Category Archives: Styles

We often have just a superficial understanding of our arts. This is where I try to deepen my knowledge of what I have experienced, and to research other styles of interest.

Back To The Source – HEMA documentary

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In preparation of a more in-depth article on HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts), I wanted to share this recent and excellent free-to-watch documentary on this rapidly growing martial art.

Although BACK TO THE SOURCE focuses on historical fencing (as opposed to modern sport fencing) and thus only covers a part of the various styles that would be considered HEMA, it is still a great introduction for those wanting to know more.

So grab thine popped corn, sheath thy longsword and enjoyeth the watch!

 

What is Kummooyeh?

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Kummooyeh is a Korean martial art that centers around swordsmanship. Wanting to know more, I paid a visit to one such school in Sydney.

I try to shrug off some of the raindrops as I walk up the stairs to the loft of a spacious building, just off the busy Parramatta Road here in Sydney. When I decided to save this visit for a ‘rainy day’, I had not intended for it to be taken literally! Maybe I should stop viewing the use of an umbrella as cheating.

A Taekwondo class is currently in session, so I take a seat while I wait for the Kummooyeh instructor to arrive. Continue reading →

What is Arnis/Kali/Eskrima?

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It’s taken a while to write this up as I’m not familiar with this style. For a better picture of this martial art check out the Wikipedia entry here or better yet, try it out yourself. I’ve also written a follow up piece with my own thoughts on this style here.

The names Arnis, Kali and Eskrima are all labels of the same family of Filipino weapon-based martial arts. Whereas the origin of the term ‘Kali’ is uncertain, the word ‘Eskrima’ and ‘Arnis’ are of Spanish origin – Esgrima which means fencing, and Arnes meaning armour. Consequently, practitioners of this style are referred to as Arnisadores, Eskrimadores or Kalistas. Continue reading →

What is Capoeira?

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Reader beware – this is an opinion piece on the topic of what Capoeira is, based on my nine years of experience as a Capoeirista. For more information, check out the Wikipedia entry here, or check out any of the major groups’ different websites. 

What is Capoeira?

This seemingly straightforward question has caused a lot of debate – some say it’s a fight, others call it a dance, and some call it poetry in motion. I think my Capoeira teacher put it best when she called it ‘an expression of Brazilian culture’. Continue reading →