Dynamic Kneebars
Stephan Kesting’s Dynamic Kneebars is unique in that it is a stand alone DVD that is not part of a huge set, and concentrates on one major submission extensively. Many grappling and MMA instructional DVD’s come in sets of 6-10 and has a single one hour portion that is usually called something along the lines of “Submissions from the top” or “Submission’s from the half guard” and covers a number of submission’s from that position that may or may not include the kneebar.
Dynamic Kneebars
Stephan Kesting’s Dynamic Kneebars is unique in that it is a stand alone DVD that is not part of a huge set, and concentrates on one major submission extensively. Many grappling and MMA instructional DVD’s come in sets of 6-10 and has a single one hour portion that is usually called something along the lines of “Submissions from the top” or “Submission’s from the half guard” and covers a number of submission’s from that position that may or may not include the kneebar. The Dynamic Kneebar’s DVD doesn’t concentrate on position per se, but delves into the depths of performing and defending the kneebar from any position, as well as the combo’s and reversals that are derived from therein. He has some interesting variations on the kneebar as well as the basics, but it must be said that this is a kneebar DVD. While he obviously uses the guard and various other positions and techniques throughout the DVD, this is a KNEEBAR DVD. If you are looking for a DVD on something that covers the bases on a wide variety of techniques or submission this is not the DVD for you. If you are looking for a DVD to supplement other instructionals, even ones that include kneebar’s, or are interested in the kneebar this is an excellent choice. Even other instructionals that cover the kneebar do not cover it anywhere near as thoroughly as the Dynamic kneebar DVD and that is what makes this DVD special. Stephan Kesting is a Brown Belt under Marcus Soares and has also spent time with famed MMA and grappling trainer Eric Paulson in Combat Submission Wrestling. The same Erik Paulson that has won accolades of late for his impressive work with Ken Shamrock at UFC 48. Kesting’s knowledge and knack for the art shines through and it is obvious he carries knowledge passed down by both respected instructors. He trains out of Vancouver Canada and has competed in Mixed Martial Arts bouts as well as grappling tournaments in the past. His commentary is varied and well articulated but at times his commentary comes off as slightly wooden. It is nothing problematic, and it is just noticeable enough to warrant a mention, but what he lacks in on camera charisma, he more then makes up for in knowledge and in depth analysis. He is much better spoken then most non native English speaking jiu jitsu practitioners with instructional DVD’s, who have the daunting task of teaching in a language that is not native to them. Kesting is a Canadian who uses English as his native language and it shows. While not as charismatic a speaker as some broadcasters, he has the ability to convey his message soundly, and with the utmost clarity, which is one of, if not the most important factor when considering instructionals. The occasional shot of humor is injected into the DVD with him making jokes about smelling their feet when performing a kneebar, but for the most part it is a straight ahead classroom type DVD and it works well as such. Kesting comes off as a very knowledgeable jiu-jitsu practitioner and obviously has extensive experience teaching, something that is ironically not always found in an instructional. Experienced fighters that also have instructionals and hold impressive credentials in the ring are not necessarily good teachers. Kesting is a sound teacher and it shows. Having said that, some of the techniques come of as overly simplistic but the manner in which he simplifies the instructions is in actuality its greatest strength, some instructional takes the minor details for granted but that is certainly not the case here. The subtle and seemingly minute discrepancies between the techniques are taught thoroughly and extensively. He is meticulous and he hammers in the techniques that he teaches with another effective teaching tool that is not often seen in instructional DVD’s, and that is with actual video footage of the technique that he is teaching, being used in real competition situations. All of the footage is submission grappling footage as opposed to MMA, but the quality of the feed is satisfactory and is excellent at demonstrating the use of the techniques in a real competition environment. It is a stark contrast to the unrealistic approach of having someone lie down and allow someone to apply the given techniques unopposed, and is a big plus. After having seen the DVD through two times, I more then recommend this product for anyone who is interested in increasing their proficiency in performing and defending kneebars. In additions to the techniques it also demonstrates various drills and movements that you can practice in order to improve your skills outside of the classroom. The Major sections in the DVD are as follows: -Introduction & Principles
-Kneebar Entries
-Counters and Re-Counters
-Kneebar Drills
-Strength Training
-Credits
-Promotional Teaser The DVD is straight to the point, alarmingly efficient and a must have for anyone looking to improve his or her kneebar’s. I feel it has some interesting variations that almost everyone from beginner to expert can learn from. A good buy and something I continue to go back to in order to refresh my memory about the many subtle nuances of the plethora of different setups and drills that he showcases. It is an excellent value for the money considering the price of many of the other DVD instructionals on the market and as such “The Sushiboy” rates Stephan Kesting’s Dynamic Kneebar’s DVD at 4.5 Tuna’s out of a full can of 5. The DVD retails for 44.95 US dollars at www.grapplearts.com and clocks in at an extensive 89 minute running time. He also has an Omaplata, and Yoga for Martial arts DVD’s for sale. Dynamic Kneebar’s was produced in 2003. More information on ordering the Dynamic Kneebars video can be found at www.grapplearts.com Questions or Comments? Email them to
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