AMOK! (sic: upper case with exclamation mark) 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, with teachers and students the world over—and as such, enjoys continual refinement. It is known for being practiced in South Africa (specifically Cape Town) under the expertise of Kelee Arrowsmith and Mark Human. Full contact tournament gear A collection of training weapons used in an Eskrima class. ... Pencak Silat or Silat (fighting by using techniques of self-defence) is a Southeast Asian martial art with roots in the culture of the Malay World. ... Full contact tournament gear The Filipino war arts or arts of war were a result of Southeast Asian ideas that flowed from one neighboring island to another. ... Professor Thomas Sotis and AMOK! International Tom Sotis is a leading and influential edged-weapons instructor and the founder of AMOK! Having taught more than 400 edged-weapons seminars in 20 countries, his proven reputation and combat methodology (called AMOK!) has earned respect from the martial artists and students he...

In many systems of eskrima, a warrior'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 and is constantly refining and honing its practical skills and mindset for application to daily civilian life and military combat alike. Full contact tournament gear A collection of training weapons used in an Eskrima class. ...

Technique

Central themes

AMOK! has a unique formula of application based on human anatomy that provides a universal framework to explore every principle. A framework utilized to analyse the separate principles within any technique, and then outline a formula to discover every other possible situation/position in which that principle might be applied. 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 for use in an encounter with a single enemy, or multiple opponents.

Mechanics

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, an enemy 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.

Represented by teachers the world over, the AMOK! skills set and advice regarding Close Quarter Combat (CQC) are utilized by professionals, soldiers, law enforcement officers (LEOs), martial artists and civilians throughout the world. These students of the art use AMOK! to solve unique, as well as commonplace problems. All regard AMOK! as a highly practical supplement and/or compliment to their existing combative frameworks.

AMOK! South Africa

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. The absence of effective knife and other edged-weapon skills available to professional and law-abiding civilians was immediately evident. Local criminals had taken a single aspect of blade attack, and along with a ruthless mentality, had refined surprise attacks and ambushes to gain a deadly advantage. City motto: Spes Bona (Latin: Good Hope) Province Western Cape Mayor Nomaindia Mfeketo Area  - % water 1,644 km² 0. ...

As of 2004, there are more than 15 AMOK! study groups represented throughout South Africa. The AMOK! skills set and advice regarding Close Quarters Combat are utilized by soldiers, law enforcement officers, martial artists and civilians throughout the country. AMOK! South Africa has successfully, and consistently, been put to the test in the “field” on an almost daily basis. Close Quarters Combat, or CQC, is used to an up-close military hand-to-hand fighting system. ... Police officer of Greater Manchester Police, Great Britain Police forces are government organisations charged with the responsibility of maintaining law and order. ...

External links

• Knifefighting.com, more information on AMOK!
• AMOK! South Africa