===AMOK! International===
AMOK! is the name given to a system of
reality-based combatives, grounded in traditional martial arts,
eskrima and
Filipino Martial Arts (
FMA). The AMOK! system was created, refined
and developed by
Professor Thomas Sotis. It is an
international organization, with teachers and students the world
over—and as such, enjoys continual refinement. See
AMOK!
South
Africa for more information on the system as it develops in
Cape Town (South Africa) under the expertise of Kelee Arrowsmith
and Mark Human.
In many systems of
eskrima, a warrior's skill with both weapons and
empty hands are developed at the same time, using training methods
designed to emphasize common elements. Practitioners of Filipino
Martial Arts (FMA) are noted for their ability to fight with
weapons, or empty hands, interchangeably. Most Eskrima systems
include weapons training; striking with hands, feet and elbows;
grappling; and many other skills essential for a warrior's complete
training. The AMOK! system shares this approach and is constantly
refining and honing its practical skills and mindset for
application to daily civilian life and military combat alike.
As
Professor Sotis states at seminars:
You are not here to learn
AMOK! You are here to discover the AMOK! within
you.Professor Thomas Sotis
Tom Sotis, the founder of AMOK! International, is
widely regarded as one of the most influential knifers in the world
today. Having taught more than 400 edged-weapons seminars in 20
countries, his proven reputation and combat methodology—aptly
called
AMOK!—has earned
global respect.
Leo T Gaje Jnr
In 1996, the Professor was
invited to train exclusively, in indigenous Filipino bladework by
the legendary
Leo T Gaje Jnr in the Philippine mountain
camps.
In April 2001, the Professor became the first person to
ever learn all three of Gaje’s knife systems: Pekiti Tirsia Daga,
Dagaso, and Qol Demama. Present at the graduation was Lt Col Ecarma
III of the Philippine Presidential Security Command—who presented
Professor Sotis with the Order of Sikatuna, the highest award ever
given to a martial artist by the Philippine Armed
Forces.
Combative truth versus combative fantasy
All AMOK!
teachers are inspired to discover whether their combative beliefs
are in fact combative truths, or if they are combative fantasies.
They do this by putting them to the test in non co-operative,
unpredictable environments. AMOK! has successfully, and
consistently, been put to the test in the “field” on an almost
daily basis, by its students and teachers the world over. This has
resulted in reinforcement of sound methodologies, the changing of
some, the discarding of a few, and above all, new innovations and
instructional methods.
Central themes of AMOK!
AMOK! has a
unique formula of application based on human anatomy that provides
a universal framework to explore every principle to its fullest
degree. It is a simple, yet sophisticated, tool utilized to
identify the separate principles within any technique, and then
outline a formula to discover every other possible
situation/position in which that principle might be applied. The
central themes of AMOK! increase the capability of any martial art
(or practitioner) without changing/altering the art or artist in
any way—except for enhancing the individual's ability to use what
he or she already knows. Particular initial concentration develops
actions of the upper and lower limbs, and if not already present,
introduces the essential element of checkhand skills. A good
checkhand is invaluable for bridging the dynamic gap between
striking, joint-manipulation and trapping, within the dynamic space
of an encounter with a single enemy, or multiple
opponents.
Mechanics
The mechanics of AMOK! are defined as
a clear relationship between physics, human anatomy, and the
principles of combative interaction. Human design varies in its
proportions, but is uniform in its structure. Physically, an enemy
will vary in terms of being: short/tall, thin/obese, weak/strong,
fast/slow, and healthy/unhealthy. But in spite of these
characteristics, humans share a uniform structural unit composed
of: bones, muscles, nerves, respiratory system, circulatory system,
and vital organs. All humans share the same physical mechanics–so
the means of maintaining balance, issuing power, moving swiftly,
finding root, degrees of physical integrity, and other related
aspects will always remain consistent.
Represented by teachers
the world over, the AMOK! skills set and advice regarding Close
Quarter Combat (CQC) are utilized by professionals, soldiers, law
enforcement officers (LEOs), martial artists and civilians
throughout the world. These students of the art use AMOK! to solve
unique, as well as commonplace problems. All regard AMOK! as a
highly practical supplement and/or compliment to their existing
combative frameworks.
External Links
Knifefighting.com, more information on
AMOK! AMOK! South Africa