What Did KFM Get Wrong? And Is It #selfdefense?

Summary

The transcript discusses the evolution and personal experiences within the Kali Fighting Method (KFM), highlighting its raw, primal approach to martial arts. The speaker reflects on the intensity of training, including unconventional techniques like gripping the body or face, and the camaraderie among practitioners. They also mention the split between key instructors, Andy and Husto, and their subsequent paths with Defense Lab and Casey by Husto. Despite the separation, the speaker cherishes the unique and impactful KFM experience, even as they explore other martial arts like Filipino martial arts and Jeet Kune Do.

Takeaways

• 😀 KFM (Casey Fighting Method) focuses on primal, real-world self-defense techniques rather than traditional martial arts practices that emphasize ceremony and respect.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the unconventional nature of KFM, such as using grips that can be devastating when applied to the face or neck.
• 😀 Training with KFM involves learning how to grab and manipulate various parts of the body, such as the neck or fat areas, for control and defense.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on their training with Rick, learning unconventional grips and realizing the effectiveness of such techniques in combat.
• 😀 KFM's approach is practical and aggressive, differentiating it from more traditional martial arts with its focus on efficiency and simplicity.
• 😀 The speaker expresses admiration for the raw, animalistic energy of KFM practitioners and contrasts it with the formality seen in other martial arts gyms.
• 😀 The speaker participated in the Defense Lab system after KFM and eventually earned a black grade in it, although they later shifted focus to Filipino martial arts (FMA) and Jeet Kune Do (JKD).
• 😀 Despite exploring other martial arts, the speaker continues to train in some KFM and Defense Lab techniques, valuing their effectiveness.
• 😀 The split between Andy and Husto, founders of KFM, led to their respective focus on different directions: Andy with Defense Lab and Husto with his own Casey Fighting Method.
• 😀 The speaker acknowledges the unfortunate split between the founders but recognizes the special energy and success that KFM had during its early days.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of KFM (Kali Fighting Method)?

KFM focuses on primal and unconventional fighting techniques that emphasize raw, instinctual responses, rather than traditional martial arts discipline. It incorporates grips, strikes, and quick reactions designed for real-world self-defense situations.

How does the speaker describe the gripping techniques in KFM?

The speaker describes gripping techniques as being very effective and primal, using various parts of the body, such as the neck and fat, to control and subdue an opponent. This unconventional gripping can be particularly devastating in combat.

What lesson did the speaker learn from Rick during training?

The speaker learned that unconventional grips, like grabbing the face with the same hand used to grab a neck, could be highly effective. This experience opened the speaker's mind to different fighting approaches that were more primal and impactful.

What sets KFM apart from traditional martial arts?

KFM is set apart by its raw and primal approach, which contrasts with traditional martial arts that often involve formalities like bowing and strict respect protocols. KFM focuses on practical, animalistic techniques for real-world self-defense.

What happened after Andy and Husto's split in KFM?

After Andy and Husto split, Andy went on to create Defense Lab, while Husto continued to develop Casey by Husto. Despite their separation, both continued to grow their individual systems, though the speaker expressed that they were a strong team when they worked together.

What is the speaker's current stance on KFM and its offshoots?

The speaker continues to train in both Defense Lab and KFM techniques, acknowledging that they have impacted his understanding of martial arts. Although he now focuses more on Filipino martial arts and JKD, he still appreciates the energy and passion of both systems.

How did the speaker feel about the early days of KFM?

The speaker expressed nostalgia and fondness for the early days of KFM, describing them as special and impactful. The raw energy and camaraderie within the community made those moments unforgettable.

How does the speaker contrast KFM with other self-defense systems?

The speaker contrasts KFM with other systems by emphasizing that KFM was more primal and direct, focusing on real-life application rather than adherence to ritualistic or formalized movements often seen in other martial arts.

What kind of atmosphere does the speaker recall from early KFM training?

The early KFM training was intense and raw, with a focus on primal techniques and a sense of camaraderie between practitioners. The atmosphere was less formal and more about survival and practical application of skills.

Why does the speaker continue to train in Filipino martial arts and JKD?

The speaker continues to train in Filipino martial arts and JKD because these disciplines offer valuable tools for combat and self-defense. They align with his evolving martial arts philosophy, which values adaptability and practical skills over tradition.