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This is a review of the Sayoc International Group, Inc.'s Sama Sama 2003 DVD, specifically the section involving their tomahawk template. Like my other reviews of tomahawk training DVDs, I'll attempt to do this objectively and stick to the highlights; however, at just over 12 minutes (the demonstration starts just after 39 minutes on the DVD and runs till just after 51 minutes) of useful material, highlights are gonna be tough. 
I am re-watching the clip as I post this, so you're getting my opinions as they pop in my head.
The Review
These Sayoc guys don't waste any time in their demonstration videos. As soon as the short interview with Rafael (the instructor) is finished, he jumps right into the tomahawk template, which seems to me to be broken down into 4 3-move sets (for training purposes), for a total of a 12-move template. Describing this without giving away the template (don't want to step on any toes, here) is very tough, but I'll do my best. All of these moves require good footwork, but you don't have to be a dancer to do it - it's all logical steps. Also, being a template-type of instruction, these attacks and sets are meant to flow from one right into the other; however, if you are doing your job right, you'll never need to do the whole set on one person - the enemy won't survive till the end.
Set 1 - Raf starts set 1 by talking about how the footwork is important when using a 'hawk because it doesn't have a double edge (like a dagger), so the footwork assists you in flowing with the 'hawk. He also mentions how the 'hawk is a bit of a hacking weapon and can tend to get caught in things, so footwork will assist in removing the 'hawk from the person (or their clothing) by inertia.
Set 1 is mostly what I would consider a "frontal assault" and would be very good at removing a person from combat, while possibly not outright killing them immediately (though they could VERY easily bleed out if they do not receive medical attention immediately). Raf also makes excellent use of the sharpened hooking edge of the Lagana-style tomahawk (Sayoc uses the old Lagana trainers from the American Tomahawk Company), which he uses throughout the demo.
Set 2 - With set 2 Raf begins to move his attacks around to the back of the enemy. The second move in this set could easily be a killing blow, and the hooking edge is again used in another move. Raf talks a little more about footwork and how you want to get your feet right before "digging in" with the 'hawk and ripping it out. He also uses his free hand to assist the "ripping" motion. Raf answers a question (off camera) about the footwork and talks about being careful to move your own leg out of the way lest you strike yourself.
Set 3 - Set 3 is very "spike" intensive. Raf starts off set 3 standing almost directly to the side of the enemy. His first attack is another one that is a fight-ender, but not an instant kill. It's also the first attack where he utilizes the spike. The second move involves switching sides [of the target] and using the free hand to block/parry while the spike is again utilized to attack the rear of the enemy - this time a possible killing blow. The last move in this set, to me, seems like more "insult to injury" than anything (though it would be a bloody wound).
This is also the first (and last) time where Raf mentions throwing a tomahawk, stating that the final move in this set could be replaced by a short throw.
Set 4 - The last set is vicious (like the other's haven't been...
haha) and closer to the target than the previous sets. Raf chokes up on the 'hawk and uses his free hand for an actual strike than for just blocking/parrying. Move one is another quick bleed-out wound. Immediately after, Raf uses the haft of the 'hawk to hook/move the opponents arm and captures it with his free hand/arm, drawing the enemy in close. He then proceeds to re-adjust his grip to a full extension, but keeps it in close for another rear wound that would definitely kill the target if the first move doesn't first - a nice rip-cut type wound that again utilizes the hooking edge. The final move of the set/template involves again switching sides while using the spike to hook the opponents opposite arm and parry it with the free hand so it is out of your way. Once that is accomplished (how the enemy is still alive after all these moves is beyond me), you again attack the rear of the target with a definite fight ender/killing blow. It's also one of my favorite moves that I learned in Dwight's book. 
Each of these sets, as I stated, can be used by themselves because each of them will either kill or stop the threat of the person you perform the set on. Also, while shown slowly, it is easily seen how quickly these are accomplished and how you could move to a different enemy and "continue" the template, taking on multiple opponents at once.
After Raf has finished the template and elaborated on the final set, he moves on to demonstrate a few of what he calls "isolations", which are basically practical combat sets. He asks someone off camera about just doing "One to three?", which (to me) alludes that there are several more available for them to teach.
Isolation 1 - Iso 1 is awesome! You can accomplish it literally while running past a person! It's like something I think I saw in Last of the Mohicans... or maybe it was The Patriot... either way, awesome! If the first two moves don't take the enemy out of the fight (through system shock/blood loss), then they're SOL because the last move will kill them.
Isolation 2 - Iso 2 is less lethal, but no less of a fight ender as the person will be unable to fight (or move) after you're done attacking them. It also starts off by the enemy having closed on you enough for them to have [partially] pinned your weapon arm. Not as scary-cool as Iso 1, but still a very good set.
Isolation 3 - Unfortunately, Iso 3 is hard to see due to the camera angle. It begins with another attempted block of your weapon arm, which is checked so you can continue your assault. The enemy's arm is then trapped and, from what I can see, you attack the top of the opponent's shoulder from the back with your spike. It's wierd, and I think I'm going to email Sayoc about it for clarification. This one ends VICIOUSLY though. After forcing the opponent to the ground (because your spike is stuck in them), you again use your freehand to knock them around and finish with a massive blow to the face. I'm not gonna spoil it by saying what you do, but it made me cringe the first time I saw it. Also, you can hear people in the background groaning when he does this one.:barf:
Raf finishes off this section by running through these three Isos again for clarification.
Final Thoughts
Like I said from the beginning, this little bit is just over 12 minutes long. It does feel longer, though, because the quality of material crammed into these 12 minutes is GREAT! I find myself re-watching it over and over just to ingrain these moves into my head. I can see why Andy Prisco said in his old post about this that it was around half an hour - it feels like it!
The whole DVD is expensive if you just want these 12 minutes of tomahawk instruction; however, the rest of the DVD is pretty good and definitely entertaining. Any martial artist can watch this and get something out of it. The Sayoc group goes through a little of everything in it, from whips, to escrima, to knives (and throwing), to tomahawk, to katana, to ninjitsu... it's a busy little 2-hour video.
If Sayoc put out a tomahawk instructional DVD tomorrow, I'd send the money on its way instantly! I HOPE YOU'RE LISTENING!!! For what it is, this is an excellent addition to any tomahawk practitioner's repertoire. "The more you know...", right? This 12-minute segment is no-nonsense, pure substance. This material is that good.
If rated just on these 12 minutes, 5 :thumbup: out of 5
If rated on the DVD as a whole for someone who doesn't care about the rest of the DVD's content, 3:thumbup: out of 5.
Either way, I am happy buying this and would do it again.
I am re-watching the clip as I post this, so you're getting my opinions as they pop in my head.The Review
These Sayoc guys don't waste any time in their demonstration videos. As soon as the short interview with Rafael (the instructor) is finished, he jumps right into the tomahawk template, which seems to me to be broken down into 4 3-move sets (for training purposes), for a total of a 12-move template. Describing this without giving away the template (don't want to step on any toes, here) is very tough, but I'll do my best. All of these moves require good footwork, but you don't have to be a dancer to do it - it's all logical steps. Also, being a template-type of instruction, these attacks and sets are meant to flow from one right into the other; however, if you are doing your job right, you'll never need to do the whole set on one person - the enemy won't survive till the end.
Set 1 - Raf starts set 1 by talking about how the footwork is important when using a 'hawk because it doesn't have a double edge (like a dagger), so the footwork assists you in flowing with the 'hawk. He also mentions how the 'hawk is a bit of a hacking weapon and can tend to get caught in things, so footwork will assist in removing the 'hawk from the person (or their clothing) by inertia.
Set 1 is mostly what I would consider a "frontal assault" and would be very good at removing a person from combat, while possibly not outright killing them immediately (though they could VERY easily bleed out if they do not receive medical attention immediately). Raf also makes excellent use of the sharpened hooking edge of the Lagana-style tomahawk (Sayoc uses the old Lagana trainers from the American Tomahawk Company), which he uses throughout the demo.
Set 2 - With set 2 Raf begins to move his attacks around to the back of the enemy. The second move in this set could easily be a killing blow, and the hooking edge is again used in another move. Raf talks a little more about footwork and how you want to get your feet right before "digging in" with the 'hawk and ripping it out. He also uses his free hand to assist the "ripping" motion. Raf answers a question (off camera) about the footwork and talks about being careful to move your own leg out of the way lest you strike yourself.
Set 3 - Set 3 is very "spike" intensive. Raf starts off set 3 standing almost directly to the side of the enemy. His first attack is another one that is a fight-ender, but not an instant kill. It's also the first attack where he utilizes the spike. The second move involves switching sides [of the target] and using the free hand to block/parry while the spike is again utilized to attack the rear of the enemy - this time a possible killing blow. The last move in this set, to me, seems like more "insult to injury" than anything (though it would be a bloody wound).
This is also the first (and last) time where Raf mentions throwing a tomahawk, stating that the final move in this set could be replaced by a short throw.
Set 4 - The last set is vicious (like the other's haven't been...
haha) and closer to the target than the previous sets. Raf chokes up on the 'hawk and uses his free hand for an actual strike than for just blocking/parrying. Move one is another quick bleed-out wound. Immediately after, Raf uses the haft of the 'hawk to hook/move the opponents arm and captures it with his free hand/arm, drawing the enemy in close. He then proceeds to re-adjust his grip to a full extension, but keeps it in close for another rear wound that would definitely kill the target if the first move doesn't first - a nice rip-cut type wound that again utilizes the hooking edge. The final move of the set/template involves again switching sides while using the spike to hook the opponents opposite arm and parry it with the free hand so it is out of your way. Once that is accomplished (how the enemy is still alive after all these moves is beyond me), you again attack the rear of the target with a definite fight ender/killing blow. It's also one of my favorite moves that I learned in Dwight's book. Each of these sets, as I stated, can be used by themselves because each of them will either kill or stop the threat of the person you perform the set on. Also, while shown slowly, it is easily seen how quickly these are accomplished and how you could move to a different enemy and "continue" the template, taking on multiple opponents at once.
After Raf has finished the template and elaborated on the final set, he moves on to demonstrate a few of what he calls "isolations", which are basically practical combat sets. He asks someone off camera about just doing "One to three?", which (to me) alludes that there are several more available for them to teach.
Isolation 1 - Iso 1 is awesome! You can accomplish it literally while running past a person! It's like something I think I saw in Last of the Mohicans... or maybe it was The Patriot... either way, awesome! If the first two moves don't take the enemy out of the fight (through system shock/blood loss), then they're SOL because the last move will kill them.
Isolation 2 - Iso 2 is less lethal, but no less of a fight ender as the person will be unable to fight (or move) after you're done attacking them. It also starts off by the enemy having closed on you enough for them to have [partially] pinned your weapon arm. Not as scary-cool as Iso 1, but still a very good set.
Isolation 3 - Unfortunately, Iso 3 is hard to see due to the camera angle. It begins with another attempted block of your weapon arm, which is checked so you can continue your assault. The enemy's arm is then trapped and, from what I can see, you attack the top of the opponent's shoulder from the back with your spike. It's wierd, and I think I'm going to email Sayoc about it for clarification. This one ends VICIOUSLY though. After forcing the opponent to the ground (because your spike is stuck in them), you again use your freehand to knock them around and finish with a massive blow to the face. I'm not gonna spoil it by saying what you do, but it made me cringe the first time I saw it. Also, you can hear people in the background groaning when he does this one.
:barf:Raf finishes off this section by running through these three Isos again for clarification.
Final Thoughts
Like I said from the beginning, this little bit is just over 12 minutes long. It does feel longer, though, because the quality of material crammed into these 12 minutes is GREAT! I find myself re-watching it over and over just to ingrain these moves into my head. I can see why Andy Prisco said in his old post about this that it was around half an hour - it feels like it!
The whole DVD is expensive if you just want these 12 minutes of tomahawk instruction; however, the rest of the DVD is pretty good and definitely entertaining. Any martial artist can watch this and get something out of it. The Sayoc group goes through a little of everything in it, from whips, to escrima, to knives (and throwing), to tomahawk, to katana, to ninjitsu... it's a busy little 2-hour video.
If Sayoc put out a tomahawk instructional DVD tomorrow, I'd send the money on its way instantly! I HOPE YOU'RE LISTENING!!! For what it is, this is an excellent addition to any tomahawk practitioner's repertoire. "The more you know...", right? This 12-minute segment is no-nonsense, pure substance. This material is that good.
If rated just on these 12 minutes, 5 :thumbup: out of 5
If rated on the DVD as a whole for someone who doesn't care about the rest of the DVD's content, 3:thumbup: out of 5.
Either way, I am happy buying this and would do it again.
