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Stav Martial Arts Training
Uncovering the Principles of Martial Arts
18th October 2025, 10 am to 4 pm
At The 23rd Salisbury Scout Hut, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 3JR, UK
Demonstrating the Concept of Redundancy
Come and join us for a day of practical martial training. The course will be led by Graham Butcher, Stav teacher with 30 years experience and black belt in Lee Style Whu Shu. Please watch the video above in which Graham explains and demonstrates one of the principles we will be exploring. (You can watch it full screen once you have opened it).
Uncovering the Principles of Martial Arts
Demonstrating the Konge Two Person Staff Drill
The Basics
We will begin and end the training with the Karl Galdre stances. We will also look at the stances along with the staff exercises. The staff exercises will provide a warm–up as well as the basic skills in using a staff. The first session will cover the five principles staff drills with a partner. From there we will explore the principles listed below using staff, cudgel, and close quarter combat training.
AIM, or Action, Intention, Movement
How to fulfil an intention using a combination of action and movement. This principle applies to any weapon and unarmed combat. The intention is suggested by the five principles of Stav. We will begin to explore this concept using the staff before moving on to the cudgel, unarmed against attacks such as a wrist grab, and five principles knife defence.
Redundancy
Not every possible move is needed in every combat situation. However, fighting is a highly unpredictable business so we need options in reserve just in case a plan doesn’t work out. (As they say, no plan ever survives contact with the enemy). Please see the video above for an explanation and demonstration of redundancy in martial arts.
Reading, Sensing, and Managing distance
If you are out of range of attack you are safe (for the moment). If your opponent is within range you can engage him or her (if you have the ability). Every weapon and technique has its optimum range, if you can subvert the distance attacks can be neutralised. We have an innate ability to read distance. However, we have to learn to trust and use this ability through guidance and practice.
The Web Within the Body
The body is constructed according to the lines of the Web of Orlog. If you can work with these lines you can manipulate and even control and opponent without needing to actually damage the body. Training with the web lines is both safe and realistic and will greatly increase your effectiveness in managing a real opponent. Knowing how to manage the web within the body rather than using kinetic striking will also reduce the chance of you being accused of using excessive force in self-defence.
Developing Dropping Power
Kinetic power is great for knocking in nails or chopping down a tree. In close quarter combat dropping power develops a wave of energy which will cause internal disruption of balance without necessarily causing external damage. Expressing dropping power is a knack which cannot be taught but it can be cultivated with directed practice. We will look at simple ways of practicing this ability which anyone can try, and usually gets the hang of it quite quickly.
Venue:
18th October 2025 – The 23rd Salisbury Scout Hut, 67 Stratford Road, Salisbury, SP1 3JR, UK
Other Details:
Please wear loose comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for indoor training. Training in bare feet is fine if that is what you prefer.
There will be a short break for lunch, please bring your own food. Drinks will be provided. A note book and pen might be useful too.
Cost:
Ice and Fire Stav Members £15
Non–members £35
Booking:
Please email Graham to ask for BACs details, or please use the Paypal form below.