So with Batman opening this past weekend I feel it important that I address some of the martial arts aspects used in the filming of the movie. I've always been a fan of Batman and enjoyed the martial arts aspects of the first Michael Keaton film as well as those in the more recent 2005 Batman Begins movie. Batman's techniques have always come from a no nonsense type of style. In Batman Begins we saw elements of Ninjutsu in the League of Shadows, this was apparent in Batman's stealthy nature and theatrics, but when it came to actual combat, viewers were treated to an art that had never been seen on film. The style used in the latest two films is called the Keysi Fighting Method, KFM for short. I liken it to Krav Maga in that it tends to use a lot of close quarters combat with heavy emphasis on elbow strikes and attacks from multiple opponents. Of course the art also encompasses many other moves that are found in more traditional martial arts such as kicks, punches, throws and locks.
The martial arts practitioner uses both fine motor skills and gross motor skills. In traditional martial arts, many moves require fine motor skills to be executed with perfection, this is particularly true in systems that emphasize pressure point and joint locks. Training in techniques that require fine motor skills add additional pain and damage to each strike. The down side to techniques that require fine motor skills is that they are much harder to carry out in stressful situations and may not be effective if not carried out precisely. Note that I am NOT dismissing fine motor skills here but emphasizing that they take more practice to carry out properly in an adrenaline-charged situation.
KFM's emphasis is more towards gross motor skills and encompasses techniques that one would naturally do in a high adrenalin situation such as covering the head with the hands and protecting the face and body. The other advantage to gross motor skills in stressful situations is that techniques become faster and more powerful unlike fine motor skills. This added aggressiveness gives the art a more animalistic appearance. Perfect for Batman.
KFM redefines the relationship of the predator and prey. In most martial arts instead of following your instincts, you look for a more logical approach to the situation. There are many reasons for this. There is an old proverb that says "When you defend yourself, there are always two fights. The first fight is for your life, and the second fight is for your freedom." This is in reference to the justice system and the laws regarding self-defense. According to Justo Dieguez and Andy Norman, the founders of KFM, the predator is an innate part of all human beings that has been suppressed* and KFM looks to reclaim that predatory state during an attack. When an attacker views you as prey, you must immediately switch modes to become the predator and view your attacker as the prey. This gives you a significant psychological advantage and is perfect for the Batman character. So, in the new movie don't expect a lot of high wire work but rather a more down to earth fighting style that feels grubbier with punches you can feel through the screen.
* Lt. Col. David Grossman wrote in his book On Killing: There is within most men an intense resistance to killing their fellow man. A resistance so strong that, in many circumstances, soldiers on the battlefield will die before they can overcome it.
I posted an article a while back on the Herman Digital Trainer and the DVD set, Fit to Defend, that is shipped with the HDT. The
Herman Interactive Training System
I integrated the use of the device into my training on a weekly basis.
It was a lot of fun to use and turned just about any work out into a
competition. The interface took a bit of getting used to especially
since we were only using it on a weekly basis and not quite enough to
fully familiarize ourselves with the user interface. There were a few
down sides to the product though that kept us from realizing its full
potential. The first one was that it ate through batteries. Even when
not in use it would tend to drain the batteries. We tried to always
remove the batteries when not in use, as the instructions recommended,
but we wouldn't always remember to do this, so the next time we would
go to use it, the batteries would be dead. The other down side was that
it didn't have any way to specify a specific user so if you are working
out with someone else, your scores and their scores are all stored in a
log together. So, you either have to write down your scores if you want
to keep a history (not really that difficult), or offload the log file
to a computer before switching users (probably more effort than it is
worth). Now if you are a professional (you would be the sole focus of
your training) or strict amateur (you don't care to keep that detailed
of records) then this probably isn't a big deal to you, but if you are
somewhere in between then it could be.
The last big issue that we had with it was that we had to learn to strike and hold targets in a specific way. This was specifically bad with the WaveMaster. The problem was that sometimes it would record the rocking of the bag as a second strike. This meant that the spotter had to hold the target in such a way that it could move enough to register the hit, but not enough so that the targets rebound would cause a second recording of a strike. Alternatively we would have to focus our strikes in such a way as to penetrate the target just enough to deliver our blow, but not so much as to cause the target to rock. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as control is very important in the martial arts, but it was something that we had to get used to.
You may notice that I am speaking in the past tense. This is because one day the device just stopped working. It no longer would record strikes coming from the sensor. I don't know if it was the sensor that went out or the device itself. Although it was a great device, I didn't want to order a second sensor if the device itself was bad and I had no way to test which part of the system had went out. Ultimately it ended up setting on a shelf and forgotten about. Until today. Today I received the following email from Garri Productions, the makers of the HDT...
Garri Productions is pleased to announce that the modified Herman controller starts shipping next week. This new Herman drastically improves the life of the 2 AA batteries. You no longer need to take the batteries out when not using Herman or replace them on a frequent basis. With our improved power firmware, the batteries in Herman will last many months. We will replace your existing Herman with the improved version for free. Simply send us an e-mail with your request and we'll provide instructions for the switch. We're also pleased to tell you that the latest operating system 1.03.09 is now available for download from our site, as are 23 updated workouts, updated instructions, a VISTA download, and a detailed list of the features included in the new operating system. As always, if you ever have any questions, please let us know. Thanks, Gary
Needless to say, I will be sending mine in for an upgrade. If I get it
back and it still doesn't work then I won't hesitate to order another
sensor or two for the new unit. Sweet!
As a ten year veteran of the martial arts, people are always coming to me for advice. One of the big questions I always get hit with is what all is required to practice the martial arts. The short answer is a positive mental attitude and a large scoop of persistence. But what people are really asking is how much is it going to cost me and what all equipment do I need to buy. Again, the short answer is that you don't need to buy anything assuming you can find a teacher that teaches for the love of it and not to put food on the table. In reality though if you really love the sport you will want to buy everything related to it.
The cost for attending a dojo will vary from city to city and has doubled in the past ten years. A good rule of thumb is to compare the cost per class with classes taught at other schools, not only martial art schools but universities, colleges, language institutes, YMCA classes, and other long term training centers. You will have to call around and it may be hard to get price estimates in some cases. Many martial arts studios will not give you a price until after two or more introductory lessons. I highly recommend taking the introductory lessons but be forewarned that the instructors are also business men and desperately want your business so when they give you a price they may try to give you a high pressure sale with so much off if you sign now, be sure to look around at several studios before deciding on one. Also the type of facilities will vary and this will need to be taken into consideration when comparing prices.
You will also need to ask the instructor what other fees are involved and how much you will need to anticipate over the first year. Many instructors fail to inform prospective students of incidental fees until after a contract is signed. These fees may include belt exams, protective gear, uniforms, tournament registrations, and other learning materials such as books and videos.
I highly recommend having at least two uniforms. A uniform can usually be worn to two classes before the smell is too overwhelming, but that is with a day of airing out. If classes are too close together, if laundry isn't done regularly, or if one uniform gets damaged then you will need a backup.
Sparing equipment is a necessity for some schools, your instructor will let you know what equipment is required and what is optional. You can check several sites on the web for prices of sparing equipment.
Books can be nice to have but usually aren't directly related to training at the early levels. At first there will be plenty of information presented in class for you to absorb. If, however, you do come across an introductory book for your style of martial arts then I would recommend picking it up as a supplement to the class. A good book would include warm up exercises, all the basic moves for your style and dos and don'ts related to each move, a list of required Kata and step by step instructions for performing those Kata.
Videos are highly recommended, they can be like having the instructor in your own home. They are especially important for learning Katas and can increase the learning curve exponentially. What would take weeks of classes can now be done in an afternoon of training. Although tapes can't correct your stance, technique, or timing, they can get you started with the general pattern of the Kata which can be the most frustrating for students to learn. Once the pattern is down, you can then concentrate on the details. Don't go overboard with buying media though, at first stick with videos that your instructor recommends.Video instruction from different styles will only confuse the beginner and possibly hurt the students overall form. Master one video, and then move on to the next.
| What's in the Bag? This is one thing that few students spend much time thinking about but later find that what they bring to class is very important. I recommend using a hanging garment bag to transport the uniform in. It keeps the garment relatively wrinkle free and allows the uniform to breath between classes without having to worry about taking it out of a bag and unrolling it. This also allows you to keep your sparing gear in a separate bag to be carried around only when needed. |
With your uniform you should also have:
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Deodorant - If you don't smell before class, you will during it so a little deodorant will help you smell as good as you can. |
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Baby Powder - A little bottle of baby powder applied
after deodorant can help you stay dry a bit longer and make class just
a little more pleasant. |
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Fingernail Clippers - You always want to be well groomed
during class, you don't want to get to class after vacation and realize
your toenails are now doubling as runway strips. You also want to be prepared
for hangnails or loose skin which may need to be cut. |
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Hand Lotion - You will find most dojos have a carpeted
floor, for those you will want to apply hand lotion to both your feet
and hands. The hand lotion on your hands is to make your opponent in grapples
more comfortable, the hand lotion for your feet will keep your feet looking
their best over time and minimize rug burn. If you are lucky enough to
attend a dojo with a hardwood floor then you may want to use hand lotion
after class or add a little baby powder to the feet after applying the
hand lotion before class. This will allow you to slide on the wood surface
instead of stopping abruptly during maneuvers. You may need to experiment
to find out what works best for you. |
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Towel - After class you will be wet and it will not
be water. Once in the changing room you will want to strip down to your
underwear and cool down for thirty seconds or so. Remove the sweat with
the towel before getting dressed, this will help you smell your best for
the rest of the day. If your facilities have a shower and/or sink you
may also want to bring a wash rag to wash down with. Showering after class
isn't usually necessary and sometimes doesn't help any more than toweling
off due to the fact that you will probably be in a hurry to wash and once
you are out your body will still be sweating leaving you where you began.
Just remember you have the deodorant and baby powder to help. |
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Aspirin - There is nothing worse than getting to class
and having a headache. If you occasionally get headaches or body aches
be sure to bring something along that is fairly fast acting. I recommend
aspirin as it is also especially good for the circulatory system. |
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Small Medical Kit - Few things are worse than a paper
cut without a bandage. Be prepared for minor injuries during workouts
and even for injuries that may have went untreated before a workout. |
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Sports Cream - Especially useful when you are first getting into shape.
Sports creams are a good alternative to oral remedies for relieving minor
muscle aches and pains. They can also help with body odder after a workout. |
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Sports Tape - Used to support an injured part of the body, to reduce strain on muscles, tendons and joints and to suppress or reduce swelling by providing localized compression. It can provide firm support and help protect weak and/or injured joints. Not only does it help against injuries and sprains, but it also helps against those nasty rug burns that you may experience in some carpeted (ugh!) dojos. Also doubles as an emergency bandage! | |
Jillian Michaels is my new found crush... from her physique all the way to her unique (some would say annoying) giggle. For me she may rank right up there with Corey Everson and Cynthia Rothrock (I was a follower before either made a movie... can't say I've been a big fan of their movie carriers though). Jillian has the musculature tone of Corey with the martial arts aptitude of Cynthia.
Jillian Michaels is one of the two trainers on the popular television weight loss show "The Biggest Loser." I picked up her "Jillian Michaels: Cardio Kickbox" DVD, one in a series of fitness DVDs she has out. In this cardio kickboxing workout Jillian keeps you focused with an easy to follow but tough 25 minute "moderate" workout. Just when you think you are done she pushes you just a little farther with a surprise ending. You'll work up a sweat and keep moving for the entire time until you reach a short cool down stretching segment. Although you won't learn any self defense techniques from this video, don't discount Jillian's martial arts prowes as her passion for fitness originated from 17 years of martial arts practice in Muay Thai and Akarui-Do. She even holds a black belt in Akarui-Do.
Oh, the best thing about Jillian? She hasn't made any movies yet.
Here is what the routine looks like...
Warm Up
20 Side Squats (alternating)
20 Front Kicks (alternating)
20 Bunny Hops (Horse Stance)
20 High Kicks (Cross Hand Touch)
20 Side Squats (alternating)
20 Front Kicks (alternating)
20 Bunny Hops (Horse Stance)
20 Hich Kicks (Cross Hand Touch)
1st Stage (Repeat Twice)
30 Jump Rope (No Rope)
10 Sumo Squats with Round Kicks (Right Leg)
10 Sumo Squats with Round Kicks (Left Leg)
30 Jab Cross (Horse Stance, Left/Right 1 Count)
10 Elbos to knee (Front Stance, Right Leg)
10 Elbos to knee (Front Stance, Left Leg)
30 Jumping Jacks
10 Backword Lunges with Right Front Kick
10 Backword Lunges with Left Front Kick
30 Jab Cross (Horse Stance, Left/Right 1 Count)
10 Elbos to knee (Front Stance, Right Leg)
10 Elbos to knee (Front Stance, Left Leg)
30 Jump Rope (No Rope)
10 Back Kicks (alternating)
30 Jab Cross (Horse Stance, Left/Right 1 Count)
10 Knee to Cross Elbow (Ready Stance, alternating)
2nd Stage (Repeat Twice)
30 Seconds Fast Feet
10 Leg Raises (Right Leg)
10 Leg Raises (Left Leg)
30 Upper Cuts (Horse Stance)
30 Jumping Jacks
10 Step Up Side Kicks (Right Leg, Ready Stance)
10 Step Up Side Kicks (Right Leg, Ready Stance)
30 Upper Cuts (Horse Stance)
10 Front Kick, Tap, Back Kick (alternating)
Burn Out
30 Jump Rope (No Rope)
30 Jumping Jacks
10 Push Ups
Cool Down
Left Side Stretch
Right Side Stretch
Right Leg Stretch (Chest to Right Knee)
Center Stretch
Left Leg Stretch (Chest to Left Knee)
Left Shoulder Stretch (Left Arm Across Body)
Right Shoulder Stretch (Right Arm Across Body)
Neck Stretch (Left Side)
Neck Stretch (Right Side)
