Dances wih Gurkhas

[pmel018]

Hi Guys
during my "exile" in the UK I have been able take advantage of a few opportunities to train and socialise with some amazing martial artists from many different disciplines. I though the Fightcamp experience would be tough to better; I was going to report more fully on that but the sad news of Steves death took priority. Those of you who watched the You tube video I posted will have got the idea. Anyhow, last weekend, which was a Bank Holiday here, I had the chance to spend a couple of days training with two close combat instuctors from the Gurkha regiment of the British Army. Although it involved a long drive to Plymouth I found the experience most exhilirating. I had seen and read much about the Gurkhas and their, almost mythical, combat skills with their national weapon the kukri.
A group of about 12 people gathered on a secluded piece of ground in Plymouth on Saturday morning. We were intoduced to our two instuctors and given a brief lecture on the part played by the Gurkhas in the British Army and how the kukri is integrated into modern warfare. Then it was on to training
[img]
Yours truely with our instructors

The kukri is a strange looking weapon and I had always wondered how such a thing had become so famous. Well know I now. The Gurkhas train with it for 22 weeks, spending hours doing basic stikes and blocks. I should note that what we were trained in was the standard fighting style of the regiment, designed around the MK5 no1(or2) issue kukri
[/img]

We were drilled in strikes with edge, thrusts, two handed blows and the use of the weapon with the blade reversed. Blocks were also covered, eack one repeated with the weapon in a forward and reversd grip. The techniques were relatively simple, mostly done without complex footwork.
[/img]
Thrusting with the kukri

The next step was pell work using nearby trees. This really opened my eys to the potential of this weapon. We were shown the combination of movement, aggresive bladework and finishing strokes that were quite astounding. All of the weapon was utilised, in different combinations to allow the Gurkha to close with his opponent and finish the fight. Tip cuts, full bladed chops, glances and spinning cuts all formed part of the training. Not all of it was quite to my liking as compared to the average Gurkha I am very large and quite slow, but with a few hours practice I was spinning and slicing with the best of then and could really make the woodchips fly on the finishing cuts.


That evening, as part of our training we had to prepare an amazing Nepalese curry using only the weapons we had trained with that day, constant use really develops your skills
[/img]
Preparing Curry

The next day we reviewed all the previous days training and then participated in a forms competition.

The sheer variety of types of kukri is amazing and that the Army system works so well with all of them speaks volumes for the practcal experience of those who developed it
[img]
Some of the kukri we used

In the case of our instuctors, they each has 20years+ service including Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq.

All in all an amazing experience and one I would repeat anytime.
[/img]
A two handed downward blow to split a helmet.[/img]

[Callum]

Excellent and interesting report thank you

[pmel018]

Hi callum
yes an experience I shall long remember. From the perspective of martial arts(western or otherwise) i was most interested to discover that these guys do not have a system of sparing, assaulting or freeplay. It is considered bad for discipline.The first stage of training is drill, second pratice of a number of set patterns, third plenty of "target" practise with set targets and over confidence courses, fourth battle simulations where the traditional skills are integrated with the requirements of a modern battlefield. Apperantly the kukri is a very fine thing to use in a room or bunker after throwing in hand grenades
Phil

[David]

Having exercised with the Gurkhas in Europe I can also attest to the skill they demonstrate with their Khukuri. Some Gurkha traditionalists (or those wanting perhaps to perpetuate a myth) still will not re-sheath their combat blades without drawing blood - which is a good joke to play on a nervous, non-Gurkha new recruit as dozens of men advance on them with drawn blades seeking a blood offering... However, since these weapons were traditionally used for all work the myth is suspect as the poor Nepalese would have many nicks and scars!
The Gurkha skill goes well beyond their Khukuri though as they are formidable soldiers in all aspects. Coming off a 72 hour exercise in Scotland my regiment (after cleaning and securing weapons and equipment of course) showered and changed and hit the mess hall. En route past the drying rooms we heard noise and looked in - the Gurkhas were all in there drying wearing their kit, eating ration packs, cleaning their weapons over and over, laughing and joking ready to go again at a moments notice! Fiercely loyal, if a Gurkha befriends you then he (and his family) are your friends for life.

[Carl]

Phil

You lucky lucky bugger.

I am very jealous, the kukri is one of my absolute favourite weapons and learning to use one is a big wish of mine. Steve would be jealous as well, he liked collecting kukris.

Awesome

Carl

[pmel018]

Hi Guys
David, I can well imagine the sight, we nick-named our instuctor Captain "One more time". Both of them were a joy to be with, perfectly disciplined, funny and only too happy to talk about all things Gurkha. As for the myth, and thats what it is, about blooding the blade I present this picture.

Even gurkhas cut themselves.

Carl, I think Steve would have been in his element, just his kind of thing As for the technique, well it isn't sophisticated, there were no horizontal cuts for example, but each technique was performed with the utmost aggression and spirit, the sole outcome being the destruction of your foe. It didn't really make any sense until we actually started to cut targets, then the lightbulb lit up.
Regards Phil

[David]

You have some awesome photos Phil, a real treasure.
Even though he's cut himself he's still smiling!
Did you find yourself a Khukhuri?
Regards
David

[Callum]

[Carl]

My Grandfather used to tell me stories of the Gurkha's he was stationed with in WW2 i think this is where the seed ofmy love of kukris was planted.

Phil are there publications that could give me more insight on fighting with a kukri, this is a weapon i would love to learn more about.

[pmel018]

Hi Carl
there are as many stories about the Gurkhas prowess as there are old soldiers My late father had a few too. Both of our instuctors were more than happy to explore and debunk(or confirm)things we had heard.

As for the actual techniques, they may be recorded within the British Army but there is no book as such. We were told that the training pattern we learned was the first af a number that Gurkha recruits are taught. These are regularly re-evaluated in the light of combat experience and adjusted to maintain their efficiency. In other words they are not considered sacred artifacts that must never be changed. This is the only way kukri can stay relevant on a modern battlefield
Phil

Edit: Carl if you have a look at the picture in my first post that shows the different kukri; I was using the 3rd ne down from the top, the one I now NEED is theone at the bottom, pretty much a pure fighting kukri. If you want a genuine piece, PM here and I will send you the details.
Phil

[Carl]

[David]

[conal]

Thanks Phil.

[Nathan]

[Carl]