Gil Hibben / Long Form VIII

[Lance C]

I recently aquired a United Cutlery UC-950 knife commonly known as the "Kenpo I Knife) It is an overpriced knife these days, but after receiving it, think it was worth the money. It is very good quality. (I wonder what the custom versions of it are like!)

There are several references to Mr. Hibben's thesis on this knife's construction in various literature. Is the thesis available anywhere for reading?

That comes to another question is that it is rumoured that Form VIII was designed around the knife, although there are rumours that contradict that, one being it was desinged for a commando fighting knife called the Sykes-Fairbairn dagger.

I would find any information most interesting,

-Lance C

[administrator]

Gil's custom knives are pieces of art. His craftsmanship is beyond compare. Gil goes way by in kenpo history with Ed Parker to the mid 60s. I really doubt that Gil based his knife on anyone else's work, nor that Ed based his form on anyone's knife. I have seen Gil demonstrate the use of his knife with regard to American Kenpo. You can be assured that the American Kenpo knife fighting system is centered around his work and knowledge.

Kevin Lamkin

[Lance C]

Gil's custom knives are pieces of art. His craftsmanship is beyond compare. Gil goes way by in kenpo history with Ed Parker to the mid 60s. I really doubt that Gil based his knife on anyone else's work, nor that Ed based his form on anyone's knife. I have seen Gil demonstrate the use of his knife with regard to American Kenpo. You can be assured that the American Kenpo knife fighting system is centered around his work and knowledge.

Kevin Lamkin

What is the American Kenpo knife fighting system?

Years ago I bought Mr.Hibben's book on knife throwing, since then it is fascinating to see some of his designs. He not only loves knives, but finds beauty in the practicallity of them.

When I learned about knives in the martial arts, there was a movement against the big knives like the UC-950, but from handling it, it really changed my mind.

Anecdote:

When I first started into Kenpo there was a local instructor who liked to give catch phrases as part of the sales pitch of why Kenpo is so great. He said that "The Great thing about Kenpo techniques is that you can exchange empty hands for weapons"

I doubt the guy ever thought about things much while on the mats, even short form I would cause you to cut yourself during a block exchange.

-Lance C

[administrator]

What is the American Kenpo knife fighting system?
When I first started into Kenpo there was a local instructor who liked to give catch phrases as part of the sales pitch of why Kenpo is so great. He said that "The Great thing about Kenpo techniques is that you can exchange empty hands for weapons"
The American Kenpo Knife fighting system is as you quoted about. Ed Parker believed that you could put a weapon in you hand in perform kenpo with the weapon. I wouldn't want to experience the results of any weapon fighting system. However, because of other exposure to weapon systems, the Elite-Fighters System is not the 'traditional' kenpo method of weapons.

To get back to your original question, if you want the highest quality blade that can be made, go to Gil Hibben.

Kevin Lamkin

[Lance C]

The American Kenpo Knife fighting system is as you quoted about. Ed Parker believed that you could put a weapon in you hand in perform kenpo with the weapon. I wouldn't want to experience the results of any weapon fighting system. However, because of other exposure to weapon systems, the Elite-Fighters System is not the 'traditional' kenpo method of weapons.

To get back to your original question, if you want the highest quality blade that can be made, go to Gil Hibben.

Kevin Lamkin


Coming from a background of south pacific arts, stuff one would use in warfare I really related to the Elite-Fighter's System (Weapon #1 and #2) and have seen the Karambit, Cane and Walking Stick forms.

Currently in the 3rd Degree Black Belt studies, the weapon portions are not much to my liking. I would rather have a 30 inch rattan stick than the nunchaku, and the Long VII doesn't have the flow training Kali had. (perhaps I need much more practice before making that decision)

Here is a question:

I took advice that Form VII was to be practiced with different weapons to refine one's techniques, however in "the day" was it performed with clubs? (truncheons), billy clubs etc. I found that the Storm Self Defense Techniques were much easier to do when the person taking the swing (or poke) at you had a club opposed to a rattan stick. It is the time latency in stopping the weapon that gives you much opportunity. A counter balanced or very light weapon (like a riding crop) allows little opportunity.

-Lance C