Dedicated to the Filipino Martial Arts and the Culture of the Philippines

Dedicated to the Filipino Martial Arts and the Culture of the Philippines Vol 7 No 1 2010 Contents FMAdigest Publishers Desk Publisher Grandmaster Christopher ‘Topher’ Ricketts 4 Steven K. Dowd Offensive Use for Defanging the Snake 21 5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Self Defense Knife 25 FMAdigest Representatives The Main Role of Senior Students 27 Marc Lawrence Reflection of December 11, 2009 29 Building Blocks of FMA 32 Columns Past FMA Events 34 Building Blocks of FMA MyFMA net 35 MyFMA.net FMA Future Events 36 FMA Pulse FMA Pulse 38 Weapons Review: The “Hataw Stick” 40 Contributors Book Review: David Foggie Filipino Martial Arts: The Core Basics, Structure & Essentials 42 James Hogue Joel Huncar Phillip Weathers Frank Aycocho Michael Butz Barry McConnell

The FMAdigest is published quarterly. Each issue features practitioners of martial arts and other internal arts of the Philippines. Other features include historical, theoretical and technical articles; reflections, Filipino martial arts, healing arts and other related subjects. The ideas and opinions expressed in this digest are those of the authors or instructors being interviewed and are not necessarily the views of the pub- The articles are the prop- lisher or editor. erty of the author’s that wrote them We solicit comments and/or suggestions. Articles are also welcome. and cannot be used without the The authors and publisher of this online magazine are not responsible permission of the author. for any injury, which may result from following the instructions contained in the The FMAdigest is the magazine. Before embarking on any of the physical activates described in the property of Steven K. Dowd and is magazine, the reader should consult his or her physician for advice regarding for the promulgation and promo- their individual suitability for performing such activity. tion of the Filipino martial arts and the Philippines. The information in the FMAdigest is a compilation of many sources. If there NO issue can be printed is any misinformation or information that is not given the proper credit, please and Sold for Monies, without the contact us. express permission of the Owner FMAdigest 1297 Eider Circle Fallon, NV 89406 and Publisher Steven K. Dowd. (775) 423-3253 [email protected] Publishers Desk

Kumusta Well better late than never. The FMAdigest almost closed down due to no material, however thanks to following writers (David Foggie, James Hogue, Joel Huncar, Phillip Weathers, Frank Aycocho, Michael Butz, and Barry McConnell) who responded immediately with some very interesting articles and to some others that have contacted me saying that they will contribute articles. The FMAdigest can stay alive and continue in its promotion and promulgation of the Filipino martial arts and the culture of the Philippines. The first article is a very informative interview with Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts.Then Guru James Hogue explains “Defanging the Snake” as a defensive counter against punches. Joel Huncar who has had several articles about knives in the FMAdigest again gives some handy tips in purchasing a self-defense knife. Learn the main role of a senior student of Amara Arkanis as explained by Phillip Weathers. December 11, 2009, The Arnis Bill of Law, Republic Act No. 9850, an act declaring Arnis as the Na- tional martial arts and sport of the Philippines was signed. Now let’s see how this will affect the art and the practitioners of the Philippines. What makes up the basics of Filipino martial arts known as Eskrima, Arnis or Kali? A new column by Marc Lawrence called “Building Blocks of FMA” is making its debut and it is and through this column infor- mation will be brought forth on the basics so non-practitioners and practitioners will understand what the Fili- pino fighting arts are built upon which make the Filipino martial arts a dynamic and most interesting martial art. The FMAdigest, FMA Pulse, and MyFMA.net are working together to educate and serve as a resource for the current and new generations of Filipino martial arts enthusiasts. And in so doing the FMA Pulse and MyFMA.net will have a column to tell you the reader what is going on at their websites so you can visit and gain knowledge and continuously be informed of the most up to date information. The FMAdigest Representative is a position that has been created to help bring you the reader more information on the Filipino martial arts. Marc Lawrence is the first to attain the position, and it is hoped that others will be added. What is an FMAdigest Representative; it is someone that represents the FMAdigest at events, collecting articles etc… working with the FMAdigest. Some have said they represented the FMAdigest for whatever reason and they did not. Now if they are listed they truly have the full backing of the FMAdigest and are honest, reliable, have integrity, and are professionals. Maraming Salamat Po Grandmaster Christopher ‘Topher’ Ricketts The Best of the Best By David Foggie Photos provided by David Foggie, except where indicated [**] which are Cour- tesy of Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts

Grandmaster Christopher Through an introduction N. Ricketts or ‘Master Topher from my teacher, Grandmaster Ro- ’now resides in the USA where he land Dantes in 1998, I have been now teaches under the banner of fortunate to benefit from Master ‘Ilustrisimo USA’. Recognized as Topher’s extensive knowledge and one of the founders and the Chief experience. Instructor of Bakbakan Interna- Knowing the high regard in which tional, whose motto is Matira my instructor and many other Matibay (the best of the best), respected elders of FMA (Filipino Grandmaster Ricketts’ credentials martial arts) hold Master Topher, in the Filipino martial arts and it was an opportunity not to be martial arts in general are second missed. to none. When I first observed It was with the approval of my A senior disciple of the re- Master Topher demonstrate Kali teacher, Grandmaster Roland vered founder of Kali Ilustrisimo, Ilustrisimo in his home, I knew Dantes that I began studying Kali Grandmaster Antonio ‘Tatang’ I was in the presence of a genu- Ilustrisimo under Master Topher, Ilustrisimo, Master Topher was ine master of the art. During our and as such, I consider him also to one of his closest and most senior training sessions, the true scope of be my teacher. More importantly, students known as the ‘Five Pillars Master Topher’s knowledge be- he is a respected, loyal and values of Kali Ilustrisimo’ and remains came apparent, as did his effective friend. It is my pleasure and honor loyal to the memory and legacy of use of body mechanics. Master to present this interview. his teacher. During these years, he Topher introduced me to the prin- This interview is the was also a close friend and train- ciples and techniques that form the synthesis of an interview I put ing partner of Punong Guro Edgar foundation and the core of Kali together with the much valued and G. Sulite, who founded Lameco Ilustrisimo, and with a sharp eye appreciated assistance of Guro Eskrima. At the time of the pass- for perfect form and understand- Dino Flores and part of Grandmas- ing of Punong Guro Sulite, Master ing, he meticulously dissected and ter Ricketts interview which is to Topher was the highest ranked corrected each technique until he be featured in a Filipino martial black belt in Lameco Eskrima and was satisfied. arts book Grandmaster Dantes designated successor. With such The time spent training un- and I were working on at the well rounded skills in Filipino der master Topher as afforded me time of his passing last year. Rest martial arts, Master Topher is rec- the opportunity to see the various assured the book will be printed ognized as one of the world’s most aspects of this remarkable martial as Grandmaster Roland Dantes respected masters. Additionally he artist. He is a fighter, a teacher and dreamed it would be. However, is qualified to teach several other friend to his students. Martial arts we are submitting this interview martial arts including Ngo Cho are meant to be about honor, re- to be featured in the FMAdigest, Kuen (5 Ancestor Fist), Sagasa, as spect, integrity, loyalty and dedica- since Grandmaster Roland valued well as being a professional box- tion. Master Topher embodies all and respected the work Punong ing trainer. Master Topher’s skills these traits and as such it is easy to Guro Steven Dowd was doing in and credentials are impeccable and see why Grandmaster Dantes and promoting the Filipino martial second to none; he is one of the many other respected masters are arts. Also, myself and others feel best of the best. his friends. Grandmaster Ricketts deserves the

2 exposure and recognition he truly while I trained with Jimmy Gales deserves. in his arnis style which he called Sphinx. He used the centro baston (central grip) and susi (inverted Question: Grandmaster Topher, grip) styles of wielding a stick. I firstly you are based in San Diego, also trained with Doc Lengson in USA and now teach under the the Arnis Federation of the Philip- name Ilustrisimo USA? Why is pines style from 1973-1978. this? Grandmaster Ricketts: Actually Question: Jimmy Gales, now there I just teach under the name Ilus- is a name from the past. Anything trisimo. USA is just where I hap- you would like to share about your pen to be at this point in time. The training with him and the Sphinx www.ilustrisimousa.com site is style? just one of my information portals Grandmaster Ricketts: I was available. I still have my Philippine never a student of his. I just used base, as well as various representa- to visit their gym to see my friend tives worldwide. All these things Lito Ong (AKA ‘Jules King’), an that I have mentioned will be clari- The legendary and revered actor in the Philippines. Lito was fied when we open up the official Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo the one who became a student of Ilustrisimo website in the near Founder of Kali Ilustrisimo [**] Gales. future. Everything will be made Question: Having been exposed clear, simple and centralized. Grandmaster Ricketts: When I first to other systems of arnis, why did I am distinguishing myself saw him he did not strike me as you decide to follow Tatang? What for various reasons, one of which is anything special, just an old man. attracted you and what made his the sincere effort to preserve some However, when he started moving system so different? of the original methods of tatang it was poetry in motion. To be di- Grandmaster Ricketts: Various and separate it from some of the rect, if it wasn’t for Tatang I would strategies attracted me to Tatang’s later variations. have little interest in the Philippine method. I found Tatang to be warrior arts. Question: Grandmaster Ilustri- direct, efficient, effective and to simo is celebrated as one of the Question: During your first train- the point. It has minimal flowery greatest Grandasters of the Filipi- ing session under Tatang what movements and there is a natural no martial arts. How did you come material did he cover? flow with continuous movement, to hear of Grandmaster Ilustrisimo Grandmaster Ricketts: There like a real fight. and become accepted by him as a was no set method. You just had to Once you truly understand student? attack him and see what happened. the fundamentals, you respond Grandmaster Ricketts: I heard It was usually painful and it was instinctively without thought and of Tatang and met him through in- up to you to absorb his flow. respond appropriately to a situ- troduction by my good friend Alex Question: Prior to studying under ation. Tatang has proven this on Co, an influential martial arts prac- Grandmaster Antonio Tatang’ Ilus- countless occasions just as it has titioner, publisher and driving force trisimo did you have much expo- assisted me on occasion. It appears in the Philippine martial arts world. sure to the Filipino martial arts? simple on the surface, yet in reality It was the same time that I met Grandmaster Ricketts: Prior to there is a deeper true meaning. Edgar Sulite, Yuli Romo and Tony Kali Ilustrisimo my training in- Question: You say there is a deep- Diego. When we met for some cluded the Rapillon style of Mang er true meaning. Please elaborate. reason the old man took a liking to Sciano Cleope in 1967. He was a Grandmaster Ricketts: This is me and thus I was accepted as one well-known eskrimador from Que- one of those things that cannot of his students. zon province of the Philippines be explained in words. It must be Question: What do you remember and I was a training partner of experienced. of your initial meeting? his son, Edgar Cleope. For a little Question: Were there many dif- 3 Great Grandmaster Antonio Ilustri- not explained. systemization, Ilustrisimo’s art simo with his student Master Ricketts Question: How do you approach was still raw and pure. Almost and members of Bakbakan in Manila virgin like, as prior to our pursuit [**] teaching and guiding the student in developing the ability and skill it was only revealed in a real situ- to apply this concept in combat? ation. It was free of showmanship, Grandmaster Ricketts: I use direct and purely functional for various levels of sparring and combat; however it was difficult the realistic drills only after deep to learn and always painful, as you understanding of the original core usually had to get hit for the tech- techniques. nique to be revealed. Only those with time, dedication and a high Question: What about combate threshold for pain and tolerance heneral and trankada heneral? were able to eventually understand Grandmaster Ricketts: They Ilustrisimo’s methods are part of the original core tech- The good points about niques. systemization is that it is easier to Question: How does the student teach and a lot less painful! Keep develop the ability and skill to in mind though that systemization apply these concepts against an by someone other than the founder attacker? is their own interpretation. This Grandmaster Ricketts: They can be seen in the different way ferences in the way Grandmaster develop the ability once again, each of the five pillars of Ilustrisi- Ilustrisimo moved and his fighting through various levels of sparring mo teaches the art. There are many techniques compared to the other and the realistic drills only after similarities but there are also dif- Filipino martial arts systems you deep understanding of the original ferences, reflecting the experience had learnt? core techniques. of each individual. Tatang was one Grandmaster Ricketts: There Question: Broken rhythm was of a kind; that will likely never be were a lot of differences. For one used by Tatang skillfully. What can replicated. thing when sparring Tatang you you tell us about this and how can Question: A very valid point. Do never saw the technique, you just a person develop and refine this you feel the systemization of Kali felt it. skill? Ilustrisimo has seen the system Question: Totally instinctive reac- Grandmaster Ricketts: The lose anything? Are there any bad tions to a threat and/or attack are broken rhythm is difficult to teach. points? necessary. How did Grandmaster I first heard it from Punong Guro Grandmaster Ricketts: There is Ilustrisimo approach developing Edgar Sulite. His father Helacrio always the influence of the sys- this in his students and do you fol- Sulite trained with Melicio Ilustri- temizers interpretation. This is low his approach? simo, the uncle of Tatang. why I am reorganizing the way I Grandmaster Ricketts: Sparring Question: Since Tatang was a teach and classify. Separate the and painful feeding drill; AKA fighter and did not teach in the original and proven techniques praksyon. usual structured manner, what from the later variations. I am not Question: Praksyon (also spelt were the difficulties in learning saying one is better; I just want the prakcion) is a corruption of the from him? root to be clear and always distin- word fraction. What is your inter- Grandmaster Ricketts: He had guishable. pretation of this principle? no set patterns, just instinctive Question: Could learning in an Grandmaster Ricketts: It is reactions which were rarely the unstructured manner have been something along the lines of same as the last reaction. a blessing since it made you ask intercepting an intent (attack) in a Question: Did this make learning more questions and your search fraction of a second. difficult? for understanding forced you to Again, this must be experienced Grandmaster Ricketts: Before look at his approach differently? 4 Grandmaster Ricketts: Because These will be reflected in the pure full contact martial arts sparring it was not spoon fed to us, I was core of the system reorganization. and ring boxing assisted greatly in forced to dissect and analyze the Question: During your time train- developing this aspect. art in ways I had not had to do ing under Tatang, what was the Question: Do you think Tatang before. emphasis during your training was trying to develop and instill Question: Since Tatang taught in with him? specific qualities in yourself and an unstructured fashion, what was Grandmaster Ricketts: The his other students? the teaching progression? emphasis was on spontaneity and Grandmaster Ricketts: Tatang Grandmaster Ricketts: A true pain. One of us would simulate an was a pure fighter. He had little practitioner of Kali Ilustrisimo will attack, he would instinctively and interest in teaching. It was not until have totally instinctive reaction painfully react, and then during he was in his 80s and retired that with no set pattern. Tatang never our free time we would try and de- he started teaching in Luneta Park. responded the same way to the cipher what we had seen. Because He only taught to get a little spend- same angle of attack. He move- there was no curriculum, we had ing money for extracurricular fun ments were so natural and a won- to learn techniques by experienc- As for developing and der to behold. ing them. instilling specific qualities in his Tatang did not teach you in Question: What do you feel you students, Tatang couldn’t care less. the traditional sense. If you simu- picked up due to the amount of His main concern was it saved lated an attack angle, he would in- sparring you did with Grandmas- his life on his many adventures stinctively (and painfully) respond. ter Ilustrisimo? as merchant marine and guerrilla It was up to you to understand Grandmaster Ricketts: As I have fighter in World War II. and absorb the techniques used. said, I never saw the techniques, Question: What variations of There was no progression, forms I only felt them. I only got to see weapons did Tatang teach? or structure. The main structures and dissect what had occurred Grandmaster Ricketts: He taught and progressions being taught to after I reviewed the video footage. single and double sword, espada y the public these days are individual At the time I was the only martial daga (sword and dagger), dos ma- interpretations of the original 5 artist I knew of in Manila that nos (double handed grip for a long pillars of Kali Ilustrisimo. The 5 had a video camera. This is to my stick or sword), solo baston, knife pillars of Ilustrisimo being Tony advantage. and empty hands. Diego, Yuli Romo, Rey Galang, Edgar Sulite and myself. Question: When the system was Question: From your view, what After Tatang’s death, all being systematized and a progres- areas did he specialize in? kinds of people came out of the sive syllabus being developed, who Grandmaster Ricketts: He spe- woodwork making all manner of was involved? cialized in any bladed weapon. claims on how the old man moved. Grandmaster Ricketts: The five Question: Did you learn his meth- Fortunately I am in possession of pillars: Antonio “Tony” Diego, ods of learning the handkerchief, hundreds of hours of video foot- Epifanio “Yuli” Romo, Edgar Su- rope and chain? age taken of Tatang in action over lite, myself and Rey Galang. Grandmaster Ricketts: I focused a period of 15 years. It can confirm Question: It is said you were in- mostly on blade. and dispute many of the claims out strumental in introducing sparring Question: Like Tatang, I believe in there based on this evidence. Any- into Kali Ilustrisimo and provided teaching a student double sword/ body who doubts this is welcome much advice from your experience baston before solo sword/baston. Is to view the archives. Let your own to help develop your fellow stu- this how you were taught? eyes be the judge. dents’ skills. Is that correct? Grandmaster Ricketts: No, we Question: What material was Grandmaster Ricketts: Prior to sparred and did realistic drills were originally taught? me joining the Ilustrisimo’s core he would actually strike me. Grandmaster Ricketts: The core group, sparring was done only occasionally. I insisted it be done Question: Did Grandmaster Ilus- or pure techniques such as de cade- trisimo elaborate on why he com- na, bagsak, etc were contained. regularly, which we usually did at my house. My experiences in menced students learning double 5 swords/baston before the usual ing stick arts. What is your view? Kali Ilustrisimo, please explain its approach of teaching single first? Grandmaster Ricketts: Kali Ilus- approach to disarming techniques? Grandmaster Ricketts: I was trisimo is definitely a sword-based Grandmaster Ricketts: It is al- taught the single sword first. art; even the stick is treated as a ways treated as a blade. [**] sword. Kali means sword in one of Question: This sees the system the dialects of the Philippines, thus staying true to its origins and not Kali Ilustrisimo means the sword changing into a stick oriented of Ilustrisimo. The rattan stick is a system? training device that represents the Grandmaster Ricketts: Correct. sword. Question: Tatang was very practi- Question: What about the claim cal. What can you tell us about his sticks can be replaced by swords approach to defending against a and it is the same? knife attack unarmed? Grandmaster Ricketts: There is Grandmaster Ricketts: His no doubt that they are both deadly movements are always based on weapons. However, there are the original pure core techniques. differences. In non-bladed arts, practitioners tend to grab to grab Question: What is your approach to defending against edged weapon Question: Could you please share the stick in a way that if it were a blade, they would surely be cut. attacks? Can there be too many with us the primary fighting strate- drills taught? gies of Kali Ilustrisimo? In non-bladed tournaments the participants hit each other just as Grandmaster Ricketts: Drills Grandmaster Ricketts: Some of are always good to condition your the primary fighting strategies of much as they get hit. There is no respect for the weapon or defense. movements and mind. As long as Kali Ilustrisimo include: de cade- you’re honest with yourself and na, sak sak, bagsak, and V-strike. In a bladed match, they would both be dead. Maybe it is good for realize that actual combat is a lot These are mainly finishing moves, simpler, direct, and bloodier than as in a real blade confrontation it a sport, but not for the bladed arts, as long as the distinction is made. drills. is over quickly. If you can run, do so. If Question: The lutang (floating) Question: Did Grandmaster Ilus- not, find an equalizer. footwork of Grandmaster Antonio trisimo ever discuss when and why many of the styles changed to stick Question: Do some practitioners Ilustrisimo is very unique. What become caught up in the fancy and can you tell us about it? focused systems? Grandmaster Ricketts: No. elaborate defenses and forget the Grandmaster Ricketts: Lutang practicality which is necessary to means to float and it is a unique Question: Since Kali Ilustrisimo survive? footwork of Tatang’s. It involves was and remains a genuine sword Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes. temporarily being on one foot system, how does it differ from while the other leg “floats”. Al- stick systems? Question: Do you feel it is neces- though it looks unusually elegant, Grandmaster Ricketts: There is sary to learn and become profi- it can generate tremendous power very little room for error with a cient at disarming techniques? and reach. It also allows you to blade. Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes. move in and out and then back Question: As a true sword and Question: You adhere to a very in from various ranges of combat bladed system, Kali Ilustrisimo’s practical approach in your train- in an instant. It is classic Tatang. disarms always assume you are ing as well as your teaching. How Simple yet sophisticated. Beautiful disarming an edged weapon. What do you view and approach teach- but deadly. do you feel are the benefits of this? ing stick and knife disarms? Question: The techniques of Kali Grandmaster Ricketts: You Grandmaster Ricketts: Simplic- Ilustrisimo are noticeably sword never develop bad habits. ity. Never wrestle for a disarm and never look for a disarm. Only do based, whereas many styles are Question: From the viewpoint of either stick based or evolved to be- it if an opportunity arises. Always 6 Grandmaster Ricketts: This term was coined by one of the senior students of Tatang. Question: There have been discus- sions about which is the correct name of Tatang’s system: Kali Ilustrisimo or Kalis Ilustrisimo. Through the years I have heard it referred to as Olistrisimo (an acronym of the words olisi mean- ing stick and the Ilustrisimo name). [**] Would you like to comment on this? Grandmaster Ricketts: During treat the weapon as a blade. Question: What areas were the whole time I was training, I stressed when he taught knife? Question: It is better to possess an never heard Tatang use any of Grandmaster Ricketts: Disruptive understanding of the general prin- these terms. The five pillars re- interception and intent. ciples of disarming? ferred it as Kali Ilustrisimo only so Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes, Question: Were drills an aspect of we could have something to call it. knowledge is power. Better to have his knife methodology? Tatang had no name for the art in something, than nothing. Just be Grandmaster Ricketts: No drills, my observation. It was only after realistic about what would actually just feeding and sparring. his death that all these other ver- work. Question: Did he use and teach sions began to surface. Question: From your experience, you both saber and ice pick grips Question: What can you tell us what are the facts and myths of in using the knife? about Tatang? History, stories, etc? edged weapons and defending Grandmaster Ricketts: Both. Grandmaster Ricketts: This could against them? Question: Grandmaster Ilustri- be a rather lengthy answer worthy Grandmaster Ricketts: If you simo was a firm believer and was of volumes. Perhaps I will write a have the option to run, run. 99% of known for his spirituality. What second book on Kali Ilustrisimo to the time you’ll get cut, especially can you share with us about this answer these questions. with the style of blades today. If area? Did he ever discuss these Question: Tatang was taught by you have no other option but to en- with you? his father, Isidro Ilustrisimo and gage, be direct and finish quickly. Grandmaster Ricketts: Not too his uncle Melicio Ilustrisimo. What Plus, always remember that even if much. He had anting anting and did he tell you of these Eskrima- your opponent dead or dying, they practiced oracsion. dors and their teaching of him? will still likely be thrusting and Grandmaster Ricketts: Not much. slashing their weapon. Question: Was he knowledgeable in healing skills such as hilot? Question: What about Pedro Cor- Question: Was knife to knife an Grandmaster Ricketts: I am not tez? Did he also receive instruction area Tatang regularly taught? certain. from him and was he taught by Grandmaster Ricketts: Tatang relatives of Tatang? taught what Tatang felt like. I was Question: Tatang possessed the Grandmaster Ricketts: He just just happy to be there. mindset of a true warrior. Is this what has become known as, dakip told me he was one of his teachers Question: Tatang’s knife tech- diwa? Did Tatang discuss this? in Mindanao. niques were simple, direct and Grandmaster Ricketts: Never Question: Melicio and Regino most important of all, effective. heard of it. Ilustrisimo were the uncles of What was his approach? Tatang. What do you know of their Grandmaster Ricketts: The most Question: Reloj de areana (hour- styles and were they the same as advanced technique you can have glass shape). How was this ex- Tatang? is the one you can feel before you plained by Tatang to you and how Grandmaster Ricketts: I did not see. does it relate to combat? 7 meet the uncles of Antonio Ilustri- which allowed him to be a stu- possible and practice intensely. simo personally. However, dur- dent. Otherwise there is no way he Question: Did Grandmaster Ilus- ing his research for his landmark would have received instruction trisimo ever open up and elaborate book, ‘Masters of Arnis, Kali and during that period in time. on his challenges and/or real life Eskrima’, Edgar Sulite met them Question: Tatang knew Felicisimo fights? both on Bantayan Island. Accord- Dizon and his student, Grandmas- Grandmaster Ricketts: He told ing to Edgar, their styles, although ter Angel Cabales who went on to me many stories, however my fo- founded upon the same root sys- become the Founder of Serrada cus as I said was to absorb and ap- tem, were now different. In other Escrima. Did he talk of them and ply his methods. I am a fighter not words, Tatang’s style had evolved if so, what can you tell us? a historian. I wasn’t too interested through a lifetime of actual com- Grandmaster Ricketts: Punong in the past, just the present. bat experience throughout the Guro Edgar G. Sulite asked this Philippines and the world. Question: Tatang was greatly question of Tatang before he died. respected for his combat skills. Question: I believe Grandmaster A student of ours, Steve Tarani, During your time with him, did you Dan Inosanto met and received was present while I filmed the ever witness him being challenged some training from Regino Ilus- interview. With respects to the de- or having to use his skills? trisimo. Have you spoken with parted, I will leave it at that. They Grandmaster Ricketts: Tatang Grandmaster Inosanto about this were friends. However from my was respected by all. I never wit- as you know him and have con- observation of the style, there is no nessed anyone dare challenge him. ducted seminars at his school? relationship at all. He was feared or respected by all Grandmaster Ricketts: No I Question: Mark Wiley met and that knew him. haven’t asked him. trained with the Kali Ilustrisimo Question: Having survived many Question: It has been said Timo- group in the Philippines. Do you fights, what was Tatang’s primary teo Maranga as a youth carried see any Kali Ilustrisimo influence strategy in dealing with multiple Tatang’s weapon for him prior to in Serrada Escrima and if yes, in attackers? challenges. What is known of their what areas? Grandmaster Ricketts: The origi- relationship? Grandmaster Ricketts: I see no nal core techniques never change. Grandmaster Ricketts: They relationship. Tatang’s high level allowed him to were drinking buddies. Question: WWII saw Tatang handle one or more opponents in a Question: The Ilustrisimo’s, defending his country against the collective manner. Saavedras and Romos were the Japanese. Did he discuss his expe- Question: You are renowned for three most prominent families riences from this period? placing emphasis on physical con- involved in eskrima at one time in Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes. ditioning. What led you to this? Cebu. Did he know them? Question: What do you know of Grandmaster Ricketts: My ex- Grandmaster Ricketts: Siguro Tatang being a berdugo (execu- perience as a professional boxing (probably). tioner) of the makapili (traitors) trainer when I had a stable of fight- Question: Is it known if he knew towards the end of the war? ers and the intense workouts of Islao Romo who it is said is re- Grandmaster Ricketts: He told Doc Lengson’s KAFEPHIL style lated to his student, Yuli Romo? me the story. It was one of his were what led me to appreciate the Grandmaster Ricketts: Siguro many jobs in his lifetime. importance of physical condition- (probably). Question: Since he was a true ing. Question: Having met Grand- warrior, how did you feel and what Question: Dr. Guillermo Lengson master Floro Villabrille in Hawaii was it like training with a man in was a remarkable man. How did decades ago, I am aware he was possession of a true combative you come to study under him? related to Tatang. Was he taught mentality? Grandmaster Ricketts: During by Tatang? Grandmaster Ricketts: It never the KAFEPHIL days, I was in- Grandmaster Ricketts: He was crossed my mind at the time. All I troduced to Doc by an instructor married to the cousin of Tatang wanted to do was absorb as much under him, Chito Santos. Doc took

8 Grandmaster Guillermo Lengson [**] his vast knowledge of sinawali as the judges cheating in their deci- and double sticks with Professor sions during tournaments. Conse- Remy Presas. Do you know if they quently, Doc Lengson had to come exchanged knowledge? up with techniques that would Grandmaster Ricketts: Doc make it clear that they were the un- Lengson and Remy Presas met disputed winner of a competition. before the formation of Modern These techniques were developed Arnis. They were training partners. primarily through Master Johnny Remy learned sinawali and Cingko Chiuten and his kung fu style, in Teros from Doc Lengson, which which Doc Lengson developed he put in Modern Arnis. Remy the training method for teaching. also learned karate from Doc Initially these techniques had been Lengson, as he was considered the secret, as Doc Lengson used it best in the Philippines at that time. for his position in KAFEPHIL’s In return, Remy taught him some election through sparring. In other of his Balintawak techniques. It words, whoever won all the spar- was also Doc Lengson who came ring matches among the candidates up with the name Modern Arnis. became the head of KAFEPHIL. Question: Sagasa is one of Dr Question: John Pintoy told me Dr Lengson’s legacies. Could you Lengson was very knowledgeable explain how he came to develop in the area of body mechanics and Sagasa? emphasized the use of the hips. Did a liking to me and adopted me in Grandmaster Ricketts: Doc he stress this in your training and a way. I not only look to him as a Lengson developed Sagasa how important do you think it is teacher, but also a father figure. through constant full-contact for the student to comprehend the Question: Dr Lengson combined tournaments with other martial significance of body mechanics? linear and circular movements. arts associations. At the time, he Grandmaster Ricketts: The em- What can you tell us of his arnis was considered the best in karate phasis was always on the hips and system? in the Philippines. Because of this, always exaggerated, so to the un- Grandmaster Ricketts: Doc all the other organizations would trained eye it would look unusual. Lengson started Arnis with si- gang up on his group and go as far All real power comes from the hips nawali and Cinko Teros systems and not just for attacking, but also as he is from Pangasinan prov- evading and defending. ince in the Philippines. When Question: The intensive drills, he first met Remy Presas, Remy which are called series, develop was still Balintawak and Doc was and refine coordination, power and impressed with the movements reflexes. Were these developed by and added some concepts to his Dr Lengson? system. Doc and Remy met before Grandmaster Ricketts: Doc Modern Arnis. Most of the circular Lengson developed the Sagasa motions, he learned from Johnny series in collaboration with Johnny Chiuten who was a kung fu and Chiuten. Balintawak Master. I used to watch Remy and Question: How did Dr Lengson Doc train together in Doc’s dental influence the drills and curriculum clinic in the University of the East of Bakbakan? in Manila. I was 14 at the time. Grandmaster Ricketts: Sagasa Kickboxing is one of the core Question: It has been told in the L-R: unnamed person, Grandmaster systems of Bakbakan. Among other Philippines Dr Lengson shared Lengson, Grandmaster Ricketts [**] things, it led Bakbakan to empha- 9 size practical and functional tech- and Eskrima was a landmark black belt in Lameco Eskrima. Are niques with full contact sparring. book because it was the first time you presently teaching the system? It also underlined the importance a researcher traveled throughout Grandmaster Ricketts: No. I will of the hip and body placement in the entire Philippines to research leave the future to his son, Edgar sparring. the art and publish it in a book. It Sulite Jr. He is my official appoint- Question: Who are the surviving revealed many relatively unknown ed heir to the Lameco Eskrima In- senior students of Grandmaster systems to the world and opened ternational system. Edgar Sulite Jr. Lengson? many doors for future researchers trained under me for many years Grandmaster Ricketts: Rey Dizer, and practitioners. I am happy to in the Philippines while his father Johnny Pintoy (the brother of have been a participant in bringing was in the USA preparing for the Grandmaster Roland Dantes) and these projects to light. eventual arrival of the family. I Badong Alina are the surviving Question: What was it like train- trust Edgar Sulite Jr. to make many senior students. ing with Punong Guro Sulite? Was wise decisions. He is like family to me. Question: You were a close friend Lameco Eskrima founded at the of Punong Guor Edgar Sulite. time? Question: Has Edgar Jr. continued How did you meet him and do Grandmaster Ricketts: Lameco his training and taken his rightful you have any fond memories you Eskrima was already founded place in Lameco Eskrima? would like to share? at the time. However it was still Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes. Grandmaster Ricketts: Edgar evolving and Kali Ilustrisimo was Question: You were very close to G. Sulite was one of my closest the finishing touch. Training with Tatang. What are some of your friends. I met him through another Edgar was fun and enlightening fond memories of him and your close friend of mine, Alex Co, a for the both of us and we became time together? pioneer publisher in the Philip- training partners. There were lots Grandmaster Ricketts: There are pines of martial arts books and of live and instinctive drills. Con- so many. Very few had the privi- magazines. Alex asked me to stant research, experimentation lege to spar Tatang regularly as I check whether Edgar was the real and sparring, sparring, sparring. did, but there is one occasion I will McCoy because Edgar wanted to We had lots of painful bumps and not soon forget. discuss the publication of a book. bruises because back then we had In general, Tatang was a After meeting Edgar, I reported no safety gear. It was very educa- respectful gentleman. However, that he was indeed the real thing tional for the both of us. on this particular day I kept telling and the rest is history. Alex ended Punong Guro Edgar G. Su- Tatang that he was not able to hit up publishing all three of Edgar’s lite was a true scholar, gentleman me. I was doing this in order to see books: Secrets of Arnis, Advanced and warrior. how the old man would press his Balisong and Masters of Arnis, Question: With the unfortunate attack and possibly reveal some Kali and Eskrima. passing of Punong Guro Sulite, new strategies and techniques; a The Masters of Anis, Kali you became the highest ranked sacrifice so to speak. Immediately Tatang stood up and began striking me in the head. He quickly feinted left, and then suddenly struck me in the right eye with an inside De Cadena attack. Tatang struck me so hard I actually believed he had knocked my eye ball out and so I dropped to the ground in search of my eyeball! When I realized my

Great friends: Grandmaster Ricketts with the late Founder of Lameco Eskrima, Grandmaster Edgar G. Sulite [**] 10 eye was still intact, I stood up and making theories. However, this is majority of what is being pushed as Tatang asked if I was okay. When not enough. You must also practice Kali Ilustrisimo was never done by I said I was fine, without hesitation Tatang’s real techniques and be Tatang. Let your eyes be the judge. he continued his barrage of at- able to apply them. Once again, it is personal interpre- tacks upon me. Tatang was always Many people are good tations. willing to fight to the end, even in at talking, but when it comes to Being one of the five pillars training sessions. Now that he has sparring they either decline or of Kali Ilustrisimo and spending gone, even the painful memories perform very badly. Unfortunately, countless hours with Tatang, I have become fond memories. there are people exploiting the take great offense at the actions of Question: Tell us what was legend- Ilustrisimo name but are actually pretenders. I have dedicated a good ary and special about Grandmas- teaching their own personal vision. portion of my life to this art. It is ter Ilustrisimo for newcomers that When teaching you must make the a part of me. Regardless of these may not know? distinction between your version facts, I will always attempt to settle Grandmaster Ricketts: During and the original. If people are not misunderstandings as a gentle- the infamous organized crime wars honest and this keeps up, the art man, first and foremost. However, of the 1950s, the crime lords of will continue to be watered down if this course of action fails, I will the two rival factions sought the and may eventually be lost. not hesitate to settle it as an Eskri- protection skills of Tatang. Some Also since the passing of mador. It is after all, the “Warrior of the toughest Tondo mobsters in Tatang, there have been many Arts” and not the “Verbal Debat- the Philippines history recognized people publicly proclaiming to be ing Arts”. I have full confidence in and respected Tatang. “certified” by Tatang. There are all what Tatang has passed on to me; manners of scenarios: some spent most do not. Question: In your years of teach- a week, a month or just took a Question: Master Topher, you are ing, do you feel that students want photo with Tatang to become “cer- the fast service approach, i.e., carrying on the legacy of your tified”. There are very few credible teacher, Grandmaster Antonio quickly moving through the mate- martial arts that will even consider rial? ‘Tatang’ Ilustrisimo. How does that certifying anyone with even two make you feel? Grandmaster Ricketts: I have years of dedicated training, let never experienced it personally. Grandmaster Ricketts: When I alone two weeks. There is even started training in Kali Ilustrisimo I Usually when students want to a story of people helping Tatang learn from me they know I mean never expected that it would come with his medical bills in his twi- to this point. I was drawn to this business and they in turn must be light years and thus being awarded committed and dedicated. Oth- particular art because it was the certification for their help. most practical and effective form erwise, I will just refer them to There will always be someone else. of Philippine martial arts that I unscrupulous people that will say have encountered. I just wanted Question: Are you concerned that anything to become “known” in to learn with no other motive. My with the proliferation of unquali- the martial arts, even at the ex- beliefs in his skills were further fied teachers attempting to cash in pense of the art. Because of these reinforced judging by the way all on the popularity of the Filipino facts, my main focus is now is other masters we encountered to- martial arts, the true intention of concentration on Tatang’s original gether treated him. He was simply the art will be lost? core techniques, the roots of his the best of his generation and they Grandmaster Ricketts: Naturally system which I always differenti- all treated him accordingly. I am concerned with the preserva- ate from drills developed by the Now I am seeing all kinds tion of all the arts in their purest five pillars. Who is to say what is of glory hungry individuals out form. Personally, my main concern original and what is not? On top there trying to exploit Tatang’s is with Kali Ilustrisimo. After the of the fact I was one of his most name for fame and money. A few death of Tatang, many people sud- physically dedicated students, legitimate ones out there, but most denly appeared claiming to repre- the hundreds of hours of Tatang’s are a joke. So now I must make an sent Kali Ilustrisimo. These people film archives that I have of him in effort to preserve his teaching in are mainly good at talking and action speak for themselves. The the purest way I can. Naturally I 11 will have drills and interpretations began. Unfortunately, there will oped has fine-tuned the manner that are my own or that of the five always be people that exist who in which the art is taught to the pillars. However I was trained in, will say or do anything to become students? observed and archived the pure “famous”. Grandmaster Ricketts: My teach- techniques. By pure, I mean the Question: Looking back, did ei- ing progressions teach a student to techniques that Tatang constantly ther of you think his system would instinctively react with the tech- repeated over the many years of be embraced by martial artists like niques of Ilustrisimo. However, it my training. These techniques are it has been? is not something you learn over- always direct and simple, devoid Grandmaster Ricketts: We knew night. of flowery movements. I have sep- it was a unique treasure among Question: How do you ensure the arated these movements into their Philippine martial arts. It was just students receive and grasp the es- own category as to not confuse it a matter of time before the world sence of the art? with the interpretation of the five would also start to realize it. Grandmaster Ricketts: Research, pillars. Question: Without a doubt you are review, dissect, spar and dedicated Question: What are your thoughts largely to be applauded for this practice, practice, practice. My on the legacy of Grandmaster and for carrying his legacy. emphasis is on constant repetition Ilustrisimo? Grandmaster Ricketts: The five of basic techniques and sparring. Grandmaster Ricketts: Let’s just pillars have all done their part. Question: How long do you put it this way. If it wasn’t for Ta- With this said, I am disgusted with believe it takes for the average tang I would not be practicing the some of the followers under some person to develop adequate skills Philippine warrior arts. of the five pillars. They are con- to protect themselves and deal with Question: What do you feel made stantly trying to divide us in order street attacks? him so good? Was it his natural to gain favor. They also show no Grandmaster Ricketts: There is no abilities, his fighting system and respect for the other seniors of scientific method of determining training methods? Kali Ilustrisimo. To me this is a that factor. Grandmaster Ricketts: A combi- sign of motives without honor and Question: From your experience, nation of all of the above. disrespect to the system. can anyone learn Kali Ilustrisimo Question: How proud do you think Question: In a nutshell, what are and master the principles and Tatang would be, knowing his art the differences in how you learnt techniques or does it require/suit has continued to be taught and is from Tatang and how you teach individuals with certain abilities or respected worldwide? today? genetics? Grandmaster Ricketts: I think he Grandmaster Ricketts: Through- Grandmaster Ricketts: If you would find it amusing. He would out the years up until his death, I don’t have an open mind, then be proud in some instances, but was constantly learning, dissect- forget about trying. bewildered in some cases, on the ing, experimenting, analyzing and Question: Do you accept there are verge of anger. Some of the stuff observing his movements. After students who will eventually tailor out there claiming to be Ilustrisimo Tatang’s death, I continued to do and develop Kali Ilustrisimo to just should not be associated with the same with what I had retained. their won requirements and genetic Tatang’s name. Now I have come a full circle back makeup? I think Tatang would be to his original techniques: mini- Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes. saddened that politics has infected mal, uncomplicated, and effective. our group. When it was still the When I went back and reviewed Question: A major misconception core group, practice was fun for the hundreds of hours of film ar- with Kali/Eskrima/Arnis is it is many years. None of us were do- chives on Tatang, it confirmed that only a weapons method of combat. ing it for self-promotion or ego I am on the right path. And still in Why is it some people do not see inflation. It was like a family. It wonder of my teacher’s abilities. the well rounded composition of it? was not until people who were not Grandmaster Ricketts: Many Question: Would you say the in the original group made their people are fascinated by weapons teaching progression you devel- way in. This is where the problems and seem to not go beyond that. 12 gain from observing other systems. Question: What is the difference between Kali Ilustrisimo as you teach it and Bakbakan Kali (Ilus- trisimo)? Grandmaster Ricketts: The difference is Kali Ilustrisimo is Topher Ricketts and Bakbakan Kali is Rey Galang’s. Question: What if any advice could you offer someone to look for when seeking a genuine Kali Ilustrisimo instructor? Grandmaster Ricketts: Stick to the five pillars while you can. Question: You are presently work- Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo and the Bakbakan group [**] ing on an exciting DVD series. In the process they are missing the Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes. I am Could you tell us about them? core concepts. very proud and humbled at how Grandmaster Ricketts: You will well we are received around the find a new perspective on this truly Question: You were one of the world. unique art. Founders of Bakbakan and its Chief Instructor. What is the his- Question: When I was training Question: Additionally you are tory and aim of Bakbakan? under you in the Philippines, you working on an extensive Kali Ilus- Grandmaster Ricketts: Bakbakan stressed you only teach Kali Ilus- trisimo book. What will the book means something along the lines trisimo. Does this still hold true? encompass? of a free for all brawl. Bakbakan Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes. Grandmaster Ricketts: It will actually be a series of books. Some was founded in 1967 by a group Question: Why do you not teach books will cover the original core of instructors from various styles Lameco Eskrima or Bakbakan techniques and some with methods of martial arts in the Philippines. Kali? to develop these techniques. Prior to the organization becom- Grandmaster Ricketts: It is what ing a bastion of martial arts in the I have focused on. It is my core Question: During your decades Philippines, the main objective style. This does not mean I do not of martial arts training, you have of the original members was to elevate their fighting skills through constant full contact sparring. Originally there were only six of us: Ding Binay, Rolly Max- imo, Christian Gloria, Eddie Ben Alicante, Rey Vizer and myself. We would meet at my house in San Miguel Village in Makati, where my bedroom was our original gym. Question: Bakbakan is respected worldwide for its integrity in the promotion of the combative arts of A Gathering of some of the Senior Members of Bakbakan International. the Philippines. You should be very proud since you yourself have set Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Ding Binay, Ronnie Ricketts, Rolly Maximo, Rey Galang, the standard. Rey Dizer, Topher Ricketts, Edgar Aristorenas and Tony Diego [**] 13 L-R: Grandmaster Antonio ‘Tony’ Diego, Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts, Grandmaster Rey Galang, Grandmaster Alex Co [**]

studied and become proficient in Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes. Grandmaster Ricketts: I am now several systems including boxing. Technology may change and more practical than realistic. When Why? sometimes even fail, but the physi- I was young, I practiced controlled Grandmaster Ricketts: I am a cal human body is the same. sparring and pulled my punches. true lover of the warrior arts from Question: Though you yourself I used to think that was it until I forms to practical applications. have competed in various forms found out the hard way in a street I do it because I truly enjoy it. of competitions, do you believe fight. Boxing has some of the best full Filipino martial arts competition Question: What changes did you contact, conditioning and training can develop bad habits? make as a result of these street methods that exist. Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes. Most fights? Question: Did you encounter dif- tournaments forget about defense Grandmaster Ricketts: Constant ficulty learning and then apply- and just press the attack. They get repetition of basics, regular full- ing the different techniques and hit as many times as they hit with contact sparring and honesty with concepts? little respect for the weapon. They yourself. Grandmaster Ricketts: No not at rarely do the art justice. A tourna- Question: As someone respected all. I enjoy every aspect of learn- ment with protective gear can be for their fighting ability, how do ing. good as long as the rules, judges you prepare students to take their Question: Would you agree the and participants respect the true skills from the class and apply primary objective is to prepare the capabilities of a live weapon at all them effectively in the street? student to be able to defend them- times. Another way to rectify this Grandmaster Ricketts: Constant selves should the need arise? is to remove the helmet and other repetition of basics, regular full- Grandmaster Ricketts: In the protective gear and use a full live contact sparring and honesty with Philippines, it is always for self- stick. But how many people are yourself. willing to do that? defense. Question: I know and agree with Question: You have trained elite Question: You are known and re- your emphasis concentrating on military units in various countries. spected as someone who has used drilling the basics. What is the em- Do you believe arnis serves as a his skills in dangerous street situ- phasis and aim of your teachings? practical combat method in these ations. How did these experiences Grandmaster Ricketts: For a modern times? alter your approach to martial student to be able to eventually arts? naturally execute a technique cor- 14 rectly without thought. Become an Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts and his son, Guro Bruce Ricketts. instinctive fighter. Follwing in the steps of his father. Question: You recently relocated 1 to the USA. Are you presently teaching and how has Kali Ilustri- simo been received? Grandmaster Ricketts: I am pres- ently teaching and I have a loyal core group focused on the integ- rity of the art. I have conducted seminars in Las Vegas, New Jersey, 2 Maryland, Los Angeles, San Di- ego, Oakland, Seattle, and Virginia Beach. I am assisted by my son, Guro Bruce and Guro Dino Flores of Lameco Eskrima SOG. Dino has been training under me since 1997, after the passing of his teacher and my friend Edgar Sulite. Presently I am offering small group and pri- 3 4 vate lessons, as well as seminars Kali Ilustrisimo is being very well received as most of the participants have heard of it. Once they experience it in person, it usu- ally is an eye-opener for practitio- ners of many styles. It is especially an eye-opener for those who have “supposedly” been learning Kali 5 6 Ilustrisimo. Question: Your son Bruce has been training since I can remember. Tell us about his training in the Philip- pines and now in the USA? Grandmaster Ricketts: Bruce began his formal training at 4 years old. He was always surrounded by 7 8 the arts, as there was a gym at our house in the Philippines. Although he has trained in various arts, his specialty is Kali Ilustrisimo, which he learned under myself and Tony Diego, Sagasa Kickboxing, Thai Boxing, Western Boxing under Dodong Sta. Iglesia and Ngo Cho under Alex Co. Question: What is the aim with Ilustrisimo USA? Grandmaster Ricketts: Again, it 15 9 10 11

is just plain Ilustrisimo with the will be addressed when we launch Philippine martial arts and Philip- USA as one of the regions. I also the official website. We will be pine culture in general. He has have people in the Philippines, doing everything right and by the not been given the credit he truly Australia and around the world. book. My son Guro Bruce Ricketts deserves. Just the fact he made the The details of this will be in the will be instrumental in this phase first Philippine martial arts movie upcoming centralized website. as well as the system officers. of international proportions is a Question: You will be visiting Aus- grand feat in itself that needs to Question: Presently where do you be given its fair recognition and have people representing you and tralia to conduct seminars. What can attendees expect? honor. He is a true warrior, gentle- could you please name them? man and most of all a friend. Grandmaster Ricketts: At this Grandmaster Ricketts: I’ll be point all representation is under re- there soon. Expect Kali Ilustrisimo Master Topher, thank you very view. I am currently restructuring. in its most combative, practical much. AI must get strict with who repre- and purest form. Grandmaster Ricketts: Walang sents me if we are to keep Tatang’s Question: Could you please say a anuman. You are welcome and pure methods alive. I am saddened few words to Grandmaster Ro- thank you for your support and with the current development and land Dantes about the book he is interest in the warrior arts of the the only thing to do is to ensure interviewing you and other Grand- Philippines. I do it right once and for all. All masters for? Master Topher is now representatives must be trained Grandmaster Ricketts: This book residing in the U.S.A. where he and informed in these new policies is very long overdue. Grandmaster is teaching Kali Ilustrisimo in the and methods. All of these matters Roland Dantes is an icon of the way that only he can. This of- fers a remarkable opportunity for those seeking the opportunity to learn true Kali Ilustrisimo as it is intended to be: effective, direct and deadly. For further informa- tion visit Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts’ web site www.ilustrisi- mousa.com which should be back online shortly. This interview is a com- pilation of interviews researched and conducted by Grandmaster Roland Dantes and David Foggie. An earlier interview which was researched and questions compiled by David Foggie, was conducted L-R: Guro Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Grandmaster Pepito Robas, Grandmaster Yuli by Dino Flores on 12th February Romo, Grandmaster Vic Sanchez, GrandmasterRey Galang, Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts, Grandmaster Roland Dantes, Grandmaster Rodel Da- 2006, Los Angeles. gooc, Grandmaster Jerry dela Cruz 16 Residence of Grandmaster Ricketts in Manila, Philippines 2004 L-R Siting: Grandmaster Roland Dantes, Grandmaster Jerry dela Cruz, Grandmaster Vic Sanchez, Grandmaster Rodel Dagooc, GM Pepido Robas, GM Yuli Romo Standing: David Foggie, Grandmaster Ricketts, Grandmaster Rey Galang, Guro Dodong Sta. Iglesia

At the premiere of ‘Mano Mano 3 (starring Ronnie and Bruce Ricketts. www.ilustrisimousa.com From the left: Grandmaster Roland Dantes, Grandmaster Ricketts, Grand- master Rodel Dagooc, Guro Steve Drape, Janice Loke and Grandmaster Vic Sanchez - 2004 Manila, Philippines.

Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts Email: [email protected] (619) 861-3206

17 About the author: Introduced to the Filipino martial arts by Grandmaster Roland Dantes was an awakening and enlightening experience which reset the course of David’s martial arts training. As such, David made the transition to the Filipino martial arts and was fortunate to become a personal student of his teacher. Having trained in the Philip- pines several times, David continued his training and research with his prin- cipal teacher Grandmaster Dantes and met many masters of the art, as well studying from and becoming a student of Grandmaster Christopher “Topher” Ricketts. Other Grandmasters who were kind enough to spend some time L-R: Master Boy Garcia, Mrs Beth Ricketts. Grandmaster Topher, training David include Grandmaster David Foggie, Janice Loke and Grandmaster Vic Sanchez Johnny F. Chiuten, Grandmaster Vic Sanchez and Master Nilo Limpin. After years of dedicated private study under Grandmaster Dantes, Da- vid tested for and was promoted to the rank of Lakan Lima (5th degree black belt) and the title of Ikalawang Guro. This is an immense honor as Grand- master Dantes never before graded a student to this rank. Valuing and re- specting the promotion, David though is insistent he is simply a student of the Filipino martial arts and stresses it is a lifelong pursuit. As such, he uses the title (Taga Turu) as he truly believes he is only a student of the art and an assistant to his teachers. With the passing of Grandmas- ter Dantes, David as his most senior student continues to teach Pinagsamang Paraang Arnis. It is up to the himself and a handful of students who trained L-R: Boy Garcia, Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Jim Papadopoulos, under the auspices of Grandmaster Grandmaster Ricketts, David Foggie after training in Manila 2004 Dantes at his official school to ensure their teacher’s system is in the hands ters and these have been published seminars with Grandmaster Bobby Ta- of those they trust as they are now the in Australia’s premier martial arts boada Balintawak Eskrima Cuentada guardians and custodians of his legacy. magazine ‘Blitz’, as well as interna- System) and Guro Viko Perrine (Kali Grandmaster Roland Dantes tionally in the Philippines, USA and Ilustrisimo), it is hoped 2010 will see strived to promote and unite those the UK. Additionally a number of his Grandmaster Ricketts visit Australia involved with the Filipino martial arts interviews and photograph sequences to conduct seminars. and with this in mind, David aims to were featured in Master Reynaldo S. continue the path set by his teacher. To Contact David Foggie: Galang’s publications, “Warrior Arts Through the years, David has writ- Email: [email protected] of the Philippines” and “Masters of ten articles and interviewed some of Cell phone: (6142) 104-5108 the Blade”. Having recently hosted the Filipino martial arts leading Mas-

18 Offensive Use for Defanging the Snake By Guru James Hogue Through the years, I “Why try to hit his head when he Fig 2 have heard about “Defanging is giving you some great targets?” the Snake” as a defensive coun- Then to illustrate that point, I take ter against punches. However, I my knuckles and semi-lightly haven’t seen many uses for “De- strike their arms, legs, chest, and fanging the Snake” as an offensive back. I then ask the student if it set of techniques. I don’t really would hurt if I was to do this hard- know why the offensive use isn’t er. The answer is always yes. Then so popular, or even taught. How- why aren’t they seeing my arms as ever, in this article, we are going a target to defang the snake? Fig 3 to talk about the offensive use for As my teacher taught me, some- destructions known as “Defang- times you have to hit anything ing the Snake”. I hope this article until you get the target you want. helps you, and adds some more This held true two decades ago, tools to your martial arts toolbox. and still does today. Let’s look at My one pet peeve is what the boxer and his guard in Fig. 2. I call “The Unmovable Wall.” The Boxer is standing in When someone puts up his guard Fig. 2 with his hands in front of people try to hit around it. We, as his face as in Fig. 1. I then do a Fig 3 Up Close Filipino martial arts practitioners, jab to his hand as shown in Fig. 3. will strike the arms when they This drives his hand back into his attack us, but not when they are in face, making the attacker strike the guard position. Why? Take a himself with his own hand. I have Fig 1 done this very technique many times in my 20 plus years in secu- rity, corrections, and law-enforce- ment. This rattles your opponent, and gives you an opening for your Fig 4 next move. I strike to the meaty area of his forearm as in Fig. 5. This not only hurts, but also drives his arm downward, creating an open- look at Fig. 1, The Boxer. ing for Traps, and/or strikes to his Notice the boxer has his head. Every time someone puts hands right in front of his face their guard up, I see this as giving me a target to hit. This technique to protect his head from getting Fig 5 hit. Most people will try to strike worked well against an amateur around his guard to strike him. I boxer I was trying to throw out of call this “The Unmovable Wall”, a bar I was bouncing in. not because his arms aren’t move- In that situation, I asked able, but because they are. How- the boxer to leave, but he just ever, martial artists won’t move turned around to walk away. I them, and will see them as unmov- tap him on the shoulder, and he able. turned with his hands up. I struck As I tell my students, his hand with my jab and his other arm with my cross. He yelled in 19 pain and dropped his guard. I then moved in with Offensive Gunting # 1: a Dumog Lock and threw him out without a fight. Fig 1 Fig 2 Most people are not use to getting their arms hit, and it will be a total shock to their system. Now let talk about “Defanging the Snake” that we know, Guntings. We have seen Guntings over and over until we’re blue in the face. We know if the guy strikes at us, we can destroy it with a knuckle strike as in Fig. 5. You may wonder, “What if he doesn’t throw a strike at me. Can I still do the Gunting? Yes, Gunt- Fig 3 Fig 4 ings are just as good of an attack as a defense. Just because he isn’t striking, doesn’t make those nerves any less tender. Let’s take Offense Gunting #1, where Guru Baharu Wayne and I are facing off. This will give you a better understanding of how we use the Of- fensive Destructions to “Defang the Snake.” Guru Baharu Wayne and I are facing off in Fig. 1. My lead hand checks his lead hand (Fig. 2) as I do a Gunting Strike to his Bra- Fig 5 chial Nerve on the inside of his right bicep as in Figs. 3 and 4. My left hand (lead hand) monitors, and checks Guru Baharu Wayne’s hand downward as I do a back Defensive Gunting # 2: fist strike as in Fig. 5. This will take the fight to your attacker, and “Defang the Snake” before it Fig 1 can strike. The next Gunting is the known as the, “Back-Fist Gunting” by some systems. In the typical Back-Fist Gunting, the at- tacker strikes at you as in Fig. 1. Inside parry the attacking hand as your right hand does a safety check. You apply a left-hand back-fist strike to their Brachial Nerve on the inside of his right bicep as in

Fig 2 Fig. 2. Then strike your opponent, and use the fol- low up techniques of your system. Fig 1 Offensive Gunting # 2: In the offensive version, you’re facing off with your attacker as in Fig. 1. Angle off to your left to create distance from their left hand. Your right hand checks their right hand as you do a Fig 3 back-fist to the inside of their bicep as in Figs. 2 Fig 2 Fig 3 Fig 4

20 Defensive Gunting # 3: As the attacker gives a right punch “do a safety check” with your left hand as you outside parry their attack as in Fig. 1. Use your right hand to finger jab the attacker’s eyes, and then grab his bicep as in Fig. 2. Deliver an elbow strike to their bicep as in Fig. 3. Finally, deliver a Vertical Elbow to their jaw as in Fig. 4. Fig 1 Fig 2 Fig 3 Fig 4

Offensive Gunting # 3: Fig 1 Fig 2 Fig 3 Fig 4

Fig 5 As you and the attacker face of your left checks their right hand to your right as you parry to your left as in Fig. 2. Your right hand slides under your left arm into a finger jab to their eyes as in Fig. 3. Then your right hand grabs their bicep while delivering an elbow strike with a Vertical Elbow as a follow-up as in Figs. 4 and 5.

Offensive Destruction Combination # 1 Fig 1 Fig 2 Fig 3 I open my attack with a strike to Guru Baharu Wayne’s left hand, which hits him in the face as in Fig. 1. Then, my left hand checks Guru Baharu Wayne’s right hand as I deliver a Gunting Strike to the inside of his bicep as in Fig. 2. Finally, I follow up by trapping his hand downward as I do a back fist as in Fig. 3.

Fig 1 Fig 2 Offensive Destruction Combination # 2 In combination No. 2, Guru Baharu Wayne could be facing off with me, or attempting to strike me with his right hand. This doesn’t matter because at the Malay Fighting Arts Academy we practice the defen- sive techniques, the offensive techniques, and combin- ing both for a well-rounded system. Let’s say Guru Baharu Wayne did a right jab at me. I counter his strike with a Back-Fist Gunting as in Fig. 1. I then go right

21 Fig 3 into another Back-Fist Gunting to his other arm with a strike to his jaw as a follow up as in Figs. 2 and 3. With these basic techniques, and some practice I hope I have added to your knowledge in “Defanging the Snake” for offensive use. The main purpose in write the articles I write, and producing my DVDs is to share my knowledge of the arts that I love with everyone that will listen. Thank you for taking the time to read my article, and please feel free to e-mail me with any questions. I hope God watches over you and your family.

Guru James Hogue: The author has been training in the Southeast Asian Martial Arts for over 34 years, and has served in law-en- forcement for over 21 years. He has dedicated this article to his new granddaughter, Grace. Editor: Jennifer McDaniel

Website: www.pukulan.net E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: (913) 626-4372 Location: Gardner, Kansas

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22 5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Self Defense Knife By Joel Huncar

Knives and knife fighting have not use your weapon where it is If you want you could seen a huge upsweep in popular- not appropriate? Are you willing buy custom made knives from ity these days. Something that to take someone’s life to protect a famous knife maker, but these was once taught in small secretive your own? knives will perform just as well in groups is now being taught at your If your answer is no to any a violent encounter and they won’t local YMCA by karate, Jiu Jitsu of these questions, then please do break your bank. Custom made and other “traditional” martial arts not make the knife a part of your are great if you can afford them, instructors. Many people are car- defensive strategy. The sober truth but for me I simply do not have the rying “defensive” knives for self about bladed weapons is that they money for a custom knife. protection, from all sorts of social maim and kill. While many knife Cheap knock offs on the backgrounds. The art of the blade teachers say that you can use a other hand should be avoided like is not just in the hands of street knife to disable an attacker, this is the plague. They are usually poor punks and paramilitary types any not really very realistic in the high quality and will break under any more. Now it is not uncommon to speed adrenaline charged reality hard use. Remember you will use meet homemakers, realtors, stock of violence. Overkill is instinctive your defensive knife as a tool first brokers and bankers all carrying once adrenaline kicks in, so if you and for personal protection second knives as part of their personal carry a blade you must be sure that and this should be your first con- protection strategy. Many of these your life is in danger before you sideration when you pick it out. people have excellent instruction pull it or you may find yourself Stay away from low quality stuff and are ready for the world of spending a long time reflecting on that can be found at flea markets martial blade carry but many have your actions behind bars. Knives and gas stations. had very little training and are just can be great life saving tools but Also one thing I have found ignorantly following the latest only for the most extreme circum- is that quite often knives that are trend. For those who wish to make stances. marketed with gun manufacturer’s an informed decision about buy- 2) Knife Quality: names are often of poor quality. ing and carrying a knife for self The thing I recommend Let the gun makers make guns and protection there are some things to my students is that when they leave the knives to the knife mak- that you should consider. are picking out a knife they get ers. Quite often if you get a blade one made by one of well known from one of the big knife manufac- manufacturers. Cold Steel, SOG, turers you will have a companion 1) Are You Prepared? Spyderco, CRKT, Benchmade, that with proper upkeep will serve Do you have the mental, Timberline, Buck, and Camillus you all your days. physical and emotional training are some of the top manufacturers 3) Model Name: to be able to carry a blade for of production knives. All of them Try to stay away from self defence? Remember we are make very good folding and fix knives with macho names or talking about using a sharp instru- blade knives that are reasonably named after famous “knife fight- ment to cut up another human priced and have great warranties. ers”. A lawyer will tear you apart being here. This is a very ugly Price range for these knives should in court if you used a knife called and brutal way to fight. Are you be from twenty five dollars on the the “marauder” to defend yourself. ready to suffer the consequences low end up to a couple of hundred You will look like a psycho to the of doing potentially lethal damage dollars on the high end. An aver- jury and court. Do not buy a knife to another person? Are you trained age decent quality folder should that will make you look bad in well enough to keep your blade in be around fifty to one hundred court. Look for something with a your hands instead of your attack- fifty dollars. CRKT make some harmless sounding name like the ers? Do you have enough control excellent low cost folders but for “voyager” or “cricket” or “civil- of your temper to know you will myself I prefer Cold Steel. ian” to just name a few. Any name 23 that makes your knife sound tacti- The type of blade you as well and save deadly weapons cal, military or martial should be carry should suit both your life for situations where using deadly avoided because if you every need style and self defence needs. You force is a reasonable option. By to use your blade you will probably should pick a knife that suits your this I mean situations where your have your actions judged in court. personal fighting style, the envi- life is in jeopardy, anything else is 4) Deployment: ronment in which you live and morally and legally wrong. Your knife should be able your profession. A roughneck There is a lot to consider to be brought into use quickly and in northern Alberta would need before one starts to carry a knife efficiently. It should be there when a different knife then a personal for self defence. The more reflec- you need it, not sitting in the bot- assistant working in a posh office tion and research you put into buy- tom of a purse or a pocket. If it is a in downtown LA. Also I train in a ing the knife that is right for you folding knife it is imperative it can slashing intensive system of arnis will not only keep you from wast- be opened with one hand quickly. where as a person who trains in ing your money but could also save If it is a fixed blade it should be a thrusting intensive system will you from making a choice that will in a sheath that allows for a quick be suited to a different blade then change your life forever. draw. me. Tailor your blade choice to If you can’t access your your environment, training and life knife swiftly it will be of little use style. in an assault. The other side of this Another side to this is that you will need to practice getting you should know the local laws your knife out quick while under and bylaws concerning knifes. pressure. You need to drill your You do not want to defend your- draw. It is not enough to have a self with a weapon that is pro- blade at your side but you must hibited in your area. This is very be practiced at getting it out in an important. You want to look like emergency situation. a reasonable person to the police There is yet another impor- and court, not some outlaw who tant factor to deployment, if it is packs dangerous weapons and easy for you to draw your knife, it looks for trouble. When it comes will be easy for an opponent to get to court image is very important, to it if you are grappling or clinch- if you are packing a prohibited ing. This means you need to train weapon you have taken the first at protecting your knife while in step in destroying your own cred- combat. Many self defence situ- ibility. ations can happen so quick that When it comes to picking you will be unable to access your out a defensive blade you should knife. Or your knife may not be keep these things in mind. Pick a appropriate to the situation, but knife that suits you, your training once the fight is on your opponent style and your life style. Under- may go for your knife and escalate stand what you are getting into the situation. You need to know when it comes to using a knife for how to keep your knife in your self defence. It is your responsi- own hands and not your opponents. bility to make good choices when Knife retention is often overlooked it comes to knives and weapons in general. Do not make knives your by many knife practitioners and Guro Joel Huncar trainers but is very important to only choice of defensive training. Ravenwood Combat Arts your survival when it comes to self A knife is only a viable choice for The Guild of Combat Sciences defence knife training. a severely limited amount of self defence scenarios. You should Cranbrook BC Canada 5) Blade Style and Length: depend on your empty hand skills [email protected] 24 The Main Role of Senior Students Amara Arkanis - USA By: Phillip Weathers Amara Arkanis Delran NJ

There are many roles filled by which authority is gained through senior students in a martial arts freely given choice. group of any kind. The newest An English word for the senior students are in a position same process is “modeling.” The www.amara-arkanis.com analogous to that of a college stu- juniors model their behavior after dent the day after graduation or a seniors (including the head teach- non-commissioned military officer er). The seniors provide the model. extinguish poor behavior. the day after his initial promotion. Providing the model is also called This brief discussion of Both have achieved a big goal and “modeling” in a specialized use of modeling demonstrates that senior moved to a different level but nei- the word by educators and behav- students do their most important ther has really learned to do his job ioral scientists. work in the workout area in the yet. Along with one kind of new Modeling is usually unin- presence of junior students. The status comes a way of being at the tentional. Nobody has the energy senior students are judged in part bottom of a new heap. to be a conscious role model all by the success of juniors in their This article attempts to day every day. Self discipline school. A small school with only track a developmental process for helps to control what we model a few long-term students is not seniors by looking at the roles they to others. Senior students must likely to survive unless it can pres- fill. It is intentionally short and have some level of discipline and ent a model to attract new students. directed as much at new senior understanding to fill their roles. This means the long-term students students as their teachers. No In this process of emula- demonstrate some martial virtues. doubt there will be expansions on tion through choice, the practices Many “non-modeling” jobs subjects glossed over here. and skills espoused by the school filled by senior students are none- Senior students are never are passed on to new students. theless explicable in terms of help- in charge of the overall teaching or This makes it possible for the ing the school attract new students experience of a group. As a sub- school to survive and prosper. to the workout area, which is the group within a school, they work In much the same way as armies center of modeling. Demonstra- to support the goals of the school. cannot survive without a solid core tions, tournaments, video produc- Although there are many ways to of non-commissioned officers, tion, web pages, finance, advertis- do this, the essential thread uniting martial arts schools need a healthy, ing, and recruiting all have some senior students across history and cooperating core of senior stu- function in keeping the school differences in styles is the job of dents. going and growing. One could modeling the style and its desired Modeling the practices argue with perfect justice that this behaviors to more junior students. and behaviors espoused by the article assumes the primacy of the If the seniors show through their school is the most important role workout floor as the center of any conduct that the school embod- of any senior student. Please note martial arts group. This is the place ies desirable skills and behavior, that it is at least possible for this where desirable physical skills and junior students will be moved to process to occur with no giving of character attributes are learned. emulate them. This is not a re- orders or overt exercise of author- Most other activities collapse in sult of command authority, but of ity. While seniors may need to and the absence of regular workouts. choice by the junior students. should exercise authority when Typically junior students The Japanese might use required, their success is measured clean the school and tend to other the word “giri” (admiration, love, in part by how little they need to physical concerns that have to be responsibility) for this process by give orders or exercise authority to done ever and over. Seniors are

25 chosen in part for their ability to model, and because they can be trusted. Their first need is to learn about passing on the values of the school. Then they must do it. This work can be augmented by simple mechanical tasks that still require trust like filing in the office or col- lecting dues. Seniors may assist individ- ual students and play an assistive role to the teacher. More advanced seniors may lead warm-ups or even classes in the presence of the FMAdigest published in booklet form. teacher. Seniors who have success- These special printings are approximately 5” X 7” in size - in Booklet fully lead classes several times in form. the absence of a teacher may have FMAdigest Set: Volume 1 - 5 (1st Five Years Regular Issues) the potential to represent the school in public (demos, tournaments, United States and Canada - $ 65.00 USD, This includes Shipping. sales, etc.). Some jobs involving Outside the United States and Canada - $70.00 USD, This includes new technology have to be as- Shipping. signed based simply on who can do Note: Orders outside the United States cannot be registered confirmed them. Teachers need to be current delivery. on the set of abilities collectively Insured mail is high priced, if you desire insured mailing add extra possessed by their seniors. $20 USD. Due to some countries customs security mail is held up for The further a senior’s job or extended time. This includes Canada. role is from the workout floor, the more it has to do with some as- Order - Click Here pect of business management and the less it has to do with martial arts. Still such jobs are entirely necessary. No job that supports the school is completely divorced from the martial arts.

www.pmasupplies.com Makers of premium handcrafted wooden martial arts weapons for practice, collection and display. To the martial artist who doesn’t compromise between beauty, functionality, near perfect balance and overall superior performance in their training weapons, you have come to the right place. Our weapons are made from premium exotic hardwoods such as Philippine Macassar Ebony (Diospyros Philip- pinensis) otherwise known as “Iron Wood” (Kamagong as it is called locally), Palm wood or Coco-wood (also known as “Bahi” locally), Giho or “Yellow Iron Wood” and premium Palasan and the rare Labsica rattan sticks. All weapons and martial arts equipment are proudly HANDMADE here in the Philippines. 26 Reflection of December 11, 2009 By Grandmaster Frank Aycocho December 11, 2009, The Arnis Bill of Law, Republic Act No. 9850, an act declaring Arnis as the National martial arts and sport of the Philippines, the bill of law in honor of the Author, Senator Migz Zubiri who was an Arnis practitioner of Filipino heritage, champion in sports and in politics in the senatorial candidate raise, was a great honor for us all Filipinos Grandmasters of Arnis Filipino martial arts of each own expertise. I was so glad when I was officially called upon for recognition and as one of the awardees at the, First National Arnis Congress convention at the Rizal Tech- nological University. I was even called to step up and speak at the press conference. My 42 years of martial arts passion has been long years of struggle and survival struggle from the most perfect cone mountain of the Philippines to the different countries overseas fighting for my identity be recognized by the authorities of the country where I was born. In many countries where I had been for as long as 14 years, while teaching Filipino martial arts, some would even say, 3rd World Filipino martial arts

27 craft, it bothers me that I even felt - Challenge), The USEC has trav- years old and now, as a 40 years like a tiny mice calling me a 3rd eled to 101 countries representing old senator, he just couldn’t stop in World country guy. I felt so mad the high quality level of education his desire in helping in the devel- when one huge weight lifter said I in the Philippines and has proven opment of Arnis sports. am too small, he would break my excellent work and leadership for It’s quite ironic that Arnis, bones if he hit me. I fought and the Filipino people. our traditional martial arts, is being hit the sternum of the guy with The long wait is over for practiced more in other countries a lunge punch and knocked him Arnis, the traditional Filipino mar- than inside ours. The special- down. The man couldn’t believe tial arts, has become the national forces in the United States, Russia, that a 5’6” Filipino martial arts sport. And it took a Senator and Israel and Germany used them and Master could knock him down Arnis experts as well, to give the recognize them as Filipino martial with one single punch. Later on he sport, around the world, the recog- arts. signed up for training and became nitions it deserves. Senator Zubiri spoke in one of my regular students. “We’ve done it. Now we front of the Arnis Grandmasters With the assistance of have the law” said Senate Majority from different styles, clubs, and Grandmasters and University Pro- Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri who, organizations from across the fessors, I was able to register my along with Representative Henry country as they paid a courtesy call Organization at the DTI and SEC., Teves and George Arnais, authored on Philippine Sports Commission “The AMAC- Aycocho Martial the law making Arnis the country’s Chairman Harry Angpin. Arts Center and the KKAASI- national martial arts and sport. Senator Zubiri and PSC Kuntaw Kali Arnis Aycocho Republic Act 9850 was signed by Chairman Harry Angpin with System Incorporated,” and also President Arroyo on December 11, Grandmasters became affiliated with the PCK- 2009, a move that was welcomed It didn’t take long for the EAM (Philippines Council of Kali by Senator Zubiri and the count- PSC chief to throw his full support Eskrima Arnis Masters) Founded less Arnis practitioners throughout into Arnis through a 5 million pe- by Grandmaster Roland Dantes, the country. sos pledge, and an office space for At the PLM-ICPE-SAP Senator Zubiri, was the Arnis training at the PSC Building. (Pamantasan Lungsod ng May- National Champion in his weight “ It’s about time for Arnis to get nila - Integrated College of Physi- class in 1988. He’s been a prac- the recognition it truly deserves, cal Education), School of Arnis titioner of Arnis since he was 16 and the PSC, being the lead gov- Professionals, Director, Professor Armando Soteco becomes the Board of Directors of AMAC, on his behalf, AMAC has became the training ground of graduate P.E. Teachers taking up Master de- grees and high students as well in MAPEH subject, it’s my pleasure in my spare time to give tutorial services to educate people about Arnis sports and for self defense. Arnis has been a selective sub- ject in physical education in high schools and in colleges but this year 2009, the USEC. Of Depart- ment of Education has committed to Senator Migz Zubiri and to all the Grandmasters at the Congress Arnis Convention of promises in C. C. C., (Commitment - Courage Senator Zubiri and PSC Chairman Harry Angpin with Grandmasters 28 ernment agency in sports, will always be here to help, “ Said Angpin, who presented Senator Zubiri with an RP Team jacket. “In Thailand they have Muay Thai Boxing, in Korea they have Tae Kwon-Do and in Indonesia they have Pencak Silat, now the Philippines has Arnis as our national sport and it’s here to stay. Present at the press conference, PSC, were Grandmasters: Grandmaster Rene Tongson, Professor Armando Soteco, Grandmaster Rey Dela Cruz, Grandmaster Frank Aycocho, Grandmaster Vic Sanches, Grandmaster Bert Lamaniego, Grandmaster Jerson Tortal Jr. Grandmaster Pepito Robas, Grandmaster Rodel Dagooc, Grandmaster Limuel Maning Bonsa, Lady Grandmaster (daughter of the late Grandmaster Lema), Ms. Caballero, Grandmaster Samuel Dulay. Masters of Arnis from different styles, Master Vher Tubera, Master Rey Dominguez, Master Jerry Evangelisan, Dayang Cecil Tubera, Profes- sor Josie Bauzon, R. Delos Santos and many more whom I meet for the first time because I’ve spent a long time overseas. There has been a lot of Arnis Grandmasters outside the Philippines teaching overseas and are noted to be some of the finest Filipino martial arts instructors , in factWesterns and Europeans have become more skillful in the art with the influence of different style such as WEKAFP, IMAFP, KKAASI, LESKAS, PCK- EAM DAV, DTS, etc… to name a few.

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29 are made from multiple systems, others are as simple like Cinco Terros as just with one weapon, a single stick only with no train- ing on the use of blade or empty hands methods. Some families still have fighting systems that have no name but are still just as effective as well known ones. Some martial art academies offer stick fighting By Marc Lawrence training to supplement their core art like Karate, Kung Fu, or Tae- kwondo. Each has its strengths and What makes up the basics developed techniques to combat weaknesses. Some systems just of Filipino martial arts known as foreign styles. Subsequently, more do drills, some spar with padded Eskrima, Arnis or Kali? This is than 100 different Filipino martial sticks only, others spar with rattan a complete fighting art with the arts styles developed, which can sticks and safety gear, others spar primary focus being on the weap- be grouped into three complete with just a helmet and live stick, ons and the defense against them. self-defense systems which utilize and some just use gloves. The basics are made up of simple sticks, swords, and empty hands. The Filipino fighting arts mechanical principles, good body It is the original mixed are just as good today as they were mechanics and the economy of martial art that was based upon in the past. This is because the Fili- motion. In order to be a good Fili- simple, non-flashy battle tested pino martial arts are built on bat- pino martial arts fighter, a student methods of fighting. They were tling a variety of foreign invaders. must have good basics. This is a designed to use natural efficient It works amazingly well against fact as with a good foundation a motions and exploited the weak- any style of martial art today. The house is strong so is a fighter with nesses of their opponent’s body. A United States Army included por- a good foundation. complete Filipino martial arts sys- tions of the Filipino martial arts in The fighting system was tem being taught to students con- its training manual for soldiers. originally used to train fellow vil- tained certain basic things. First Today in the USA there are lagers in a short period of time for you learn to use a rattan stick, it is local, regional, national and world combat against other island villag- known as the poor man’s weapon tournaments with Filipino martial es and foreign invaders. The typi- and punching bag. The real pur- arts competition. These tourna- cal time available between rainy pose of the stick is used to teach ments are the way many clubs time was just a matter months. your body how to move for attack- test their skills. In the greater Los There was no time or reason to ing, defending, counter attacking, Angeles area there are roughly 25 teach flashy techniques or train grappling and throwing. The groups or clubs that teach the Fili- only those with special abilities. next step is when you learn to use pino martial arts. There are Filipi- The people had to become profi- and defend against blades, like a no, Filipino-Hawaiian, Fil-Am and cient quickly or perish in battle. bolo or knife, and then last but not American teachers that share their The traditional arts are least you learn to use your hands love for the Filipino martial arts. A known as Kali, Eskrima or Arnis, and feet like the stick and the fair number of the American teach- stick, knife and hand to hand knife. Within a complete system ers in the Filipino martial arts are fighting which was developed you will find it has hand to hand, married to Filipinas and share the over a period of many centuries hand and foot fighting as well as art and culture with their children in the Philippines as her people wrestling methods. and students. fought for their independence from Some styles are very This column does not take foreign invaders. Each skirmish complex like Modern Arnis and the place of training with a Guro, with a new culture added to the Doce Pares as they teach multiple Master, or a Grandmaster but is to Filipino martial arts as the warriors weapons and methods as they hopefully supplement the training 30 as this fighting art is one that needs to be learned by hands-on practicing. In the old days, a Guro would spoon feed you a little information at time, so that you could digest and remember it. Get with your teacher if you can, practice with others if you do not have a regular teacher. Practice every day you can and play with everyone you can and you will grow. Each body is different so just because you cannot do the technique just like another guy’s does not make it wrong. Filipino martial arts, is about finding your own way! Put together your own tool box of good techniques. Have anyone teaching you explain the concepts behind their method or combination.

Until next time, Questions or Comments: [email protected] www.southbayfmaclub.com

arnistendencia.com Hand Crafted Rattan Sticks In the early 90’s there were two truths in training A.R.N.I.S USA with Senior Master Sam Tendencia. 1. Everyday you did the Abecedario! 2. You were using rattan sticks doing it! These two truths started with Supreme Master Sam Tendencia in 1927 when he first started his training with the Late Great Ramondo Gallano. We here at ARNIS Tendencia (TM) uphold both of these truths even to this day. Just as the Abecedario is the foundation of our system, so is the sacred rattan stick. For more info please contact Maestro Nap at; (850) 543-9517 or Email: [email protected]

31 FMA Past Events

2nd Pres David B. Tirol Cup March 6, 2009 UB Bulletin Website The University of Bohol, Criminology Department held the 2nd Pres. David B. Tirol Cup on Pit Fighting Competition last March 6, 2009 at the UB gymnasium. The UB Criminology Pit Fighting Society in association with Bro. Jojo Carcallas and Grandmaster Nelson Vargas with the support of the different martial arts clubs; Red Dragon Mixed Martial Arts of Master Voltaire Gonzales; Aikido Ryu of Mas- ter Rolando De La Serna; Lawin Karate Club of Grand Master Winnie Ayag; and Bokaido of Master Dennis Dadap success- fully displayed the skills and talents in the art of Kick Boxing and Mix Martial Arts before the viewing public. The major sponsors include; Pres. David B. Tirol, Brig. General Danny Lim, Sen. Antonio trillanes, and Sec. Arthur Yap of agriculture,German SAKIBO Federartion. The minor sponsors Dodong Malamis, George Lim, Mr. and Mrs. ruben Raneces, Camp de Fishing, milo, Coke, Allied Bank, Tire Queen, Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Aboyabor, and Aproniana Gift Shop. The tournament is design to show the dicipline, strategy, and greatness, of the different skills and abilities of martial art students. To read about other events that happened at the end of 2009. Download the Mini Issue - 2009 Past Events Wrap-up (Click Here) Remember if you have an event besides advertising it before hand, let others know what went on, what was taught etc... Send write ups and pictures to: [email protected]

32 www.myfma.net

MyFMA.net - The best source of Filipino MyFMA.net is a social network created to help prop- Martial Arts information on the internet fea- agate the Filipino martial arts, and encourage Filipino mar- turing photos, videos, events, chat, blogs, and tial arts practitioners to share their passion with each other. forums! Everyone is welcome regardless of their background or style. This network environment allows the open exchanging of MyFMA.net seeks to bring together Filipino ideas and the opportunity to establish social relationships Martial Arts practitioners from around the Since its launch in April of 2009, MyFMA.net has world in a thriving online community. steadily increased in size to include nearly 1,000 members. This network of mutual respect and camara- This includes numerous recognized Grandmasters, Masters, derie is open to everyone that wishes to share and Founders - as well as individuals new to the Filipino their love and passion for the Filipino Martial martial arts. Arts. Every member has a customizable profile page and is able to post photos, videos, events, and blogs related to Sincerely, the Filipino martial arts. They can add friends and comment John R. Malmo directly to each other’s walls. Members may also join in live chat, video chat, discussions, and become members of groups that share backgrounds. These groups represent separate styles or associations and allow students of the same Filipino martial arts system to share ideas, videos, discussions, and schedule events in their own dedicated area. There are cur- rently 80 groups on MyFMA.net representing dozens of styles. Each group has numerous discussions, blogs, and events. MyFMA.net currently has approximately 115 blogs, 75 discussion topics, and 115 events posted that are public to everyone. Current topics include: the history of Filipino martial arts, the evolution of terminology, training drills, and personal reasons for training in particular styles. Additionally, there are over 3,700 photos and nearly 500 videos related to the Filipino martial arts. This is the largest collection of Filipino martial arts videos outside of YouTube, and a number of these videos are exclusive to MyFMA.net. Some of the other features include chat, video chat, and social network integration. Members may par- ticipate in a live, real-time network-wide chat room as well as private chats with other members. They may also utilize an elaborate video chat that integrates media sharing options. Additionally, MyFMA.net can be integrated with social networks like Facebook and Twitter. It is also has an iPhone interface at: www.myfma.net/m Like any network, MyFMA.net is only as strong as its members. Because of our members, we proudly state that we are the best source of Filipino Martial Arts information on the internet. Since a number of our members are recognized Grandmasters, if you have a question, you can turn directly to the source. You can contact a member directly, utilize chat, post a discussion, or create a blog. Our current member base is extreme- ly knowledgeable and happy to answer questions, provide insights, and help anyone interested in the Filipino martial arts. We hope everyone with a passion for the Filipino martial arts, and those just interested in learning more about the Filipino martial arts will join us. Together we will promote Filipino martial arts while helping to edu- cate and serve as a resource for the current and new generations of Filipino martial arts enthusiasts.

33 FMA Future Events

2010

February March Martial Arts Winter Camp SEAMOK Level #1 Certification Course February 5 - 6, 2010 March 20 - 21 2010 1569 Olivina Ave. Suite 105 Alliance Martial Arts Academy Livermore, CA 702-B Mission Trace Dr. Email Kingsland, Georgia Mardis Gras Martial Arts Camp 2010 Flyer February 12-17, 2010 Email Fountainbleau State Park Website 67825 Highway 190 IKAEF Bali Camp Mandeville, Louisiana March 22-28, 2009 Seminar - Tournament Bali Email Nusa Dua, Indonesia Website Email Legacy Tournament Website February 20 - 21, 2010 The Hilton in Stockton April 2323 Grand Canal Blvd Stockton, CA. Open Grandmaster Cup Martial Arts Tournament Flyer April 24-25, 2010 Email Almendraz Website Davao City, Philippines (082) 271-6148 or (0910) 378-5828 SEAMOK Tactical Solutions Email / Email Level 1 Certificate Course February 20 - 21 2010 Excell Martial Arts May 722 W. 19th Street Houston, Texas, 77008 Modern Arnis Seminar Contact: SiSok Dan Barretto (832) 875-0706 Dr Remy P. Presas Flyer May 15 - 16, 2010 Email 3 Adrianeiou St. Metamorfosi, Athens, Greece Email Website 34 World Trade Center Mexico 5th Filipino Martial Arts Festival Filipino Martial Arts Championship July 25 to 30, 2010 May 22, 2010 Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island, Philippines Av. Filadelfia s/n Col. Napoles Flyer C.P. Mexico D.E. Email Flyer Website / Website Email WMAA 10 year Anniversary Celebration & Training Website / Website Camp June July 30th - August 1, 2010 Disneyland Martial Arts Festival WMAA Headquarters June 19 - 20, 2010 (Horizon Martial Arts) Anaheim Convention Center 280 Center Rd. 800 West Katella Ave. West Seneca [Buffalo], NY. Anaheim, CA. (716) 771-1291 Flyer Flyer Website Email FMA Contact Information Website Coordinator: Darren Tibon (209) 464-3701 Email Website

July Way of the Knife July 8-12, 2010 Northshore Academy 281 Peterson Rd Libertyville, IL Email Website Grandmaster Richard Bustillo Seminar July 10 - 11, 2010 307 White Horse Pike Absecon, New Jersey Email Website WEKAF 11th World Eskrima Kali Arnis Championship July 19 - 25, 2010 Puerto Vallarta Jalisco, México Email www.stickman-escrima.com Website The Original Hi-Impact Sticks, Staffs and Training Knives ~ Since 1986 ~ Designed by a martial artist for martial artists

35 www.FMAPulse.com FMAPulse.com is an exciting new website dedicated to the Filipino martial arts. A little more than a year ago Filipino martial arts It is the mission of the FMA Pulse to help practitioners Michael Querubin and Romeo Maguigad tossed promote, educate and serve as a resource around some ideas for an Filipino martial arts website. One for the current and new generation of FMA idea was to create an on-line presence with a mission to help enthusiasts. promote, educate, propagate and elevate the Filipino martial The team at FMAPulse.com is pre- arts and culture. It saddens us that many Fil-Ams do not even senting Filipino martial arts to the world via know that the Philippines has a martial art! Another was to the internet using Web 2.0 technology. Us- provide interviews of Filipino martial arts teachers using ers can interact with one another in a setting audio or video mediums so the Filipino martial arts commu- much like Myspace or Facebook, only that we nity could see or hear these Filipino martial arts instructors are focused primarily on the Filipino martial and get to know them on a more personal level. Hence, FMA arts. This on-line community will give users Pulse was born. around the world the ability to share, learn, FMA Pulse from its inception brought together vary- teach and stay current with what’s going on in ing aspects of different Filipino martial arts websites and the world of the Filipino martial arts. housed them under one roof. From the beginning we wanted Not only will this online social net- to serve as a resource site to newcomers to Filipino martial work cater to practicing Filipino martial arts arts. It was also essential to have a social networking com- students and instructors, but also to anyone ponent, a forum to discuss the latest happenings, and an e- interested in learning about the Filipino commerce store to provide high quality training equipment. martial arts and culture. Aside from connect- It is our intention with these services to help build a vibrant ing people together, FMAPulse.com will be online community centered on promoting and elevating Fili- offering viewers their own personal blog, pino martial arts to a standard that has not been seen before! articles, upcoming Filipino martial arts events As with any good website, we continually strive to and monthly video or audio pod-casts of improve and expand our website to better serve the Filipino different Filipino martial arts instructors and martial arts community. As of January 1st we are now of- their respective styles. This will give viewers fering online streaming Filipino martial arts video lessons. a chance to get to know these leading Filipino These lessons were designed for the person who is new to martial arts instructors and their styles on a Filipino martial arts but is not geographically close to a cred- more in-depth level. ible instructor. They also serve as an introduction to Filipino We at FMAPulse.com invite you to martial arts for martial artists who come from different back- participate, share your views and ideas so grounds. we can all unite to help further promote the We invite you to come check out our featured instruc- Filipino martial arts in a positive way across tor interviews and our soon to be released “FMA technique the globe. of the week”. We are also offering free ground shipping on product orders over $75.00 dollars in the U.S. Sincerely, We would also like to send a special thanks to FMAdigest The FMA Pulse Team for blazing the trail for newcomers like us and being our big- gest supporter. Also thank you to all the Guros, Masters and Grandmasters for your contributions to Filipino martial arts 36 and FMA Pulse. There is no better time than now for everyone to do their part to help elevate Filipino martial arts!

Past Featured Practitioners that were Interviewed May 2009: Gat Puno Abon Baet Garimot Arnis System We had the great pleasure to have attended Gat Puno Abon Baet’s Garimot Arnis and Harimaw Buno seminar during his visit to Chicago. When first meeting Gat Puno Baet, there was an immediate feel- ing of comfort being around him, like we’ve known each other for a long time. Learn more and listen to his interview… Click Here June 2009: Maha Guro Nate Defensor Defensor Method FMA Maha Guro Defensor has been teaching his Defensor Method in the Chicagoland area for almost 30 years and has trained and studied with notable Filipino martial arts figures such as FloroVillabrille, Leo Gaje, Mike Inay, Angel Cabales, Raymund Tobosa, Dan Inosanto and Jimmy Tacosa to name a few. Learn more and listen to his interview… Click Here July 2009: Guro Fred Evrard Kali Majapahit Guro Fred Evrard on his system, traditional Filipino Martial Art weapons, training with Punong Guro Jeff Espinous of Kali Sikaran and Suro Mike Inay of Inayan Eskrima. Also hear Guro Evrard tell his story on how he presented Kali Majapahit to the Fullcom Council of Martial Arts Masters of Baguio and the National Council of Kali Eskrima Arnis Masters in Manila as well as training the Philippine Special Forces and the Philippine National Police. Learn more and listen to his interview… Click Here August 2009: Punong Guro Myrlino Hufana Hufana Traditional Arnis International and the WFMAA Expo & Laban Laro Hufana Traditional Arnis International. Punong Guro Hufana is also the Founder and President of the World Filipino Martial Arts Association which will be holding its 7th Expo and Laban Laro on Octo- ber 23 - 25 in Las Vegas, Nevada. We encourage Filipino martial arts practitioners to attend this event which will be featuring some of the best Filipino martial arts instructors in the world! Learn more and listen to his interview… Click Here September 2009: Dr. Remy Presas, Jr. Modern Arnis Dr. Presas, with the help of his siblings, established MARPPIO (Modern Arnis Remy P. Presas Inter- national Organization) to continue the legacy left by his father. Learn more and listen to his interview… Click Here

37 Weapons Review: The “Hataw Stick” from Simon at www.eskrimakaliarnis.com Reviewed by Michael Butz

One of my first concerns was that the sticks, at slightly over 7 oz (200 g) each, are a little on the light side. However, I have been using Bahi sticks (also from Simon) during practice and swing- ing a steel bar for solo drills for the On November 15, 2009, I hosted least some kind of choice; how- past couple of years so that may be a gathering in Phoenix, AZ, known ever, the availability of different an affecting factor. What I found as the “AZ FMA Friendship Gath- colors is not relevant to me, as I during training is that the weight is ering”. There was supposed to be prefer the black color. actually ideal. New and younger a sparring session at the end of the The sticks are 28” (71cm) practitioners can swing fully and event but I cancelled it due to a in overall length and just over still keep good form while ad- somewhat low number of interest- 1 ½” in diameter. The handle is vanced individuals are free to go ed participants. Simon, the owner 5” long, just over 1” in diameter all out without too much fear of and operator of www.eskrimaka- and is made of a hard rubber injury. We actually used no protec- liarnis.com and eBay store “Sticks with small bumps and larger oval tive gear at all during our session and Buddhas” had supplied some bumps to aid with grip (See 1a & and experienced no problems. padded sticks, his “Hataw” line, 1b). Simon can make the sticks in Another concern I had dur- for the sparring session. Since we ing training was the strength of the did not spar during the Gathering, 1a. 5” Handle with small bumps and stitching and overall construction a friend of mine and I spent three ovals for grip (See 2a-2c). hours after the event testing out the 2a. Stitch line along stick length performance and durability of the sticks. Although I am not much of a writer and I have never reviewed any product before, I thought I would give my opinion on Simon’s Hataw sticks. From what I can tell, the “Hataw” sticks are an improve- ment over his original padded 2b. Close-up of stitch line in 2a sticks. Both versions have a pad- 1b. Handle is just over 1” in diameter ded tumalin rattan core covered with a tough, canvas-like lining. different lengths for custom orders I think the improvements are in so those who prefer something a the stitching of the lining and little longer or shorter have that the addition of a handle on the option. The handle is long enough 2c. Stitching at the tip “Hataw” version. The original pad- to accommodate most hand sizes ded sticks are available in red and but some practitioners may find it We were swinging the sticks hard, blue. At the time of this writing, to be too short, as it does not al- not just against each other but also the “Hataw” sticks are available in low for a punyo. I do not think the against plain rattan and an oak black only but I believe Simon is handle material is soft enough for training sword. One spot that I was currently working with suppliers allow for safe punyo hits without worried with the most was the area to make them available in red and additional protection. This is a mi- where the handle and the canvas blue as well. I am sure there are nor detail and not a “deal breaker” lining attach. I found myself stop- those who would like to have at for me at all. 38 ping frequently during training, almost every 10 minutes, to check for 3a. Purposefully bending tears or broken stitches. To my surprise, I found nothing. In all honesty, the stick we were not trying to find the breaking point for the sticks. We were us- ing them as we would in regular training and the sticks held up well. Before receiving these sticks, I had read about how they have the tendency to bend before they will break and even watched a video that tested them. I already know that flexible sticks tend to last longer than those that are rigid. Still, I was skeptical about the design and wondered how often I would have to stop practice and straighten the stick. Turns out that this was not much of a problem at all, we ended up stopping and 3b. The stick after letting go in 3a straightening only three times in the three hours we practiced. Straight- ening them was easy to do by hand or over a knee or thigh. These sticks can flex, a lot, but they are not “whippy” and do not stay completely bent (See 3a & 3b). The “annoyance” level of having to straighten the sticks was comparable to having to stop practice to wipe the sweat off the hands, which I tend to do without much thought at all, so again, not a “deal breaker”.

In summary, although I had many doubts as to how well these “Hataw” sticks would perform I can hon- estly say that I like them a lot. The quality of construction, durability and performance were above my original expectations. Factor in that these sticks sell for only $33.98 a pair (plus shipping) and they are a tremendous value as well. Simon also offers wholesale discounts for bulk and school orders for additional savings or extra income for resellers. I say get a pair and try them yourself. The worst thing that can happen is that you get to beat someone up without the negative effects!

Michael Butz is an Arizona-based instructor of the Fierce Tigers Martial Arts Association, headquartered in Salinas CA. He is also the Arizona state representative of the Buffalo Black Brotherhood, based in Stockton, CA. He has been training in the martial arts since 1980. He holds instructor levels in Tang Soo Do, Eskrima and three forms of QiGong and has experi- ence in Wado Ryu Karate, Olympic-style Tae Kwon Do, Shorinji Kempo, Muay Thai, Aikido and Southern Shaolin Tiger/Crane Fist Kung Fu. He currently teaches Kada Anan Eskrima out of his home in Phoenix, AZ and is the weapons curriculum/Eskrima instructor at the Blended Arts Dojo in Surprise, AZ. For more information, go to www.ftma-az.com.

39 Filipino Martial Arts: The Core Basics, Structure & Essentials by Dan Anderson Book Review By Barry McConnell

Thousands of books have been published on how to punch, kick, block and throw your opponent. In 1981 the re- lease of American Freestyle Karate: A Guide to Sparring broke new ground. Here was a book about concepts and principles, not just mechanics. Every serious martial artist I’ve ever met has a worn, dog-eared copy of this book on his shelf. It was the undisputed best book ever written on the subject of core martial art concepts. Until now. The newly released Filipino Martial Arts: The Core Ba- sics, Structure & Essentials addresses the need for a book that explains fundamental ideas in a way that both the beginning student and the experienced teacher can use. Although writ- ten for the Filipino martial arts (FMA), this book transcends systems and styles and goes to the heart of what makes martial arts work. A quick glance at some of the topics covered: Moni- toring, Structure, Timing, Alignment, Movement, Leveraging, Ambidexterity, and Spontaneity; tells you there’s something different going on here. These are not the province of Filipino martial arts alone, these are Universal concepts. These are topics to be studied again and again, gleaning deeper insight every time you do. This book gives you a path to follow. This is a big book at 328 pages. It contains literally over 2,600 photos demonstrating in detail each concept or idea Dan is trying to get across. If it stopped there, this would still be a tremendous tool. But Dan has included two DVDs with 3 ½ hours of video footage to go along with the book. Every concept you see in the still pictures you also see in live action video. This gives you the best of both worlds; a detailed photograph you can use to compare your own posture to, and the action video to see how a sequence flows. Dan has raised the bar on what to expect from a martial arts book in future. If you’re looking for a book on Filipino martial arts techniques or a training curriculum this is not the book. This book is for the Filipino martial arts practitioner who wants to understand the core principles behind the techniques. For example, in talking about leveraging, Dan shows disarming techniques for each of the 12 standard angles of attack. The particular disarming techniques shown are there to illustrate ways of creating or increasing leverage and act as a platform for understanding where leverage comes from and how to best use it. Certainly, any Filipino martial arts practitioner will improve their disarming ability but this book will not contain an encyclopedia of disarms. Just like an onion, this book opens the reader to layer upon layer of under- standing as you explore the concepts and apply them to your own practice. That understanding is what makes this book transcend just Filipino martial arts. The material on structure and alignment will make you a better Karateka, Hapkidoin, Kenpoist or Kung Fu stylist every bit as well as making you a better Arnisador. Professor Presas was well known for describing Modern Arnis as “The Art Within Your Art.” What Dan has done is show you exactly what he meant. This book belongs in the critical essentials library of every martial art- ist.

Filipino Martial Arts: The Core Basics, Structure & Essentials (Book & DVD set) Price: $74.95 for the set

Information on International Ordering, Click Here

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41 The FMAdigest has been designed to provide access to articles, information, events, news, seminars, techniques, etc… pertinent to the Filipino Martial Arts and the Philip- pines. The Filipino Martial Arts Digest besides providing information on Filipino martial arts has an online digest which you can subscribe too for Free and comes out quarterly, also with Special Editions that are on particular systems or styles, and Special Issues on events of the Filipino martial arts. Do not miss out! Download past issues and subscribe today so not to miss future is- sues. Advertise Seminars, Workshops, and Tournaments Submit Articles on FMA Instructors. Articles on Systems or Styles. Articles on FMA History. Articles on Philosophies, and Techniques Past FMA events. Also Articles about the Philippines -People -Places -Culture Email Submissions - [email protected]

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