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Wolf Nightshade
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Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 4:11 pm

Krabi-Krabong
Intro:

Krabi-Krabong is a martial art using traditional weapons from Thailand.

Origin:

Thailand.

History:

Krabi-Krabong is a traditional Thai martial art still practiced in Thailand. This tradition focuses on hand-held weapons as well as empty hand techniques. Specifically the:

* "Krabi" (sword)
* "Plong" (quarterstaff)
* "Ngao" (staff with blade in the end)
* "Daab Song Meu" (a pair of swords held in each hand)
* "Mae Sun-Sawk" (a pair of clubs)

Although for most Thais Krabi-Krabong is a ritual to be display during festivals or at tourist venues, the art is still solemnly taught according to a 400-years-old tradition handed down from Ayutthaya's Wat PutthaiSwan. The King's elite bodyguard are trained in Krabi-Krabong; many Thai cultural observers perceive it as a "purer" tradition.

Like Muay Thai of 70 years ago, modern Krabi-Krabong matches are held within a marked circle, beginning with a "Wai Kruu" ceremony and accompanied throughout by a musical ensemble. Thai boxing techniques and judo-like throws are employed in conjunction with weapons techniques. Although sharpened weapons are used, the contestants refrain from striking their opponents - the winner is decided on the basis of stamina and the technical skill displayed. Although an injured fighter may surrender, injuries do not automatically stop a match.

Two sword fighting
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Single sword
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Satff
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Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 4:17 pm

Krabi-Krabong

History

Human beings were born with an instinct to fight for survival, especially self-defence against the most serious danger, that is, “the danger of war”. Each human race created methods of self-defence both with and without weapons, varing according to geographical and racial characteristics, until they became their national art of self-defence and a part of their culture. In Thailand, the Thai art of self-defence with bare hands is “Muay Thai” and one of those with weapons is, e.g., Krabi-Krabong. Both of the arts of fighting have kept Thailand an independent country up until the present day.

The Sukhothai, Ayudhaya, Thonburi and early Rattanakosin (Kings Rama I - IV) periods of Thailand were all periods of wars against invaders. All men bore the responsibility to be soldiers. The Thai tradition beleived that being a fighter was the important characteristic of “brave men”. Not only were the commoners fighters, but the nation's leaders or kings had also to be brave fighters. Every type of fighting was considered to be an art for rulers. In the past, training for the art of Muay Thai and that for Krabi-Krabong would be carried out together, simultaneously. This was because in real fighting all sorts of weapons were used, but if the weapons had been dropped or fighting was at close quarters, the skill of Muay Thai would also be used.

Knowledge of Krabi-Krabong includes the equipment used in fighting, the skill of dancing, the fight itself and personal skills and talents. The following are the details:

Weapons info
http://www.thaimartialarts.org/kk-weapons-equipment.html

Wolf Nightshade
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Hylonomus
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Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 4:34 pm

Fascinating stuff... although at base form it looks allot like sabre fencing. But with added stuff that doesn't really seem to necessary.

Allot of twirling and jumping around makes me think those videos aren't real sparring matches, but more demonstation. All that unnecissary twirling and jumping around adds to the "asian mystique" and wows people who are unfamiliar with other weapon arts.

Real swordfights never last more then a few minutes, even seconds. Fencing of any kind is about economy of movement, and precise strikes.

Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 5:31 pm

For the most part I think it's just part of that style I can understand some things but realy alot of it isnt that usefull. As you said most sword fights are like a gun fight it's over in a few moves. Me and a friend went at it with padded swords I made he came at me I bloked a few swings as I was steping back I triped on a curb that was siting behind me and threw out my arm landeng a stab to his throat.

Wolf Nightshade
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