08 July, 2021
07 July, 2021
01 July, 2021
30 June, 2021
The Way Forward
It's the moves you see.
Whereas a lot of stick work is about moving the weapon from A to B in response to a sword attack, I think Kanayama -- despite his Kendo roots -- transcends that.
His feet movement remind me of Yang Style Tai-Chi Chuan (Taijiquan) 'Long' Form -- which I studied back in the day. Of course, the stick is wielded differently from open hands but when my body registered its connection to Yang Tai Chi, I always loved doing a free form of it with a staff in my hand.
26 June, 2021
The Hanbo vs my other sticks (Jo and Kali)
15 June, 2021
Not the Bo. But the Jo, Hanbo and Kali
Despite my enthusiasm, I have been a concerned that my stick drilling activities were being ruled by the Japanese tradition of stock vs sword -- as an offshoot of kendo. Nor do I dig the lingo or the clobber, the deferential rituals or samurai mystique.
14 June, 2021
12 June, 2021
11 June, 2021
06 June, 2021
05 June, 2021
04 June, 2021
I know what I like.
Compared to the martial artists I've known over the years -- and boxers -- some of whom were pro and champs -- I know very little about the fighting arts.
But I know what I like.
So in pursuing a hybrid stick fetish I'm being loyal to my own inclinations, background and limitations.
And I think I'm onto something with this idiosyncratic kali/jojutsu combo.
30 May, 2021
Kali drills at night before bed
Pictured here is I with my kali sticks.
That's about their length: from my hands to the top of the image. Strong and light as they are cut from rattan. The tiger burn marks are Filipino traditional.
You can use one in a drill...or you can use two.
Much as I am passionate about my Jō staff, these sticks done right are awesome.
As I mentioned in the past, I am doing drills with the Jō and with kali sticks.