Most systems of Kali have a set of strikes to various target locations on the body, I have heard of systems with as little 2 basic angles of attacks, and as many as 64 angles of attack, Today we will be focused on the 12 basic strikes of Dekiti Tirsia Siradas Kali, The hammer set. Now when I say basic, ( seeing as nothing is basic ), what I would actually be saying is that this is a foundational set. The first one you are taught and probably the most important. The set is not only used for the hammer strike (full shaft of The Baston), but also incorporates the “sengetti”, thrusting strikes (9, 10, and 5) as well as a double handed (Military Combat tactical) #12 strike
Blade line, Blade line, Blade line!
Although the basic set in Dekiti Tirsia Siradas has only 12 strikes, with detailed striking points, the strikes themselves can be broken down and employed in so many different ways. When attacked with a two strike it can be countered with a two, or three strike along the vertical line Always focus on the “blade line.” This can be found by following the second knuckles on the fingers, always remember, blade line, blade line, blade line. I know the baston is not a blade, however using this technique of blade line alignment will always keep your strikes true.
You could also use your footwork to evade the strike and engage with a nine sengetti strike. So you see the variations are endless. When we are knowledgeable with the foot work and basics, defensive drills in Dekiti Tirsia Siradas become very reactive. After the initial counter you would continue with a free form.
When you are attacking, attack based in the the 12 basic strikes. Counter striking sets are usually limited to between two to four strikes, but if you are moved by the motion, the sky is the limit.
Don’t hold back
When you make a strike in Dekiti Tirsia Siradas, you make a full swing, full 100 percent power. And although we are fully committed we still maintain complete control. There are no “broken” interrupted strikes per se. The strike would be interrupted when it made contact with an object, whether human or weapon. It would then be dealt with with the appropriate action. Think of it similar to a ricochet action akin to a tennis ball being played and replayed.
The 12 strikes are…
Left ear diagonal downward
Right ear diagonal downward
Reverse diagonal upward, hitting the left knee direct to the lower left jaw
Vertical reverse diagonal upward, hitting the right knee direct to the lower right jaw.
Center thrust to the groin or solar plexus
Lateral strike cutting the left arm
Vertical reverse lateral strike cutting the right arm
Center downward strike, hitting the crown of the head
Upward circular thrust, hitting the throat
Upward vertical reverse circular thrust, hitting the throat
Vertical reverse downward strike, hitting the crown of the head
Center double hand thrust to the bridge of the nose
Playing Darts
When you think of these targets locations think about a dart board. We always try for the bullseye, but if we are slightly off we can still score a hit. Now when you start to direct the body and look for other vital striking points you will start to see that your basic 12 strikes give you an idea of where to start. However, finding all the targets around the 12 strikes is all part of the journey as well. When you switch to a bladed weapon, knowledge of basic anatomy opens a whole new world of striking points. Every major artery and vein becomes a viable target, when we thrust we realize we must thrust true.
So you see when you mastered the basic 12 strikes with the baston, all the techniques will flow and open a warehouse of opportunity
"One of the greatest things in the martial arts is the transmission of knowledge to the next generation." - Tashi Mark Warner
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