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Combination 101

matt — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 01:03:44 +0000

This one had me stumped for a bit, as I was having trouble with the takedown. It had two versions that matched pretty well and both referenced a crescent and an inner reap. Somehow, I missed the fact that it was for uke’s left leg. We went around and around with mixed results, until a rereading set us straight. It’s a fun one. There are some good concepts in there, but the spin move seems like it adds unnecessary complexity.

Combination 50

matt — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 21:44:23 +0000

This one’s not in the highest echelon, but we didn’t have a left hand attack video for it. Steve Castelli did a version off a right hand punch, but it didn’t really match what we had. I still don’t know why 45-50 are usually taught off of a left handed attack, but that’s been my experience. I did have one high ranking person suggest that many of the higher combinations may have been ‘outsourced’, and that the person assigned these was left handed.

Combination 94

matt — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:33:33 +0000

This one was elaborate and a bit of a challenge to film – it requires a lot of control to execute. It took a few takes, and the blooper reel makes for entertaining viewing. The 90s are mostly complete at this point. We don’t have anything for 92 and we’re still figuring out 99 so if you have any leads on those let me know.

Combination 77

matt — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 20:27:39 +0000

Here’s a combination with that ‘one-o’clock / nine o’clock’ entry footwork. There’s a hint of limb destruction and point of origin striking as well. Chris and I have noticed some repeating elements such as the footwork and the snap mare style throw in the 70’s.

Combination 100

matt — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:43:13 +0000

We have two versions, reminiscent of combination 18 and of some of the 40s. There’s a simple version and a more elaborate one, and my feeling is that the best version would be somewhere in between. Conceptually, I like the takedown, but the spin move seems risky given that you’ve only hit the attacker once (in the simple version).

Combination 84

matt — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 02:34:41 +0000

Sorry for the delay, but between scheduling delays and injuries Chris and I have struggled a bit to record more combinations. This is one that I really want to reshoot, but I’ll have to swallow my pride over the kata guruma quality and take care of that later. This is a spinning entry to an elbow to the body, but I feel like it exposes your back a bit. Let me know what you think. We did film a few more today, so I’ll get to editing those ASAP.

Deep Dive into 91

matt — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 02:56:32 +0000

My friend Marlon Wilson of Shaolin Kempo Training Centre has done a deep dive into combination 91, exploring some potential adjustments and nuances. It goes into much more conceptual detail and gives rationale for some of the technique elements. I think he did a great job and you should probably watch the video. Maybe subscribe while you are there.

Helpful content for those under black belt.

matt — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 03:42:39 +0000

I know I’ve been focusing on material for 7th / 8th/ 9th degree black belts lately, but Andy Henson sent me this really useful link for black belt candidates. Make sure to give them a like and subscribe when you get there.

https://www.youtube.com/@juniorblackbeltseries7608

Combination 80

matt — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 16:39:55 +0000

Combination 80 is interesting, as it’s basically combination two with a different takedown. We’ve seen repeats like this before – combination 35 is basically combination 5 done to the outside. Try five against a left hand punch without changing anything else and you’ll see what I mean.

The takedown here is kata garuma known also as a fireman’s carry throw or a winding throw. It’s a staple of old school judo, but is not allowed under current competition rules. This is perhaps one of my favorites of the high level combinations we’ve filmed.