Training With JAK
Defensive Concepts
Training with Master at Arms James A. Keating of Combat Technology (Comtech) is
one of those truly unique experiences you owe to yourself on your martial journey. I've
been fortunate to do so three times. Once at a Riddle of Steel, the second time at a two
day seminar and the last was two intense days of one on one training at Comtech's home
base.
Keating is, for those unfamiliar, a leading exponent of edged weapons. This is just part
of the program he teaches. Assorted methods of mayhem, both armed and unarmed, make
up the fighting side of the Comtech curriculum. Keating's approach is traditional in
overall structure but modern in approach. WTF? you ask. Keating's program draws from
the old and is based on what was required to be samurai in old Japan. The arts and
knowledge has been updated in some areas, firearms instead of swords, bow and arrow,
computer skills rather than calligraphy and poetry, escape and evasion driving rather than
horsemanship. You get the idea.
If you go to a seminar you can expect some basic Filipino type manipulation and flow
drills with the knife. Knife/counter-knife drills, disarming, Bowie knife work, bandanna
(yes the ever popular do-rag makes an unassuming and day ruining improvised weapon)
and anything else that may come up during question and answer time.
I haven't been to his Bowie Instructors Seminar so I can't comment on it except to say
that from my time with him, Keating can back up what he says. Likewise, the Riddle of
Steel is, regretably, not being run at this time. All I'll say about it is if he decides to put
one together again GO. It will be time and money well spent.
If you have the resources to get to Keating for some one on one or small group training
you will not be disappointed. Be advised, however, Keating's attitude is one of a coach.
He does not believe in or practice the "my way or the highway" type of training
environment. He wants you to excel at what you do and will help bring it out of you. Get
with him on the phone or email before hand and have a game plan of what YOU want to
cover. When I was there, for example, we reviewed the Asian knife work I'd learned then
went into Bowie work which included some rounds with parrying daggers. We also got
into disarms of all types, some empty hand work and some of the concepts and basics of
his method of combat shooting with a handgun. Did I polish what skills I'd had already?
Yes. Did I learn a lot? Absolutely. Would I go back again? I'm already planning on it.
You say you can't get to a seminar or Comtech proper 'cause of time or money
restrictions? Not to worry, Keating has a website and on line store as well as an on line
magazine, MAAJAK World. What are you interested in? Asian blade work, Knifecraft 1
thru 3 along with his Drawpoint series should take care of you. You don't want the Asian
stuff? Just want to know how to use the big steel ala Jim Bowie? American Blade
Concepts will fill the bill. If you are more interested in empty hand applications there are
some other tapes on trapping and assorted other skills. Finally, the Conceptual Gold series
can really kick your skills up to the next level. What you won't find are tapes on how to
win kata competitions or how to kick really, really high. Keating leaves that subject
matter to others.
So click on the link and get surfin' you won't be disappointed. When you talk to
Keating tell him where you heard about him.
