eBook review - Piper knife

In my previous post I offered a piece of my mind with regards to the use of instructional media, and what qualifies those media as good or not. The product reviewed here meets the criteria for the former category with flying colors, and if I may say, could stand as the model of a well-executed instructional book.

Before touching upon the contents, let me first address the form it takes. As obvious from the title, at issue as an e-book, but certainly not like the ones you have probably accustomed to. Namely, it is not in one of the familiar formats, such as PDF or e-PUB, but rather comes as sort of a software application that needs be installed on your computer and then registered online with author Erik Petermann. While that may sound as bit of a bother, it is well worth the effort. Namely, once it opens the layout is very clear and flows continuously within each chapter. There are no pages as such, and each chapter looks more like a web-page, so you can move through it simply by scrolling down, which makes the reading somewhat easier and faster. Also, from each chapter you can choose to go to the previous one, next one, or jump back to the table of contents. NOTE: Mr. Petermann, according to his own admission, has spent a lot of time and money on finding this solution, in order to prevent the information in the book from getting in the hands of just any  irresponsible individual or hormone-driven kid, which means it cannot be copied or printed, so you will have to deal with reading it on your computer.

The material is processed and presented just brilliantly. The author’s writing style is amusing, tongue-in-cheek sometimes, yet serious when needed. If you like the books of Marc “Animal” MacYoung, you will find yourself at home with this one, although I’d say it is even better, since it does not spend much space on author’s own “war stories” and digressions, as amusing and useful they may be in MacYoung’s case. While Petermann covers a lot of ground and topics, each one is given just the right amount of space and time in coverage, so the amount of redundancy is minimal. Certainly helping in making the book easy to follow and to the point is the fact that the author himself underlines in the introduction, when describing the Piper system of knife handling in combat as something “…so different, yet coherent and congruent within itself”.

Author - Erik Petermann

With that said, the book opens up with commentary on the legalities of using knife in self defense on the streets, which is in my opinion a mandatory section in such manual, but without trying to preach. No, this is simply a reminder of some very important issues one needs to pay attention to in a modern society. Petermann is open about being strongly opinionated in regards of the subject discussed, but also about not trying to impose his own personal beliefs and opinions onto readers. In relation to the chapter on legal implications of carrying a knife, he then moves to Ten golden rules of carrying a weapon.

Next chapter is very interesting and one of those mentioned tongue-in-cheek moments. It pertains to the history of Piper knife method, but written in a style that is unlike any other you may have seen in other martial art books. Aside from obviously pointing to the merits of Nigel February as the man who had systematized the body of knowledge in what is now termed Piper, everything else is laid without embellishments and decorum so often seen in other martial arts.

Nigel February

Without going into detail (you’re better off reading it for yourself), there is one very important thing that can be gleaned from this chapter. The Piper approach to combat is probably one of the most vital found today, with all the good and bad implication it bears. See, these very methods and techniques are still used on a daily basis in the urban centers of South Africa, especially among gangs and/or on unsuspecting civilian victims. SA being considered the death-by-stabbing capital of the world, it means all the techniques and “tricks of the trade” taught in Piper are really proven and very much present to this day in the streets and dark alleys of Cape Town and other cities there. Here is what the founder of Piper, Nigel February has to say himself: “I think the first thing to remember is that Piper or the Piper System is a research project, based on SA criminal knife use, and not a super-cool new knife system. To understand Piper is to imagine it as Frankensteins monster, containing bits, parts, strategies and attitudes of all SA gangsters into one organism....Which we then study so we can kill it [...] kill this monster, who comes at you with relentless energy, power and movement“.

Scarry? Well, it should be!

We are then treated with another quite significant matter that is way too often ignored in many other martial systems, let alone the books and videos depicting them, and it is the subject of fitness. Now, this chapter does not attempt in any way, shape or form to instruct the reader in exercises and/or regimes to follow, but does stress the importance of being in a fairly good physical shape if you wish to gain maximum use of the methods presented later. Petermann points that most important physical attributes for street combat, especially involving edged weapons, are speed and lively footwork, and thus suggests some form of specific physical preparation for it. When the specific requirements translate as the short and violent bursts of anaerobic activity, the method of training proposed is some sort of interval workout. In line with the later chapter on Intent and mindset (which is probably the common thread that runs through all of the Piper segments), addition of practices that call for emotional involvement is also recommended.

The next three chapters are closely linked, tackling the issues of awareness, being afraid and the abovementioned intent and mindset. In the last part, we are reminded of the scary and cruel environment from which Piper has evolved, so the magnitude of how much the proper intent and perception of your training mean is reiterated.

And now, the book moves into the more specific material relating to the “tools of the trade”. If you are thinking “finally!” then I must advise you to not skip over the above issues, as they are extremely important and put everything else in perspective. Anyway, the five chapters that follow pertain to the target areas on your enemy (the actual term used by the exponents of Piper, once more stressing the attitude in what they do and why), selecting a knife that will suit you best, applying the skills to improvised weapons, using other body parts in the totality of the real world altercation, and also training equipment that will help you in adopting the skills.

Petermann then presents the chapter on how to practice Piper. No, not the course on how to organize your training session etc, but what qualities to look for, how to approach developing them and where to look for insight, better understanding and inspiration. He also warns that this way of using the knife to fight is not some stylistically “rounded” entity that can be fully mastered as such. Instead, a lot of time and effort needs be invested in practicing the basics ,as that is what really makes the system functional, despite the commonly met obstacles of boredom and physical inconvenience. He puts it very succinctly in saying that ““…this is not a skill-set you’re learning to be cool at a cocktail-party or to show off to your blind date”.

In the following chapter, once again we see author’s excellent pedagogy in treating the subject matter. Namely, he puts together an overview of the technical material to come and therefore provides a look at the complete picture that the pieces of the puzzle. I find this to be a great way of helping the reader/attempted practitioner to not fall into the trap of failing to see the woods from the trees, which is a common problem in learning something from books or videos.

The topics of the carry and the draw of your chosen knife are often neglected and overlooked, but not in this case. The discussion on the eternal dilemma of forward vs. reverse grip is included, in a sober and rational fashion and with conclusions drawing from the entirety of Piper as such.

From here on, the reader will get their hands-on instruction in the fundamentals of the technical arsenal in Piper. The author goes into detail about the areas previously briefly covered in the overview. It is these chapters where Petermann’s analytical and pedagogical ability shines through. Namely, he demonstrated the exquisite capacity of analyzing and putting into meaningful (digestible) chunks of information the deceptive moves of Piper.

First, we are shown and explained the basic ways of keeping the blade in motion – shimmering and twirling. Most techniques in Piper generate their power from the wrist, so these are very important. Not to mention the psychological effect it may have on your adversary.

Passing the knife from one hand to the other is usually seen as detrimental ornamentation in most other knife systems, but within Piper it is an integral tactical element, and in that context very much acceptable. Shown are the four options/variations, and while you may not find all of them according to your liking (like I did not myself), you should be able to take at least two that can be integrated into your repertory.

At the first glance, this chapter will seem inadequate, as it only shows two stabbing techniques, but is a deceptive impression (as so many things are with Piper). Once these basic ways of doing it are under your belt, your are given some hints and guidelines on how to expand their applications in conjunction with other technical element.

The chapter on body movements may be the greatest obstacle to the grand majority of western practitioners of martial arts. It has to do with cultural and socially acceptable ways of moving in the African communities, but Petermann does a wonderful job of explaining it, and all you have to do is sweat over it.

The footwork is the driving force behind everything else that Piper does, like it is the case with most examples of great combatants, regardless of the style/system they represent. While different than in most other systems and styles, it is still practical and understandable, so among the explained methods, you should be able to find what suits you body type and physical ability and then put it to use.

I have to add here, that with the practice of body movements and footwork as done in Piper, you will probably get a very good workout out of your training session, and in a way that is pretty unique, so you will end up gaining some more value out of it all.

With all the previous techniques under your belt, the book now offers some more advanced material as a challenge to sink your teeth into, and possibly provide inspiration to be creative and find your own voice in expressing Piper.

In the end, it is probably wise to remind ourselves that the controversy that has been following this fighting system is simply the consequence of the novel dynamic patterns it shows and thus the lack of understanding of it. For quite a while, the main exponents did not even feel compelled to clarify the things. Again, quoting Nigel February: “Piper's global release & hype wasnt planned, but got out by accident. It was never meant to have ever left Cape Town, as we felt it was a local problem. Well it got out & has been misunderstood ever since. I guess its reason for existing now is down to its original purpose....It’s a live bad guy that all of us are now able to study & dissect....in person though! Understanding intent though doesn’t translate well by watching some vids on the Net.“

In conclusion, while the physical expression of Piper is very unorthodox and initially difficult to understand, this e-book really does an excellent job out of trying to teach the most important aspects of it. In the meantime, the people from Piper have finally produced an instructional video as well, so paired up with the manual that should really give you the next best thing, second only to personal tutelage under one of the advanced exponents. Personally, I have not seen the video yet, but judging from this review, it is certainly worth getting.

Both products are available through http://www.piperknife.com/ 

Frustrations of learning from books and videos

As so many other websites out there, this one too features some video and book reviews, so relevant to that fact is my take on the widespread question of whether it actually possibly to learn martial arts from a book or video. Well, the only right, but also unsatisfactory answer is – it depends! In order to make this conundrum somewhat clearer, what follows is my criteria on what makes a good “media carrier” of martial art information.

As always, when it comes to my views and opinions, there is the issue of context. With regards to evaluating an educational media product, we can look at it either from the standpoint of the product in itself, or its worth to a particular customer.

User-related criteria

  I believe the first and foremost element of importance in the tough task of teaching/learning any physical activity from a book or a video is the “student”, i.e. the end user of the product. From that perspective, let us divide those as belonging to one of the three possible groups – a beginner, an intermediate or advanced practitioner of fighting studies. Each of those should first try to define and understand what are they looking for in a product.

So, we might as well begin with beginners. In case of a row novice, or more precisely someone deciding to take up a study of some martial system and still choosing the right one, they should look at videos and books as kind of a review, to see what is out there and if something appeals to them especially. For this purpose it is obvious that videos have advantage over books, but the latter will offer more details once our budding practitioner narrows his or her choice to three or four potential approaches to fighting. The problem here is the lack of proper perspective on the quality of movement demonstrated by the author of the product, so it is completely possible that some people will reject certain systems simply due to the dislike for the particular instructor on video. Fortunately, today we have within easy reach the overabundant resources of Youtube, so the search is much faster, wider in scope and cheaper…and time consuming, yes. As the matter of fact, there are downsides to it as well, but let’s leave that for another time.

Choices, choices

Once the prospect martial artist has finally picked his thing, he should actually refrain from using videos as the source of information in their training and rely on a qualified instructor. Books however, can and should be used as the source of information regarding the historical and philosophical background, so your training time with an instructor will be spent more efficiently, and potential questions (maybe) more pertinent and be less of time-wasters.

Of course, some people will reach for these forms of instruction for the lack of qualified instructors in their area. That one is really tough…still if you decide to go for it, make sure to also have a training partner (or a couple of them) who are as enthusiastic about it and then try to practice the material as closely as possible and with as much diligence as you can muster. Be aware that it is long and difficult path, especially undertaken like that, so the progress will be slow and irregular, comparing to training under an instructor. Also, whenever possible, take the opportunity to partake in a seminar or take a private lesson, for the reality check on what you have achieved thus far.

As you reach some level of training, certain books and/or videos are really handy as reminders of the curriculum requirements within your art or school. For those, you are well advised to ask your instructors for recommendation.

For the intermediate student, the media could be of much different use and value. Namely, with some serious training under your belt (or sweat on your shorts if you do not wear a belt :-) you will probably have achieved some understanding of the core principles and tenets of your chosen martial art, so the media products could provide a couple of useful things. First, how some other people within the same system approach their training. It will hopefully offer a fresh perspective on some already familiar things and further increase your understanding of those, maybe also add some new fire to your training sessions. Second, if looking at another style of fighting, you could expand your horizons on the coherence of your own system (would it hold on just as good against various other schools as it does against your fellow practitioners), or even see something that fits in nicely with your work to address the areas your style does not.

Context and coherence

However, be honest here – do not approach looking at other schools with preconceptions. Be aware of both their good and bad features (same goes for your own stuff) and how that fits with your thing structurally. Do not add some moves just because they look cool, but only if they can be embedded with your already existing method, as seamlessly as possible. To see the wrong way to look at it, just read some of the stupid comments and flame wars under any of the videos on the abovementioned Youtube.

The advanced practitioner should already be at the level to understand and appreciate the quality of movement, instead of getting lost in canonical technical minutia (yes, it means that spending 30 years growing more and more dogmatic and biased does not make you an advanced practitioner). With such understanding of principles, one can glean something of use from any other martial art, related or unrelated. It could be a drilling tool, training method, teaching progression, tactical consideration…whatever. 

Teaching perspective

Also, the advanced practitioners have already established a good filter to sift the observed information through, so it is easier to take what is useful and discard the irrelevant. For these people, the next link in the evaluating criteria of a product becomes more important.

Self-contained criteria

Now, all that said, all books and videos are not created equal either. Two primary measures that make an instructional product are its contents and presentation. Both are rather important, so it is hard to tell which one takes precedence. However, there can be no presentation without something to present, so…

The content, in order to be valuable, needs to be first and foremost relevant and in accordance with the advertised features. In other words, if a video is advertised as the “street solutions for self defense” it should not then spend 90% of instruction time (if any) on teaching the “hidden pressure points application of karate kata”. Also, there should be at least some amount of the pertinent material included. Please note, however, it does not necessarily mean dozens of different techniques, and at least 90 minutes, or 200 pages (certainly, 15 minutes does not qualify as a full-feature instructional video either). I am perfectly satisfied with a book or video that focuses on a single technique/tactic/method but then offers a comprehensive treatment of the subject, in-depth and thorough. Of course, copious material is no bad, but in that case the next point becomes all the more important.

With products that have valuable content to offer, it is the presentation that will make it or break it. Essentially, it means that no matter how relevant and maybe innovative the material is, it needs to be presented in a coherent manner and logical order, so that the end user could benefit most from watching or reading it.

There are a few ways to achieving that goal, all good and acceptable, so in the end the customer will decide, based on their own affinities, what videos and/or authors they tend to like most in a particular field. Of course, some people just have naturally good on-screen appearance or “literary” style and it will only help them if they have a good product, sometimes even make an average one come out as better. On the other hand, I have seen some examples of good material and solid organization, but with somewhat bland “personal touch”, which in turn made the product not as well received as it could and should have been.

Maybe you will ask for some more specific pointers regarding what is a good presentation. Fair question, but due to the limits of this post, here are just a few broad strokes:

-         chronological approach starts with what the practitioner will need to have grasp of first, in order to attain a good command of the material, and then move in successive steps from there. For example, a knife method would start with weapon carry and deployment, followed by stance and footwork, distance management etc. A grappling package could start with closing the distance, placing a takedown, taking the dominant position…

-         lexicon approach will divide the material in more or less rounded categories/chapters/ (maybe even volumes) and then offer the instruction in each, for easier reference. Some pointers on how to integrate the material are certainly welcome (training methods and progressions, drills etc).

-         flowchart approach opens up with some technique or method and then discusses possible reactions/counters to it, followed by possible solutions to those counters and so on.

There are other possibilities and combinations, but hopefully by now you get the idea. Of course, certain types of material or martial arts may have the built-in inclination towards one of the above presentation methods, so going for it would make for a more certain outcome.

Partially relating to the presentation are the technical production values, like lighting, sound, visual and graphic effects etc. Personally, I do not care much about the fancy package, as long as the image is clear enough and sound intelligible enough that I don’t have to physically strain to receive the intended information.

In conclusion, when reviewing the instructional products for this blog, I have in mind predominantly the “self-contained” criteria relating to the books and videos themselves, but in hope of providing some useful reference points so that you, the reader, could decide if they fit well enough with your personal “user-criteria”.

Asymmetrical weapon training

My friend and main RMA teacher Alex Kostic bases his training methodology on a dichotomy, for which he has a term that I really like – symmetrical vs. asymmetrical work. In the empty handed methods of fighting it is pretty obvious, and a lot of schools, especially those that are at least declaratively aimed at self defense, address some of the main forms of asymmetrical situations – empty handed against weapons, fighting against multiple adversaries, from the grounded position etc.

However, the grand majority of weapon-based methodologies seem to disregard this important aspect. Namely, it is much more common in these systems to debate over the value of “dueling” approach compared to scenario-based methods etc. Of course, some of them are clever enough to include both training methods, so the entire debate by now is something of a moot point. Nevertheless, although the asymmetrical work with weaponry is not fully non-existent, it is still more of an exception than the rule.

Outnumbered scenario in Jogo do Pau

OK, what exactly do I mean by asymmetrical in this context? Well, maybe we could divide the types of “inequality” into two rough categories. First, obviously, different weapons, like for example long vs. short (staff/stick, sword/knife…); blunt vs. edged (stick/knife, machete/staff…); flexible vs. blunt, firearms vs. edged … you get the point.

Blocking a flexible weapon?

Obviously, in each of those (or other possible) combinations, each of the weapons of choice (or even more probably, of opportunity) has certain advantages and disadvantages over the other, and a serious practitioner has to investigate those. At the very least, if you have your favorite EDC, you need to see how it fares against some other instruments of mayhem (deployment, reach, maneuverability etc).

Can you deploy yours on time?

For example, probably best known group of people who have systematically tested their favorite implement against many others are the Dog Brothers. Even in their early videos they used to go with stick against whatever kind of contact weapon they could find, and to this day they still do some of those “disparate” matches at their gatherings.

Obvously transfers to ASP batons

If you get to think about it, in case of an actual street fight, it is much more probable that if both (or more) parties involved reach for some kind of “force amplifier”, those will probably not be the same. Take a look at the real-world example below, and pay attention at what happens at 0:27 and 1:16. Those are the exact kinds of situations you want to avoid, if wielding a weapon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z6_etc6Sig

Secondly, there are environmental concerns, that apply to both disparate weapons situations and to the ones where similar implements are in play. How about having to fight uphill or downhill, i.e. up or down the flight of stairs? Getting in or out through the door? What about going with your off-hand against his dominant? Maybe being pressed sideways against a wall, so you only have backhand motions available, while he/they have the full range of options?

Environmental concerns

In case you are wondering, yes, I too have to try many of those yet and see where does it take me. However, I firmly believe that the progress begins with asking right questions, so here we go. If you have some experiences and/or pertinent suggestions, your comments are welcome.

Rules of engagement

This my last blog for this year, and I have decided to tackle the topic that has too often been disregarded and ignored, although more important than any gear review or technical piece of advice anybody could ever give you.

We have all heard, numerous times probably, that in a street fight there are no rules, referees, time limits etc. While that sounds very true and common sense at the first glance, things are actually bit different if are able to see beyond the most obvious, seemingly random and chaotic appearance of such altercations. If we analyze them critically, most so-called real fights seem to share many things in common, which means that in effect they can be taken as rules. Then, the real question is whether one knows the rule at play, although many people will adhere to some rules even on a subconscious level.

Fist of all, what is commonly termed a street fight can belong to one of two main categories – social and asocial. Some matter experts and authors will have different terminology (fight/combat, altercation/assault etc.), but it boils down to either being involved in a fight over an insult, petty differences, some sort of grudge etc. (shortly, bruised ego); or being subjected to a criminal assault (mugging, robbery etc). For those interested in a more detailed analysis of each there are many fine books out there, but I particularly like and recommend Rory Miller’s “Meditations on Violence” (you gotta like his term Monkey Dance for the social category of street fights), although you would also do well with some works of Marc “Animal” MacYoung, Peyton Quinn, Bill Kipp and Rich Dimitri and others…just do your homework.

So, what are those rules we have in play here? Essentially, I could divide those in two broad categories – social and personal. Now, the social rules of engagement, in this case, could be institutionally imposed (i.e. local or state laws), or maybe take the shape of certain actions being frowned upon in various degrees, even if not legally discriminated (eg. hitting another man or another woman, a young buck or an elderly man; fighting over a parking place or over a woman). The interesting thing here is that various people will reason differently over various criteria in this regard, so as a consequence what seems like a mindless and stupid fight to one man will make perfect sense to another. This in itself was/is and will be the cause of many a brawl among the members of different strata of the society, so it deserves some consideration.

Ready to be frowned upon?

The legal rules apply just as much to the asocial type of fight, i.e. even if you do emerge “victorious” from an assault, but after the use of physical means on your part to make it happen, you better be sure to deal as affectively with the possible judiciary aftermath. Invest some effort into learning about the local criminal laws and penal codes of your place of residence, as your ability to understand them might have some ramifications later. Namely, there have been more then a few occurrences of a thug pressing civil charges against a person who had defended from the attempted mugging or robbery, but failed to justify their acts. Do not let yourself be a victim of that. Again, do your homework and have some backup – as much as I detest the profession, it is better to have a good lawyer on your side.

Training-forged, street-lethal...court-proof?

Self-imposed rules (sometimes more appropriately called personal issues) often stem from the social ones, from the way you were raised by your family and how you were treated in life, but sometimes it is a matter of deep personal stands (religious beliefs, ethical stance) and/or trauma. For example, you will sometimes see people taking classes in weapon based martial arts, or being computer “tactical” game aces, while getting sick from seeing a chicken or a pig slain. Well, do you think that a human being, even if a lowlife thug, will not bleed and scream after being stabbed wit ha knife or wacked with an iron pipe? On the other hand, we have the opposite type – a hoplophobic person who would not touch a gun or reach for a knife even if their very lives were at stake. To me, neither makes sense, but it’s just me… Everybody has got to take a good, honest look inside themselves and ask some serious questions.

In this regard, it is much better to be clear about things up front, because those answers will certainly not be easier to find when facing a bully in a bar, or even worse, an armed robber in your own house. What are you willing to do, and what price are you willing to pay for your choice of actions is very important, as it makes the foundation for the development of the proper mental state and attitude you will need to deal with these kinds of situations… One thing is for sure, complacency is neither an answer nor attitude. 

Role of biomechanics exercises in Russian Martial Arts

During my years of practice in Russian Martial Arts, one of the areas of work that really has become vital for my approach to training and teaching it is the study of biomechanical body work on the ground. In certain Russian schools this type of work is referred to as “lower acrobatics”. Now, this kind of work, in general, is not unique to RMA, but the role it plays in the training methodology there differs to similar areas of curricula in BJJ or other, predominantly grappling, systems.

Namely, in those other styles and systems this field of practice is mainly treated as part of the overall conditioning and physical attributes development. In the Russian systems that do feature this kind of training, the function of the “solo groundwork” is somewhat different. Of course, the study of biomechanics is not limited to the ground work and techniques employed in that phase of combat; the scientific study of biomechanics can be (and is) applied to any human physical endeavor, for two primary reasons – technical efficiency and injury prevention. In that sense, it is also present in RMA, regardless of the “level” of work, i.e. standing (either striking of grappling) or on the ground, usually called “structure maintenance/breaking”, depending on whether you focus on yourself or the partner/opponent.

So, what are the specific features of the lower acrobatics in RMA? Well, for one thing, this is one of those rare instances where one can work on achieving what is commonly known as flow while working solo, i.e. without partner(s). In this case, the goal is fluid transition from one movement to another, with the overall appearance of softness in work. This emphasis also carries over to working from the grounded position against an opponent, i.e. when you are down and he is standing.

The most important aspect, nevertheless, as I see it, is the awakening of the body awareness in the lower section (below the waist), and the control of one’s own movement. Normally, in the daily life practices common for the cultures of the western world, the lower portion of our bodies is rarely moved in a deliberate way, which leads to frequent lack of awareness for this section of our bodies and resulting diminished ability and freedom of movement there. Once we get engaged in the movement on the floor, it requires the new perspective on this part, as well as the related training of the torso, which takes over the guiding role in many of the exercises. Pay close attention to the video below to see an illustration of what I mean.

Finally, the perspective of control. How many times have you heard teachers in all kinds of martial arts talking, or at least mentioning, the need to control your opponent? Do you see the difference between what they mean by that and what they mean by “controlling yourself”. For some reason, controlling the opponent is always physical, while the self-control tends to be in the mental or even “metaphysical” realm. Well, guess what – you need to be able of controlling your own physical expression just as well!

One of the first problems encountered by a practitioner when starting the ground work we are discussing here is the spatial orientation. Over time, you should be able to know and govern your movement in such a way to know which way you want to face upon completion of any individual movement, or the entire chain of those. We start with basic front, back and side rolls and their combinations, and later branch out into more advanced moves, but always with spatial awareness and corporal control. A simple way to test the degree of the control you have is trying to do the exercise as slow as possible and as fluidly as possible at the same time, with proper breathing and without unnecessary strain. A common symptom most beginners experience when doing this is the habit of holding their breath during the rolls (I call it the diving syndrome, as if doing the exercise under water), and consequently difficult breathing afterwards.

OK, let us conclude this introduction here, and maybe I’ll get to some more specific work in a future post.

DVD review - John Jacobo's "Keep it Combat" series

Admittedly, the videos reviewed in this post are not of the “freshest” production, but since many people may not be aware of them, I have chosen, nevertheless, to try and point to their worth. The author says that his own training and performance has changed since, under the influence of GM Topher Ricketts, but these products are of very good informational value, hence my decision to proceed with the review.

Those of you who are involved with the world of Filipino martial arts (FMA), widely known as eskrima, arnis or kali, probably are aware of the term Bakbakan, which was probably the most prestigious FMA organization in the first half of the first decade of the 21^st century. Under the skillful guidance of grandmasters Rey Galang and the late Christopher Ricketts, both renowned as the students of the legendary Tatang Antonio Ilustrisimo, Bakbakan was widely renowned for its training methodologies and ability to produce skilled fighters consistently. 

Guro John and GM Galang

Possibly the peak of Bakbakan’s fame were the two seminal books on FMA, edited by Rey Galang – Warrior Arts of the Philippines and Masters of the Blade (if you do not own those, then get them!). While fair amount of space was dedicated to several members of then Bakbakan HQ in New Jersey, it was obvious that one name was in the forefront as the representative exponent of the new generation of masters – that of guro John Jacobo.

 Even back then, his focus on the combative features of martial arts lead guro John to seek instruction with other acknowledged authorities in this domain, but his home system was certainly that of Bakbakan Kali Ilustrisimo. However, all the other influences and training experiences had Mr. Jacobo establish his own school to teach his view/philosophy of the martial training, under the banner SWACOM (School for Warrior Arts and Combatives). It is under this banner that he has published the two DVDs presented here.

Volume 1 – The Combat Principles of De Cuerdas.

In my recent conversation with guro John, he mentioned that in teaching he prefers to present fewer techniques/concepts and then focus on demonstrating their versatility and adaptability, rather than going over countless individual moves or principles that are then left unexplored. This DVD certainly is a good example of this approach.

It opens with a couple of nice clips of the author’s fights in FMA competitive events, clearly indicating that the instruction to follow is not purely theoretical, but tested and proven instead. While it seems that guro Jacobo was not too comfortable in front of a camera at the very beginning, once the action gets going he moves in a confident and authoritative manner.

The first chapter is Escalera De Cuerdas, and provides the basic pattern of movement that should have the practitioner cover and easily retain all the basic targets and movements of the De Cuerdas technique. We are shown a symmetrical exercise, to ensure that both forehand and backhand variations are included in the practice. Interestingly enough, almost entire video is shot with the use of metal training blades, and not sticks as frequently seen on other FMA videos.

Next, the video moves to the Offensive Applications of the techniques learned. Here, guro John takes each of the individual particles of the escalera exercise and shows how it is used in offense, mostly in the form of feint/bait and the following attack to connect through the opening thus created in the opponent’s defense. Another important point covered here is the integration of proper footwork with the weapon techniques, which is especially important with the use of blades, in order to allow for the precision and angling required.

In line with the philosophy of versatility, guro Jacobo then advances to the Defensive Applications of the material. It is in this chapter that the foundation of Kali Ilustrisimo shines through most clearly, as all the techniques are direct and economical, again with precise footwork and positioning in relation to the opponent.

In the chapter on possible Counters and Re-counters the author touches upon some of the concerns a practitioner should have in mind when applying the De Cuerdas tactics. This section is brief, but points to the direction that one should then take in doing their own exploration of the material.

The last technical chapter features the exercises called Walo-Walo (translates from tagalong as “eight for eight”), which is essentially a cyclical flow drill that has both partners doing eight predefined techniques in sequence. The particular value of this drill is illustrating the contextual application of previously presented techniques with integrated footwork and other lines of attack and defense, this reminding us of having a bigger picture in mind, i.e. being aware that De Cuerdas is not a be all and all method on its own.

Guro John concludes the presentation with some closing remarks on the way to train, and although very short it is very important. Namely, he uses the example of footwork in pointing to the importance of training with a wider context in mind, i.e. with appropriate upper body mechanics and technical work in place. In this regard, his teaching reminds of the pedagogical approach of Luis Preto, which confirms that truth in combat knows no ethnic and/or geographical differences.

The DVD ends with some archive footage of Kali Ilustrisimo masters Tony Diego and Topher Rickets training in Manila. I would say the footage is well chosen to depict the right atmosphere and most productive way to approach this kind of training.

Volume 2 – Dos Manos Methods

OK, I have a confession to make. While the previous video is very good, and in line with the name of this blog, I really like this one even more. The reason for that is twofold – first, it seems that while doing the De Cuerdas DVD guro John grew accustomed to working for a camera, so his demeanor is even more fluid and enjoyable; second, I just love the primordial appeal of fighting with a staff.

That said, the author mentions that the origins of the techniques shown lie with the two-handed kampilan sword of the Philippines, the material is demonstrated by using a rattan staff, which in my opinion makes it more versatile for the modern day environment.

The video, of course, opens with some Fundamentals discussed, more specifically how to measure the length of your staff to best suit your individual, then showing basic ways to grip the weapon, the stance and four main footwork types you will use with the staff. In order, those are retirada (shuffle footwork), equis, lutang and salisihan. What struck me particularly (again) was that guro Jacobo demonstrates the equis footwork, being probably the most specific of the four, in conjunction of the staff technique it is mostly used with, thus putting both in a more understandable context.

Another thing that really pleased me is that this is the first time I have seen someone actually being able to transfer the skills acquired with shorter, single hand weapons almost directly to the two-handed one. What do I mean by that? Well, other fighting systems that I respect, and which deal with wielding staff (such as Jogo do Pau and Dog Brothers material) favor the off-leg lead in their work (although in they JdP will have the practitioner hold the staff with their off-hand in the upper position, while DB will use the dominant hand, as if swinging a baseball bat), but guro John works from the strong side lead and with the dominant hand in the upper position, and he does so in a very convincing manner. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that with his measuring guidelines the staff will be almost a foot shorter than in Jogo do Pau, but that does not change the reality of his ability to move very well.

We are then shown soma basis Strikes and Flowing Attacks, which actually serve as the reference points for further work, as the main body of material builds off of it, and is covered in later chapters. Nevertheless, if practiced properly, these strikes should build your stance structure and develop your balance and footwork.

The main body of the technical material is then demonstrated in the chapter on Defense Methods. This is where we get to see and learn some of the specific techniques, tactics and maneuvers that actually make this specific style, and if you have some previous experience, you will recognize again some of the characteristic movements of Ilustrisimo here.

After getting a grip of the techniques, we need to learn some Training Methodologies in order to make the performance as fluid and seamless as possible in the right context (yes, this is a major concern in my eyes – out of context everything is possible, and it is the environment that will show what is actually probable and functional). Essentially, guro Jacobo shows two main training methods:

• Escalera de Cuerdas – that’s right, he reverts to the material from the first DVD, which again underlines his belief in working thoroughly on understanding a smaller number of principles and tactics, as opposed to being sloppy with the smorgasbord of cool moves.
• Short skirmish scenarios – I really liked this one, as it requires one of the partners to act as in a real fight and attack with some attitude and commitment, thus offering their partner some realistic energy to work with. While I do believe that sparring is essential in the practice of any functional martial system, it also bears some side-effects that should be kept in perspective.

Again, the DVD ends with some archive footage, this time of Tatang Antonio Ilustrisimo himself. For me, it is a real gem, since he is filmed working with a stick in the susi (reverse) grip, which may be puzzling for many of us, but it is evident that with a firm grip and understanding of the core principles of integrated footwork and body mechanics, it can be a very functional method.

I would like to add that both DVD are packed in just a bit short of 40 minutes. However, do not be fooled into thinking it is short. Guro John is able of bringing his point across very efficiently and succinctly, while making the videos dynamic, with little fluff and mindless repetition. Sure, as such these videos are not aimed at the raw beginner, but if you already have some background in weapon-based martial arts, and particularly FMA, then they are highly recommended.

Finally, at the end of the second DVD guro Jacobo mentions “following videos of the Keep it Combat series”… Seeing these two, and some of his training footage of the later date, I certainly hope there will be more.

You can find more info and order the DVD from www.swacom.com

Torqueblade - addendum

Damn, I keep forgetting things...Holdsworth is very caring of his clients and will be glad to help you in training. More information you can find at www.torqueblade.com.