Fma-Special-Edition-Bakbakan.Pdf
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Publisher Steven K. Dowd Contributing Writers Bakbakan International Reynaldo S. Galang Jim Winterbottom Vince Ford Peachie Baron Saguin Cathy Rowlands Christine Trlifaj Natasha Whittaker Contents From the Publishers Desk Dakip-Diwa “Mental Training” Introduction to Bakbakan Hagibis “Throwing & Grappling” The International Brotherhood Tulisan “Knife Fighting Art” Passion for Its Mission Bakbakan Groups The Fighting Arts of Bakbakan Women of Bakbakan The Force Behind Bakbakan Bakbakan Work Shops & Seminars The Warrior of Bakbakan Festivals, Ceremonies, Gatherings Ronnie Ricketts Contact Bakbakan Forging of an Eskrimador WHQ - Training Reloj De Arena “Concept and Strategy” Books Filipino Martial Arts Digest is published and distributed by: FMAdigest 1297 Eider Circle Fallon, Nevada 89406 Visit us on the World Wide Web: www.fmadigest.com The FMAdigest is published quarterly. Each issue features practitioners of martial arts and other internal arts of the Philippines. Other features include historical, theoretical and technical articles; reflections, Filipino martial arts, healing arts and other related subjects. The ideas and opinions expressed in this digest are those of the authors or instructors being interviewed and are not necessarily the views of the publisher or editor. We solicit comments and/or suggestions. Articles are also welcome. The authors and publisher of this digest are not responsible for any injury, which may result from following the instructions contained in the digest. Before embarking on any of the physical activates described in the digest, the reader should consult his or her physician for advice regarding their individual suitability for performing such activity. From the Publishers Desk Kumusta This Special Edition could not have been possible without, Master Rey Galang and the Bakbakan Brotherhood. It is an honour and privilege for the FMAdigest to bring to you the reader this Special Edition on Bakbakan. You may already know about Bakbakan, however we believe that there is some information, both written and pictorial that you may not know or have seen within these pages. And if by chance you do not know of Bakbakan, then prepare yourself to be educated. In meeting Master Rey Galang, Master Topher Ricketts, and Guro John Jacobo one can see why Bakbakan is strong throughout the world. Great guys! Master Rey Galang being an authority in the Filipino martial arts has written many books. If you have the chance you will want to add each and every one of his books to your personal library. It is highly suggested that you visit the Bakbakan website - www.bakbakan.com. Maraming Salamat Po Rizal Park (Luneta) 1985 Edgar Sulite, Rey Galang , Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo and Tony Diego Introduction to Bakbakan A Gathering of some of the Senior Members of Bakbakan International. Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Ding Binay, Ronnie Ricketts, Rolly Maximo, Rey Galang, Rey Dizer, Topher Ricketts, Edgar Aristorenas and Tony Diego Bakbakan International is a brotherhood of martial artists from different disciplines of martial arts. It is neither a style nor representative of any single style. It is a center for the sharing of ideas, techniques and knowledge. Bakbakan serves as the driving force in keeping realistic, practical and proven martial arts at the forefront in these days of numerous "paper" masters and founders. This pioneering and innovative organization has an ever-growing but select membership representing progressive fighting styles. The ideas interchange between the diverse fighting styles and enthusiastic members create a dynamic foundation for continuously improving combat arts. Bakbakan International brings together Grandmasters and Masters of different schools and styles. Although members of the organization represent and practice various oriental and western fighting arts, the association has undertaken the support, propagation and development of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines in the form of workshops, tournaments, camps, books and instructional video tapes. With this undertaking, it is expected that the Philippine combat arts will continuously develop and grow within and outside the Philippines. Unfaltering in its dedication and progressive ideals, Bakbakan International maintains its reputation of being an association of dedicated and skilled martial artists. Affiliation with Bakbakan International is not just an involvement, it is a commitment. The religious, spiritual and fraternal heritage of the Philippines is evident in the symbols and rites adopted and practiced by Bakbakan International. The values and principles of Bakbakan International, following traditional, regional and Katipunan conventions, are evident in the ritual order in which members pledge their allegiance, loyalty and obedience to God, to country, and to the brotherhood. The symbol of Bakbakan International is a visible reminder of man’s constant struggle to master and control the opposing forces within himself, the raging battle between good and evil, and the quest to attain perfect union with God and mankind. The Bakbakan International brotherhood's primary covenant is to support, propagate and develop the Warrior Arts of the Philippines. The ideals of Bakbakan are embodied in its tri-step salutation, emphasizing the following: • Karunungan - Knowledge • Katapatan - Loyalty • Katarungan - Justice or Truth The International Brotherhood Visitors and students from Okinawa, Japan, Australia, Canada and the United States have attested to the fame of Bakbakan. Entry into Bakbakan, however, is no easy matter. Clinging to its fraternal roots, no Bakbakan aspirant is allowed entry without any referral from an active full- fledged member. This guarantees that all candidates are known personally to the responsible "sponsoring" member. Where a candidate has no patron, the aspirant is then The Gathering 1997 subjected to a minimum of six Makati YMCA, Metro-Manila, Philippines months probationary period before even being accepted as an Associate Member. Although seemingly unnecessarily strict and elitist, this practice is embraced by the newly inducted members with fervor and they equally carefully watchdog any aspiring candidate with zeal and close scrutiny. Realizing that the strict screening process weeds out the undesirables, any time spent in training, teaching and grooming accepted candidates is unlikely to be wasted. It is because of this fraternal bond that the Bakbakan brethren display a close fraternal link above and beyond training sessions. Last 'Masters' group picture with Edgar Sulite taken March 15, 1997 Tony Diego, Edgar Sulite, Topher Ricketts, Rey Galang and Alex Co Photo by Steve Tarani The present form and structure of Bakbakan is credited to Rey Galang who is one of its founding and charter members. Many of its rules and regulations have been developed in close conference between the Masters and Senior Members as well as its revered Grandmasters. The second generation of Bakbakan, headed by Miguel Zubiri, Benny Litonjua, Jason Ricketts and many others are making sure that Bakbakan's roots remain firm, progressive and uncompromising. It is the preservation of the true spirit and brotherhood of Bakbakan that has made it survive its many years and has made it into the institution that it has become. Passion for Its Mission Despite the discordant nature and meaning of its name, Bakbakan has managed to spearhead unity and cooperation among the diverse systems and organizations of Filipino Martial Arts. Living true to its covenant of promoting and preserving the Warrior Arts of the Philippines, Bakbakan’s projects espouse an apolitical approach in fulfilling its passion for its mission. This has been achieved through its book projects and its hosting and sponsorship of competitions. In the Philippines, the Bakbakan organization is much revered for its sincerity and openness in assisting any endeavor that promotes the FMA. Working with the staff of the Department of Tourism and various FMA organizations, Bakbakan has hosted and sponsored successful FMA exhibitions and tournaments that has created an emerging alliance of major FMA systems. Its landmark book project “Warrior Arts of the Philippines” put together six different systems in one book and has done much to promote and preserve the legacy of the FMA. Placido Yambao’s classic “Mga Karunungan sa Larong Arnis”, written in archaic Tagalog, was given new life and exposure through its presentation in an expanded English publication titled “Classic Arnis.” Another of the traditional arts given new lease on life was the art of the double stick, also known as Sinawali, Doble Baston and Adwang Mutun, covered indepth in the book “Complete Sinawali.” Most recently, the book “Masters of the Blade” has been published that “bares the heart and soul of the Filipino Martial Arts.” The book focuses on the short edged weapon (knife) techniques of the FMA and presents the core tactics and concepts of many of the world acclaimed edged weapon combative experts. Its latest and most ambitious book project, “Guardians of the Legacy”, aims to present and promote the many of the contemporary masters of various FMA systems and organizations. The book’s participants include actively practicing masters of the art from all four corners of the world. Ambitious in its timetable, this project is slated for publication in time for the 3rd FMA Festival to be held in the Philippines. Beyond its own book projects, Bakbakan also generously shares historical classics such as “Swish of the Kris” and “Jungle