The back sweep series
Bob Breen is the foremost authority on JKD in the UK and in the above video, his demonstrates the application of a back sweep. First, the motions, then with implied aggression and torque.
The martial romanticism of silat – for me, there is something about the fluidity of movement that is very attractive about some styles of silat. I used to train in Harimau (tiger style) which was physically very demanding plus it hard all this amazing flow and one technique seamlessly moving to the next one. However, for us in JKD, the problem with this training methodology is the training partner’s role. What are they doing when you apply your techniques? YouTube is awash with silat videos where either the attack is unrealistic or not there at all. The class tonight was about functionalising the back sweep series of silat. So, we used a blend of tactics from Thai, Panantukan and Jun Fan to functionalise and add an aliveness to the silat material.
Footwork drilling and prep
Left lead stance – step forward with the right – pivot and step back with the left (still looking forward) – then long step back with the right (this is simulating the sweep or reap motion).
• Be fluid in the motions and ‘slide or glide’’ through each step
• Turn from the hips
• Don't look down as you sweep, be scanning for the next threat
• Slide your foot along the floor for the sweep, don't lift your foot/leg up as you would for a throw
The below video is a clearly classical example of the foot work pattern we were using and not a representation of what we were doing. It merely acts a simple framework to act as a reminder for all the drilling people will be doing in their gardens after work during this warm spell. It is taken from Aikido and called irimi tenkan (entering and turning). This clip does not show the final sweeping step with the right leg.
As you can see from the above bullet points in terms of our learning points, the Aikido practionner is doing those attributes, whereas our motions were on our toes with more leaning (not bending) of the spine.
Each of the 5 techniques were drilled in isolation and then as a group in that, by the end of the class, we were working all 5 methods consecutively.
Against the jab
Salute then step forward with your right leg as you arm wrench and continue the rolling and rotating motion on his arm to break his posture. Ensure you step between his feet (not in front of them as I was, thanks Marc and Adam for the reminders). Whilst maintaining the straight arm bar, step just behind his left leg with yours then immediately step back with the right for the sweep.
Against the cross
Split entry – left parry and split down the centre with the right hand. Maintain control by immediately following up with the left eye jab (Adam, thank you for the lumpy top lip) and then apply pressure to his right arm to clear a gap for you to control his right shoulder. As you push the right shoulder, this will bring his left shoulder forward but you enter with a high elbow cover on the right as you step into a right lead. Either overhook or underhook his arm, wrapping tightly, pivot and step back with your left followed by the right sweeping step. If you underhook you can slap the back of the head as you sweep.
Against the jab-cross-hook
Against the straight punches, use the long Thai guard covers and the high elbow cover on the right against the hook. As the hook is covered throw the left hand to his throat. Continue your forward motion by slipping the left hand from the throat to pushing the right shoulder away and wrap your right arm over his left arm as you drive the top of your head into the side of his neck/jaw. This tightness and positioning prevents any type of attack to the head from him. Also, make sure the eyes are forward and not down. ‘Putting’ the eyes to the floor will likely break the integrity of your spinal structure, so scan the eyes around. Step back with the left then the right for the sweeping action. Make sure the arm you have on him is used to guide or drive his body where you want it to go.
Against the rear leg round kick
Crush with left leg and reach with the right hand to begin the initial disturbance of his balance (this can also be a finger jab to the throat), step down with the left leg and push his right shoulder back with your left hand as you control his left bicep with your right hand (keep your head tilted down to prevent being headbutted). Wrap an arm (under or over) as you step with the right between his legs then pivot followed by the left back step then the sweeping right step.
Against the lead snap front kick
Attacker throws the kick and intercept with the jeet tek (Stop kick) and push his right shoulder back with your left hand as you step down with a hard left ankle and throw the long right knee (don't try to control his upper body as you knee). Wrap an arm (over or under) as you step down with the right between his legs then pivot followed by the left back step then the sweeping right step.
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