Always the Ground

The ground is always there, and is always waiting. Personally, that is a profound and terrifically simple martial concept that guides many principles of movement taking maximum advantage of tactics and strategy. From issuing power to grappling and evasion using weapons, and everything in between; regardless of what anyone does, the ground is always there. Advanced practitioners have become intimate with the ground; they and the ground are more than old friends. They know each other well and are comfortable in their relationship with each other. In the past the ground has not been kind. Frequently, the ground was downright hostile as a new student was slammed around by the guru and fellow classmates. Often, the ground seemed to rise up of its own accord to trip or hamper a movement much to the detriment of the martial student.

Emotionless, the ground remains for those who trod, jump, roll and fall upon it seeking knowledge. A vast eternal resource, the ground is instinctively used by animals silently crouched, muscles relaxed but appearing bunched underneath fur and skin. An explosion of claws and teeth signal the impossibly sudden movement of a tiger throwing his weight fully committed with absolute focus of intention while springing off the ground launching into his prey. Momentum amplified by quickness and the abrupt introduction of the ground, the prey collapses under the force of the tiger's attack, pinned to the ground with well placed forepaws, rear legs, and jaws.

Remorseless, the ground is unmoved when used as an anvil re-shaping bodies as they are dropped or accelerated earthward. It does not hear cries of pain or grow weary of the play. Hammering the novice into a seasoned practitioner if the student endures, or damaging the opponent in defense, the ground makes no judgments. Often scuffed, beaten down, slippery, hard, uneven or treacherous, the ground is immune to blame and neither celebrates nor commiserates the result. While the surface may dictate tactics, the principles remain the same. The successful practitioner accepts the ground as an ever present companion or even part of the body. Understanding its limitations and potential while continuously rising to stand again is a crucial part of the path to proficiency.

Kuntao Silat de Thouars quickly guides the student down the path of ground familiarity. Striking, grappling, stepping, leaping, throwing, weapons use, and groundfighting, all practitioners are introduced to the ground and begin that special relationship required for competency and skill. Regardless of the langkah or djuru practiced to understand the guiding principles, the ground will help show the way.