Vol 6 No 6 - 2017

Newspaper Propagating the Filipino and the Culture of the

Using Performance Time for an FMA Revolution Profiling to Assess and Improve your Filipino Time for an FMA Revolution part1 - was published in the FMA Informative Newspaper Vol5 No8. Martial Arts Skills Well Mr. Mustafa Gatdula has now written “Time for an FMA Revolution” a part 2. So the FMA By Leslie Buck Informative will recap on part 1 once again and share part 2 with you here. Article By: Mustafa Gatdula cret if you don’t know it. And we will talk Let’s stir things up a bit. about stuff your friendly McGuros won’t. Yup, when it comes to stirring the pot, So here’s the thing. The Filipino mar- About ... there aren’t too many people other than tial arts of , Eskrima, and Kali need to Past Events good ole theKuntawMan for something like change up its weapons. Honestly. Have you Health & Safety that. That Empty Hands been hit with a rattan stick lately? Sure, they Building Blocks of FMA article was written in 2009, and it is still the hurt. But as a self-defense tool, you need Tid-Bits most read article on this blog. It has prob- something that will ruin somebody’s life, and ably gotten this blog more views, more sub- these sticks just won’t. Get hard core, take scriptions, sold me more books, signed up off the safety gear, and get a little heavier more students to my school, and brought rattan, and then we’re talking. But this isn’t me more challenges (which led to even every day FMA, and it should be. I say, it’s more students lol) than anything else on time to investigate self-defense needs of this blog. I have said it a few times in sev- the average Joe on the street, and come up eral articles–I ain’t your friendly neighbor- with something that is relevant to his con- hood seminar-junkie, I damn sure ain’t your cerns. The FMA use to be an everyman’s art, friendly neighborhood Guro/Grandmaster, every day. Today, it is too niche, too trendy, and you could get hurt playing over here. and folks who are really serious about self- But this is what the martial arts is all protections are looking at what passes for about. We are all about hurting people, stop- FMA out here and saying “No thank you”. ping people from hurting us, and discover- Why is that? Well, maybe it has some- ing more and more about the art of hurt- thing to do with the fact that the most effec- ing. One of the worst things an FMA guy tive, most practical thing we have to offer is can do is get complacent and think there something that a very TINY minority of FMA are no other new things to discover in the guys will do: Full contact, bare stick fighting. martial arts. For example, lots of Filipino Average guys won’t do it. Hell, average FMA martial arts guys thought they knew it all guys won’t even do it. What we will do is funky or have seen it all when it came to the Fili- drills, cute disarms, padded pillow fights, pino arts. Know why? Because if you took all and empty handed patty cake (that no FMA the videos on the market, all the magazine guy will ever do with in the ring with a real articles, all the seminars–all that shit looks boxer–but have the nerve to call it “Dirty”/ the same. Sure, every now and then, a “new” Filipino . Please don’t blame that on skill will become popular, but thanks to the my people). If you ever disagreed with me almighty dollar–these Grandmasters will about my views of mainstream FMA’s effec- sell those skills faster than a hungry whore tiveness, take my challenge! Go to any non- on the strip–and before you know it, EVERY- FMA guy and fight him. With the number of BODY knows it. So, yeah. If you’ve spent two MMA, , and boxing gyms around, or three years in the mainstream Filipino you should have no problem finding oppo- martial arts community–you will have seen nents. Don’t challenge me on the net please, www.fmapulse.com it all, and there is nothing new to discover. because you’re only fooling yourself–chanc- But I ain’t mainstream. And that’s es of us meeting are almost zero. Prove it to what brings people to this blog, the fact yourself. I’ve already done my homework. that nothing on this blog–unless it’s sto- Back to the subject at hand, I would like len–will be repeated or taught in seminars to suggest a new trend in the FMA communi- MyFMA.net or youtube clips. Folks come here to learn ty. Let’s drop the plain rattan stick as a “weap- or read something new. Hence the name– on”. I’m sure there must have been an uproar Visit the FMA Informative Group on Facebook Filipino Fighting Secrets… It’s only a se- when FMA guys in the days of old switched Click Here 2 FMA Informative Vol6 No6 2017 Vol6 No6 2017 FMA Informative 3 from bolos to sticks. I can one for years, and I’ve always than occasional training with morous article I’ve published, putes. In recent times, Arnisa- So here’s something I’d like to because you are knowledge- dent, and in two years, I would imagine the arguments and laughed at Arnis guys who it to make it functional. The and I hear you’ve challenged dors have contests which al- out at you… able with a few weapons–and bet my life savings on that stu- the complaints the old tim- come over and try to do their handles vary, and you have to the Comrach Bas (I think that’s low them to preserve the art this just isn’t true. A good dent, armed with a knife, using ers would have had: “What?? system’s stuff with it. It’s barely have consistent practice and what it’s called) founder, Chris- in safe conditions using safety It’s time to award or cre- test is if you can be competi- his Eskrima against your favor- What the heck is wrong with got any weight to it, but most training to learn how to hold tophe Clugston–and didn’t equipment. With introduction ate “majors” in the Filipino arts. tive with–and beat–a fighter ite MMA fighter. This art isn’t these new age Eskrimadors! guys can’t do anything prac- it, how to generate power with show up. This is embarrassing. of safety equipment, the attri- Majors as in “major” fields of who is only versed in that art. perfect, but I believe the Fili- Don’t DARE call that stick shit tical with it but demo stuff in it, how to develop true blade Our elders are rolling over in butes needed to be a so-called study. Just as it’s true that ev- An inside joke I shared pino fighting arts are as close “Eskrima” please! Bastos!!” slow motion. But get to full awareness with it. their graves. Stop it. All I’ve said, “skilled” Eskrimador changed– ery art can’t contain or special- with my Filipino martial arts to being the most unbeat- LOL. speed, full power with one of 6. Speaking of which, Blade and I’m sure Mr. Clugston will which in turn will change the ize in everything–every expert friends came from a video able art on the planet. And Folks don’t like change. these–you are wielding some Awareness. Real understand- agree, that the Filipino martial way the art is changed. In old won’t be an expert in every we once watched at a friend’s this, without having to cross I believe that the Fili- serious fire power in your ing of the blade, not just the arts have a good thing going, times, power, accuracy and subart of the Filipino martial house, where a highly skilled pollinate with BJJ, , pino arts have evolved to hands. This should replace the usual patty cake and disarm- but money and ego has ruined pain tolerance were the focus arts. We love to brag about the Eskrima master declared to or any other non-Filipino art. what they are today, because standard 3/4? rattan, for sure. ing, but actually learning how it, and today, the Filipino arts of an Arnis student’s training. 12 weapons or fields of study, the viewer that “Kali is also Am I being biased? Perhaps. we are a practical people. We 2. The walking cane. Some- to use, cut, hold, and manipu- are NOT delivering what we Teachers used a smaller arse- the 4 subarts of the Filipino ADVANCED , ADVANCED But in my prime, I trained aren’t into show; we are fight- thing you can take into an air- late the blade. Have you ever promised. Want proof? Name nal of techniques while spend- martial arts, blah blah blah… , ADVANCED Kung Fu…” more than anyone I knew, and ers. But we have become not port. Again, hardwood, with attempted a cut test with ra- one FMA tournament where ing more time developing but how often have you seen Do we have in the could take anyone. I am fully much more than showmen enough weight that if you zor sharp blades? If not, you guys fought empty handed. those skills and attributes. To- a so-called Grandmaster teach Filipino martial arts? Yes we confident that you give me a these days. We are showmen used on an attacker, he would shouldn’t be teaching knife And please don’t hand me that day, which safety equipment a seminar over a period of 5-10 do–some. But we are not grap- guy for a few years, and he’ll be and “athletes”. My son is en- feel and look like he were or sword fighting; it is just as “too deadly” bullshit. The FMAs and two/three round fights, years, and teach the same stuff plers. Do we have boxing in the better than I ever was. But due amored with Eskrima “” hit by a car. Trust me, with a important as the techniques. ARE practical. But we must use students have larger arsenals as his knowledge of throwed Filipino martial arts? Yes, some. to the mismatch of the chang- these days. When I finally saw real walking cane–even your I’ve seen Guros who can’t cut these arts in order to connect with more techniques as well weapons, flexible weapons,But we are not comparable ing times, the unchanging what is presented as FMA Grandma’s walking cane–with a rolled up newspaper with our theories with the applica- as an emphasis on endurance or empty hand skills? This is a with boxers who specialize in art, and the foolish changes “Kata”, I damn near spit out very little training, you could my razor sharp swords. The tions. I have the same issue and fitness that fighters of old conversation I have with this fist fighting. Do we have knife that did occur–we collectively my drink. What. The. Hell. But have the effectiveness, nearly, Japanese are light years ahead with Kung Fu guys. Add Empty could care less about. One community often, and is the fighting in the Filipino martial weakened the art by trying to times have changed, I guess. of a razor sharp Katana. And of us on this, and they didn’t Hand to our tournaments, and may argue that arts that do premise of the unpopular “Fili- arts? YES. And now we are get- add too much, too easily, and There is a good section of the this is real talk–go and expe- use to be. We’ve just become FMA guys need to start FIGHT- not change with the time are pino martial arts Empty Hand” ting somewhere! How would taught them too soon and too community who gets it; I am rience some Filipino Tapado. so wrapped up in “modern” ING with our FMA empty hand. keeping to tradition, but they article. Sure you know some you feel if a Tae Kwon Do guy fast. The way to reach your po- an old dog, and I’m barely 50. Ask anyone who’s seen it; very martial arts, we’ve lost sight of Screw what I wrote; just do it, may not necessarily be rele- “Empty Hand”. But do not be announced, that he was just tential in the art is to choose Guess we can tolerate it, the few guys would want to go up this very important skill to the prove it to yourself, and the art vant to the needs of the mod- mistaken my friends: Many as good as an Filipino martial a specialty and develop it as way we tolerate patty-cake- against a true Tapado fighter point that it sounds foreign to will evolve back to the direc- ern student. Therefore those of you are stick guys show- arts guy with a knife? Like me, fully and completely as pos- with-a-stick. But let’s add a with anything less than a . FMA people. No blade aware- tion it needs to go. And stop arts often die out, save for a ing a few translations without you’d probably fall out laugh- sible. One cannot accomplish new weapons to the Eskrima It’s time to change our focus. ness, you have no blade skill. asking me to post videos of handful of those with nostal- the stick. Very few Eskrima- ing. But that’s how we look to this while attending seminars list of specialties… 3. Brass Knuckles. If we are go- 7. Single weapons over double what I think FMA is supposed gic leanings. At the same time, dors who claim “the stick is boxers when we try to pass and adding new techniques 1. The good ole night stick. I’m ing to do hand held weapons, weapons. Seriously, for seri- to look like; that’s not how you an FMA purist (such as the the knife is the long weapons off “Dirty boxing” as some- and skills every six months. serious. Billy clubs, tire knock- I know you guys are stuck on ous self-defense, we have to challenge a guy. Just start us- younger version of myself) is the empty hand” can really thing that can defeat boxing. The goal is development–not ers, you name it. A REAL stick. small blades and Karambits– focus on single weapons that ing these techniques in live will argue that arts that keep get down with every weapon And this leads me to the learning. That is the flaw of One that is too dangerous to but I’m not convinced. Give are more practical and useful fights, and the changes will up with the times are diluted he knows. There is nothing point of the article. You must the “always a student” phi- use it . Sure, keep the me a pair of Brass knuckles and for street self-defense. Dou- happen naturally. and therefore illegitimate. If wrong with having a specialty, think outside the box. The Fili- losophy. You can take classes rattan for sparring and com- promise me I won’t go to pris- ble weapons are cool to look And there you have it. an old dog like myself can ad- and sending your students to pino arts has many, many skills until you’re blue in the face; petitions–even heavier rattan. on for using it–I’ll take on any at, but mostly people are just The FMA revolution. But there mit that perhaps I was mistak- another Master if they wish within our curriculums. In my but it does you not one lick of But what we train with, what guy in the world. I have met doing drills and prearranged will be a Part II, so stay tuned! en about past criticisms of the to learn something you are opinion, the Filipino arts are good until you develop and we train for–should be two or many Karambit practitioners– (read: choreographed) tech- And if you haven’t, please sub- Filipino arts, maybe there is a unfamiliar with. But it is fash- the superior fighting art of hone and perfect those skills. three times heavier. When a never met one willing to spar niques. Single weapons are scribe… you don’t want to chance for you young guys. ionable to pretend you can most of the martial arts world. There are many facets of mugger jumps on you while me. I’ve used Brass Knuckles, most likely what you will use miss what is coming! use anything as a weapon just Give me two years with a stu- the martial arts we can certify you carry this weapon–a hard- and I feel like fricking Super- if you needed it, and we are wood, 1-1.5’ stick on the strik- man with it. Train with brass simply spending too much Mustafa “Maurice” Gatdula is Filipino Martial ing end, with a one inch han- knuckles before you call me time with stuff we will prob- This is a continuation of an arti- Arts instructor based in Northern California, dle on the other–you leave crazy… you will too. ably never actually use in self- cle that Mustafa Gatdula wrote with branches in the Washington, DC area. He teaches Jow Ga Kung Fu, Kuntaw, and Eskrima him crippled. A REAL weapon. 4. Oh yeah ^^ they’re illegal. defense. It is certainly time to introducing a few suggestions full-time in his school in Sacramento, with Something that authorities So what. So are numb-chuks. drop the fancy stuff, because about an “FMA Revolution” he satellite classes around Northern California. His may one day outlaw or regu- But you still have them right? there is enough practical stuff thought should take place. school is called the Typhoon Philippine School late. That is REAL self-defense. This is for art. And self-protec- we are ignoring or under-em- Times change, along of Martial Arts. His specialty is fighting--stick and empty hand. Sorry, but there are many peo- tion. phasizing. with the needs of the average ple–too many people–who 5. The Bolo. If you have never 8. Empty Hands. Guys, look. I student of those times. Every- would challenge (and survive) trained daily with one, you know I hurt some feeling with thing from the needs of the an encounter with that Eskri- should. The dynamic is very my views. But is is not 2017, and martial arts student, to how ma you’re playing with right different from a stick, I don’t not ONE FMA guy has shown the art is imparted, to who the Mustafa Gatdula’s How to Build a Dominant Fighter now. But train for 90 days with care what your Guro said. If up at my door to defend “FMA art is used against–all change. The title makes this book self-explanatory: Mustafa Gatdula’s How to Build a Dominant Fighter in 12 Months: Using Lesson from the the old school billy club cops you do Eskrima, you cannot Empty Hand”. You know who 100 years ago, Arnis fighters Filipino Fighting Arts to Build Dominant Fighters. Follow our lead and have your students running your city in 12 months use to carry, if a guy did chal- simply pick up a Bolo and use it has? Non-FMA guys who cross used these arts against for- Teaching Philosophy A collection of essays concerning the art of instructing the martial arts, from the point of view of the Filipino martial artist. lenge you, after the first hit with equal effectiveness. Add trained, and some of them be- eign invaders. During times of Philosophy of the Martial Arts landed he’d be more compli- this to your regular repertoire, came my students after our peace, Arnis fighters use the This is a collection of essays about the theory, practice, and application of the martial arts--through the eyes of a Filipino stylist ant. And we really do have to and you’ve got some good match. You have challenged arts for self defense needs as Cost . - $29.00 each train with it. I’ve trained with martial arts. You’ll need more me on damn near every hu- well as for to settle dis- To Purchase Visit:: www.dominantfma.com 4 FMA Informative Vol6 No6 2017 Vol6 No6 2017 FMA Informative 5 students in, and when we award student is qualified to do, we Eskrima/Arnis, Kuntaw, art to their students. I had Try to identify 15 to 20 skills and attributes for each of the categories. After you have listed everything needed, narrow the blanket “Teaching credentials”, must then decide if he is qual- , , Buno–all have met a man who claimed to list of skills down to the most important 6- 10 for each of the four categories. what are we claiming they are ified to TEACH. Many of you many weapons and skills. Do teach “Filipino boxing” and STEP 2 - Chart the skills and rate them experts in? Self-defense? Street may have been good fighters, you simply know these weap- when I offered to box him For each category, create a four column chart that will help you assess your skills. fighting? Competition fighting? but you never learned the art ons, or have you actually ex- and bring my students to Column 1 - In the first column, include a list of those top skills and attributes you identified. Armed against armed of teaching. Perhaps it would celed, tested, perfected, or test their skills, declined the Column 2 - In the second column, put a number from one to ten that is your perception of how important that skill is for an opponents? Unarmed com- be more appropriate to distin- mastered each weapon and match because his students elite practitioner of the art. bat against armed opponents? guish between someone who skill? Honestly, many people weren’t ready and he didn’t Column 3 - In the third column, rate yourself from one to ten in that particular skill or attribute. Boxing? Self-defense experts has learned your curriculum, are teaching weapons and learn Filipino boxing to ac- Column 4 - In the fourth column, subtract the rate you entered in the third column from ten, then multiply that result by the are not ring fighters. Ring fight- someone who has exceled skills that they barely know tually “box”. I politely sug- number you put in the second column. ers are not street fighting spe- at your curriculum, someone themselves. My cousin who gested that he decided what Step 3 - Evaluate your score and plan your future training cialists. Street fighting special- who is an expert at combat teaches Tapado was once vis- he was actually an expert in– This will give you a score that you can use to evaluate the discrepancy between the skill needed by an elite practitioner ists are not experts at teaching with your curriculum, and ited by a group of Eskrimadors and stick to teaching that. and your current performance of that particular skill. The higher the number you get, the more important it is for you to address children’s self-defense against someone who has learned the who witnessed his Tapado that particular skill or attribute in training or in mental preparation. bullies. None of the above art of teaching and coaching. skills. A few months later, our Like I said guys–it’s time for Here is a sample chart in the technical category. can coach an Arnis student students encountered these an Filipino martial arts Revo- skill / attribute level of importance self assessment discrepancy score to championships in an Arnis And here’s the big question… men teaching a Tapado-like lution. (1 to 10) (1 to 10) (10 - column 3) x col 2 competition. And then once Do YOU know all these areas of striking 10 7 30 you’ve identified what style the martial arts? “Secrets” of the Filipino Fighting Arts 9 6 30 of fighting or self-defense this Words from a Modern-Day Warrior offensive entries 10 8 20 filipinofightingsecretslive.com evasions 10 5 50 close range techniques 8 9 8 flow from one technique to another 8 7 24 Using Performance Profiling to Assess and Improve your Filipino Martial Arts Skills By Leslie Buck In the chart above, the student calculated a score of 50 for his evasion skills. This score is calculated as (10- 5) x 10 = 50. Because this is the highest score of all the skills listed, this student should focus his training on improving his evasions. He then parison will show you what you do well and what you need to would also focus more on his striking and footwork skills. improve upon to have the ideal balance of skills and attributes. Please note, this is just an example. I am not suggesting that these are the top skills in this example. You must adjust the Performance profiling will help you adjust your skills to be what you think are the most important for your art. Use the method above to create your own lists and charts based training to focus your efforts on what key areas need the on your thoughts. most improvement. When you compare your strengths and Final Words weaknesses to those skills and attributes that matter the most, Using this performance profiling will help you budget your training time to work on what you need to improve the most. By you will get a score for each. This score will help you decide knowing exactly where you need to focus, you will avoid wasting training time working on skills that are not as relevant to your needs. which of the weaknesses you will address first in your training. If you use this performance profiling tool together with your instructor, you will get better insight on what skills are most The score will also allow you to assess important. You will also get a more objective assessment of your capabilities. If you do this exercise with your instructor, com- your improvements in those areas over time. pare your self-assessment with the assessment your instructor does for you. Discuss any differences in scores and make a train- After you have completed an assessment, then ing plan together. Having guidance and feedback from your instructor will give you more accurate and more useful results. addressed the issues discovered in your training, you When you finish your profile, make a training plan and stick to it. After 2-3 months, do another assessment of your skills and can reassess your skills / attributes and see where reevaluate your training priorities. Knowing that you are on track with your training will motivate you to work harder and make you have improved. Over time, you will establish a re- improvements sooner. Find the time to train, and train hard. Kali Gear cord that will help you see trends in your performance. If we had more time to do so, many of us would spend more time store.kaligear.com training. Training for most of us is enjoyable. Putting in hours to Usually, this performance profiling is done by the in- improve our skills a little at a time is not a chore; it’s more of a plea- structor and the student together, but it can be used by the student alone. Here is a simple approach to creating your own MARPPIO Instructional Video’s and Live Seminar Video’s sure. However, work, family, money, life can all compete for time Grandmaster Remy A. Presas performance profile. that we would otherwise be training, talking about training, or, Single video’s and sets at least, thinking about training. Because of these demands on STEP 1 - Identify the skills and attributes To Buy - Click Here our time, we need to use the time we do have for training wise- To complete a full profile of your skills and attributes, ly. This is especially true as you climb to higher levels in the art. first create a list of the skills and attributes anyone would need Once you have past the beginner levels of learning Kali, to be great at Kali. In doing this, divide these skills among four where everything is new and improvement is exponential, you categories. The four categories are: technical, tactical, physical, have to be focused when planning your training. At the inter- and psychological. mediate and advanced levels, there are so many things to train. Technical - This includes the specific techniques that are rel- It can be difficult to remain focused, and sometimes it is hard to evant to applying your style of Kali. It may include things like measure improvement when there are many skills that you can striking, footwork, locking, takedowns, disarms, counters to develop. With a good training plan, you can progress in the skills takedowns, etc. that will make the biggest difference. By using performance Tactical - This includes the tactics that are involved in applying profiling, a tool commonly used in sports and athletics, you your style of Kali. These are things such as faking, baiting, fight- can determine the direction you need for a good training plan. ing outside, fighting inside, creating openings, etc. Performance profiling is a great tool for identify- Physical - This includes the physical attributes that are needed ing strengths and weaknesses, and creating a plan to im- for applying Kali, such as strength, stamina, speed, accelera- prove what matters the most. It is a method used to identify tion, power, etc. the most important skills and attributes needed to perform a Psychological - This includes attributes such as mental tough- sport or activity against which you compare your competency ness, emotional balance, and attitude that are factors in being www.pmasupplies.com in each of those skills and attributes. The results of the com- successful in applying Kali. 6 FMA Informative Vol6 No6 2017 Vol6 No6 2017 FMA Informative 7 one gun was put out of commission by the heavy enemy fire. About ... Mustering all the courage he had, Calugas ran a thousand yards Motivation Training Muisc to fix the gun. He then manned the cannon by himself to fire the -ad By the Tribal Music Warriors called, “Warrior Vibrations” 3. Gen. Simeón Ola y Arboleda vancing Japanese soldiers. This heroic act gave Calugas the WW II Medal By popular demand Who is he? Born in Guinobatan, of Honor, making him the first Filipino to receive such prestigious award. we have created a Albay, Simeon Arboleda Ola Interesting fact: Calugas died in 1999 and the medal was do- motivational tribal was just a Philosophy student nated to a museum in Texas for safekeeping and display. [Image source: sound in a modern at the University of Nueva Hawaii Reporter] format that is very Caceres when he joined the audibly appealing. For provincial branch of . About the Author: Luisito E. Batongbakal Jr. is the founder and editor- many years I have been Known for his strong, “never in-chief of FilipiKnow. He has a fetish for local trivia, unsolved mysteries, hearing how people Visit Filipi Know: Click Here say die” personality, Ola led the and all things creepy. are looking for music Filipino soldiers in the battle to play in their Filipino against the American Forces, 5 Great Philippine Heroes Nobody Remembers martial art classes, and and recruited more men to join By: Luisito E. Batongbakal Jr. other martial art styles his group including the town Meet the Terrifying Moro Warriors and Heroes of WWII as well. It is well noticed prisoners. By: Marc V. Jose , Andres Bonifacio and Melchora Aquino. These are the that students playing He was promoted Captain by names that have populated our history textbooks from primary school Kali/Arnis/Eskrima or General Vito Belarmino and even up to college. Much has been mentioned about the centuries-old armed listening to later conferred the rank of They are so familiar that many of us think there’s nothing left struggle fought by the Moro people, first against Spain, then the this music during class Major after leading a success- in history that is worth exploring. Heck, some witty students can even United States, then finally against the Republic of the Philippines. have better rhythm and improve their skills levels by getting better ful ambush mission against the retell Rizal’s biography with eyes closed. However, not exposed as much is the relentless resistance campaign timing following the beats in the Warrior Vibrations album. This was Americans. But for every familiar name we encounter in Philippine history, waged by the Moros against the Japanese in World War II—their all put together by Paul Kramarz, with Bongo Dude Mark Capsalors, “Hero” moments: After his cousin Jose Arboleda died in the war, there is an unsung and forgotten hero who forever stays in oblivion. Un- contribution to the liberation of the country being undoubtedly Woody Floyd on various percussion instruments along with Ron Ola was overwhelmed by sorrow. However, this tragedy didn’t stop him less, of course, if we take time to rediscover them. indispensable and therefore deserving of acknowledgement. Kosakowski with the idea and editing. There were also some students from winning his own battle. Here are just 5 of the greatest Philippine heroes you never heard of: As with their counterparts in Luzon and Visayas, the Moro of the Practical Self Defense Training Center in Waterbury, Connecticut Together with his men, Ola attacked the town of Oas, Albay as people fought a bloody guerrilla war against the Japanese in playing the various weapon in a drill format fitting the rhythm of the well as an enemy detachment at Macabugos, Ligao, leaving Americans 1. Gliceria Marella-Villavicencio Mindanao even after the surrender of the Filipino-American forces music, as you will hear on the album. with no option but to negotiate for Ola’s surrender. in 1942. Among those who led the way were such brave men Sword and impact weapon play has such a rhythm to it once Interesting fact: Simeon Arboleda Ola is known in history as the Who is she? Gliceria Marella- as Salipada Pendatun, Busran Kalaw, Mohamad Ali Dimaporo, people have it down well. We basically took the rhythm of the sword last Filipino general to surrender in the American Forces. After a negotia- Villavicencio (1852-1929) was an Domocao Alonto, Amer Manalao Mindalano, Naguib Juanday and and impact weapons and added a tribal beat with many different tion, Ola finally surrendered to Governor Bette and Colonel Bandholtz ilustrado who didn’t think twice Gumbay Piang. primitive instruments and added some guitar and a few other modern on September 25, 1903. in supporting the Revolution- sounds and put together this unbelievable sound. Its so good, I can see 4. Gen. Jose Ignacio Paua ary movement. Along with her Edward Kuder (seated) with people listening to it anywhere they go not just training their martial Who is he? Jose Ignacio Paua (1872 – husband Eulalio Villavicencio, she the young Salipada Pendatun, art style. 1926), also known in his Chinese name helped disseminate pamphlets 1927. Courtesy of Phillipines Hou Yabao, was only 18 when he and his and several copies of La Soli- Free Press. The video is just samples of the music on the actual CD.: uncle migrated to the Philippines from daridad to inspire people to take To see it Click Here action. Fujian province in China. He later appren- In the inevitable clash The Tribal Music Warrior CD is sold on – TraditionalFilipinoWeapons.com For their involvement in the ticed as a blacksmith in Binondo where he between two blade cultures, - To Purchase: Click Here Revolution, the Guardia Civil ran- became known for producing weapons it was the kris that eventually sacked their house and eventually and repairing ammunition. won out over the katana. imprisoned Eulalio for sedition Paua was introduced to Gen. Emilio Utilizing and bladed the Chinese who smuggled in firearms and other supplies. Having charges. After his husband died Aguinaldo by his friend, Gen. Pantaleon weapons, the Moro fighters their homeland also invaded by the Japanese, the Chinese despised due to failing health, Gliceria con- Garcia. As part of the Katipunan, Paua relegated the Japanese to the latter and endeavored to expel them out of Mindanao and the tinued to support the army and helped set up the official arsenal of the only a few detachments Philippines. even donated her residence and revolutionary group. He also fought the in Mindanao as any inland Needless to say, the guerrilla campaign by the Moros was so her ship, Bulusan, to General . Spanish Forces during the Battle of Bi- intrusions into Moro-held effective that apart from confining the Japanese to only a few areas, “Hero” moments: Gliceria was tempted by the Spaniards to nakayan and subsequently promoted Cap- territory would usually result their bravery was also duly acknowledged by the Americans. One disclose details about the Katipunan in exchange of her husband’s tain two days later. He became a general in annihilation for the hapless US captain expressed so much confidence in the Moros’ fighting freedom. She refused to gave in and said that even though she loves her on September 26, 1898. invaders. ability that he recommended they be included in a plan to recapture husband very much, she “would consider it insanity to carry his sur- “Hero” moments: With the help of As before, the ferocity an airfield in Lake Lanao because they “would be able to retain the name if I should obtain his liberty by betraying him and his cause.” (Paz his Chinese friends, Paua was able to raise of their attacks—including foothold.” Mendes thesis). funds for the revolutionary army. He also those of the juramentados—succeeded in instilling fear among It is even argued that six months before the Americans finally Interesting fact: Bulusan, the ship donated by Gliceria to the set up the Katipunan arsenal with the ef- the Japanese soldiers. According to accounts, the Japanese who returned to the Philippines in late 1944, the Moros had already driven Philippine army, was the first warship of the Revolutionaries. Apart from forts of other Chinese blacksmiths. In this place, occupied Davao had to retire back to their ships every night to out the Japanese in their territories in Mindanao, with the latter distributing revolutionary literature, Gliceria and her husband also do- Paua and his group refilled cartridges, repaired arms and ammu- prevent being killed by frequent Moro raids. preferring to surrender to US servicemen than to the Moro rebels for nated P18,000 to Rizal in 1892 to support the movement. nition as well as produced bamboo cannons for the army. obvious reasons. For her heroic role in the Revolution, she was conferred the title Interesting fact: Gen. Jose Ignacio Paua was the only pure- Madrina-General de las Fuerzas Revolucionarios (Matriarch-General of blooded Chinese general who supported Aguinaldo’s army in their fight the Revolutionary Forces) on June 12, 1898. against Spanish and American Forces. He is also known for his trade- References: 2. Panday Pira mark pigtails, which he later removed after the declaration of Philippine - Youngstown Vindicator,. (1942). Erie Captain Suggests Mindanao for Who is he? A native of Luzon prov- Independence in 1898. Offense, p. 6. Retrieved fromgoo.gl/HD3guB ince, Panday Pira (1488 – 1576) Paua became a mayor of Manito, Albay after the war and later - More of the Deadliest Men Who Ever Lived by Paul Kirchner died of cancer on May 24, 1926. Two monuments–one in Albay and came in along with his rela- - Mitsui Madhouse: Memoir of a U.S. Army Air Corps POW in World War II another in Silang, Cavite–were built in his honor. tives when he was only 20 years old. by Herbert Zincke, Scott A. Mills There, he met a Portuguese black- 5. Cpt. Jose Cabalfin Calugas smith who helped hone his skills Who is he? Captain Jose Cabalfin Calugas (1907-1998), a native of About the Author: When he isn’t deploring the sad state of Philippine in making weapons, including the politics, Marc V. likes to skulk around the Internet for new bits of crude form of cannons. Leon in Iloilo, was the first Fili- pino soldier to have received the information which he can weave into a somewhat-average list you “Hero” moments: The hand- might still enjoy. made cannons of Panday Pira was WW II Medal of Honor. allegedly used by Rajah Sulayman He first joined the Philippine to defend Manila from invading Scouts on March 12, 1942 and Spaniards led by Martin de Goiti. were eventually sent to Camp The Filipino warriors were eventu- Perry, New York to enter the 88th Filipino Moro warriors with their barongs. From the Brooklyn Daily ally defeated and the cannons were Field Battalion. Eagle, Jan. 24, 1933. confiscated by the Spaniards for “Hero” moments: On January their own use. 6, 1942, Jose’s unit was support- Apart from their fellow Christian Filipinos who joined them Interesting fact: A street in ing the defensive line of the 26th (Piang and Pendatun’s famed Moro Bolo Battalion consisted of Tondo was named after Panday Pira in honor of his contributions. He is Cavalry Philippine Scouts. They Christian and Muslim militiamen and had the kris and bolo as an www.abanico.de known in history as the very first Filipino cannon-maker. were behind the Culo River when insignia), the Moro resistance fighters were also greatly aided by 8 FMA Informative Vol6 No6 2017 Vol6 No6 2017 FMA Informative 9 Arnis-Kali-Eskrima Baston deMano Past Events April 22, 2017 TKMT Weapons and Sparring 1992 Yonge St., Toronto, Onatrio, Canada w/ Guru Elmann Cabotage April 22, 2017 Ohio and Fitness 950 Taylor Station Rd, Ste P, Gahanna, Ohio Ohio Krav Maga picks up its FMA workshop series from where we left off in November of 2016. On Saturday, April 17th resident Filipino martial arts Guro Elmann Cabotage hosted a freestyle Arnis and full contact weapon sparring event at our Gahanna, Ohio facilities. Thus far we have seen traditional Filipino martial arts training methods, which are structured and drill based. The methods taught at this workshop were unconventional, empirical and addressed live energy of an attack in real time. We did not see this as a competition. Rather we saw this as an opportunity to safely stress test our techniques, trouble shoot and find gaps in our training so that we can fix them. The sparring contests were 90 seconds each. Participants were allowed to choose from a variety of Actionflex weaponry which included 26 inch Eskrima stick, 6-ft staff, 4-ft, 10-in kubaton. Swings and stabbing attacks were allowed anywhere except back Pintados presents The Flow of Arnis Kali Eskrima Baston de Mano on April 22,2017 @TKMT 1992 Yonge St and behind the head. All participants Toronto Ontario. The variety of ways to protect yourself and others.The techniques that helps you understand were required to ear cup, foam helmet the reason behind the moves. It was an exciting weekend of training with Grandmaster Oliver Garduce. Until or wekak helmet, face cage, and padded the next seminar/workshop! - Gardu Garote gloves. - Elmann Cabotage

Guru Elmann Cabotage’s stick fighting seminar was a wonderful learning opportunity and a lot of fun. Guru Cabotage, a lifelong student of martial arts, taught a class that was part striking instruction, part encouragement to improvise, and a lot of sweat. We began by learning basic strikes, to chaining combinations, to adding movement, and then putting it all together into sparring. The enthusiasm that Guru Cabotage brings to the training floor along with his friendly instruction style and encouragement make him a great teacher. Add to this his overall instruction to “Have fun with it!” made this an informative and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon learning about stick fighting. Thanks again for all the lessons and the bruises! - Jay Hanna Results: The event was a lot of fun and it brought out the best in everybody. In the end every body was allowed the opportunity to digress on the experience and any of their shortcomings. Some of the fights are posted on CKA facebook page www.facebook.com/CKAFMA/ for anyone to check Amazing Fact and Figures Every Pinoy Must Know out. We plan to do it again in June. Anyone interested should Email Guro Cabotage [email protected] What was Jose Rizal’s favorite food? Who was the first recorded Pinoy serial killer? Why do Filipinos love to eat rice? Who was the real mastermind behind Ninoy’s assassination? Three years ago, these were just some of the questions that rekindled my childhood curiosity. And as I searched for answers, I realized that there was no website that could satisfy my cravings for interesting Pinoy facts. Sort of a local version of Mental Floss; a repository of the most surprising, lesser- known trivia about our history and culture. And so a unique blog was born. Combining the words “Filipino” and “knowledge,” I came up with a name I never thought in a million years would start an online revolution—FilipiKnow. Fast forward to today, the award-winning blog is now considered the go-to place for interesting Pinoy facts. And none of this would have been possible if not for the continuous support of readers like you. This book will help you realize that FilipiKnow isn’t just about trivia after all. I remember one passionate reader telling me that I underestimated our contents when I defined trivia as “useless information.” He went on to share another definition I admit I overlooked when I used the dictionary: facts about people, events, etc., that are not well-known. In other words, this book about not-so-well-known facts can be powerful, depending on how you look at it. It uncovers truths about Philippine history nobody taught us in schools. It introduces us to some of our forgotten heroes that could teach a lesson or two on how to be a better Filipino. Finally, it may help you realize how rich our culture is, and how nice it is to be a Filipino despite our flaws and mistakes. FilipiKnow is not just about facts and figures. It is a book about Filipinos—who we were, who we are now, and who we are going to be. Sold in National Book Stores in the Philippines - For ordering and quetions Click Here 10 FMA Informative Vol6 No6 2017 Vol6 No6 2017 FMA Informative 11 2017 Babao Arnis Seminar Master Zach Whitson April 22 - 23, 2017 April 22, 2017 Hosted by Senshinkan Atlanta Martial Arts Club Senshinkan 3005 Old Alabama Rd. Ste 60, Alpharetta, GA 2105 S Hardy Dr, Ste 6, Tempe, Arizona Matass Na Guro & CTS Founder Master Zach Whitson traveled to Atlanta, GA to do annual CDP/CTS testing and teach a seminar for Guro Brian Brown’s Atlanta Martial Arts Club for The Senshinkan, hosted our 4th annual Babao Arnis seminar. This year Master Nar Babao of 2 days on April 21st & 22nd. the Babao Arnis System came out to lead instruction. Master Nar is the head instructor of Babao Master Whitson tested Atlanta Martial Arts Club students on Friday night on Cacoy Arnis and runs the headquarters group out of San Diego California. For this seminar we continued Doce Pares and then taught a CTS seminar on bayonet/recontras. - Brian Brown our progression through the Babao arnis system covering double stick basics, some Cacoy Doce Pares, along with the bulk of time spent being introduced to the bangkaw (spear).

Master Whitson travels to Atlanta, GA twice a year to visit Guro Brian Brown and the Atlanta Martial Arts Club. For more information on Master Whitson please check him out on Facebook (Counterpoint Tactial System) or visit www.tacticalmartialarts.com

The seminar started off by reviewing basic sinawali patterns and then introduced variations to build various options to transition. These drills were then brought into more practical review, showing how they are actually used both with a stick and empty handed. We were also then introduced to the bankaw. We started If you wish to contact Guro Brian Brown please check him out on Facebook off by reviewing the basic bangkaw strikes and various (Atlanta Martial Arts Club) or visit www.atlantamartialartsclub.com transition options from highline strikes to lowline strikes. We then worked bangkaw vs. bangkaw and were introduced to basic counters. Finally, on the last day we reviewed single stick vs. bangkaw counters (and disarms). The last day was set aside for more senior students and there was additional focus on advanced material, largely from the Cacoy Doce Pares system. - Arizona Andrew

The Nickelstick Balintawak Eskrima Bull Chapter Training and Application book By Guro Christos Koutsotasios An extensive overview of material found in the Nickelstick Eskrima Club and the Bull Chapter curriculum. Preparatory excercises as well as basic and advanced material are presented in a step by step method, with detailed description and in depth explanation of the methods and applications for each technique. The book is in A4 size, with 260 pages full of detailed instructions of the curriculum and with over 800 supplementary photographs. If you are interested in it send an email to further information! - [email protected] 12 FMA Informative Vol6 No6 2017 Vol6 No6 2017 FMA Informative 13 3rd Annual Spring FMA Thing April 29, 2017 Hosted by Tye W Botting Van Dyke Park 3720 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, Virginia

April 29, 2017 found the 3rd Annual Spring FMA Thing as a roaring success right in the middle of Van Dyck Park in Fairfax, VA. We started just after 9am and didn’t leave until about 6:30pm, with almost 40 participants throughout the day, averaging 25+ at any given time.

There were 9 sessions starting first with Guro Mosi Jack (FCS Kali) covering a nice multiple person drill, with progressions, variations, and more. Guro Patrick Rogers (Combate Eskrima Orehinal) then shared a lot of great info on history and finer points of blade work, letting folks even handle and work with a wide variety of live blades from his personal collection - his drills and setups let people get a better feel for how the different blades work at different ranges, weights, and lengths. Guro Tom Saysithideth (Kombatan) worked block check counter drills with an emphasis on body mechanics both for setup and for delivery. Guro Carl Minkel ( and PTK) covered some basic Pekiti Tirsia drills as a setup into left- vs-right tapi-tapi and then worked up through a nice progression to teach several of the left-versus-right tapi- tapi insert as well as hand-change possibilities, and then he went on to some PT knife work. We had about 20 separate matches in about 1.5 hours at the end of the gathering. What a great way to end the event! A perfect day of Filipino Guro John Ralston (Modern Arnis and CSSD/SC) martial arts family sharing across the board - thanks to all who came and played! - Tye W Botting covered a lot of good material bridging the link from stick to blade work. After lunch, Guro Roman Picardo (Modern Open Seminar Escrima Grandmaster Rene Latosa Hamburg Arnis) covered the importance of footwork and appropriate April 29, 2017 height control - good stuff to help people get more out of Wing Tsun & Escrima IUEWT Hamburg their movements. Hamburg, Germany Guro Kibo Kim (Visayan Sovilla Eskrima Kali) came straight from another engagement and worked give-and- On April 29 / 2017 the open Seminar with Grandmaster Rene Latosa in collaboration with International Union For Escrima And Wing Tsun took place. Again numerous external guests participated – the result of the friendly take pendulum flow with bladed weapons as well as and open welcome of the preceding seminars of former year, that has spread throughout Hamburg and its his kuntaw silat empty-hand material. region. In addition to that some of the active Wing Tsun students of the IUEWT club in Hamburg took the chance Guro Tye Botting then covered a set of drills to to get into touch with the sister act of the IUEWT under the guidance of Grandmaster Latosa himself. ease people into cane sparring starting with trading Marcus Schüssler specific block-check-counter moves, a la 6-count drill (anim na bilang) or the box drill sumbradas, and Video open seminar with Grandmaster Rene Latosa in Hamburg, Germany Video - Click Here then making it purely random - both people end up checking and countering at random, then moving to a double-stick version, and also setting up some simple sparring strategies like attacking when the opponent chambers, attacking the hand, and

target misdirection. Finally, the last session was simple padded-stick sparring with the opponents agreeing on targets, contact level, and other rules ahead of time - great fun for everyone.

fmaforum.org www.fmatalklive.com 14 FMA Informative Vol6 No6 2017 Vol6 No6 2017 FMA Informative 15 Mandala Mandirigma-Derobio Escrima April 29, 2017 Hosted by FullGrip CrossFit Combative Arts 1387 Lowrie Ave, South San Francisco, California

Kali Seminar w/ Ron Kosakowski Empty Hand Eskrima April 30, 2017 w/ Professor Ashanti Practical Self Defense Training Center Hosted by Arizona Filipino Martial Arts Association 847 Hamilton Ave, Waterbury, CT. April 30, 2017 1524 E Pierson St, Phoenix, AZ.

The Arizona Filipino Martial Arts Association (AFA) is focused on bringing together a Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) community of instructors and practitioners, and as a part of this effort they held their second event Hosting Professor (Guro) Alessandro Ashanti on Sunday April 30th, 2017. “We deeply appreciate Professor Alessandro for his time and his dedication to FMA”; AFA Support.. Professor (Guro) Alessandro Ashanti presented Empty Hands Eskrima to a small, but high energy group, at the latest AFA seminar on April 30, 2017. After starting with basic approaches to dealing with a committed empty hands attack, Professor Ashanti quickly progressed to working entries, and then takedowns off those attacks. Multiple strikes and combos were covered, with options provided for multiple attacker scenarios as well. Reversals and counters were touched on towards the end, and everything shown was cross linked back to its weapons origin. The final technique taught was an empty handed drill from a three slash knife attack. The various techniques explored basic drills, such as the Serrada Eskrima inside and outside pass. The drills were deconstructed, re-assembled, and taught from varying attacks. - Russell Mackler Professor Ashanti used the base of Eskrima Serrada drills, in which he holds the rank of Pangalawang Guro, and his Full Circle Jujitsu system (8th Dan) which stems from the lineage of Professor Florence Visitacion (founder of Vee-Jujitsu and later Vee-Arnis-Jitsu). For more information please visit http:// FullCircleJujitsu.com and for video segments from the seminar please visit facebook.com/FullCircleWarriorArts..

Guro Ron Kowsakowski held a Kali seminar at his school Practical Self Defense Training Center. Guro Ron’s overall theme was respect for the weapon and footwork. Guro Ron stressed proper footwork angulation paralleled with body positioning through teaching the star pattern. Furthermore Guro Ron expressed the importance of utilizing footwork to get off center to avoid standing in front of one another and trading shots. In essence working hard to preserve ancient Filipino martial arts styles where taking a strike to give two back was not the art.

847 Hamilton Ave., Waterbury, CT 06706 The AFA is focused on promulgating Filipino martial arts for the betterment of the community. We work to help (203) 596-9073 each other become better FMA practitioners and instructors. To join as a member please visit our website. [email protected] Visit the AFA Website: the-afa.org TraditionalFilipinoWeapons.com 16 FMA Informative Vol6 No6 2017 Vol6 No6 2017 FMA Informative 17 World Kyusho Summit May 6 - 7, 2017 Hampton Inn New York - LaGuardia Airport 102-40 Ditmars Blvd, East Elmhurst, New York

This event featured Evan Pantazi, Founder of Kyusho International. Over 30 people from all over the USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico attended, non-martial artists and martial artists alike. The top Kyusho Instructors were there to assist and share their knowledge. The group consisted of non- trained people, personal trainers, healers, law enforcement, military, and martial artists just to name a few. The martial artists represented many styles; Filipino martial arts, Shotokan, Karate, Tae Kwan Do, , Kung Fu, , Hwa rang, JKD, Praying Mantis, , Muay Thai, , Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and a few others. Mr. Pantazi taught nerve, blood, and organ attacks using specific hand postures. There was a nice attack- counter-attack flow drill applied. Knife defense focusing on arm targets causing an altered state of consciousness was shown. Kyusho Classes are held monthly Certifying Instructors Tom Gallo by Instructor Tom Gallo in Elmont(Long Island), New York. For more information visit www.TacticsMartialArts.org, www.KyushoInternational.com, (New York) and Rob Frappier www.KyushoNY.com, and for locations near you www.Kyusho.com (Canada) introduced KO-FEST to the participants. Specific nerve targets were Las Vegas Babao Arnis Seminar struck in a certain way causing w/ Master Nar Babao reactions from basic physical May 7, 2017 dysfunctions to complete knock-outs. Hosted by Creative Warrior Academy of Las Vegas Everyone really enjoyed this session. City Athletic Club - 7980 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, Nevada People, even beginners, were getting great results immediately! Really great day learning more about Babao Arnis and it’s beautiful rich The World Kyusho Summit is history and tradition. It was a blessing to study with Master Nar, Guro Jack, held every Spring in New York conveniently located directly across from LaGuardia Airport. It is an event you Maestro Kris and of course the lovely Grandmaster Zena Babao. All my do not want to miss. Creative Warrior Academy of Las Vegas students had a great time as we covered the Bangkaw or spear/staff techniques used in Babao Arnis. The Babao brothers lead by Master Nar covered a great variety of techniques and variations including some staff disarms. Their instruction was both detailed and precise. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot. On behalf of my school I thank the Babao’s for sharing their wisdoms and look forward to the next great seminar! Creative Warrior Academy of Las Vegas

Ready and Custom Made Visit: www.mybarong2.com

Barong is actually short for , 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. 18 FMA Informative Vol6 No6 2017 Vol6 No6 2017 FMA Informative 19 2nd Texas Stick Fighting Championship May 20, 2017 Hosted BY: Paul Raymond Buitron III Canizales Gym 1610 Guadalupe, Laredo, TX.

8-10 yr old Champion Fernando Carrillo (Danse De Rúe ) 11-13 yr olds Paul-Raymond Buitron IV (Danse De Rúe Savate) Abaniko Tres Puntas Seminar Men’s Middleweight Hosted by Vic Guinto Short stick May 11, 2017 Fernando Sotelo (Danse De Rúe Savate) Jabez Camp Site, Dasmarinas Cavite Long Stick Km.36 Governor’s Drive, Brgy. Sampaloc IV, Dasmariñas Fernando Sotelo (Danse De Rúe Savate) Cavite, Philippines Double Stick The Abaniko Tres Puntas Dagaso (Knife System) Seminar Ray Lopez ( siete pares) from May 11-12, 2017 has been successfully completed. Mens Heavyweight Many thanks to Grandmaster Rene Tongson for sharing his Short Stick knife secrets with us. Tim McFatridge (lamenco Escrima) We started with the basics using sticks then Long Stick interpreted it to advanced combination of techniques with Aaron Banda ( Danse De Rúe Savate) training knives. Precision cutting on areas that can either Double Stick demobilize or paralyze was incorporated in the drills and Tim McFatridge ( Lameco) exercises. Footwork and mechanics to achieve the above Team were taught and practiced. Lameco Keep posted for future trainings and seminars! - Vic Guinto 20 FMA Informative Vol6 No6 2017 Vol6 No6 2017 FMA Informative 21 4. Long Adductor (Groin) Stretch Health and Safety 1. Sitting on the floor, stretch your legs straight out, as far apart as you can. How To Get A Deep Piriformis Stretch To Get Rid of Sciatica, Hip & Lower Back Pain 2. Tilt your upper body slightly forward at the hips and place your By Carly Fraser hands next to each other on the floor. 3. Lean forward and drop your elbows to the floor if you can. You will because you can create a different injury. To warm up, simply walk or feel the pelvis stretching. march in place or climb up and down a flight of stairs slowly for a few 4. Hold for 10-20 seconds, and release. minutes before stretching. Exercising and stretching the piriformis is well worth it – try it now with these 10 stretches: 1. Supine Piriformis Stretch 1. Lie on your back with your legs flat. 2. Pull the affected leg toward the chest, holding the with the Video - Click Here hand on the same side of the body and grabbing the ankle with the 8. Supine Piriformis Side Stretch other hand. 1. Lie on the floor with the legs flat, and raise the affected leg by 3. Pull the knee towards the opposite shoulder until stretch is felt. placing that foot on the floor outside the opposite knee. 4. Hold for 30 seconds, then slowly return to starting position. 2. Pull the knee of the bent leg directly across the midline of the body There are many variations of this stretch, but here is a good using the opposite hand or towel until a stretch is felt. Do not force video to demonstrate: anything and be gentle. 3. Hold the piriformis stretch for 30 seconds, then return to starting position and switch legs. Video - Click Here 4. Aim for a total of 3 repetitions. 5. Short Adductor (Inner Thigh) Stretch 1. For this exercise, sit on the floor and put the soles of your feet together. 2. Use your elbows to apply downward pressure to your knees to increase the stretch. Many people suffer from lower back pain that spreads downward 3. You should feel the stretch on the inner thighs. For a deeper stretch, to the limbs and feet. This can often be alleviated by doing a deep bend your upper torso forward with a straight back. piriformis stretch – a stretch that releases tight piriformis muscles, and 4. Hold for 30 seconds, release, and flutter your legs in the same relaxes the sciatic nerve. position for 30 seconds. Constriction of the piriformis muscle can irritate the sciatic nerve because they lay in close proximity to each other. By irritating the sciatic nerve, the result is pain (either in the lower back or thigh), numbness Video - Click Here and tingling along the back of the leg and into the foot. 2. Standing Piriformis Stretch What Is The Piriformis? 1. If you have trouble balancing, stand with your back against a wall, Video - Click Here The piriformis muscle is a small muscle located deep in the and walk your feet forward 24 inches. Position your knees over your buttock, behind the gluteus maximus. It connects the spine to the top ankles, then lower your hips 45 degrees toward the floor. 9. Buttocks Stretch for the Piriformis Muscle of the femur and allows incredible flexibility in the hip region (it’s the 2. Lift your right foot off the ground and place the outside of your 1. Laying with your stomach on the ground, place the affected foot main muscle that allows for outward movement of the hip, upper leg right ankle on your left knee. across and underneath the trunk of the body so that the affected knee is and foot from the body). 3. Lean forward and lower your chest toward your knees while on the outside. The sciatic nerve passes underneath this muscle on its route to keeping your back straight. 2. Extend the non-affected leg straight back behind the body and keep the posterior thigh. However, in some individuals, the sciatic nerve can 4. Stop when you feel the glute stretch. 5. Hold for 30-60 seconds, then the pelvis straight. actually pass right through the muscle, leading to sciatica symptoms switch legs and do the same. 3. Keeping the affected leg in place, move your hips back toward the caused by a condition known as piriformis syndrome. floor and lean forward on the forearms until a deep stretch it felt. Video - Click Here Video - Click Here Unfortunately, for a lot of individuals, their sciatic nerve passes 4. Hold for 30 seconds, and then slowly return to starting position. Aim through the piriformis muscle, leaving them with pain that just won’t go 6. Side Lying Clam Exercise for a total of 3 stretches. away (as well as poor mobility and balance). 1. Lay on your side with the hip that needs help on top. Causes of Piriformis Syndrome 2. Bend your knees and position them forward so that your feet are in The exact causes of piriformis syndrome are unknown. The truth line with your spine. is, is that many medical professionals can’t determine a cause, so they 3. Make sure your top hip is directly on top of the other and your back is cannot really diagnose it. Even with modern imaging techniques, the straight. piriformis is difficult to identify. 4. Keeping your ankles together, raise the top knee away from the Lower back pain caused by an impinged piriformis muscle bottom one. Do not move your back or tilt your pelvis while doing so, accounts for 6-8% of those experiencing back pain (1). otherwise the movement is not coming from your hip. Suspected causes of piriformis syndrome include (2): 5. Slowly return the knee to the starting position. Repeat 15 times. – Tightening of the muscle, in response to injury or spasm – Swelling of the piriformis muscle, due to injury or spasm – Irritation in the piriformis muscle itself – Irritation of a nearby structure such as the sacroiliac joint 3. Outer Hip Piriformis Stretch or hip – Bleeding in the area of the piriformis muscle 1. Lie on your back and bend the right knee. Video - Click Here Any one of the above can affect the piriformis muscle, as well as the 2. Use the left hand to pull the knee over to the left side. Keep your adjacent sciatic nerve. back on the ground, and as you do so, you should feel the stretch in 10. Seated Stretch Also, a misaligned or inflamed piriformis can cause difficult the hip and buttocks. 1. In seated position, cross your right leg over your left knee. and pain while sitting and when changing positions (from sitting to 3. Hold for 20-30 seconds, and repeat on the other side. 2. Bend slightly forward, making sure to keep your back straight. standing). I actually stretched too far in a yoga pose once, and irritated 3. Hold for 3-60 seconds and repeat on the other side. my piriformis muscle – this took about 1-2 years to fully heal. I had major pain while sitting, and when changing positions from sitting to standing. I remember it being a huge pain in the butt (pardon the bun), but I just stuck with stretching and trigger point release and eventually it went away. Video - Click Here 10 Deep Piriformis Stretches 7. Hip Extension Exercise These piriformis stretches are great for alleviating pain and a 1. Position yourself on all fours with your shoulders directly over your triggered sciatic nerve. hands. Shift your weight a little off the leg to be worked. It is important to note, too, that over-stretching can actually 2. Keeping the knee bent, raise the knee off the floor so that the sole make the condition worse. Light, gentle stretching is best. “No pain, of the foot moves towards the ceiling. no gain” does NOT apply here. I over-stretched my piriformis and that’s 3. Slowly lower the leg, almost back to the starting position and repeat what made it inflamed for 1-2 years (because I was still doing yoga daily, 15 times. and over-doing it in stretches). Make sure you warm up your muscles before you stretch, Video - Click Here Video - Clcik Here 22 FMA Informative Vol6 No6 2017 Vol6 No6 2017 FMA Informative 23 Trigger Points and The Piriformis Muscle The Author - Carly Fraser has her BSc (Hons.) Degree in Neuroscience, There are many other natural and highly effective remedies for and is the owner and founder at Live Love Fruit. She currently lives in The Basics of FMA sciatic nerve pain. Trigger point therapy is one of them, and truly one of Winnipeg, Manitoba, with a determined life mission to help inspire “How to add Bolo Training to Your System Part-1” the best. and motivate individuals to critically think about what they put in their By Marc J. Lawrence bodies and to find balance through nutrition and lifestyle. She has According to Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point So you have trained with you stick for quite some time and helped hundreds of thousands of individuals to re-connect with their Manual, written by doctors Janet Travell and David Simons, myofascial you have gotten good with them and now want to expand your art bodies and learn self-love through proper eating habits and natural trigger points (tiny knot contractions) in overworked gluteus minimus but your teacher did not show you how to fence with the bolo! You living. She loves to do yoga, dance, and immerse herself in nature. and piriformis muscles in the buttocks are the main cause of sciatica and may live in the city and did not grow up in the country where you use all the symptoms that come with it. bolo/ machete every day as tool to you have no familiarity with them. Picking up a copy of the book, or even following instruction in Live Love Fruit I will lay out a three part process on how to do this. This method has the video below can help release these knot contractions. Eat Vibrantly – Live Vibrantly been used by old military instructors in the 19th century and found to livelovefruit.com be effective in both Europe and Asia. You will need the following for training: 1) a good quality bolo that you can use to cut things that will fit your hand, 2) objects to cut safety like cardboard mailing tubes, green reeds, blocks of clay or plastic water bottles filled with water, 3) a stand to hold these items safely, 4) an area that you can do this safely and not strike anything you do not wish to cut like people pets or furniture, 5) a good quality bolo that you can grind off the edge, round and make blunt for use with slow fencing practice, 6) safety gear safety glasses, fencing mask, Lacroix gloves, and knee pads etc. If possible build yourself a war post you can practice striking and cutting on. They are a wooden post stuck in the ground. Start your program with your blocks slowly, be extremely aware of your limbs and body parts, practice each block you were taught slowly use your foot work with them slowly. Be completely aware of the blade’s edge at all times. Now learn to use the sides to block as you have no hand ! No not block edge to edge or wind and bind with them as they are not European swords. Use the tip and back to parry the strikes. Wooden trainers and plastic trainers work well like those from Purpleheart Armory. If you edges are getting chewed up you are The leading destination for Filipino Martial Arts discussion. doing it wrong. There should be no nicks in your blade. Now add in your basic strikes using your foot work again be aware on your edge Established September 2005 alignment to your knuckles. What you will notice is your wrist will be stiffer that the stick because you are moving a piece of steel. Move slowly www.fmatalk.com to a mid-speed only with your partner for safety! This will be the start of the fencing component. DO NOT GO OUT OF SEQUENCE FOLLOW YOU PATTERN THIS IS FOR BOTH OF YOUR SAFETY. Wear your safety gear at all times. DO NOT USE SHARP BLADES ONLY BLUNTED ONES AS YOU ARE Video - Click Here NOT READY YET! Bram Frank said it best-Remember steel beats flesh every time! Next is basic cutting, get some plastic water bottles or mailing tubes to start your cutting. You will need a very sharp blade, Align your blade to the target that is on the target stand, making sure it in clear area, a circle twice the size of your blade and arm stretched out. Now make your first cut through the bottle. If your blade is dull it will just smack the bottle out of the way. If it is sharp it will cut right through it. You must have good flow through when cutting. Start with small bottles then move to larger ones going up to 1 gallon containers. This will get you going on learning to cut. This is start of the project. It is only the first step. Train as if your life depends upon it, as it may someday. Stay safe out there. Until next time!

Books By Marc Lawrence

Masterclass Escrima DVD’s - To Purchase Click Here

Modified Pangamut (DVD Set Vol-1, 2 & 3) By Master Marc J. Lawrence The Basics of Filipino Martial Arts Volume-1: Stances & Footwork, Finger Locks, Sitting Position, Floor Defense, Disarms and Submissions... By Marc Lawrence Volume-2: Controlling the Axis, Multiple Strike Strategy, Defenses & Disarming … This book is about the basics the make the Filipino Martial Arts know as Eskrima, Arnis and Kalis. This book covers the basics of footwork, Volume-3: Block and Counter, Drills and Disarms, Multiple Return Strikes Competition Drills, Learning to Defend by Zones, Tournament Disarms, striking, using sticks, knives, bolo, as well as your hands and feet. The book also contains a section on how to make your own training supplies Distractions & Disarms, Vining of the Stick, Fighting Mixed Weapon Tournaments, Concepts and Rules of Fighting, Choosing Fighting Greer, out of basic materials. - 92 Pages Competition Strategy, Point Fighting Strategies, Continuous Competition Strategies, What Wins A Fight, What shots Judges Look For… PAKAMUT Filipino Fighting Art By Marc Lawrence Modified Pangamut (DVD Vol-4) This book is about Mountain Visayan Fighting Art used to defend your village and family members. This information is battle and sport By Master Marc J. Lawrence tested. This book is for those who are defenders! - 75 Pages Arnis De Mano How To Make Your Own Filipino Martial Art Supplies! 14 Uses of the Live Hand By Marc Lawrence Includes: 14 Uses of the Live Hand from the Arnis De Mano System when fighting with a single stick: Re-Enforce, Augment, Checks, Passes, Jams, This book is how to make your own Filipino Martail Arts equipment for home, back yard or other simular location. Ideal for for anyone Pushes, Pulls, Grabs, Hooks, Spreads, Punching, Blocking, Pinning... intersted in self defense training working on a budget. - 28 Pages Largo Olisi System Long Stick Fighting Method Modified Pangamut (DVD Vol -5) By Marc Lawrence By Master Marc J. Lawrence Cadena De Mano This book is about a stand alone fighting system that can be used for self defense, combative methods or dueling. The Largo Olisi The Chain of Hands system can be used with any other martial art system, self defense system or Military Combatives. - 118 Pages Includes: Cadena De Mano basic principles of parry, check, counter strike on the inside and outside lines, including “V” footwork, body Purchase one or all in Paperback or PDF - Click Here positioning, entry and advanced concepts of defeat. Counter Blade Tactics Ohio Seminar DVD Modified Pangamut (DVD Set Vol -1) By: Guro Jerome Teague By Master Marc J. Lawrence This DVD is the covers the introductory seminar presentation of the Counter Blade Tactics curriculum Volume-1: Stances & Footwork, Finger Locks, Sitting Position, Floor Defense, Disarms and Submissions... instructed by Guro Jerome Teague. This presentation includes a basic overview of blade to blade and empty hand against blade applications. Thank you to the owners, staff, and students of Endeavor Krav Maga and Crossfit for hosting this event. Modified Pangamut (DVD Set Vol -2) This DVD covers: By Master Marc J. Lawrence Volume - 2: Controlling the Axis, Multiple Strike Strategy, Defenses & Disarming … Blade to Blade Application, Footwork, Anatomical Targeting, Fatal and Non-Fatal Applications, Empty Hand to Blade Basics, and Flow and Reflex Drills Masterclass Escrima DVD’s - To Purchase Click Here To Order: Click Here 24 FMA Informative Vol6 No6 2017 Vol6 No6 2017 FMA Informative 25 Arnis Bet Wins Cordillera’s First Gold in Palaro Tid-Bits (Fact, Fiction, Fantasy or Gossip?) By Roderick Osis SunStar Baguio - April 24, 2017 And Now There Are Four By: Jackie Bradbury

about how my Arnis is not the art with in my art - it IS my art - and how it prepared me for kobudo, and how my kobudo studies have informed my Arnis. I then used my big pile o’kobudo weapons to demonstrate by using them in various ways with techniques I I used much of what you see here - and no, this isn’t even close to learned in Arnis. the entirety of what I own. I might have a problem. The test went really well, everyone was happy, and we have two new Lakan Isa (Black Belt 1st Degree) in our ranks. Mr. Chick and I were promoted to Lakan/Dayang Antique. Eza Rai Yalong (3rd from left) is off to a good start with the rest Dalawa (Black Belt 2nd Degree), of the Secondary Arnis Team after snaring the first gold for Cordillera in and now our school has four black the on-going Palarong Pambansa in Antique, April 24. belts (three adult, one junior) (Georaloy Palao-ay) under our instructor. The board, in front, and the people testing, in the back. It’s been fun being a part of Cordillera delegates are making last year. developing our two Lakans to their true to a promise to improve their DepEd-CAR sports Over the weekend of 21 April, our technique was sound - thanks, Near the end, Mr. Chick and I had new rank. I was there when they over-all standings by starting their coordinator Agustin Gumuwang school held our first formal black Guro Kwan!) to do presentations about what both started, and I’ve watched campaign in the 2017 Palarong said with the inclusion of belt testing for our Presas Arnis Here’s a few photos. Our adult green we’ve learned since we were each of them grow. Both of them Pambansa being held in Antique. and wushu as a regular sport, program (Juniors and Adults). belt, testing for blue, is a private promoted to black ourselves, as have their own special strengths The region scored its first Cordillera’s gold medal haul is Not that we promoted student of our teacher’s, and we part of our promotion to 2nd and weaknesses, and I enjoy being gold in the first day of competition expected to increase as two time our first black belts. That was Mr. don’t get to see him in the bigger Black. Mr. Chick talked about how paired with each of them for courtesy of Eza Rai Yalong world wushu gold medalist Divine Chick and myself, in 2013. But we group very often, so it was great to drills are templates and how he different reasons. Dylan (Jr. Lakan Isa), me, Mark Lynn, Mr. Chick, and Tomas (Lakan Isa) winning in the anyo event in arnis Wally helped athletes during their were not formally tested. We were see him working out with the rest of understands how they work in No, I don’t like to be paired secondary girls at the Binirayan training prior to the Palarong tested in secret - that is, we had no us. training. My presentation was with Dylan just because I like Sports Complex in Antique’s capital Pambansa. idea we were being tested - and beating up kids - which I totally and that kid can flow, y’all! our teacher in our style, and I am San Jose Buenavista. Aside from combative surprise promoted, and that was do, of course - but he’s really sharp It was a successful day and in good company. I know they’ll Carrying the theme, “2017 sports, also promised to totally cool and fun. the culmination of a lot of hard continue to work hard, and learn, Palarong Pambansa: Converges deliver the much needed medals But our new batch of black work by a lot of people. And now and grow. Youth Power, Builds Sustainable to uplift the region in its standing. belts got to actually TEST-test this there are four black belts under Future,” the biggest sports event “We trained our athletes time around, with a formal board, backed by the Department harder this time and at the same and everything We also had The Stick Chick of Education (DepEd) which time we joined tournaments outside students going for mid-level ranks Martial Arts Musings by a Middle-Aged Modern Arnisadors culminates on April 29 promises the region to help improve their (blue and green). Our school is www.thestickchick.com to showcase youth empowerment skills,” said coach John Hongitan. kind of laid back and informal, and through athleticism, A total of 473 athletes this was one of the biggest, most sportsmanship, discipline, and comprises this year’s Team formal events we’ve put on. So it’s camaraderie. Cordillera. Fourteen athletes are a really big deal for us in a number Cordillera Administrative from the Province of Abra, 30 from of ways. Region (CAR) is once again pinning Apayao, 21 from Mt. Province, 20 The test took about 2-1/2 its hopes in individual games, from Ifugao, 61 from Kalinga and hours, and included selections of Working double-stick feeding patterns particularly combatives to carry Tabuk City, 81 from Benguet, and what our folks have to know. It’s the region past its 9th place finish 246 from the City of Baguio. impossible to cover everything www.stickman-escrima.com our guys have to know in a single test, to be honest - well, unless we want it to last days. I know some Modern Arnis: The Art, Science and Conceptual Foundations schools do that, but for us, it’s By Dr. Jerome Barber Can’t have a blog post without a shot of me beating not necessary. We earn our ranks The definitive book about the hidden conceptual foundations of the up children. on the mats anyway, and this is Modern Arnis Filipino Martial Arts System, developed by the late Professor more like a demo or a graduation Remy Amador Presas. This book explains hidden conceptual foundations ceremony than a “test” anyway. that tie all of the independent aspects of Modern Arnis into a unified Just a couple of highlights whole, stand alone, FMA system. Dr. Barber has taken the written ideas from the test: and statements of the late Professor Presas and woven them together to • Tomas, our adult testing for create an in-depth analysis of why Modern Arnis works so effectively and Lakan, lost one of his sticks in the efficiently as a self-defense system. two-stick defense portion of the You can obtain an e-book on disk for $20, plus $2 s/h, payable in a money test and he just switched to single order sent to: Dr. Jerome Barber, 14391 Spring Hill Drive, Suite 180, Spring stick techniques without stopping. Hill, FL 34609. That was awesome. • Guest board members asked Redonda Long Blade Essays on Modern Arnis really challenging questions By Dr. Jerome Barber (Thanks Guro +Abel Mann These two (2) essays were written by Dr. Barber, to explain how Martinez and Guro +David Beck), Modern Arnis can be used as an effective self-defense system. The put our guys to the test (thanks, Going for a disarm Redonda/Block-Check-Counter essay covers a set of self -defense Grandmaster Art!), and challenged applications of the empty hand Redonda Drill. Dr. Barber and several our guys to shred a stick using friends photographed their training session for future reference and study. rompida (and our adult was successful really quickly The “Long Blade” essay was written to explain the relationship between the - our junior guy just isn’t strong stick, Filipino long blade (bolo), evasive footwork and body-shifting in the Modern Arnis system. enough yet but if we’d let him go You can obtain an e-book on disk for $20, plus $2 s/h, payable in a money order sent to: Dr. Jerome Barber, 14391 Spring Hill Drive, Suite 180, longer I bet he would have, as his Stick Anyo Dalawa (Stick Form Two) Spring Hill, FL 34609. 26 FMA Informative Vol6 No6 2017 Vol6 No6 2017 FMA Informative 27 Changes Ahead Heart for Martial Arts By: Liam Mc Donald By Jayson VicenteThe Path Dublin, Ireland SunStar.Baguio - May 4, 2017 place where we may have the same result like a shooting wasted on the young. I follow that Love knows no boundaries adopted as a principle to live by different views. Does the star, one moment they are bright code hoping it would work but they say, and limit is when you that serves as a guide to taking the mutual friendship still exist in the sky, the next moment they years turns into decades, hoping stop trying. Martial arts, if taken martial arts path. This path leads to or does that disappear fade into nothingness. You find out next year this ethos will take hold, seriously, become the world of the no destination, only stations; it will instantly when you going years later, they not even doing but sadly it didnt. It took the words one who seeks its knowledge and never have its end and will never to get paid alot of money to martial arts anymore. But then of one student recently who said its wholeness. be completed. do a seminar, or you fall out again I come form a generation to me one day on the internet Taking the path of martial Martial arts path is infinite, with your teacher, because, that believe in working together, “What have you ever done for me arts life is like falling in love to a thus, the lessons one acquires only everything he did for you greater things can be achieved for or the art?” to suddenly make me world by fate and by choice. If those with the heart for martial in the past is just forgotten everyone in the group, but now realize that I needed to change not be embraced in its totality arts will have the fortitude to take in a moment. The way your we live in a generation of young otherwise the rest of my life would and true essence, martial arts is a on the path, never stopping and teacher excepted you into people where selfie rules, egos are be the same. So for the past year consuming life that has attributes adopting a station as the end. his group, not asking for masters, and everything needs to I’ve been deep thinking about and with the right guidance, could It will always be a The most over used words in anything in return nor judge you be instant... the future. I have given the last be humane life that can be lived. continuous journey, each time a Martial Arts are “Brotherhood” on your physical ability or attitude, I started out with a vision 35 years to the sole purpose of The values in martial path is taken, and it will produce “Family” and “Friend” every couple maybe he let you into his club and to help an art grow, I believe that trying to help Silat grow here, for arts embody the true essence new lessons even if the path is of months a new group sets up, association, or maybe even his opening your doors and helping people to work together, but that’s of learning. It holds the very taken repeatedly. Talim Trainers and instantly claim they even more house, where he and his wife fed others, no matter what, was the impossible it seems. For me I will foundation of what is martial art. These things should Made from one solid piece of wood, these trainers can be Brotherhoodie and even more you, and look after you, and made way. I look back now more and be pulling back and working just A martial artist is one who lives by be understood to correct the used for everything from demonstrations and solo practice to about Family, then the group they sure you where ok, and give you more regularly as I get older, and with students who actually want these values and transcends it to branding of martial arts. contact training. Each trainer has the shape of an indigenous blade left. opportunities that no one else think of a Sunday morning out to train with me, opportunities everyone as his way of life through A martial artist cannot without any unnecessary details. Talim Trainers are approximately We are to often (and I’m would ever do for you. Thats the working with my father on the that will come up, will just be his character. thrive on the expert branding, 3/4” thick. Made from one solid piece of wood, these trainers are completely guilty of this) letting real way Brotherhood and Family milk rounds as a teenager and he for my students. I have always Values of martial arts instead, a martial artist who is well suitable for contact training but are also great for demonstrations, people become into the category should be about. said to me, “why do you accept wanted to work in another area embodied in its foundation do not experienced and has journeyed solo practice and no-touch training. Each trainer is crafted in the of becoming a friend. Social But nowadays with students and teachers so easily, of life, and in the process now of seek it as a goal but live it as a life. with the principles of martial arts shape of an indigenous blade without any unnecessary details, media makes it so easy a click of a egos that need to be filled, you will only get hurt, just look doing that. This is not the end of Before being considered a martial is considered to be wise. sharp edges, inlays or glued and pinned pieces. button, and a nice comment and instructors who need seminars after yourself” I look at him, (and Silat with me, but instead a more artist, its foundation should be Talim Trainers is the result of years of trial and error. suddenly we friends and even and Representatives, everything he was the man who I love and healthier relationship with it for Last but not least, they are affordable. Good quality and longevity brothers from a different mother, is about the self need, dress up as respected the most in my life) as the sake of not just myself buy my doesn’t have to put a strain on the wallet. we clap each other on the back, Brotherhood and Family. Groups what is he talking about (roll the family friends and students. Once YawYan Summer Classes Off Website: www.talimtrainers.com tell each other how we appreciate splits reform into smaller groups, eyes), he doesn’t understand, so I qualified I let people know about By Edri K. Aznar each other, hoping and expecting only to break up again into smaller I smile at him, nod my head in the next chapter... SunStar.Cebu - May 4, 2017 FMA’s ‘Punong Lakan’ Passes Away to get a nice comment back. But group. Instead of working together agreement and completely did The Manila Times - May 9, 2017 what happens, when we reach a the vision is off self glory., with the opposite. Youth as they said is Yaw-Yan Ardigma Cebu’s second level of training of its annual Summer Clinic kicked off yesterday at the Yaw-Yan Ardigma Gym on the 4th Garitony Tonypet Nicolas, more Eskrima Grandmaster ‘Mawe’ Caballero Passes Away Floor of the Coast Pacific Downtown Center in front of UC Main along popularly known in the Filipino The Manila Times - May 1, 2017 Sanciangko St. martial arts (FMA) community as “For one month, the new students can learn the basics of kickboxing “ Punong Lakan” passed away last Eskrima Grandmaster Manuel “Mawe” Lebumfacil Caballero passed away on Sunday at the age of 64 because of and , while the old ones will have the opportunity to Sunday at the age of 48 because lingering illness. He joined the Philippine Army in 1978 and has seen combat in Jolo. sharpen more their acquired skills,” Yaw-Yan ArDigma Cebu CEO/founder of lingering illness. He left behind Caballero is the son of the late Jose Diaz Caballero (August 7, 1907 – August 24, 1987), the founder of a and Vis-Min director Master Benigno “Ekin” R. Caniga, Jr. said. his daughters Machil, Mizha and Filipino martial art called De Campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orihinal. The older Caballero was a champion of juego todo or full Courses offered are Arnis, boxing fitness, Muay Thai,Yaw-Yan Michaela, his grandchildren Chico contact eskrima matches where the combatants fight with live sticks and without armor. “Mawe” was teaching the combat for self-defense, Yaw-Yan ArDigma and mixed martial arts and Tantan, his twin brother Gary martial art of his father to locals and foreigners before his health began failing after suffering a stroke. (MMA). and younger brother John-John. The Caballero family is yet to announce the date of the burial at the Ibo Public Cemetery in Toledo, Cebu. His remains lie in state for viewing at Malaya Funeraria in Arnais Street, Punong Lakan Garitony ‘Pet’ Nicolas Pasay City. A funeral service to [1968 - 2017] be conducted by Pastor Rodolfo Modern Arnis Man-Mano Filipino Martial Arts (MAMFMA) Jr Bautista followed by a tribute The owner of the FMAdigest and FMA Informative has known Punong Lakan program will be held at the Malaya Punong Lakan Garitony Tonypet Garitony ‘Pet’ Nicolas since 2007. Funeraria Chapel 4 on Friday at 6 p.m. The Crematory Rites will be Nicolas Contributed Photo on Sunday, 1 p.m. at the La Funeraria Punong Lakan Garitony Paz Crematory, 143 G. Araneta Avenue Barangay Tatalon corner Kaliraya ‘Pet’ Nicolas was the real Street, . deal: A Practitioner that Nicolas was the Founder of Modern Arnis Mano-Mano Filipino Manuel ‘Mawe’ Lebumfacil Caballero Photo from: decampo-123-original.org this word iwas his bond, he Martial Arts organization and the executive director of the Philippine could discuss the principles, Martial Arts Hall of Fame (PhilMaHoF). Nicolas established the PhilMaHoF Latosa Escrima Edge Weapons Training concepts, and philosophies of in 2012 to give recognitions to exemplary teachers and practitioners of By Rene Latosa his art, could demonstrate and the Filipino martial and around the world. The main emphasis of training with an edged weapon is knowing and understanding all the dangers teach it thoroughly and was a Author of numerous books on Arnis, Nicolas also earned the title associated with this type of weapon. All the “What if’s”, and “Yeah buts”, are all great for trial and error, and professional. of “Father of Modern Sinawali.” Sinawali is the Arnis way of double stick assuming predictability. The serious danger of edge weapons is real, and should be treated as such. This Punong Lakan Nicolas is fighting. He also developed the unique martial sport of pang-oran that means where you should establish your training priority to be a survival tool, in the event this situation an energetic, motivated and combines arnis stick fighting and kickboxing. Nicolas was also active in happens to you. Let’s face it, you are the one having to survive, not your trainer, helps you train your goals, industrious individual, which movie fight choreography and has taught Arnis to the constables of the not your objective. The training priorities I use in Latosa-Escrima are as follows: reality, technique and drills. is topped with kindness, Metro Manila Development Authority. Reality: This is the understanding of exactly what could happen and the dangers when using or going understanding and a very against an edged weapon. good sense of humor. Always Techniques: These movements are trying to give you a generalization of possibilities, and probabilities promoting the Filipino martial arts and every aspect that came his way. Unfortunate some got jealous, of what may happen. Drills: Most drills are used to develop and enhance body movement skills used in but not to be deterred Punong Lakan Nicolas continuously promote all in the Filipino martial arts and the the technique application. The emphasis of this Edged Weapon Training is the proper placement and Filipino culture. prioritization of how to develop yourselves for such a situation. The technique does not give you the skills The clichéd theory that Masters of a martial art have to be wizened old man does not hold true for to deal with an edged weapon, only gives you scenario of how it could work. Do not mistake drills and Punong Lakan Garitony Nicolas a former student of Grandmaster Ernesto Presas for 12 years. Punong Lakan Garitony Nicolas, had an itch he could techniques as the system, they are only tools to develop your skills. Reality is having a partner attack you, not scratch, and this was to gain more knowledge of as many arts that he could. safely of course with attacks from very close to far away, different speeds and power, from the side and In July of 1995 he trademarked and started Arnis Nicolas System and became the Founder of the Modern Arnis Mano-Mano Filipino Martial from the unseen areas that are not in your peripheral vision. Obviously there are other, more advance concepts and training methods, but first Arts (MAMFMA). Applying his creativity to the techniques of his various teachers, Punong Lakan Nicolas introduced additional movements, such as understand the basic thought process and where the techniques and drills are placed in your priority list. advanced sinawali to further improve the coordination, reflex, and learning ability of his students. Similarly, the introduction of his now renowned - Languages included in DVD: English, Español, Italiano, Français Budo International: Click Here Pang-Oran system served to bridge the gap between armed and empty hand systems, seamlessly integrating the different aspects into a fluid and practical set of techniques. 28 FMA Informative Vol6 No6 2017 Vol6 No6 2017 FMA Informative 29 Punong Lakan Garitony Nicolas was born on July 21, 1968 Manila, Philippines, to Antonio G. Nicolas (deceased) and Zenaida Books by Bram Frank F. Carlos. He was barely 13 when the passion and determination to pursue his training in the field of Arnis led him to another Master of renown, flourishing under the tutelage of Grandmaster Ernesto A. Presas Sr. for no less than 12 years. The clichéd theory that Masters of a martial art have to be wizened old man does not hold true for this man, as he earned recognition for being the Most Outstanding Instructor of the Year on December 19, 1987, at the humble age of 19. The International Philippine Martial Arts Federation and ARJUKEN Karate Association by, Grandmaster Ernesto Presas himself awarded him. On July 23, 2005, the United States of Martial Arts Association (USMAA) as one of the International Instructor Hall of Fame Awardees recognized him. He would forever after be referred to as Punong Lakan, “Master of the Hardwood Cane”. He will truly be missed.

Punong Lakan Nicolas published many books, and also was the subject of many issues of the FMAdigest and FMA Informative..

FMAdigest FMAdigest Special Editon 2008 (MAMFMA) FMAdigest Special Issues 2009 MAMFMA 14th Anniversary FMAdigest Special Issues 2009 MAMFMA 15th Anniversary FMA Informative Perspectives of Modular Instructor Guide Informative Issue No #12 Sinawali Informative Issue No #25 1st Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame By Bram Frank Informative Issue No #37 MMDA Traffic Enforcer Training This book is an Instructors guide to the Modular Tactical System: Modular Blade Concepts-Martial Blade Concepts-Martial Blade Craft Informative Issue No #38 Elvis is in the Philippines as developed by Bram Frank. The system is based on Filipino Martial Arts and uses simple gross motor skills and simple modules of motion to Informative Issue No #39 MMDA Traffic Enforcer Training achieve tactical use. This book is an instructors guide that shows HOW to teach as well as WHAT to teach. For MBC instructors its a must and Completion & Graduation for anyone wanting to learn the concepts of MTS:MBC it will open the door to the methodology. The book features tactical tools designed and Informative Issue No #54 100 FMA Book Launch patented by Bram Frank expressly for the Modular system. The responsible use of edged tools( knives) is shown and the fact that less than Informative Issue No #59 Arnis Pang-Oran Tournament lethal response is more effective than lethal to stop any opponent and control a situation. Liability and Legality of the use of the tools and Informative Issue No #144 2nd Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame training are discussed in detail. - 406 Pages Informative Issue No #177 3rd Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame FMA Grandmasters and Masters Vist the FMA Informative website and download them - www. By Bram Frank fmainformative.info This book is about some the many Masters and Grandmasters of the FMA: Filipino Martial Arts. Some are well known others are relatively obscure, some are famous, others are known only by their skill but they all have in common their love for the Filipino Martial Arts and their connection through training, friendship, heritage or lineage with GM Bram Frank. Some are the heroes of the Philippines and the spirit of Arnis like the late Professor Remy Presas, part of American martial art history with the FMA and JKD like Guro Dan Inosanto or like GM Bram Frank a faithful practitioner and instructor of the arts. Their stories are told in pictures and with a bio of who they are and what they’ve done! Regardless of gender these people give their lives, souls and energy to the Filipino Martial Arts. This is the first in a series of volumes of these wonderful people! This is the first book written by a non Filipino with a forward by a Filipino President: President Benigno Aquino III. - 475 Pages Knife Tactical Response Conceptual Modern Arnis DVD by Bram Frank By Bram Frank Bram Frank, recognized as the father of the methods of combat with knife Israelis, is the founder A seldom seen view of Arnis/Modern Arnis the Filipino fighting art of Professor Remy Pesas as seen by 1st Generation student / of System CSSD / SC, an art tactical combat based on the Modern Arnis Remy Presas, which was the direct Senior Master Instructor, Grandmaster of Arnis: Bram Frank. Modern Arnis is seen through the perspective of the family art of the Bolo and student. In this DVD, Bram, practical and direct in his teachings, we unveiled the concepts of the tactical knife,(edged tools) rather than a stick. The art of the blade as hidden in Modern Arnis based on the family style of Bolo is shown. The Presas response knife. Explore the training system, the Contras using our most instinctive basic motor skills “raw” family was known for teaching bolo to the brigades during WWII. Bram was named by the last of the Presas family GM Roberto Presas and ways to cut and stop the opponent from the point of view bio-mechanics, the proper use of weapons of edge The Worldwide Family of Modern Arnis and Filipino Martial Arts Council as the Guardian of the Legacy of Presas bolo. Bram’s innovations and and based movements “Sombrada” and “Sinawali” of martial arts philippines. translations are shown: the same as he teaches at the FMA festivals in the Philippines.Some history of Modern Arnis in the USA is told. - 511 List Price: $49.95 Pages This is a Special Order Item $26.95 Special Order Now: Click Here Bram Frank Knives By Bram Frank This is a 30+ year look at the knives of Bram Frank. Why he designs knives, the progression of idea, to drawing to CAD and finally to steel. It show Bram’s Patents and ideas used by Bram and others in the Knife Industry. There is an overview of Brams Gunting Family of knives and his “trademark” BRamp or Ramp ( Allowing for Kinetic OPenig by contact of any object), his rounded triangular hole(always able to open with Thumb easily),his Indexing(ability point to rotate from Forward grip to reverse grip and back) and his spoon clip that allows function in a flat clip. A brief overview of training, magazines and comments about Bram’s Tactical and Practical knives that have influenced Fighting Sticks Video Productions Steve Wright WHFSC Grandmaster’s Council: a compendium of the world’s leading Grandmasters By Bram Frank This a compendium of the world’s greatest council of Grandmasters. These Grandmasters both past and present represent an amazing Newcastle 2006 Filipino Empty Hands: Shadowboxing/ history of the martial arts. It contains their bios told as they want it heard and seen along with pictures past and present of these Grandmasters. Hand Tools/Defence/3 Count Drills. etc. £15 plus postage The WHFSC World Head of Family Sokeship Council brings together Grandmasters and Sokes from every style of martial arts to a yearly New Castle 2007 Trapping-Locking-Kicking: Push Trap/ meeting, with an awards dinner, Hall of Fame and seminars sessions given by the Grandmasters themselves. Included in the book are some of Pull Trap/Entry to Trapping/Switching/Compound Traps/ the upcoming masters in the martial arts. - 645 Pages Hubud/Pad Work, etc. £15 plus postage. WHFSC GM book vol #2 Durham 2014 Filipino knife/Panantukan: Crazy Monkey By Bram Frank Defence System/Punching Combo’s/Defences/Split Vol #2 is a compendium of the worlds Grandmasters of the WHFSC World Head of Family Sokeship Council. These Grandmaster and Entry/Bandak/Clothesline/Lubai/Wide Right, etc £15 Masters are those on the committees, boards, and representatives plus hundreds of grandmasters that weren’t in volume #1 due to the plus postage. numbers of members of the WHFSC. These members, in Vol #1 and Vol #2 make up a large piece of the in the current For ordering and shipping costs send enquiries to times. Almost every martial art known is represented by these Grandmasters and Masters. Their bios and stories are told in their own words [email protected]/ labanb.moonfruit.com or with current and historical pictures. - 639 Pages via The Laban Baston Eskrima Club Facebook page Purchase one or all in Paperback or PDF - Click Here Senkotiros Arnis Videos (Collectors Editions) Basic $29.95 Advanced $29.95 Intro to Free Style $29.95 Lost Years $14.95

Shipping and Handling $10.00 To obtain full details on Ordering - Click Here 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

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

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