What I Didn't Know: HAMA Instructor Talks Haitian Machete Fighting
7,852This is a follow-up to my previous video (a commentary on Zulu Stick Fighting & Haitian Machete Fencing).
https://youtu.be/-egvv89xpRc
Having a conversation with HAMA (Historical African Martial Arts) instructor Da'Mon Stith to add some information and clarify methods, techniques, and their historical / cultural background. It's interesting to take an outside look at other arts, but of course it comes with the risk of misinterpreting different techniques and forms of practice due to lack of knowledge. On the other hand it can be a great opportunity to open up dialogue and exchange perspectives, which is what this video is about.
There are some similarities to European martial arts, particularly when looking at relatively short single-edged blades like the messer or cutlass, which is not surprising considering universal biomechanics and certain restraints on how weapons can be used effectively. But there is a lot we may miss when taking practice at face value, for example the different dynamics of attacker-defender drills with no protective gear.
Check out his work:
https://www.youtube.com/c/DaMonStith
http://www.silentsword.org/
The book by T. J. Desch-Obi that Da'Mon mentioned (Fighting for Honor: The History of African Martial Arts in the Atlantic World):
USA - https://amzn.to/3j3KfHX
CAN - https://amzn.to/3AZ6WTV
Other sources and channels referenced:
Haitian Machete Fencing: Mike illustrates the hanging guard with Da'Mon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJAaGtMe_so
52Blocks
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GF0w0yztRAZUgc3Wlcz-Q
Increíble los haitiano practicando ,para aprender luego con los machetes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt7jXs4SKNM
Zulu & Filipino Kali Stick Fighting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_qgilAJi4U
https://www.youtube.com/c/siyabongamakhathini/videos
*** Music ***
Intro song:
"Illuminate" by Vindsvept
https://vindsvept.bandcamp.com/track/illuminate
Used with artist's permission
Outtakes:
"Little People At Work" by Horrorpen
https://opengameart.org/content/little-people-at-work-loop
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license (CC BY 3.0)
Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
https://theslantedroom.github.io/steve.yee/
Used with artist's permission
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#hama #haiti #martialarts