AMOK training structure

[Roets]

Hi guys,

I recently joined an AMOK! study group close to where I live, the first martial art I am training in, and solely for purposes of self defense. On joining, I received instruction on the basics of the system, and we meet once a week to look at new techniques, etc.

My problem, however, is this. I would like to have more structure and direction in my training, knowing what to train when, for how long etc.

So far, AMOK! have not provided any sort of structure other than the weekly meeting. I really don't have an idea where it is heading or what it is really teaching me. (I'm confused, as you might have noticed).

Is AMOK recognised as a complete martial art? I feel that it might be lacking since we only train with knives, with no empty hand or sticks in sight.

Since my time allows the persuit of only one system, I have considered switching to something that will provide a more complete method of self defense, which include EH, knife and sticks.

A good possible alternative I have in my area is Jeet Kune Do (licensed by Burton Richardson).

Any thoughts? Also, any sites that might assist me with my training?

Thanks

Roets

 

[hotshot]

Hi there

I run the Durban group of AMOK! and I also train with Morne Swanepoel in the JKD Unlimited of which you speak ... so hopefully I can shed a little light for you.

Both are very much complete systems which take a very combative approach to the task at hand. Their focus on what people they are teaching what skills to is very different though.

AMOK! is aimed at people who want to learn to use their blade, while JKD is aimed at people who want to work empty hand. While there is empty hand in AMOK! and weapons in JKD ... their specialty lies in seperate areas.

I do not frequent here often, so please feel free to contact me directly with questions. I see you are in Pretoria and there are a number of groups in the Gauteng region ... who are you training with?

Let me know what you've been taken through and what your questions are and I will attempt to clarify everything for you. My email is steven@ix.co.za

Regards, Steven

 

[Robin Smith]

Hi Schalk

Perhaps you are passing judgement a bit too soon i.e. after one class
In my opinion you are looking at AMOK through a toilet roll because of only one session, after you get a few more toilet rolls, you'll see the big picture. There is nothing stopping you from drawing up your own schedule of practise during the week i.e. 81's with movement or 1-to-9 while shuffling or alternating hands, the choice is yours.

While some structure is good for learning the principles, becoming rigid and fixed in mind-set will get you hurt in a free structure-less no-holds-barred street fight. Check out http://www.knifefighting.com , click on 'AMOK' and 'Combatitives' for an excellent article by Prof. Tom Sotis for more info on the apparent lack of structure and the reasons behind it

My 2c's worth , ymmv

L8r
Robin

 

[xiphius]

Just think of a rock being placed in the path of water. The water goes around the rock for the rock is too rigid to respond to the flow of water. The structure you are hoping for is something most likely along the lines to forms/katas/templates. These create a "safe zone"... a feeling of comfort and security...but reality says... NOT going to happen when you are being attacked by a street thug; who's going to disrupt your forms/pomes preprogramming training. Reality says train to deal with randomness, for combat is chaos.
Visit
www.knifefighting.comand ask questions on the forum. It is there for combative/martial topics

 

[Airyu]

Hello,

Very interesting points being made here. Structure vs Non structure seems to be a big topic on many forums lately, and is certainly at the top of this one.

In the Western thought on teaching, a student progresses through an organized series of lessons to some given end. This methodology was adopted by Jigaro Kano, and entered full force into the martial arts around the world. The problem with this, is that forms, katas, templates, flow drills etc., whatever you would call a block of techniques done in sequence, was designed to give a student a reference point, from which to start their free practice. Many along the way have become to trapped in the drill structure, that they cannot see outside of the drill and into the application of the skill.

Any system, has some structure, AMOK! certainly does, and drills are practiced to integrate the basics of the system and enhance the practitioner skill level, so that the can move past these structures. Sparring/duelling etc. is one aspect of attribute development training, and in it and of itself is a structure, but it does allow the practitioner the freedom to apply his material in a fashion against an opponent trying to do the same to him.

My advice to you would be to work with your Instructor on how to progress in AMOK!, and put some time into the system, before you pass judgement. Many people scratch the surface of an art, then pass a judgement upon it, without truely getting any understanding of it.

Train Hard it is the Way!

Guro Steve L.

www.Sayoc.com
www.Bujinkandojo.net

Jason, good to see you posting!

 

[xiphius]

Point made, though most get obsessed with the series and it becomes an embedded reflexive series response which the practitioner doesn't notice till later on in training or at his/her first street conflict. the series response can be taken advantage of because of the preprogramming.
Breaking down the series and practicing bits and pieces..and experiment with altering responses... might be a way to do things... but who knows.

 

[Airyu]

Hello again,

Yes, I agree. Practicing isolations in application form, and then enhanced by a series of increasing sparring methodologies, is a good method to improve a practitioner.

In many FMA's, drills are a way to transmit an art that was honed and worked in real world fighting. It is being able to move "out of the box" of the drill, that a practitioner then becomes proficient in what a drill and an art offers.

Gumagalang
Guro Steve L.

www.Sayoc.com
www.Bujinkandojo.net