London Academy of Arnis

Tuesday August 31st – checklist

Hi guys,

First off, a big thanks to Manolo for delivering an excellent input on wednesday's class (box drill + variations). Well demonstrated, and well instructed – we look forward to more in the future.

Here's the technical checklist for Tuesday's lesson:-

Doublestick

• 4-count siniwali
• 4-count inverted
• 4-count parry
• 4-count crossada
• 4-count vs 6-count

Karambit

• 4-count parry
• (reactionary) 4-count parry, counterattack
• (pre-emptive) Attack, 4-count parry
• Freestyle exercise – bypassing opponent's defences

Rapid Arnis Training: 23rd-27th bulletpoints

This week focused mainly on specialisations, with Louis covering some dirty boxing techs on the Tuesday, and Andy covering some stick and dagger techs on the Wednesday. Here is a quick-ref list of the techniques that were covered:-

Tuesday – dirty boxing

Defensive techniques:

• Parry, hook (same hand)
• Slip under jab
• Slip over jab
• Bob'n'weave

Attacking combinations:

• Double jab, cross, long jab
• Push guard, double hook, uppercut

Clinchwork:

• Break through middle into half-clinch
• Cross-break into escape
• Rising forearm into double arm trap
• Thai grappling

Wednesday – stick and dagger

6-count Tapi-Tapi drill:

• Pairs
• Triples

Largo Contrada (single stick):

• Pairs
• Triples

Long-range footwork:

• Isolated footwork, no weapons

Stick and dagger contradas vs forehand and backhand attacks:

1. Disarm first weapon, disarm second weapon, finish
2. Tie-up first weapon, tie-up second weapon, finish

Entry technique…

Rather than post up the usual list of techniques and applications covered in the last week of training, i thought i'd reflect upon some of the principles that were touched upon instead.

Entry technique and tactical advantage

"A player surprised is half-beaten" (proverb)

The entry technique is crucial to the outcome of the battle, and its power is measured by its effect – not necessarily the strength, speed, or accuracy of the technique itself. Whilst these are certainly important qualities to hone in one's own personal training, the main objective in executing an entry technique is to put oneself at a tactical advantage.

Tactical advantage can come through superior positioning, and creation of a superior time-frame to operate in. It can also come through superior armament or resources. Thus the entry technique should seek to 1. Maximise the above for oneself, 2. Minimise the above for one's opponent, or 3. Do both simultaneously.

Through more freestyle training, one can investigate the ways in which entry techniques can be employed, and how their effectiveness can be augmented. Indeed, the skill of manipulating an adversary's perception is particularly important, whether it be on the battlefield or the negotiating table. This is something that can only be honed through experience and diligent training with others.

At first, we train to execute entry techniques in their most urgent form: To give an immediate advantage that we can capitalise on and exploit. However, the most powerful entries take longer to reach fruition, having several layers of sophistication so that by the time the enemy even begins to realise the true nature of what  is going on, they are ultimately doomed regardless of their actions.

To understand this is to understand the importance of pre-emptive maneouvering – to embrace an assertive, predatory mindset rather than a passive, reactionary one. With this in mind though, one must also be cautious when facing one's adversary: For if your adversary knows their game well, it can be difficult to work out whether you are playing them, or whether you are in fact being played. Although a potent opening is crucial then, so too are the counters and contingencies that you can flow into when things don't go according to plan…

Andrew Janson, August 2010

Tuesday August 10th – revision notes

Single stick – solo drills

• 6-count Arco
• Armara Isa
• Armara Dalawa
• Armara Tatlo
• Armara Apat
• Armara Arco
• Anyo Isa
• Anyo Dalawa

Single stick – partner drills

Counter-combinations to the 12 Angles of attack

Empty hand

• 18-count lock flow
• Incorporate locks 8-18 in takedowns

DOH! Technical problems

Hi folks,

Sorry for the lack of update last week – my broadband was down from Tuesday to Saturday, and when we finally got it working again, my computer ended up being prey to a particularly nasty virus.

In true Rapid Arnis fashion though, we have kicked its arse, and service will resume as normal.