Dynamic Tactical Systems (D.T.S.)
Phone: 509-910-8869
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Combat Technologies
Snake & Crane Gung Fu Seminar
with Master At Arms: James A. Keating
---"Severing the Root"---
SEMINAR REVIEW
Master At Arms James A. Keating
Master At Arms Robert D. Langford
Comtech Gung Fu Seminar June 2015
    Master At Arms: James A. Keating and Combat Technologies are most well known and world famous for their tactical edged weapons programs. What people may not be so aware of is that James Keating has been a lifelong student of the martial arts. Mr. Keating has a 7th degree black belt and instructor level ranking in many traditional as well as progressive arts. Mr. Keating has studied both hard and soft styles for over 50 years. These arts range from classical Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Indonesian, Spanish, and Western methods.

    Mr. Keating has a deep and profound understanding of these arts and has the unique ability to see beyond the limitations of specific styles or systems. Keating blends effortlessly the "styles" of human movement, showing both the similarities and differences between them that each system offers.

    On June 13th and 14th 2015 at Comtech HQ Mr. Keating presented us with a "Gung Fu" seminar based on the "Snake & Crane" styles. This program is an "empty hand" format focusing on Wing Chun, Kali, Silat and Tai Chi.

    The "Kuen-Kuit" (philosophy) of Wing Chun was at the center of the verbal teachings. These "sayings or maxims" are a guide for the students of these arts. For example, in Tai Chi, "Severing the Root" is a guiding principal used to disrupt or unbalance the opponent. With every physical technique taught at the seminar there was a corresponding "Kuit" to guide the mind in the proper direction.

    Wing Chun "Pak Sao" (striking) and "Lop Sao" (grabbing) were where we started. The basics quickly progressed into a Pak Sao / Lop Sao drill where offense and defense were combined by both partners. These "drills" allow the student to develop several advanced attributes such as "timing", "rhythm", "bi-lateral coordination", "proper body mechanics", and many other skills. These drills are considered "counter for counter" exercises. They provide both partners the ability to learn at the same time. High level training from a basic exercise.

    Next we explored the concept of "Swinging Gate" or "returning fist". After practicing the basic idea we blended the technique into the existing Pak/Lop drill which added some nice variations and extended the base drill.

    The "Jing" principal (short range energy) was discussed at length. "Jing" is used when in very close proximity to the opponent. This is for when your opponent is to close for standard boxing but not quite at grappling range. In this case, "Jing" is used to generate power for close range striking, limb immobilization, and throwing.

    The next exercise we studied is known as "Harmonious Spring". In this we learned to become "sensitive" to our opponents energy while at the same time deflecting the opponents strike and delivering our own.

    "Nerve Impulse Reversal" was a topic discussed throughout the seminar. Nerve impulse reversal stuns or shocks the central nervous system which causes malfunctions in your opponents reactions (also known as "sensory irradiations"). We discussed many different ways to reverse your opponents nerve impulses including "Double Taps", "Striping the Energy", and "1/2 beats".

    "Yin / Yang Hands" was next on the menu, where 1 hand is open and 1 hand is closed. This type of action is used to enhance the bodies natural strengths. A concept from Tai Chi seen throughout the arts.

    "Don Chi" a single hand version of Wing Chun's "Chi Sao" (Sticking Hands) was taught in a 4 part exercise that is counter for counter. Sticking hands is a concept where you adhere to your opponent with out giving pressure until the proper time. This is also considered "sensitivity training". What is meant by "sensitivity training" is to become sensitive to your opponents actions through a touch contact. The ability to "feel" what your opponent is doing or going to do.

    Mr. Keating next expounded various theories on "specialized grips". Simply grabbing your opponents arm is only a basic understanding. We explored various different methods of gripping the opponent. These different methods allow you to maneuver and control others in many ways.

    Higot Hubud Lubud (to tie up and to untie) is a method of Filipino boxing practiced in Kali. We spent more than an hour learning the mid-range version. We also covered the "Siko Tuhod" (close range) and the "Panatuken" (long range) methods. Several versions of the standard Hubud drill were taught, including the lift method and the low press method. This counter for counter exercise includes switching to the left side using various "switches" which taught us multiple variations and countless traps on our opponent. A very intense training method on multiple levels. I have to say the students did a great job of refining this exercise.

    We discussed various ways to control the opponent with grabs. The key concept in this segment was "Lines vs. Circles". The human body perceives lines and can cope with them much easier than circular actions. For example: when putting a standard arm bar on someone, if you push in a straight line, the opponent can resist and if he is stronger than you, you may fail. Where as with a circular action, the opponent will have a much more difficult time opposing you.

    Single hand traps and throws were shown next. We used our Pak/Lop skills and Hubud as "entry tools" to maneuver into position for these single hand tie ups and throws.
Master At Arms James A. Keating demonstrates a one hand trap / body lever / throw / with foot trap. His partner pictured above is Full Instructor Jason Gibbs.
Shawn Dover (left) & Joe Nitta (right) demonstrate the "Pak Sao" from Wing Chun.
James Keating demonstrates Lop Sao on Joe Nitta.
Mr. Keating and "John" demonstrate the "Harmonious Spring" exercise.
James and Sean demonstrate an unusual grab from the underside of the arm.
Mr. Keating and Sean demonstrating the "Siko Tuhod Ortibese" also known as elbow range Hubud.
James and "John" demonstrating a single hand trap to Dave Allen.
Ryan Harmon (right) and Mad Dog (left) practicing a single hand body lever / throw.
    Combat Technologies Snake and Crane Gung Fu seminar covered many more concepts, techniques, drills, exercises, ect. ect. --- Way to many to list here!
I have barley scratched the surface of what we covered. Like a "tactical buffet", my plate was / is full and Keating kept adding more and more - like desert-yummm!

    I hope this brief overview of the seminar will give you an insight into the ever expanding curriculum that James Keating and Combat Technologies offers.

    I can say that a fun time was had by all in attendance. Everyone learned many new things and left with a new perspective on the arts and themselves. I hope to see everyone again in the future. I had a great time and really enjoyed everyone and everything. Top notch instruction and high level players - my kind of group!

    To contact Master At Arms: James A. Keating or Combat Technologies 
please visit his website by clicking the underlined link above.

Of course Keating showed us how these techniques tie in with weapons use and weapons defense. Of course!