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AMOK!
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
AMOK! is the name given to a system of martial arts, grounded in eskrima, silat and Filipino martial arts. The AMOK! system was created, refined and developed by Tom Sotis. It is an international organization, but is known for being practiced in South Africa.
In many systems of eskrima, a combatant'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 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.
AMOK! techniques are based on targeting vital areas of human anatomy. There is concentration on developing coordination of the upper and lower limbs, and introducing the essential element of checkhand skills. A good checkhand is invaluable for transitioning between striking, joint-manipulation and trapping in this system.
The mechanics of AMOK! are defined as a relationship between physics, human anatomy, and the principles of combative interaction. Human design varies in its proportions, but is uniform in its structure. Physically, a person 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.
AMOK! South Africa is headed up by Kelee Arrowsmith and Mark Human. In 1998, after training in North America, Mark Human and Kelee Arrowsmith returned to South Africa to settle in Cape Town. As of 2004, there are more than 15 AMOK! study groups represented throughout South Africa.