I'm going through all the DVDs again,
some I haven't watched for years, trying to set up some meaningful combinations for the DistanceLearning People. I noticed that I had not even put the Karambit DVD up on
www.thunderrockmedia.com, so in doing that I happened across a couple of good reviews, this one is by GuruMuda Trent Beach:
1, A Review
I received this DVD last week, and after having watched it several times, I must state that this is the best Kun Tao Silat DVD yet produced by Maha Guru Steve Gartin. It is also one of the best silat DVD's produced regardless of emphasis, still retaining the Indonesian perception of self-defense and combat while incorporating the Western ideas of progression.
Surely, there is clearly a gradual introduction of principles, concepts and techniques with regard to Kun Tao Silat and the use of the karambit, but done in a manner which obviously shows the methods and thoughts of a genuine practitioner with many years of hard practice behind him. The viewer will know immediately that this DVD was created by someone who understands implicitly Dutch-Indonesian/Chinese martial arts and the thought processes behind them. This is in stark contrast to other video and DVD presentations which appear to overlay silat on a kenpo or karate frame of understanding.
The difference is obvious and overwhelming in quality of movement, demonstrated applications, and understanding of the concepts revealed by the individuals on the screen.
Since this is a "Level 1" tape, the most fundamental aspects of the karambit are discussed and revealed. Drawing from a primary form of the Kun Tao Silat system, Djuru Satu, the instruction focuses on the use of the karambit during the movements in order to maximize offensive potential while minimizing exposure to the opponent's attacks. The form is shown to instruct in proper structure while moving through space and clashing with an armed opponent. It will be noted that proper handling of the karambit will negate cutting yourself while maneuvering a small, double-edged hooked blade in the reverse position, sliding the edges inside the arms and close to the torso while handling an extremely hostile person attempting to violently bleed you out. While upper and lower body (i.e., djuru and langkah, respectively) movements are shown clearly, the djurus is emphasized in this level one introduction to ensure the student is "blade aware," as the karambit is very unforgiving and completely without compassion when a mistake is made during practice, training and implementation.
Included on the DVD are some upper body applications from the previously shown djurus which demonstrate and instruct how the karambit should be used versus someone with a larger blade who is attacking. Here Maha Guru Gartin displays Kun Tao Silat principles while intercepting unrehearsed attacks; cutting the arms, hands, shoulders, neck, using the ring for striking; jamming the line of attack, supporting his weapon hand, maintaining his structure under contact; deflecting, re-directing, locking, manipulating the opponent into an even more vulnerable position; using forward pressure, lateral movement, destroying balance and always, cutting, cutting, cutting....
Full body applications (buah) are later revealed along with other Kun Tao Silat principles using the karambit while being attacked from ambush. Here, the applications are taken directly from the form earlier instructed on the DVD- Djuru Satu. Again, while the applications are specifically taken from the referred form, it can be obviously seen that the karambit user has a myriad of options available to use on the knife-wielding attacker. The approach, entry, contact, footwork, positioning, takedown, follow-up and finishing are demonstrated by the karambit defender using different movements pulled from Djuru Satu from various different attacks.
For those who have been diligently working on Djuru Satu, this tape will open a whole new level of awareness and understanding. For those who like the karambit or small knife-work in reverse grip position, a new level of knowledge awaits.
The production value of this DVD is excellent with video and audio vibrant and crisp throughout. The natural backdrops and working areas add a nice touch while maintaining a professional look due to the high-definition images recorded. Slow motion takes are judiciously used so the student may see more clearly what exactly is going on immediately after the real-time instruction. Doubtless, the observer will even need to slow that down to obtain proper perspective on what was revealed. Thankfully, the slow motion is not gratuitous or inappropriate to the material.
Solo training, partner training, applications, a nice knife kembangan by one of the practitioners, instructional emphasis and
demonstration of dozens and dozens of techniques; for anyone who ever wondered how a karambit is really supposed to be used by an art that specializes in the instrument, and was born in the same place, this is the definitive DVD so far.
Trent Beach
