Batala Arto - Port Emberian Martial Arts

Batala Arto (literally translated as Combat Arts is a multifaceted fighting arts system which was developed in Port Ember over a lengthy period of time, which has developed into a series of separate modern systems in use to this day. It enjoys a large following in Port Ember and is known as an dangerous, exciting and efficient Martial art, and is commonly used by Mixed Martial Artists, and is also the official fighting system of the Port Ember Security Forces.

HISTORY

Foundation of the style

During the early 16th century, the Ember Archipelago was allready a well established trading post for continental travel and trade between kingdoms in Europe and Asia. Gaztown (modern Port Ember Megalopolis) - the Colonial capital upon the islands - in particular was a bustling port teeming with a constant flow of traders hailing from all across the globe. This constant free flow of trade attracted the notice of pirates, privateers, smugglers and traders from all possible nations, hoping to make their fortune upon the tropical islands. The rapid increase of population, combined with the large percentage of unsavory sorts, led to the the Port and streets of Gaztown to become ever more unsafe and violent. As the emerging figures of the underworld sought to gain and solidify control over the lucrative economic boom, clashes between them and the Crown's forces intensified in both brutality and frequency.

The well armed and trained soldiers in service of the Crown was unmatched in their victories against the rising criminal underworld, and thus they needed to equal the playing field - and fast. Captain Elizabeth Clarke, a suspected pirate and legendary sword fighter realised the need to train her crew in the art of swordplay if they were to ever stand a chance to survive the rough streets and even rougher soldiers. Thus, she utilized her years of experience and knowledge of swordplay to formulate a system of swordplay which was easy to learn, fast to master, and highly effective. The Captain decided to establish this system around the cutlass sword, as it was easily and cheaply available in good quality from the numerous blacksmiths within the town.

Whilst Captain Clarke was in the process of establishing and perfecting her system, she met a boxer and wrestler of english origin in a local tavern one evening during a legendary tavern brawl, where the stranger held his own against numerous armed opponents, despite being unarmed himself. Captain Clarke was so impressed with the man that she immediately took him on as part of her ship's crew. This man's name was Roger "Iron Fist" Tonks. Tonks took an immediate interest in Captain Clarke's swordplay instructions, and started teaching the crew english boxing skills alongside their newly found swordsman skills.

Roughly one year later, Captain Clarke and her vessel pirated a Japanese trading vessel, who managed to put up a decent fight in response. On board this vessel was a man named Takashi Gyuku, who himself put up the greatest resistance. He managed to kill seven of the pirate crew members, all the time being unarmed himself against his armed assailants. Captain Clarke was so impressed with this man's ferocity and fighting skills, that she decided to spare his life if he would join her crew in service. Takashi accepted. It was later revealed that Takashi was a master in the martial art known as Jujutsu, and he continued to train his skills and knowledge to the crew alongside their swordplay and boxing training.

Establishment of Batala Arto

A few years after the above mentioned events, the pirate vessel of Captain Clarke was sunk by a Spanish Warship, who managed to catch the pirates in open waters and unfavourable winds. This battle led to the deaths of the Captain and her two co-trainers Roger "Iron Fist" Tonks and Takashi Gyuku. The few remaining pirates who survived went into hiding back in Gaztown.

A group of these survivors led by a man named John Silver decided that they would not return to the ocean in plunder, but instead establish themselves in town, training their combined fighting skills to willing pirates and smugglers for a fee. John Silver bought an old abandoned bakery in town and established a training centre for this purpose.

Although John Silver did not technically create the Batala Arto system - he is considered to be the founding father and original Grand Master of the style, as the three masters who created the style did not know the entire style, instead focussing on their own respective specialties. John Silver was the first man to master the skills taught by all three masters, and use it as one combined fighting system. John also named the system upon establishing his training centre.

Golden Age of Batala Arto

The Martial Art known as Batala Arto flourished under the leadership of the first Grand Master - John Silver. Silver applied the concepts of "easy to learn, fast to master, and highly effective", which Captain Elizabeth Clarke used for training swordplay, into the entire system. This proved to be highly effective as the students of Silver reportedly achieved much successes in the violent streets outside.

During the era in which the Ember Islands gained independence from Great Britain and was ruled by the pirate consortium known as the 'Copperbeard Consortium', Batala Arto become the official fighting style of the pirate paradise, and almost all the free pirates and smugglers in town underwent training within this art. Due to the rapid rise in popularity and increase of students, Silver appointed many subordinate masters of thr art who studied under him, who continued to establish their own training centers, who managed to train more and more practitioners in the art. It is estimated that more than 1 000 000 practitioners were trained in the art during this period.

Batala Arto Outlawed

After the Copperbeard Consortium collapsed and the British Empire retook control over the Ember Islands, Batala Arto were banned due to being associated with the pirates and smugglers of the islands, and the training centers were forced to close down.

The training of the art continued however, albeit in a clandestine fashion in the backrooms of bakery's all across Gaztown. The number of newly trained practitioners dropped significantly, yet it managed to survive and pass on its legacy through the "Bakery System".

The art were made legal once more in the early 1900's, and the official training centers were reopened across the islands. The art enjoyed a strong following once more, yet to a much lesser degree when compared to its "Golden Age".

Modernization of Batala Arto

In 1952 Colonel James Patterson of the Port Ember Security Forces (and Master in Batala Arto) underwent a process in which he adapted the art into a fighting system which was applicable to the modern soldier. He removed many techniques which he did not deem applicable to the modern fighting soldier, and removed cutlass sword training entirely from the syllabus.

Furthermore, the Colonel added many other techniques to the fighting style which followed the principles of "easy to learn, fast to master, and highly effective". These techniques are classified, but it is known to be highly offensive and lethal.

This new modern fighting system was registered with the Batala Arto Governing Association as Combat Batala Arto, and has since been included as a mandatory training regime for all members of the Port Ember Security Forces.

In 1973 the Batala Arto Governing Association modernized the system by adapting the curriculum and grouping the art into three new systems, known as Traditional Batala Arto, Self Defence Batala Arto and Sports Batala Arto. Together with the allready established system of Combat Batala Arto, the art had effectively modernised into a art which can appeal to a larger audience to ensure its survival.

DISCIPLINES

The Batala Arto Martial Arts is a fighting system consisting out of two main components, namely its Armed Combat Style and Unarmed Combat Style.

Armed Batala Arto

The Armed component of the Batala Arto fighting system focuses on effectively utilising three weapons in armed combat, focusing on both the offensive and self defensive aspects of the weapons and required skills.

Cutlass

The Cutlass was a sword utilized by the majority of sailors, pirates, traders and smugglers in the Port Ember geographical area during the 16th till 19th centuries, when Batala Arto was developed, and was thus created specifically whilst keeping its main focus fixed on this particular sword.

The Port Emberian cutlass was a short and broad slashing sword, with slightly curved blade sharpened on the cutting edge, and a hilt often featuring a solid cupped or basket-shaped guard. It was a common naval weapon during this period due to its versatily, effectiveness in battle, and the mass availability of quality yet affordable pieces within the trading Port of the then Gaztown.

The cutlass was favored by the maritime faring folk in the area due to it being robust enough to hack through heavy ropes, canvas, and wood, and also short enough to use in relatively close quarters, such as during boarding actions, in the rigging, or below decks. Another advantage to the cutlass was its simplicity of use, as employing it effectively required less training than that required to master another sword. Furthermore, it was more effective as a close-combat weapon than a full-sized sword could be on a cramped ship.

The Batala Arto fighting system also trained the practitioner to utilize a flintlock pistol in conjunction with the cutlass sword during combat.

Due to the fact that swords are no longer carried and used on a daily basis in the modern era, the training of this weapon is now only part of the "Traditional" Syllabus for traditional and ceremonial purposes.

Dagger

The dagger was a weapon which was extremely common amongst all social classes during the establishment period of Batala Arto, including the maritime faring classes.

The Port Emberian dagger is a knife with a very sharp point and two sharp edges, designed to be used as both a thrusting and stabbing weapon.

The dagger enjoyed mass popularity within the geographical area due to its versatility as both a weapon and a tool, being easily concealable, its lethality and ease of use.

The dagger remains a mainstay of the modern "Combat" and "Self Defence" Syllabus of the martial art and is taught to all Port Ember Security Force personnel.

Stickfighting

The art of utilizing a stick in combat was added to the syllabus of Batala Arto in the early 20th century when society started frowning upon the open carrying of swords in public.

Two types of sticks are used in Batala Arto, namely the Baston and Cane.

The Baston is a smaller size stick (normally the size of the practitioner's forearm) and is usually used as a pair.

The Cane is the larger size stick (normally the size of a practitioner's leg and hip) and usually utilized on it's own. The cane is also used as a regular walking cane, thus providing a dual purpose, inconspicuous weapon to the practitioner.

Stick fighting remains part of the modern Batala Arto curriculum, utilised in the Military Fighting System (where the service rifle is used instead), Self Defence and Traditional Syllabus.

Unarmed Batala Arto

The unarmed techniques of Batala Arto is wide and far reaching, focusing on strikes, kicks, clinching and grappling, making it an effective military fighting system, self defence system and sport system (as the user gains all the techniques required for Mixed Martial Arts).

Striking Skills

Batala Arto has incorporated certain english boxing techniques as part of its striking skills.

Batala Arto utilizes the full range of western boxing punches are used; lead jab, straight/cross, hook, uppercut, shovel and corkscrew punches and overhands as well as hammer fists and back fists.

As a tactic, body punching is used less in than most other striking combat sports to avoid exposing the attacker's head to counter strikes from knees or elbows.

Elbow Strikes

Batala Arto has incorporated certain Muay Thai elbow striking techniques into its curriculum.

In Batala Arto, the elbow is used in several ways as a striking weapon: horizontal, diagonal-upwards, diagonal-downwards, uppercut, downward, backward-spinning and flying. From the side, it can be used as either a finishing move or as a way to cut the opponent's eyebrow so that blood might block his vision. It is mostly and most effectively when in a neck clinch position.

Kicking

Batala Arto has incorporated certain Muay Thai and kickboxing kicking techniques into its curriculum.

Batala Arto contains kicks which uses either the foot or the shin, testimant to its dual Muay Thai and Kickboxing roots.

The fighting style places a large emphasis on easy to execute, fast yet powerful kicks, especially leg kicks. It is also famous for using long front kicks to the opposition's stomach and chest which aims to create distance and slowly wear them down physically. These front kicks are also used to block incoming attacks or throw the opponent off balance, allowing for follow up attacks.

Knee Strikes

Batala Arto has incorporated certain Muay Thai knee strike techniques into its curriculum.

The knee strikes used by this fighting system is of the flying knee strike variation, and also used during clinch fighting, striking the opponent's face and body.

Clinch Fighting

Batala Arto has incorporated certain Muay Thai clinching techniques and various stand up grappling techniques into its curriculum.

A Batala Arto practitioner is taught how to utilize devastating elbow and knee strikes against their opponents during a clinch position, as well as performing a series of various locks, holds, chokes and takedowns from this position.

Grappling

Batala Arto has incorporated certain grappling techniques from various other Martial arts, including Jujitsu; Judo; Brazilian Jujitsu; Catch Wrestling and Sambo into its curriculum.

The Batala Arto practitioner is taught a massive variety of locks, holds and chokes in both standing and ground positions. The art also focuses heavily on take downs and throws against an opponent in order to hurt their opponent and to take the fight to the ground where a large variety of fight finishing techniques becomes viable.

VARIATIONS

Due to the large syllabus of the fighting system known as Batala Arto, and the various possible applications for the art, it has developed into three distinct yet similar categories, each designed for a specific purpose.

Traditional Batala Arto

The Traditional Batala Arto art is a martial art which teaches its practitioner the art in its entirety in an effort to keep the rich traditions and history of the art alive despite the modern changes it has undergone. It is considered as one of the original and most sacred physical, mental, and moral pedagogy's within Port Ember to this day.

Syllabus of Traditional Batala Arto

- Armed Batala Arto: Cutlass Sword Training; Dagger Training; Stickfighting Training.

- Unarmed Batala Arto (in its entirety).

- Techniques Omitted: None, besides techniques specifically developed for Combat Batala Arto.

Combat Batala Arto

Combat Batala Arto is a fighting system which used and adapted the traditional art for the Port Ember Security Forces (Armed Forces of The Republic). This style is classified and may not be taught to any person who is not an active member of the Port Ember Security Forces. It is considered to be a highly effective and brutal fighting system.

Syllabus of Combat Batala Arto

- Armed Batala Arto: Dagger Training; Stickfighting Training (Utilizing the Rifle as a striking weapon).

- Unarmed Batala Arto (in its entirety), with added classified techniques.

- Techniques Omitted: Cutlass Sword Training; Traditional Stickfighting. Certain specific unarmed techniques are omitted which is not considered to be viable for this system.

Self Defence Batala Arto

Self Defence Batala Arto is a fighting system designed specifically for the civilian population who requires a method of defending themselves against possible acts of aggression, but is not interested in studying the entirety of the ancient art. This fighting style is rumored to be quite similar to the Combat version, however most overly aggressive and lethal techniques have been omitted.

Syllabus of Self Defence Batala Arto

- Armed Batala Arto: Dagger Training; Stickfighting Training.

- Unarmed Batala Arto (in its entirety).

- Techniques Omitted: Cutlass Sword Training; Traditional Stickfighting. Certain specific unarmed techniques are omitted which is not considered to be viable for this system.

Sports Batala Arto

Sports Batala Arto is a fighting system designed specifically for the professional athletes who wishes to utilize this fighting style to compete in a Martial Arts sport. Due to this style allready being 'Fully Loaded' (focussing on all required aspects of modern Mixed Martial Arts), the transition to the sport was easy and effective. This specific system has removed many techniques used by the other Batala Arto systems, which is illegal to be used in the official sport. Although there are no official sport specific for the Batala Arto practitioner, the practitioners of this style all aim to compete in Mixed Martial Arts sporting events.

Syllabus of Sports Batala Arto

- Unarmed Batala Arto (in its entirety), with certain techniques removed due to being declared illegal in the modern Mixed Martial Arts regulations.

- Techniques Omitted: Armed Batala Arto (in its entirety); Certain specific unarmed techniques are omitted which is not considered to be viable for this system.