The Rooted School VSCK

Jason shares a hand crafted dueling weapon made by Sonny Umpad.

VSCK Podcast | EP 4 | 260524
On YouTube and Spotify
Sundays at 9am PST

🎥

I share a hand crafted panabas Sonny created for training.

VSCK Podcast | EP 4 | 260524
On YouTube and Spotify
Sundays at 9am PST

🎥

Counterattacking as a pathway into the exchange.

This week we explored climbing from 1st point (wrist), to 2nd point (elbow), and eventually into 3rd point (shoulder/body/head).

Starting with single counteroffensive strikes, then progressing into follow-up combinations after the initial entry.

What changes isn’t just the target —
but the distance, body position, angle, and timing required to safely reach it.

Moving through 1st, 2nd, and 3rd point reveals how each layer of the exchange demands different positioning, structure, and relationship to your partner.

Good work from my student this week. A lot of material covered, but he stayed present and adapted well throughout the progression.

Different ranges. Different problems. Same principles.

Renato shares the first iteration of Sonny’s “Umpadded” sticks.

VSCK Podcast | EP 4 | 260524
On YouTube and Spotify
Sundays at 9am PST

🎥

Something we worked on in class last week:

Using a tip-up “wave cutter” concept to defend from guard.

On the surface, it looks simple. Basic even.

But once swords are involved, everything changes.

Now there’s edge alignment to consider.
The angle of the blade.
The relationship between your structure and the incoming strike.
The footwork needed to move your body to a safer position rather than simply “stopping” the attack.

In VSCK, even fundamental blocking is less about memorizing techniques and more about managing distance, timing, angle, and pace inside the exchange.

The goal isn’t to force a perfect response.

It’s to develop enough clarity and structure that the right response can emerge under pressure.

That’s why we spend so much time on fundamentals and Pendulum Flow. Over time, they stop feeling “basic” and start revealing depth.

If this approach resonates with you, come train with us sometime.

Renato shares some of Sonny’s handcrafted knives and sticks. Showing that Sonny’s dedication and love for the art was expansive beyond the martial aspects.

Jason explains Sonny’s influence in the knife industry