Langka Dua

Langka Dua is a form that is very easy to learn but has many layers of information for the diligent student. The basic movements of the form can be learned in a short time but to fully understand all of the meaning of the motions takes effort, in part  due to the simplicity. 

The form begins with circular hand motions and then progresses into a spin and then a series of steps, turns and a final leap. 

The purpose is to introduce the student to circular evasive hand motions that are a contrast to the preceding form Djuru Satu. The Langka of the form are direct and compliment the circular hand motions that dissolve the opponents force. 

Dua provides the student with the soft motions the are a perfect compliment for the hard pukulan movements learned during the study of Djuru Satu. The form has an almost Bagua feel during application that allows one to avoid a direct collision with the opponents attack.

Djurus Satu

Djurus Satu is the first long form taught in our system. Prior to learning Djurus Satu students are exposed to foundational legwork and the first 8 Serak Djurus. This base allows students to pick up the movement of the first form with less difficulty.

Satu starts off with movements that will look familiar to any practitioner of Serak or Cimande. Supported punches, elbows and sangats make up the bulk of the movements. The second section has some cimande influence and teaches the student the biset and low movements.

The form is one of the cornerstones of the Kuntao Silat system and can be used on it's own as a complete method of self-defense. It can be performed with various energies and both armed and unarmed.

When I have time I will update this post with a video of the form.

Kuntao Silat

We have been working on basics from Kuntao Silat. Specifically we have been focusing on stance work and the first form of the Kendang Silat, Juru Satu.

Juru Satu is known as "the form of total destruction" and builds a strong foundation in the basic movements of Kendang. In the juru are elements of Cimande, Cikalong and Serak. In parallel I have also introduced the class to the first 8 juru from the Serak system as the movements are very similar and complement Juru Satu.

The form brings out an aggressive, advancing footwork that I describe as being similar to the pressure of a straight blast from Wing Chun. It is intended to completely overwhelm your opponent.

Most of the students are enjoying the forms practice and it has opened up new lines of movement both in the footwork and upper body techniques.

Although some students are having difficulty adapting to learning the Jurus/Forms I am already seeing the benefits in the way they move. Everyone's body mechanics are improving and the flow of movement that each student displays is consistently improving.

Then next step will be for the students to begin working out their own applications for the movements in the Juru. I have shown some but in order for the art to be completely internalized everyone needs to develop their own interpretation of the movements.

I always emphasize that the Jurus are not teaching techniques, they are a study in movements that have an infinite number of applications.

Gi Grappling - why it is important

We have spent the last several months training our grappling wearing a judo/JJ gi. I think it is important for my students to be exposed to training with a gi from a practical self-defense stand point. We live in Canada and for the majority of the year we are wearing jackets. The gi lets us simulate the clothing that our attacker would be wearing.

Concepts from Judo to control the opponents limbs and break their balance are more practical than wing chun based trapping sequences and develop functional combat skills.

When on the ground the cloth gives new opportunities to control and submit your opponent that are not available when grappling no gi.

I have seen everyone in our class improve their grappling dramatically over the past four months.

We are now at the point where we will introduce striking both on our feet and on the ground while wearing a gi.

Hubud progression

We have been working over the past month on our basic hubud and guntings. 

3 ways to deal w/ angle 1 strike

1. Pass
2. Stop, Raise, Slap, hit
3. Wave

 Drill angle 1, 2 and straight punch back and forth and begin to insert guntings

1. Horizontal
2. Vertical
3. Outside
4. Over the top 
5. Elbow destructions( Vertical, Horizontal, Downward)
6. Salute
7. Salute to uppercut (hitting around limb)
8. Salute to overhand  (hitting around limb)
9. Add dumog & arm drags
10. blend w/ bicep control and neck clinch
11. Add low line strikes into the hubud flow. 

This framework has been developing a good foundation for the class. 

We will be starting to explore sinawalli and then we will return to these drills to see how they change with improved coordination and ambidexterity. 

The process continues....

Stucture, Movement, Pressure

My JKD classes can be summed up into 3 words; structure, movement and pressure.
The first thing that new students need to learn is proper structure and body mechanics. Most styles do not place as much emphasis on structure as the JKD that I was taught by my Sifu.

The level of attention to structure is unlike any other martial art I have ever been exposed to. We constantly look for the most efficient structures whether we are training with weapons or empty handed. This foundation always serves me well when I train with practioners from other styles.

The next step in the students evolution is movement. Proper footwork and an understanding of our positioning in relation to our opponents is required to keep ourselves safe while being able to apply our tools. This is where Kali footwork and shadowing drills come into play.

The final step is helping the student to understand pressure. How to deviate and relieve pressure and how to apply pressure to the opponent.  This is the time where the sensitivity drills that JKD and Kali are known for are refined. This includes both empty hand and weapon drills.

New location

KW Jeet Kune Do Concepts has moved to a new location. We are holding our classes at the Genbukan Mugen Dojo located at 93 King Street West, Kitchener, Ontario