Stage Combat

I recently attended a stage combat workshop with the renowned Andy Fraser, Fight Director and WA Rep for the Society of Australian Fight Directors Inc. (SAFDI). After many hold-ups and set-backs, I made it.

Now for someone who has spent over 16 years studying one of the many forms of Self-Defence Martial Arts, adapting my style to a non-impacting presentation of physical combat has always been a slight challenge. There is the trained tendency to "follow-through" which has to be tempered in order to avoid inflicting actual injury to your co-actor. On the other hand, it did teach me many essential basics such as how to fall without breaking something important, using a well-balanced stance and self-control.

After firstly being delayed due to post-traffic accident clean-up activities, then being thoroughly confuse by the street signs that claimed the street number started at 6 and not 2 (maybe an issue for the council me-thinks), I finally walk in the door. It was well timed as pointed out by those already present as I missed out on the warm-up. Never mind, with the frustration I expressed at mindless moronic motorists and stupid signpost singularities, I was feeling quite warm as it was.

Now to the actual session itself. It was great. Let's say it took common sense concepts (such as avoiding hurting each-other) and added simple tricks to create the illusion. I do mean simple. So simple in fact that you probably wouldn't think of them yourself.

The focus is on the theatrical presentation of the combat and not the technicalities of combat itself, which is as it should be. The throwing of a standard punch, or a high-powered round-house, to the pulling of hair and even, to the embarrassment of a few, the groin attack. I think some of the girls may have a bit too much fun.

In a real fight, you are working against your partner, trying to outwit them and gain the upper hand. In staged combat, you have to work together as a team. The "Victim" in theatrical combat has the power, the control and not the aggressor. The role of the aggressor is to guide and support the other. Each must be prepared to catch the other when things go wrong. After all, which is more important, a realistic fight or the safety of the combatants? I hope you answered the latter.

For a cheap at twice the price $15 (or $20 if you attend the second session also), I did learn some interesting things that I did not know before, and it was great fun. Even if you have done all the training you can take, you should still attend (yes, I am using the guilt word SHOULD) because refreshment is always good and so is anything that is fun to do.

If you are involved in a production that requires physical combat, knowing at least the basics is vital. It will help you protect yourself and your partner. It is not a simple matter of throwing a punch and hoping your partner can get out of the way in time. Attitudes like that get people hurt.

If you want to find out more then e-mail Andy at stagecombatperth@yahoo.com.au and I am sure he would be more than happy to advise or help out in anyway he can.

Jeff Watkins