(no subject)

[x-mandelbrot.livejournal.com]

To: [Korvus]
From: [Layla]
Subject: Kara

So you remember when you gave me that Kara bracelet as part of my secret Santa gift? You know how I used to wear it literally all the time? You remember that time a totally fucked up crazy country kidnapped us all from a protest and we showed up without our clothes? Guess what else didn't show up? So...I dunno if there are like cheap knock offs vs like good ones or whatever. Can you help me find somewhere to get a replacement from? Or maybe wherever you got the first one from?

-Lay

Comments

[x-korvus.livejournal.com]

To: [Layla]
From: [Korvus]
Subject: Re: Kara

I do remember. I will replace it. Before you argue, I insist.

[x-mandelbrot.livejournal.com]

To: [Korvus]
From: [Layla]
Subject: Re: Kara

-.- <---is meant to look like someone is staring at you with narrowed eyes. That is the look I am giving the email.

I'll just have to feed you a lot or something.

Oh, hey, can I ask you something else? (other than that I just asked if I could ask something and that's also a question...)

[x-korvus.livejournal.com]

To: [Layla]
From: [Korvus]
Subject: Re: Kara

You may continue asking as many questions as you feel are necessary.

[x-mandelbrot.livejournal.com]

To: [Korvus]
From: [Layla]
Subject: Re: Kara

Awesome!

So when you were showing me how to use the kara as a knuckle duster you like referenced the fighting style it comes from and stuff and it kinda sounded like you knew a lot about fighting style stuff. Like not just theoretically but practical knowledge. How much do you know about fighting?

[x-korvus.livejournal.com]

The Kara is used in Gatka, a Sikh martial art studied primarily in India. I am tangentially familiar with it due to my involvement in the Indian martial art community as a gurukkal in Kalari Payat. To be a gurukkal is to have completed all levels of Kalari Payat training. Most students are excluded from training the final level of training (unarmed combat) due to the possible danger they may then pose to the general populace. It is quite an accomplishment and I am Panikkar Korvus Rook'shir in that community; a title used to convey respect for my capabilities.

I hope that answer was sufficient.

[x-mandelbrot.livejournal.com]

To: [Korvus]
From: [Layla]
Subject: Re: Kara

Yeah, that was sufficient. I'm looking it up on wikipedia. I mean, it might not be like totally accurate but maybe some of it is or something.

So, since you've gone through all the levels does that mean you could teach someone else? Like, would you maybe teach me? I know that wikipedia says the whole first stage of training doesn't involve learning any fighting at all and it's about jumping and twisting and being capable and stuff. So it's not like I think I'd know how to kick some ass in six months. I just...I really don't want to have to hope other people can keep me alive if I end up having to fight for my life again, you know?

[x-korvus.livejournal.com]

That is technically correct however there is a two week initiation phase consisting of an intense stretching regimen and oil massage in order to prepare your muscles for meithari.

I am capable of and willing to teach you. You can expect to be much more mobile and capable of presenting a reasonable defense within six months. You ass kicking capabilities may forever be limited, however. Kalari Payat is not as focused on violence as some other martial arts. Your focus should be on deepening the understanding of your own body with improvement in your ability to issue an ass kicking as a desirable byproduct.

[x-mandelbrot.livejournal.com]

Right, I read something about oil stuff. That seems kinda, I dunno, not weird but um...unusual? Like most people don't rub oil on you as training, do they? But what do I know anyway.

So it's mostly defensive? I mean, okay, you're confusing me now. Because wikipedia says it's all like stretching and jumping and twisting and then it's like wooden staffs and then it's like blade type weapons. Isn't that sort of...ass kickery right there? I mean, ability to issue an ass kicking is kind of my goal over all anyway. I just sorta assume that knowing how to, uh, deliver said kicking is involved, right?

Am I just confusing myself? Because that's totally possible!

[x-korvus.livejournal.com]

If you intend to carry a staff or sword then you will most certainly be pleased with the results in short order. I only wish to prepare you for the warrior's mindset.

Also, I have been told oil massage is unusual here. I will use my feet. That information seems to make it better for some reason.

[x-mandelbrot.livejournal.com]

I don't like intend to carry one thing or the other. I'm still kinda figuring it out, you know? So short version of warrior's mindset is....know yourself and what your body is capable of so you can handle violence if you need to but don't seek it out? Did I get that right?

You're going to massage me with your feet? Aaaaand that just went from "usual" to "weird."

[x-korvus.livejournal.com]

You did.

I would. It allows me to apply more pressure through use of my body weight over more surface area as my feet are larger than my hands. While most other martial arts exist without this technique, they are less athletic because of it.

[x-mandelbrot.livejournal.com]

So what does the massaging stuff actually do? Like what's it's actual purpose in the bigger picture of stuff?

[x-korvus.livejournal.com]

It will prevent you from pulling your muscles and damaging your joints during meithari. I believe it to be important. After the initial two weeks it will then be limited to immediately prior to training.

[x-mandelbrot.livejournal.com]

So that means it's every day for those two weeks, right? How many days a week is training after the initiation is up?

[x-korvus.livejournal.com]

I suggest three but defer to your preference.

[x-mandelbrot.livejournal.com]

I'm gonna go with whatever you say because you know what you're doing and I don't. And it's not like I'm doing anything else all summer but like hanging with Sarah and skating pretty much. So, you know, whenever works for you really. And then when school starts again we can figure out scheduling or whatever. But I'd rather do however many times a week you recommend.

[x-korvus.livejournal.com]

I train six days a week in the mornings beginning at five. We will take Sundays to rest. When classes begin, you may reduce your participation to Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I will deliver the necessary uniform along with your Kara tomorrow so we may begin Monday.

[x-mandelbrot.livejournal.com]

Oh, wow. 5 am. That's...early. Like I don't think I have ever been awake at 5 before. But it's cool. I can totally do it. That's what naps are for or something.