The Vital Templates of Sayoc Kali

By Tom Kier and Jeff Chung

Copyright © 2000 Sayoc International Group, Inc.
Printed with permission of the Sayoc International Group, Inc.

There are 36 basic vital templates. Learning the patterns of movements within the templates teaches many practical skills. These skills include: lethal intention, entries and associated footwork, and also the tactical positioning of blade targets. Once the vital template is mapped out, the mechanics of the entries become evident. Specific physical dimensions of bladed weaponry may also be established. There is a progression of flow patterns, and the development of penetration drills are implemented as well. The drills are applied within a realistic time frame; the results are the creation of a conditioned reflex response, by the receiver of the drill. This conditioned reflex response develops from the application of strikes and thrusts by the feeder, to the receiver of the drill. A skirmish time is initiated, whereby, for every one move, there could be only one “answer” or response to that given movement. There is a pattern of “one move for one move,” by each partner within the drill.

The feeder of a vital template is seeking to obtain specific given responses, or counters to a given knife strike. The responses are either a reflexive response, or a conditioned response. The reflexive response may be thought of as the response and reaction an untrained knife fighter would use... this reaction is typically a defensive reflex. In addition to the reflexive reactions to a given knife strike, there are reflexive responses of the receiver’s body, upon receipt of a given vital template attack. We will delve into that more, later in this article. Finally, the feeder will also seek out the conditioned response of the receiver. This conditioned response is a learned response, taught specifically to defend optimally against a given attack.

Searching for the reflexive response

The feeder’s objective in Sayoc Kali is to gain "lethal entry," a phrase used for the description of closing the skirmish gap economically, and terminating the target.

From a feeder’s perspective, it is desirable to elicit the reflexive responses of an opponent. This makes the opponents vulnerable and subject to the trained knife fighter’s whim. Sayoc Kali has training formulas for different reflexive and conditioned responses. In order to attain the skills necessary to bring about an untrained or reflexive response, a student must understand and explore the ways in which these reflexes can be triggered. It is after an understanding of these two response methods is achieved, that the third and ultimate level of response is achieved, the correct response.

The formula involves escalating both the feeder’s reactions, as well as the receiver’s reactions to achieve maximum potential. Tuhon Sayoc describes it as such, "once the feeder knows how to trigger the reflexive response of the receiver, it is possible to now physically and mentally implant oneself with the conditioned response. The conditioned response is the trained reaction to the receivers’ reflexive response. After exploring the conditioned response, the feeder must learn how to elevate the receiver’s response (the receiver’s conditioned response) thereby making it more difficult for the feeder to react with a conditioned response. By trying to keep up with the higher level of the receiver’s response, we are therefore, forced to use the Correct Response. This is the most effective conditioned response to a given number of reflexive responses. The correct response is the end result of the best choices from a given number of conditioned responses."

Upon exercising the flow drills, the feeder of the drill will be able to discover the distance range at which the receiver is comfortable operating within. This comfort zone of the receiver is apparent upon the initial contact the receiver will make with the feeder’s strike. The receiver may block, parry, attack or create any type of physical reaction. The receiver’s reaction and distance, at which he/she chooses to engage, will expose his/her zone of comfort. Once the feeder becomes engaged, at that moment, the receiver will unknowingly expose the desired area of attack for the feeder, and the range for an economical entry, thereby unveiling the template’s primary target, the entry zone distance and the receiver’s blade experience. Once the receiver’s spontaneous defensive reaction is observed, their reflexive responses cannot be avoided and the counter strategies are clearly visible.

When this knowledge becomes available to the feeder, the formula is now introduced into the context of training methods. The feeder can now apply premeditated strikes and blade grip positions that make the angle of entry less visible to the receiver. This leaves less reaction time for the receiver, and spurs unsure impromptu defense reactions.

"Primal or offhand reflexive responses are more likely to occur Against aggressive movements, which are unfamiliar to you."

Blade Positioning for Stealth

Drawing a blade from a sheathed position allows a feeder to create a window of opportunity. Blades may be drawn from multiple locations. These locations are easily accessible to the feeder’s passing hands. Once the weapons have been drawn, the dominant weapon hand applies techniques that obstruct the opponent’s view of the blade, such as in the right hand vital templates showing the edge of the blade, in a slide through or thrust position that disguise the actual size of the weapons drawn.

The loader in a group skirmish situation will be positioned in the blind spot behind or near the feeder but within hands reach. The loader will use audible and physical signals to let the feeder know what weapons and how many are available and also to prepare for the strategies of the feeder. The loader will also launch projectiles to defeat or injure the target while the feeder closes the gap towards an attacker.

"S" pattern combination technique/Examples of Progression Understanding Strikes and Training Methodology

An "S" pattern is a 3-strike combination movement applied with an edged weapon. These entries basically outline angles that consist of thrusts and "C" cuts that are semi-circular patterns, applied in a continuous flow of movement. These types of strike combinations are based on timing and multiple re-directions. Commonly applied within the vital templates and knife transition flow drills, these techniques prepare the feeder to logically react to the receiver’s normal reflexive and conditioned reflexive responses. "This particular training formula develops the feeder’s proper reflexive responses while under stress from the receiver’s lethal target intentions."

Unlike the practice of the less visible "stealth" draw, the exercise of the "S" pattern presents the initial strike as a telegraphed attack. This allows the receiver the opportunity to react more aggressively to an expected line of attack, versus the unfamiliar angle or entry, the feeder actually intends or desires, to apply. The receiver, in training, has already has developed a "comfortable" conditioned response to the feeder’s opening telegraphed attack, thereby "baiting" them for the following combination of unfamiliar attacks; setting the receiver up into responding with an impractical reflexive defense or counter. In training, the "S" pattern is applied in combinations of three or more strikes until 3 lethal strikes have been executed effectively.

Within these combinations of strikes, there are several types of strikes and gripping techniques that may be used. These strikes are reflecting the personality of the vital template shown. An example of a unique strike may be described as a power-assisted strike. The power-assisted techniques may best be imagined as a nail being driven through by a hammer, into a wall or hard to penetrate object. The nail represents a blade that can be of various sizes, designs and length suited for a particular movement that is not confined or restricted. The hammer may be represented by another hand pushing the pommel of the blade, a shoulder, elbow, knee or any part of the body that will assist in generating force or positioning for the generation of force. There are no limits to the tactics available, just the applicable intelligence of the feeder. Another example of unusual strikes presented are, the winding strikes and winding thrusts of Sayoc Kali.

Winding strikes and thrusts require an advanced understanding of footwork and body mechanics. Only by applying these skills, can these types of transitional strikes be effective. The strike or thrust is executed from the natural winding of the body and from the power wind of an offensive attack. These transitional strikes exist between the loading points of a strike that makes it faster than conventional strikes.

The progressive angles of the winding strikes keep the receiver’s defensive posturing and reaction time limited. As in any training template, individuals that are unfamiliar with these types of attacks that are not commonly shown would lack the correct defensive technology to adequately deal with these attacks.

Gripping and retention techniques are progressed through blade flipping and blade re-positioning techniques. Basic knife rolls are introduced which open the doors to a wider scope of gripping and release techniques.

The left hand vital templates

After the right hand vital templates have been memory installed, the left hand vital templates are introduced. The left hand templates play an interactive role in the following drills. The left hand utilizes techniques and methods that react to the receiver’s responses to the feeder’s application of the right hand vital template.

While the feeder’s right hand may be holding a blade, the feeders’ left hand counters, intercepts attack and may even substitute for the right hand. In still movements and in forms you will see the left hand placed over the solar plexus as a protector from the centerline zone. In Sayoc Kali, the left hand has its own set of vital templates and would have its own blade. This means that you have two dominant weapons wielding hands. In a dominant right-handed user, the left hand will not be placed in front of the solar plexus. The left hand is expected to busily loading the right hand with another blade, in conjunction with drawing for left hand entries as well.

The vital templates of the left hand are NOT mirror images of the right hand. They are independent vital templates that work in reaction to the right hand and vice-versa. The left hand vital templates can be applied in combination with the right hand vital templates in a variation of timing entries, including simultaneous attack. The overview would be that the right hand vital template is aggressive and is designed to trigger the receiver’s reflexive response and conditioned response. The left hand vital template complements the right and has been designed to react to the receiver’s conditioned response. This particular vital template formula leads the receiver to minimize their successful responses. There is an equal amount of vital templates for the left and right hand. There are 36 basic vital templates and there are hundreds more.

"The left hand vital templates counter the right hand vital templates and there is a third set of vital templates which counter both"

Footwork and Body Mechanics

Each vital template has feeder entry footwork. One tactic using this footwork is to put or force a receiver into a position that allows for quick and predictable body posturing for maximum exposure of the receiver’s weakness; an easy way to attain the desired target entry. Another tactic is to maintain the critical distances of control that would allow the feeder to execute multiple lethal penetrations giving the receiver minimal use of the "last hit" reflexive kill strikes. Now for some basic terminology, "lakad" is the Tagalog word for walk. Tagalog is the major dialect in the Philippine language. Body mechanics and footwork methods for out balancing, limb immobilization and destruction are taught in conjunction with the patterns and flows of knife work.

Vital templates are also viewed as "maps" of an opponent's body. The feeder's body position in the vital templates is to properly apply a foundation for the learning methods. As an introduction, we use a standing, non-aggressive target (symbolizing the opponent), in the training. The vital templates are alive and in movement and the postures may be from a lunge attack position, on the ground, airborne, or in evasion. The vital templates are not limited and you have to train with the vital templates in every possible posture. This training methodology will elevate the feeder’s conditioned reflex training that gathers greater information for understanding the correct response method.

"Knife fighting is an educated fighter's territory, The more informed you are, the better your chances will be"