- Joined
- Feb 11, 1999
- Messages
- 568
Ok guys & gals, here's the first of the video reviews I promised.
Note: This is my first attempt at a "review" of a video, so I would appreciate feedback on my review as well as your own opinions on the tape itself. I'm a virgin ... be gentle with me
The tape opens with Eric "Top Dog" Knaus doing some carenza which is impressive, but then it goes down hill as this is followed by an ape discovering how to use a bone as a tool/weapon as we listen to the theme song from 2001 Space Odessy. I found the ape with stick thing cheesey, but easily got over it once the instructional part of the tape started.
"This is this." says Eric refering to the stick, which I think says it all. He stresses the pitfall of making things cute and fancy, and the importance of maintaining the intent of FMA, which is fighting. He also stresses the importance of power for fighting. I found myself generally agreeing with what he was saying.
Next comes Mark "Crafty Dog" Denny's discussion of structure, which I found informative and helpful. I think there are more types of "structures" than he mentions, but you can't cover everything in a single tape can you? At the end he emphasizes the importance of power, regardless of what structure you use.
Next follows the actual instructional portion of the tape, which begins with some excellent warm up exercises, followed by instruction on how to perform the various "power shots". I was happy that I wasn't bored to death having to fast forward through the filler (multiple angles in slow-mo, full speed, with and without a partner, ednauseum) that is typical of Panther's tapes. The instruction was concise, but the "blue room" footage that was shot on the set was annoying at times. The footage shot at the Inosanto Academy and in the parks was easier to watch.
The tape ends with fight footage, fighter interviews and a monologue by Mark Denny. The fight footage is interesting because you get a chance to see what they've been talking about and teaching. It's also entertaining. The fact that you can't hear the interviewer's questions is annoying. Finally, Mark's monologue was, in my opinion, totally unnecessary. He seems to be attempting to justify "Reel Contact Stick Fighting" by intellectualizing it. One of the fighters said that it was a blast, and Eric Knaus said it's vital if you want to progress and develope fighting skill. I think those two comments best sum it up.
Strong Points: 1.)It focusses on a key, and often neglected element of fighting. 2.)It makes excellent use of fight footage throughout to help illustrate what is being taught.
Weak Points: 1.)It doesn't teach footwork as an element of power. 2.)In general, while a lot of good stuff is taught, there are often things going on that are not being explained. Eric alludes to somethings, but doesn't teach them in detail and others he doesn't even mention. It's important to watch what Eric does very carefully to pick up on some important details.
In all, the tape is helful and a good purchase especially if you already have some FMA training (which helps to pick up the stuff he doesn't explain).
Dave.
P.S. Comments?
Note: This is my first attempt at a "review" of a video, so I would appreciate feedback on my review as well as your own opinions on the tape itself. I'm a virgin ... be gentle with me
The tape opens with Eric "Top Dog" Knaus doing some carenza which is impressive, but then it goes down hill as this is followed by an ape discovering how to use a bone as a tool/weapon as we listen to the theme song from 2001 Space Odessy. I found the ape with stick thing cheesey, but easily got over it once the instructional part of the tape started.
"This is this." says Eric refering to the stick, which I think says it all. He stresses the pitfall of making things cute and fancy, and the importance of maintaining the intent of FMA, which is fighting. He also stresses the importance of power for fighting. I found myself generally agreeing with what he was saying.
Next comes Mark "Crafty Dog" Denny's discussion of structure, which I found informative and helpful. I think there are more types of "structures" than he mentions, but you can't cover everything in a single tape can you? At the end he emphasizes the importance of power, regardless of what structure you use.
Next follows the actual instructional portion of the tape, which begins with some excellent warm up exercises, followed by instruction on how to perform the various "power shots". I was happy that I wasn't bored to death having to fast forward through the filler (multiple angles in slow-mo, full speed, with and without a partner, ednauseum) that is typical of Panther's tapes. The instruction was concise, but the "blue room" footage that was shot on the set was annoying at times. The footage shot at the Inosanto Academy and in the parks was easier to watch.
The tape ends with fight footage, fighter interviews and a monologue by Mark Denny. The fight footage is interesting because you get a chance to see what they've been talking about and teaching. It's also entertaining. The fact that you can't hear the interviewer's questions is annoying. Finally, Mark's monologue was, in my opinion, totally unnecessary. He seems to be attempting to justify "Reel Contact Stick Fighting" by intellectualizing it. One of the fighters said that it was a blast, and Eric Knaus said it's vital if you want to progress and develope fighting skill. I think those two comments best sum it up.
Strong Points: 1.)It focusses on a key, and often neglected element of fighting. 2.)It makes excellent use of fight footage throughout to help illustrate what is being taught.
Weak Points: 1.)It doesn't teach footwork as an element of power. 2.)In general, while a lot of good stuff is taught, there are often things going on that are not being explained. Eric alludes to somethings, but doesn't teach them in detail and others he doesn't even mention. It's important to watch what Eric does very carefully to pick up on some important details.
In all, the tape is helful and a good purchase especially if you already have some FMA training (which helps to pick up the stuff he doesn't explain).
Dave.
P.S. Comments?
