Del Closed Fist Tickets

Del Close was a renowned comedian, actor, writer and improviser. He is best known for his work with The Second City, where he trained numerous comedy legends like John Candy, Bill Murray, Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

However, what many people may not know about Del Close is that he was also a black belt in Judo and had trained in other martial arts such as Karate, Kung Fu and Tai Chi. This influence can be seen in his approach to comedy, specifically his concept of the "Closed Fist."

The Closed Fist refers to the idea of being fully committed and focused on an action or intention. In martial arts, this means using all your strength and force to deliver a punch or kick. In comedy, it means fully committing to a character or scene, no matter how absurd or bizarre it may seem.

Close believed that comedy was a form of combat. Just like a fighter needs to be sharp and focused to win a match, a comedian needs to be fully present and committed to their performance. He encouraged his students to approach their comedy like they would a martial arts tournament, with discipline, dedication and a willingness to take risks.

Close's teachings on the Closed Fist have become a cornerstone of modern improvisational comedy. Improv performers use it as a way to stay grounded and avoid breaking character, even when things get chaotic on stage. It encourages them to embrace the moment and take risks, which often leads to the most memorable and hilarious moments in a show.

In conclusion, Del Close's approach to comedy is deeply influenced by his training in martial arts. The concept of the Closed Fist has become one of the most important teachings in modern improvisational comedy, encouraging performers to fully commit to their characters and scenes. Del Close may no longer be with us, but his impact on the world of comedy will continue to be felt for generations to come.