Brother John
Senior Master
Hows THAT for a wordy subject-line?
I already asked about Kombatan before, and everyone who responded helped me to understand. Ive also done much of my own research on-line but in the end, its best to get it from the horses mouth. (in other words, Im here asking you guys)
Please understand, I dont mean to question your art(s) ability or legitimacy I believe that all arts are practical w/in their given context. But outside of their given context, does the practicality remain? For instance, a knife and stick fighting art on a jungle island that is frequented with aggression and violence seems ultimately practical. However, does that practicality still apply when that art is transplanted to North America where one would seldom be allowed to legally carry a knife (let alone a short-sword like a Kris, or even two folders) and where clubbing an attacker with a cane would seldom be seen as justified force in a court of law.
I understand that the empty hand aspects of the Filipino martial arts are quick, elusive and powerful. I dont have an issue with this, but isnt it very much secondary to the predominant practice of blunt and bladed weapons? What percentage of work is given to each, generally? 75% weapons / 25% empty hands? Just a guess there.
Secondly, I also understand that the movements and principles used in the blunt and bladed work can be translated into empty hand responses I like that, but its the secondary training (isnt it?), and Id think that it takes a good deal of experience first.
Please know that I am on the outside looking in, my thorough ignorance on these subjects is probably astoundingly deep compared to even the lowest ranking/neophyte FMAist. I dont mean to offend, merely to cure my ignorance.
Your Brother (seeking understanding)
John
I already asked about Kombatan before, and everyone who responded helped me to understand. Ive also done much of my own research on-line but in the end, its best to get it from the horses mouth. (in other words, Im here asking you guys)
Please understand, I dont mean to question your art(s) ability or legitimacy I believe that all arts are practical w/in their given context. But outside of their given context, does the practicality remain? For instance, a knife and stick fighting art on a jungle island that is frequented with aggression and violence seems ultimately practical. However, does that practicality still apply when that art is transplanted to North America where one would seldom be allowed to legally carry a knife (let alone a short-sword like a Kris, or even two folders) and where clubbing an attacker with a cane would seldom be seen as justified force in a court of law.
I understand that the empty hand aspects of the Filipino martial arts are quick, elusive and powerful. I dont have an issue with this, but isnt it very much secondary to the predominant practice of blunt and bladed weapons? What percentage of work is given to each, generally? 75% weapons / 25% empty hands? Just a guess there.
Secondly, I also understand that the movements and principles used in the blunt and bladed work can be translated into empty hand responses I like that, but its the secondary training (isnt it?), and Id think that it takes a good deal of experience first.
Please know that I am on the outside looking in, my thorough ignorance on these subjects is probably astoundingly deep compared to even the lowest ranking/neophyte FMAist. I dont mean to offend, merely to cure my ignorance.
Your Brother (seeking understanding)
John