Parker;
If you study FMA, you already have a certain familiarity with the Western arts. As has been noted, they are Spanish in descent. You will find that the concepts are quite similar. For instance, the idea of using the same basic theories of mechanics for multiple weapons or empty-hand techniques.
This is readily apparent when you start working Western arts. You start seeing the common patterns in stickwork, knives, cut-and-thrust swords, rapiers, as well as in boxing and other empty-hand arts.
James Keating's ABC's are a great place to start. After that I reccomend picking-up various historic European fight manuals, a number of the sword-related ones are online through HACA, and apply the techniques to the knife structure you`ve learned. Half my best moves that have allowed me to overcome Eastern stylists or FMA-ers when sparring have been derived from cut-and-thrust sword technique, which was my first love. Western arts are all about bringing together the various techniques from related arts and finding ways to make them work together. They are more dynamic than traditional. The bowie is a great weapon, but just the tip of the iceberg. Oh yeah, and you will find you will have to spar A LOT to validate your techniques in the eyes of many of the Eastern-indoctrinated. It`s a good idea to cross-train anyway. It keeps you from getting stagnant. Now, I more "cross-spar" than train in the strictest sense. I study and practice my own art, then find others who practice different arts to spar with, which is easy because they represent the majority of martial artists. I might have them explain a technique or two they have that I don`t get, but I don`t actively study their art, rather how to make mine work against theirs.
I feel, and experience bears this out, that this is a better approach than true cross-training. There are only so many hours in the day, and there are SO many arts. The net result is that while there are better martial artists than me, I am able to use my skills against nearly anyone else and make good account of myself. It also has proven a more effective approach when it comes to street application. And yes, I do have some small experience there.
Oh yeah, and work with people who don`t practice any blade art, but rather just have a knife and think they`re tough. These guys represent the bulk of who you will face, and they are all too often underestimated. These are also representative of the skills most people who have studied whatever the latest knife-defense course offered by the trendiest weapons school have. Like I said, determination, bloodlust and a knife are a dangerous combination, irregardless of level of skill. Too many people promote this martial arts fantasy that since the study a formal, structured art, they will be able to easily defeat all the ruffians in the world. This is simply and demonstrably NOT the case.
Boy, after all that writing, I sure hope you come back and check this thread!
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"One of God`s Prototypes. A powerful mutant, never even considered for mass-production.
Too weird to live. Too tough to die."
