Eskrima Kombat

In my last post I wrote about my concept of the ultimate art, which would include empty hands, improvised weapons, the daily carry of multiple weapons –including firearms– and counter-ambush instinctive responses utilizing those weapons.

One obstacle to achieving the ultimate art, a complete style, is that many martial artists focus only one facet of self-defense. There are gun enthusiasts, and there are empty-hand stylists like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and non-firearm weapon stylists like many Filipino styles. Even those styles like the Mega Smorgasbord “Real Kali” styles with 48 different systems tend to have those systems in separate boxes. “Okay class,put the sticks down. We’re going to do the Axe.” Then the next day the knife is trained, followed by the next session of sinawali, and ending with empty hands.

I see some try to create an integrated system by using sinawali techniques barehanded. The problem is that sinawali is a poor platform on which to base an empty-handed defense, not to mention that a double stick method is not realistic, unless you plan on carrying two sticks to work and as you shop at Wal-Mart. Some try to create an integrated system by applying machete techniques with blade hands. I just don’t see that as being very effective.

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The Advantages of the Hammer Fist

Let me show you one way to build an effective integrated system. Base the empty-hand portion on the use of the hammerfist.

Why the hammerfist? Although it’s an illegal technique in boxing, MMA fighters have discovered that it is a devastating move.

I remember watching an MMA match when one fighter on the ground latched onto the ankle of his standing opponent. The standing fighter, who was trying to break away from the fighter on the ground, crouched down and delivered a swiping backward hammerfist, as if to say, “Get off me.” The upright fighter was more surprised than I was to see that the throw-away hammerfist blow to the head had rocked his opponent. He quickly followed up for the win.

The hammerfist is consistently used in the MMA to knock out a weakened or downed opponent. Furthermore, for street self-defense without gloves the hammerfist can be delivered full power with little chance of damage to the knuckles or wrist.

Now comes the real advantage. In a system heavy on the hammerfist, you can now do the same techniques with improvised weapons, knives, sticks, collapsible batons, and even a pistol.

On the other hand, if your system is karate chopping and kung-fu clawing, or wrestling, your empty-handed techniques don’t lend themselves to weapons use. If your system is predominantly punching, when you put a knife, a stick, or a beer bottle in your fist, you really don’t have an effective strike. Barehanded real world punching is also hard on the knuckles and wrist.

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