Company: Paladin Press
Tape Name: Tactical Baton, Volume 1
Tape Cost: $59.95 for the 2 tape set
Length of Tape/Time: Approximately 2 hours
Number of Moves/Techniques: Concept Tape with numerous techniques
Return Policy: Refund on damaged or defective tapes only
Experiences in dealing with this company: Excellent
The Instructor: Kelly Worden
Company's Address: PO Box 1307,Boulder, Colorado 80306
Company's Phone Number: 303-443-7250
Web Page: http://www.paladin-press.com
E-Mail: sales@paladin-press.com

Primary Grading Criteria:

1. Production/Tape Quality: 9
2. Instructors demonstrated skill level: 10
3. Comprehension Score/Immediate Understanding: 9
4. Degree to which this will make someone a better Martial Artist: 10
5. Score on delivery vs hype: 9
6. Degree to which we would recommend this product: 9
7. Wasted Time ( The higher the number, the less " fluff" /repetition ): 10
8. Playback Score/Watching if over-and-over again: 9
9. Would I purchase more of this company's products:10
10. Overall grade based on cost vs. Value: 9

Grand Total: 94 % ( Very Good = 3. 75 Stars )

Secondary Grading Criteria:

1. Beginners benefit: Very Good
2. Intermediate benefit: Very Good
3. Advanced benefit: Excellent
4. Time to benefit: Some material is of immediate benefit, some material requires serious investment of training time.
5. The need to buy additional tapes to understand this one: None

Written Summary:

With all of the tapes on the market that deal with the use of impact weapons, it is difficult to find a tape that is innovative and unique concerning this topic. Kelly Worden of Natural Spirit has always produced quality videos ( at least all the ones that I have seen ) and this one is no different. Mr. Worden does present some innovative material on this video. Mr. Worden definitely has his own unique video teaching style, a style that I have usually find entertaining and informative. This tape is an overview of using a collapsible baton in a variety of self defense situations including opponents with knives, sticks, and empty hands. While the material is strongly influenced by the filipino martial arts, there are some other influences at work as well, most notably wing chun gung fu. This video is definitely a concept video as opposed to a technique video which is a huge plus in my book. While Mr. Worden does demonstrate technique, he is constantly emphasizing the underlying concept behind each move.

I will attempt to give the readers a basic outline of what is on this video but there is a huge amount of information covered. Mr. Worden has always given the viewers a tremendous " bang for the buck " as his tapes are generous in both content and length. The focus of this video is using a collapsible baton instead of the more traditional 26 inch kali stick. We are introduced to a 6 count numbering system with a brief discussion on effective targets. The section on footwork is strictly filipino based but is very important to those who have not been previously exposed to this material. The important filipino concept of " defanging the snake " is introduced here and is a constant theme throughout this video. The use of the live hand ( the one without the baton ) is discussed as well as the difference between offensive and defensive mind set. The use of creating defensive " walls " with the baton is covered and some very cool ways to bait an opponent are also shown. In my opinion, this is probably the best tape I have seen to date on relating the baton training to empty hand training. This is something that arnisadors always talk about but do not always demonstrate. This is an outstanding segment of this video. The use of different striking patterns ( with the baton ) are shown against a variety of angles and weapon bearing opponents. Figure 8 striking, double O striking, striking in " threes ", fanning the baton, the use of fist loads from a quick draw and banda-banda ( scissoring ) are shown in great detail. Mr. Worden gives us some good advice on training all through the video and his opinions on self defense training are extremely interesting ( as well as somewhat controversial to the more " thin skinned " viewers out there. ). This paragraph is only a general outline of what is on this tape. There is a good deal more that I have not discussed in this review.

So who do I recommend this video ? Anyone interested in the use of a baton as a weapon is in for a real treat with this video. I liked this volume a great deal and I have had extensive training in the filipino arts. Rookies may be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information but even if they do not " get it " on the first viewing, it is an excellent resource volume. As I said earlier, the empty hand application of the baton was the highlight of a very worthy video series. Highly recommended to anyone interested in how to use a collapsible baton in a variety of ways against a variety of attacks.

CJ

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