Eighteen men showed up to train at The Big 3 – Bowie, Toothpick and Kukri seminar at Comtech in the smoky PacNW. The smoke cleared just in time to start the weekend off right. It was an eclectic bunch and it was an eclectic weekend. From training and knife shows to history lessons and baked goods. 20 men jelled and became one for the weekend. All tracking the same with a laser focus and flowing as if it had all been rehearsed, yet many were meeting for the first time. They came from all points and all backgrounds. Schools were represented that included Robert Langford and his crew from Dynamic Tactical Systems. This was my first time working with some of these guys and they are a credit to MAA Langford. Mahipal Lunia, Sensei and the guys from Mt View Aiki Kai showed up to work. They are an extremely talented bunch and I enjoy working with them. Shihan Ken Smith from Advanced Martial Systems-Northwest came in from Seattle. Always good to have his insights that show you the tweaks that cinch that move, always the teacher.  Shout out to Xander from Chicago, Harold from Wyoming, John, James and Kevin. Andy, Kenny and Mike you were missed.  Frank, thank you for the water! John M, thank you! The list is growing!

   While the subject matter was the Big 3, the theme of the weekend was to intuit what a weapon does and how it is used. It is about blade specificity and how to discover what it is for each.  If ever blade specificity was applied to a knife it would be on the kukri. There are things it can do and definitely things it cannot do. But that moniker wouldn’t be completely fair because it can do so much. It is a farm implement, kitchen knife and general utility knife that comes in all shapes and sizes. It is used in ceremonies, in combat and personal protection. They can be fine art pieces and it is the symbol of a nation. But when held the way we do it just wants to move a certain way and in that sense it is almost easy to just follow along. It likes circles. Hooking, snaking whipping circles. It is definitely a chopper but in an intelligent way. You could almost say this was a two plane weapon. There was a gentleman there by the name of Howard Wallace. He has been to Nepal and has helped design some Kukris. He gave us quite a show of his fantastic collection (see pic) that included a rich history of the blade and the people. What a treat. Thank you Howard.

   Now, it was the Big 3 and the Bowie and Arkansas Toothpick were not ignored. With such a high caliber group the basics were a warm up that led into fine tuning master plays all the while intuiting what worked best for that style knife. What footwork and body mechanics complimented the features of that knife and what adjustments needed to be made as we switched the weapon. This was Bowie/Toothpick 201.
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   What is it about the big blades? What makes them so magical? Whatever “it” is, was present and was the bond that made this “Smoky Blade Crew”.  Thanks to Maestro Keating for a fantastic weekend. These are the ones you were sorry you missed. So come on out for the blades and stay for the baked goods! Thank you Norma!
 
Stay Sharp
Rich Fern
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I  want to send positive energy out to Datu Kelly Worden. Keep this warrior in your thoughts and prayers.

From Maestro Keating – “The BIG 3 is going great! So many skilled men! A wonderful group. From all points of our nation. LEO's, fighters, fencers and cross trainers. I am very happy - a hi-energy gathering. "The Smoky Blade Crew"!”

We’re fire training up here in the smoky NW at the Comtech Big 3 seminar hosted by Maestro Keating and he’s right, a high caliber group that picks it up quick and on to the next. They are truly on fire. We had a great presentation of Kukri’s along with a rich history of the blade, the warriors and the people that make them from one who has been among the Nepalese.

If day 2 is even half as good…….
 
Stay Sharp!
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Forgive me, please, I did not mean to be rude, I have not introduced myself. My name is Richard Fern. I’m the hairy one on the right in the picture above. The man on the left is Maestro James A Keating. Some of you may recognize the name or face. Some may not. He is the founder of the American Blade System taught at his school Combat Technolgies, or Comtech for short . His contributions to the martial arts world and the world at large could fill a book but we don’t have that kind of room here, so we’ll concentrate on what Maestro Keating is most noted for and that is the Bowie knife. Not the creation thereof but for the preservation of its usage and history. While the history is being preserved through many other means and people, it’s usage almost died out and had it not been for the efforts of this man it may have faded out completely. Ask any practitioner or fan of the Bowie to link a modern name and Uncle Jims name will be right there on top. The art, which had thrived so brightly but for so short a time, was buried deep under laws, technology and major socio-economic upheaval. But Uncle Jim is an adventurer at his core and a renaissance man to be sure. What better weapon to choose than the Bowie? A weapon that could be wielded by mountain men and Gentry alike and seemed at home on the hip of either. But I sometimes think the Bowie chose him and not the other way around, throwing down the gauntlet and saying “Pick it up if you dare”. Heh.  You can visit his site here and you should go there now and every day.
 
So why am I mentioning this and posting a picture of myself with Maestro? Well, a funny thing happened. When I started this blog I forgot to introduce myself. I just didn’t think of it. Who am I? I just love the Bowie and wanted to share my journey with the world. I am a student of Maestro and want do my part to see that this way does not die out. It never occurred to me that I should mention myself. I also seem to never actually sign any of my blogs with my actual name. Just a ---_)------- So I have no one to blame but myself when I found my article on the Passatta Sotto shared on a social media page and being attributed to James A Keating. When I saw it I had a good laugh and didn’t think anything of it until the next day when I got a blog comment thanking Uncle Jim for his article. I am flattered. I am humbled that you would think my writing is his but alas, it is not.  It is me. It also does not help that Maestro just recently was kind enough to share an article as a guest on my blog. I mentioned it to him at a recent seminar he gave and we had a good chuckle. He came up with this idea to post a pic of us on each of ours sites. I jumped at the idea because I really had no idea on how to correct this but knew I could not let you dear readers go on thinking I was James or he was me. 
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So I hope this clears up any confusion and that you will continue to come back and join me In the preservation of the Bowie. Grab a blade and step up. We have work to do.  
 
Stay Sharp
Richard Fern
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The Modified Passata-Sotto
 
Let’s talk about the multifaceted and versatile  modified passata-sotto, as used in the Comtech Bowie Method. The term passata sotto is Italian and directly translated means "passed under". The Wiki page on fencing terms defines the passata sotto as -

"An evasive action which is initiated by dropping a hand to the floor and lowering the body under the opponent's oncoming blade. Often accompanied by a straightening of the sword arm to attempt a hit on the opposing combatant."
 
John Styers in his Marine Corps treatise "Bowie Knife Fighting" defines the passata sotto as "Another means of getting your blade into your opponent, other than the direct manner from the guard position, is to perform a passata sotto in which you merely BEND THE TORSO VERY LOW and to the LEFT from the guard position. Thrust directly into the LOWER RIGHT CHEST or ABDOMINAL AREA of your opponent. This is (an offline) attack against an opponent who raises his right arm high in his attack, or otherwise exposes his lower right side. In some instances a left step may accompany the attack." 
 
Is the technique defensive or offensive in nature? It’s both really. Defensively it uses a plane not often used, the vertical, causing them to over commit. As an Attack by Drawing or part of a Progressive Indirect Attack it's offensive nature can shine. The Comtech Bowie method took a little used technique from classical fencing, mated it with the unique design characteristics of the  bowie and threw the doors wide open on the possibilities.
 
Generally the modified passata sotto does not touch the ground with the live hand. There is no need to. A long sword creates balance issues necessitating the third anchor but in bowie fencing we have no such balance issues with the blade and something much more fearsome to worry about. A counter with a bowie is much faster than a sword in this situation. The business end of their sword is behind you and requires more time to reset and strike. The bowie can strike from almost any position it finds itself in and with your live hand on the ground leaves you wide open and anchored in one spot. Bending the knees and the waist together creates a stable base which you could easily defend or get out of the way.
 
Another modification due to the bowies unique design is the ability to bind the other weapon, much preferable than just entering off the beat or truly passing under. As a knife fighter we have the edge to worry about and with the bowie with have the clip and that pesky backcut too. Much better to occupy that weapon by binding it, checking it or destroying it. On a properly made bowie the forward curved guards, or devils horns as some call them, disarms are a valid option.
 
There are generally three positions for the modified passata sotto and a forth modification for those of you without the physicality to perform the first three, as well as many set ups and scenarios not seen or available to other weapons. Ill cover these in depth in a future article so for now stick with the description Steyers gave above and use that as a starting point and discover what this technique can offer.
 
If you would like to learn this technique first hand and experience it for yourself there is a seminar September 9/10 at Comtech on the Big 3 – The Bowie, Arkansas Toothpick and Kukri. This technique will just be one of many that will be discussed in depth, taught and then applied.
 
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   “Do you have a problem with that Mr. Lawrence?” “No, Sensei!” Well, he kinda did. You can see it in his face but he did it anyway. He did what it took to survive that day. Are you ready to do the same? I read two articles last week back to back. One was an observation on the human condition in today's world, the other seemed to be a cure for the malady that currently afflicts us and I took both to heart instantly for their frank poignancy. The world is a crazy place right now. Nonsensical violence and chaos rule the day, nations and society are collapsing all around and those preppers suddenly seem like the smart people in the room. People are fighting about anything and everything. And if they can’t find something to fight about they will make something up. Whether the issues are real or imagined, the confrontation verbal or physical, the results are all too real. We are in an uber violent and conflict rich world right now and there does not seem to be any rhyme or reason. There are no longer certain gangs to look out for or a “type”, everyone is joining in on the violence and mayhem. There are no longer areas to stay away from, it can happen anywhere, to anyone, anytime and for any reason and you never see it coming. Are you paying attention? Are you ready to sweep the leg?


   So what to do? Take responsibility for your survival and that of your family. Be ready. Train a little. Train a lot. Whether with a gun or a bowie or the katana. Kung fu, mma or boxing. Learn a few key moves and practice them once a week if that’s all you can do. Instead of that group weekend at the casino or paragliding, go as a group to a self defense seminar. They are all over the place. Make it an experience and if that’s the only one you do, great. At least you now have a few tools that may be the edge you need. If it leads you on a path of self discovery and self mastery, all the better.


   But don’t just train your body, train your mind as well. One of the articles that I read was by Shihan Peter James, world renowned swordsman and inductee in the Australian Hall of Fame (AMAHOF). Shihan James discusses the mental aspects of the martial arts, why they are integral to any martial study, how it can help us in our everyday lives and why intent is more important than physical ability. Please give it a read here. 


   Through our training we are learning conflict avoidance and as Sun Tzu said, “to win without fighting is best”. There are two ways avoidance comes about, the first is through the mental aspect. By recognizing the signs, symptoms or patterns of a pending conflict and using your martial mental training to avoid it altogether. The physical side is summed up by the quote, “one sword sheaths another”. Simple enough. Does this mean walk around with your Kobra Kai t-shirt everywhere or open carry that Dirty Harry? No. But as soon as you react in a manner that says “I’m walking away and you may not”, if they didn’t know before that you were carrying a sword (aka, ready, willing and able), then they do now and that just may be enough to sheath theirs. If not, then through your preparedness you are ready and now have a higher chance of surviving.


   Knowing not only what to do but how to act and react to physical or mental conflicts, or any survival situation is key. So to help in that mental training I share with you the following article on the freezing effect in stressful situations. When the mind goes blank and we forget what to do. It happens to all of us, no one is immune. Here’s a little mental kung fu for you from the bowie master himself.


   Reason comes once in a conflict, if you do not seize it, it may not come again. Take responsibility for you and yours. Do the preventative maintenance. Read about these topics and be familiar with them. Think about what you would do and how you would react to these very real threats that face us today. To be forewarned is to be forearmed and maybe when your moment comes, you will recall and survive.
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It Takes All Kinds
 
So I know I’ve been silent but life happens. And so does training, but I do want to keep the conversation going. I am not a writer per se, this is new to me. I usually write because I’m inspired, not because of a deadline. That is hard for me. Not that I haven’t been inspired of late. Quite the contrary, and maybe that’s the issue with my writers block. There are just so many different directions I can’t seem to choose. So knowing that I needed to add some content to this site was in the back of my mind going into a recent seminar on the spear. I was hoping to key in on something to write about and sure enough I did, but not just one thing, many things. On many varied subjects. Where to begin? Argh! Sure, all can and maybe will be featured articles or thought bombs at some point but with in-spear-ation overload I couldn’t settle on one. I shut down. And that’s when it hit me. Let’s talk about that very thing that caused the overload of great ideas and inspiration explosion.

It was quite literally the varied subjects that we touched on over the weekend and how they all related to what we do. This was due to the subject itself, the spear, as well as the varied backgrounds of those in attendance. Some subjects were far removed from the spear, like breathing exercises or natural healing teas. But not really so far removed, not in the realm we were in that weekend. It all made sense and fit in its own way and rounded out everything. And that’s just it right there. Rounded out everything. Because its not just about the training and the combat in a bubble, it’s cultivating and maintaining our ultimate weapon, ourselves. In mind, body and spirit.  As Thulsa Doom said in Conan the Barbarian, “what good is the sword but for the hand that wields it?” Preach it Thulsa.  What we do requires a bit more than the average pursuit due to the high level that we must operate on and we do operate on all three. So all three must be cultivated.

The mind. Cultivate it. Meditate. Doesn’t have to be fancy. Maybe 15 minutes of no stimulus. Or full on guided meditations for specific purposes. The goal is to help clear your mind and reset. Also learn to call on that state on demand.  Read on your subject. Read on varied subjects and maybe see if it relates to what you do and how. Learn memorization techniques. Play Kims game, Sudoku, I Spy on family trips. Knowledge is power eh?

Body. Yeah, you kinda wanna take care of that too and if ya can optimize its use all the better. Pushups are great but the body has so many more aspects to it. Like the fuel you put into it. Both through food as well as air. Eat right, and not in excess. Try natural healing where you can. Learn to breath, do some breathing exercises. Learn the energies that run through your body. Keep it fit in some way. Don’t beat on this body too hard if ya can avoid it, you cant get a new model next year, you can only patch it up. Learn some low impact arts so you can keep going in your later years.  Taichi for example.

Spirit. This does not just mean religion but it can of course. In this day where some don’t want to practice any religion that’s ok. Its your “intent” that you are working on. Be light of spirit and have good intentions. Walk the Red Road. Have a moral compass and follow it. Cultivate your spiritual side how you want but meditation is again a good form of spiritual maintenance that can be non denominational or not. You can even find exercises that encompass all three. Like a taichi or qigong or a breathing exercise. Mind body and spirit in one. The body’s trifecta.

So, did we really talk about all of these subjects? You betcha, and we did more than talk too. We walked the walk, in mind, body and spirit. So here are some links to get you in the mode to remember to cover all three.

Mind

Body

Spirit
 
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“Two hands and two feet. Until some of us have four hands and four feet we will have just one style.” Thank you Bruce. Yes, one style. And the same few tools. You may call it a firedragonjackrabbit punch while I call it an uppercut. It’s still the same tool.  So here we are, we all have the same amount of tools moving on the same angles and planes as everyone else, what do we do? How do we gain an edge? We do what the boxer or fencer, with their few tools does. We vary our attacks and try to trick them. Set them up and get them to do what we want. Just like the chess player, with their limited tool kit, it becomes a mind game. Skill isn’t necessarily how well you do that lunging thrust but “why and how” you’re opponent, who we will assume has the same skill set as you for now, is letting it land.  It is skill in getting it there, by varying the attack.

There are five ways of attack. Fencers know them, boxers know them, Bruce Lee showed us we could all know them. You know them too. They are:

Single Direct Attack
Attack By Combination
Attack By Drawing
Hand Immobilization Attack
Progressive Indirect Attack

Your base attack is your single direct attack. Each progressive attack all have inside them the SDA. It is the culmination and the end result of each attack. That is to score, which is a single direct attack. The rest just add spices and are used to make the opponent do what you want them to do. Either physically, HIA, or psychologically, ABD, PIA. Once we “get them where we want them” (that was no accidental play on words) we can apply what? The single direct attack. Attack by Combo contains nothing but a series of single direct attacks and each SDA in the combo serves the dual role of attacking and setting up the next attack. How Kung Fu. Hmm.

So, because I really enjoyed it, and I have to get to work, here is a video that does an excellent job of not just explaining but giving plenty of examples of the 5 ways of attack. Learn the five. Stay alive.

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​Do you take notes during class? After class? Do you journal? I try to. I've gotten better at it. Or at least more consistent. I was not a great note taker in school, for some reason the concept eluded me. Where I learned note taking was at work. The endless meetings or training classes. Any time I moved into a new role I would take copious notes and refer to them as I did my job until I knew my job. I guess that's the whole point yes?

But it can be hard to take notes while your stepping, lunging, wielding your weapon of choice. So at first I tried just sitting down immediately after class and tried to write down everything we did that night in class and try to remember some sayings or tips etc. That worked ok but it took away reflection time with the group as you packed up so then in became a choice of write or review with group. Going home and writing it then didn't seem to work either. After the drive home and settling in i may put it off. Or I was not always consistent in remembering everything due to tangents on subjects or just plain forgetting. Maybe this style works for you? If so great, because it also takes care of the journaling portion at the same time. Very Kung Fu. 

What I found worked for me was the meeting style of note taking. Just jotting down thoughts, sayings, whatever, throughout the class. Sometimes there's time to flesh it out a bit or sometimes just enough for a word. Leaving spaces in between these jots for fleshing out later. I always try to be respectful and not interrupt the lesson or miss out because I'm taking notes. Just like in a meeting but here I keep my pad and pen in easy reach but out of the way. Then, at home that night I can go through and reflect on each piece fleshing them out in the spaces I left or just using them as a reference to journal out the night. A conversation on the nights events so to speak. Reliving it so soon and having to write out what we did is almost like teaching and we learn so much more when we teach. Having to explain it puts it into a different perspective and uses a different part of the mind aiding in memory retention. But remember to forget or you'll forget to remember. 

So if you do notate your lessons how do you do it? What works for you? If you don't currently, give it a try and see if it doesn't help a little. Pen and sword in accord. 

Off to train....

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Today's article is from guest contributor Master At Arms James A Keating - ed.

Use of the "BEAT": The Comtech Perspective
 
The subject of this piece is the fencers tactic known as a "beat". It is defined as: A simple preparatory motion. A sharp controlled blow to the middle or 'weak' of the opponents blade, with the objective of provoking a reaction or creating an opening. The action should knock the opponent's blade aside or out of line. Found here (wiki) for future reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_fencing
 
The action of the "beat" can be employed as a probe to test the opponents defenses and to gain critical knowledge of how they fight. In this case the beat is done lightly. Just barely making the action itself. A non-commital testing, harassing and sniping. How does the opponent respond? Is his energy soft or rock hard? Is he aggressive or is he defensive? All questions that can answered silently, swiftly when the beat is used as an information gathering probe.
 
Italian - Battere / To beat aside your adversary's blade with rapier, foot or hand.
 (Pallas Armata p.7) The beat is a prompt in some cases. You apply the beat and they angrily return it harder with an attack backing it. You wanted this response. Your "prompt" has worked. Now apply the beat once again, allow them to come back as before, but this time remove your blade. Circle under just as his blade touches yours, ride that direction & energy and strike him down from the other side.
 
In the instance of the beat and the use of stage magic principles it is often done to distract and is mixed in with other aspects like threats and attacks. While the beat is being performed the next phase of the encounter is the angle (this involves the spanish guard). This shows the psychological side of the beat tactic where distraction will cloak the true intent of your attack. The blade suddenly "disappears" and the "appears" again from the opposite side. This now presents you with four basic elements of the magician that you may employ in your overall assault. There are more to be sure, I limit myself from further discourse on magic since our topic is the "beat" not the creation of illusion.
 
When you apply the beat concept it is done fast and sharply. In Wing Chun the slap or pak sao is similar to the fencers beat. It is a short, snappy action much like we also see in kung fu's "Fa Jing" training (Example: the now famous one inch punch of Bruce Lee). In this case where blades are used the energy is swiftly directed laterally to clear the line for attack. To learn more about fa jing energy try here: http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?10964-the-definition-of-fa-jing
 
In the case of smaller knives instead of the larger blades the beat tranforms into a hand cut. There is not enough blade (length) to apply a beat on the small knives. So the beat logically becomes an attack to the limb. But retains the same energy of the beat, it's in and out fast with a snapping cut. With knives the timing also changes due to the lack of of leverage that is normally provided by the longer weapons. With small knives none of that counts. Small knives dictate a far more primitive method of blade usage that is more likely akin to simply fist fighting (pugilism) than knife fighting proper. Stubby blades are sure handy, but for fighting they are unfit for many reasons. But in today's world it is the small units that are legal to carry so they have become popular, not due to their functionality mind you, but for their convenience and legality.
 
The beat can act as a bridge or bridging action too. When done in the range some call "medio" it effectively serves the role of closing the distance safely. Done with a bowie knife or sword a double beat can be accomplished - I like this because it's unexpected, deceptive and implicitly violent. If the right conditions occur one may even try a triple beat followed by a reversed backcut. If you use a checking hand in your knife fighting style then this is also where you would possibly add the check simultaneously as the blade applied the beat (as a bridge).
 
Once you connect with the beat then you can swiftly strike. We have spoke about this aspect at length now. But at that very same moment you may otherwise attempt a secondary concept and move. You might adhere to his blade instead of speeding away from it. This is suppresion of his steel via contact of blades through the beat action. Join with him and mirror his actions (mirroring is a skill like any other, it oft comes naturally and is one of the easiest to teach or learn). As before, the checking hand or binding hand might be inserted during the supression of his weapon.
 
Just some thoughts shared with you loyal readers on the use of edged weapons and  the concepts that govern them.
M.A.A. James A. Keating  

Master At Arms James A Keating - Well known for his knife fighting skills, especially the bowie, is also well versed in many other martial arts including FMA, Wing Chun, Silat and many others. He has appeared in numerous major publications and books and has a popular DVD series on his Comtech method.  He offers seminars and private lessons virtually year round out of his school Combat Technolgies in the Walla Walla, WA valley. You can find him on his web page at www.jamesakeating.com as well as his instructional series on youtube.

​“That” Guy - A Public Service Announcement Ep. #1
 
“Shh shh, here he comes”.
“Who?”
“”That” Guy”.
“Oh.”
In todays issue of “That” Guy we will be discussing “That” Guy. Where he came from, who created him and, more importantly, how do we get rid of him? Why is it important to the martial arts? We will also introduce you to the first “That” Guy.
 
   Ok, so who is “that” guy? “That” guy can be defined as someone that does something that affects others in a negative way. Maybe its against the rules, maybe it’s a detriment to others or to the task at hand or otherwise impedes something you are doing as a group. Examples include people that microwave fish at work or have their music too loud at a stop light.
  Where does he come from? Ignorance mostly. They are unaware that what they are doing is affecting anyone. Whether they are unaware of the social cue, the rules, whatever, they mostly don’t know that what they are doing is wrong or has an effect on anyone. For the ones that do and keep doing it, we will have a series on “them” later.
  Who created them? You did! Congrats. How is that, you say? By not communicating. By not expressing, as a group, or individually, that what they are doing has an adverse effect on others. Yes, some people are slower than others and have different life experiences, we are all different. Whatever the reason, we need to notice that and be willing to speak up to ensure they know or are aware. Either as a group or individually. “Excuse me Bob, you may enjoy the smell of blue fish microwaved in an industrial 1100 watt microwave but it’s making the rest of us nauseous.” Once you do, you have either prevented the creation of a “that” guy or destroyed him in one fell swoop because hopefully, they make the adjustment. If not they end up in that “other” series. On the other hand, if you don’t speak out and help educate, you are the reason they exist. And you just became “that” guy yourself. So don’t be “that” guy.
 
  “Ah, but what of social graces and people’s feelings? Why is it my responsibility?” Yes I admit these are valid concerns. The issue may be of a sensitive nature and we don’t want to cause embarrassment. We also cant take on the world alone, but again, as long as you are silent, they exist and slip into permanent “that” guy status for you. If you can live with that, great, if not, what to do? We are not all, nor could we be, great communicators. We may be too nice, or not confident ourselves. We may not have the communication skills or social graces to do so. And that’s ok. We all have strengths and weaknesses and we cant do it all. We also want to avoid conflict, as that is not the goal here but too often a side effect.  So we want them to get the message and we want to avoid conflict. Whats the best way to do that? We employ the help of others. Just like we go to someone that’s good at plumbing to fix our sink, we find someone who would have influence or the communication skills to be able to effectively communicate the message. This could be a mutual friend, coworker, loved one or Bill Clinton. Or, a public blog.
 
 And that’s where I come in. For the Yang has a Yin and here in the martial arts it is in the form of politeness to the extreme. We are more apprehensive of insulting someone or creating conflict. A lot is placed on etiquette and respect and its level is directly proportional to the extreme violence that we train for. And this is a good thing, but also at times a hindrance. So I will offer this Public Service to you, dear reader, from time to time, to get the message out to those that need it in a safe and positive manner. To help others as well as ourselves to live and train harmoniously so we can get better and progress. In the end isn’t that what we want?
 
  Todays “That Guy” is the bad training partner. You know the one, the one that goes too hard, or is always trying to one up you. Or prevent you from doing the drill/technique/exercise at all. Even doing something completely different than what the teacher showed.  There is a time and place for all that. Its called sparring or actual combat. Not in the training hall. And not in a training partner. A partner is a beneficial relationship. Each time we work with a partner we have give and take. We each have responsibilities. And that is to be just as helpful to them as they will be to you. Some drills or exercises work both people at the same time and both benefit simultaneously and sometimes you just have to take turns. Either way, if you are on the receiving end you are for all intents and purposes the Uki. Don’t be a bad Uki. Bad Uki’s aren’t Uki’s for very long. It takes just as much skill to be an Uki as anything else. You have to do your job well. There are also benefits of being an Uki. See this. Be a good Uki.
  The Paul Bunyun, The Arnold Schwarzenegger, the strong man. You know “That” guy. Always going too hard. Always leaning too hard or bending that limb too far. Maybe he thinks this is what he should be doing. Maybe he is unaware that he is doing it. Maybe he doesn’t understand his own strength. Many people new to the martial arts do not have the sensitivity or the proper movements in their muscle memory. Because of this they are awkward, put the pressures in the wrong place and by doing so wear us, and them, out. Now we are more tired than we needed to be or maybe even injured. So much of what we do is finesse and physical strength gets in the way sometimes or is just not needed. Let them know. Yes, sometimes we up the intensity in our training and this is needed but agree before hand how far. Where is the ceiling today? Let the newbie know they are putting too much into something. Teach the new guy how to be a good training partner. Tell them when they are too heavy or going too hard, too fast. Slow it down. Lighten up. Help them understand and we all benefit. You get a good training partner and they get better. I was “this” guy. I was always too heavy. I’m glad my elder brothers kept mentioning it. It has helped me be a good training partner and a better marital artist. Win/win.
One-up-manship. Yeah, that guy. The one that always goes above that ceiling. Instead of giving the same that they are getting they just have to go just one notch harder. A light tap to their shoulder will get you a punch in the gut that drops you. Why is this? I suspect that some may have different tolerances and maybe they think they were meeting you? Again, they may be unaware. Let them know they are going too hard. Be prepared to be told they thought you were. You may not know your own strength. And together find a common ground. We want to maximize our time with our training partner and progress. There are also the ones that just will always go harder because that’s the way they are. Those make good opponents, not training/sparring partners. Let them know as best you can that they either make it beneficial for both or they might as well marry that mook jong.
The “Oh no, youre not pulling that one on me” guy.  Oh man. “That” guy. You know the one. He prevents you from performing the technique on him and stops you each time from doing it.  You know, the technique you just willingly and compliantly let him put on you. What’s up with that? I have no idea but you need to tell him to stop. Again, this is for the ring or the street. When you’re working on defenses or doing a drill where you want the guy to try and stop you, fine, but not in an educational setting where we are trying to get it down. To get good at what we do we need to succeed. We need to feel what it is like to succeed. If we can’t, we can’t progress. This is why we do these things at half speed and quarter speed. Once we know what we are looking for then we make it progressively harder. We don’t learn to write essays right away, we learn the words then the sentence structure, paragraphs etc. Each time progressing and getting better. We do this by going slow. The race car driver doesn’t start out doing 200 mph. He starts out like everyone else. Doing 25mph down the side street on a Sunday afternoon. If you are training down to your partner’s level remember to recognize where they are so you don’t inadvertently go too hard or do a more advance version of the drill. New guys? Listen to your elders and learn how to train effectively.
   The Alternative Drill guy. Yeah, “that” guy. You know the one. The teacher spends however long showing you the drill or technique and goes over the nuances and you go to do it and the guy you’re working with is doing it slightly different or he was watching another show entirely. Why? Maybe he didn’t understand it. Maybe the way that concept was shown is not what is going to ring for him and he is exploring. Or maybe he did get it and is already moving on with it conceptually without regards to your level of understanding. They are all valid reasons for this happening but what to do? First, the teacher showed you this specific way or example for a reason. If your English teacher said to go read Hamlet you don’t go and read Harry Potter. You read Hamlet. So lets see why the teacher used that example by doing it correctly. If you feel you have it then try and correct them or ask an elder or the teacher themselves to help assist if you can’t both agree on how it should be done. Others may have a hard time performing it or understanding the concept and you’re doing them a service by getting the teacher involved. But communication is key. Learn the move/drill as shown and explore the lesson there. Be a good training partner and make sure you both understand the lesson. Then once understood communicate that you want to evolve your understanding of it by exploring other options etc. and be open to their ideas as well. Give and Take. If they are not ready, that’s ok, a good session will have you switching partners often or even just ask to switch.
 
 So the next time you touch hands or cross weapons with your trainer partner do a self check and make sure you’re being a good training partner and not “that” guy. And don’t be afraid to speak up. An opponent only has a responsibility to himself. A training partner has a responsibility to both himself and his partner.
 
Stay Sharp!
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