>>But my point is that if the style is an evolutionary one, generally any good technique added will be recognized as one and will be added to the system, and most will agree to it.
One example of this comes out of Kajukenbo. Sifu Al Dacascos decided (and was given permission) to add so called softer/flowing movements and techniques that he brought out of the Filipino arts as well as Kung-Fu to the system. He then re-named the style Wun Hop Kuen Do. Based off of Kajukenbo, but now different. He was quite successful with it on the fighting circuits back in the 70’s. He is always incorporating and evolving the system. When the first UFC’s hit the scene and showed the importance of good grappling skills, they really started hitting the mats and working that aspect. I give him credit, he is able to evolve and adapt to the times and not get stuck on “this is how it was done 200 years ago, so this how we do it now” mentality.
>>Like you say MT is static with its approach to ground fighting, indeed if it is added it will no doubt be renamed,>>
MT has ground techniques. After you get into the standing grappling (Muay Boran) and throw them to the ground, the moment they hit you round kick the beejeezes out of whatever’s available (Ok, technically it’s not grappling but…).
>>I think the filipino weapon systems evolve though may have nearly reached theyre evolutionary peak.>>
Yes and no. Some systems are much further along than others, but the FMA’s has always been about incorporating whatever is successful/useful from other systems. The countries location along prime shipping routes brought them into contact with many different cultures and fighting systems. The existence of many different tribes who would war against each other continually kept the multitude of fighting systems evolving. Insurrection against foreign occupiers for over 300 years, plus the Filipinos who were conscripted and taught to fight for the Spanish (on top of their indigenous fighting systems) against their brothers just added to their arsenal. Today, some of the FMA systems that are taught are not watered down. They are not far removed from the real-time combative fighting.
What you have to watch out for now is de-evolution. Some styles have become just stick systems. Their movements don't translate to the blade (easily or at all). I have trained with one GM who taught a good thrusting style in close quarters. Nice, short, nasty movements. A few years later I was able to get together with him again and he was now teaching hitting with the weapon from the same structure. Hitting is effective, but the thrusting was nastier and harder to counter. His explanation was that people were getting hurt in his seminars so he changed it. Those of us who had worked with him before knew this, but the newer folks thought the modified way was it. They walk away with a watered down version, which they then teach to others.
William