Author: Harold Asbury
Rating:
This DVD focuses on estilo sonkete. Counters using the bolo (shown in the defondo series) are used and interspersed with the use of the asparagus knife, used by the Filipino workers of the Stockton area in the early twentieth century. Sonkete uses the thrust or poke as the initial counter to the opponent's attack. Counters to various angles of attack are shown on both sides so the viewer can get a better idea of which footwork he's using and what angles are needed to make an opening for the thrust. As before, once the initial attack is avoided, the defender counterattacks. In this case the first return strike is a thrust. The thrust is then as always followed up with further strikes, which differ a little depending on the position of the two combatants. In my previous reviews, I've mentioned that the opponent trying to continue is addressed, especially in terms of the defender always positioning himself to avoid continuation strikes. Counter-for-counter drills are not what is being taught here. Instead, a methodical approach showing the basic angles of attack are shown with one or more approaches by the defender illustrated to show the techniques and reveal the principles of the style. Meticulous and precise as always for this series! I feel you could get a good solid feel for basics from practicing this material. Being good at simple things comes in handy when under pressure.