ABC Seminar Review

The day started off covering a knife dexterity drill which was revision for some and new for others. The drill allows us to transition the knife from sabre or foil grip into reverse grip edge out and into reverse grip edge in. Mark stated that there was no real combative element to this drill as in a knife encounter we would not readily seek to transition grips unless it was a necessity. We then further developed the drill and covered it in the opposite hand, breaking the plain and adding in movement. Mark then demonstrated how you could further enhance the drill by using it not only to change the grip but to change the grip into the opposite hand. So already participants could see the value in this drill in terms of co-ordination and skill building.

Mark then took us through various cutting skills which had us using the training knives against focus pads. It was important to develop good cutting skills. There was no use in looking all fancy twirling a knife if the first time you go to cut the knife flies from your hand as you are not used to making contact with anything. You can practice on a heavy bag or a cutting post. Again, its unlikely that you are going to be cutting anything in an encounter in this country however, its all part and parcel of learning a skill. You never expect to skid in a car but we all learn how to deal with it. It’s a combat art at the end of the day and I would always rather know and not need it then need it and not know it!

We then went on to a drill called banda banda. Mark covered this drill in long range and then medium range. This is one of the core drills in Tactical Edge which show us how to deal with a variety of common lines. We then developed this drill to put in a swift counter ranging from fatal to a position of negotiation. Our next drill was 6 count sumbrada partner drill which has 3 attacks flowing back and forward. Mark explained the need for combat efficiency in what we do. There are sumbradas with many more counts in them which are simply not required in terms of actual combat. The 6 count sumbrada allows us to train and recognise lines and how to counter effectively. Mark then had us throwing in random lines during the drill which really kept everyone on their toes and although this sounds easy it was very difficult. Again, we were encouraged to take this drill away dissect it and use our opposite hand as well. Mark then went on to demonstrate the drill with a knife, a stick and then a sword.

Mark then covered the triangular footwork that we were encouraged to use and also explained how the older generation of Filipino fighters use elastico. They simply use a lot more body movement than footwork to evade the weapon and counter. We then covered a drill called punyo sumbrada which is a real mind **** but once you nail it you feel fantastic. Mark then encouraged us to go away and practice the drill and re-arrange it.

We then shot on to cover some further drills where we would bait the attack and then make a cut of our own. This is all based on trickery and logical lines. Then it was the time that everyone really looks forward to when Mr D spoon feeds us some combative sets. These looked at working on the highline and then breaking the plain. How to off set and attacker and various ways of “crossing the bridge”.

Mark encouraged everyone to go away and get some practice in so when we come back the drills are flowing nicely and we can get on to intermediate level Asian Blade Combatives. I haven’t covered all that we did or brought out all the points that Mark covered as it would simply take too long. The best thing you can do is come along to a future seminar and experience what is on offer. Don’t hide away in your own little comfort zone, pop out and have a look.