The Human Weapon TV Series

[LWPD]

Just a reminder and heads up for those who may have missed it. Tonight I'll be taping this myself.

Behind the Scenes of Human Weapon

tinyurl.com/2droow

Blurb: "HUMAN WEAPON Series Premieres on Friday, July 20 at 10pm ET/PT HUMAN WEAPON follows Jason Chambers, America's own fighting Welterweight Champion & Bill Duff, former Pro Football Player & Wrestler, as they train with international hand-to-hand combat masters and learn the history behind the world's most fascinating forms of combat...Culminating with a heart-pounding fight challenge.Their thrill-seeking quest takes hosts Jason and Bill to some extreme and exotic places. Each episode of HUMAN WEAPON charts an expedition through foreign continents, famous cities, exotic villages, back alleys and lush landscapes in their quest for a different type of combat. After learning about the history and culture, and training in it themselves, they will see if they have learned enough to take on one of the professional fighting masters in the discipline -- and survive"

LWPD (this documentary series starts on Friday July 20th on the History Channel...should be a worthwhile Tivo for any serious MMA Fan)

[LWPD]

The first show gave a fairly comprehensive overview of Muay Thai history and customs. I was impressed and would recommend checking it out. Here's a comprehensive review of the first episode.

Courtesy of smallscreen.monstersandcritics.com

Smallscreen Reviews

Review: “Human Weapon” Muay Thai: Fast, Accurate and Powerful

By April MacIntyre Jul 18, 2007, 18:28 GMT

The History Channel is offering a fascinating array of programming this summer and fall, with the compelling “Ice Road Truckers” becoming a break out hit for them, and now a ring-side seat into the testosterone-filled world of hand-to-hand combat in numerous styles that are as unique as each culture and country they represent.

“Human Weapon” will debut this Friday, July 20th at 10 PM. The first distinctive fighting style the two fit and qualified hosts Jeff Chambers and Bill Duff explore is the Muay Thai discipline on location in Bangkok, Thailand. Not being an ardent follower of martial arts or extreme fighting, I was pleasantly surprised by how interesting and informative this show was.

“Human Weapon” premiere episode takes you into the fast and the furious world of Thailand’s signature martial art. The “science of eight limbs” existed for centuries and has signature moves where the entire body is used including devastating knee, elbow and shin kicks that separate it from other styles.

There are many martial arts styles and bodies of knowledge that teach a certain kind fighting and philosophy. Many of the combat arts Duff and Chambers examine also define an everyday approach to life in general, as witnessed in this first episode shot in steamy Thailand.

The hosts discuss the history of Muay Thai and its early origins in Thailand, born from a need for self defense primarily against the Burmese.

Influence from several key military leaders has modified Muay Thai over hundreds of years. The Thai people - from grandmothers to guerilla warriors - utilize the practice in daily conditioning.

It is a serious matter of intense pride for the Thais; their combat sport is more than a martial art but a defining essence of being a Thai national. In 1929, the King of Siam ordered time limits; boxing gloves in lieu of the old twisted hemp cloth wrappings and a uniform set of rules were introduced to the sport.

Thai training methods develop devastating power, speed and superb cardio-vascular endurance as well as fighting spirit. Many fighters train for five or six hours a day. The all important lethal kick fueled by hip rotation torque is vital to the sport and compared to boxing’s requisite jab. Then the use of the elbow and the shin bone as a weapon is stressed.

Muay Thai is popular today the world over as a ring sport for competition fighting. All strikes are allowed in the ring, unlike western boxing, which prohibits all but strikes with gloved fists.

“Human Weapon” features two American hosts. The slighter of the two, Jason Chambers, was a Challenge Welterweight Champion, a Mixed Martial Arts fighter from Chicago who has trained in various martial arts since the age of six.

Jason has trained under Renzo Gracie and currently under Eddie Bravo in Jiu-Jitsu. In addition Jason also holds the rank of “Phase 1 Instructor” in Jeet Kune Do under Joe Goytia.

Co-host and bigger boy, son of New Jersey Bill Duff began wrestling at age five, became a Pro football player for seven years, bodyguard, wrestler and stunt double, and now holds a brown belt in Korean street fighting (Toa So Dou) under Master Davis of the Wa Wrang Studios in Riverside, NJ.

Duff is also two-time heavyweight state champion wrestler, member of the NJ Hall of fame, and undefeated in bar fights.

“This is like human cockfighting” says an amped up Chambers as he and Duff watch ringside. “It’s intimidating, it really is…the fights are brutal” add Duff. The two sat ringside as real fights played out for them, with flying punches, whip fast kicks, lethal elbow and knee strikes, and head-butts to wear down and knock out their opponent played out. “I’ve never seen anyone get knocked out with an elbow before,” says a stunned Chambers.

Duff and Chambers take you on an up-close peek into the training and actual ringside fights at Lumpinee Stadium, on a revved up slender boat they go up river to an ancient capitol of Ayutthaya (when it was Siam) to dig deeper into the history of combat training of ancient Muay Thai.

The two explain how Muay Thai evolved from Krabi Kabong, another Thai discipline that translates into “sword and baton,” the hand-to-hand tactics of the Thai army.

We see examples at a Buddhist temple and a Military school how Muay Thai was used to pit different companies within the army against each other with few rules.

The two hosts were given opportunities to bust concrete bricks with their hands, and test their concentration skills alongside the world’s finest Muay Thai fighters.

Duff and Chambers each train in various strike styles to prepare for the challenge with a top fighter, in the hopes that one of them can survive a fight against an international Muay Thai champion. “Everywhere I go and everywhere I look these guys are faster than me,” says Duff as he trains in a closely delivered knee strike that may be his only chance to stop a Muay Thai champ in his tracks. He knows that maneuvering in a clinch inside the ring is his primary chance because of his size advantage.

The two delved into the Hanuman style, derived from the lore of the mighty ape that aided Lord Rama in his expedition against evil forces, one of the most popular idols in the Hindu pantheon. Hanuman is worshipped as a symbol of physical strength, perseverance and devotion, and the Thais have fashioned a Muay Thai that incorporates ancient mythology and simian moves.

Several side trips continuing into rural Thailand takes them to where the poor kids train in Muay Thai to escape their circumstance. “The kids are schooled young, and retire by their mid-twenties…This place is like a no frills gym,” says Chambers. “Tough kids, they really want to fight,” note Duff.

Duff and Chambers head further north up the vegetation choked river Kwai to the Burma border, a verdant strip of land dangerous for random gun battles and passing heroin trade. They learn a good defense makes a great offense in the jungle and the real applications of hand-to-hand Muay Thai combat fought in the jungle. Both men are put to the test with Master Prang as they train in the remote jungle.

“Getting inside is going to be the key in winning a fight,” says Chambers. Brave Chambers was selected to climb into the Muay Thai ring in Pataya, and did a respectable complete round with a real Muay Thai master champion.

It is a must-see finale to an excellent river trip into the Thai “Heart of Darkness.”

[LWPD]

Human Weapon Streaming Video Learning Library...although not fully complete it's definitely worth a look

Here is the full slate of upcoming episodes listing the martial art disciplines that will be explored:

Muay Thai: Ultimate Striking
Karate
Judo: Samurai Legacy
Eskrima Stickfighting
Savate Streetfighting
Pankration: The Original Martial Art
Krav Maga of the Israeli
Marine Corps Martial Arts
MMA: America's Extreme Fighting
Kung Fu
Sambo: Russia's Extreme Fighting
Bokator: Cambodian Blood Sport
Silat: Martial Art of Malaysia

LWPD (it's a shame there's no trip to Brazil for a BJJ study)

[LWPD]

Here is a link to the official Human Weapon Discussion Forum. There is direct participation from both the hosts and crew members...so if you have any questions this would be your best source to get first hand info.

[LWPD]

Human Weapon - Episode 2 Eskrima

tinyurl.com/34pbm5

LWPD (this episode was filmed in the Phillipines...and even touched on Kali....Baliog Pomali is a vicious and practical move off the sprawl)

[habbalah]

Thanks LWPD, I posted your info at wwe 411 sight for human weapon and even pulled in some non mma fans. I'm just picturing how much fun this show could been with a frank Shamrock.. or Bas Rutten.

[LWPD]

habbalah said:

Thanks LWPD, I posted your info at wwe 411 sight for human weapon and even pulled in some non mma fans. I'm just picturing how much fun this show could been with a frank Shamrock.. or Bas Rutten.

You're welcome Hab. The only critique I have of the show is that the close out 'fight' should more appropriately be referred to as a sparring exhibition and not a true 'fight with a master'. There was a poor ending to the MT show because of this misrepresentation...but a good exhibition in the Eskrima episode. It's a class show up to that point...so please just be honest with the viewers and drop the unnecessary hype.

Jason Chambers is great...Bill Duff not so much. I wouldn't mind seeing BD get taken down a peg during one of the hard sparring close outs.

The MMA Episode will include Randy Couture and Bas Rutten!

[habbalah]

Well you have to take the show with a grain of salt. Honestly I'm shocked it's as good as it is. As for the mma show I'm expecting to see Randy smacking Billy boy around like a cat with rat.

[LWPD]

Here's a preview of tonight's episode:

"Hosts Jason Chambers and Bill Duff travel to the island of Okinawa, Japan, the birthplace of one of the most deadly hand-to-hand combat arts in the world, Karate. Our hosts will journey across this legendary island, learning all aspects of the martial art Okinawans created to help battle invading Samurai warriors over 400 years ago. After practicing Iron Body Training in a 600 year-old castle, mastering heart-stopping vital point strikes in an ancient temple and putting themselves through the rigorous training regiments of ancient Karate masters, one of the hosts will step onto the mat to face a black belt, and Okinawan Champion, in a true Karate battle."

LWPD (when it comes to Karate I'm more interested in the internal side (chi kung)...not so much the stand up...but I'm willing to keep an open mind)

[LWPD]

Tonight's episode:

Courtesy of History.com

Human Weapon: Savate Streetfighting

Hosts Jason Chambers and Bill Duff are in France, to study the combat art of Savate. Literally translated to mean "old boot," Savate developed through necessity. In the early 1800s, violent street gangs looking for trouble ruled the Parisian underground scene. Their prey was the aristocratic class who, to protect themselves, began taking self-defense classes. Over the years this training evolved into modern Savate - an exacting combat sport, and also the official hand-to-hand assault system of the French RAID police. On their mission to uncover Savate's distinct style, Jason and Bill navigate the dockyards of Marseille, roam the grounds of a 14th-century castle, and even breach a secret police training site to practice and perfect the painfully efficient kicks and punches that comprise this elegant yet ruthless art of combat. Finally, one of our hosts will enter the ring to take on a Savate heavyweight champion.

[johnnyreb]

i've heard of savate lwpd.

[LWPD]

Here's a blurb on tonight's episode:

Courtesy of History.com

Human Weapon: Judo: Samurai Legacy

Our hosts, Jason Chambers and Bill Duff, are in Japan to explore the techniques and history of Japan's national art of hand-to-hand combat: Judo--the science of the Samurai. Derived from the bloody battlefields of feudal Japan and jujutsu fighting styles of the samurai, judo has an illustrious past of deadly skills and honor. Along their journey, our hosts travel through the towering metropolis of Tokyo and the Samurai capital of Kyoto. They'll train with an elite police force and journey to the mountaintop hideaway of legendary master, the descendent of a 400-year-old line of samurai. Under the intense training of the masters, Jason and Bill quickly discover the spectacular throws, merciless pins and strangling chokeholds that are an integral part of this powerful combat art. Jason and Bill's journey eventually leads them to Tokai University, where one of them will muster the strength and newly acquired judo skills required to take on a world-class judo champion.

[Darth Turkish]

I am surprised they did not go to the Kodokan, but whatever.

I saw the preview they have up for the judo episode on the website- They names one throw "sacrifice throw"- which is actually called tomoe nage or 'circle throw' . While it is indeed a sacrifce throw, there are several sacrifice throws in judo.- it is one of the two divisions of throwing techniques.

They had some mispronouciations of a few words, but I am still pretty interested in how they are goinng to do this, and am going in with an open mind.

They do highlight uchi mata, which is pretty cool.

[LWPD]

For the benefit of those who may have missed out...here is a running list of fully archived episodes from the series up to this point:

Human Weapon - Season 1, Episode 1 (Muay Thai)
tinyurl.com/2gpsql

Human Weapon - Season 1, Episode 2 (Eskrima Stickfighting)
tinyurl.com/269ck5

Human Weapon Season 1, Episode 3 (Karate)
tinyurl.com/232k5m

Human Weapon - Season 1, Episode 4 (Savate Streetfighting)
tinyurl.com/2e4b5z

[dukedave]

Those clips do beat youtube. The clarity is amazing. Didn't have the time to watch them though. I did watch episode one but my Tivo is on the fritz and haven't seen any since.

[LWPD]

Tonight's Episode: History Channel 10 PM EST

Human Weapon: Pankration: The Original Martial Art

Hosts Jason Chambers and Bill Duff plunge into the cradle of civilization, Athens, Greece, to explore what some think is the world's original mixed martial art. Literally translated as "all powers," Pankration is the ancient Greek art of hand-to-hand combat. Nearly four thousand years old and made famous by Spartans and ancient Olympians, Pankration has recently been revitalized as a modern sport. One that Jason and Bill will experience firsthand. From back alley gyms to the oldest standing fortress in all of Greece, our hosts immerse themselves in the origins of wrestling, boxing, grappling and kickboxing and come to understand why Pankration has inspired art and literature and martial arts for centuries. At the end of their journey, one of them will face the ultimate test: a legal Pankration match with a World, European, and six-time national champion Pankration fighter--a true HUMAN WEAPON.

[LWPD]

Tonight's Episode: History Channel 10 PM EST

Human Weapon: Krav Maga of the Israeli Commandos

Hosts Jason Chambers and Bill Duff travel to Israel to study one of the deadliest and most effective hand-to-hand combat systems in the world. Specifically designed for the Israeli Defense Forces in the 1940s, Krav Maga is dirty, anything-goes fighting style that is used to disarm and destroy assailants carrying multiple weapons. Our hosts journey to some of the most sacred religious locations in the world as they learn to escape deadly chokes, deflect weapons, and perfect ruthless counterattacks in their quest to become true human weapons. Never before have our hosts learned a martial art that is not only physically demanding, but also a combative necessity in this war-torn country. Their journey ends with a fight against an entire unit of elite-level Krav Maga professionals.

[Cosmic Crippler]

The guy I buy DVD's from just sent me this e-mail. Have you guys heard of this show?

"I never give recommendations but I really suggest you check
out Rallarsving. It's a Swedish show that follows 2 fighters travelling
across the world to different training gyms. The History Channel
show "Human Weapon" is based on this show, BUT Rallarsving is
10 times better. It's less scripted and has more training, sparring, and
interviews with real fighters.

I've provided full English subtitles on each disc, though
they do speak English a lot too. First off check out Season 1 Disc 2,
it has the MMA episode with Couture, Ludwig, Joe Riggs, and plenty of
time with Bas Rutten."

Sounds cool huh?

[LWPD]

curlig76 said:

The guy I buy DVD's from just sent me this e-mail. Have you guys heard of this show?

"I never give recommendations but I really suggest you check
out Rallarsving. It's a Swedish show that follows 2 fighters travelling
across the world to different training gyms. The History Channel
show "Human Weapon" is based on this show, BUT Rallarsving is
10 times better. It's less scripted and has more training, sparring, and
interviews with real fighters.

I've provided full English subtitles on each disc, though
they do speak English a lot too. First off check out Season 1 Disc 2,
it has the MMA episode with Couture, Ludwig, Joe Riggs, and plenty of
time with Bas Rutten."

Sounds cool huh?

Double C

Check your PM. I sent you a link to both Seasons 1 & 2 Complete (with English subtitles).

[LWPD]

Tonight is a re-run of the Pankration and Muay Thai episodes. You can also play the free Human Weapon: Fighting Game here.