In attendance: Bob Shin (instructing), Adam B., Paul B., Joe C., Keith H., Derek L., and Tom M.We warmed up with some Atienza Kali hourglass footwork, including the switch step variation. We also did the footwork with long slashes.Once everyone had a chance to work on the hourglass, we switched to the SFS 4 Count Template. Instead of executing the template standing still, we set up three targets and had everyone execute the template on the run at full power.With everyone warmed up, we sparred one-on-one.The last part of class was spent on transition drills.Derek and Joe reviewed TD 1 through TD 3. Then we worked through about half of TD 4. Everyone else worked on TD 1.The rescue mission was aborted (mostly because no one brought a coat hanger). We’ll try next time. It’s not like the trainers are going anywhere …
atienza kali
Internal Seminar – March 19, 2006
In attendance: (back) Warren D., Shaun X., Joe C., Maria H., Keith H., Mosi J., (front) Miguel A., Bob Shin, Tom M. and Frank R.
The weather was a little chilly (as was the reception from one of my neighbors, who took down license plate numbers). The sun was out, however, and the ground wasn’t too muddy.
We warmed up with 3/9 tapping in my garage as we waited for everyone to show up. We emphasized “intent” on the attacks as well as footwork.
Once everyone had arrived, we headed down the hill into the woods. The first part of the seminar was spent on blade disarms. The key for this technique is to angle toward the hip. The technique works with either blades or fingers; in fact, several people found it easier to get the disarm to work with their fingers.
Next, we reviewed basic blade passing protocol. It turned out that many people had never learned how to toss a blade properly, so we reviewed that, gathering in a large circle and tossing blades to each other. Once everyone got the hang of this, we tried passing the blade to each other while running. (Warren received an award for being far and away the worst at this.)
Just to break things up, we spent a little bit of time throwing trainers, so that people could experience being attacked that way.
Transition drills were next. Most of the time was spent polishing TD 1 and TD 2. There are so many important details that we could probably have spent the entire seminar on just one of the drills. Particular emphasis was placed on proper targeting to draw the receiver responses. Footwork was also emphasized, particularly for moves 7 and 8 (the armbars) in TD 1.
We broke out the padded sticks for the last part of the seminar to work on basic mass attack concepts. First, we had a couple of free-for-alls. The main lessons learned were to keep moving and to watch out for attacks from behind. A little bit of time was spent one two-on-one and three-on-one. As always, movement and stacking were the key.
I had a great time. I hope everyone else did too. Now all I have to worry about is getting reprimanded by the Home Owners Association for scaring the neighborhood children …
Class Notes – March 16, 2006
In attendance: Bob Shin (instructing), Joe C., Keith H. and Tom M. Prospective students: David D. and Adam B.
I spent most of the class with the new prospects, neglecting everyone else shamefully.
Joe, Keith and Tom immediately began taking turns feeding and receiving 3/9 tapping. The feeder needs to remember to pay attention to the left hand techniques. They are as important as the right hand attacks, if not more so. The receiver needs to remember to step the left foot back when clearing 7.
The second half of class was spent on the 5 count palusot drill. They began with using just the left hand. This is to emphasize the importance of the passes before “complicating” the drill with the right hand.
The last part of class was spent sparring with padded sticks. 1-on-1 and 3-on-2 (letting the prospects play too).
Class Notes – March 9, 2006
In attendance: Bob Shin (instructing), Joe C., Keith H. and Tom M.
We warmed up with Atienza Kali hourglass footwork for 10 to 15 minutes, long enough to break a sweat. Speed and smoothness will only come with repetition, and we definitely need a strong foundation as we develop our long blade skills.
Next, we returned to the Atienza Kali long blade evolution.
- Moves 1-4: Feeder 1 uses retreating point down deflections. Feeder 2 uses point up deflections.
- Moves 5-6: Lateral point down deflections.
- Moves 7-8: Slip counters from point up deflections.
Footwork (from the AK hourglass) is critical! I can’t emphasize this enough.
The Sayoc Kali portion of class was spent on 3/9 tapping. Obsessive-compulsive attention to detail now will make it easier to progress to 3/9 true left.
Class ended with free flow. Joe stabbed me in the left nipple.
Save the Dates!
Introduction to Sayoc Kali (Tuesday, March 21, 2006, 7:30P to 9:00P) – A free mini-seminar to introduce the curious to our class and Sayoc Kali. We will cover basic training concepts and try to answer questions like, “Why do you guys carry all those knives?”
Atienza Kali semi-private class (Saturday, April 23, 2006 or Sunday, April 24, 2006) – Training with Guro Allain Atienza is tentatively scheduled for this weekend. Let me know if you are interested in traveling up with me for some intensive long blade training.