AMOK! International

AMOK! is the name given to a system of reality-based combatives, grounded in traditional martial arts, eskrima and Filipino Martial Arts (FMA). The AMOK! system was created, refined and developed by Professor Thomas Sotis. It is an international organization, with teachers and students the world over—and as such, enjoys continual refinement. See AMOK! South Africa for more information on the system as it develops in Cape Town (South Africa) under the expertise of Kelee Arrowsmith and Mark Human.

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 (FMA) 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.

As Professor Sotis states at seminars:

• You are not here to learn AMOK!
• You are here to discover the AMOK! within you.

Professor Thomas Sotis

Tom Sotis, the founder of AMOK! International, is widely regarded as one of the most influential knifers in the world today. Having taught more than 400 edged-weapons seminars in 20 countries, his proven reputation and combat methodology—aptly called AMOK!—has earned global respect.

Leo T Gaje Jnr

In 1996, the Professor was invited to train exclusively, in indigenous Filipino bladework by the legendary Leo T Gaje Jnr in the Philippine mountain camps.

In April 2001, the Professor became the first person to ever learn all three of Gaje’s knife systems: Pekiti Tirsia Daga, Dagaso, and Qol Demama. Present at the graduation was Lt Col Ecarma III of the Philippine Presidential Security Command—who presented Professor Sotis with the Order of Sikatuna, the highest award ever given to a martial artist by the Philippine Armed Forces.

Combative truth versus combative fantasy

All AMOK! teachers are inspired to discover whether their combative beliefs are in fact combative truths, or if they are combative fantasies. They do this by putting them to the test in non co-operative, unpredictable environments. AMOK! has successfully, and consistently, been put to the test in the “field” on an almost daily basis, by its students and teachers the world over. This has resulted in reinforcement of sound methodologies, the changing of some, the discarding of a few, and above all, new innovations and instructional methods.

Central themes of AMOK!

AMOK! has a unique formula of application based on human anatomy that provides a universal framework to explore every principle to its fullest degree. It is a simple, yet sophisticated, tool utilized to identify 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. The central themes of AMOK! increase the capability of any martial art (or practitioner) without changing/altering the art or artist in any way—except for enhancing the individual's ability to use what he or she already knows. Particular initial concentration develops actions of the upper and lower limbs, and if not already present, introduces the essential element of checkhand skills. A good checkhand is invaluable for bridging the dynamic gap between striking, joint-manipulation and trapping, within the dynamic space of an encounter with a single enemy, or multiple opponents.

Mechanics

The mechanics of AMOK! are defined as a clear 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.

External Links

For more information and details of the AMOK! system and instructors, visit http://www.knifefighting.com

and for information on AMOK! South Africa

visit http://www.amok.co.za