The Keysi Fighting Method by Imri Rivas

Karate, Tai Chi, Muay Thai; all are names that immediately makes us think about the

broad world of martial arts. Despite the effectiveness of their psychological and physical styles,

many new forms of martial arts continue to adapt and appear as investigational research clarifies

the effectiveness of each. Dubbed as so-called hybrid martial arts, one of these interesting forms

is the Keysi Fighting Method (KFM). Less than a century old, KFM has proven itself singular in

almost every aspect that would define a martial art.

KFM originated in the streets of Spain during the 1950s. Though always

existent in all his life, Justo Dieguez was the one that developed it (if not

popularized) this style. Dieguez spent his youth working in the mines during his

youth, alongside with convicts. At an almost daily basis, he fought other men to

keep alive, and, were it for good or evil, Dieguez mastered Keysi in its most extreme form. After

a near death accident, he decided to join the Special Forces, and though he became an

outstanding soldier, he resigned to learn more the varied styles of martial arts.

Andy Norman, the co-founder of KFM, also had a similar life to Justo.

Except that he would purposely test his strength within the streets of

Yorkshire, England. Described as “anarchic” during his youth, Norman began

seeking another side to fighting instead for the power of it. Once an adult,

Norman began searching for an emotional side to martial arts that ultimately

lead to the development of KFM.

Coincidentally, Justo and Andy met at a training seminar, and together developed KFM

to what it is now. Both non-conformists and non-traditionalists, KFM rose to fame under their

development. It is of great importance that KFM is a style that originated on the streets, not a

hybrid of this or that.

Of the countless differences that could be pointed out from KFM and other existing

fighting styles, a rather obvious one would be the defensive guard from which all moves have

foundation upon: the pensador (the thinker in Spanish). In combat the fighter would place both

hands on his head, elbows out, and move his hands in a circular motion. The purpose of this

stance is to protect the head, neck, and face from any knockouts. There are many moves within

the method, but almost all of them proceed from the pensador stance.

Overall, KFM combatants are very near to their opponents; the training that this style

provides helps the fighter limit the opponent by being close-up, allowing them to protect

themselves, but also allowing more accurate and deadly blows to the opponent. Therefore, this

discipline demands understanding how a person acts under a fight, and anticipate incoming

strikes (which, ironically, is the most vulnerable moment). Counterstrikes in KFM are its

specialty, one could say. Other distinctive features are the use of 360 degree motions. The

advantage to fight in multiple angles at once is priceless. A student that trained within the first

months of Keysi mentioned that training began on maintaining the defensive stance against four

opponents; this

demands great ability

to think and act on

moving and

anticipating incoming

strikes, which includes on moving and switching your attention on degree angles of every length.

Practicality is developed from physical training of Keysi, as one would more realistically

confront more than one opponent. In a perfect world where combat ethic would apply, (sarcasm

intended) facing one opponent at a time is nothing short of unrealistic.

Also interestingly singular is the philosophy behind the action. While most martial arts

emphasize the idea of a life force, or to acquire harmony within life, KFM takes on a more

earthly approach. It does not emphasize on metaphysics. Instead, Keysi tries to refine the instinct

that humans are meant to have. Let us look at the pensador stance for example. You will notice

the hands up to the head. This is actually part instinct; when one takes a fall, or tries to block an

object aimed at the face, one’s natural instinct is block with your forearms. KFM works to refine

the instincts and make them into defensive or offensive moves.

Another part of the philosophy is understanding your self-truths. Basically, this involves

knowing oneself and using that in your technique. (Curiously enough, the word keysi means from

the heart). Since KFM is not bound by traditions like other styles, Keysi allows its user to be

creative to their own comfortable way. You must internally debate what is right at the moment

and act by it. It’s all an emotional response. This form of thinking also confirms the street-related

origins. Its existence was born due to the need of surviving, not for a spiritual outlet, as other

existing styles. Andy Norman also stated that moves like the pensador developed as a

“consequence” of a fight, and is not the purpose or aim of the fighter. Compare this to other

styles where the combatant already has something in mind in a confrontation.

As practical it could ever be, KFM’s popularity with mainstream culture owes its debt to

movies that based the fighting on this style. A major blockbuster was Batman Begins, the most

recent installation portraying the story of Bruce Wayne and his alter ego, Batman. Paul Jennings,

the stunt coordinator of Batman Begins, stated that they chose this style because “its very much

about being mentally aware of your environment… [and] how people behave and respond to

actions and reactions.”

Christian Bales, the star actor of the

movie, also stated: “KFM is very practical.

These guys actually train off in nightclubs, and

smoke up the room. It’s all about using what’s

available, like using an ash tray and smacking it

to a person.” Jennings said that it was the

philosophy that essentially made KFM

adequate for the persona of Batman. “We felt that

that was exactly what we were looking for Batman. If he felt like head butting you, then that was

exactly what he does.” The franchise sequel, The Dark Knight, also used KFM (unsurprisingly).

Mission Impossible III also recently applied this style as the protagonist’s choice of combat

within the movie. The obvious result: Keysi is now in the mainstream culture after only a few

years of existence.

For those that desire a fighting method that has an exotic touch and flexible viewpoint on

life, then KFM would meet and perhaps even surpass your expectations. It is not a “mcdojo”; no,

KFM requires its user to be fully aware of your environment and not fight without an ethic code.

Its aim is to survive. It is in this phrase that the Keysi Fighting Method is able to stand out in

almost all aspects in what one would consider a martial art.

Bibliography

Batman Begins - Shaping Mind and Body. Perf. Christian Bale. Waner Brothers Productions. n.d.

Dr. Yang, Jwing Ming. The Root of Chinese Qihong. 1997.

Jackson, Lesley. "Keysi Fighting Method." Martial Edge. <http://www.martialedge.net/articles/techniques-and-tutorials/keysi-fighting-method/>.

"Keysi Fighting Method." Full Contact Martial Arts. <http://www.fullcontactmartialarts.org/keysi-fighting-method.html>.

Keysi Fighting Method - The History. 2010 <https://www.keysikfm.com/en/about/history>.

"Keysi Fighting Method Techniques." Livestrong.com. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/206646-keysi-fighting-method-techniques/>.

Lung, Dr. Haha. Mind Manipulation. n.d.

Norman, Andy. Andy Norman of Keysi Fighting Method KFM Pete Mills.

Norman, Andy. Andy Norman of the KFM WOMA TV.