Heavy Hitters - The Impact Tools of Kelly Worden
By Michael Benjamin
INTRODUCTION
As the Grandmaster of the Worden Defense System combat system and the Founder of Natural Spirit International, Kelly S.
Worden is perhaps most renowned for his mastery in close-quarters-combat (CQC), and in particular, edged weaponry.
He’s the creator of some of the most successful self-defense and knife instruction videos on the market and has designed
several widely produced blades, including the Wortac folder, the Scorpion kerambit, the Special Forces’ machete, and the
Presas Legacy knife. In short, the name Kelly Worden is synonymous with CQC in today’s martial arts, cutlery, and military
communities.
What may surprise those not familiar with Kelly Worden’s martial versatility is the fact that he is as proficient in impact weapons
as he is the blade. As equally at home with an olisi or baraw, he is also the founder of Modern Arnis’ long-staff system,
sanctioned by Professor Presas as the sibat. Most importantly to this examination, Kelly Worden is the designer of two unique
impact tools that provide the vigilant citizen a fist-full of self-defensive power. These tools are the classic Travel Wrench and the
just newly released Saf-T-Wrench. Both are constructed of high-density, nearly indestructible plastic that proves light for carry
yet hard on impact. While each possesses its own unique geometry and ergonomic design, both can be utilized in similar
ways using empty-handed techniques or knife patterns from the Worden Defense System curriculum.
DESIGN
The Travel Wrench’s design can be traced to Worden’s world-class expertise in Filipino martial arts. Its L-shaped frame is
directly influenced by the indigenous Filipino knife, the kerambit. Configured with a ring at the top of the handle for placement of
the index finger, the Travel Wrench’s ergonomics allow for absolute weapon retention even if one’s grip opens. From its ring it
extends into the handle and then turns ninety degrees forming a bar-shaped surface positioned at the bottom of the fist. It is
with this bar that punishing hammer-fist styles of blocks and strikes can be inflicted. The end of this bar terminates in a
protrusion extending beyond the fist allowing for pin-point thrusts against the eyes, throat, or other vital points. Lastly, the finger
ring is also a striking surface when a top-fist or phoenix-eye type of blow is utilized.
The new Saf-T-Wrench is an equally unique formulation. Profiled like a little battle-ax, the shape creates placement for its half-
moon striking surface between the ram’s head (first two knuckles) of the fist. Like its predecessor, this weapon’s shape allows
for enhanced retention as it is secured between the pinch of the fingers even if the fist’s clench is loosened. In contrast
however, instead of a bar-shaped striking surface, the Saf-T-Wrench possesses a tapered point at the bottom of the fist and a
rounded nub at the top. Like its brother, it can be used for severe fore-fist, hammer-fist, and top-fist striking.
Due to the geometry of these weapons they are capable of inflicting a greater amount of damage than a comparable empty-
handed strike. This is due to the fact that the power generated with the impact tool is delivered into a more pin-pointed target.
To use an Okinawan term, they generate more kimei; that is, more force and focus into a smaller target area and thus greater
damage.
Another advantage in using these weapons is that one does not risk the potential injury that can be incurred when the bare-
hand is slammed into a target. In the chaos intrinsic to any street situation, any fighter, no matter how skilled, runs the risk of
striking at and missing an intended target. In so doing, catching hard skull or other bone by mistake could prove injurious. If
such a miss occurs with the Travel or Saf-T Wrench the foe still gets the brunt of the punishment instead of your hand!
Likewise, for the defense-minded citizen who has not had the training necessary to properly condition the hands for striking, the
wrenches generate a harder, more penetrating blow than would be caused without them.
USAGE
In the Worden Defense System the concept of accelerating force is a primary principle. This principle teaches that in a self-
defense situation there are four basic levels of personal force that can be executed against an opponent. From least to
greatest force, these levels are:
defense perspective for one major reason. These weapons provide a greater force potential than level one without the moral or
legal risk assumed when implementing the deadlier levels of blades or bullets.
In utilizing the wrenches, the universal pattern of motion is the diagram for all striking and blocking patterns. Best symbolized
by a cross superimposed upon an X, these eight basic angles of attack illustrate the motion dynamics necessary for hitting
bodily targets with any close-quarters, non-projectile weapon. Whether the wrenches are used for thrusting, hinging, or
swinging strikes, these eight angles illustrate the trajectories necessary for best exploiting the body’s natural weak spots.
In applying such angles against an attack, Worden Defense System espouses the Filipino precept of defanging the snake. As
defensively designed weapons, the wrenches are intended for use against vital points in the extended limb of a foe’s attack,
whether arm or leg. In such instances, the hammer-fist and fore-fist style of blow is incredibly effective when landed with either
tool. In this mode both easily cause searing pain, numbness, and serious bruising when targeted to either muscle or skeletal
areas of the limbs. Head and body targets are equally ferocious follow-ups that flow naturally in or out of defanging strikes.
Logically sequential finishing shots further illustrate either wrench’s decisiveness.
Other wrench applications taught in the Worden Defense System include nerve-point attacks and grappling manipulations. For
instance, when positioned to the back after “walking the circle” around the foe, both tools are highly useful for pressing nerve
points in the face or throat to produce rearward takedowns. They are also effective in applying locks and takedowns against the
shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints. They can even be used for compliance holds and “come-along” methods of opponent control
when used to pinch-grip the ear, lip, nose, or finger. These weapons thus prove themselves not only effectual but holistic in
their tactical functionality.
As a means of training, many of the typical drills utilized in Filipino martial arts for the development of mind-body/hand-eye
coordination can also be applied to the impact wrenches. As with knife training, swinging gate, hubud, and punyo drills are
effective means of becoming familiar with their heft and feel. Drills like heaven and sinawali can also unlock striking patterns
appropriate for these tools. With one in each hand, the patterns possible are only limited by the operator’s
imagination.
CONCLUSION
The Travel and Saf-T-Wrenches are impressive developments upon the traditional yawara stick or kubotan. Each is an
inventive evolution of the “hand-load” concept that prove themselves as highly original as they are heavy hitting. When
considered with the plethora of Kelly Worden’s other martial achievements, it is no hyperbole to argue that his name should be
remembered with other great Western pioneers of CQC and self-defense. From an historical viewpoint, legendary names like
Sykes, Fairbairn, Applegate, and Echanis will be seen as his preceding peers.
---
Author’s Bio
Rockford, Illinois native Michael Benjamin is a private martial arts instructor, a free-lance writer, and a member of Natural Spirit
International. A friend and student of Kelly S. Worden, Mr. Benjamin also holds advanced black belts in quanfa, qinna, and
kempo with over 22 years of experience in these disciplines.
By Michael Benjamin
INTRODUCTION
As the Grandmaster of the Worden Defense System combat system and the Founder of Natural Spirit International, Kelly S.
Worden is perhaps most renowned for his mastery in close-quarters-combat (CQC), and in particular, edged weaponry.
He’s the creator of some of the most successful self-defense and knife instruction videos on the market and has designed
several widely produced blades, including the Wortac folder, the Scorpion kerambit, the Special Forces’ machete, and the
Presas Legacy knife. In short, the name Kelly Worden is synonymous with CQC in today’s martial arts, cutlery, and military
communities.
What may surprise those not familiar with Kelly Worden’s martial versatility is the fact that he is as proficient in impact weapons
as he is the blade. As equally at home with an olisi or baraw, he is also the founder of Modern Arnis’ long-staff system,
sanctioned by Professor Presas as the sibat. Most importantly to this examination, Kelly Worden is the designer of two unique
impact tools that provide the vigilant citizen a fist-full of self-defensive power. These tools are the classic Travel Wrench and the
just newly released Saf-T-Wrench. Both are constructed of high-density, nearly indestructible plastic that proves light for carry
yet hard on impact. While each possesses its own unique geometry and ergonomic design, both can be utilized in similar
ways using empty-handed techniques or knife patterns from the Worden Defense System curriculum.
DESIGN
The Travel Wrench’s design can be traced to Worden’s world-class expertise in Filipino martial arts. Its L-shaped frame is
directly influenced by the indigenous Filipino knife, the kerambit. Configured with a ring at the top of the handle for placement of
the index finger, the Travel Wrench’s ergonomics allow for absolute weapon retention even if one’s grip opens. From its ring it
extends into the handle and then turns ninety degrees forming a bar-shaped surface positioned at the bottom of the fist. It is
with this bar that punishing hammer-fist styles of blocks and strikes can be inflicted. The end of this bar terminates in a
protrusion extending beyond the fist allowing for pin-point thrusts against the eyes, throat, or other vital points. Lastly, the finger
ring is also a striking surface when a top-fist or phoenix-eye type of blow is utilized.
The new Saf-T-Wrench is an equally unique formulation. Profiled like a little battle-ax, the shape creates placement for its half-
moon striking surface between the ram’s head (first two knuckles) of the fist. Like its predecessor, this weapon’s shape allows
for enhanced retention as it is secured between the pinch of the fingers even if the fist’s clench is loosened. In contrast
however, instead of a bar-shaped striking surface, the Saf-T-Wrench possesses a tapered point at the bottom of the fist and a
rounded nub at the top. Like its brother, it can be used for severe fore-fist, hammer-fist, and top-fist striking.
Due to the geometry of these weapons they are capable of inflicting a greater amount of damage than a comparable empty-
handed strike. This is due to the fact that the power generated with the impact tool is delivered into a more pin-pointed target.
To use an Okinawan term, they generate more kimei; that is, more force and focus into a smaller target area and thus greater
damage.
Another advantage in using these weapons is that one does not risk the potential injury that can be incurred when the bare-
hand is slammed into a target. In the chaos intrinsic to any street situation, any fighter, no matter how skilled, runs the risk of
striking at and missing an intended target. In so doing, catching hard skull or other bone by mistake could prove injurious. If
such a miss occurs with the Travel or Saf-T Wrench the foe still gets the brunt of the punishment instead of your hand!
Likewise, for the defense-minded citizen who has not had the training necessary to properly condition the hands for striking, the
wrenches generate a harder, more penetrating blow than would be caused without them.
USAGE
In the Worden Defense System the concept of accelerating force is a primary principle. This principle teaches that in a self-
defense situation there are four basic levels of personal force that can be executed against an opponent. From least to
greatest force, these levels are:
- 1. Empty-handed methods
2. Impact weapons
3. Edged weapons
4. Firearms
defense perspective for one major reason. These weapons provide a greater force potential than level one without the moral or
legal risk assumed when implementing the deadlier levels of blades or bullets.
In utilizing the wrenches, the universal pattern of motion is the diagram for all striking and blocking patterns. Best symbolized
by a cross superimposed upon an X, these eight basic angles of attack illustrate the motion dynamics necessary for hitting
bodily targets with any close-quarters, non-projectile weapon. Whether the wrenches are used for thrusting, hinging, or
swinging strikes, these eight angles illustrate the trajectories necessary for best exploiting the body’s natural weak spots.
In applying such angles against an attack, Worden Defense System espouses the Filipino precept of defanging the snake. As
defensively designed weapons, the wrenches are intended for use against vital points in the extended limb of a foe’s attack,
whether arm or leg. In such instances, the hammer-fist and fore-fist style of blow is incredibly effective when landed with either
tool. In this mode both easily cause searing pain, numbness, and serious bruising when targeted to either muscle or skeletal
areas of the limbs. Head and body targets are equally ferocious follow-ups that flow naturally in or out of defanging strikes.
Logically sequential finishing shots further illustrate either wrench’s decisiveness.
Other wrench applications taught in the Worden Defense System include nerve-point attacks and grappling manipulations. For
instance, when positioned to the back after “walking the circle” around the foe, both tools are highly useful for pressing nerve
points in the face or throat to produce rearward takedowns. They are also effective in applying locks and takedowns against the
shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints. They can even be used for compliance holds and “come-along” methods of opponent control
when used to pinch-grip the ear, lip, nose, or finger. These weapons thus prove themselves not only effectual but holistic in
their tactical functionality.
As a means of training, many of the typical drills utilized in Filipino martial arts for the development of mind-body/hand-eye
coordination can also be applied to the impact wrenches. As with knife training, swinging gate, hubud, and punyo drills are
effective means of becoming familiar with their heft and feel. Drills like heaven and sinawali can also unlock striking patterns
appropriate for these tools. With one in each hand, the patterns possible are only limited by the operator’s
imagination.
CONCLUSION
The Travel and Saf-T-Wrenches are impressive developments upon the traditional yawara stick or kubotan. Each is an
inventive evolution of the “hand-load” concept that prove themselves as highly original as they are heavy hitting. When
considered with the plethora of Kelly Worden’s other martial achievements, it is no hyperbole to argue that his name should be
remembered with other great Western pioneers of CQC and self-defense. From an historical viewpoint, legendary names like
Sykes, Fairbairn, Applegate, and Echanis will be seen as his preceding peers.
---
Author’s Bio
Rockford, Illinois native Michael Benjamin is a private martial arts instructor, a free-lance writer, and a member of Natural Spirit
International. A friend and student of Kelly S. Worden, Mr. Benjamin also holds advanced black belts in quanfa, qinna, and
kempo with over 22 years of experience in these disciplines.
January 2010 Worden Defense System Newsletter - Article 2
