Sanity… is for the Weak

This is what happens if one does not take care to properly form a closed kinetic chain with both hands when executing the Fourth Remedy against dagger.

A severly wrenched thumb. Ouch.

Lessons to be learnt:

1) The strength of a single thumb is insignificant when compared to a whole arm wielding a dagger coming forward in a strike. Make sure to reinforce it by taking the blow with the base of your palm, preferably together with the other hand as well, thus forming the afore mentioned closed kinetic chain.

2) Wear gloves!

From the treatise itself:

“I am the fourth Master who plays with this presa. With similar to this my scholars will offend many. And if I turn to the right side and I do not release your arm, I will take your dagger and I will make trouble for you with it.”

Poor Josh. Oh well. A day in the life of a crash test dummy?

Today marks the last day of training in Singapore by Ken, who leaves our sunny shores for Finland this Tuesday. After two years of trading sword strokes and other assorted bullshit, I’ve come to appreciate his wit, his humor, his encyclopedic knowledge, his dedication to our art, and most importantly, his friendship.

And so, we wish him the best in his journeys, and may his life be long and prosperous.

Good bye, and Kiitos - I’ll see you again when the Brown Horde once again invades the Frozen Wastes of the North.