FMA Informative Newspaper Vol3 No.6
Transcription
FMA Informative Newspaper Vol3 No.6
Vol 3 No 6 - 2014 Newspaper Propagating the Filipino Martial Arts and the Culture of the Philippines What On Earth Is a “Supreme” Grandmaster Anyway? By Mustafa Gatdula Is this a cat who used to train with Diana Ross in Motown, or something? Is it that grown men - FREE men - calling another man “Master” isn’t enough? You need to lower yourself and grovel even lower? Is it that having your butt kissed by your students isn’t enough? Don’t let me get graphic here, guys. The Filipino martial arts have become so mainstream, it’s disgusting. Let alone that we no longer have the natural-born killers representing our arts like we did 20 30 years ago. We have degenerated to selfpromoting ranks, selling teaching certificates, promising students that they will be unbeatable in “10 seminars (ahem, easy lessons) or less”! Our arts are now “too deadly for tournaments” and now we have to listen to the same garbage we use to laugh at being spewed by our own masters and many of you feel obligated to defend it! Come on now, big boy… you don’t really believe that your master is undeafeated in 100 death matches, do you? See if you can get him to spar ONE “bloody nose” match with me, will you? Oh, he’s old and I’m young. Okay, since you are the one holding his jockstraps, and plan to be the “inheritor” of his system, why don’t you fight me in a light contact, friendly match? Oh, I see. Your Grandmaster is a direct descendant of Lapu Lapu. His art is 8 generations old. Okay, name each successive grandmaster/grandfather going back 4 generations. These guys will tell you that their art goes back 9 generations, but they can’t name their great, great grandfather. Come on! Instructorship in the Filipino martial arts use to be a graduation. Once you’ve learned an art, you knew it, and your rank depended on your skill level and knowledge base. Now, it is a level with titles and numbers (6th degree Black Belts). People ran out of numbers to give themselves–I actually met a guy who told me his GreatGrandmaster was a 15th degree Black Belter (whew!)–and titles, so now they are reaching for more things to call themselves. Heck, next these guys will start calling themselves the “Pope of Arnis de Mano”, or “Great Grandma Guro”. This is getting out of hand! When my guys have learned my art all the way through, they will know more than I did when I first opened my school because I have had 18 years of knowledge more than I did at 22. They should be better than I was because they had more classmates than I did. They deserve to be more than just my Instructor-level student; they deserve to be my peer. And that’s the reason for these higher numbers and lofty ranks. Teachers want to remain superior, despite that they no longer can do what they use to, and that their Black Belt students will be better than they ever were, and that’s just plain wrong. What says more about a teacher: His best students are still lesser skilled than they are at 40 or 50? Or his best students surpasses his own abilities? May I suggest, brothers and sisters, that the best Master should be able to produce students who become better than the Master himself. I am 40, I have arthritis. Two weekends ago I performed 100 pushups– which is a basic requirement of my advanced students–and I ached for nearly 7 days, when I use to do that as a part of a regular workout. By contrast, my advanced Kuntaw students do this regularly as a warm-up. I blistered last week when I threw 1,000 strikes with my sticks (yet I was shooting for 2,500… remember the “Challenge” article?). 1,000 hits use to be a demonstration I performed for students complaining about 500 hits! I am a shadow of who I was, as are most men calling themselves “Master” and “Grandmaster” or more. Still, it is ego that makes some men accept this fact and still shoot for more power and arrogance, and cease to strive for improvement. My grandfather once said that a man’s fighting career should end in his 30s, when he begins his teaching career, then becomes a Master in his 40s, when his peers begin to consider him a Master. But he must continue to hone and improve his skills until his body quits, and this would be in his late 50s and 60s. My Grandfather could still spar at 78, and he never adopted the title of Grandmaster. I’ve seen only a few old men who could compare to him at an advanced age, yet most Masters with fewer abilities and younger years dare to make up titles like “Supreme Great Grandmaster” and stuff like that? Science and Research in Martial Arts By Marcus Schüssler Article Digging for the Origin of Eskrima By Ned R. Nepangue, M.D. and Celestino C. Macachor Article About ... Future Events Past Events Health & Safety Discovering FMA Tid-Bits www.fmapulse.com Visit the FMA Informative Group on Facebook Click Here 2 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 3 The Filipino martial arts way of doing business just perplexes me, and we are going by the way of Big Business Tae Kwon Do with the ranks, multilevel marketing schemes and de-emphasis on skill development and testing. When men make up these crazy titles and wear them proudly and without shame, I know that my beloved Filipino martial arts have become the next Amway. I believe that when a student graduates from the Advanced Level, he should have two or three more levels to aim for: the Expert level - when he has learned the entire art and can utilize the art with great effectiveness; the Teacher level–when he has attained an entire fighting career worth of his own fighting experiences as well as supervised teaching expe- rience; and if you decide to (I don’t), a Senior Teacher level– which is your political/business/social status level (which I believe any rank higher than a 3rd Degree Black Belt is anyway). There is no need to test at those levels; you’ve seen what they can do in class and on the mat. I would hold a presentation ceremony and maybe a demonstration, but nothing more is necessary. I had always been taught that the title “Master” was to be bestowed not by an organization or by oneself, but by the community you belong to. I had two significant experiences with the title Master around 10 years ago, and I believe that teachers should achieve it this way, rather than to pay for certification. The first was shortly after my arrival to California, when I was still on the tournament circuit and making friends among the instructors. A few times when I had visited a school, I would be introduced to students as “Master Gatdula”. This is aligned with the saying that teachers become Masters when the community recognizes you as one. The second was at Manong Leo Giron’s school and house, when he and Grandmaster Vince Tinga introduced me to another teacher from the Bay as “Master” Gatdula. When I suggested that I was just a teacher, Manong Leo said, “you are a Master because I say you are one…” Vince Tinga introduced me to the community as his nephew, and ad- opted my school as family (he actually taught in my school 7 days a week for nearly 2 years before his death). This is how one becomes a master, not through some ceremony. Like I have said in previous articles, return to basics. Train yourself, train your students, give them plenty of opportunity to prove their sklls to you and themselves. Don’t try to make money off them forever. Give your students the respect they deserve and give your art the respect it deserves. Don’t pimp your martial arts. If you want to pimp something, throw 24s on your ride, put some bass in your trunk, but leave the arts and our traditions alone. “Secrets” of the Filipino Fighting Arts Words from a Modern-Day Warrior filipinofightingsecretslive.com Science and Research in Martial Arts - Fiction and Practice man body or an object. This is secured scientific knowledge and is proven every day. The inherent human drive to be able to fly from the own resources, is in opposition to the scientific knowledge of gravity and is therefore also to be classified as pure dreaming. There is the following train-of-thought-error, when it comes to conducting scientific research in martial arts: if two people are fighting each other, the one taking the offensive has a certain intention and motivation. Of the two taking or having to take the defense part, must therefore interpret the intent and motivation of the other! He has but little time, because this is a complex information processing. To have security for himself, he needs a so-called the same way and are having the same structures, thus being systematically. The simple example of gravity should emphasize this: an object with a mass always falls to the ground and has always the same behaviors within the gravity field – no matter in what place on this earth! This was dubbed by Isaac Newton on the basis of the legendary case of the falling down of an apple to the ground and has not lost its validity today. (Sir Isaac Newton (* Dec 25, 1642 jul. / 4 January 1643greg. in Woolsthorpe-byColsterworth, Lincolnshire; † 20 March 1726 jul. / 31 March 1727greg. in Kensington) was an English naturalist and civil servant. In the language of his time, which still not sharply divided between natural theology, natural sciences and philosophy, Newton was known as a philosopher. Isaac Newton is the author of Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica, in which he described univer- sal gravitation and the laws of motion and thus laid the foundations for classical mechanics with his law of universal gravitation. Source: Wikipedia). This simple fact is repealed in the weightlessness field, where there are other laws to abide. This simple definition being referred to martial arts, the question arises, how and whether it is even possible to apply scientific considerations on ‘human combat’. It is necessary to analyze the structure of the human combat first of all: the human combat is led by two human individuals, where each of them pursues the objective to gain physical control over the other to enforce his will. This is rather a simple logical inference, although it is overridden in the sports field on larger scales (because fairness aspects are involved), but is instrumental in self defense. Each individual human has the same physical structure – four limbs (two arms, two legs), the torso and the head. This structure is always the same and applies for each population group, no mat- ter on which continent of this earth. Differences arise in dependence of body dimensions such as size and mass, as well as the ability to effectively mobilize the own structure in order to win the fight. At this point now the attempt by scientific means to explore what – more mental – combat strategies and tactics can be achieved at best is setting in, for making this equally applicable for everyone (similar to the training of officers in the army, where battles and wars are always virtually being played through, but where the real wars usually happened differently as planned). This means that in accordance to scientific stipulations the same laws on the strategic mental as well as physical level through a variety of experiments it must be elaborated, that have a universal validity at any place and at any time and in any constitution. Here again the example of gravity: a body with a mass always falls downward, whether in the Antarctic in Europe or China. The body may be a hu- ly wrong associations term and expectations are being formed. On the one – due to human shortcomings – intended, to another, simply by indiscriminately accepting so-called ‘verbal trends’. The applied disciplines, that translate the findings from basic research into products or product concepts is another thought approach, that is analog to today’s university based education. Example: the civil engineer is an applier of physics such as gravity, mechanics, thermodynamics, et cetera, and has as task to build homes, that meet the needs of the customer with regard to the intended use and providing security. The same va- lidity for the martial arts: the physical components have the same laws on the basis of structures, that have evolved in accordance with other real scientific principles (such as for example the gravity, biomechanics, etc.). Based on these principles user strategies can be conceived, which pursue the logical objective of 0% risk / 100% security. This means, that a basic scientific research in the field of martial arts is not possible, but that the martial arts can only base on the physiological and psychological foundations being studied for generations and rather putting this in a context of victory or defeat by ‘craftsmanship’. International Union For Escrima & Wing Tsun www.wt-velbert.de Digging for the Origin of Eskrima - Excerpts from “Cebuano Eskrima: Beyond the Myth” By Ned R. Nepangue, M.D. and Celestino C. Macachor By Marcus Schüssler Throughout the past eras martial arts were considered as necessary to the survival in society, but access to a scientific acceptance was never allowed to them. As a result, they remained in an area, that can be better described by the term “craftsmanship”. In the crafts experience and knowledge are transferred over a long period from person to person to ensure the survival of these skills. In science it is about to fathom the why and how in order to derive laws and coherences from it. These findings are then used in practical applications to facilitate daily life, for survival or to making them usable and servant to other purposes. The science’s claim, that if laws and coherences were stipulated, these always work anticipation (an acting before or an assumption or a guess at worst), to keep the defense action in timely sync with the incoming attack. A basic scientific research, that would tackle this topic, is to be equated with a scientific research for gambling! Two human individuals with their own intentions have their respective conformity due to their psychological and physiological structure, but these individual conformities never become a parent law called combat, that can be scientifically explored. Since the approach to express a certain intellectualism through science and research in such a pragmatic field such as martial arts (this is preferably used to build up a certain social distance), the danger is great that quick- Many martial arts can easily trace back to its originator/progenitor. Chang San Feng is said to originate Tai Chi Chuan. Sage Agasthya originated the Tamil Nadu’s varma ati while Sage Parasurama is the founder of the Kerala’s kalarippayattu. Shaolin boxing is identifi ed with Da Mo or Bodhidharma.49 Gatka stylists trace their lineage back to Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the Sikh’s 6th Guru, and the serpent god named Pakhangba started the martial art of thang-ta or huyen lallong. But for eskrima, there’s nobody we can assign as the originator, not even a diwata. As to its exact place of origin, we can only vaguely say, “in the Philippine islands.” What year was that? Nobody can answer accurately either. We can only strongly surmise basing on facts available, that it is very likely that Eskrima was fi rst developed during the Spanish colonial days, not before and not after. The belief that eskrima is something pre-Hispanic is contrary to the existing facts and logical arguments at hand. While it is true that the absence of any evidence of a pre-Hispanic martial art does not disprove anything; it is also equally true and even childish to insist that it existed. Fantasy is fantasy, but to say that such thing is real it needs to be proven first. As what Carl Sagan said, “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” The burden of proof lay heavy on the ones who insist on clinging to that delusion. Meaning, those who are skeptical in stories like kali, for example, are not supposed to be burdened to provide evidence to the contrary. Why? Well, because it is not how the rules of evidence work. Worst, it is not how the advancement of knowledge works. Those who insist on Kali must now have their evidence to back them up and allow the same to be examined by people, like those from the academe. What is happening now seems to be the opposite. The skeptics arenow the ones proving that there’s no such thing as Kali. A small partof the evidence is in this book you are now reading; the rest is in thebrain. Sadly, these so-called Filipino martial arts authorities do not even bother to lift a finger in order to find out the veracity of these stories. Earlier chroniclers may have mentioned how good fighters the natives they met were, but their observations were not conclusive for this imagined ancient martial art called kali. Possible Sources of Elusive Proofs Among the few remaining legacies are the folk epics—the long heroic narratives in verse, which recount the adventures of tribal heroes and in the process, express the customs, beliefs, and ideals of the people who singthem. It is said that the Philippines has no national epic hero, instead hasabout a hundred (most of these are from the island of Palawan). Many ofthese epics remained unwritten because chanting is the mode by which these have been produced. They portray tribal society before the coming of the Muslims (1380) and the Christians (1521) and serve as vehicles for the transmission of tribal customs and wisdom. Meaning, if one wants to learn things in the past (like the imagined kali) these epics may provide information and confi rmation. The people who promote the Kali myth might as well listen or read the epic “Biag ni Lam-ang,” and see for themselves if the hero Lamang, was into Kali. See if Aliguyon of the epic “Hudhud”50 was also a kalista. They may also dig deeper and read the “Labaw Donggon” of the Sulod (in Panay, where Kali was supposed to be taught in bothoan schools)), the “Ulahingan” of the Manobos, the “Sandayo” of the Subanen (in Zamboangapeninsula) and the “Darangen” of the Maranaos. 4 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 5 About ... Castro explained that Ernesto Presas wanted to create a system that incorporated all aspects of combat. “Kombatan became a two-stick fighting system, they do a lot of sinawalis (weaving drills), and a lot of drills with two sticks and it’s a grabbing art. It’s a beautiful art. Some Arnis doesn’t do two sticks or has Espada y Daga (Sword and dagger); he’s one of the rare people who combined it all. It also has empty hands.” But more than the art itself, was Presas’ passion for FMA that resonated the most. “Ernesto was one of those people who loved Filipino martial arts and it didn’t matter what style. He created IMPAF because he wanted to be more universal with everybody and unite the Filipinos.” Presas hoped that by unifying the art, students would be able to learn from other systems and grow in their own rite. “As long as he saw and he knew that you were humble enough to learn his art and still be in another art, it didn’t matter to him. In fact, he relished the idea of people being in other arts and learning his art at the same time because it supplemented everything you’re learning.” Presas’ unique ideology laid the foundation for his students to create their own style of self-expression. “He taught me how to develop Eskabo because I formatted my system behind his system, where it’s complete; we have kicks, we have weapons, one hand, two hands, locks, takedowns and ground fighting. He was the one who told me, you must Great Grandmaster Ernesto Presas complete your system, you can’t just do knives, and you can’t just do sticks. You have By: AJ Ruiz to figure out how to combine them all and to flow well.” Great Grandmaster Presas’ was Great Grandmaster Ernesto Presas is the Founder of Koma visionary in not only Filipino martial arts but also in life. “Ernesto was my mentor, any batan and one of the most accomplished Filipino martial kind of problem I had, I would tell him and he would help me resolve it. He’s changed artists. In 1970 he created ARJUKEN, the Arnis, Kendo, my life personally by supporting me in everything I’ve done, he supported me and Jujitsu, Karate Association to promote Filipino martial arts helped me create Eskabo by using all the techniques he taught me and how to expand within the Philippines. In 1975 he founded the Internationthem even further by using other systems to expand my own. He was always on my al Philippine Martial Arts Federation (IPMAF) to promote side.” Filipino martial arts around the world. Currentlly Kombatan Great Grandmaster Presas is just one of the many Filipino martial artists who has schools that reach from the United States, Australia, have accomplished but still remains unknown to many. We at Eskabo Daan strive to Mexico and Europe. Grandmaster Robert Castro of Eskabo make Great Grandmaster Ernesto Presas known in the martial arts world and will enDaan, who trained under Ernesto Presas, was asked to give sure that his art and memory will live for generations to come. his experience on the man who strived to create “a comwww.eskabodaan.org plete system.” Sayoc Kali Tuhons An excerpt from a History and Timeline of Sayoc Kali: In the 1970’s, Chris Sayoc pushed the boundaries of training to the point of extreme, fighting in the streets and in tournaments. Chris’ personal training ranged from Tae Kwon Do to training with Master Leo Gaje, Professor Vee, Remy Presas and many, many others. It was during this time that Chris Sayoc decided to be called by the name ‘Tuhon.’ This wasn’t a title used in the martial arts at the time, instead it was in reference to the historical Malay word, “Tuan,” meaning “Leader who has achieved Mastery.” This was his role in his gang, to his friends and his students. Later Master Leo Gaje chose to use it as a title of rank in his martial art of Pekiti Tirsia and so the “title” of Tuhon has become widespread in the Filipino Martial Arts. Chris Sayoc was a private student and demonstration partner of Master Gaje from September 1976 to December 1979. As the originator of the title, Pamana Tuhon Sayoc has developed 10 leaders to who he has passed the title of “Tuhon.” To earn the rank of “Tuhon” in Sayoc Kali requires a minimum of 20 years of training. Training involves not only the physical aspects that are required of a martial discipline, but also the mental aspects of how to succeed at whatever goals one sets out to achieve. How to think, how to observe, and how to affect your environment. Sayoc Kali Tuhons, then, are masters and teachers of how to create one’s own world. Pamana Tuhon Founder and Creator of Sayoc Kali® and the Sayoc Fighting System sayoc.com Visit Philippines, My Philippines on FaceBook: Click Here 1. Carabao Rides Although, used mostly now-a-days for Tourism purposes, one can still get a ride on a Carabao Cart in the provinces. 5. Tricycles This is also an easy way to get around most cities and provinces! 2. Kalesa These are still widely popular in Manila and in Vigan. 3. Pedicab Cebuano Eskrima Beyond the Myth 6. Skylab or “habal-habal” Mostly encountered in Agusan and its near by provinces. 7. Jeepney Our Jeeps come in a variety of colors, emblazoned with custom signs, beliefs, you name it! By Ned R. Nepangue, M.D. and Celestino C. Macachor Cebuano Eskrima: Beyond the Myth boldly unravels with compelling and provocative hypothesis on the Hispanic origins of the Filipino Martial Arts known as eskrima, arnis and estokada The authors present prima facie evidence on the fraud of the supposedly precursor art called kali. A more plausible theory on the origins of eskrima are presented in startling detail from its early beginnings as a defense against Moro pirates and slave traders and its later fusion with Spanish fencing through the Jesuit warrior priests during the pivotal years 1635-1644, the height of Spanish rapier fencing in Europe during the Renaissance. It also presents a comprehensive chronology on the development of eskrima in Cebu, a meticulous commentary of Cebuano pioneers and innovators of eskrima and elucidates the pre-eminence of Visayans in the art of eskrima / arnis / estokada. As both authors are practitioners of this martial art, technicalities in eskrima never before detailed in other materials on the subject are carefully discussed in the book. To Order Visit - Amazon.com 4. Motorcycles Believe it or not, I have been on one of these on the roads of Aklan. 14 Rides you might encounter in The Philippines! An everyday form of transport us Pinoys use. 8. Bus Used by the everyday Filipino. Can get you from one point of the city to another and often farther out as well. 6 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 7 Future Events June 2014 1st Pangamot Int’l Stick Fighting Tournament June 8, 2014 [tentative event location] Provincial Capitol Lagoon, Negros Occidental Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines Contact: Call/Text: [0919] 889-9671 Email: stephenroydedel1@gmail.com Website: www.facebook.com/pangamot 9. FX Taxi This is an alternative to a bus and a taxi. A sort of in between. 11. The Philippine National Railway Trains These still run and are operational! 10. Taxi Don’t let the horror stories fool you. We have a lot of decent folk driving taxis around. FMA Super Seminar Grandmaster Dieter Knuttel and Tuhon Pat O’Malley June 14 - 15, 2014 Doug Ellis Sports Centre Wellhead Lane, B42 2SY Birmingham, United Kingdom Contact: Kamal Dhiman [0784] 301-0914 Email: kam_dhiman@hotmail.com Flyer Kalis Ilustrisimo Training Seminar Arnold Narzo and Peachie Baron Saguin June 21 - 29, 2014 Denver and Estes Park, Colorado Contact: Grandmaster Milspaugh Email: sanduko@gmail.com July 2014 12. The LRT and MRT Just be prepared for the rush and crush! 3rd East Coast Gathering - Wounded Warrior Project July 19, 2014 Rock Martial Arts Gainesville VA. Contact: Punong Guro Jun Paliangayan [703] 291-1299. Email: jhun.occidental@gmail.com Website Kuntao In-Tents 3 Day Camp July 25 - 27, 2014. 602 Southford Rd., Southbury CT. Information: [203] 596-9073 or Email: info@psdtc.com Website: Click Here 13. Banka I know, why? Well, if you are going to hop on one island to the next, this is the most popular mode of transfer in between those islands. Image Source: www.pdosoluz.com.ph 14. The Roro! Imagine a bus on a boat on an ocean! Inayan System of Eskrima Flexible Weapons By Jason Inay In the Inayan System of Eskrima Flexible Weapons proficiency is a requirement to advance in the system. This DVD is a presentation of skills and drills to enhance one’s familiarity and skill in the use of a flexible weapon. Though this DVD specifically presents the use of the bandanna the principles can be adapted to nearly any flexible weapon. Suro Jason Inay, the head of the Inayan System of Eskrima (I.S.E.), also illustrates how training the use of flexible weapons is a metaphor for approaching martial arts with a flexible and adaptable mind Enjoy learning the use of the bandanna with drills and techniques adapted from the Inayan Kadena De Mano styles of Eskrima. Inayan Kadena De Mano is one of the core styles within the I.S.E. that emphasizes empty hand and knife skills. The I.S.E. DVD covers basic defenses to strikes, locks, and entanglements. Visit: www.Inayan-Eskrima.com to find out more about the I.S.E. a complete system of Filipino martial arts founded by Mangisursuro Mike Inay. This DVD may be purchased via PayPal: mestrella@sbcglobal.net $37 including ground USPS shipping in the USA WFMAA Expo & Laban Laro Championships October 24-26, 2014 The Riviera Casino & Hotel Resort Las Vegas, Nevada Website: www.worldfma.com Information: Click Here Registration Laban Laro Rules & Regulations FMAid Project Typhoon Haiyan Benefit Seminar DVD Nashville, TN, 2013. Featuring instruction by Guro David Gould (Lameco Eskrima single knife) Guro Viko Perrine (Kalis Ilustrisimo single sword), Guro Jerome Teague Applied Eskrima basic body mechanics and Balintawak dilling) Guro Elmann Cabotage (Taboda Balintawak semi advanced Balintawak drilling). Run Time: 2hrs 45min Price $35 with all proceeds going to Typhoon Relief. To order, Contact Guro Jerome Teague at FMAidProject@gmail.com The Bladed Hand Director: Jay Ignacio Producers: Jay Ignacio, Kent Vives, Sonny Sison This is a documentary about the global impact and current state of Eskrima/Kali/Arnis, otherwise known as Filipino Martial Arts. Filmed around Cebu, Baguio, Bacolod, Batangas, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Manila, Moscow, Oakland and San Diego. The Bladed Hand will show how this native art from the Philippines has had a significant impact on military systems and even on Hollywood. Featuring FMA luminaries Supreme Grandmaster Diony Cañete, Supreme Grandmaster Cacoy Cañete, Guro Dan Inosanto, Guro Diana Inosanto, Guro Ron Balicki, Grandmaster Nick Elizar, Grandmaster Ising Atillo, Master Christopher Ricketts, Grandmaster Remy Presas, Jr. and many more. Visit: www.thebladedhand.com DVD Available at Amazon.com: Click Here 8 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 9 Past Events Fundraiser for the Philippines - Typhoon Benefit Seminar April 26, 2014 Gym-Synergy, 3049-A West 74th, Westminster, Colorado Silat/FMA Seminar with Guro Jerome Teague and Guru Mike Casto April 19, 2014 Roger Killen’s Taekwondo and Self Defense 4894 Nolensville Pike, Nashville Tennessee On April 19th, 2014, Guru Mike Casto and Guro Jerome Teague conducted a joint seminar on complementary elements of their respective Close-Quarters Silat and Filipino Martial Arts systems. The seminar was held in Nashville, Tennessee and ran for seven hours. Attendees were a mix of local and out of state practitioners who traveled from Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina on Easter weekend to take part in this unique event. The group’s martial arts background and experience level varied widely from person to person, but all were attentive and involved from the very beginning. Guru Casto’s system of Silat, Anjing Gembala Pencak Silat or AGPS, is known for its emphasis on structural stability, effortless balance disruption and controlling the opponent through biomechanics. AGPS produces rather dramatic results with maximum effect with minimum effort. Guru Casto’s portion of the seminar started with a quick overview of combat ranges and the corresponding weapons that are effective at each range. AGPS favors close range combat (elbow and knee range, body to body), and as such, too much open space between an AGPS player and his opponent is a hindrance to effective technique. After the introduction, Guru Casto covered some essential entry tactics designed to close the gap between individuals in combative encounters with a particular emphasis on “stealing an opponent’s space,” or taking away his ability to effectively attack in medium or long range. After closing the gap, participants were taught to quickly terminate the encounter through striking and/ or takedowns/locks/breaks. This “Stealing Spaces” workshop was designed to provide attendees with insight into some of the foundational components of AGPS and allow them to incorporate the concepts into their own training immediately. The entire basis of the seminar, and perhaps even of AGPS itself, can be summed up in one of Guru Casto’s favorite quotes: “From the moment I touch him until the moment I stop touching him, he should be in pain and off balance.” Guro Jerome Teague lead seminar participants through a series of single stick and blade drills meant to provide them with an in-depth understanding of combative ranges, controlling weapons and utilizing distance to obtain a desired outcome. Guro We had a great turnout today for the Typhoon Benefit seminar. Great instructors and paractitioners. Our FMA community in Colorado is second to none. All of us are brothers and sisters and it shows when we get together to bang sticks. We raised $1040 dollars today!! The money was donated to the Richard Lippard Typhoon Fund for medical aide and support for the city of Tanauan, Leyte. Richard will personally bring the aid to Leyte in a few weeks and report back with a write up and pictures when he gets back to Colorado. Thank you everyone for all the support! - Shelley Javier Millspaugh Guro Jerome Teague Teague is currently Grandmaster Virgil Cavada’s highest-ranking US instructor in Applied Eskrima Balintawak but he also has training in Modern Arnis, Inosanto Kali, and Villabrille Largusa Kali. The material he presented consisted of elements from multiple FMA styles with a heavy emphasis on basic defanging the snake and bridging the gaps between ranges regardless of weapon. There was far more doing than there was talking, and the training consisted of easy-to-follow drills and exercises that layered concepts step by step so they could be practiced, remembered Guru Mike Casto and employed regardless of skill level. The instruction was rooted in concepts and not specific techniques and as such, it allowed attendees to take it and incorporate it into their respective martial arts training regardless of style or background. The event ended with a trip out for dinner at a local Thai restaurant and the group continued to banter ideas and concepts from the seminar late into the night. As the evening drew to a close, all agreed that they were a little stiff, a little sore, and a lot happy. For more information on events with Guru Mike Casto, visit: www.TrainAGPS.com For more information on events with Guro Jerome Teague, visit: www.GuroJeromeTeague.com Cacoy Doce Pares Eskrima/Eskrido Seminar April 26, 2014 Battle Control 319 Piercy Rd., San Jose, CA. Zenway Digital Concepts & Design Center with Independent Creative Concept Photography is a small and independent private digital concepts & design center consultancy and contractor with current specialty Product Development ranging in and Trademark Specialist with Creative Unique Photography in Bicol Region. March 2007 the Zenway Digital Concepts & Design Center was established, with a small design group and a trained designers on their specialized fields of expertise. Our clients are within the Bicol area regional, national and international, but we are expanding thru e-commerce for our expertise in the field of designs. Using state of the art equipment and tools for our designers as a result we have made a great impact on our designs. We are located in the heart of Bicol - Legazpi City, with a view of the beautiful and Majestic Mayon Volcano, and the church of St. Raphael Archangel as it was used to create this company. Visit: zenwaydigital.weebly.com Congratulations and a Million Thanks for the success of the Apr. 24th Cacoy Doce Pares Benefit Seminar in San Jose, California! Supreme Grandmaster Cacoy Canete sends his sincerest thanks and appreciations to the following: Grandmaster Manuel Francisco for hosting the seminar, the Grandmasters and Masters for their presentations, to name a few: Grandmaster Anthony Kleeman, Grandmaster Ron Lew, Grandmaster Jun Cautiverio, Grandmaster Guy Kinanahan, Grandmaster Tom Meadows, Grandmaster Rommel Jimenez, Grandmaster Vatche Partamian, Grandmaster Wally Estropia and Master Narrison Babao. And to all of their respective Black Belt students who assisted the seminar, to name a few: Rick Metzler, Lee and Mike McKenzie. Last but not least to all the rest of the CDP Eskrima practitioners and enthusiasts who attended the seminar. Your unwavering loyalty and continued support of Supreme Grandmaster Cacoy Canete will always be deeply appreciated by him and his family. God bless you all! - Catherine-Kitty Canete-Knight 10 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 11 16th Phoenix FMA Training & BBQ April 26, 2014 Margaret T. Hance Park, Phoenix, Arizona With the threat of an oncoming rainstorm the start of the 16th Phoenix FMA Training looked dismal. Five stood around looking at each other, wondering if the training was going to happen. Then, in the blink of an eye, there were a dozen people and it was on. We decided to change things up a bit this time. To this point, we had been training “seminar style”; one person sharing/teaching and the others practicing. For this session, we decided to “mingle”; everyone paired up, the first person shared for 15 minutes, switch, the other shared for the next 15 minutes. After the half hour, everyone changed partners. Kada Anan Martial Arts Arizona Richell Demetris Mark Joewe Hai Phan (visiting from Santa Clara, CA) DTE Jay Taja Tea Jeromy Jeff Others that showed up some jumped in and got a partner and shared their style. James Laforteza Magdiel Rivera Martin Torres Raymon De Valle The weather finally had its way and it started raining. For the last part of the session, we moved under cover and kept going. Guest participant, Hai Phan, who flew in from Santa Clara, CA. to attend the training, was given the floor and finished the sharing. Hai taught some basic concepts behind weapon retention and safe weapon deployment. Concepts covered basic standup grappling, preventing the opponent from reaching a weapon, and maintaining control before reaching for your own. The usual BBQ was cancelled but a few of us ended the event with food and stories at 5 Guys Burgers. Modern Arnis and Balintawak Seminar Grandmaster Bobby Taboada and Master of Tapi Tapi Chuck Gauss April 26, 2014 The Harmony Martial Arts Center 1755 Plummer St. Unit 6 & 7, Pickering, Ontario, Canada On Saturday April 26th, Bamboo Spirit Martial Arts Centre, Ltd and Pugad Lawin Martial Arts hosted a successful joint seminar between Balintawak Grandmaster Bobby Taboada and Modern Arnis Master of Tapi Tapi Chuck Gauss. This seminar was months in the making and involved a fair bit of outreach. Both Grandmaster Bobby and Master Chuck arrived in Toronto on Friday night. The next morning, we had a private breakfast where we introduced the two of them together. Over a delicious breakfast, we discussed the planning of the seminar and exchanged stories about the late Professor Remy A. Presas, with accompanying laughter. We then departed for the Harmony Martial Arts Center in Pickering, where the seminar took place from 1:30pm to 7:30pm. After an introduction of the two guests of honor (with a reminder that Grandmaster Bobby was most assuredly the best looking man in the room!), we got started, after the obligatory group photo. Master Chuck got things rolling with the introduction of his mainstay drill, the 2 versus 1 drill. This is a very versatile drill, teaching the usage of both the right and left hands and many skills inherent in the art of Modern Arnis. He covered thrusting, sweepstrokes, application of redonda, disarms, angling, body positioning, and much more. He then showed how this drill translates into single stick tapi tapi and added in switching hands, heavy checking and hitting. Master Chuck did a fantastic job of showcasing the explosiveness of Modern Arnis Tapi Tapi. Unfortunately, due to a family situation, Master Chuck had to leave the seminar early. Following a presentation ceremony to recognize those who have supported Filipino Martial Arts over the years, the seminar resumed with Grandmaster Bobby taking over the floor. Grandmaster Bobby emphasized the basic footwork and striking patterns of his beloved Balintawak art. It was evident that his movements were quite efficient, compact and superb, reflecting his nearly 40 years of experience. He then segued into some of the basics of Balintawak ranging from striking to disarms. He also demonstrated his speed, power and accuracy with a demonstration on Master Roland Rivera, who traveled from North Carolina for the seminar. The last portion of his seminar dealt the empty hand component of Balintawak, with an emphasis on the checking hand, agility and footwork. After the seminar, we had dinner at the Pho Saigon restaurant and regaling each other stories about our times in Modern Arnis and Balintawak. The next morning, Terence and I drove Grandmaster Bobby to Guro Mantas Oliver Garduce’s place. A joint seminar was held with Guro Oliver teaching Kombatan with Grandmaster Bobby following with a Balintawak session. The highlight of the day was Grandmaster Bobby’s Balintawak demonstration with Terence as the demonstration partner. Terence did a fantastic job in assisting in Grandmaster Bobby’s demonstration. A video of the demonstration was uploaded to Facebook where it has gone viral (with 283 shares as of this post). There was a great turnout at this event as well. All in all, a great weekend! Open seminar with GM Latosa in Hamburg 2014 April 26, 2014 Hamburg, Germany Saturday 26 April 2014 around 3pm – the participants for this year’s open seminar with Grandmaster Latosa in Hamburg supported by the IUEWT are getting ready. (Sifu/Master) Marcus Schüssler addresses a few words of welcome to the participants, after which Grandmaster Latosa immediately takes over into the scheduled topic of ‘Short Power’. The participants had a wide range of foreknowledge and stylistic origins, which was welded together into a whole within a very short time, due to the neutral and objective way of teaching. The time of the first unit passed like on the fly, at what some of the participants noted, that the input is enormous and difficult to process in parallel time. But nonetheless, all remained focused on the matter and some participants brought plenty of humor into the process through their ‘Hamburg mentality’. The second part of the seminar had been conducted on the outside courtyard due to the good weather conditions. Thus the IUEWT school Hamburg represented by Stephan Schreck had a successful ‘inauguration’ of the new premises by Grandmaster Latosa and the seminar. The unbiased participation, as well as the short visit of other Escrima teachers of Grandmaster Latosa from Hamburg and surrounding areas showed the clear language towards a positive change and development of the Escrima scene of Hamburg. - Marcus Schüssler Video: Click Here 12 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 13 Master Jon Escudero Lightning Scientific Arnis Seminar April 26 - 27, 2014 MKG Seattle, 10714 5th Ave NE, Seattle, Washington Sunday Day 1 The seminar was open to students of all levels. Worked Espada y Daga both days Day 2 FCS Kali S. Cal. Seminar Tuhon Ry Dionaldo April 26 - 27, 2014 13950 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA. Excellent weekend! First off, the energy level and fun was at a high! Bits of pain and lots laughter! Not that he needs it ,but kudos for Tuhon Ray Dionaldo giving us more and new exciting info year after year! I just proves that he’s always training and perpetuating himself and the art of FCS KALI. We appreciated that! Saturday started off with the Panantukan drill. It’s always a great feeling fist to flesh After we drilled that at every angle possible, Saturday we moved on to the “crazy” Sumbrada. All I kept saying was ‘for such simple moves..this is freakin’ technical!” Always willing to share the fame, Guro Nate worked us with the stick lock flow. Yay, more bits of pain..lol Sunday’s class went double tech on the new Sumbrada. Live hand taps, left hand strong, double weapons, double tapping, panantukan entry...ahhhhhh i actually yelled out “I’M FRIED!” Again Guro Nate was up to continue with applying the lock flow. We added take-downs and submissions. Tuhon kept the end theme with more Silat take-downs and throws to finish off! PS: let’s not forget our break dancin’ session Thank you everyone that participatd and Kenpo Evolution Mma, Sherman Oaks Ca., for hosting us. “Time went by fast, great energy from everyone, I had fun.” Tuhon Ray Dionaldo — feeling great. Arnis Kali Eskrima Toronto Workshop Grandmaster Bobby Taboada and Guro Mantas Olicer Garduce April 27, 2014 TKMT Uptown, 1992 Yonge St. Toronto, Ontarios, Canada Sonny Umpad’s Eskrima: The Life and Teachings of a Filipino Martial Arts Master By George M. Yore Born with the soul of a warrior, the intellect of a scholar, and a zealot’s devotion to his art, Maestro Santiago “Sonny” Umpad forged an enduring contribution to the rich and colorful history of Filipino martial culture. In 1976, after immigrating to the United States, Sonny founded the school of Visayan Style Corto Kadena & Larga Mano Eskrima—rooted in his training in the Philippines and tested by a hard and dangerous life on the streets, Sonny’s system was above all else practical. As Sonny’s reputation as a talented fighter became well-known, he began to crosstrain with masters of other martial arts, including Jesse Glover (Bruce Lee’s first student) and Wally Jay (founder of Small Circle Jujitsu). One of the most innovative and visionary exponents of the Filipino arts, Sonny pioneered the concept of “mixed martial arts” long before the term was in use. Sonny Umpad’s Visayan Eskrima provides an insightful portrayal of Sonny Umpad’s life, philosophy, and teaching methods, as well as the structural underpinnings of his system. Instructor George Yore has assembled the writings of six of Sonny’s students (including Wade Williams, 2012 nominee for the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame) to create a biographic homage to this remarkable martial artist; basic techniques and applications are also demonstrated, accompanied by 130 step-by-step photos. Practitioners of Filipino martial arts—as well as mixed martial artists and security specialists—will find valuable instruction in techniques and applications, while the thousands of people touched by Sonny’s teachings will gain a new understanding of this notoriously reclusive master’s life—and how his experiences informed the development of his system. Paperback: $12.89 Kindle Edition: $10.48 To Order Throught Amazon - Click Here 14 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Kuntao Seminar with Ron Kosakowski April 27, 2014 Practical Self Defense Training Center 847 Hamilton Avenue (Route 69) Waterbury, Connecticut Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 15 Giron® Arnis Escrima Workshop April 29, 2014 American Society of Karate San Jacinto College, Houston, TX. The Kuntao seminar went great. I did not count the amount of people there. I am all worn out from teaching and performing right now. I did not video it so nothing will be online. This is the foundation of my Kuntao style so I would not put this out to the public so easily. It was a good crowd and people saw some mind blowing stuff with the use of hand monitoring. Its different but VERY logical. One of my Black Belts got a new stripe added during the seminar which was a surprise to him. He is a very good Kuntao player and now he has work to do to cover that nice prestigious rank. San Jacinto College, Houston, TX. Bahala Na Houston was asked to hold this workshop for A.S.K. to introduce Filipino martial arts to their students. It was an incredible opportunity to share the art with another organization and help continue bringing the Houston martial arts community closer together. Last night myself, Rick and Nestor held a Giron® Arnis Escrima workshop for the American Society of Karate at a local college. It was honor to get to share the art with everyone there. - Jason Evans Winning Stick Seminar Jon Escudero - Lightning Combatives May 2, 2014 Winning - Nguyen’s TKO Karate Katy, Texas Integrated Eskrima Seminar 2 Seminars - 1 Day April 27, 2014 Academie White Crane Kung Fu 1545 le Corbusier #14, Laval, Quebec, Canada Integrated Eskrima seminar presented by Guro Mark V. Wiley, hosted by Shifu Lorne Bernard of Shaolin White Crane Kung Fu Academy in Laval, Quebec, Canada April 27, 2014. The event was attended by several Kung Fu Masters of the Crane, Dragon, Hung Ga and Choy Li Fut systems, as well teachers of Doce Pares Eskrima and Balintawak Eskrima. Dr. Wiley covered the basics of disarming stick, knife and sword on angles 1 -5, as well as free form sword “gap filling” techniques that are the hallmark of Integrated Eskrima. Robert Cory Del Medico taught a micro cosmic orbit qigong seminar on the same day. - Mark Wiley Last night was one of the most creative, innovative and dynamic weapon seminar I have ever attend! Kali/Stick Master Jon Escudero “Winning Stick Seminar” is an exciting and informative seminar and excellent tool for enabling martial arts of all ranks and ages to become skilled with this thrilling weapon. I highly recommend his seminar to everyone! Thanks again to Robert Montifar for bringing Master Jon Escudero to our dojo! Wayne Nguyen Ohio Balintawak Grandmaster Bobby Taboada May 2 - 3, 2014 Reed Academy Mixed Martial Arts 600 Cincinnati Mills Dr. -> Entry Way 6 Forest Park, Ohio Main Seminar event with Grandmaster Taboada. My humble thanks to Sifu Charles Reed of Reed Mixed Martial Arts Academy for hosting the location of this event. Also, my extended thanks to Guro Ernie Lake of FCS Lexington Kentucky, Guro Jose Connors of AEGIS Martial Arts in Huber Hieghts Ohio, and Guro Tony Jayme of Harper’s Elite Martial Arts in Columbus Ohio for the FMA camaraderie. My continued thanks to my Balintawak Family MI-Guro Patrick Schmidt - Cleveland Balintawak, QI-Guro Adam Greenspan - Pensacola Balintawak , and Mr. Eric Lance - Akron Balintawak. My final thanks to my students and for the community for making this event a success.... - MAKTAN - Filipino Martial Arts Website: www.maktan.com 16 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Stick Combat Seminar Jon Escudero - Lightning Combatives May 3, 2014 Cypress Texas Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 17 Mandala Apolo Ladra May 3 - 4, 2014 Mesa, Arizona Great weekend of Training in Mesa, Arizona. Special Thanks to Grand Master Silva, Master Apolo, the Professional Staff at East West Karate, who hosted the event. To all school owners and instructors who trained with Master Apolo this weekend, I hope our Kali4Kids can flow together in the near future! For FKA SD Parents...Looking forward to class this week with additional techniques to teach our kids! - FKA San Diego Stick Combat Seminar Jon Escudero - Lightning Combatives May 4, 2014 Coppell ATA Dallas Texas Great Lightning seminar today by Master Jon Escudero. It reinforces my belief of how phenomenal Lightning Scientific Arnis system truly is. Excell students were looking good. We even had a nice surprise visit from our friends from Bahala Na/Giron Escrima system. - Robert Montifar Grandmaster Rene Latosa - Double Stick - Escrima-Seminar May 3, 2014 Sportstudio Popeye Bürgerweide 62, 20535 Hamburg, Germany Just finished the seminar at Ata Christy Jackson’s place. We had a great time. I was very impressed with the students. Thank you Ms. Jackson, Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Perry for great ending to our seminar weekend. - Robert Montifar Willem Reeder’s Gathering May 3 - 4, 2014 Ft. Myers, Florida By Frank Bruckner “The Escrima seminar with Grandmaster Rene Latosa on 3rd May 2014 in Hamburg (Germany) was very inspiring insightful. Grandmaster Latosa demonstrated and taught different concepts regarding the double stick work.” - KUEHN Tactical 2014 San Diego Grand Internationals May 3, 2014 Community Concourse, San Diego For the third year in a row, Ross Makoske is the Grand Champion in the Stick Fighting Division of the SGLI. I, and my three sons, Nar, Jack and Kris, presented him with the Grandmaster Narrie Babao award, a plaque engraved with both Grandmaster Babao’s and Ross’ names. So proud and thankful to the LORD! Babao Arnis wins again! We had a Seminar Gathering in Ft. Myers on Kuntao Silat and Chaun Fa. Numerous Kuntao Instructors. James Hogue just got a new job and was unable to attend. Hogue was truly missed. The Willem Reeder’s Gathering on Kuntao, Silat, and Chuan Fa was a great success. This event was held on May 3rd and 4th in Fort Myers, Florida. It was awesome to see all different aspects of Reeder’s art in action and delivery. All instructors showed their side of the family art with great Humility, Integrity, and Explosiveness. They were like great ambassadors making speeches, but not with words, instead using their hands and feet. Hence, the slogan “Chinese Hands and Indonesian Feet” has been associated with this art. The instructors walked the floor without hesitation to share their ideas and concepts with the group. It was a great time to train and network. Also, it was awesome to see seasoned practitioners of Reeder’s art show interest in our gathering. I would like to say thank you to Mr. Galvin and Mr. Copland for sharing their wisdom and experience with the group. I think the one thing talked about and radiated most at the gathering was “Humility.” The word humility means: one who is self-confident without arrogance. Also who is modest and shows restraint without the destructive effect of out-sized hubris. Humility is the courage and 18 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 19 willingness to seek out other instruction or guidance without feeling the need to self-promote. All the instructors lead with great humility and this will carry on to the next gathering. I want to give a very special thanks to the following instructors who raised the bar very high for the next Willem Reeder’s Gathering and they are: Anthony Laughlin - Lineage (Ed Tiny Sealy, Guy Savelli) Christopher Snyder – Lineage (Guy Savelli) Chris Derbaum – Lineage (Guy Savelli, Scott Young, Robert Servidio) Justin Miller – Lineage (Guy Savelli, Scott Young, Robert Servidio) Ebree Yisrael – Lineage ( Arthur Sikes) Aaron Brown - Lineage (Arthur Sikes) Peter Nasib Whitt - Lineage (Arthur Sikes) Carlton Robinson – Lineage (Arthur Sikes) Frank Bruckner – Lineage (Gary Galvin) Grandmaster Rene Latosa - Double Stick - Escrima-Seminar May 4, 2014 Kampfkunstschulen Drakulic Clayallee 348, 14169 Berlin, Germany Thank you very much for this amazing seminar, GM Rene! Thanks Rasaq for your support, and thank you everybody who joined the seminar, for your enthusiastic work and passion! Berlin, the original Latosa Escrima is back! Real Filipino Martial Art, realistic concepts and valuable content! Kampfkunstschulen Drakulic Sea of Fusion - Warrior Camp May 9 - 11, 2014 Dublin, Ireland Sea of Fusion, The Festival of South East Asian Warrior Arts and Culture. Running over three days in May 2014 The SEAofFusion includes training seminars in two different venues from nine Gurus of the South East Asian warrior arts and cultural events including music, dance, art and food from the region. Day 1 of the Festival was a great success, and my eyes were completely open to the real understanding of Sinawali with Kuya Doug I have study FMA for almost 25 years, and yesterday was left like a child, seeing a completely different angle and thought process. Great team work by the N.I guys and Guru Jeff who despite Jet lag etc did a blinding session on Silat. Evening kids had so much fun with the different teachers, and the evening ended with a great night of Irish and Bollywood Dancing, who put on a fantastic show, along with Martial Arts display and an interactive.Birds of Prey Show. - Liam Mc Donald Day 2 as we enter the main training days will see the Introduction of Guru Parvez and Guru Johnny, and that’s only going to bring even more knowledge to the fusion. This evening at 6pm three young lads will step forward and be tested in fire and if successful will become new Guru Baharu’s, so Good luck to them. The evening will finish off with a Club meal together and live Music of a Top of the Pop tribute band.. for those who survive all that there is tomorrow the Mother of all training sessions lol... Another great day at the festival, which ended about 2.30am, one last day to enjoy, looking forward to it. - Stefan Fraser Stage di Kali Eskrima May 4 2014 ZEN ASD Oriental Arts Academy Italy Just back from the S.E.A. Of fusion festival. Absolutely fantastic weekend. Learned some lovely nasty stuff. Got to train with instructors I never thought I would get the chance to which I am very grateful for. All very humble and deadly gentlemen of kali and Silat and I highly recommend training with every last one of them. - Stefan Fraser www.pmasupplies.com 20 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 21 2014 Smart Arnis Summer Tournament May 17, 2014 Brgy Poblacion covered court Makati City, Philippines South Bay FMA club and Affiliates (Inter School Beginner’s Tournament) May 10, 2014 IMB Academy 22109 S. Vermont Ave. (Rear building of 22107 S. Vermont) Torrance, CA. I do not think that anyone who has never fought truly understands what it takes to get into the ring and fight a determined opponent. One of things that really helps a fighter is your corner team! Next is your cheering section! The corner team is the coach, the cool down man and the fan man. It take team to make a fighter ready to go again in a one minute rest between the rounds. Most people will never know how alone it feels when you fight in the ring and no one is in your corner. I am proud of all of my fighters getting out there, my students who showed up to help handle the fighters, those who to pictures and video to capture the moment and those who came to cheer our fighters. Everyone is important then, you can find your heart even when the going gets rough, I guess that’s why they say that when tough get going! - Marc Lawrence - South Bay Filipino Martial Arts Club S.M.A.R.T sports music recreational and training a free summer sports program of our Mayor Junjun Binay Jr. 2014 Smart Arnis Summer tournament / may17, 2014 1pm-6pm held at Brgy Poblacion covered court Makati City Philippines sponsored by: Mayor Junjun Binay Jr. Participated by LSAI/headed by Master Manuel Coros, Grandmaster Richard Franco Baclaran Arnis,Karate &Jujitsu Club, Father Grand Sifu Ybanez “Natural School of KungFu Association Martial Arts International. - Senior Grandmaster Hamsa Jay Jumawan Grandmaster Kleeman, Grandmaster Lawrence, Master del Castillo, I thank you for supporting our IMB Eskrima Invitational this past weekend. I hope your students enjoyed the Invitational as much as we enjoyed working with them. I also thank the support team working behind the scene: Rick Morales, Nicole Mangabat and Esteban deal Cruz. We started on time and ended the event with 10 bouts in 2 hours, and there were no injuries. The experiences from the Invitational evaluated our students strengths and weaknesses. They now know what they need to work on for a better performance - and that’s condition, stamina, and endurance. I invited you and your students to the IMB Invitational because of your respect, demeanor and loyalty to our FMA heritage and culture. The 2014 Eskrima Invitational exceeded my expectation. I’m planning for another Invitational for 6 or 8 other Eskrima school set for May 30, 2015. Again, I thank you for your support and a job well done. Be Safe - Be Teaching - Be Water My Friend Mabuhay an FMA - Eskrima/Kali/Arnis RSBustillo www.IMBacademy.com Grandmaster Zach Whitson Counterpoint Tactical System May 10, 2014 Apex Martial Arts 14406 South Outer 40Rd. Town & Country, MO. What a great weekend. Thanks to everyone who supported the seminar especially those who travelled to St Louis for it. Thanks to Zach Whitson for the knowledge and the fun times. Also, thanks to Sue Donze for her help getting the house ready for guests. I’m traveling to Charleston today. - Eric Primm FMA Single Stick Course May 17, 2014 Chester Le St. County Durham, United Kingdom The first hour was used to help the student develop power in their strikes, focussing on footwork, and use of the waist and the wrist to help generate power at short range. During the second hour we worked close range disarms from the Doce Pares system, using firstly the punyo at pivot point, then the length of the stick in place of the punyo. We finished by covering disarms from the Inosanto-Lacoste system, utilising the four sectors created by an inside sweep block. Next time (21st June 2014) we’ll be looking at double sticks work. Bill Steven Lowery The Laban Baston Eskrima Club teaches out of The Chester le Street Community centre, Saturdays 10am-12noon (except for workshops which run 10am-1pm). labanb@excite.com - [0783] 446-5817 847 Hamilton Ave. Waterbury, CT 06706 (203) 596-9073 Sandata4UsAll@aol.com TraditionalFilipinoWeapons.com 22 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 23 Masters Seminar #3 Kada Anan Eskrima, AGPS, Full Circle Martial Arts May 17, 2014 Margaret T. Hance Park, 1134 N Central Ave., Phoenix, Arizona MBC2: CSSD Modular Blade Concepts Grandmaster Bram Frank May 17 - 18, 2014 Lotus Self Defense Academy 212 W. 2nd Ave. Spokane, WA. The third Masters Seminar was held at Margaret T. Hance park in Phoenix, AZ on Saturday, May 17, 2014. Unfortunately, Guro Alessandro was unable to attend. Guru Mike Casto and Guro Mike Butz extended their teaching slots to make up the difference. Guru Mike kicked it off with an intro basic balance disruption principles. Then he brought out some techniques to illustrate how the balance disruption could be applied with strikes and joint locks. His philosophy is, “From the moment I touch him to the moment I stop touching him, he should be in pain and off balance.” Tying the balance disruption principles to striking and locking makes application of this philosophy very feasible. and let things happen. From there, he touched on the principle of empty/full. The principle is simple and common sense but it’s rarely isolated and brought out in such clear and accessible terms. A physical empty/full happens when you try to split your energy. For instance, pressing out to your left with your left arm while simultaneously pressing out with your right on a different line, in front of you or to your right. The more energy Guro Michael Butz He also discussed the importance of mass in motion. Set up your structure and move your structure. His expression of Silat can be summed up as, “Just walk.” Another good quote from him was, “The more you try to do something, the better you get at trying. Don’t try to affect your opponent. Just move your body you put into your right push, the less you have in your left. It’s even more pronounced if you’re trying to push with your left while punching with your right. Mental empty/full can be illustrated with a simple wrist lock. If you’re resisting the wrist lock your mind has to be focused on resisting. If you get kicked in the shin, at least for a The Desangut Fixed Blade Magnum By TnT Blades Now available! brief moment, you will likely lose your focus and suddenly the wrist lock becomes easy for your partner to get. His summary was, “Don’t think about your opponent. As soon as you do, you set up a confrontation and you end up fighting your opponent. Maintain structure, relax, breathe, move, and seek empties. If you meet resistance in one place it means there’s a big empty elsewhere. Find it. Fill it. Seek the next empty. That’s the ideal.” Then Guro Mike Butz presented principles from De Cuerdas. What he presented incorporated the same principles Guru Mike brought out in his Silat. The expression was different, of course. The nuances were different because adding blades into the mix causes some subtle and not so subtle changes in how the principles are applied but the principles were the same. Principles are universal. Their expression may change but the principle doesn’t. Guro Mike showed a couple of very basic drills intended to help a student get comfortable with the weapon and comfortable with a weapon being swung at him/her. He called this the octagon exercise. Then he went into basic countering applications and brought out what he calls the coiled spring principle. It is the same principle Guru Mike brought out with seeking empties. As soon as the pressure is gone, spring forward. As soon as you find an empty, a clear path, spring forward. He touched on some footwork and angling issues which help you land a solid shot on your opponent while not taking one in return. He also illustrated some Guru Mike Casto Having a great time learning at MBC2 in Spokane, WA at the Lotus Martial Arts Academy! Thank you Grandmaster Bram! Awesome time, awesome material...! It only keeps getting better...! - Roy G Harrington Super Double Seminar May 17-18, 2014 TSC Eintracht, Gymnastikhalle West Victor-Toyka Str. 6, Dortmund, Germany principles related to range and targeting. There was some discussion of history and culture, Filipino and Indonesian, as well as some of the personal history of the instructors. It was a spectacular event with a wealth of information shared. Everyone, instructors included, came away with some fresh ideas to work with and develop. PRE-PAY price of €100 good only for orders paid by July 31, 2013. If you missed the pre-order, from August 2013, regular price applies (€120). Pay via paypal: orders@tntarnis.ch, then email us your delivery address. Includes yak-leather sheath from Nepal. Ships from Italy at extra cost, depending on your location. Endlich ist es da! Das PRE-PAY Preis von €100 ist gültig, nur für Messer die bis zum 31 .Juli bezahlt sind. Via Paypal bezahlen: orders@tntarnis.ch. Dann schick uns Eure Lieferadresse. Inkl. Yak-Leder Holster aus Nepal. Lieferkosten extra. Production Information: This first run is a semi-custom / numbered production. Only 100 pieces and getting presold fast. Reserve your favorite number now before someone else gets it. TnT Combat Arnis has started with the production at this time and expects delivery at around late June/early July. The time to fix your pre-order is now. There will only be 100 numbered pieces produced and they are going fast. Desangut updates, please see complete report: Click Here To Place your Order Click Here On May 17 and 18 2014, the first part of the double-seminar with Tuhon Pat O’Malley, (8th Dan Rapid Arnis, England) and Grandmaster / Datu Dieter Knüttel (9th Dan Modern Arnis, DAV, Germany) was held in Dortmund/Germany. Before the semiar, 12 Arnisadores went for their 1st to 3rd Dan black belt. All passed with good to excellent resuilts. Around 60 participants from all over Germany attended this top seminar. During the seminar both Grandmasters taught out of their styles. Tuhon Pat was teaching entries and follow ups based on the hubud drill, knife to knife and Espada y daga from the San Miguel system. Datu Dieter taught traps and follow up techiques starting from Tapi Tapi and also gunting with trapping, locks and takedowns. The time went almost too fast and the participants were excited about this excellent seminar. Part 2 of the double-seminar will be held in Birmingham/England on June 14/15, so the British/English participants also get the chance to train with Tuhon Pat and Datu Dieter. Watch out for it!! - Dieter Knüttel. - Dieter Knüttel Just got back from 2 fantastic days teaching along side Grandmaster Datu Dieter Knüttel what a fantastic weekend. Great people great seminar and I learnt loads too. Looking forward to part two in Birmingham next month. Don’t miss it you will be disappointed if you do. There is a reason the Datu Dieter is considered one of the best Filipino martial arts instructors in Europe. - Pat O’Malley 24 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 25 Kali Majapahit Seminar Punong Guro Fred Evrard May 17 - 18, 2014 Wiesbaden, Germany Amazing first Kali Majapahit seminar in Germany. Great people, great spirit. Thanks Seb for the organization. A bit of blood and few bruises for that KM fighting concept and raw boxing (no gloves) seminar. Well done everyone! Fred Evrard Awesomeness; Thanx to everybody for attending at the very first Kali Majapahit Seminar with Punong Guro Fred Evrard in Germany! Special thanks to Marc Hartmann and Sebastian Stumm for the help! Sebel Breidecker Combat Knife Course (CKC) May 17 - 18, 2014 RFA Martial Academy Chicago, IL. This weekend we put real knife anatomy vs. knife theory to the test and the numbers have proven what the reality actually is. This weekend was a complete look at the knife anatomy, real knife fighting tactics and real knife attack solutions at real time with real speed and power. There are no more ifs, ands, buts, or maybes for those who attended. They all went through the tests and the scientific results have proven the truths! - Paul Ingram Group shot from this years Combat Knife Course minus a couple who were only able to attend Saturday. This weekend was the complete Knife Anatomy training realistic knife fighting tactics and real knife attack solutions at real speed, real power and at real time. LHS! Paul Ingram So I was about to write a short article covering the Combat Knife Course I conducted at the RFA Martial Academy in Chicago, IL. But then as I checked my email and saw the feedback coming in I thought, what would carry more weight, my words or the words of those who attended? Of course I’m going to say it was awesome, it was my course but, honestly I had a wonderful time teaching and training with such a wonderful group of people. We had people from all sorts of backgrounds from beginners with little to no knife training, to advance and what I would consider professional knife fighters to those with military experience. I feel confident in saying that everybody learned and developed real combat knife fighting skills for personal safety and self-preservation. The training was tough, dynamic and intense all the way through. By the end of each day I could see how mentally and physically exhausted each attendee was but the courage and hunger for training and the support of each other is a classic example of why those who come train with RFA Martial Academy will succeed. This is why progress is made, by executing the proper training methods, attitude and by leading by example. With this mind set in training the results of real, high quality skill development is inevitable and I once again had the privilege of watching each attendee’s skills grow right before my eyes. Before we get into what the attendees had to say, I’d like to briefly sprint you through the weekend. _______________ After the opening lecture and introduction we immediately took off training covering the most essential and necessary skill in all combat blade fighting, footwork! Then we progressed to proper live blade handling skills so that each attendee could operate and maneuver with their blade at full speed with full power while executing fast and dynamic footwork. Saturday the focus was on knife fighting tactics, how to apply the geometry of the triangle system on both offense and counter offense. Sunday we moved on to real knife attacks and solutions, weapon deployment, deployment failures, threat assessment, environmental maneuvering skills, multiple attackers and even 3rd party protection. All throughout the weekend we put theories and statistics to the test to find out the true results. At RFA we are not interested in theories, concepts and opinions; we are interested only in the facts and truths. Everybody performed well during the stress testing and executed real life saving skills against real knife attacks and some even saved the lives of another during our 3rd party segment which is the highest indication of real and professional level skills. Overall I was impressed by everyone and because of the results of the weekend is why I feel confident in the success of the Combat Knife Course. However, let’s not just take my word for it. Let’s hear from some of those who attended the 14 hours of intense insanity. _______________ “This weekend was all about direct, functional, lifesaving information and how to successfully apply it. RFA teaches you to use your mind and body.” Tom Z “Paul, While the CKC class was my first exposure to formal knife combat and martial arts training, your exceptional teaching ability ranks at the top of some several hundred courses I’ve attended during a 40+ year academic and professional career. You related combat theory and the reality of potential confrontations with a dedication to your art and genuine focus on your students’ success with a natural skill that many instructors only wish they could master. Your willingness to listen to questions, reflect on the student’s concerns and integrate your answers to the training was top-notch. Moreover, your combat abilities were demonstrated in a clear manner. It is evident that you are a true professional. As for the class, it was definitely the Real McCoy. The training was tough, intense and made me critically aware of not only what could happen, but what most likely will happen in an urban combat setting. The folks in our class were friendly, very helpful to the new guy, such as myself and great training partners. There was none of the false bravado or phony toughness one sometimes encounters among martial arts practitioners. In fact, I felt welcome from the get-go. And their willingness to work with me--sometimes with only a few concessions to my untrained skills reinforced what I had just learned during the group sessions. I expect to return sometime this year as a member of the 101 Beginner Class (sore old joints and all). In the meantime, keep up the good work. Best regards,” -- Steve E. _______________ “The Combat Knife Course last weekend was absolutely incredible. This eye opening experience was exactly the training needed for all those people who carry a knife with them on a daily basis and for those who truly want to know what the anatomy of a knife attack really includes, especially against multiple opponents and third party protection scenarios. One particular thing that most people forget to teach and train, or just simply do not have the education or knowledge to do so, is the intellectual and psychological part of real knife attacks. Paul executed this with flying colors. Not only did he demonstrate and train with everybody, but he made sure everyone understood and learned from their experiences in the scenario training so that everyone who attended gained some experience in training these extremely difficult situations that could happen to anybody. The progression in the training was perfectly logical and precise so that beginners and those with extensive training could understand the difference between knife fights and knife attacks. I would most definitely attend this event again. “ -- Joe B. Sayoc Kali Seminar Guro Harley Elmore May 17 - 18, 2014 Scottsdale, AZ. Guro Halrey Elmore taught a two day Sayoc Kali Seminar in Scottsdale Arizona. Topics included Panantukan set 1, line drill clearing and cutting and Sayoc Kali projectile training. It was a great honor to have Ernie Reyes and Ernie Reyes Jr in attendance. Awesome weekend of training Krystal Elmore “In just the first segment I already learned so much and picked up some holes in my game to improve.” – Tom R. “This was the most dynamic, intense and realistic knife training I’ve ever experienced and it all starts with the professional quality of instruction from the teacher.” – Scott P (U.S. Marine) 26 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 27 17th Phoenix FMA Training & BBQ Mat 18, 2014 Margaret T. Hance Park, Phoenix, Arizona Well it seems May is the magical month this year to turn up the heat in southern Arizona. The day was bright and warm, but as time of the day moved on it got a lot warmer. In fact this weekend in Phoenix the temperature was to get up around 100. Just eiher a bit under or a little over. Michael Butz got the group together and discussed a few things. He stated that this month the group would continue with the “mingle” format that we tried out last month which was April. It appears to be working out well as everyone remained engaged and were active in mutual sharing. Guru Mike Casto, Founder of AGPS and a frequent ‘Phoenix FMA Training’ participant and just having an event the day before at the park with Michael Butz (Masters Seminar #3) shared his observation: “Everyone pairs up and shares. Each person spends some time teaching their partner. Even beginners are encouraged to teach something - even if it’s what they just learned in their first class ever. It generates a nice, laid back atmosphere conducive to exchange and since teaching is the highest form of learning, everyone learns something - either from their teaching or from something they’re taught. The training was excellent and a couple new people joined in. Everyone has a good time in gaining knowledge, experience, and just an all-around enjoyable getting together. If someone would like to share and participate in a enjoyable morning of training and a pot luck afterwards - check the Facebook group or Google + community “Phoenix FMA Training”. Health and Safety Dr. Mark Wiley is joining the FMA Informative Health and Safety column and we welcome him. We at the FMA Informative believe Dr. Wiley will bring some very interesting articles. Dr. Mark Wiley is an internationally renowned mind-body health practitioner, author, motivational speaker and teacher. He holds doctorates in both Oriental and alternative medicine, has done research in eight countries and has developed a model of health and wellness grounded in a self-directed, selfcure approach. The Wiley Method provides a revolutionary way of providing recovery and prevention of chronic pain, illness and disease. Hilot: Filipino Spiritual Massage Dr. Mark Wiley In the United States there is separation of church and state and of faith and medicine. This is why we refer to doctors and physicians differently than healers, who tend toward the natural and spiritual in their healing practices. In the Philippines, where I have spent the past few weeks, church and state, as well as healing and spirit, are connected — deeply so. Today, I’d like to introduce you to one of their traditional healing methods, known as hilot. Hilot (pronounced hee-lot), is a term that refers to ancient Filipino systems of healing. It has two divisions, midwifery and bodywork; both are deeply connected to spiritual beliefs like folk Catholicism, folk Christianity and indigenous shamanic practices. Healing Aspects The hands-on aspect of this healing art resembles acupressure and deep-tissue massage. But there is also a “bone-setting” aspect (akin to chiropractic), and there are spirit-driving practices (akin to light exorcisms). Often, the manghihilot (hilot practitioner) is also an arbolaryo (herbalist) who serves as a first-line responder both to common pains and ailments and to more difficult or intractable illnesses, which are sometimes seen as the result of kulam, witchcraft or spirit possession. Other serious health concerns, considered to be in between these polar opposites, are handled most often by Western medical practitioners. Hilot is most useful as a treatment for pain and stiffness of muscles, tendons and the skeletal system. It works equally well for stomachaches, headaches, cramps and a “restless spirit” (what we may refer to as anxiety or agitation). During my recent stay in Manila, the Philippines’ capitol, I experienced a chronic headache with shoulder and hip pain along with congestion that lasted several days. Most likely, my ailments were caused by jet lag, dietary changes, pollution and the stress of Manila traffic. The super typhoon Usagi also drenched the north part of the country for several days. Humidity and dampness are my arch nemeses. Not wanting to overload with the usual medications, I sought the counsel of a manhihilot named Jay Saceda Jumawan (aka Datu Hamsa), who is also a grandmaster of the traditional Filipino martial art of arnis. Measurements The first think Jumawan did was to place my hands, palms up, side by side with pinkies touching. He examined the height of the pinkies and told me that when the left pinky is higher than the right, that means pain is being caused by a “bad spirit” in the body. In such a case, he needs to use his oration (prayer, magic words in a mix of Latin and Tagalog) and his anting-anting (his spirit amulet). Luckily, my pinkies were the same height. Next he turned my hands over, palms down, and measured my thumbs. When the left thumb is higher than the right, this indicates that kulam, or witchcraft, is being used against me, causing my pain and ailments. Again, luckily, my thumbs were plumb. I asked Jumawan what would happen if in fact I were possessed by kulam. He said in that case the healer must be of older than the patient. If not, the healer’s entire family would also be attacked by the kulam (hex). But once the properly aged healer applied his craft, a series of oracion chants with amulets and bodywork would release the witchcraft hex and reverse its hold in my body. He would check my thumbs again so see if it had passed, and then he would proceed to the standard bodywork treatment methods. There are several diagnostic methods that are included in this practice. Healing Touch First, Jumawan touched his hand on my shin. He said if the shin is cold to the touch, he needs to focus his efforts on my shoulders to move the lamig (negative energy; air trapped in muscles and joints). If the shin is normal temperature, then no specific indication is needed. Next, the manghihilot rubs coconut oil infused with luya (ginger) over the back of other painful areas. Banana fronds are then placed on the area and dragged lightly over them. The leaves should glide over the body unobstructed. However, if they stick to the skin, this indicates lamig: the trouble area or place of malady. These areas are what we might call “trigger points” or painful dime-sized areas within the muscles where pain originates. After the series of diagnostics are performed and the patient’s situation is understood, the spirit work and/or bodywork commences. For me, it was simply a session of bodywork that felt like a combination of deep tissue massage, acupressure and joint manipulations. The technique was familiar yet, at the same time, different from what I am familiar with. My feeling of relief was immediate and much appreciated. I think the ginger-infused coconut oil helped quite a bit by bringing heat to the body that stimulated blood flow. After our session, Jumawan traced a cross on the top of my head and said some silent prayers to ensure I would be safe from kulam and spirit possession during the remainder of my trip. I appreciated that. Way of the Ancient Healer: Sacred Teachings from the Philippine Ancestral Traditions By Virgil Mayor Apostol Way of the Ancient Healer provides an overview of the rich tradition of Filipino healing practices, discussing their world influences and role in daily life. Enhanced with over 300 photographs and illustrations, the book gives readers a rare look at modern-day Filipino healing rituals, including personal examples from author Virgil Apostol’s own experiences with shamanic healing and dream interpretation. The book begins with an explanation of Apostol’s Filipino lineage and legacy as a healer. After a brief history of the Philippine archipelago he describes the roots of traditional Filipino healing and spirituality, and discusses the Indian, Islamic, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and American influences that have impacted the Filipino culture. He presents a thorough description of Filipino shamanic and spiritual practices that have developed from the concept that everything in nature contains a spirit (animism) and that living in the presence of spirits demands certain protocols and rituals for interacting with them. The book’s final chapter thoughtfully explores the spiritual tools used in Filipino healing - talismans, amulets, stones, textiles, and other natural symbols of power. Published by North Atlantic Books: www.NorthAtlanticBooks.com Distributed by Random House Distribution Services, To order: www.RandomHouse.com or call (800) 733-3000 www.fmatalklive.com 28 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 29 itself. That’s because the spinal cord, which is protected by the spine, Chiropractic Fitness with Dr. Nick DeSantis is the main pathway of our nervous system. It controls movement, By Zena Sultana Babao “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest the patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.” – Attributed to Thomas Edison A few years back, my body, especially my back, shoulders, neck, and joints were too painful that I found it hard to go up and down the stairs. I was in too much pain that I had to sleep in a bed downstairs in our living room, instead of in my bedroom upstairs. I was so badly in need of stress reduction and pain relief. My then personal physician ( who is retired now) at the Tricare Clinic in Chula Vista ordered a battery of tests, including bone scan and x-rays, to ascertain what ailed me. My doctor also wanted to find out if I have cancer because I have lost too much weight. When the technician at the Naval Regional Medical Center (Balboa Hospital) was done with the x-rays, he measured me and I found out that I had lost two precious inches from my already vertically-challenged body. Instead of my 5’1” height, I measured only 4’11”, and instead of my usual 98 pounds, I was only 83 lbs. After all the tests, which took a few weeks, I found out that I don’t have cancer (thanks God!) but I have osteopenia, which I suspected was due to too much stress. I know that it would be impossible for me to regain the two inches and fifteen pounds I have lost, but I don’t want to lose some more. If I don’t get needed help, my body and later on, my mind, will deteriorate. Luckily, my son Narrison recommended his chiropractic doctor to me, and I am so thankful to both my son and Dr. Nick DeSantis. Dr. Nick DeSantis, DC, is a graduate of the Pasadena College of Chiropractic. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Biology, and a Ph.D. in Stress Reduction and Hypnotherapy from the American Institute of Hypnotherapy. He also finished Holistic Health from the Meridian School of Health Services, and Non-Invasive Electro-Acupuncture from the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Doc Nick started treating me and he asked for a copy of my DEXA Scan and x-rays. He has done a tremendous job in easing my pain and reducing my stress level. Aside from pain relief and stress reduction, his area of expertise include: spinal alignment, manipulation, postural correction, exercise instruction, non-invasive electro-acupuncture, and hypnotherapy. Doc Nick is such a caring doctor and he listens to all problems and offers solutions. He and my new medical doctor,Dr. Ati Hakimi, at Tricare Clinic have helped me to regain the weight I lost. I am happy to report that I am almost back to my old weight (thank you, Lord!) Doc Nick is also treating my son, Narrison, and so we go see him together. He has given us some information regarding chiropractic care - information which I am sharing with you here: What is Chiropractic Care? Chiropractic is a natural method of healthcare that treats the causes of physical problems rather than just the symptoms. Chiropractic is based on a simple but powerful premise: with a healthy lifestyle and normally functioning nerves, joints, and spine - our body is better able to heal feeling, and function throughout our body. A chiropractor has at least six years of professional training in the sciences and healthcare, leading to a doctor of chiropractic (DC) degree. He or she works to restore our health and guides us in personalized approach to overall wellness. How Does Stress Affect Our Body? Healthy muscles contract and relax as we move. But when muscles tense in response to stress, they can’t relax fully. When stress persists, the muscles become tight - like knots in a rope. Tight muscles can pull joints out of alignment, irritating nerves and causing pain. If our spine is misaligned, the rest of our body becomes even more prone to stress and disease. Tight Muscles Muscles are bands of strong, elastic fibers that shorten (contract) and lengthen (relax) as we move. Stress causes muscles to tighten and lose their ability to relax fully. The fibers become twisted, forming hard, bumpy areas. These are called “trigger points” because they trigger pain at that point or elsewhere in our body. Misaligned Joints Bones meet to form joints. Ligaments hold the bones in place at the joint. Tight muscles can pull on bones, stretching the ligaments. This causes the joint to misalign and become stiff and painful. Irritated Nerves Nerves carry messages from the brain to all the parts of the body. They exit through the openings in the spine and travel throughout the body. Nerves in muscle tissue cause the muscle to contract and relax. When muscles become knotted or joints misaligned, they can press on nerves, causing pain. Can Chiropractic Care Help? Our doctor of chiropractic looks at our overall health - focusing not only on the symptoms but also on the causes of stress. This total approach to wellness helps determine the best treatment for our problem. To find the cause of our pain, our chiropractor discusses with us our symptoms, any prior injuries, our health history, and our lifestyle, including sources of stress in our work and home life. Physical Exam Physical, orthopedic (bone and muscle), and neurological (nerve) tests can reveal the effects of our stress on our muscles and joints. Static and motion palpation tests check for pain, stiffness, and restricted range of motion. Our chiropractor may also check our gait (the way we walk) and the way we sit and stand. X-rays As “blueprints” for our bones, x-rays can reveal misaligned joints in our spine and legs. Other tests may be done, if needed. Diagnosis Based on the results of our exam and tests, our doctor of chiropractic will recommend a treatment program to reduce pain and relieve stress. If needed, our chiropractor will also consult or refer us to other medical specialists. Chiropractic Checkups Just as we need regular medical, dental and visual care and checkups, we also need regular chiropractic exams. Chiropractic care is one of the best ways to manage or prevent stress and maintain a healthier life. Filipino Tattoos: Ancient to Modern By: Lane Wilcken Tattooing is a very old and spiritually respected art form that has existed in many different cultures around the world. After many centuries of not being practiced in Europe, tattooing was re-introduced to the Western world through the inhabitants of the Pacific Ocean. Beginnning in the 16th century, European explorers came across many people who practiced tattooing as an integral part of their cultures. This is the first serious study of Filipino tattoos, and it considers early accounts from explorers and Spanish-speaking writers. The text presents Filipino cultural practices connected with ancestral and spiritual aspects of tattoo markings, and how they relate to the process and tools used to make the marks. In the Philippine Islands, tatoos were applied to men and women for many different reasons. It became a form of clothing. Certain designs recognized manhood and personal accomplishments as well as attractiveness, fertility, and continuity of the family or village. Facial tattoos occurred on the bravest warriors with names that denoted particular honor. Through the fascinating text and over 200 images, including color photographs and design drawings, the deep meanings and importance of these markings becomes apparent. Available at: Schifferbooks.com and Amazon.com. WASP - Women’s Self-Defense Seminar Bahala Na and FYP Houston collaboration. April 19, 2014 Ground Dwellers Martial Arts 9222 Louetta Rd., Suite 130, Spring, Texas FYP co-sponsored the first WASP event. Brian Majul, FYP Member, spearheaded the WASP concept that highlights the specific areas of Wisdom, Awareness, Safety, and Protection to better protect oneself in the everyday dangers that life presents - but more importantly, to focus on the dangers that specifically target women. He has brought together a diverse group of martial artists in order to provide the principles and techniques at this seminar for a comprehensive approach to self-defense. - Filipino Young Professionals of Houston (FYP) 30 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 31 Discovering the Filipino Matial Arts Self-Defense Seminar - Edessa Ramos April 22, 2014 Alliance Francaise Kathmandu Teku Road, Kathmandu, Nepal Who First Used Padded Sticks? This is the story I heard firsthand from Grandmaster Martin Raganas, Jr., and collaborated by Maestro Inocencio Glaraga, whom many consider Filipino martial arts walking encyclopedia. Raganas is a first generation student of the late Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo and his contemporaries included Grandmaster Antonio Diego and Grandmaster Yuli Romo. Training under Tatang was intense. He didn’t believe in gentle sparring because he said that it’s when students get hit that they learn. Needless to say, even advance students went home with some pains and bruises. In 1993, Raganas saw an incinerator tube from an old air conditioning unit in the tailoring shop where he worked as a master cutter. He had an idea of using it in their training so he brought it to their next class. It was Romo who came up with the idea of putting a thinner-than-usual rattan stick inside and sealing it with rubber stoppers and glue. They called it padtauran (padded stick). Tatang allowed them to use it a few times and his students welcomed the option. And so the padded stick was born. It became popular and over the years a few changes were made: Rattan sticks with smaller diameters are still used but now they are covered with foam and then encased in nylon cloth. And we see them a lot in kids’ classes, tournaments, and even for light sparring in advance classes. Ilustrisimo, Raganas, and Romo. I’ll remember those names whenever I see padded sticks. Oh, and even when I see air conditioning units. Edessa Ramos taught a self-defence seminar, together with Women Empowerment Nepal, on April 22, 2014 for female students and teachers of Alliance Francaise Kathmandu, located on Teku Road, Kathmandu, Nepal. It was a great seminar. The WEN core group is getting better and better at instructing. Keep up the good work! - Edessa Ramos TnT Combat: www.tntarnis.ch Modified Pangamut (DVD Set Vol-1, 2 & 3) By Master Marc J. Lawrence The traditional arts are known as Kali, Eskrima or Arnis, stick, knife and hand to hand fighting was developed over a period of many centuries in the Philippines as her people fought for their independence from foreign invaders. Each skirmish with a new culture added to the Filipino Martial Arts as warriors developed techniques to combat foreign styles. Subsequently, more than 100 different Filipino Martial Arts styles developed, which can be grouped into three complete self-defense systems which utilize sticks, swords, empty hands and other weapons. Our core system is a Mountain Visayan fighting system bought to the USA by our system’s Founder (Pundador) GM Felix Roiles. His Grandfather called it Pakamut also called Pangamut. This referred to having skilled hands in Cebuano, a Visayan dialect. He shared this with Marc Lawrence, his families fighting system. Marc L awrence had his own FMA fighting system that he had learned in his travels. In his travels and fighting other systems he developed the Modified Pangamut System. This is what he teaches and fights with, Marc Lawrence is our Punong Guro (Head Instructor) and he is a National Champion in the Filipino Martial Arts. Volume 1: Stances & Footwork, Finger Locks, Sitting Position, Floor Defense, Disarms and Submissions... Volume 2: Controlling the Axis, Multiple Strike Strategy, Defenses & Disarming … Volume 3: Block and Counter, Drills and Disarms, Multiple Return Strikes Competition Drills, Learning to Defend by Zones, Tournament Disarms, Distractions & Disarms, Vining of the Stick, Fighting Mixed Weapon Tournaments, Concepts and Rules of Fighting, Choosing Fighting Greer, Competition Strategy, Point Fighting Strategies, Continuous Competition Strategies, What Wins A Fight, What shots Judges Look For… Volume 4: Arnis De Mano ‘14 Uses of the Live Hand:’ - 14 Uses of the Live Hand from the Arnis De Mano System when fighting with a single stick: Re-Enforce, Augment, Checks, Passes, Jams, Pushes, Pulls, Grabs, Hooks, Spreads, Punching, Blocking, Pinning... Volume 5: Cadena De Mano ‘The Chain of Hands’ - Cadena De Mano basic principals of parry, check, counter strike on the inside and outside lines, including “V” footwork, body positioning, entry and advanced concepts of defeat. Order from Punong Guro Marc Lawrence and receive a package deal plus his book “The Basics of Filipino Martial Arts” To Order Masters magazine: Click Here 32 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 33 Tid-Bits (Fact, Fiction, Fantasy or Gossip?) Point of Contact By David E. Gould This is an article which I wrote a few years ago. I just wanted to bring up the topic of striking with the garote, more specifically the point of contact on impact in concert with proper target acquisition. De Campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orehenal is very specific concerning the proper usage of the garote ranging in terms of “what” to strike and “where” to make contact on the garote in an effort to produce both “lethal” and “less-than-lethal” outcomes in combat, depending solely on the circumstances and dire necessity of each unique situation faced. Manong Jose D. Caballero of De Campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orehenal had two primary targets which he seeked out in combat; the head and the hand. These essential targets are both simplistic and effective as one or the other will always be available to you in your time of need. Having stated this I have to admit that it is the secondary targets of Manong Jose D. Caballero which peak my interest the most which in my opinion are nothing short of being absolutely brilliant! As I stated above that when Manong Caballero was not targeting the weapon hand he would target the head or vice-versa, yet there were other times when he would, out of necessity, choose to target less than ideal targets in order to manufacture opportunity. In utilizing these more painful secondary targets a distraction would be produced and once a reaction was commited from his opponent Manong Caballero could then easily break the head of his opponent with finality and claim victory. In utilizing these secondary targets the intent is to strike as to “maim” or “injure” the opponent. In doing this Manong Caballero would use the first inch or so of the tip of his garote on impact to inflict adequate yet “less-thanlethal” results in combat. By using the first inch or so of the garote (the tip) he could choose to produce a distraction by breaking the smaller bones of the hand, the fingers, the thumb, the wrist, the tip of the elbow, knock out the knee cap, break the bridge of the nose, tear off a piece of an ear, tear off a lip or tear chunks of tissue from either the forearm or bicep. You want to talk about pain distraction I think that any of these secondary targets more than qualify! In feeling the ill effects from any of them would certainly distract me from the obvious such as to see a piece of my bicep glued to and dangling from the tip of my opponents garote as he stands before me awaiting an opportunity, such as that, where he would be able to break my head and bring me to the ground in agonizing pain while securing my defeat. Punong Guro Edgar Sulite once told me of a story where he and Manong Caballero had gone into Ozamis City in Mindanao to buy some milk and poultry at one of the local markets. Manong Caballero had noticed a hand and arm reaching in over his own attempting to grab a piece of fruit and right away Manong Caballero noticed something out of the ordinary and shouted at Edgar “hey! Thats one of mine!” He was pointing at the mans arm and Edgar saw that there was a chunk missing from the extended bicep. When Manong Caballero saw this he looked at the mans face and recognized him as someone with whom he had previously fought a match and had struck him with the tip of the garote and as a result had torn a piece of his bicep from the mans arm. As it dangled from Manong Caballero`s garote the man sensing defeat and fearing for his life ran away. As soon as the man recognized that this “Old Man” at the local market was Manong Caballero and remembering him quite well he chose to run away again and did so as Manong was recanting the story to Edgar. If a more serious outcome were sought with an intent to produce “lethal” results Manong Caballero would utilize and sight the first 6 inches of the tip of the garote on impact while targeting the temple area of the head of his opponent, or as Manong Caballero would say “strike across the eyes”. As well by striking this far up the garote any attempt even to the hand or wrist would have a devastating effect which could be more than enough to detract and manufacture opportunity to break the head. Regardless of whether one chooses to use the tip or upper 6 inches of the garote on impact with the intended target, precision and intent are required and as Manong Caballero would often say: “Every strike that you throw has to be able to break the head of your opponent or you should not throw a strike at all”. As a strike thrown weak without intent can only invite defeat from a skilled and determined enemy. In sparring unprotected with light rattan I have experimented a great deal in utilizing the first inch of the tip to loosely target some of these secondary targets and let me say that the results gained are amazing. Although I was not striking with the intent to tear tissue from the body or to break individual fingers or strike through the bridge of the nose the response gained from various opponents on whom I experimented is fascinating. Just how quickly I was able to distract an opponent by using such measures is surprising and enlightening to say the least. It is amazing that something as simple as by pressing the very tip of the garote deep into the wrist or the back of the hand on impact is beyond painful and it is noticed right away. How much more if my malice was with intent and full power for realistic effect. As well I notice that even while training with someone adorned with protective equipment such as forearm gaurds and hand armor while utilizing the upper 6 inches can be used to great effect on impact and even through the protective equipment you can inflict great pain and produce nice results. Having brought up protective equipment I feel the need to state that there is a distinct difference between how you will fight while adorned with protective equipment and how you would fight without it. Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite used to tell us that in sparring or in fighting the goal was the same; survival. We were always instructed to hit our opponent with intention and attempt to break his head as soon as possible while minimizing collateral damage to self in turn, be it sparring or fighting. He used to tell us that in sparring just as in fighting we were to count not how many times that we hit our opponent but rather how many times that we were hit in turn. He felt that if you hit your opponent 10 times and you were hit 3 times that there was no clear winner because you too were hit 3 times! and in a real fight whose to say what damage was inflicted and to what degree, honestly both of you would probably be left for dead or at the very least maimed. From years of training, sparring and fighting I am convinced that the solution to properly realizing ones true combative effect will always be found in minimizing protective equipment while sparring. In ones training environment protective equipment may assist your daily development which is encouraged but when it comes to sparring one must minimize protective equipment if only to align the training environment with the actual environment and thereby sharing equal risk and consequences for ones actions or failure to act in combat. The fact is that when you get hit in the hands or the head while not wearing protective equipment to protect you there will be realistic consequences faced and how well you are able to tolerate any pain or damage and how quickly you will be able to recover and fight back will dictate if you will live or be left for dead. As opposed to when hitting someone with protective equipment you can hit them in the hands or head for a considerable amount of time with very little reaction from them as they will not be faced with actual consequences of being hit for real because the equipment does not allow ones strikes to be felt thereby removing you from cause and effect which will not be offered you for real when you are accosted in the street and forced to fight for your life without protective equipment. With no protective equipment that one hit to the hand or the head could very quickly signal the end of the match. So in accordance with some of the more basic principles of Lameco Eskrima as influenced from De campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orehenal when we strike it always must be with intention. This means that when we strike we are able to hit what we are striking at and we strike with power and intent enough to break what ever it is that we are striking with positive effect and when we hit our opponent we bring him to the ground post haste. I as do my brothers in Lameco Eskrima train for no other reason than combative effect and I always will as titles, trophies and accolades mean very little to me as I choose to subscribe to combative truth and in as much I dedicate myself to a realistic training environment while adequately developing combatively in this realm of reality. It does come down to individual perspective and although I welcome all willing to walk along my chosen path I recognize and respect the path that others have chosen to walk along as well. After all this combative journey is about the destination and not just the landmarks that we pass along the way. Eventually we are all destined to congregate at the same point of self discovery. Some walk, some run and then there are those that simply meander, but as long as we all keep moving we will all reach our destination... some quicker or slower than others. In closing I would like to remind everyone reading my words that the Indigenous Pilipino Warrior Arts were first and foremost a combative solution long before they were prostituted into sport and castrated of their true effect in that environment. What these Warrior Arts are to become during and beyond our own generation comes down to how this generation first perceives these Warrior Arts true effect to be and how we will allow them to be trained under our watch. The future of these Indigenous Pilipino Warrior Arts lie in this generation of practitioners hands and we will collectively be responsible in allowing them to remain combative or to allow them to be prostituted as sport by our actions and the mindset by which we train these Warrior Arts and pass this knowledge to the next generation in waiting. Lameco Eskrima Orehenal Facebook: Click Here 2nd PH Martial Arts Hall of Fame Unfolds Today at Manila Hotel Manila Times - April 26, 2014 PhilMaHoF Executive Director Garitony Nicolas (center) poses with some foreign and local delegates to the event. To his right are Denny Jenni and Grandmaster Criz Vasquez. To his left are Jeff Panes, Marco Zeller and Joanna Gabriel. Contributed photo PhilMaHoF Executive Director Garitony Nicolas (center) poses with some foreign and local delegates to the event. To his right are Denny Jenni and Grandmaster Criz Vasquez. To his left are Jeff Panes, Marco Zeller and Joanna Gabriel. Contributed photo The second Philippine Martial Arts Hall of Fame (PhilMaHoF) unfolds today at the Manila Hotel. Aiming to give recognition to exemplary martial arts teachers and practitioners in the Philippines and around the world, the first edition of the PhilMaHoF was held on April 21 to 22, 2012 at the Diamond Hotel in Roxas Boulevard, Manila through the effort of Modern Arnis ManoMano Filipino Martial Arts under the leadership of Punong Lakan Garitony Nicolas. The names of the inductees to the second PhilMaHoF are: Maryann Vergara (FMA Student of the Year), Arnold Ramos (Rookie Instructor of the Year), Joseph Kenneth Magno (Rookie FMA Instructor of the Year), Leovigildo Marcelino (Instructor of the Year), Jessielyn Baxafra (Female Instructor of the Year), Rick O’Brien (International Instructor of the Year), George Edillor (Outstanding Trainer of the Year), Jasper Movilla (Sikaran Instructor of the Year), Vilhelmiina Harell (Female FMA Instructor of the Year), Norman Guilleno (Best Fighter of the Year), Kim Elvambuena (Best Fighter of the Year), Hedina Santos (Best Referee Judge), Virgilio Tubera (Best coach of the Year), Narciso Elefante (Senior Instructor of the Year), Salaknib Martial Arts (Martial Arts School of the Year), Global Sikaran Federation (Martial Arts Organization of the Year), Central Books, Michael Chuatoco (Printer and Publisher of the Year), Dennis Aquino (Karate Master of the Year), Emmanuel Banaag (Sikaran Master of the Year), Geoffre Banaag (Master Instructor of the Year), Tomi Harrell (Master of the Year), Fernando Abenir 3rd (FMA Master of the Year), Jayson Sterling (Martial Artist of the Year), Crisanto Cuevas (Outstanding Martial Artist of the Year), Mannie de Matos (Man of the Year), Cecille Estrada Tubera (Woman of the Year), Jayson Vicente (Distinguished FMA Instructor Award), Alexander Plaskin (Distinguished Master Award), Juerg Ziegler (Distinguished Martial Artist Award), Hari Osias Banaag (International Sikaran Grandmaster of the Year), Rogelio Santos (Platinum Lifetime Award), Christian Mayer (Silver Lifetime Award), Cesar Bencito (Golden Lifetime Award), Rolando Hong (Pioneer Lifetime Award), Jean Paul Zialcita (Punong Lakan Award), Cristino Vasquez (Dangal ng Lahi Award) and Roberto Labaniego (Living Legend Award). The second PhilMaHoF will also give recognition to the Top 10 Martial Artists namely Jefferson Banaag, Godofredo Fajardo, Joemar Obejas, Alex Ortega, Mitze Secopito Palattao, Brian Plaza, Baguio Martial Artists Inducted to Hall of Fame By Mark Victor Pasagoy Sun Star Baguio - April 26, 2014 Two Baguio City pioneer martial artists are set to be recognized as among the greatest in the 2nd Philippine Martial Arts Hall of Fame kicks awards on April 27 at the Manila Hotel. Rolando Hong will be given the “Pioneer Lifetime Award”, while distinguished Filipino Martial Artist, Jayson Vicente will receive recognition and be awarded with the “Instructor Award”. Master Hong, or “Guro Lando” as fondly called by his students, is a former Philippine Team member in Karate is a local resident here in the city. Hong is among the remaining masters of the Cinco Teros style of arnis, and presently heads Cinco Teros Baguio training law enforcers, professionals and at the same gives private lessons to students. Guro Lando is also one of the incorporators and senior advisers of the bemedalled Tribal Clan Martial Arts System – Baguio Arnis All Stars Inc. Vicente meanwhile is regarded as among the true native and full blooded Igorot martial artists in the city, is a proud student of the late Manuel “Shihan” Meneses De Leon, who is among the greatest and respected martial artist until the present. Vicente currently works as a martial arts instructor at the Philippine Military Academy and heads the bemedalled Tribal Clan Martial Arts System – Baguio Arnis All Stars Inc. as its executive president and incorporator. The instructor also represents the National Sports Association for Arnis, Arnis Philippines Inc., and the DUMAA Escrima International. Master Hong and Vicente mentioned that the honors given to them are honors they dedicate for their family, the people of Baguio and its Martial Arts community, and of course to their students and supporters who continue to believe in them not only as a Martial Artists but as a good person. The Philippine Hall of Fame (PHOM), headed by Garitony Nicolas – Punong Lakan, is an organization that aims to recognize all martial arts including the individuals and their works and contribution to promote Filipino martial arts (FMA) both in local and international scenes. Nicolas addressed the importance of creating an institution that gives recognition to all Filipino martial artists. “We temporarily shed the ranks and martial arts status and focus on the individual or group has done to contribute in the propagation and development of Pinoy martial arts, its culture and traditions,” said Nicolas, regarded as the father of modern “sinawali” in arnis. “This is simply just a one big gathering where people whose mutual love and respect for the art and each other is what matters most,” Nicolas added. Jaime Quizanna, Jaomico Salamon, Pepito Sabalberino and Arnel Zamuco. PhilMaHoF Tournament Director Maestro Ronaldo Baxafra, whose wife is also among the awardees, Prof. Armando Soteco of the School of Arnis Professional, Dr. Alejandro Dagdag of the Integrated College of Physical Education and Sports and FIGHT Times Editor Perry Gil Mallari will present the awards. One Fighting Championship Chief Executive Officer Victor Cui is the event’s guest of honor and speaker. The second PhilMaHoF was done in collaboration with One FC, Stix Arnis, Mars Photography and Print to Gohh Printing Services. Daniel Go of Rapid Journal, Joyce Pilarsky, Efren Tila, Leigh Tours, Baxafra Armor and FIGHT Times also supported the event. Forums fmaforum.org The leading destination for Filipino Martial Arts discussion. Established September 2005 www.fmatalk.com 34 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 35 1st Philippine Blade Olympics Contributors: Erik Crisologo Liongoren (owner), Mike Melchor, Bt Metz and 11 others April 26,2014 Organized by X.O. Knives Melchor Events Center in Pansol, Laguna. Images by: Erik Crisologo Liongoren and Michelle J. Palijo April 26, 2014 Guro James Hogue was asked by the Asian Cultural Festival Martial Arts organizer William Perkins to demonstrate the Malay Fighting Arts systems of Pangasinan Arnis, and Kuntao Silat at the festival along with other martial arts instructors in the Kansas City area. There were vendors of Asian foods, clothing, and other goods. There were also performances of traditional Asian music, dance, and fashion. One of my favorite things was seeing how many systems had placed the double stick sinawali drill in their system no matter what culture their system was from. The Filipino martial arts has been adapted into many systems which show its appeal to everyone that sees it. Guro James Hogue students were the first to demonstrate their art. Guro Hogue and his student Kurt, showed the Mano Insayo (Hubud Lubud Drill) along with the switches and the use of the hand drill. Once they had the audience’s attention from the blinding speed of their hand drill, they kept it with using the single stick version of the Mano Insayo. As Guro Hogue student Tyler explained how the main key of Pangasinan Arnis is Guro Jim Hogue and Sensei William Perkins abrupt, and constant change and the ability to adapt to flow with that change. As Guro Hogue was doing the Solo Baston Insayo (Single Stick Hubud Lubud) his student and him demonstrated the switching of this drill, and the add-on drill Guro Hogue calls the Release Drill to show the constant change and adaptation to that change even in their stick drills. The next demonstration was of the Dead Pattern (Free Flow Drill). Guro Hogue student Kurt used two sticks and kept feeding Guro Hogue constantly. The audience was told this wasn’t a set pattern, or pre-planned, it’s totally improvised. Guro Hogue had to keep his stick in motion throughout the drill without stopping the motion, all while countering Kurt’s incoming strikes. This demonstration was a crowd favorite Guro Hogue and his students then showed some of their Panantukan and Dumog of the system. This demonstrated how they deal with people trying to grab and lock up with them. They showed the in close empty hand strikes into our takedowns while flowing straight into their finishing locks. We also showed how they could be used for law-enforcement. The group finished with some Kuntao Whip breaks to really WOW the crowd. They showed the technique and strikes against the opponent which in the air looks very weak and lacking power. Then they did the same techniques, at the same speed on wood boards to show that the strikes actually do have a lot of power behind them. In the picture to your left, Guro Hogue is showing how they hit a person to our right, and ricochet off the first attacker and strike the second attacker very quickly. Above all, this festival gave Guro Hogue a chance to meet some local instructors, and make some new friends in the Kansas City Martial Arts Community, and have a lot of fun in the process. Ready and Custom Made Visit: www.mybarong2.com Barong is actually short for Barong Tagalog, which describes the formal men’s wear of the Philippines. It is properly referred to as the ‘Baro ng Tagalog’ (dress of the Tagalog). Contracting the first two words produces ‘Barong,’ which literally means ‘dress of.’ So, if we want to be correct, we wouldn’t say just ‘Barong.’ But, the slang way of referring to one of the beautiful formal shirts is simply Barong. Yes, the Barong Tagalog is a dress, a garment, a coat in itself. It is not merely a ‘shirt’. If it were, then it would need a coat or a jacket over it to qualify as formal wear and would have to be worn tucked inside the trousers. The 1st XO Philippine Blade Olympics By Mike Melchor On Saturday, the 26th of April, 2014, a memorable event was held at the Melchor Events Center in Pansol, Laguna --- the XO 1st Philippine Blade Olympics. Competitors from different walks of life gathered there that day to test their skills and their steel on a course that required a razor sharp focus and a very good blade. Organized by Nino Lopez of XO Knives with the support of a special WISAR (Wilderness Search and Rescue) team for medical support, and sponsored by Hahn Manila, the Melchor Foundation, Overboard, Solar Force, Dukes Project, Top Gun F. A. Technologies, Street Smarts, A2S5 and Paracord Manila, among others, the course featured challenges that called for chopping power, precision cutting, finesse and technique. All sorts of blades showed up at the course, from imported high-end custom blades to local Panday specials from different provinces. Competitors ranged from a young 18 year old to ages that some of the elderly competitors would rather not mention. Course times ranged from under two minutes to over eight minutes in length. Good sportsmanship and camaraderie prevailed throughout the competition, and it was blessed by twin rainbows after a brief spot of rain. In the end, Moymoy Casitas, a young welder, emerged as the best cutter of the day. Filipinos will in all probability do very well at blade sports because of cultural and agricultural reasons. As an agricultural archipelago, blades of all shapes and sizes have been made by traditional Pandays or blade smiths for various field applications. In modern times, people will usually order a blade on the internet or from a catalogue, but in the Philippines, you can still have a custom blade made to your own design specifications. The Blade Olympics will in all likelihood become the best showcase for local Pandays to show the public, and the world, the best in Filipino blade craft. Filipinos have always used blades as tools in their daily lives. A good raffle and socials capped the day. Competitors and spectators stayed on till the evening, enjoying tasty BBQ cuts in a smoky Chipotle sauce over a few drinks. Others camped overnight and left the next day. Many of the competitors had childhood memories of their Dads gifting them with a utility knife or survival blade, while others remembered needing a good tool for bush craft during outdoor activities. As almost all were first time competitors, each believes that he can do better in the next Blade Olympics. Many have signified interest in attending XO Blade Workshops in the future to hone up on their blade sport skills. Many are pencil pushing on the international rules for blade sports so that they can secure a blade of proper specifications and compete at an international level. What will the next Philippine Blade Olympics be like? It can only get better. 36 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 37 Thanks to Wacky Gochoco and Santo Nino Lopez for inviting us to the event. Atty Patrick Tetangco for bringing us to Laguna & Sir Mike Melchor for hosting the venue & bringing us home safely back to Manila despite the hellova traffic and his Vin Diesel 2Fast2Furrious driving. Cheers to all the participants! We had fun photographing you guys! XO Blade Olympics 2014 - Video: Click Here Defense Against a Stick Choke By Maestro Fernando Abenir - Contributor Manila Times - April 26, 2014 In most styles of Filipino martial arts, the shaft and the butt of the stick are employed to execute locks, throws and chokes with the latter considered the most lethal. This particular defense against a choke with a stick involves a throw. Needless to say, practicing throws and takedowns should be done on a mat or soft surface to prevent injuries. Photo 1 shows the assailant with a stick standing behind the defender. Photo 2 shows the assailant starting to apply a choke on the defender using his stick. Photo 3 shows the defender grabbing the stick to protect his neck from the pressure of the choke. Photo 4 shows the defender twisting his body to release himself from the stick choke. Photo 5 shows the defender maneuvering the assailant’s weapon to execute a throw. Photo 6 shows the assailant being violently slammed to the ground. Disclaimer Fight Times disclaims any liability for untoward results including (but not limited) any injuries or damages arising out of any person’s attempt to rely upon any information presented in this page. The reader should consult a physician before starting any exercise program. FMA Luminaries By Jayson Vicente- The Path Sun Star Baguio - May 1, 2014 I was so fortunate to witness a once and a lifetime event that was attended by who’s who in the Philippine martial arts community. Who would have thought that a simple, ambitious and a student would have the chance to be in the presence of such legendary personalities of the art that I love. It feels great to be a Filipino as I stood with every Filipino martial arts advocate during the 2nd Philippine Martial Arts Festival organized by executive director Garitony Nicolas. The made was hair raising because it made me feel like a kid who is on his way visiting Disney Land. Victor Cui, considered to be the “Most Powerful Man” in Asian MMA and founding owner and CEO of One Fighting Championship was the guest of honor and speaker who is a Filipino - Canadian now based in Singapore. The event featured the following awards: TOP 10 Filipino Martial Artists Honor Awards: FMA Student of the Year, Rookie Instructor of the Year, Male and Female Rookie FMA Instructor of the Year, Instructor of the Year, International Instructor of the Year, Outstanding Trainer of the Year, Female FMA Instructor of the Year, Male and Female Best Fighter of the Year, Best Referee Judge, Best Coach of the Year, Senior Instructor of the Year, Martial Arts School of the Year, Martial Arts Organization of the Year, Printing Publishing of the Year (FMA Supporter), Karate Master of the Year, Sikaran Master of the Year, Master Instructor of the Year, Master of the Year, FMA Master of the Year, Martial Artist of the Year, Outstanding Martial Artist of the Year, Man of the Year, and Woman of the Year. Distinguished Awards: Distinguished FMA Instructor Award, Distinguished Master Award, Distinguished Martial Artist Award, International Sikaran Grandmaster of the Year, Platinum Lifetime Award, Silver Lifetime Award, Golden Lifetime Award, Pioneer Lifetime Award, Punong Lakan Award, Dangal ng Lahi Award, and Living Legend Award. The event, aside from the distinguished Filipino inductees and awardees was attended by 48 foreigners who in their own right in one way or another helped and contributed in the propagation and appreciation of the Filipino martial arts. Punong Lakan (PL) Garitony Nicolas humbly said the event which will go down in history as an event which aims to recognize the efforts and works of those people who in one way or another adhere to the preservation, propagation and uplifting of the Filipino martial arts. It will be available in the National Library for all the next generation to see. Nominations and awards are based on criteria laid down by credible people who not only decide based on standards but also based on character of every awardee. Punong Lakan added the faith of the Philippine Hall of Fame will depend on the people who will work for its continuous existence, success of the 3rd, 4th, 5th. Countering a Rear Choke Attempt With a Double Leg Scoop By Maestro Bong Abenir - Contributor Manila Times - May 3, 2014 In the right time and place, any self-defense technique is good including throwing. This combat skill calls for destroying the opponent’s balance, lifting him up in the air and slamming him to the ground. Besides understanding leverage, one must also develop kinesthetic sensitivity or the ability to read the opponent’s intention through body-feel to be able to effectively execute throws. The former is useful in destroying the opponent’s balance while you will rely on the latter to detect if your foe is setting you up for a throw. In a real fight where there is no safety mat, throwing can inflict serious or lethal injury. Photo 1 shows the assailant standing at a short distance behind the defender. Photo 2 shows the assailant attempting a choke. The defender reacts quickly with a counter-hold. Photo 3 shows the defender lowering his body and striking the assailant’s groin. Photo 4 shows the defender doing an under hook around the thigh area of the assailant’s legs. Photo 5 shows the defender lifting the assailant off the ground. Photo 6 shows the assailant being slammed hard to the ground. The defender has an option to deliver a follow-up. A violent throw like this can shock the whole body and cause severe injury especially if the head lands first. Disclaimer Fight Times disclaims any liability for untoward results including (but not limited) any injuries or damages arising out of any person’s attempt to rely upon any information presented in this page. The reader should consult a physician before starting any exercise program. Philipppine Embassy´s Open House/Cultural Tourism PASSPORT DC May 3, 2014 By: Bunal Sa Engkanto Ultimate Eskrima (Pinakatay Arnis Sigidas System) and .Migrant Heritage Commission and other FIL-AM groups in the Md/DC/ VA area joins the Philipppine. Embassy´s Open House/Cultural Tourism PASSPORT DC, 3 May The Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC), Mabuhay Inc, Club Filipino of Georgetown Univ, PCS of George Washington U, Ultimate Eskrima and other Arnis groups and the Northern VA Rondalla and other FIL-AM groups /artists/ businesses shared their time and talents in performing / participating at the Philippine Embassy´s Open House as part of Philippine Embassy´s participation for the first time under Cultural Tourim’s Passport DC... May 3, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..All the embassies in and around DC opened their doors to the public to highlight their services and to showcase the products and mandirigma.org informational data about their respective countries. Phil.Embassy grounds is at 1600 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington D.C. Program of Activities 10:00 am Door opens 10:45 am Martial Arts (LSAI) 11:10 am Dance performance (Sakuting Dance and Fast Tinikling Mabuhay Inc.) 11:30 am Dance performance (Aray and Pagapir - Club Filipino of Georgetown University) 11:45 am Dance performance (Mountain Province/Cordillera suite- “salip”/banga dance; Southern Philippines suite/ tribal suite: Eskrima, Asik, Fire dance, pangalay; Maria Clara or Spanish Suite –Aray; Barrio fiesta or rural suite- Fast Blindfolded Tinikling with interactive and authentic Ati’atihan costumes photo booth–Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC) Fil-Am Dance Ensemble 1:45 pm Dance performance (Lumad suite, Pansak Pindulas - Philippine Culture Society of George Washington University) 2:00 pm Martial arts performance (Eskrima – Walter and Wesley Crisostomo) 2:30 pm Music performance (Northern Virginia Rondalla) 4:00 pm Door closes Exhibit · Danajon Bank Expedition (International League of Conservation Photographers and Project Seahorse), Romulo Hall · Gowns made of piña and traditional cloth (Filipina American fashion designer Cathy Ebrada-Cleveland), Romulo Hall · Paete wood carvings, Embassy grounds · Philippine carabao, bahay kubo and bamboo bike, Embassy grounds Booths (these will be the only booths allowed in the Embassy during Open House) · Philippine Department of Tourism, New York (9th Ambassadors, Consuls General & Tourism Directors Tour) · After the Storm: A Benefit for the Philippines (benefit concert at the Kennedy Center on 15 June 2014) Food · Northstar · Bistro 7107 · Lumpia, Pansit, atbp. · Luming’s · Tito Al’s · Jollibee/Red Ribbon · Lechons c/o Ms Annie Wilderman and Branigin 38 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 39 Philippine Embassy Holds Fiesta in US ABS-CBNnews.com - May 5, 2014 Washington, D.C. -- More than 6,000 people, most of them Americans, got to know why it’s more fun in the Philippines after the Philippine embassy in the US opened its doors to the public for the first time and treated them to a “fiesta”. A total of 6,105 visitors experienced Filipino culture, many for the first time, in what Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr. considers as the most successful cultural diplomacy event undertaken by the Philippines in the US. “It simply was overwhelming,” Cuisia said in a statement Monday. The open house event that was undertaken as part of the annual “Passport DC Around the World Embassy Tour” organized by the District of Columbia Cultural Tourism Office. More than 50 embassies participated in this year’s Passport DC event. It was the first time for the Philippines to participate in the event. “For six hours on Saturday, we were able to let other people know why it’s more fun in the Philippines,” Cuisia said. He said the event was a success since the embassy was only expecting a maximum of 3,000 visitors. Many of the visitors started coming to the embassy grounds even before it opened. The “Washington Post” listed it as among the embassies to visit for this year’s event. Aside from Filipino dance, music and martial arts, the embassy also gave visitors a taste of Filipino cuisine by serving popular dishes like lechon, pancit, lumpia, and turon that were provided by Filipino restaurants and caterers. Philippine fastfood chain Jollibee also supported the even by serving its popular Chickenjoy and Peach Mango Pie, while its sister company Red Ribbon provided mamon. Tito Al’s served its signature chicharon as well as lumpia. The Filipino community provided four suckling pigs for the occasion. Minister and Consul for Cultural Affairs Emil Fernandez said the ube, buko, and mango popsicles from Magnolia; Knife Tactical Response DVD by Bram Frank Bram Frank, recognized as the father of the methods of combat with knife Israelis, is the founder of System CSSD / SC, an art tactical combat based on the Modern Arnis Remy Presas, which was the direct student. In this DVD, Bram, practical and direct in his teachings, we unveiled the concepts of the tactical response knife. Explore the training system, the Contras using our most instinctive basic motor skills “raw” ways to cut and stop the opponent from the point of view bio-mechanics, the proper use of weapons of edge and based movements “Sombrada” and “Sinawali” of martial arts philippines. List Price: $49.95 This is a Special Order Item $26.95 Special Order Now: Click Here From the desk of Great Grandmaster Lanada. IKF Blog - www.internationalkuntawfederation.com May 5, 2014 As of now I am officially retired from the IKF\KNP. I am officially appointing Grandmaster William J. Spence as the Executive Director of the IKF\KNP. All organizational leaders must go through him for all IKF/ KNP business from this day forward. You can contact him via Email: gm@ internationalkuntawfederation.com. Thank you all for you dedication to my Kuntaw. Great Grandmaster Carlito A. Lanada, Sr. Inheritor of Kuntaw martial arts – Founder/Brain of International Kuntaw Federation/KnP/MKA/NATO – Owner of Registered Trademark Kuntaw/ IKF Logo, Reg.# 4297515 - Owner of Registered Trademark “International Kuntaw Federation,” Reg. #4390805 Photo courtesy of the Philippine Embassy in the US calamansi juice; the Ati-Atihan costumes; and the tinikling lessons were instant hits among those who trooped to the embassy. The fiesta-like atmosphere at the embassy was highlighted by Filipino dances like the Sakuting, Aray, Pagapir, Pansak Pindulas, Tinikling, Salip-Banga, Pangalay and Asik performed by Mabuhay Incorporated, Club Filipino of Georgetown University the Philippine Culture Society of George Washington University and the Migrant Heritage Commission. Visitors were also treated to an exhibition of Filipino martial arts such as arnis and eskrima courtesy of DC Lightning Scientific Arnis of Virginia and Pinakatay Arnis Sigidas of Maryland. The open house was capped by classical Filipino music performed by the Northern Virginia Rondalla. Visitors were also provided with brochures from the Department of Tourism, with a number of them expressing their desire to visit the Philippines. The US-Philippines Society was also able to promote its “After the Storm” benefit concert for victims of Typhoon Haiyan. ..from the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC. Dear Open House Partners and Supporters, On behalf of Ambassador Jose Cuisia, allow me to extend our most profound gratitude to all of you who collaborated with the Philippine Embassy in its first-ever participation in Cultural Tourism DC’s “Around the World Embassy Tour.” The turnout far exceeded our expectations and the over 6,000 visitors seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed themselves with the performances, exhibits, booths, demonstrations and food! The atmosphere was festive and we’d like to think that those who attended left with a better appreciation of our culture and the Filipino’s renowned hospitality. We look forward to other future collaboration. Maraming, maraming salamat! Mr.) Emil T. Fernandez Minister and Consul Embassy of the Philippines 1600 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, D.C. www.philippineembassy-usa.org Casitas, 2 Others Cut Above Rest The Philippine Star - May 5, 2014 Manila, Philippines - Moymoy Casitas, Rob Jumchai and Romeo Porlarez showcased their superb “cutting” skills and techniques to top the first XO Philippine Blade Olympics recently. The event, which drew skilled blade competitors, also known as cutters, and knife hobbyists from various sectors, put to test their field’s skills and their steel in a course that required razor-sharp focus and good blade. Organized by XO Knives and backed by a special WISAR (Wilderness Search and Rescue) team for medical support, in cooperation with Hahn, the Melchor Foundation, Overboard, Solar Force, Dukes Project, Top Gun F. A. Technologies, Street Smarts, A255 and Glock Personal Defense and Protection Philippines, the competition featured challenges that called for chopping power, precision cutting, finesse and technique. In the end, Casitas, a welder from Balading, Albay, Jumchai, an artist from Baguio and Porlarez, of Team Hahn from Bicol, bested a host of others to emerge as the event’s top blade masters. All sorts of blades were also showcased in the event, from imported high-end customs blades to locally made special from different provinces. “Filipinos in all probability will do very well at blade sports because of cultural and historical reasons,” said Nino Lopez of XO Knives. “Ancient Filipinos have made their own blades for purposes of agriculture and selfdefense such as bolo and balisong or butterfly knife. Through the Blade Olympics, we hope to bring out the best not only in the mastery of handling blades but also to showcase the Filipinos’ craftsmanship.” For details on the first XO Blade Olympics, contact Lopez at 09157057288 or visit its Facebook page (X.O. Knives) or visit the XO Knives shop at 119 Sct. Dr. Lazcano St., Brgy. Sacred Heart, QC. Grandmaster Rudolfo Alvarez October 1, 1947 - May 6, 2014 This is a very sad time for everyone here and for many others around the world. However, I’d like to celebrate the way my friend Rudolfo Alvarez lived his life. I met Rudolfo Alvarez in 1984 at my first Mexico City seminar. He brought 6 of his students to attend my seminar. When I saw his intensity towards martial arts training in his eyes, I immediately bonded with Sifu Alvarez. After the weekend seminar I knew I had a friend. He was humble, respectful, happy and full of love for his martial arts. More important was his love for his immediate family. Rudolfo was most proud of his children, his two daughters Pamela and Saidy and his son Gibran whom he telephoned in Cancun daily with love and affection. Rodolfo’s face glowed with pride when he watched his girls train martial arts with me. Of course the woman behind the successful Rudolfo is his wife Marisol. She was always supportive of Rudolfo as he showed his love to her. Marisol and Rodolfo’s greatest joy is their family. Rudolfo once told me that his grandson was named after me; with pride I asked him “your grandson’s name is Ricardo?” MARPPIO Instructional Video’s and Live Seminar Video’s Grandmaster Remy A. Presas Single video’s and sets To Buy - Click Here He said, “no. His name is your middle initial S.” I told him “your grandson’s name is Steven”. Again Rudolfo said, “No. his name is Sebastian”. I told Rudolfo that my middle initial S is for Steven not Sebastian. But don’t worry I’ll change my middle name to Sebastian. We both laughed as we always did. A year later after my Mexico City seminar Ruldofo invited me to conduct my IMB seminar in Acapulco. From then on our family bond was a deep friendship. I’ve witnessed Rudolfo grow into his own Jeet Kune Do with the IMB program. He loved Bruce Lee as well as thousands others do. Similar to Bruce Lee, Sifu Rudolfo loved combative martial arts and not much for the artistic forms. He learned about the law enforcement defensive tactics training and became the Training Director for the Acapulco Police Department. Rudolfo grew from being a Sifu (martial art instructor) to a Master Instructor. His students won many competitions titles in Boxing, Muay Thai, Jujitsu and Eskrima. Master Rudolfo traveled to Cebu, Philippines with me for the International Cacoy Doce Pares competition and the Hall of Fame ceremony. In the Philippines among the many Grandmasters approval, Rudolfo Alvarez was promoted to the 7 rank Black Belt signed by Supreme GrandMaster Ciriaco “Cacoy” Canete. The highest ranked in all Mexico at that time. With his many accolades, awards and life time achievements, Rudolfo Alvarez was promoted to the highest rank and title of Grandmaster by his teacher Grandmaster Richard Bustillo. The United States Martial Arts International Council also inducted Rudolfo Alvarez into the Hall of Fame as The Most Outstanding Martial Arts Instructor. We don’t know why things happen, but we do know that the fond memories of Rudolfo Alvarez will be with us forever. As Grandmaster Alvarez closes his eyes, his last vision is his family, his students, and his close friends as he answers his highest calling. In Hawaiian we don’t say “Aloha” or good bye. We say “A Hui Hou” Until we meet again. Richard S. Bustillo Sonny Umpad’s Eskrima: The Life and Teachings of a Filipino Martial Arts Master By George M. Yore Born with the soul of a warrior, the intellect of a scholar, and a zealot’s devotion to his art, Maestro Santiago “Sonny” Umpad forged an enduring contribution to the rich and colorful history of Filipino martial culture. In 1976, after immigrating to the United States, Sonny founded the school of Visayan Style Corto Kadena & Larga Mano Eskrima—rooted in his training in the Philippines and tested by a hard and dangerous life on the streets, Sonny’s system was above all else practical. As Sonny’s reputation as a talented fighter became well-known, he began to crosstrain with masters of other martial arts, including Jesse Glover (Bruce Lee’s first student) and Wally Jay (founder of Small Circle Jujitsu). One of the most innovative and visionary exponents of the Filipino arts, Sonny pioneered the concept of “mixed martial arts” long before the term was in use. Sonny Umpad’s Visayan Eskrima provides an insightful portrayal of Sonny Umpad’s life, philosophy, and teaching methods, as well as the structural underpinnings of his system. Instructor George Yore has assembled the writings of six of Sonny’s students (including Wade Williams, 2012 nominee for the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame) to create a biographic homage to this remarkable martial artist; basic techniques and applications are also demonstrated, accompanied by 130 step-by-step photos. Practitioners of Filipino martial arts—as well as mixed martial artists and security specialists—will find valuable instruction in techniques and applications, while the thousands of people touched by Sonny’s teachings will gain a new understanding of this notoriously reclusive master’s life—and how his experiences informed the development of his system. Paperback: $12.89 Kindle Edition: $10.48 To Order Throught Amazon - Click Here 40 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 41 Arnis Tows CAR With 9 Golds in Palaro By Mark Victor Pasagoy Sun Star Baguio - May 8, 2014 Davraa Strikes 2 Golds in Arnis By Marianne L. Saberon-Abalayan and Marizz Robilla Sun Star Davao - May 8, 2014 Self-Defense From a Seated Position By Maestro Fernando Abenir - Contributor Manila Times - May 10, 2014 Sta. Cruz, Laguna -- Combative sports continue to boost Cordillera in the over-all team standings with Arnis towing the region with nine gold medals, three silvers, and four bronze in the 2014 Palarong Pambansa. After swinging five gold medals in the anyo competitions, Cordillera’s Arnis squad bagged four more gold at the close of the labanan contest. Shaira Jane Salingbay won two gold medals after making a quick performance in the late anyo competition taking the favor from the judges and dominating other competitors in the half light weight division. Ezra Rai Yalong also topped the secondary girls featherweight division together with Felvy Ah-ul, who earlier snatched bronze in the secondary girls double baston event, outclassed her opponents in the feather weight category for the region’s fourth gold in the labanan competition. Cristel Baltazar ranked third in the secondary girls bantamweight. Regional sports coordinator and Education Progman Supervisor for Department of Education-CAR Agustin Gumuwang said he is happy with the number of medals contributed from the combative sports. The Davao Region Athletic Association struck for a total of five gold medals, three silvers and one bronze late Wednesday to bring the delegation’s over-all medal haul to six golds, six silvers and eight bronzes in the ongoing 2014 Palarong Pambansa as of yesterday presstime. The arnis team collected two golds, two silvers and one bronze while the swimmers added one gold and one silver as the athletics team clinched two golds. Davraa’s Kleinn Mataverde snatched the secondary boys arnis full contact bantamweight gold while Ilocos Region’s Kin Jerwin Carino got the silver and the bronzes went to Ian Patrick Gurrobat of the National Capital Region and Jovani Cantar of An attack may come from anywhere even if you are in a very vulnerable position. Awareness of your surroundings and a quick reaction might save you from being mugged. Photo 1 shows the defender sitting while the attacker stands at a distance in front him. Photo 2 shows the attacker grabbing the defender’s shirt and is about to punch him. Photo 3 shows the defender quickly reacting by delivering a straight palm strike to the attacker’s chin. Photo 4 shows the defender standing up to deliver a knee strike to the attacker’s groin. Photo 5 shows the attacker being slammed against the concrete table. Photo 6 shows the defender delivering a finishing knee strike to the attacker’s face. Disclaimer Fight Times disclaims any liability for untoward results including (but not limited) any injuries or damages arising out of any person’s attempt to rely upon any information presented in this page. The reader should consult a physician before starting any exercise program. “We are happy for their full effort and excellent performance, we should continue in improving this sport in the following years,” Gumuwang said. Gumuwang added he is also looking forward for other results of combative sports in the weeklong tournament. “Sana our taekwondo team will do better, let’s look forward to a positive outcome,” Gumuwang added. The region currently sits at number four in the over-all medal standing with 15 gold medals including nine silvers and nine bronze medals as of 2:00 PM of May 8. Bets from the National Capital Region remain strong with 39 gold medals, 24 silvers, and 29 bronze medals to take an early lead while host region Southern Tagalog is in second with a 16-2023 medal haul. Region 6 or the Western Visayas Region is at third with 1511-19. The 56th staging of the Palarong Pambansa officially opened May 5th at the Sta. Cruz Sports Complex with more than 11,200 athletes from the 17 regions including thousands of local and visiting spectators in attendance. (With a report from DepEd-CAR) www.stickman-escrima.com Northern Mindanao. Harrison Cerilo gave Davraa its second gold in arnis elementary boys full contact over 4’8 to 5’ event over Zamboanga Peninsula’s Roel Ouano who settled for silver in the competition held at the Laguna State Polytechnic University activity center in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Jay Mabanag copped the elementary boys arnis full contact over 5’ to 5’4 silver while Denice Lagumbay also chipped in a silver in secondary girls full contact bantamweight event. Rofel Angelo Pendon, for his part, won a bronze in secondary boys full contact pinweight category. Earlier, the elementary girls anyo team synchronized anyo double baston got a bronze. 30 Join Arnis Training By Merle Dawn S. Comidoy Sun Star Davao - May 11, 2014 Talim Trainers Made from one solid piece of wood, these trainers can be used for everything from demonstrations and solo practice to contact training. Each trainer has the shape of an indigenous blade without any unnecessary details. Talim Trainers are approximately 3/4” thick. Made from one solid piece of wood, these trainers are suitable for contact training but are also great for demonstrations, solo practice and no-touch training. Each trainer is crafted in the shape of an indigenous blade without any unnecessary details, sharp edges, inlays or glued and pinned pieces. Talim Trainers is the result of years of trial and error. Last but not least, they are affordable. Good quality and longevity doesn’t have to put a strain on the wallet. Website: www.talimtrainers.com Conceptual Modern Arnis By Bram Frank A seldom seen view of Arnis/Modern Arnis the Filipino fighting art of Professor Remy Pesas as seen by 1st Generation student... More > Bram Frank. Modern Arnis is seen through the perspective of the family art of the Bolo and knife,(edged tools) rather than a stick. Some history of Modern Arnis in the USA is told. Books by Mark V. Wiley Do you have these publications? Do you even know about them? Well here is a chance, you can get them. Visit: Amazon.com - Click Here File Download: $40.00 Paperback: $69.00 Further information and to Order:Click Here Some 30 kids and adults participated in the free arnis training seminar organized by the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor’s Office (SDD-CMO) held May 5-7 at Gaisano South Citimall. Beginners and arnis experts alike learned basic principles of arnis in the three-day camp conducted by Arnis Philippines Davao chief Mario Palazuelo along with his team of arnis enthusiasts. Arnis as a martial art and arnis as a sport were taught in the seminar. In an interview with Sun. Star Davao, Palazuelo said that basic arnis forms including rules and regulations of the sport were the camp’s main focus. Palazuelo said that it is important for people to know about arnis, which is a Filipino sport, to fully appreciate the sport that has produced numerous champions from Davao City alone. He hoped that more seminars shall be initiated to spark interest especially in the barangay level, “Mas mabuti talaga kung maraming mga residenteng barangay ang sasali kasi mas makaka-diskubre tayo ng may potensyal sa arnis.” A friendly sparring tournament took place in the last day of the camp participated by all the participants while all the arnis experts performed antas dos and anta stres. A finisher’s medal was given to everybody. The free arnis camp was in celebration of the Davao City Summer Sports for Peace Festival. Fighting Patterns of Kuntao and Silat: Chinese Indonesian Combat Arts (Paperback) By Chris Derbaum and Justin Miller Fighting Patterns of Kuntao and Silat (Authored by Chris Derbaum, Justin Miller) Brutal and Devastating Art of Kuntao and Silat. Fighting Patterns of Kuntao and Silat is a book based on a diagram which is sometimes referred to as Chinese hands and Indonesian feet. The footwork diagrams are a guide to numerous footwork patterns to put you in the right place at the right time for devastating leg strikes and takedowns which can also be used against multiple attackers. There are over 140 pages of footwork patterns alone in the book that serve as a “how to” guide so you can follow along and practice on your own. The book also includes the most basic footwork stances to more complicated takedowns in this devastating system. When the same diagram is turned upright all the explosive handwork and brutal knifework is also followed from this diagram. There is also a short history of Kuntao-Silat from China-Indonesia and some of the first teachers that brought these arts to the United States. Authors Chris Derbaum and Justin Miller both worked in the law enforcement field for over 35 years and have applied the arts of Kuntao-Silat to numerous real life situations. - 208 pages Paperback $33.75 Amazon.com: Click Here Senkotros Arnis Fundamentals By Grandmaster Max M. Pallen For many years Grandmaster Pallen has been practiticing Arnis. He has seen and read many books about the martial art styles of other regions of the Philippines. Grandmaster Pallen has not encountered a single publication about the Bicol region, which prompted this publication. It is a big undertaking to let Philippine martial art practitioners know that in Bicol they also have their own styles, Grandmaster Pallen finally discovered and developed the missing link in his Arnis techniques. He has adopted the sinawali and espada y daga basec on what he has learned from other styles of Arnis, Kali, and Eskrima. These styles have also given him a better foundation and made him culturally complete. To order the book: Senkotiros Arnis Inc P.O. Box 3124, San Leandro, CA 94578, $40.00 plus shipping Order Form: Click Here 42 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 43 Grandmaster Gilbert Cordoncillo Visits Phoenix, Arizona May 11, 2014 By Richell Sampaga On May 11, 2014, Grandmaster Gilbert Cordoncillo of F.T.M.A had stopped by to visit Guru Michael Butz’s class of Kada Anan Martial Arts in Phoenix, AZ. Guru Joey Sampaga and Guru Joel Sampaga were in attendance as well during GM Gilbert Cordoncillo’s visit. The students experienced a little feel of Box Flow Drill play with Grandmaster Gilbert Cordoncillo. The Box Flow Drill is a forced 5, movement drill that encompasses block, check and counter. It eventually becomes a free flow exercise. On behalf of Guru Michael Butz and students, we graciously thank Grandmaster Gilbert Cordoncillo in his visit and sharing his knowledge with us. Poc-Psc National Games May 16 - 25, 2014 Ninoy Aquino Stadium The 2014 Philippine National Games Opening Ceremonies Arnis - Sm Marikina Athletics - Philsports Ultra Basketball 3 On 3 - Marikina Sports Complex Chess - Makati Coliseum Cycling - Tagaytay City Judo - Makati Coliseum Lawn Tennis - Rmsc Tennis Center Pencak Silat - Marikina Riverbanks... FaceBook: Click Here Arnis Seen to Propel City’s Rank in 2014 PNG By Mark Victor Pasagoy Sun Star Baguio - May 15, 2014 The Baguio City arnis team is eyeing to keep the crown as the 2014 Philippine National Games opens Friday at the Philippine Sports Arena in Pasig City. “We always aim for the best display of performance, we hope that this time, we can still land atop all the other competitors and take the overall title for the sport,” said arnis coach Jayson Vicente. Last year, Baguio based arnisadors uplifted the city with their 16 gold, 10 silver, and nine bronze record. “If we can surpass the gold medals we had last year then it would be better, it’s just a matter of putting enough trust and support to our competing athletes,” Vicente said. A total of 20 arnisadors will carry the Summer Capital’s flag when the anyo and labanan competitions go underway at SM City Marikina from May 17 to 23. “Some of our lead athletes from last year already graduated so this time new bloods will be the face of Baguio City when the contest starts, but anyway we still look forward to steal the limelight as the competition closes,” said Vicente. Together with the arnis team, some 200 other athletes 15 years old and above from Baguio will vie for honors in the different sport events scheduled all over Metro Manila. Coinciding with the 2014 PNG will be the Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled (PhilSpada), where 50 entries from the city will compete in sports namely swimming, bowling, archery, and athletics. Meanwhile, the Baguio City Sports Office headed by Gaudencio Gonzales earmarked a total of P1.5 million to be used for the 2014 PNG and PhilSpada competition. “We have a bigger delegation this year since the two, PNG and PhilSpada, simultaneously will hold its schedule by the same dates. Thankfully, the City Council allowed us to have our own allocation from the 2014 budget of the city,” Gonzales said. Backed by the Department of Education, Philippine Olympic Committee and the National Sports Association in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government, PNG aims to assess the expanse of the potentials of athletes to be a possible basis for the selection for the competition of national and international pool. The tournament will run from May 16 to 25. The LEGACY Escrima Seminar (2013) Stockton California Hosted by Grandmaster Darren Tibon Stockton, CA. April 13 - 14, 2013, a historical event of Escrima Grandmasters and Masters gathered at one event to pay respect to the founders of Stockton’s Escrima Grandmasters and share their teachings for a common cause of unifying Pilipino Martial Arts. This was the opportunity of a life time for Escrima practitioners to experience the rich flavors of Filipino Martial Arts. This 10 hour seminar event has been edited to a 4 hour (2 dvd - Collector’s Edition Set) of compacted instructional content that is a one of a kind experience. 4 Hour DVD Set - Available on DVD and Video Download To Order: Click Here The LEGACY Escrima Seminar (Queen Mary 2013) Long Beach, California Hosted by: Grandmaster Darren Tibon Queen Mary, CA. August 10, 2013, a historical event of Escrima Grandmasters and Masters gathered at one event to pay respect to the founders of Escrima Grandmasters and share their teachings for a common cause of unifying Pilipino Martial Arts. This was the second event of inspiration for Escrima practitioners to experience the rich flavors of Filipino Martial Arts. This 8 hour seminar event has been edited to a 3 hour 37 min (Collector’s Edition Set) of compacted instructional content that is a one of a kind experience. 3hr 37 min DVD Set - Available on DVD and Video Download To Order: Click Here Punta Y Daga Kalis Ilustrisimo My Understanding of the System By Peachie Baron Saguin In this book, I will share with you a little background of Kalis Ilustrisimo, the man who propagated the system and his students who are now the teachers of Ilustrisimo. I have started from the origin, the weapons we use, to our strikes and counter strikes and of course the forms of Punta y Daga. For me, learning is a continuing process. I always feel there is so much more to learn which is why I like to teach, because in sharing what I have learned, I can understand more the principles behind the techniques. Verily, reading helps as guide, but we need a live partner to practice with, and through this we will be able to determine the right angle when to shift weight and when to deliver a strike that is accurate and timely. Only by experiencing it with a partner will we know if we have understood and can apply the system and the techniques effectively. In an actual life threatening situation, I believe only wisdom, skills and accuracy can protect us. Knowledge without wisdom is half baked and so are skills without accuracy. This is the very reason why I feel there is a need to train with different partners, so we will know if our techniques are niftily coordinated. Do not anticipate the strikes because there are some strikes which are meant to deceive us. Instead we should practice diligence, alertness and swiftness of movements. I have also included drills which have helped me a lot in practicing the body mechanics, footwork and the combination of strikes. I like to write what I have learned and still learning, as words in printed pages will serve as a good source of reference not only for me but for future generations to come. It is my hope that I have outlined the system clearly, and that you will find this book, a helpful guide in discovering the exquisiteness in the Punta y Daga form and in the Ilustrisimo system as a whole. Peachie Baron Saguin To Order Contact: Kenneth Co. of Ikatan Kali, Kalis Ilustrisimo and Modern Cimande. Email: kenneth.co88@gmail.com Price of Book: $40 Canadian, shipping and handling extra Send ordering information and receive confirmation and full price with Shipping and Handling included 44 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 45 Edison High School, Stockton, CA. - After School Program The YMCA after school program is a five year state funded program. Bahala Na student Victoria Valentine is one of the program directors. Depending on next school years funding Bahala Na will be a part of the program curriculum. - Joel Juanitas America as the Second Home Arnis, Escrima, Kali By Perry Gil S. Mallari, FIGHT Times Editor Manila Times - May 17, 2014 It was born in the Philippines but I would say that the United States is the second home of Arnis, eEcrima and Kali collectively known as Filipino martial arts (FMA). Transplanted mainly through various waves of migration, the Filipino martial arts has established deep roots in America. The growth, evolution and mutation of the Filipino martial arts in the US are incomparable to any other nations where Philippine martial arts were also exported. The Filipino martial arts could have been exported to the US much earlier than the known exodus of Filipino farm laborers to California and Hawaii during the turn of the 20th century. The book Manila Men in the New World: Filipino Migration to Mexico and the Americas from the Sixteenth Century by Floro L. Mercene tells that prior to the influx of farm worker from the Philippines to America during the said period, Filipino mariners under a Spanish command landed in Morro Bay, California in October 1587. It is amazing to realize that Filipinos have reached the New World (what would become the United States of America) much earlier than the American colonization of the Philippines at the turn of the 20th century. Lafcadio Hearn, an American journalist wrote an article in the March 31, 1883 issue of Harper’s Weekly about a Filipino settlement in Saint Malo, Louisiana. The settlers of the community that were called “Manilamen,” were believed to be the roots of Filipinos in America. Hearn at that time believed that the settlement was already in existence for 50-years however, extensive research conducted by Marina Espina, a librarian at the University of New Orleans revealed that it could have existed earlier. Espina in 1988 published the results of her studies in a book titled Filipinos in Louisiana (A. F. Laborde & Sons, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1988). Hearn described the Manilamen as seasoned fishermen who were robust and polite and could speak in Tagalog and Spanish. A part of the article reads: “Most of them are cinnamoncolored men; a few are glossily yellow, like that bronze into which a small proportion of gold is worked by the molder. Their features are irregular without being actually repulsive; some have the cheek-bones very prominent and the eyes of several are set slightly aslant. The hair is generally intensely black and straight, but with some individuals it is curly and browner. In Manila there are several varieties of the Malay race, and these Louisiana settlers represent more than one type. None of them appeared tall; the greater number were undersized, but all well knit, and supple s fresh-water eels. Their hands and feet were small; their movements quick and easy, but sailorly likewise, as of men accustomed to walk upon rocking decks in rough weather. They speak the Spanish language; and a Malay dialect is also used among them.” Evidences have been found that a number of Filipinos even participated in the American Civil War. This was proven by the research conducted by Nestor Palugod Enriquez, a retired US Navy personnel turned Filipino American historian. Enriquez located the specific names of Filipino volunteers on the following records: the Massachusetts State Rosters, Military Images magazine, original muster rolls at the National Archives, the New Hampshire Rosters (issued by State Adjutant General. Pension—Pension Records, National Archives, Washington, D.C.) and the Naval Rendezvous Reports (available at the National Archives, Washington, D.C.). There is a high probability that those early Filipinos in America may have had used their skills in arnis, escrima and kali in that war. But the biggest part of the Filipino martial arts migration in the US most probably occurred at the beginning of the 20th century when many Filipino men filled in the demand for workers in the plantations of Hawaii and the farmlands of California. Many Filipino martial arts pioneers in America like Angel Cabales, Juanito Lacoste and Leo Giron were at one time or another worked as farm laborers in Hawaii and California. A part of Dan Inosanto’s book The Filipino Martial Arts, narrates of how Cabales made it to the US, it reads, “Cabales left the Philippines in 1939 and joined a crew of a cargo ship that took him to distant ports of the world. Each port, each foreign dock brought a new set of adventures and with them a knowledge of survival. After working in Alaska, Cabales wandered from county to county in California. He ultimately joined the Filipino farm laborers around Stockton where he now lives.” Mark Wiley, in his book Filipino Martial Culture tells how Giron arrived in America, “Like other Filipinos who relocated in the United States, Giron did so by way of boat. He traveled on the President Lincoln and docked in San Francisco on November 17, 1926. Soon thereafter he relocated to Stockton, California, and took work cutting celery and asparagus for seventeen and a half cents an hour. The hourly wage at that time was thirty-five cents an hour.” Perhaps one of the most notable early public demonstrations of the Filipino martial arts in the US was that of the late Grandmaster Ben Largusa. Largusa, a disciple of juego todo champion Floro Villabrille performed at the historic Ed Parker Long Beach Karate International in 1964. Bruce Lee performed there too and Parker recalled in one of his writings before he passed away that Lee and Largusa impressed the other masters who were present in the event. In 1966, Cabales opened the first public escrima academy in the US in Stockton, California. Then came global recognition via the medium of cinema. Inosanto briefly but spectacularly introduced the FMA to moviegoers worldwide through the film The Game of Death starring the legendary Lee. Known as Lee’s protégé, Inosanto was responsible in introducing the late founder of Jeet Kune Do to Escrima specifically the use of the tabak toyok or nunchaku. With an international superstar like Lee picking up escrima sticks, the Filipino martial arts was finally included in the world map of martial arts. Few would argue that this film is an important landmark in the history of the Filipino martial arts and much of the Filipino martial arts popularity today, it owe to Inosanto’s film works. This is the Filipino Martial Arts Database service, provided to the FMA community in support of its growth and advancement. www.fmadatabase.com Giving Thanks to All the Ladies Dating or Married to Martial Artist. By Michael Cardenas This is dedicated to my wife and scope out the other patrons Lisa. One might ask the following, to see if they pose a threat to my a martial art blog about his wife? kids, my lady, me and or the food I Well let me explain, this is my way ordered. When I am greeted with a of publically saying thank you to hug by friends or family members a woman who has supported my my mind briefly computes this martial art lifestyle since the day humanly sign of affection as a our relationship got more serious; I clinch and I immediately and can remember the day I confessed mentally begin to think about through casual conversation to a counter and escape. When her that I was a martial artist. The someone extends their hand for conversation went something like a shake in greeting, I fight the this, there is something you should urge to initiate a thumb lock then know about me, my comment transition to an arm bar. When we was followed a perturbed/ watch an action movie or drama worried look on her face as if I that may have a fight scene or was about to confess to her that show someone being attacked, I I was a serial killer or had some have a bad habit of pausing and incurable venereal disease. After or rewinding and examining the a brief pause and once I knew I situation and then determine my had her attention, I uttered the own approach for escape and or following words: I am a martial survival, I then share my revelation arts practitioner, as if this would of my awesome solution to my soften the blow of the fact that wife. When we are on vacation, I I just don’t dabble in it but that have a tendency to look up local I am truly a martial arts fanatic. area Dojo’s just out of curiosity, Her response was, I know, you and then ponder briefly how I mentioned it; me mentioning it could plan a visit between all the was my way of testing the waters other stuff we have planned, of with her. I then said ok, cool, but course I don’t share this plan with didn’t give her the details of my her I just think it. condition. I have more gi’s in my closet How does this trait differ than I will ever need and a large than any normal hobby of a collection of martial art books that suitable male prospect? Well, for I simply purchased because they starters, I own nearly 100 weapons are books related to martial arts, (excluding firearms), and am it is so bad that I have even at one drawn to weapons of all sorts and time bought the same book three sizes and I cannot stop collecting. times because I forgot I already Whether its swords, knives, or owned it and read it. So this is why bludgeoning instruments, I love when I knew this was the gal that them and can’t get enough of I could spend the rest of my life them. Also, when we go shopping with that I was a bit worried when together, the clothing racks I confessed to her that I was a appear to me as modified mook martial artist. She has been for the jongs, for which I can throw a most part extremely patient and few angled empty hand strikes understanding of my passion. You at, most men don’t do this when see martial art is not just a hobby they shop with the main squeeze. to me; it has become a very part I also prefer to buy all things in of my DNA, a piece of fabric of the black; black shirts, shoes, pants, man I have become. I think about shorts, tanks, etc… Additionally, it every day even when I am not I cannot leave the house without physically practicing it. Through its at least one tactical pocket folder practice, I have learned, respect, on my side, if I do I feel naked and honesty, honor and how to put have even turned around once off immediate gratification, all leaving the house to grab one. characteristics needed to succeed When we dine out I cannot sit with life. I am sure that my martial artist my back towards the door, I need lifestyle has annoyed her on more to see who is walking in and out than one occasion, such as the time we decided to go on a 3 day cruise together and I met a fellow martial artist all by happenstance in the line to board the cruise ship, Mr. Dave Epperson. Dave is a Kenpo practitioner and who from time to time would come into Stockton CA, from the bay area to train with our DeCuerdas clan; we started chatting about plans to train while on the boat, needless to say our significant others were not so pleased with conversation, their raised eyebrows was a dead giveaway that our plans for this trip differed from theirs; needless to say we both had to fight of the urge to meet up on the upper deck gymnasium to train. Luckily I have realized I am not alone when it comes to having a martial art addiction, a matter of fact I know have a large number of friends who share in this similarity, and through these similar traits we have developed a brotherhood in some respect. I have invited these folks into our home for BBQ’s and get together’s and my wife always jumps in to be a graceful hostess to our guest. I give this women credit, it’s probably bad enough having just one of me around but to have a household of folks talking martial arts in our home, she has to be at her wits end. Anyhow my point is to if you are like me and have had a women by your side throughout your martial progression be sure to take some time to thank her for her support. We are a strange type of people, martial artists; we have certain traits that would have the typical women running for the hills. Sure I enjoy walks on the beach, but when I am walking and embracing my gal I am also keeping my eyes open for shark teeth to adhere to piece of drift wood so that I can make striking instrument, similar to those used by Hawaiian luau warriors of days passed. So honey, thanks for all the support. Train Strong to Remain Strong! MyFMA.net Filipino Dirty Boxing Suntukan Street SelfDefense with Tony Torre In Filipino Dirty Boxing, Guro Tony Torre blends the traditional with the modern to form a comprehensive fighting system designed to enhance any fighter’s training regimen. Steeped in the Filipino martial arts of arnis and suntukan, Torre draws on his extensive knowledge to give you a whole new sense of street fighting and selfdefense under extreme circumstances. After acquiring a solid foundation in positioning, natural combinations, targeting, disruptions and striking, you’ll move on to mechanics, joint integrity and minimization of energy leaks. The extensive partner training exercises included in the video provide you with the skills and confidence that can only be developed with hard work in the gym. Whether your fighting is on the mat or in the streets, Torre’s training methods provide the explosive offensive and defensive tactics needed to overwhelm your opponent and come out victorious. For information purposes only. 170 minutes $29.95 To Purchase: Click Here Modern Practice of the Filipino Martial Arts By Master Jose Isidro The Book contains technical pictures on the Filipino martial arts of striking, blocking, Sinawali, Redonda, locking, trapping, Empty hand, knife disarm, Bangkaw, Tying, Espada Y Daga, Drills such as Give-n-Take and Block/Check/Counter, Transition of Stick to Stick, Empty Hand to Stick, and Empty hand to Empty hand. Local People living in the Philippines. 292 pages with many photos. The book is published and distributed by Central Books Supply - Website: central.com.ph In the Philippines contact Jem of Centralbook, Contact: 372-3550 Or for International or USA orders, please contact Master Jose Isidro at: joseisidro@msn.com for pricing. Senkotiros Arnis Videos (Collectors Editions) $29.95 Basic $29.95 Advanced $29.95 Intro to Free Style $14.95 Lost Years $10.00 Shipping and Handling To obtain full details on Ordering - Click Here 46 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 47 Arnis Yields Seven Gold Medals for Baguio By Mark Victor Pasagoy Sun Star Baguio - May 20, 2014 Pittsburg Senior Center May 17, 2014 Pittsburg Senior Center had it annual Senior Awareness Day at the City of Pittsburg, California. Master Jose Isidro with his elderly student Manong Jose De Leon and Jim Blankenship performed a Practical Self Defense Demo and Walking Cane exercises. His two elderly students also performed practical Empty hand techniques, Cane to Arnis baston striking, basic walking cane striking and blocking for the senior own practical system. It was a big turnout as usual and many interest from the elderly. This was his 3rd year doing this Walking Cane Self Defense and Exercise for the senior. 10 Ways to Spot Great Teachers (and Avoid Crummy Ones) By Daniel Coyle - The Tallent Code - thetalentcode.com Truly bad teaching is pretty easy to spot, because learners don’t improve, and don’t feel connected. Truly great teaching is pretty easy to spot, because learners improve rapidly and feel connected. But perhaps the hardest to spot is a particularly nefarious type of teaching called pseudoteaching. It looks and feels like good teaching, but in fact it’s a mirage. The Basics of Filipino Martial Arts By Marc Lawrence Master Marc Lawrence Academy of Masters Hall of Fame - Life Time Award, developed this book based upon information gathered over years from 37 different Grandmasters, Masters, Guros and Instructors of what makes up the basics of the Filipino martial art known as Arnis, Eskrima, or Kali. The book contains photographs, diagrams and detailed information that explains what makes the basics any of the Filipino Martial Arts styles is use today. This book serves as companion to any Filipino mattial arts style and this information will enhance their skill. (92 pages) To Order: Click Here The term comes from teacher and blogger Frank Noschese, who writes about pseudoteaching here and here. What I like best is how open Noschese is; how he reveals that we are all guilty of it sometimes. As he writes: Pseudoteaching is something you realize you’re doing after you’ve attempted a lesson which from the outset looks like it should result in student learning, but upon further reflection, you realize that the very lesson itself was flawed and involved minimal learning. I can definitely relate. A few years ago in Chicago, I taught a class in magazine writing and also coached Little League. In both I made the exact same mistake: I thought talking well was the same as teaching. I rarely connected to individuals, preferred talking to the big group. I approached teaching as if it were an eloquence contest: the more compellingly I talked, the better I thought I was doing. I didn’t realize that teaching is about interaction, not just action. I didn’t realize that good teaching happens in the space between the teacher and the learner. With that in mind, I thought it might be useful to offer the following field guide: 10 Ways to Spot the Difference Between PSEUDOTaching (PT) and Real Teaching: 1) PT delivers long, entertaining, inspiring lectures; RT designs short, intensive, learner-driven sessions 2) PT is eloquent and expansive; RT is concise and focused 3) PT addresses large groups; RT connects to individuals 4) PT doesn’t focus on small details; RT is all about details 5) PT is about talking more than watching or listening; RT is about listening and watching more than talking 6) PT is loudly charismatic; RT is quietly magnetic 7) PT is Robin Williams leaping atop desks in Dead Poets Society; RT is John Wooden, teaching his basketball players how to put on their socks properly (no wrinkles, because that causes blisters) 8) PT dismisses questions; RT craves them 9) PT treats everyone the same; RT tailors the message for each learner 10) PT delivers the exact same lecture over and over; RT customizes each session for its audience Arnisadors Open Bid Sun Star Davao - May 19, 2014 The Kapatirang Doble Olisi (KDO) Escrima-Davao City team opens bid today, Tuesday, in the threeday 2014 Philippine Olympic Committee-Philippine Sports Commission (POC-PSC) National Games Arnis competition at Marikina Riverbanks in Metro Manila. KDO Escrima Davao chief Mario Palazuelo, in a message sent to Sun.Star Davao, said that they are fielding eight players in the annual Games. Seniors players are Alfred Sagne, Johniel Morcillo, Manuel Gaviola Jr., Care Jason Monterola, Jezebel Morcillo and Adelfa Sagne, while Catherine Lai Segura and Christian Dave Ivan Loriezo are seeing action in the junior division. Morcillo won bronze medals in men’s 58 kilograms of the 12th World Escrima Kali Championship, while Adelfa Sagne was Palarong Pambansa 2014 arnis champion and Monterola was a consistent gold medalist in the Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet. The event is governed by the Arnis Pederasyong Internasyonal (I- Arnis) International Rules. (MDC) Baguio City continues to rake in medal after medal in arnis as the 2014 Philippine National Games goes underway in Manila. Hopeful to lead the city to its over-all title campaign, Baguio Arnis All Stars kept their head high in capping the anyo (form) competition with seven gold, four silver, and three bronze. Cindy Abegail Monte led the Summer Capital with three gold mints after dominating the women’s senior individual solo baston, doble baston, and “spada y daga” contest. Monte, together with Corina Lazaro Ado and Florentina Pascual shared the top honors in the synchronized single weapon category. Baguio City National High School stick fighter Norielyn Joy Sagun added one gold, one silver, and one bronze from the individual solo baston, doble baston, and “spada y daga” accordingly. Sagun, together with Jana Balicdang and Danica Caw-is outclassed other entries to snatch the gold and silver medals in the synchronized “spada y daga” competition and synchronized doble baston. Meanwhile, Lira Achachang, Kristen Perl Tamiking, and Angela Donglay teamed up to bag the gold medal in the synchronized doble baston event, and score a second place finish in the synchronized “spada y daga” contest. Arnis coach Ayatotollah Gadaoni said they expect to draw more medals from the labanan competitions. “So far eto palang ang nakuha natin sa anyo competition, we are looking forward to gain more awards pagdating ng labanan contest,” Gadaoni said. Gadaoni, together with fellow coach Jayson Vicente, said they will surely dominate the national competition to help the City in its medal haul. Last year, Baguio based arnisadors uplifted the city with their 16 gold, 10 silver, and nine bronze record. Vicente earlier said they will aim to outdo last year’s medal count. “If we can surpass the gold medals we had last year then it would be better, it’s just a matter of putting enough trust and support to our competing athletes,” Vicente quipped. The 2014 PNG arnis competitions opened May 17 and will end until the 23rd at the SM City Marikina where hundreds of athletes 15 years old and above from the different parts of country will bid for top honors in the various contest. ‘Arnisadors’ From Iloilo Shine in PNG By Frank Calapre Manila Times - May 21, 2014 Dennes Dellones of Iloilo bagged four gold medals in the arnis competition of the 2014 Philippine Sports Commission-Philippine Olympic Committee (PSC-POC) National Games at the SM Markinina City. Dellones first won the individual double-weapon event followed by another victory in the individual sword and dagger tilt. He later teamed up with Klisier Juanga to grab the gold in the team single weapon and the team double weapon categories. The Iloilo-native Dellones also won a silver medal in the team sword and dagger and a bronze in the individual single weapon contest that was won by Ivan Villanueva of Rizal Technological University. In judo, at the Makati Coliseum, Bryan Quillotes and Dennis Lloyd Catipon won five gold medals. Quillotes beat his fellow national team member Al Rolan Llamas in the finals of the men’s 60-kilogram class while Catipon bested Baguio City’s Francisco Masnan in the 66-kilogram category. Nancy Lucero Quillotes, also a member of the national pool dominated the women’s 44-kilogram division while her teammate Helen Dawa ruled the 48-kilogram class. Jenilou Mosquida dominated the 57-kilogram category while Annie Ramirez of Muntinlupa won the women’s open category by beating Jewel Ann de Castro in the finals. www.roilesgear.com Roiles Gear Ltd., is a leading manufacturer, supplier and wholesaler of the star quality Filipino martial art equipments/products. Our goal is to give the best quality products to our valued customers around the globe. Our rattan and wooden products are carefully picked, treated for high dense quality and our sparring equipments are hand made using the best quality materials then monitored for the best quality control and satisfaction of our customer. Our training daggers either aluminum or steel are hand forged and made with the special specification.. www.abanico.de All books published and distributed by Central Books Supply Website: central.com.ph/centralbooks Or order directly from Grandmaster Garitory Nicolas Email: filipinomartialarts@hotmail.com Close Combat Strategy and Tactics: Prevent, Confront, Prevail By Jon Rister (Author), Dr. Alfred Huang (Contributor) Jon Rister is a practicing instructor in Texas, teaching martial arts since 1987. He has studied and achieved instructor rank in KaliEskrima under Magulang Na Guro Dan Inosanto, in Wing Chun under Sifu Francis Fong, and in jun fan jeet kune do under Sifu Dan Inosanto and Larry B. Hartsell. Among Jon Rister’s proudest achievements, more so than his own accomplishments, is for him to have seen three generations of his own students achieve instructor rank. Offered in Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover Amazon.com - Click Here All books published and distributed by Central Books Supply - Website: central.com.ph/centralbooks Or order directly from Grandmaser Garitory Nicolas, Email: filipinomartialarts@hotmail.com Note: No portion of any book or MAMFMA information may be copied and reproduced in books, pamphlets, outlines or notes, whether printed, mimeographed, typewritten, photocopy, or in any form, for distribution or sale, without the written permission of Punong Laken Garitory C. Nicolas. All rights reserved. 48 FMA Informative Vol3 No6 2014 Vol3 No6 2014 FMA Informative 49 Believe it or not Philippines Owned by One Filipino Family? Collection of First - collectionoffirst.blogspot.com Antonio Ilustrisimo - Orascion/Anting-anting on Good Friday By: Stickgappler’s Sojourn of Septillion Steps - www.stickgrappler.net Filipino dialects, that do much the same. The difference between them is that antinganting are generally only able to protect the bearer or give him courage, while oracion can do that in addition to weakening the opponent, breaking his fighting spirit, or forcing him to drop his weapon. Antonio Ilustrisimo was a staunch believer in such things and possessed both. Regarding such things, Good Friday is the solemn day for arnisadors who are masters of oracion, that is, those who are able to control the spirit world through their charms and prayers. It is on this day that they test whether they still have their power, or whether they have lost it. Every year on Good Forgive the lousy pic and bad Friday, Tatang would wander photoshop skills to bring out the to a deserted field followed by Anting-anting tattooed on Antonio both believers and skeptics. Ilustrisimo’s chest. - Source photo: he would prop up pieces of Mark Wiley’s Filipino Martial Culture. paper on which he had written incantations. He would then invite anyone with a gun (and Today is Good Friday. many people carry them in the Anyone with a familiarity of the Phillipines) to shoot at the paper at Filipino Martial Arts should’ve point-blank range. Amazingly, no heard of the great Antonio one ever succeeded in hitting the Ilustrisimo (a.k.a. “Tatang”, a term target with their bullets, despite used by his students, which the barrel of their gun touching it. means “father”.) He was a famed When one of the shooters Eskrimador/Arnisador for having was asked what he felt when survived countless Death Matches shooting at the paper, he replied, as well as never losing a match. “Nothing extraordinary happens Please read on to see what while one is aiming at the paper. his secret was and what it has to But the moment one pulls the do with Good Friday. trigger, an invisible force tugs the Anting-anting are amulets held on or in the body that possess barrel of the gun aside and makes one miss. Sometimes the gun the power of the spirit world and would refuse to fire altogether.” offer courage and protection to If oracion can keep bullets from their bearer. Oracion are prayers hitting their intended target, even or incantations, generally in an a sharp blade poses no real threat admixture of Latin and native to the eskrimador who possesses them. Antonio Ilustrisimo would go home to recite his oracion twice a day at specified times every day without fail. He also had his anting-anting tattooed on his chest so that it would forever be a part of him. During his fights, he would mentally recite his oracion. Given that he never lost a match - friendly or to the death - one has a difficult time just dismissin such things. As a testament to his uncanny powers, Antonio Diego is also a true believer and possessor of both anting-anting and oracion, and has also not lost a match. I typed the above up from: The Secrets of Kalis Ilustrisimo: The Filipino Fighting Art Explained by Antonio Diego & Christopher Ricketts Tuttle Publishing Copyright 1999 Chapter 9: Spiritual Fortitude Pages 217-218 Excerpted from Krishna Godhania’s interview with Romy Macpagal, one of Antonio Ilustrimo’s students: 9. Tatang Ilustrisimo was reputed to possess both anting anting and orascion, did you witness any demonstations of his powers? I have seen both antinganting and oracion in operations. Many do not seem to work but those that do evoke wonder in even among avid researchers into the paranormal. Let me cite a few instances. Before Tatang’s health deteriorated in 1992 his mind was very sharp and focused, his will power tremendous. On good Fridays we would go to empty lots to tests his powers. On a sheet of bond paper, Tatang would scribble a few orascions and have it set up for a target. Now, I and my two elder sons are competent shots but at a distance of five meters we were only shooting around that 8’ x 11’ sheet of paper, knicking its edges only at 3 meters. Good sight pictures, good squeeze, good ammo, but could not hit the target. Whatever the mechanism, it worked. After the dreams mentioned earlier, Tatang got a small pocket notebook and a lead pencil, brought me to a far corner of Luneta and told me to write oracions as he dedicated them including the instances for their use. Now, I am quite sceptical but acquiesced out of respect for Tatang’s good intentions. After that, for a period of two years I did not get cut. Now this is not unusual for most people but in my case I am a part time blade smith and in that period was prolific, polishing and sharpening blades by hand. Unconsciously I was handling blades without respect, grabbing at dropped blades etc, and did not receive a cut when previously, I was the corner stores main buyer of band-aids. Only Tatang could cut me in practice or demonstrations, thin scratches which bled well. I was also doing very poorly financially during this time, a fact noted by an uncle, who asked me if I had or “wore” “armadura”-armor. I said no but commented that I was not getting wounded when I should. The uncle advised me to get rid of the armadura put on me by Tatang which I did. Right after my finances improved and I could get wounded in playing or when working on blades. Do you think our Philippines History needs to dig and be re-written, once Filipinos do their research and evidences of this claimed that the royal family Tagean Tallano family bought the Philippines archipelago or Maharlika Islands decades ago? Watch this video presented by Doc John on his show “Ang Laging Daan ni Doc John” Never in the Philippines history subject that the whole Philippines archipelago is owned and bought by the Tagean Tallano as part of the missing piece history of the nation. Most Filipinos embedded that LapuLapu is one of our Filipino heroes who fought the land ownership of native Filipinos against the invasion of Spanish era but never did we know that he’s related to the clan who actually owned the whole Philippines - if this claim would have been true? Wikipedia records and Philippines History book written only that “Lapu-Lapu (1491–1542) was a ruler of Mactan, an island in the Visayas, Philippines, who is known as the first native of the archipelago to have resisted the Spanish colonization. He was also responsible for the death of Portuguese Explorer Ferdinand Magellan. He is now regarded, retroactively, as the first Filipino hero.He is also known under the names Çilapulapu, Si Lapulapu,Salip Pulaka, and Kali Pulako (alternatively spelled as Cali Pulaco), though the historicity of the names is disputed.” If Filipinos would reconsider such claimed of Prince Julian Morden Tallano to resolve the Philippines squatter problems and other issues of the Spratly Islands, how would it be possible or wouldn’t be great if his rights is to be used for the common good of Filipino citizens instead of singled out by some politicians power and other alliances that would have been covering and using fraud documents to claim such titles of their own advantage? What do you think after you have watched the interview of Doc John and Prince Julian Morden Tallano? What is Philippines before invaded by the greedy Spanish? Homobono A. Adaza file stated that “Maharlika. Long before the Spaniards came to Philippines shores, the Philippine archipelago consisting of 7,169 islands with an area of 1,049,212,962 nautical square miles, including Guam and Hawaii was known as Maharlika. It was populated by Malays and ruled by the Tagean Tallano clans from the ninth to the fifteenth century. When the Spaniards started ruling the Philippines archipelago, they renamed it Hacienda Filipina. Of the many kingdoms in Asia, Maharlika was one of them under King Luisong Tagean Tallano, the father of Raja Lapu-Lapu and Raja Soliman, the successors of King Marikudo of the Sri Vishayan Empire. Its principal products at that time were peanuts (mani) exported to Mexico and European countries and Herbal plants known as “Nilad” with some medicinal qualities which were exported to Mainland China. With the passage of time, the Chinese traders changed the name Maharlika to Maynilad or Maynila. As in olden days, the kings and their families own their Warrior’s Way Martial Arts Academy Instructional DVDs by Guro Harley Elmore Beginner and Advanced material from Filipino Kali and Indonesian Silat. The Lost Prince of teh Kingdom ofg Maharlika Video: Click Here kingdoms and distribute portions to their subjects, especially to the members of the royal clans. This is exactly what happened to the Philippine archipelago, it was owned by the Tagean Tallano clans.” Compilations and Research, Harnessed by Different Conduits of THE ROYAL Maharlikhans Priesthood: Royal Kingdom of Maharlikhan New Called Philippines History Philippine Colonization by Spain: In 1478, Moslems from the Malayan Peninsula crossed the Malacca Strait and conquered Java, the capital of Madjapahit Empire. Subsequently, the Malay/ Srivijaya/ Madjapahit disintegrated. In its place, a Moslem religious government was established inaugurating the reign of Sultanates. A family of Maharajahs and Rajahs Tagean, was then ruling the Madjapahit Empire. They retreated and consolidated their position in a group of 7,169 islands, known as the Maharlika (now Philippines) away from the oncoming Moslems. Being a descendant of royal Malayan blood, the Tagean family had its share of power, authority and riches from the collected taxes during its 900 Year rule in the empire, and even two millennia earlier when there was commerce with King Solomon of Israel. The Maharajah and his sons, the rajahs, ruled the Maharlika using their own laws, the CODE OF Kalantiaw. The Maharlika was a very rich and flourishing country. By the early sixteenth century, the ruling maharajah, Luisong Tagean, had 720,000 metric tons of gold that he kept in present day Kota Kinabalu, Sabah or North Borneo. At that time, Sabah was part of the Maharlika. The Family Tree of Maharajah Luisong Tagean: Maharajah Luisong Tagean. He resided in the Lamayan District, now known as Malacañang. He was married to Margaret Acuña Macleod. His sons were: •Rajah Lapulapu Tagean. He ruled Mactan. •Rajah Soliman Tagean. He ruled Manila and its suburbs, i.e. Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna and the Karilaya Province, now Quezon. •He married Princess Dayang-dayang Kiram. •Later, he married Mary Anne Dent. •Mary’s Father, Alfred Dent was a British Lord and London merchant. He was a co-owner f the Royal British North Borneo Company. Luisong Taegan’s Grandsons Were: •Rajah Lakandula Tagean. He ruled Tondo. •Rajah Soliman Tagean. He ruled Eastern Quezon, Mauban, Sampaloc and Lukban.He was married to the daughter of the sixth Sultan of Brunei, Abdul Kahar. •Rajah Baginda Tagean – He ruled Bohol. •Rajah Kabingsuran Tagean – He ruled Southern Mindanao •Rajah Kolambo Tagean – He ruled Cebu. •Rajah Sikatuna Tagean – He ruled a part of Bohol. •Prince Lacan Acuna Macleod Tagean – Son of Rajah Soliman, he was adopted by his Grandmother, Margaret Macleod Tagean. Born during the Spanish colonial Rule on December 17, 1686, he changed his surname to TALLANO so he could easily pursue his revolutionary activities against the colonizers. In 1726, at the age of 40, he married Princess Elizabeth Overbeck Macleod of Austria. In 1761, he sought the help of the British against the Spaniards. Later He married Lamayan Bowan. He lived for a 178 years. He begot a son… •Prince Julian Macleod Tagean-Tallano – He was married to Princess Aminah Kiram of Sultanate of Sulu. He died in 1898. He begot a son… •Don Esteban Benitez Tallano – He died in the Vatican in Rome in 1939. He begot a son … •Don Bonito Acuña Tallano – He died during the Japanese occupation of Maharlika. He begot a son… •Prince Julian Morden Tallano – He is presently alive. Source: - Wikipedia: Lapu-Lapu: Click Here - Filipino Chat: Click Here The True Story of the Tallano (Tala) Estate: Click Here Thoughts From Servant Isreal: Click Here To Order: Click Here You can save money when you buy more than one DVD. Check out their Bundle Discounts: Click Here Shipping Information New orders will take approximately 1 to 2 business days to process before they are shipped. Shipping time within the United States averages 3 to 4 business days. Shipping time for international orders averages 7 to 10 business days. Products are shipped using USPS Priority mail for domestic orders and Express Global for international orders. Domestic shipping costs $8 per order International shipping costs $40 per order For additional information please contact us The Untold Story Kingdom of Maharlika Rumor Mill News PDF: Click Here School Submission The schools listed teach Filipino martial arts, either as the main curriculum or an added curriculum. 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