Tournaments - FMA Informative

footwork that is often static and somewhat linear, the second half contains footwork that
has an angular and circular orientation - a
trend that is repeated in the advanced twoperson
drills and forms. Each subset is
generally repeated twice and is bracketed by
what I call “bridging” subsets that occur
throughout the form.
Three subsets in particular are repeated
every time there is a transition from one major
subset to the next subset (e.g. from
“Emergency” to “Bridging”) as well as in
between the two repetitions of the major
subsets: “Downward,” “Upward,” and
“Back.” I consider these subsets to be
fundamental movements and tell my students
to consider that if something is repeated often
enough in the Form then Momoy must have
considered it important! Practicing
“Downward” so many times allows students
to internalize a template for movement that
occurs in several variations throughout the
San Miguel Form, In essence, “Downward” is
the San Miguel Form - albeit a stripped down,
basic, and simpler version of the form - and
thus carries important lessons for the student.
When students begin to learn
“Downward” I have generally already taught
basic strikes such as “Angle #1,” “Flywheel,”
and “Media,” etc., and have shown how basic
strikes can be combined to create striking
patterns. For example, the striking pattern
called “Uno Dos,” refers to a series of four
strikes that alternate between stick strikes
(“Uno”) and thrusts with the daga (“Dos”).
Hence “Uno Dos” begins with a downward,
diagonal forehand Redondo (or “flywheel”)
with the stick (from a backhand chamber),
followed by a palm-down thrust with the
daga, a downward, diagonal backhand strike
with the stick (Angle #2), and a palm-up
thrust with the daga. “Uno Dos” can be
2. The right foot is starting to pivot on the
toes and the heel is rotating outwards;
notice that the shoulders, waist, and hips
are starting to rotate in a counter-clockwise
direction.
3. The heel has pivoted completely and the
weight is starting to settle completely on
the right foot; the shoulders, waist, and
hips are starting to turn towards the front
and the front foot will start to step
backwards as soon as all the weight is
dropped onto the right heel.
4. The left foot is weightless and is starting
to step back…
combined with other basic striking patterns and with linear footwork to make the subset
called “Downward.”
It is important to understand that “Downward” begins at a point after which you
have stepped forward with a palm-down strike with the daga. You take a step backward