It's also a great advantage in combat to play to your strengths.
Focusing on what you are not so good at you can work to improve, eliminate your weaknesses and become a complete martial artist and a fully functional fighter.
Absorb What Is Useful, Discard What is Useless, Add What is specifically your own
A maxim from JKD. Does exactly what it says. Absorb what is useful (including what you learn here), discard what is useless (including what you learn here) and add what is your own. Become your own fighter, your own martial artist and your own person, not just a carbon copy or clone. The creative, free thinking individual is more important than any established system.
Using no way as Way, Having no limitation as limitation
Also from JKD. Keeps in mind "the creative, free thinking individual is more important than any established system". We can train in any drill, technique or concept from any martial art, method or system. We are not bound by any constraints or restrictions, set routines or "syllabus".
If you see it taught, you see it fought
We got this phrase from the Dog Brothers. Quite simply, everything we do has a combat application, from punches and kicks, to traps, to chi sao, to sinawalli, to nunchaku manipulations. It all works in sparring and it all has application in real life. Nothing is just flashy or show or "for the sake of it".
Higher Consciousness through harder contact
Another great Dog Brothers maxim. For those who like hard and full contact sparring and competition, whether that be boxing, kickboxing, Thai, weapons combat, or those who just like to slam the mat hard, there is a lot to be learnt from this. Not everyone has to do it, but those who do are not "decending" to some more primative, thug-like level, quite the opposite in fact.
The moment of truth is in the fight
A great maxim from Vale Tudo. You can have all the concept, theory and drilling you like but ultimately this will just be "land swimming". You need to "get in the water" to see if you can really do it.
Hence our fully comprehensive, all ranges, all weapons sparring program. For those who want to do competition, in whatever format, we encourage it. And for street fighting and self protection, our program has been tested "on the doors" over a period of years.
Step don't stretch
An original one of ours. If you can't reach his elbow for a trap or lock don't stand there with your feet stuck to the floor stretching til you're off balance. Take a step nearer.
Don't be afraid to get some dirt on your shirt
This is something we coined in the early classes. Don't worry if somebody's shoe gets dirt on your shirt. Go for the contact. Stick it in the wash when you get home!
Hit Hard - Hit Fast - Hit First!
We're not sure who said this first, but it's sound advice. Use the Fence and Pre-Emptive strike and end the fight before it's begun. Everything else is backup.
Train Hard - Fight easy
Follows an old maxim. Self explanatory.
A similar one is
"bleed in training, don't bleed in battle".
or
the more you bleed in training, the less you bleed in battle
Also
"Fights are won in training".
The harder you sweat in training, the less you bleed in battle
Same principle as above
Fights are won in Training
A favourite of Muhammad Ali
Don't mistake kindness for weakness
This is about letting someone off lightly if he tries to start something. Originally coined by the great JKD teacher Larry Hartsell.
Adopt, Adapt, Improve
Similar to Absorn what is useful.
We adopt training methods, techniques and tactics from various systems, both traditional and modern.
We adapt them for our purposes - street self defence for the streets of Britain today.
We improve on them.
If he leaves 'em swinging, set 'em ringing
Refers to the groin kick. The classic sucker move, but harder to land in real time than many people appreciate. However, if the opportunity presents itself, it can end the fight.
Leave your ego at the door
Self explanatory. A common MA dojo maxim.
It's better to fight like a tiger than live like a pussy
We got this from Kung Fu Panda I think. But as a philosophy it fits!
If it's me or him, it ain't gonna be me!
A Samuel Jackson quote from a Tarantino movie. But a great attitude to take into a fight.
The first rule of Self Defence - Learn to Hit f**king Hard!
Or to put it a different way - SD can be summed up in one sentence of 5 words - "Learn to Hit f**king Hard!"
Everything else is back up.
One fist of iron, one fist of steel. If the right one don't get you, the left one will.
My grandfather was a boxer in London back in the 1930s. This was his favourite saying.
Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6
Everyone knows that the law is the "second enemy".
If in doubt, in a SD sit, use maximum force to make sure you come out alive and deal with the legal consequences later.
Extreme situations call for extreme solutions.
It doesn't matter what the colour of the cat is, as long as it catches mice
Dont get caught up in names of styles, what it looks like, uniforms, etc. All that matters is the techniques and the concepts do their job properly.
If you're not living on the edge you're taking up too much room
STMA has always been about pushing the boundaries and this is a good maxim for the general lifestyle.
Accentuate the Positive, Eliminate the Negative.
Absorb What Is Useful, Discard What is Useless, Add What is specifically your own.
Using no way as Way, Having no limitation as limitation.
If you see it taught, you see it fought.
Higher Consciousness through harder contact.
The moment of truth is in the fight.
Step don't stretch
Don't be afraid to get some dirt on your shirt
Hit Hard - Hit Fast - Hit First!
Train Hard - Fight easy
Fights are won in Training
The harder you sweat in training, the less you bleed in battle
Don't mistake kindness for weakness
Adopt, Adapt, Improve
If he leaves 'em swinging, set 'em ringing
Leave your ego at the door
It's better to fight like a tiger than live like a pussy.
"Your answer is always violence."
"If you didn't want the answer, you shouldn't have asked the question."
If it's me or him, it ain't gonna be me!
The first rule of Self Defence - Learn to Hit f**king Hard!
One fist of iron, one fist of steel. If the right one don't get you, the left one will.
Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6
Never start a fight, but always finish it
It doesn't matter what the colour of the cat is, as long as it catches mice
If you're not living on the edge you're taking up too much room
These are some great slogans from No Fear T Shirts:
remember them?)
There are many things to be learnt from competition - bt fear is not one of them
Does not play well with others
(it appears "others" have a problem with losing)
At 200mph you have no friends
Some explanations:
Accentuate the Positive, Eliminate the Negative
Focusing on what you are good at, you can work to maintain and improve on these elements. It's also a great advantage in combat to play to your strengths.
Focusing on what you are not so good at you can work to improve, eliminate your weaknesses and become a complete martial artist and a fully functional fighter.
Absorb What Is Useful, Discard What is Useless, Add What is specifically your own
A maxim from JKD. Does exactly what it says. Absorb what is useful (including what you learn here), discard what is useless (including what you learn here) and add what is your own. Become your own fighter, your own martial artist and your own person, not just a carbon copy or clone. The creative, free thinking individual is more important than any established system.
Using no way as Way, Having no limitation as limitation
Also from JKD. Keeps in mind "the creative, free thinking individual is more important than any established system". We can train in any drill, technique or concept from any martial art, method or system. We are not bound by any constraints or restrictions, set routines or "syllabus".
If you see it taught, you see it fought
We got this phrase from the Dog Brothers. Quite simply, everything we do has a combat application, from punches and kicks, to traps, to chi sao, to sinawalli, to nunchaku manipulations. It all works in sparring and it all has application in real life. Nothing is just flashy or show or "for the sake of it".
Higher Consciousness through harder contact
Another great Dog Brothers maxim. For those who like hard and full contact sparring and competition, whether that be boxing, kickboxing, Thai, weapons combat, or those who just like to slam the mat hard, there is a lot to be learnt from this. Not everyone has to do it, but those who do are not "decending" to some more primative, thug-like level, quite the opposite in fact.
The moment of truth is in the fight
A great maxim from Vale Tudo. You can have all the concept, theory and drilling you like but ultimately this will just be "land swimming". You need to "get in the water" to see if you can really do it.
Hence our fully comprehensive, all ranges, all weapons sparring program. For those who want to do competition, in whatever format, we encourage it. And for street fighting and self protection, our program has been tested "on the doors" over a period of years.
Step don't stretch
An original one of ours. If you can't reach his elbow for a trap or lock don't stand there with your feet stuck to the floor stretching til you're off balance. Take a step nearer.
Don't be afraid to get some dirt on your shirt
This is something we coined in the early classes. Don't worry if somebody's shoe gets dirt on your shirt. Go for the contact. Stick it in the wash when you get home!
Hit Hard - Hit Fast - Hit First!
We're not sure who said this first, but it's sound advice. Use the Fence and Pre-Emptive strike and end the fight before it's begun. Everything else is backup.
Train Hard - Fight easy
Follows an old maxim. Self explanatory.
A similar one is
"bleed in training, don't bleed in battle".
or
the more you bleed in training, the less you bleed in battle
Also
"Fights are won in training".
The harder you sweat in training, the less you bleed in battle
Same principle as above
Fights are won in Training
A favourite of Muhammad Ali
Don't mistake kindness for weakness
This is about letting someone off lightly if he tries to start something. Originally coined by the great JKD teacher Larry Hartsell.
Adopt, Adapt, Improve
Similar to Absorn what is useful.
We adopt training methods, techniques and tactics from various systems, both traditional and modern.
We adapt them for our purposes - street self defence for the streets of Britain today.
We improve on them.
If he leaves 'em swinging, set 'em ringing
Refers to the groin kick. The classic sucker move, but harder to land in real time than many people appreciate. However, if the opportunity presents itself, it can end the fight.
Leave your ego at the door
Self explanatory. A common MA dojo maxim.
It's better to fight like a tiger than live like a pussy
We got this from Kung Fu Panda I think. But as a philosophy it fits!
If it's me or him, it ain't gonna be me!
A Samuel Jackson quote from a Tarantino movie. But a great attitude to take into a fight.
The first rule of Self Defence - Learn to Hit f**king Hard!
Or to put it a different way - SD can be summed up in one sentence of 5 words - "Learn to Hit f**king Hard!"
Everything else is back up.
One fist of iron, one fist of steel. If the right one don't get you, the left one will.
My grandfather was a boxer in London back in the 1930s. This was his favourite saying.
Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6
Everyone knows that the law is the "second enemy".
If in doubt, in a SD sit, use maximum force to make sure you come out alive and deal with the legal consequences later.
Extreme situations call for extreme solutions.
It doesn't matter what the colour of the cat is, as long as it catches mice
Dont get caught up in names of styles, what it looks like, uniforms, etc. All that matters is the techniques and the concepts do their job properly.
If you're not living on the edge you're taking up too much room
STMA has always been about pushing the boundaries and this is a good maxim for the general lifestyle.
Tuesday 13 October 2009
Do vs Jutsu
"Do" means "Way. "Jutsu" means "Art".
Karate-Do, Judo, Kendo and Aikido are all Ways.
You first learn the Traditional art, which is what your belts are in.
You learn the Goshin modern Self defence applications.
You learn the sparring aspect and can even go on to compete in the sport version.
Do is a way to improve yourself, physically and spiritually. You train for Self defence, you don't actually train to fight. You come to realise the Way of "Fighting without Fighting".
Jujutsu, Kenjutsu and Ninjutsu are Warrior Arts.
They are combat systems warriors learnt with the intention of going into battle and killing the enemy.
Karate-Do, Judo, Kendo and Aikido are all Ways.
You first learn the Traditional art, which is what your belts are in.
You learn the Goshin modern Self defence applications.
You learn the sparring aspect and can even go on to compete in the sport version.
Do is a way to improve yourself, physically and spiritually. You train for Self defence, you don't actually train to fight. You come to realise the Way of "Fighting without Fighting".
Jujutsu, Kenjutsu and Ninjutsu are Warrior Arts.
They are combat systems warriors learnt with the intention of going into battle and killing the enemy.
Monday 12 October 2009
AFA - Applied Fighting Arts
AFA stands for Applied Fighting Arts.
It is the precursor to what is now STMA - the Shiro Tora Martial Arts, the Applied Fighting Arts of Karate, Jujutsu, Wing Chun, Kali and Muay Thai - Martial Arts adapted and applied in real Self Defence situations on the streets of 21st Century Britain.
We use the Applied Fighting Arts of Freestyle Karate, Boxing, Kickboxing and Thai Boxing in our impact work and sparring.
We use the Applied Fighting Arts of Judo, JuJutsu and wrestling in our matwork and grappling.
We use the Applied Fighting Arts of Japanese Kobudo, Okinawan Kobudo, Kali, Eskrima and Krabi in our weapons defence, drills, combat and sparring.
We apply these arts in Self Defence and Street Fighting.
We apply these in Sparring and they can be applied in Sport contests.
The application of the Kickboxing arts with the Grappling arts forms Vale Tudo, our MMA sparring system.
Vale Tudo mixed with the Feng Wei arts creates Street Combat or SPARKS.
AFA is an American style anacronysm, simlar to what the JKD guys use.
It is the precursor to what is now STMA - the Shiro Tora Martial Arts, the Applied Fighting Arts of Karate, Jujutsu, Wing Chun, Kali and Muay Thai - Martial Arts adapted and applied in real Self Defence situations on the streets of 21st Century Britain.
We use the Applied Fighting Arts of Freestyle Karate, Boxing, Kickboxing and Thai Boxing in our impact work and sparring.
We use the Applied Fighting Arts of Judo, JuJutsu and wrestling in our matwork and grappling.
We use the Applied Fighting Arts of Japanese Kobudo, Okinawan Kobudo, Kali, Eskrima and Krabi in our weapons defence, drills, combat and sparring.
We apply these arts in Self Defence and Street Fighting.
We apply these in Sparring and they can be applied in Sport contests.
The application of the Kickboxing arts with the Grappling arts forms Vale Tudo, our MMA sparring system.
Vale Tudo mixed with the Feng Wei arts creates Street Combat or SPARKS.
AFA is an American style anacronysm, simlar to what the JKD guys use.
S.P.A.R.K.S
S.P.A.R.K.S or S.P.A.R.C.S stands for Scientific Progressive Aggressive Response Combat Systems.
When looking for a name for our system, as well as considering what the Japanese do, we also looked at what the Americans do. They tend to use acronyms for their systems. Paul Vunak calls his Progressive Fighting Systems (PFS) and Chris Kent calls his Combat Arts International (CAI) to name just two.
Although it's just a name (don't fuss over it) we tried out a few acronyms that might suit us and came up with SPARKS.
Scientific - because everything is scientifically tested, no guess work or assumption.
Progressive - because the training we do is progressive, through the ranges, disciplines, drilling and sparring.
Aggressive - because we are dealing with an aggressive attacker, and we are using aggressive, positive responses, not passive "self defence" moves.
Response - we are responding to a threat rather than reacting to an attack.
Kombat or Combat, depending on how we want to fit the acronym. Kombat is the harded German spelling,and of course is a nod to the game Mortal Kombat. We prefer the word Combat to Fighting.
System - which we prefer to Method or Art, or even Do (Way in Japanese).
So if you want to, you can tell people you do SPARKS!
When looking for a name for our system, as well as considering what the Japanese do, we also looked at what the Americans do. They tend to use acronyms for their systems. Paul Vunak calls his Progressive Fighting Systems (PFS) and Chris Kent calls his Combat Arts International (CAI) to name just two.
Although it's just a name (don't fuss over it) we tried out a few acronyms that might suit us and came up with SPARKS.
Scientific - because everything is scientifically tested, no guess work or assumption.
Progressive - because the training we do is progressive, through the ranges, disciplines, drilling and sparring.
Aggressive - because we are dealing with an aggressive attacker, and we are using aggressive, positive responses, not passive "self defence" moves.
Response - we are responding to a threat rather than reacting to an attack.
Kombat or Combat, depending on how we want to fit the acronym. Kombat is the harded German spelling,and of course is a nod to the game Mortal Kombat. We prefer the word Combat to Fighting.
System - which we prefer to Method or Art, or even Do (Way in Japanese).
So if you want to, you can tell people you do SPARKS!
Feng Wei
Feng Wei is the name we have given to the core Fighting System in Shiro Tora. In Chinese it means "Phoenix". It is a streetfighting system for the streets of Britain at the start of the 21st Century.
As well as holding a 6th dan in karate, which has Okinawan and Chinese roots, Shihan is a full instructor in Wing Chun Kung Fu. He taught a Wing Chun class at the Tokushima Budo council for 3 years in the early 90s. Shihan's training has included classical and modified WC, as well as private training from the late great Master Derek Jones of Body Mind Spirit.
Shihan has been involved for many years in Jun Fan Gung Fu and Jeet Kune Do, so has trained in all aspects of Bruce Lee's art from the modified WC of Oakland to the Seattle Jun Fan to the LA JKD. One of Shihan's teachers is Dan Inosanto, Bruce Lee's top student in America.
So as well as a core of Applied Karate, FW heavily borrows from WC and JF.
There are also elements of Jujutsu, Kali and Muay Thai.
Shihan was a nightclub doorman for several years and is one of the UK's foremost authorities in applying Martial Art in streetfighting and Self Protection.
Shihan wrote the popular Training For Real column in Fighters magazine for 5 years.
Shihan's Threat Response system is unique to Shiro Tora and the FW class is the best place to learn them.
Classes include: Tool development, lineups, defence and counter drills, attack by combination, HIA traps, locks, chokes, immobilisations, takedowns, KOs, multiple opponent drills, the fence, threat escalation, conflict management.
Sparring at the higher level includes karate kumite and WC chi sao, so covers all levels of standing combat.
Whether you want to work in security, or just want an effective Self Protection system, we have it all right here.
This is the best class to start with as it just requires an empty room and people. It's diverse and we train in drills over modules for maximum skill update. I've had a lot of success with this format before and it isn't rivalled by anybody else doing the same thing.
It takes the core skills of Wing Chun, but not just traditional WC, but the modified style, and also the BMS that I did with Derek. It's similar to what I was teaching in Warlingham in 93-96, but a lot looser.
I've also added a lot of Jun Fan and JKD drills over the years, and a lot of the boxing skills.
There are also drills from karate, Thai and Kali, as well as Jujutsu.
Like I said, we'd have to call it something other than WC or JF.
(But it's just a name, don't fuss over it!)
I've adapted the functional training for the streets of UK at the start of the 21st century, so it really is a new streetfighting system. It contains the drills myself and my doormen practiced and used, and it's effective in those scenarios.
As well as holding a 6th dan in karate, which has Okinawan and Chinese roots, Shihan is a full instructor in Wing Chun Kung Fu. He taught a Wing Chun class at the Tokushima Budo council for 3 years in the early 90s. Shihan's training has included classical and modified WC, as well as private training from the late great Master Derek Jones of Body Mind Spirit.
Shihan has been involved for many years in Jun Fan Gung Fu and Jeet Kune Do, so has trained in all aspects of Bruce Lee's art from the modified WC of Oakland to the Seattle Jun Fan to the LA JKD. One of Shihan's teachers is Dan Inosanto, Bruce Lee's top student in America.
So as well as a core of Applied Karate, FW heavily borrows from WC and JF.
There are also elements of Jujutsu, Kali and Muay Thai.
Shihan was a nightclub doorman for several years and is one of the UK's foremost authorities in applying Martial Art in streetfighting and Self Protection.
Shihan wrote the popular Training For Real column in Fighters magazine for 5 years.
Shihan's Threat Response system is unique to Shiro Tora and the FW class is the best place to learn them.
Classes include: Tool development, lineups, defence and counter drills, attack by combination, HIA traps, locks, chokes, immobilisations, takedowns, KOs, multiple opponent drills, the fence, threat escalation, conflict management.
Sparring at the higher level includes karate kumite and WC chi sao, so covers all levels of standing combat.
Whether you want to work in security, or just want an effective Self Protection system, we have it all right here.
This is the best class to start with as it just requires an empty room and people. It's diverse and we train in drills over modules for maximum skill update. I've had a lot of success with this format before and it isn't rivalled by anybody else doing the same thing.
It takes the core skills of Wing Chun, but not just traditional WC, but the modified style, and also the BMS that I did with Derek. It's similar to what I was teaching in Warlingham in 93-96, but a lot looser.
I've also added a lot of Jun Fan and JKD drills over the years, and a lot of the boxing skills.
There are also drills from karate, Thai and Kali, as well as Jujutsu.
Like I said, we'd have to call it something other than WC or JF.
(But it's just a name, don't fuss over it!)
I've adapted the functional training for the streets of UK at the start of the 21st century, so it really is a new streetfighting system. It contains the drills myself and my doormen practiced and used, and it's effective in those scenarios.
Feng Wei syllabus
This is a progressive drilling sequence that makes up a complete combat system.
The core is still karate, but it is old style Kempo Karate, as seen on Okinawa, the precusor to what we now know as Karate-Do. There is no kata or bunkai and nothing is overly complicated. This is unarmed combat at it's most basic and brutal.
There is a binary core of Wing Chun, both Traditional and Modified, Derek Jones' "Body Mind Spirit" syle of WC, and Jun Fan Gung Fu, which is Bruce Lee's refinement of WC.
We also borrow from Mantis, Ba Gua, Hsing I and Tai Chi, so our Chinese KF roots and deep!
This method borrows drills from all over the STWTMA spectrum, including boxing, Thai, kali, and JJ.
It is done unarmed, one on one, with no equipment or mats.
We start with sequences dealing with punches, kicks and strikes, and counters.
We progress to HIA - Hand Immobilisations - Traps.
Locks from JJ.
Chokes.
NRG - Energy - drills.
Mainly Wing Chun - dan chi, bon lop, luk sao, into full chi sao sparring.
We also have drills from Mantis and Kali.
Sparring is based on 2 ranges from 2 core arts, and done without protective pads:
Wing Chun and Jun Fan Chi sao.
Karate Jiyu kumite.
The core is still karate, but it is old style Kempo Karate, as seen on Okinawa, the precusor to what we now know as Karate-Do. There is no kata or bunkai and nothing is overly complicated. This is unarmed combat at it's most basic and brutal.
There is a binary core of Wing Chun, both Traditional and Modified, Derek Jones' "Body Mind Spirit" syle of WC, and Jun Fan Gung Fu, which is Bruce Lee's refinement of WC.
We also borrow from Mantis, Ba Gua, Hsing I and Tai Chi, so our Chinese KF roots and deep!
This method borrows drills from all over the STWTMA spectrum, including boxing, Thai, kali, and JJ.
It is done unarmed, one on one, with no equipment or mats.
We start with sequences dealing with punches, kicks and strikes, and counters.
We progress to HIA - Hand Immobilisations - Traps.
Locks from JJ.
Chokes.
NRG - Energy - drills.
Mainly Wing Chun - dan chi, bon lop, luk sao, into full chi sao sparring.
We also have drills from Mantis and Kali.
Sparring is based on 2 ranges from 2 core arts, and done without protective pads:
Wing Chun and Jun Fan Chi sao.
Karate Jiyu kumite.
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