The sword was the principle weapon during the turbulent history of Siam but the art of fighting was taken a step further in skill by warriors who fought with blades in both hands. - Por Kru Samai Mesamarn
Krabi Krabong: The Buddhai Sawan Path is the first groundbreaking series to accurately document the ancient system of Thai weaponry. The art of Krabi Krabong as it was taught at the original Buddhai Sawan was a highly refined fighting system whose effectiveness was linked to an individual warrior's agility, strength and speed of attack. A thorough knowledge of body mechanics enabled those skilled in its use to engage in combat with a wide variety of weapons, delivering devastating blows with an elegant simplicity of movement.
Krabi Krabong translates into the study of the short and long traditional Thai weapons and mastery of the art was the product of a strict program of weapons training and discipline taught for more than 425 years to the most promising young Thai military men and nobles by the monks and teachers of the original Wat Phuttisawan school in Ayutthaya.
This unique two disc DVD set shot entirely on location in Thailand from 1993 through 1998 focuses on the life and work of the late Por Kru Samai Mesamarn and the unique system he crafted to survive the ancient Thai fighting traditions.
Disc 1 - Thai Warrior Heritage
A powerful and moving look at the life of the late Por Kru Samai Mesamarn (1914-1998) and his attempts to keep the art of Krabi Krabong alive. This detailed documentary uses archived photos and footage shot throughout his life to give a rare glimpse into how the training was developed and done on a daily basis.
Running time: 67 minutes plus Bonus Footage
Disc 2 - The Primary Weapons
This DVD focuses on the use of the primary weapons: the single sword, double sword and staff with direct instruction from the late Por Kru Samai Mesamarn on how to properly develop these devastating weapons. Though based on only a few tenets - such as power, speed and simplicity - the art utilizes these techniques in combinations and variations of which there are endless permutations. The goal being the immediate response to an attack with quick, decisive strikes to incapacitate with sudden and unexpected force.
Running time: 85 minutes plus Bonus Footage
" The definitive work on the Thai sword arts. The DVDs trace the origins of this battlefield art, which was forged over centuries of war in Southeast Asia.....A gem for anyone with a passion for the traditional martial arts, which are fast disappearing in the face of commerce and a lack of respect for cultural heritage."
- Kenneth Delves,
Author, The Chinese Internal Martial Arts Theory And Practice
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