What is a karambit

[Dragon77]

I saw the page on the karambit, but I just have one question...
what is it?

Has it always been a part of Kenpo and I haven't heard of it?

D77

[Maximus]

The karambit (also spelled kerambit and sometimes cerambit) is a small, curve-bladed weapon designed for personal defense originating in Indonesia. Though designs of the karambit vary according to single or double edge and even the curvature of the blade, a distinguishing characteristic of all karambits is a ring, or hole, in the handle. This allows for the insertion of a finger to aide in securing the weapon and to enable one to deliver two strikes in a single motion.

The Elite Fighter System of Modern Personal Combat primarily trains in modern weaponry such as knives, clubs (canes), and firearms; however, the system also guides the student in peripheral weapon studies such as exotic weaponry. The karambit falls within this category. The Elite Fighter System has chosen (and highly recommends) one particular type of curved blade (though not actually a traditional karambit) for study. Commonly referred to by students of the Elite Fighter System as the American Kenpo Karambit, this weapon was designed by Master Knifemaker (and American Kenpo Black Belt) Gil Hibben. It is called the Hibben Claw II.

Gil Hibben is known throughout the world for his high quality functional and artistic edged weaponry. In the 1990's, Hibben designed the first of a curve-bladed weapon designed for personal use; however, it was a design that was introduced to the public in 2003 that revolutionized this ancient Indonesian weapon. This new design, called the Hibben Claw II, has been renamed by students as the American Kenpo Karambit.

When this innovative design was introduced, it had everything that a person could ask for. Everything except a program on how to use it. Imagine the US Air Force developing the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, but no one knows how to fly it! Well, that is when the Institute of Modern Personal Combat Tactics and Training (IMPCTT) stepped in.

IMPCTT commissioned Eric Lamkin to develop a complete guide to the American Kenpo Karambit. The methods presented in this guide are based upon American Kenpo Karate principles and the advanced knife fighting methods of the Elite Fighter System. Though many combat principles of the Elite Fighter System were used to enhance the weapon's capabilities (which, in turn, are founded upon Pangasinan Arnis de Mano knife fighting methods), we pay homage to the art of American Kenpo Karate by adopting the name given by our students--American Kenpo Karambit; for it is the art of American Kenpo Karate that inspires and encourages its practitioners to develop new innovations and further progress the science of Self Defense.

I am sure that you will find this program to be exciting, informative, and highly practical in your personal defense studies.

-Maximus

[warrior-scholar]

Please take a look at the latest issue of Inside Kung Fu Magazine. There is an ad for a karambit fighting system. This isn't the only such ad I have seen in the past few months. Is this coincidence or just weird timing? It seems some people are taking notice of your recent development.

Warrior-Scholar