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Well, it’s FREESTYLE, of course. But that doesn’t really answer your question, now does it? I think it’s a good question, just not that easy to answer, but I’ll give it a go, and hopefully by the end of this article, it will make some sense to you. I'm sure...
So lets’ get into it.
Basically in a nutshell, it’s a free flowing practical style of Martial Art that focuses on Self Defence.
It's unlike the traditional martial arts such as karate and Tae Kwon Do, which are more “rigid” striking styles. Rigid meaning that you are striking with straight fully extended limbs and with back-straight stances. These styles also focus predominantly on training for competition rather then self-defence. Though First 2 Strike does borrow from the traditions of Tae Kwon Do in its disciplines, tenets and philosophy.
It's unlike the grappling arts, such as Judo, Wrestling and Brazilian jiu Jitsu that have little to no striking, and are, once again, largely competition based. Yet, grappling is integrated within the First 2 Strike system.
It does have similarities to Muay Thai with its use of elbows and knees, and boxing/kickboxing, in regards to training, sparring and aesthetics, but without having to fight in the ring. While at the same time, First 2 Strike is FREESTYLE, so it borrows elements from all the above.
Now, don't get me wrong, all these styles can be great for self defence. It's just that at First 2 Strike Freestyle Martial Arts, Self Defence is at the heart of what we do.
FIRST 2 STRIKE Freestyle Martial Arts is something unique and different. That’s what I think anyway.
Ok, now that’s probably as clear as mud, right?! I’ll go into more depth and attempt to describe it further. Being “freestyle’ implies it has no rules, or structure and foundation, but that’s not correct either. Rather, it’s more implying that it can be of any style, have elements and aspects of any style, borrow any part from any style and integrate it, and is a “style” without requiring a “name” to call it a specific style. Is the mud getting clearer or muddier? Maybe don't answer that. But do stay with me. It can be analogous to “free jazz”, which can be "jazz" or not jazz at all. It can be basically anything and everything all at the same time within the art of music.
So let’s break it down a little. All our techniques are based on these first 6 basic principles;
Circular movements (each technique flows naturally into the next) - Techniques are based on the principle of circular movement. Circular movement is quite natural for the body, so we use that “natural’”movement within our techniques where possible and effective.
Relaxed posture (flow) - Relaxed stance, hunched, knees bent, hands protecting the face (closed or open hand), and executing techniques in a relaxed state as to not put any stress on the body and joints. Between the circular movement and relaxed posture, the “rigid-ness” is extinguished.
Body mechanics (power, speed and leverage) - Using leverage against your opponent. Engaging the hips, pivoting off your feet, rotating the shoulders, framing, body weight and angles. Also using the “ground” to produce more power, which is part of the body mechanics principle.
Momentum (take over the “space” of your opponent - their space becomes yours!) - using momentum to displace your opponents position and creating more power, leading to a barrage of follow up techniques. Then there’s the old cliche, but true; “using your opponents momentum against them.”
Close-in fighting (techniques designed for the Red Zone - Danger Zone) - techniques that are designed to be used for close-in fighting situations. If you're too far to strike, then you’re most likely too far to fight. So don’t!
Breathing (your covert weapon) - I believe this is your covert weapon. Inconspicuous, unobtrusive, disregarded, and overlooked, yet the key to your power, your speed, your focus and your stamina. Controlling your breathing, exhaling and inhaling correctly and at the right moments makes the world of difference!
When we put it all together, each technique “flows” from one to another, creating a beautiful Free Flowing Fighting style, that’s a powerful, fast, instinctual and effective form of Self Defence.
...and it's great for all ages. Kids will love it, teens and adults too, and mature aged can also benefit, as it's not so taxing on the body as many other styles can be. So no matter what age you are, and you want to learn self defence, get into it at First 2 Strike Freestyle Martial Arts.
See you at training…
KNOWLEDGE, PREPAREDNESS AND CONFIDENCE
Pil Sung (Certain Victory)
Vince Serra (First 2 Strike Freestyle Martial Arts)
11 Princes hwy, Figtree, Wollongong 2525 NSW
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