We’re pleased to announce that starting in September, maelstrøm will be offering a 4 month master class in Krabi Krabong Buddhai Sawan. It will be open to anyone with sufficient existing skills in Krabi Krabong and/or other related weapon arts and will lead to instructor certification testing (sword master class 4) at its conclusion.
Those less qualified can also audit the course without being tested. Priority will be given to those going for certification if space is limited.
Like an 8-week mini-course, this will be an intensive series of classes – 1 per week, on Fridays at 18h15 at maelstrøm– with a specific curriculum and teaching goals. Ajahn Loki (maelstrøm’s head instructor) will lead the instruction – Ajahn Stephen Wilson, the top instructor in North America, will attend at intervals and be present for the final testing.
Leading up to the beginning of the master class in July and August, regular Krabi Krabong classes will be offered on Thursdays at 20h00. Anyone can take advantage of the extra two months of training – just for fun, to prepare for the master class, or to upgrade their skills to qualify for the master class.
Developed historically on the battlefields of Thailand, the royal corps of bodyguards -up to present day – are said to be masters of the art. A comprehensive style that covers a range of weapons, the master class will cover: daab song meu (double sword), krabi/daab (single sword), krabong/phlong (staff), ngao (spear), mae sowk (forearm shields). Don’t let this opportunity to not only learn, but become certified to instruct this unique Southeast Asian martial art!
Otherwise, if you have an interest in either auditing the master class or achieving instructor certification, we are gathering the names of interested individuals to determine the class list. Space is limited, so let us know if you’re interested.
For more on Krabi Krabong, check out other postings (here, here, and here).
Curriculum
- Weapons
- daab song meu (double sword)
- krabi/daab (single sword)
- krabong/phlong (staff)
- ngao (spear)
- mae sowk (forearm shields)
- excluded: sabre, shield and sword or spear, knife, empty hand, mae sowk and daab
- Form
- Structures – offensive, defensive
- Movement
- Striking
- forwards and backwards
- Blocking
- Ranging
- Kicking
- Curriculum
- Wai Kru/Four directions (for all weapons)
- Ram/dances (daab song meu, phlong, ngao)
- Drills – 8-count, 7-count, 3-count and 9-count (for all except mae sowk)
- Nattapong 7 series (daab song meu)
- Mixed series:
- daab 8-count-on-3 exchange
- krabong vs. mae sowk
- ngao vs. ngao 7/3-hybrid
- Pedagogy
- Recommended progression
- Required material
- Formal vs. military
- Demo choreography
- How to compose a demo
- Demo execution
- Fight application
- Basic sparring, non-contact
- Tactic and strategy