Academy of Jeet Kune Do Fighting Technology
Athens
Greece
Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Instructor
Vagelis Zorbas
Sayoc Kali
"a
knife fighter is someone who ran out of ammo"
Tuhon Chris Sayoc
These articles below come from www.sayoc.com
Our system of blade operation has no visible targets; all of our targets are under the skin. For that reason, a number of the designs of our blades are made for cutting from the inside out."
… Chris Sayoc
What categories of
training does your style have?
Sayoc Kali is but
one of the many facets of the Sayoc Fighting System. As currently
taught by the 5th generation inheritor of Sayoc Kali, Tuhon Chris
Sayoc emphasizes that the Sayoc Kali system emphasizes the correct and
effective usage of the blade. Sayoc Kali includes knowledge of how to
use a single knife, with a progression to the use of multiple blades, in
conjunction with empty-hands training.
Included in these
categories of training are proper handling or blade edge discipline,
drawing the blades, vital target discrimination, defense against and the
practice of disarms, projectiles and finger-touch methodology used in
conjunction with knife work. Students are also taught critical injury
management.
The Sayoc system
has several categories of training. The training is in three parts. Sayoc
Kali, the first part that is taught is in the offensive and contains the
basic teaching formula. We call this person the “Feeder.” This
is started in single blade. Sayoc Silak, the second part of the
training is in the counter offensive and contains the learning formula. We
call this person the “Receiver” and this is started in the empty
hands. Once the receiver’s basics are established and the skills
are equal to the feeder’s basics and in order to complete the training
system, the third phase of training is introduced.
Sayoc Bakal
compliments both Sayoc Kali and Sayoc Silak. It works as a complete
system with students trained in either Sayoc Kali or Sayoc Silak. The
goal, however, is to have training in this order Sayoc Kali, followed by
Sayoc Silak, and then on to Sayoc Bakal. These three systems together
complete the Sayoc System of Edged Weapons Dynamics. The 2 main
categories are single blade and multiple blades:
- Feeder, single blade -- Receiver, empty hands
- Feeder, multiple blades -- Receiver, multiple blades
In the past, the
Sayoc family developed sub-systems to adapt to mainstream martial arts to
be taught in our first public martial arts school in Queens, New York that
was opened in 1972. The categories taught were many as one of our
primary objectives was to inform and educate the public. Though, we
no longer teach these methods, we now use them as examples and reference. These
were the categories and order in which they were taught from 1972 through
1982
- single stick (28”-32”)
- empty hands (foot works, body mechanics)
- double stick (24”-32”)
- stick and dagger
- dagger (single blade-multiple blades)
- tabak-toyok (single/double)
- pana (projectile in assorted sizes)
- long stick (36”-50”)
- whip (4’-12’) (single/double)
- staff/spear
- short stick (18”-24”)/tabak-maliit (single/double)
- shield and stick
What is the first thing
that a beginning student is taught when they enter your style?
Very important to
the beginning student's understanding and appreciation of Sayoc Kali is
respect for the blade. Minimizing overestimation of self-defense edge
weaponry capabilities. It is important for the student to learn how
and why a blade is used. Even more important is the understanding of
how this particular type of knowledge was gained...via the loss of life
and sacrifice and actual combat experience by the Sayoc lineage over the
generations. The value of the knowledge and skills of Sayoc Kali was
gained through suffering and strife, and therefore not something to be
undertaken casually. Only the most dedicated and promising students
will be considered for training.
Once the students
seem to understand the seriousness and intrinsic value of Sayoc Kali, they
are then taught the basic differences of other knife systems as compared
to the Sayoc Kali system. Often this promotes a "shock
value" to what the students are exposed to, in essence jarring them
into the reality of edged weapon practicalities.
Blade orientation
and respect for the blade is always taught first. The Sayoc
practitioner is always with their blades, and hence, it is a natural
evolution to begin a study of how to carry and holster their weapons. Traditionally,
in the Sayoc system, it has been emphasized to be comfortable and familiar
with carrying a multitude of blades and weapons. Training
considerations always involve use of primary and then secondary blades,
and as one develops in skill and understanding, the number of blades that
can be carried upon one's person begins to grow as well. There is a
rationale for this seemingly excessive reliance upon a large number of
blades, as strategy and technique flourish within the Sayoc system.
A new practitioner
is taught is that what they are about to learn is Filipino blade culture
from the Sayoc family of Imus, Cavite in the Philippines. The Sayoc
family system is an “all blade -- all the time system.” This
system is now being presented by Christopher Castañeda Sayoc, Sr., a 5th
generation inheritor and primary propagator of Sayoc Kali - The Art of the
Blade. Mr. Sayoc was indoctrinated into the world of security at the
very early age.
Mr. Sayoc is known
for his expertise in edged weapons and tactics and currently teaches and
lectures on this subject. The first lesson is preparing to exercise
the brain. Each person is indoctrinated with the phrase “ knife
fighting is a brain game, the smarter you are, the better you will be.” The
following will cover the introduction level training structure:
See the Associate
Instructors Course Outline.
What is the progression in
training from beginner to advanced?
Beginners are first
introduced to blade handling skills. They are introduced to proper
gripping methods, the different components of the blade and are then
introduced to blade selection and targeting. As the students progress,
they are introduced into methods of footwork, holstering and methods of
rapidly acquiring and putting their weapons into play.
As students
progress, they are introduced to a greater number of vital templates and
drills. The drills are designed to teach body movement, footwork, target
discrimination ---minimizing dangerous involuntary reactions (trained
responses or otherwise) ; linking Sayoc Kali with other martial arts
systems.
During training,
students are presented with a series of probing techniques. These probes
are designed to elicit levels of response. As a given level of response is
initiated, correction is made and concepts introduced which allow the
students to progress in their understanding and application of skills.
The progression is
very simple. A student will start with blade orientation and will
continue through the memory installation process until the basic formulas
are installed and functional. The introduction will continue through
to the thought provocation method of memory retention and then to the
correct response method of learning.
You will progress
as fast as you can process, retain and apply the information. Once the
basic learning formula has been established, it is then demonstrated and
explored how and why the system logic exists. Each part of the Sayoc
system of blade work is taught as an independently complete system with
the student unaware of the existence of the other parts.
The primary system
is called Sayoc Kali, which is the feeder or armed phase of training. All
contents in this phase are feeder dominant. This means that the
entire training, learning and teaching system is directed towards the
development of the feeder. The feeder is the only one learning with
the training formula. Therefore in Sayoc Kali, there is no training
directed to the receiver or defensive aspect. The design of this
Filipino martial arts is feeder based, this is because the feeder was
usually the best offensive blade person around and this was passed on from
father to son, through only the offensive skills.
There was
diminutive need to learn the defensive aspects since it would take an
equal amount of time to achieve this skill, when one could learn just the
offensive aspects to defeat opponents due to more experience in using the
same techniques by bringing the conditioned responses of the lesser
trained, higher. It was up to the feeder to train the receiver, which
in turn develops only a lesser skilled feeder because the secondary feeder
does not know the formula and would not have the “Correct Response”
training.
From this
foundation, the students are introduced to various knife tapping or flow
drills, which teach a series of transitional movements. From these
transitional movements it is possible to derive isolated interpretations
and applications of knife-fighting techniques. Sayoc Kali knife
training is extensive. There are over 36 basic templates for knife
work with an equal amount for the non-dominant hand, more than 10
transitional flow drills and an additional number of knife drills taught
after the transitional flow drills have been mastered.
A system of
footwork is taught, methods of limb immobilization and lower limb/upper
limb destruction are taught in conjunction with the patterns and flows of
knife work. The next part of the Sayoc system of training is Sayoc
Silak. We refer to Sayoc Silak as the counterpart for Sayoc Kali.
This is the receiver or unarmed phase. While considered the unarmed
phase, this is not to be confused with not having the ability or means of
carrying or possessing blades to counter an opponent.
Typically, in
training, the blades of the receiver are holstered, and the skills are
unarmed dominant. Silak provides for the development of empty hand
skills, footwork, and body mechanics necessary to trap, lock, position and
disarm the feeder or aggressors’ blades. The goals of training in
Sayoc Silak are for retention of one’s blades, positioning of incoming
attacks, preparation for weapons release and for the loading of one’s
dominant hand with more blades for various uses.
The unique approach
to the Sayoc Silak is the way in which it is taught and presented. The
Silak techniques are incorporated directly into the transitional flow
drills; hence, the techniques are always practiced against a moving
opponent, as opposed to just having a partner stand in a static position
with his weapon in a fixed and immobile position to allow the partner to
properly execute techniques. Sayoc Silak methodology bridges the gap
between Sayoc Kali and Sayoc Bakal. As mentioned above, all Sayoc
Silak training is overlapped and intertwined with Sayoc Kali training. In
Sayoc Silak the main objective is training the receiver. Sayoc Silak is
receiver dominant. This equation is lost to feeder only systems.
How long must a student
spend on each area before progressing to the next?
Progression is
dependent upon the students’ level of skill and ability to apply
knowledge and understanding upon demand. Students will demonstrate their
ability to move on to higher levels through their correct responses and
ability to adapt to techniques applied to them in the high-speed
environment of the knife drills.
A series of
counters to the given strikes is taught and then delivered to oppose the
strikes. Two given responses serve as counters to a knife strike. The
two responses are either a reflexive response or a conditioned response. The
reflexive response may be thought of as those responses and reactions an
untrained knife fighter would use. The conditioned response is a
learned response taught specifically to defend optimally against a given
attack.
From a feeders’
perspective, it is desirable to elicit the reflexive responses of an
opponent, this makes the aggressors vulnerable and subject to the trained
knife fighter’s whim. Sayoc Kali has training formulas for
different reflexive and conditioned responses. In order to attain the
skills necessary to engage an untrained or reflexive response, a student
must understand and explore the ways these reflexes can be triggered. It
is after an understanding is achieved of these two response methods, that
the third and ultimate level of response is achieved, the correct
response. It is a difficult progression to develop the correct
response.
Sayoc Kali uses
formulas for development that teaches both the feeder and the receiver the
proper means to grow in skill, and experience. The formula involves
escalating both the feeders’ responses, as well as the receivers’
responses to achieve maximum potential. Once the feeder knows how to
trigger the reflexive response of the receiver, it is possible to now
physically and mentally implant oneself with the conditioned response. The
conditioned response is the trained reaction to the
opponents’/receivers’ reflexive response. After exploring the
conditioned response, the feeder must learn how to elevate the
receiver’s response (the opponent’s conditioned response) thereby
making it more difficult for the feeder to react with a conditioned
response.
Finally, by trying
to keep up with the higher level of the opponent’s/receiver’s
response, we are therefore, forced to use the Correct Response, which is
the most effective conditioned response to a given number of reflexive
responses. The Correct Response is the result of the best choices
from a given number of conditioned responses. You will progress as
fast as you can process, retain and apply the materials. It is
required that you work with as many individuals as possible to reach a
sensory database that will help you understand and properly learn the
training formulas.
What are the particular
fighting principles or concepts used in your style?
Of primary concern
is to finish the opponent with little or no injury to oneself. It is
crucial to be able to determine the exact desired extent of the damage
applied through the blade...from how to gain lethal entry, to total
dismemberment of the body, if necessary...and to death.
Through the proper
performance of the drills and total seriousness of intent during practice.
Students are taught formulas and concepts of application of skill. These
formulas for practice allow students to enhance the quantity of
information gathered from their opponents/partners during actual physical
contact. Through escalating levels of physical challenge and physical
contact through the drills, students develop familiarity, sensitivity, and
the proper sense of body movement.
How are these concepts or
principles actualized in movement?
Through the proper
performance of the drills and total seriousness of intent during practice.
Students are taught formulas and concepts of application of skill. These
formulas are practiced allowing students to enhance the awareness of
information gathered from their opponents/partner's responses during
actual physical contact. Escalation of the physical challenge and contact
through the drills develops a student's familiarity, sensitivity, and the
proper sense of body movement.
- One of the principles that we use is upon closing the fighting gap
is that we do not we use techniques that attack the incoming limbs. We
use our opening attacks to penetrate vital targets. This allows
for better management of the targets reflexive counters and eliminates
the teasing of the target that wastes time.
- Every movement can be applied with single blade, empty hands and
double blade without any adjustments or modification of the
techniques. This ensures that your blade to empty hand and empty
hand to blade translations will not have a detrimental outcome to the
user.
- We will launch our blades as projectiles while we are closing in to
determine the targets' level of training and reflexes. This
information will be used to identify and manipulate the target so
lethal entry can be gained. Projectiles can be launched at any
range especially the point blank or zero zone. This tactic
eliminates the targets’ use of the de-fang the snake concept. Projectiles
can be released from any position and at any range. The primary
range of throwing is at the furthest distances of 25’ to 35’+. At
this range, it is near impossible to see the projectiles being
launched towards an aggressor. Within this relatively safe
distance, the opponents will have their reflexive responses most
visible and able to be dealt with. The distance of 15’ to 25’
is the secondary range. Here we are at a distance where an
opponent can be closed upon before their holstered weapons are drawn. Close
range is from 15’ to 5’. At this range, opponents are forced
to engage the thrower, or to evade. As the opponents evade, the
thrower has greater possibilities of projectiles being able to
penetrate the turning and evading bodies. The zero zone range is
less than 5’ and represents the common flow drill distance range
encountered in the methodologies used in Sayoc Kali and Sayoc Silak. When
closing in on the target, students will train in the launching of
multiples of blades before they reach the zero zone entry range. Strategies
are also taught to force opponents into vital postures and
positioning, making them vulnerable to the practitioners’ skill. The
projectiles enable us to effectively make the opponents' reactions
predictable. As weapons are thrown at an opponent, it is clear to
see whether or not, the opponents have a viable defense against such
attacks. These projectiles also serve to keep an opponent out
balance, and cause them to move and react in ways to slow them down
from either reaching their own weapons, or causing them to be in an
awkward position as the Sayoc practitioner closes in. By
observing the opponents’ body mechanics in reaction to the thrown
weapons, it is possible to predict target areas and further
projectiles may be applied toward them typically, if enough weapons
are available, the projectiles would be directed towards either side
of an opponent, and at the centerline. Some of the targets chosen
would be towards the feet or the thighs, and obviously towards the
face. Various trajectories, and speeds of the throws will be used
against opponents to facilitate a desired response.
- We do not rely on just speed and power; we rely on correct response
movements that will always defeat the targets reflexes and conditioned
responses. In blade work, the smarter you are, the better you
will be. If the techniques you are using are based on speed and
power, then anyone with equal attributes stands the same chances, then
you both suffer damage.
- There are a series of tactics that will lure the receiver or the
opponent into reaching for one or more of the holstered blades. When
carrying more than one blade which may be exposed, opponents
(receivers) will often fixate upon the weapon, and attempt to grab
hold of, or remove the given holstered blade, believing that it is
easier to remove a weapon that potentially is a threat, as opposed to
a weapon that may already be drawn. The aggressor/receiver will
often try these tactics because they believe the action of obtaining
an additional blade will help to even the odds or gain advantage
versus the feeder. Hence, the feeder who is armed with multiple
blades also is forced to develop natural weapons retention skills at a
reflexive stage, the responses and reactions to such actions by an
opponent, must be fast, correct and effective to prevent injury to
himself. We will draw blades as needed. When the target
applies to trap our blade, we release that blade which cancels the
effect of the trap or we may bait the target by faking a blade
dislodge which distracts the target and load the dislodged hand. We
take full advantage of applying the target fixation factor. When
the target goes to retrieve the fallen blade or believe that he has
successfully disarmed the blade, we produce another blade. We use
a series of blade draws and blade manipulations which make it
difficult for the target to track the number of blades deployed, this
is frustrating and surprising to a target that hasn’t dealt with
multiple blades in large numbers.
- The Sayoc Kali system of knife work includes methods of targeting
different vital points of the body. These targeting systems are
known as vital templates. This is in contrast to systems that
commonly just present a system of angles by which to deliver knife
strikes which may or may not have an equivalent degree of
effectiveness. We apply our left hand vital templates that were
developed to counter the right hand vital templates. The right
hand vital templates are designed to counter reflexive and conditioned
responses. The left hand vital templates were designed to react
to correct responses. We have a third set of vital templates the
react to both the right and left hand. With the feeder’s right
hand holding a blade, the feeder’s left hand counters, intercepts
attack and may even substitute for the right hand. In still
movements and in forms you will see the left hand placed over the
solar plexus as a protector from the centerline zone. In Sayoc
Kali, the left hand has its own set of vital templates and would have
its own blade. This means that you have two dominant weapons
wielding hands. In a dominant right-handed user, the left hand
will not be placed in front of the solar plexus. The left hand is
expected to busily loading the right hand with another blade, in
conjunction with drawing for left hand entries as well. The vital
templates of the left hand are NOT mirror images of the right hand. They
are independent vital templates that work in reaction to the right
hand and vice-versa. The left hand vital templates can be applied
in combination with the right hand vital templates in a variation of
timing entries including a simultaneous attack. The overview
would be that the right hand vital template is aggressive and is
designed to trigger the receiver’s reflexive response and
conditioned response. The left hand vital template complements
the right and has been designed to react to the receiver’s
conditioned response. This particular vital template formula
leads the receiver to minimize their successful responses. There
is an equal amount of vital templates for the left and right hand. There
are 36 basic vital templates and there are hundreds more.
- In multiple man situations, we use our loader principle. In the
past, strategy used by the Sayoc clan positioned less experienced
close range fighters at a safe range to allow them to use the Sayoc
Bakal projectile methods. By doing this, these fighters were able
to maintain a longer range of confrontation, and thereby assure
themselves of a greater success of walking away unscathed. It was
the responsibility of the more skilled and experienced fighters to
close the entry gap and actually engage their opponents. These
types of strategies used in buddy system maneuvers allowed
practitioners of all skill levels to deal with a group of opponents in
confrontation. This served to keep beginners or protected ones from
becoming a liability factor in combat. Opponents and aggressors
were effectively distracted or eliminated by projectiles. These
types of tactics clearly enhanced the ability of practitioners to
close the distance and enter on enemies that had been injured. As
the front line of fighters closed on the opponents, the throwers would
have the responsibility of moving behind them, retrieving weapons and
disabling any opponents still moving.
- Blade positioning for stealth. One method of addressing this is
from the draw or sheathed blade position. The blades are drawn
from a multiple of locations, which are easily accessible to the
feeders’ passing hands. Once the weapons are drawn, the
dominant weapon hand applies techniques, which obstruct the
opponent’s view of the blade, such as in the right hand vital
templates showing the edge of blade, in a slide through, or thrust
position, which disguise the size of the weapons.
- Pattern combination technique, An "S" pattern is a series
of 3-strike combination. These entries outline angles that
consist of thrusts and “C” cuts that are semi-circular patterns. These
types of strikes' combinations are based on timing and multiple
re-directions. Commonly applied within the vital templates and
knife transition flow drills, these techniques prepare the feeder to
logically react to the receiver’s normal reflexive and conditioned
reflexive responses. "This particular training formula
develops the feeder’s proper reflexive responses while under stress
from the receiver’s lethal target intentions." Unlike the
practice of the less visible "stealth" draw, the exercise of
the "S" pattern presents the initial strike as a telegraphed
attack. This allows the receiver to react more expecting versus
an unfamiliar angle or entry. Meaning the receiver already has
developed a "comfortable" conditioned response to the
feeder’s opening telegraphed attack, thereby "baiting"
them for the following combination of unfamiliar attacks; setting the
receiver up into responding with an impractical reflexive defense or
counter . In training, the "S" pattern is applied in
combinations of three or more strikes until 3 lethal strikes have been
executed effectively. Within the combinations of strikes, there
are several types of strikes and gripping techniques used. These
strikes are reflections to the personality of the vital templates
shown. One of these strikes is termed the power-assisted strikes. The
power assists techniques can be best described as a nail being driven
through by a hammer. The nail that represents the blade can be in
various sizes, designs and lengths usually suited for a particular
movement that is not confined or restricted. The hammer which
represents the other hand pushing the pommel of the blade, a shoulder,
elbow, knee or any part of the body that will assist in generating
force or positioning for the generation of force. There are no
limits to the tactics, just the applicable intelligence of the feeder. Another
type of strike is termed, the winding strikes and winding thrusts.
What are some of the
training methods unique to your style?
Sayoc Kali does not
use general lines of motion or angles of attack. Instead, Sayoc Kali uses
36 different vital templates of targeting. These templates are specific
for different weapons, and purposes, and are presented in such a way as to
allow progression for understanding and development. Transitional flow
drills (12) of them are presented to serve as a bridge between Sayoc Kali
and other systems of combat. The transitional flow drills have steps,
which are more pronounced and are designed to teach familiarity and skill
with using the blade. The Sayoc Kali knife drills which are separate from
the transitional flow drills, tend to have more direct movements, which
use more natural body motion and contain more subtleties for application
of the knife; economizing power arcs for close quarter work and honing
blade edge discipline.
- We use all blade – all the time
- We use single blade to multiple blades in a wide range of sizes and
designs
- We use formulas for teaching and learning of all techniques
- We teach concepts, theories, methodologies, strategies and tactics
as a whole
- We use 36 basic vital templates and introduce hundreds more
- We apply the vital templates to moving targets
- We use an equal amount of vital templates for the left hand and
right hand
- We use 2 dominant weapons wielding hands
- We use 12 basic grips that are also used for projectiles releases
- We can use any of our blades as projectiles and carry 10 or more
blades while training
- We use a 3 dimensional thinking pattern to trigger a response
- We use power assist movements, winding and “S” pattern strikes
- We use a training belt and carry system for 27 training blades
- We use projectiles, whips and other flexible weapons
- We train in realistic time, one movement for one movement
- We use a buddy-buddy system in a multiple man situation
- We use a medical damage control and management system
- We teach and use non-linear striking
- The Sayoc tri-system is energy based and is only taught in that
method
Does your art have solo or
two-man forms? If no, why not. If yes, describe their characteristics
and when they are introduced?
Sayoc Kali stresses
the need for two-man forms. It is only through physical contact that one
can learn how the body will move and react. These are introduced almost
immediately in one's training. The forms appear more as skirmishes than
dance like movements.
Any movement that
is repeated for memory or for practice is considered a form to us, though
we do not have numbered forms or a series in which they are performed. We
do not utilize any time to train in forms other than for memory
installation and ocular mapping. The reason why is because this
system is energy based and can only be taught and transmitted in that
method.
The movement of
precision cutting and penetrating cannot be exercised effectively without
the presence of a live moving, thinking and reacting target. Our
strategies and tactics are based on our targets reactions, so trying to
achieve this skill in the practice of forms would be detrimental to our
progress. We practice solo training drills for endurance, speed,
power, static precision and other attributes but we hone ourselves with
others of lesser to greater skills.
Does your art have
training drills?
Sayoc Kali has many
training drills. They are only considered training drills when you
are NOT intending to stop your receiver permanently.
Most of our
training is generated from two-man or multiple man training drills. We
believe that there is nothing better than a living, breathing, thinking
and responsive training partners that will give you back what you give. The
skills and intellect of your training partners will build and mold your
own attributes through the error of your training partners or by your own
hands.
Every category in
the Sayoc system has two-man drills. Many of the drills and training
methods of Sayoc Kali involve partner training. The given individual
holding the blade, and delivering a series of techniques to a partner is
termed, the feeder. The recipient of the delivered blade attack is
termed, the receiver. Since the Sayoc methodology is aggressive, the
feeder learns to draw his weapons from different carry positions with
speed and intent.
Obviously, the
blades can be drawn and used to deliver a cut to an aggressor or an
opponent. In addition, the Sayoc Kali practitioner learns to use his
weapons to do other things as well. The drawn blades may be lodged
into an opponent, thus now serving as a "handle" to be used in
maneuvering an opponent into desired positions or the drawn blades may be
used to pin an opponent's limb to the body or some environmental asset, to
hold an opponent stationary. Due to the nature of the techniques,
many of these movements cannot be practiced fully, so in the simulation,
the penetrating blades are voluntarily released.
From these types of
positions, with a single blade already lodged into an opponent, it makes
sense to deploy another blade which is available for use against an
aggressor, if it may be easier and faster to draw such blade and use it
against a particular target.
Using these types
of concepts and strategies opens ones' mind to various possibilities and
uses of edged weapons. To properly train the mindset for these types
of variables it is important to learn how to carry and draw blades from
various positions on the body. As drills are progressed, more and
more blades are carried on ones' person, holstered and deployed in
practice.
As a given blade is
submitted or released from the hand, additional blades are available to be
drawn, or, the practitioner can have blades strategically lodged in the
opponent or the environment, which can be used later if needed.
Do you have free sparring?
If no, why, what kind, how is it done, how do you train for it?
Sayoc Kali does
have free sparring. As the students progress, they are encouraged to
escalate the amount of pressure applied to their partners in whatever way
they know how to do...the partners are also expected to increase their
level of response, the objective being to gain control of an opponent
during practice.
Sayoc Kali varies
the contact involved in sparring sessions, depending on what skill is
being focused on for that lesson. Entry skills can be practiced utilizing
rules that call for the first lethal blow with a weapon to an opponent
wins as in a modified western fencing rule (without the restriction of
lateral movement or empty hand counters). Another can be a full contact
match to submission. Some sparring sessions only utilize an impact weapon
with the addition of grappling, others are against multiple opponents.
Sayoc Kali uses a diversity of sparring scenarios to better illustrate to
the student their weaknesses and strengths.
The only way to
train for this is to practice steadily and continuously, and seek out
correct responses using the formulas as presented. Because the system
is energy based, contact is essential. All of our training drills
have a free style exercise to them that is considered free sparring. Strategies
are also taught to force opponents into vital postures and positioning,
making them vulnerable to the practitioners’ skill.
The projectiles
enable us to effectively make the opponents' reactions predictable. As
weapons are thrown at an opponent, it is clear to see whether or not, the
opponents have a viable defense against such attacks. These
projectiles also serve to keep an opponent out balance, and cause them to
move and react in ways to slow them down from either reaching their own
weapons, or causing them to be in an awkward position as the Sayoc
practitioner closes in.
By observing the
opponents’ body mechanics in reaction to the thrown weapons, it is
possible to predict target areas and further projectiles may be applied
toward them. Typically, if enough weapons are available, the
projectiles would be directed towards either side of an opponent, and at
the centerline. Some of the targets chosen would be towards the feet
or the thighs, and obviously towards the face. Various trajectories,
and speeds of the throws will be used against opponents to facilitate a
desired response.
In the free
sparring, the goal is to gain lethal entry and maintain the lethal entry
status until the targets is immobilize or you achieve total body
dismemberment without sustaining injury.
“Primal or offhand
reflexive responses are more likely to occur against aggressive movements
which are unfamiliar to you.”
"The left hand vital
templates counter the right hand vital templates and there is a third set
of vital templates which counter both"