Carenza TrainingCarenza is a Filipino martial arts term meaning ‘shadow boxing’ with the use of a weapon. Typically, you would use a stick, a long blade or a knife. You can also combine the weapons by holding one in each hand. Movements done during this form of training are not usually prearranged but done in a free style fashion. Body Mechanics
The long blade is used to ‘slash’, cut or stab. This type of weapon brings out a lot of rotational movement in the body. A stick is used to ‘smash’, hit or stab. It’s usage produces faster, longer movements when compared with a long blade. A knife is used to cut and stab. Training with a knife produces short, sharp, cat-like movement. Empty Hands When you go back to shadow boxing with empty hands after you have trained weapons carenza for a period of time you will find that your body mechanics will have improved dramatically. Video Clip Check out the clip below to see what I mean. Take note of the different body movements that are brought out with each of the weapons as described above. Also, take note of how the movements transfer to empty hands shadow boxing. Please note A word of caution. Never, ever use a sharp blade when training. When I am talking about blades here, I am talking about a training blade (which is blunt) not a real blade! I repeat, never use a sharp blade when training. ”Lower the ceiling” To further improve your body mechanics during this type of training, bend your knees so that your body weight is very low. Imagine the ceiling has been significantly lowered and you have to train under a much lower height. By bending your knees and ‘lowering the ceiling’ you will greatly improve your body mechanics. Unconventional but effective At first, movements performed during carenza can look excessive and unconventional compared with many traditional styles. However, once you have trained it for a few months you will notice how it brings out excellent body mechanics when you go back to empty hand training.
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To develop superior body mechanics with carenza you need to understand what type of movement each of the weapons ‘brings out’ in the body.