The methodology, ideology, and philosophy behind Modern Filipino Kun Tao is simple, yet complex. The art is simple in nature, effective in execution, but complex in variations, tendencies, and practical application. The Kun Tao Method page is dedicated to discussing the basic over-arching themes that are used. Throughout this section, different Methodologies, Ideologies, and Philosophies will be presented and archived.
#1 The Method of Attack
There are many ideas on how to "approach" an oncoming attack. In Kun Tao, the focus tends to be to protect, neutralize, and then destroy the attack. In Universal Kali-Silat, the D.I.E. method is used. This means to Destroy, Invade, and Eliminate. Both systems are predicated on the concept that the block itself, is an attacking strike meant to hit a particular target with specific reaction.
PROTECTION / DESTROY - Combining the two ideas (Filipino Kun Tao and Universal Kali-Silat), the blocking strike IS a strike meant to defend against the attack, weaken the attack, and allow for the movement forward, or bridging the gap.
NEUTRALIZE / INVADE - Again, combining the two concepts, it is important to neutralize the attack while moving in and bridging the gap. The neutralization and invasion often comes with a debilitating striking. This striking cane be seen in the form of gunting, nerve and muscular destructions, and blunt trauma strikes . The neutralization strike can and will temporarily eliminate use of the attacking limb on the opponents. While it may be only for a brief time, it does provide an advantage.
DESTROY / ELIMINATE - The concept in both the arts is the same. Destroy the attack and eliminate the threat. The last step cannot be accomplished without the successful execution of the first two. Blocking, Neutralizing, and Invading the space allows for the attacker to control the attack and ultimately flip the scenario. Ending any attack quickly and efficiently is the goal. This is the step to eliminate the attack by destroying the attacker's ability to continue. This destruction can be physical, mental, or both!
The concept, or Method of Attack, against an attacker is easier said than done. the three combined methods listed above are the concepts or philosophy behind the idea. However, in order to carry these steps out, training must cover footwork, striking, accuracy, precision, muscle memory, speed, and other factors that help defend, neutralize, and eliminate.
#2 The Method of Blocking
The opening Method of Kun Tao was the Method of Attack. Within this methodology is the premise of Protection and Destruction of the attack. In Kun Tao, the incoming attack is attacked itself. Meaning, in Kun Tao, practitioners are taught to block an attack with the block being a pointed deliberate strike to defend and disable the attacker.
When blocking, the most important aspect is to evade the attack. It is paramount to move the target and object of the attack. While it might not be possible to completely move out of the attack, if the attack is pinpointed on one area, it is that area that must be moved. For example, if a punch coming at the head, the initial step would be to move the head slightly off of the line of attack while using a block to strike the attacker's attack.
In the example of the punch defense, the block is a hardened strike to the attacker's wrist, all while keeping the blocking arm bent and located in close proximity to the body. The sharp hardened strike to the wrist of the attacker will cause the fist to loosen and a quick reaction from the attacker than can allow for an opening to switch from the defending to neutralizing and eliminating the attack.
There are many forms of blocking, moving, and eliminating the attack in Kun Tao. The Method of Blocking remains the same. Recognize the attack; move the target of the attack, defend the target with a block that is actually a strike itself; neutralize the attack and eliminate future attacks. This neutralization and elimination of an attack is a block; in that it blocks future attacks.
#3 The Method of Moving
Movement within Modern Filipino Kun Tao is simple, efficient, but takes time, patience, and most of all practice. There are two simple types of movement that are emphasized: (1) Movement to bridge the gap and close distance in the case of a linear attack; and (2) Movement to evade an attack and turn the attacker into the attacked by angular movement.
In the case where confrontation is unavoidable, and movement forward is necessary, bridging the gap in a linear fashion may just be an unavoidable evil. In Modern Filipino Kun Tao the stance taught with sixty percent of weight on the back leg, knees bent, with legs shoulder width apart. Moving forward would be done by moving the feet together to maintain balance and form, while keeping the head level. On the entry forward, striking is necessary to subdue the attacker, and or to distract from the idea that the gap between is shrinking.
The second movement in Modern Filipino Kun Tao is defensive in nature, and works off traditional Filipino triangle footwork. The angles remove the target from the line of attack, allow for the block, redirection, and invasion to eliminate the attack as discussed in the D.I.E. Method. Angular footwork follows the same stance set up with sixty percent of weight on the back leg with legs bent at the knees and feet shoulder width apart. All in all, the angular footwork in Modern Filipino Kun Tao affords the practitioner the ability to evade attack and counter an attack with minimal exposure to aggressive striking (of course, when done with appropriate attention to detail and PRACTICE).
The method of movement in Modern Filipino Kun Tao is simple, direct, and applicable to many situations. The method while simple, takes muscle memory and years of practice.
#4 The Method of Three
The Method of Three is a very simple teaching device for students of Modern Filipino Kun Tao. This method is applicable to a variety of self-defense situations when an attacker has their hands on the person. This would apply to front chokes, head locks, back chokes, single arm grabs, double arm grabs, and bear hugs. Depending on the type of grab, some of the Method of Three will not apply, but still important.
The first of three, is AVOIDANCE. When possible, avoid and attempt at a grab, choke, or lock. This can be done through situational awareness, deflections, striking, destroying, and escaping.
The second of three, is to SECURE BREATHING & BALANCE. If avoiding the attack was not possible, or unsuccessful, then it is important to protect breathing and balance by securing the airway and dropping to a lower center of gravity; so as to not be pulled around.
The third of three, is to STRIKE AND GET AWAY. Once balance and breathing are secured, it is time to weaken, gain control, and destroy the attack; allowing for easy escape from any attack.
The Method of Three is simple and are considered three key memory points for students to always consider on an attack. Can the attack be avoided? If so, then there is the deflection, the destruction, and the disabling attacks. If the attack cannot be avoided, breathing and balance must be secured before and defense can begin. Once secured, strike and get away,