Introduction
KFM is a singular method of self defense of Spanish gypsy origin. Developed by Justo Diéguez Serrano and Andy Norman from their fighting experiences in the streets of Spain and the UK, respectively, the method is very instinctive, using economical and real-life street fighting techniques. The Keysi Fighting Method became famous after it was used in the fighting choreography of the movies Batman Begins and its sequel, The Dark Knight. At first sight KFM may seem similar to Dan Inosanto's street-oriented and Panantukan flavored interpretation of Jeet Kune Do.
History and Origins
KFM is a Spanish martial art, born on the streets in the late 1950's, and has grown, developed and matured as a result of real life events, experiences and years of investigation by its founders Diéguez Serrano and Andy Norman.
Principles and Techniques
KFM is a philosophy of life that grows with its practioner, based on knowledge, research and experimentation.
Keysi is an intuitive, low-grounded fighting method that requires superior leg and upper body strength, with a strong emphasis on mental focus and awareness.
Unlike many martial arts developed for sport or competition, KFM lends itself to combat in extreme close quarters and can be applied to fighting in any environment, against multiple attackers from all directions. Its "360-degree" approach allows to control multi-assailant attacks whether standing, kneeling, sitting or lying down.
KFM makes use of multiple attacking ranges, with or without weapons and nine points of contact, fists, feet, knees, elbows, head butts. The main focus of KFM is to protect the most vulneralbe parts of the body, the head, using all strikes at high, middle, and low lines on the opponent.
KFM also relies on the study of how people typically move or attack in a fight so that when striking, the opponent's body moves to expose further targets. A variety of counter attacks to vital targets (such as the biceps, kidneys or solar plexus) are then launched.
Training Method and Schools
The KFM teaching method is also unique. It is NOT "technique" driven, but driven by "Instinct". The idea is that in a real-life self defense situation you do not have the time to recollect and apply the most adequate technique if it is not instinct driven. So, the student's instinct is cultivated while the material taught is dynamically layered with stress so the student is able to perform with that material under pressure.
Most schools offering KFM are located in Europe, but seminars have been organized in the US and instruction is available in New York, Texas, Georgia, Maryland, Delaware and Orlando, Florida. KFM is also starting to develop in Australia, with schools appearing in Perth, Brisbane and Canberra.
Keysi Fighting Method in Popular Culture
KFM was popularized after it was used in the fighting choreography of the movies Batman Begins and its sequel, The Dark Knight. Fight arranger David Forman (The Last Samurai) and director Christopher Nolan wanted a style that combined the gritty intensity of street-oriented fighting style with a disciplined martial arts approach.
The fighting style had to be unique and animalistic in style and look as though Bruce Wayne-as-Batman had created his own style of fighting.
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