Hi everyone.
I was just browsing as usual, and I saw one thing that caught my eye; and that was the idea of using FMA or another martial art to apply to the Tomahawk.
I don't think that is a bad thing. The reality is, we have no "Tomahawk system" that has been passed down through the generations. So, to learn how to fight with the weapon we have only a couple of choices: 1. Learn another combat system, and translate that knowledge to the tomahawk, 2. Do some historical research on the way it was done by the different cultures (Native Americans, Frontiersman, etc.) and try to piece it together, or 3. Some mixture between 1 and 2.
If you just want to learn how to fight effectively, #1 is the most logical solution. So, what is wrong with that? In another system, you are developing attributes and how to move in combat. We all have 2 arms and 2 legs, so how we wield a weapon will be similar, regardless of culture or time-period. Strategies will only differ per combative circumstance; however if you just want to learn to fight, then you can adjust your strategy to fit your circumstance, and there is no need for historical accuracy.
#2 by itself is not an effective way to learn to fight, in my opinion. To be a skilled fighter, you need to heighten your awareness and abilities through "movement" and attribute building, and this generally has to be done through a competent instructor. If one just researches how a culture fought without learning how to fight himself, then one may be able to explain academically how a culture fought, but that will be as far as it goes.
#3 is probably the most effective way of researching a historical martial art. You are developing your fighting abilities through one medium, and applying the universal concepts of movement to your research on how cultures fought. This seems the most effective way to try to piece together a historical art while also learning to fight. It seems that those who do great work in the historical fighting arts take this route. However, with this option, you are still learning another "martial art" to develop your abilities as a fighter.
So I guess I just don't see what the problem is with using another art, like FMA, to aid in your skill, development, and research. My only problem is the lack of integrity in the martial arts. When someone claims "I do a native American style that I learned from my Grandfather," when really they pieced together FMA and kenpo and added a little "native" flavoring. It's not the use of another martial art that is problematic to me, as no combat system exists in a vacuum; it's the lying about it all that gets to me.
Well...sorry for the long post. I guess I am just bored tonight. I probably won't respond or argue to those who disagree, because I am generally too busy to post like this. However, that is just my take on it all. I take an interest in the topic because my instructor is an avid supporter of Western Martial arts. He makes no dishonest claims, just likes the research and development and is happy to support those who are doing this with integrity.
That said, I have actually heard your name, Mr. Mclemore, mentioned as a good resource. Also, Mr. Bays, I think I have heard your name mentioned too as someone who is doing some unique work with the Native American arts. I think we were going to try to get you up to Michigan at some point? Maybe Paul can clarify. I know that he has been busy gun training and developing programs for security professionals, and has had no time lately to focus on the seminar circuit.
Anyways, keep up the good work guys.
Yours,
James
