Just wanted to share this:
A little over two weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending a la canne seminar at the Basulto Academy of Defense in North Bergen, NJ. I say privilege for 2 reasons. The first being that it is so utterly rare to find ANY information on this french method of stickfighting in the U.S., let alone in New Jersey! Secondly, the seminar offered information on la canne not just from the sportive aspect, but also from the self-defense aspect which was taken primarily from the rare but not unheard of "Vigny" cane fighting method. Two hours of this made for a lot of fun!
Armando Basulto first covered the history of both the self-defense and sport aspects of la canne, as well as comparing it to the english and italian versions of cane fighting methods. He also had 3 sample canes to pass around, so that the students had a good idea what these methods were designed for. Needless to say, a good number of the students were surprised by the balance and sheer heft of some of these weapons.
Then he went forward with the sport techniques of la canne. He covered the basic strikes and defenses. Most importantly, he emphasized the use of proper form, particularly in the "chambering" of the strikes as they affect the most crucial aspects of fighting in the art, such as timing, distance, set-up...and power. A good amount of time was spent on this. He also pointed out how the same chambering mechanics in la canne can be found in boxe francaise savate.
The next round of information covered the Vigny method. Although there are quite a few technical differences between the two (e.g. grip, guard, chambering etc.), the similarities in body mechanics could not be denied. Cane strikes were combined with boxe francaise kicking methods, as well as knees, throws, chokes, etc. - all to be found in the Vigny method.
The final round in the seminar was my favorite - SPARRING (or "assaut" in french). Although we sparred in the la canne method (sport), which didn't allow the knees and throws, it still got heated and exciting! It was interesting to see how everyone picked up on the techniques very quickly, and utilized them during the rounds. Of course, some of his more advanced students sparred as well. Their combination of techniques were impressive, and seemed endless!
All in all, it was a very informative and fun seminar that covered a LOT of ground, and look forward to the next one. I'm excited about the next one as well, as Armando is arranging to have one of the french champions to come to NJ and hold a seminar.
4R,
thanks for posting this. i was curious as i really wanted to go. but i think that my seminar days are over. family....
ah sg, I'll still find a way to have you over at one of the seminars. :)
I would have liked to have been there, for certain.
4R,
:-)
i still want to make it to one and also to meet you and Iceman.