Saturday, August 31, 2013

James Coburn would've been 85 yrs old today!

Source pic: A Certain Cinema

Today, please remember James Coburn. He gave us memories of the ultra-cool "Britt" (The Magnificent Seven), or The President's Analyst, or Speed in Charles Bronson's Hard Times or John H. Mallory in Sergio Leone's Duck, You Sucker! (aka A Fistful of Dynamite). You of course remember the James Bond spoofs where he played suave Derek Flint, right?

But for Bruce Lee fans, we know him as a student of Bruce Lee's. With his consent, his training footage of his private lessons with Bruce made its way to the video Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do. He, along with Steve McQueen, was one of the pall bearers for Bruce.



Mike Stone, James Coburn, Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee


He would've been 85 years old today!



James Coburn winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1998's Affliction



Tribute video



As Britt in the Magnificent Seven - his switchblade vs the cowpoke's six-shooter



He is missed! Happy 85th Birthday James Coburn!



For more information, please check out:




Vunak's Top 50 Combat Secrets Ch. 20




Chapter 20 – The double progressive indirect attack (the greatest fake in the world).

When two novices are throwing blows at each other, the likely hood that these will be exaggerated single direct attacks is about 99%. When we watch John Wayne movies (or most television shows for that matter) we see the director’s idea of a fight. Exaggerated single direct attacks. It would be easy to extrapolate from various examples, that man kind does not throw combination striking naturally. The most natural blows are single directs. However, when we train individuals, we teach that combination punching is more effective. The second blow, and the third blow, usually have a higher percentage of hitting than the first blow. So now the trained fighters, throw in rhythms of one -two, one-two-three, sometimes all the way up to six.

It does not matter what ever style we are referring too karate, kung-fu, kicking , punching, etc…

This is why the trained fighter, will beat the untrained fighter. When all other factors are equal. For example if we take two identical twins, and teach one brother how to punch and kick in combinations, for six months, and then let them fight. Now even though DNA and family upbringing are moot points, twin number 2 would win 99 out of 100 times. Now lets say you took both twins and taught them both how to punch and kick in combinations. If these two cats were to fight, out of a 100 times, it would be close to 50-50. Now we take the same two twins, that know how to hit in combination, and teach one of them how to throw fakes, and if they were to go back and fight each other 100 times in a row, the twin that faked would win 95% of the time. When we throw fakes, to quote the old commercial. The opponent never knows if it is real or if it is Memorex. The ability to throw fakes, not only increases the odds of hitting the opponent by twenty, it also enables one to fight outside of their weight class. The game is now less about size and strength and power, and more about technicality and precision. When one fakes this deflects the energy into more of a chess game. Especially when you are faking the eyes and going to the groin, or faking the groin and going to the eyes !

This method of attack is not single direct, is not attack by combination, but progressive indirect attack. It is progressive in that it takes up distance, and indirect in that it takes up time.

Up until about 18 months ago, progressive indirect attacking has been considered the highest level. However the $64,000 question is what if both identical twin brothers each know how to execute progressive indirect attacks. Picture the scene…brother A fakes high, and kicks low, and brother B knows its coming. Now brother B fakes low and strikes high, and brother A knows its coming. This impasse that occurs amongst the highest level kick boxers is due to the fact, that subconsciously each knows the others game.

What we are about to discuss is extremely difficult to pull off, and should only be attempted by your most advanced students. Lets say we pull one of the brothers off, and teach him the following… Instead of faking high and striking low, or faking low and striking high, execute two fakes in a row. Fake high and fake low, now strike your opponent a third time, back to high. I will write this in a very simple binary code to make it even easy for aliens. A 1 is a strike a 0 is a fake. Instead of the typical progressive indirect attack , 0-1, when one is attempting to execute the double progressive indirect it would look like this, 0-0-1. Picture anyone who is advanced in kick boxing, and picture how they are hardwired to receive a progressive indirect attack. After they receive any fake, they will always know the real thing is coming. What if the real thing didn’t come, what if after the fake, the second blow was also a fake. Now the third blow, becomes the real strike. This my friends is how to beat your contemporaries. This is how to get out of a rut. And get to the next level. And this also happens to be the greatest fake in the world.




Please check the Table of Contents for links to other chapters of this Online Book.

Vunak's Top 50 Combat Secrets Ch. 19



Chapter 19 – The Power of the Fork

Not a pitch fork, not a spoon and fork, not a fork lift, not a fork in the road, but a fork in chess. This is an offensive move that, not only attacks one piece, but it attacks two pieces simultaneously. For all of you non chess players, imagine two pawns 20 feet apart, and a horse gallops right in the center, the horse is now 10 feet from each pawn. With one leap he could get either one. If the pawn on the east runs away, he hits the pawn on the west. If the pawn on the west runs away he hits the pawn on the east. The value of attacking two things simultaneously, is immense, deep and even profound. This concept is universal and immutable. Regardless if we are discussing business, chess, debate, or martial arts. And in martial arts, the style of kick boxing that truly illustrates this point is Savate. If a regular kick boxer kicks your thigh, they aim, point and kick, directly at your thigh. If that same regular kick boxer wants to kick your head, they will aim, point and kick, directly to your head. If a Savate man however, wants to execute the same moves, he will aim and point his knee in between the thigh and the head. This move will be executed in the form of a fake, and will evoke a reaction from the adversary. They will either guard their head, in which case the Savate man will kick their thigh, or they will guard their thigh, in which case the Savate man will kick their head. Not only does this make it difficult, it makes it down right impossible for the opponent to know which attack will be finally executed. The opponent would literally have to have a crystal ball. Now these forks that we are referring too, when executed be a true “savateur” are always done in combinations. Say two, three, and as many as four at a time.

To me the most amazing thing about watching a “Savateur” perform a combination of forks, is exactly how slow these fellas can pull this off, when they want too. When one is crafty enough, they can literally kick and land, at 25% speed (pinpointing the jaw, the groin, solar plexus, kidneys or thigh) ! There is literally no speed required when one uses a fork. This is why, in Savate, the best Savateurs are between 50 and 70!

And of course the Brazilians have their fork… The difference between a purple belt and a black belt, is how they attack. Both can attack in single direct attacks, both can attack in combination attacks. However what differentiates the two, is the black belt is executing the progressive indirect attack i.e. the fork. The black belt is always attacking two, sometimes 3 things at one time. I put in 6 hours of private wrestling with Rickson every week for 4 and half years. Sometimes literally meeting him at 5 in the morning. And I can honestly tell you, that in the thousands and thousands of times that I have tapped from that man, every single solitary time he faked me out!

He would attack my arm, I would defend my arm, and in a nanosecond he would be attacking my foot, I would pull my foot in, and within a nanosecond I would be tapping to a choke. I am one of the few people that have had the privilege of spending thousands of hours with most of the Gracie brothers, Rolyer, Royce, Rorion, and Rickson. Many people have subsequently asked me how do they differ ?






Please check the Table of Contents for links to other chapters of this Online Book.

Friday, August 30, 2013

19th-Century Samurai Training Text Deciphered


A photograph taken around 1860 showing a Samurai in full armor with sword. Within two decades of this photo being taken the Samurai would effectively be abolished and Japan would move to a conscript army that would largely consist of peasants.


19th-Century Samurai Training Text Deciphered

A training text, used by a martial arts school to teach members of the bushi (samurai) class, has been deciphered, revealing the rules samurai were expected to follow and what it took to truly become a master swordsman.

The text is called Bugei no jo, which means "Introduction to Martial Arts" and is dated to the 15th year of Tenpo (1844). Written for samurai students about to learn Takenouchi-ryu, a martial arts system, it would have prepared students for the challenges awaiting them.

"These techniques of the sword, born in the age of the gods, had been handed down through divine transmission. They form a tradition revered by the world, but its magnificence manifests itself only when one's knowledge is ripe," part of the text reads in translation. "When [knowledge] is mature, the mind forgets about the hand, the hand forgets about the sword," a level of skill that few obtain and which requires a calm mind.

The text includes quotes written by ancient Chinese military masters and is written in a formal kanbun style, a system that combines elements of Japanese and Chinese writing. The text was originally published by scholars in 1982, in its original language, in a volume of the book "Nihon budo taikei." Recently, it was partly translated into English and analyzed by Balázs Szabó, of the department of Japanese studies at Loránd Eötvös University in Budapest, Hungary. The translation and analysis are detailed in the most recent edition of the journal Acta Orientalia Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae.

Among its many teachings, the text tells students to show great discipline and not to fear the enemy's numbers. "To see bad as good is like stepping out of the gate we see the enemy, though numerous we see them as few, therefore no fear awakes, so we triumph when the fighting is just started," it reads in translation, quoting a teaching from the Seven Military Classics of ancient China.

Last century of the Samurai

In 1844, only members of the Samurai class were allowed to receive martial arts training. SzabĂł explained in an email to LiveScience that this class was strictly hereditary and there was little opportunity for non-samurai to join it.

Samurai students, in most cases, would have attended multiple martial arts schools and, in addition, would have been taught "Chinese writing, Confucian classics and poetry in domain schools or private academies," SzabĂł explained.

The students starting their Takenouchi-ryu training in 1844 may not have realized that they lived at a time when Japan was about to undergo tremendous change. For two centuries, there had been tight restrictions on Westerners entering Japan, something that would be shattered in 1853 when the U.S. commodore Matthew Perry sailed into Tokyo Bay with a fleet and demanded that Japan enter into a treaty with the United States. In the two decades that followed, a series of events and wars erupted that would see the downfall of the Japanese Sh?gun, the rise of a new modernized Japan and, ultimately, the end of the Samurai class.

Samurai rules

The newly translated text sets out 12 rules that members of the Takenouchi-ryu school were expected to follow. Some of them, including "Do not leave the path of honor!" and "Do not commit shameful deeds!" were ethical rules samurai were expected to follow.

One notable rule, "Do not let the school's teachings leak out!" was created to protect the school's secret martial art techniques and aid students should they find themselves in a fight. "For a martial arts school … to be attractive, it was necessary to have special techniques enabling the fighter to be effective even against a much stronger opponent. These sophisticated techniques were the pride of the school kept cautiously in secret, as their leaking out would have caused economic as well as prestige loss," writes SzabĂł in his paper.

Two other, perhaps more surprising, rules, tell students "Do not compete!" and "Do not tell bad things about other schools!" Modern-day Westerners have a popular vision of the samurai fighting each other regularly, but by 1844, they were not allowed to duel each other at all, SzabĂł writes.

The Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi (1646-1709) had placed a ban on martial art dueling and had even rewritten the code the samurai had to follow, adapting it for a period of relative peace. "Learning and military skill, loyalty and filial piety, must be promoted, and the rules of decorum must be properly enforced," the Shogun ruled (translation from the book "Studies in the Intellectual History of Tokugawa Japan," by Masao Maruyama, Princeton University Press, 1974).

Secret skills

The text offers only a faint glimpse at the secret techniques the students would have learned at this school, separating the descriptions into two parts called "Deepest Secrets of Fistfight" and "Deepest Secrets of Fencing."

One section of secret fistfight techniques is called Shinsei no daiji, which translates as "divine techniques," indicating that such techniques were considered the most powerful. Intriguingly, a section of secret fencing techniques is listed as ĹŚryĹ«ken, also known as iju ichinin, meaning those "considered to be given to one person" — in this case, the headmaster's heir.

The lack of details describing what these techniques looked like in practice is not surprising, SzabĂł said. The headmasters had their reasons for the cryptic language and rule of secrecy, he added. Not only would they have protected the school's prestige, and students' chances in a fight, but they helped "maintain a mystical atmosphere around the school," something important to a people who held the study of martial arts in high esteem.



Copied from Yahoo News.

Notes: My sincerest gratitude for the heads-up from my friends Ted B. and Charlie K!!

DVD Sale: Savate and La Canne - ends tomorrow 8/31/2013



If you are interested in Savate or La Canne, please check out my friend's, Craig Gemeiner, DVD sale at:



I'm sorry I posted this on short notice as the Sale ends tomorrow. I neglected to post this earlier in the week when I found out via Facebook.

Although I consider Craig my friend, I've put in my order for the Savate/Defense Dans La Rue DVD bundle, normally $99.95, on sale for $40! Also, in the past I've bought the La Canne DVD's from his catalog and have been meaning to write a review and post, but haven't yet.

My apologies again to you for the short notice on the Savate and La Canne DVD Sale. If you are interested, hope you were able to buy some DVD's before the deadline. If not, try emailing via:

bootfightercatalogue@hotmail.com


Vunak's Top 50 Combat Secrets Ch. 18



Chapter 18 – What Makes Us Different ?


In our martial art careers, just as we want to protect our families, we also want to protect our respective businesses. In the 40 years that I have been training martial arts, I’ve seen some very original people in my days. People that we would now look at and regard as pioneers. However, each of these pioneers, has had detractors, each of these pioneers has had imitators. Although they say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. In the business world, imitation can dilute and minimize us.


Reality based fighting, is the hippest and easiest venue to teach, and unfortunately the easiest venue to imitate.


And when one is imitating you, the actual things that they are imitating are the finishing moves. Think about it…what do you think of when you see an arm lock on the ground. Most likely that would be jiu-jitsu. What do you think about when you see, a knee to the face out of a Thai clinch, most likely that would be Thai Boxing. Or perhaps what do you think about when you see a bite on a face, I would say your first instinct would be Kinamutai. However, in all of these cases, each of these folks, performing these finishing moves, could be librarians, who have never thrown a punch their life. Anyone can imitate finishing moves. However, what they can not imitate, are the attributes, and skill set that it takes, to proceed the finishing moves.


So therefore what makes us different from our imitators, are the amazing drills, that were passed on to us from Bruce Lee and Dan Inosanto. And when we do our techniques, we do them out of these drills. If we are going to do a headbutt, or if we are going to do a knee, or if we are going to do an elbow, or a pac sao, or a savate kick, each of our techniques are being done again out of one of our drills. Which drills are we referring too? Chi-Sao, Hubbad, Sumbrada, Numerada, Serrada, etc… If we are talking about self-preservation, we are now referring to doing things out of MMA.


The implications behind these statements are as follows: While you are working, whatever specific technique, say a pac sao, If you are doing this out of MMA, this fella could be kicking your thigh, jabbing your nose, shooting for your legs, etc…You must have all of these answers, in other words, you must know MMA. So getting back to what makes us different, think of each of these drills as a different canvas, to paint your picture on. Our imitators, maybe able to imitate a Pac Sao, but they can not imitate a Pac-Sao out of MMA!


Our imitators might be able too, imitate a Savate kick, however, they can’t imitate it out of Serrada. Our imitators, might try to imitate a bite, however, they can not imitate it out of the canvas of Jiu-Jitsu. So at the end of the day, it is not the techniques, that will bring you to the forefront, but the body mechanics, footwork, all of the other attributes and the knowledge of each separate canvas, that make us different. Without these canvases, one can imitate but they can never duplicate.


See ya next week !





Please check the Table of Contents for links to other chapters of this Online Book.




Vunak's Top 50 Combat Secrets Ch. 17



Chapter 17 - The Flagship of Kettlebells


This week I would like to discuss the values of the kettlebell. It has completely changed my morphology, increased my speed, and I haven't been in injured in 5 years since I met Singh. Additionally, what Singh does goes beyond the kettlebell training as he puts in his Tai-Chi and Nei-Gong and his other specific Indian exercises. Singh calls this whole thing -Action Strength. So, without further adieu, I will let Singh takeover.


According to Bruce Lee, physical conditioning and strength development are the most neglected phases of athletics. Often times too much time is spent in the development of skill and to little to the development of the individual that is performing the skill.


Before movements can take place, there must be a change in muscular tension on both sides of your joints. The effectiveness of this muscular teamwork is one of the main factors that determine the limits of speed, endurance, power, agility, and accuracy in all athletic performances.


Endurance or energy conservation is the most important attribute one can develop for a street fight. You can look at Endurance as doing more reps, and getting stronger, or you can look at Endurance as performing your technique or exercise in the most efficient manner so that you do not waste or leek any energy.


Action Strength is an internal training method that is concerned with the harmonious coordination of our physical and psychological being. Your training is disconnected or incomplete if it does not incorporate the mind, body, and spirit as one complete whole. We are not out there mindlessly lifting kettlebells, instead we are lifting to sharpen the mind.


There are 3 main components to the Action Strength system.

  1. Manipulation of External Forces(Kettlebells and Gada(Indian Mace)).
  2. Manipulation of your own body weight in all planes of motion.
  3. Development of Body Mechanics or sports specific skill.


Every exercise is concerned with integrating the mind and body into one complete whole. There is no isolation of muscles, there is no split between resistance training and cardio.


In Tai-Chi, Jiu-Jitsu, Wing-Chun or Western Boxing there is one universal theme. Regardless of the style the secret to the success of their individual techniques is dependant on one’s posture, breathing, and intent.


One of the very best exercises that unite the body into one complete whole is the Kettlebell Snatch(Indeed their very Flagship).


Posture:

The bell is positioned between your feet and back towards your heels. Keeping your back straight, bend at the waist and squat down to pick up the kettlebell. You load your hamstrings as you pick up the bell creating tension which, when unleashed will propel the kettlebell up into the finishing position which will be locked out overhead.


Once you have a good hold of the bell, explode with the hips and thighs duplicating the same form you would use in performing a standing long jump. Remember that the hip and leg drive are what project the kettlebell up and overhead. 80% of the energy required to perform this lift correctly comes from the hip and thigh explosion. Do not lift with your arms, squeeze your butt, tense your quads, and make sure to drive your heels through the ground.


As the kettlebell comes up over your head, dip down slightly under the bell and drive your fist up towards the sky and stand tall. When viewed from the side the bell, your wrist, your locked out elbow, shoulder, spine, knees, and heels must be in one continuous line at this lockout position above your head. It is like doing a Karate style reverse punch up to the sky. This will allow the kettlebell to gently flip over your wrist. This part of the lift will take a little practice, as most new comers tend to allow the bell to smack against their wrist. Also just like in a punch, make sure that your wrist is locked out, like you are going to break a board, there should be no bend in the wrist. A couple of these with bad form and a heavy kettlebell will wake you up to the advantages of proper posture in a hurry. I don’t endorse the usage of a heavy kettlebell when starting out. Use an 18 pounder till you get the form right, and then progress up.


A correct finish has your arm locked out over head and the kettlebell positioned slightly back behind the ear. The major mistake made in the finishing position is the kettlebell is too far forward. Your bicep should be even with or behind the ear. Now, bend at the waist to get the momentum started down and let the kettlebell flip back over your wrist and down between your legs. Allow the bell to swing back between your legs(like you are hiking a football) this helps in correctly reloading the thighs and making sure that you are not overloading your back.


Breathing:

As you take the kettlebell back between your legs, inhale through your nose, and like a rocketship exhale through your mouth. Make a short hissing sound as you exhale, this will help to correctly fire your abdominal muscles as your breath drives the physical movements described in the postures above. As the bell comes down, you inhale and start the cycle again.


Intent(Philosophy):

Imagine that you are drawing up the energy from the ground. The soles of your feet are like the roots of a tree, that go deep into the center of the earth. As you breathe in the vital energy from the heavens above, you will become one with heaven and earth. Your mind will become quiet, and the exercise will become easier and easier, and you will use less and less effort. You are now on your way to becoming a more efficient being that is impeccable in conserving energy.


Until next week, Singh !





Please check the Table of Contents for links to other chapters of this Online Book.



Thursday, August 29, 2013

UFC Fight Night 6 - Karo Parisyan X Diego Sanchez - animated GIF's




Yesterday was Karo Parisyan's 31st birthday. I made these animated GIF's in his honor from his August 17, 2006 match held in UFC Fight Night 6. This fight may have been the Fight of the Year, lots of action back and forth between the 2 fighters! These GIF's highlight Karo Parisyan.




Round 1 Highlights of Karo Parisyan's Throws/Takedowns






Round 2




Round 3







Round 3 - Diego Sanchez's knee knocks a tooth out from Karo Parisyan







Karo's 31st Birthday related postings:






For more information:



Wednesday, August 28, 2013

IN MEMORY OF: Remy Presas (Dec 19, 1936 - Aug 28, 2001)

Source pic:  Journal of Asian Martial Arts

Today marks the 12th anniversary of Grandmaster Remy Presas' passing. Reposting a Black Belt magazine article in his honor.

RIP GM Presas




Modern-Arnis Techniques Master Remy Presas: A Stick-Combat Legend Remembered (Part 1)

by Jeffrey J. Delaney January 28, 2013


Editor’s Note: This article was originally published as “Remy Presas, Founder of Modern Arnis: Pioneer of the Philippine Arts Is Still Polishing and Spreading His System” in the August 1998 issue of Black Belt — prior to Remy Presas’ passing in 2001. To preserve the article’s tone and historical context, the time references have been left intact.





For more than 50 years, Remy Amador Presas has pursued his passion for the stick, knife, sword, dagger and empty hand — all in the name of modern arnis, the Philippine martial art he created and continues to refine.

Modern arnis is one of the most popular, efficient and easy-to-learn systems of self-defense in the world — and Remy Presas continues to spread the style by conducting seminars and workshops around the globe. In fact, the humble master is responsible for pioneering the modern martial arts seminar by teaching his art to students of any style or level, as long as they are willing to pick up a stick and open their mind.


Modern-Arnis Techniques Master Remy Presas: The Man


Remy Presas began his study of arnis techniques at age 6. He learned from his father, Jose Presas, in the small fishing village of Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, in the Philippines. Remy Presas left home at age 14 so he could pursue his interest in the fighting arts practiced on the many islands of his homeland. These arts were blends of systems from all over the world: Thailand, China, Spain, Indonesia, Japan and India. They had reached the islands as the people of the Philippines interacted, traded and fought with these diverse nations. Remy Presas refined and blended the important aspects of tjakele, arnis de mano, karate, jujitsu and dumog into the art he named modern arnis.

“Long ago, arnis was a dying art,” modern-arnis techniques master Remy Presas says. “The old practitioners believed the cane was sacred. This meant they would always aim at the hand of their training partner and not at the cane for practice. Most of the students got hurt right away and immediately lost interest. I modernized this and promoted hitting the cane instead for practice. Then I identified the basic concepts of the many Filipino systems I had learned to bring a unity to the diverse systems of my country. This way, we could all feel the connection.”

Remy Presas prefers to use the term “arnis” over the term kali. “In the West, you hear the words kali and escrima used a lot,” he says. “These terms mean basically the same thing, but if you say kali or escrima, not many people in the Philippines will know what you are talking about. Arnis best reflects the Philippine culture because it is a Tagalog word.” Tagalog is the national language of the Philippines.

“In the Philippines,” Remy Presas continues, “if someone heard you were a good arnis player, they would challenge you — anywhere. I did challenging, also. We fought in the streets, alleys, parks — all kinds of places. Sometimes there were very bad injuries, but I did not lose.”

Remy Presas’ experience and prowess with modern-arnis techniques were unsurpassed. By 1970, he had created a sensation in his country. His Modern Arnis Federation of the Philippines boasted more than 40,000 members. In 1975, he left the Philippines on a good-will tour sponsored by that country’s government to spread information about modern-arnis techniques around the globe. Since arriving in the United States, the art has grown rapidly.


Modern-Arnis Techniques: “The Art Within the Art”


Collectively, modern-arnis techniques are often referred to as “the art within the art.” Modern-arnis techniques are based on patterns and theories of movement instead of static moves and drills. Rather than learning complex forms and one-step sparring drills for each weapon, students learn the fundamentals of natural movement and use the same patterns of attack and defense in response to each direction, type and intensity of attack. This is true regardless of whether they are holding a sword, dagger, stick or no weapon at all. In addition, modern-arnis techniques lead into a countless variety of disarms, throws and locks using the maximum leverage available from whatever weapon is being used.

At the advanced level, patterns in modern-arnis techniques give way to a continuation of movement. This facet of the art is often referred to as the “flow.” Flowing refers to the way in which arnis practitioners transition effortlessly from one technique to the next as they sense the movements and attacks of their opponent and respond automatically and continuously.

This sensitivity is developed through a free-form sparring exercise called tapi-tapi. It’s a technique similar to the chi sao (sticky hand) drills of wing chun kung fu and the push-hand training of tai chi chuan. Tapi-tapi proceeds at a lightning pace, with sweeping strikes and blocks followed by parries, punyo (butt end of the stick) strikes, grabs, releases, traps and eventually disarms, takedowns and submissions. This type of sparring is beautiful to watch, especially when someone who is as skilled as Remy Presas bests the most advanced opponents while barely glancing in their direction.

“The techniques must be practiced slowly at first,” Remy Presas insists. “That way, they will become automatic. Also, the student must be relaxed and keep all movements small and purposeful.”

The practice of modern-arnis techniques teaches students to become proficient and comfortable in all ranges of combat. Each of the 12 striking angles that define the modern-arnis techniques system has a basic block, disarm and counter to the disarm. Once these building blocks are in place, they can be applied to movements known as sinawali, redonda, crossada abanico and others.

Numerous joint locks, spinning throws and takedown techniques lead to grappling positions with still more control and submission techniques.




Modern-Arnis Techniques Master Remy Presas: A Stick-Combat Legend Remembered (Part 2)

by Jeffrey J. Delaney January 29, 2013

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published as “Remy Presas, Founder of Modern Arnis: Pioneer of the Philippine Arts Is Still Polishing and Spreading His System” in the August 1998 issue of Black Belt — prior to Remy Presas’ passing in 2001. To preserve the article’s tone and historical context, the time references have been left intact.





Testimony Regarding Modern-Arnis Founder Remy Presas



In recent years, Remy Presas has focused his energies on running intensive training camps hosted by his students in major cities across the United States. The camps last three to four days, beginning at 9 a.m. and often lasting until midnight. Remy Presas offers apprentice, basic and advanced instructor certification, as well as belt testing for rank within the modern-arnis organization.

Editor’s Note: As stipulated at the top of this article, this piece was originally printed before Remy Presas’ death. These testimonies are presented in the interest of celebrating modern-arnis founder Remy Presas’ legacy as a stick-combat technician and instructor. Our hope is that today’s modern-arnis instructors and students will appreciate and learn from such comments as guides for how they themselves may teach or practice arnis techniques as part of their own martial arts curriculum. Please note that small-circle jujitsu developer Wally Jay was also alive during the article’s original run.

Dr. Randi Schea, a modern-arnis black belt from Houston and grandson of tai chi expert Kwie Tjeng Schea, began studying with Remy Presas in 1982 and attended many of the first camps.

“Professor Presas is able to stimulate the creative mindset in his students,” Dr. Randi Schea says. “His exciting teaching methods enable him to cut across egos, stylistic barriers and biases. I especially like the way his various drills and exercises interconnect and develop practical applications. He taught me to allow my techniques to flow. When I first started modern-arnis training, the camps were 14 days long and not once were we ever bored. The professor’s energy was contagious, and we only stopped for meals and sleep because he insisted we needed to. Professor Presas is not only the most creative and gifted fighter in the martial arts today; he is also the most generous teacher and human being I’ve ever met.”

Ron Van Browning, an expert in san soo kung fu and trainer of world-class submission fighters and kickboxers in Dallas, credits Remy Presas with bringing a fluidity and directness to his techniques. “The professor forces you to relax and realize that your techniques are already there,” Ron Van Browning says. “The whole point of blending styles is not to water down your system but to strengthen and expand it. The professor accomplishes this through his own willingness to grow and learn. Just being around him renews my excitement toward the martial arts. He’s a lot of fun.”

Chuck Gauss, defensive-tactics instructor for the Taylor Police Department near Detroit, uses his modern-arnis training daily. “I was bored with judo and went to a one-day seminar featuring the professor and Wally Jay of small-circle jujitsu,” Chuck Gauss says. “That was it; I was hooked. The techniques fit right in with the pressure-point control tactics that we teach, but they are much more complete and effective. Since a police officer always carries a gun, every confrontation is an armed confrontation. If the one technique the officer learned during basic training doesn’t work, the result is panic, which almost always leads to excessive force. With modern arnis, a following technique is always there, and it represents an avenue to avoid excessive force while maintaining control of the suspect and the situation.”

Terry Wareham has been hosting camps at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, for the past 10 years. Originally a tang soo do stylist, he began working with Remy Presas in the early 1980s. “The professor is a fascinating character and truly exciting to be around,” Terry Wareham says. “He likes to expand and work with ideas in a way that is truly unique.”


Remy Presas: Recognition of the Modern Arnis Founder’s Achievements


In 1982, stick-combat legend Remy Presas was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame as Instructor of the Year. In 1994, he was again honored by Black Belt as Weapons Instructor of the Year. “When I think of how modern arnis has grown in the United States and around the world, I cannot help but feel proud,” Remy Presas says. “As I travel from seminar to seminar, I look forward to seeing each and every student. It is their dedication to self-improvement that is my inspiration.”

Remy Presas’ students, in turn, describe him as gifted, compassionate, energizing and engaging. These endearing terms, however, should not be confused with the savage fire that burns in his eyes as he bears down on an opponent or with the deadly efficiency of the techniques he teaches.


From left to right: Small-circle jujitus founder Wally Jay, modern arnis founder Remy Presas and pressure-point specialist George Dillman at Jay's birthday party in 2000.
(Photo by Kim Dillman)

Now in his 60s, Presas continues to hone and add to his art while helping others do the same. Through his association with Wally Jay, pressure-point specialist George Dillman and san soo expert Ron Van Browning, Presas’ seminars and training camps are never lacking when it comes to the sheer volume of devastating techniques available.

“I owe a lot to Remy [Presas],” Wally Jay says. “He helped me a lot.” This phrase is repeated over and over again by martial artists fortunate enough to have crossed paths with this legendary stick-combat fighter, teacher and master of modern-arnis techniques. His teaching skills, charisma and energy are inspiring to all, and his seminars and training camps should be added to the schedules of martial artists of all styles and systems.


Modern-arnis founder Remy Presas passed away in August 2001. Small-circle jujitsu developer Wally Jay passed away in May 2011.
 
About the Author:
Jeffrey J. Delaney is head of the International Modern Arnis Federation.



Copied from:

  1. http://www.blackbeltmag.com/daily/traditional-martial-arts-training/escrima/modern-arnis-techniques-master-remy-presas-a-stick-combat-legend-remembered-part-1/
  2. http://www.blackbeltmag.com/daily/traditional-martial-arts-training/escrima/modern-arnis-techniques-master-remy-presas-a-stick-combat-legend-remembered-part-2/



For further info:






BIRTHDAY: Happy 31st Birthday Karo Parisyan!



Source pic:  UFC.com


Today marks the 31st birthday of Karo "The Heat" Parisyan!!


May he enjoy many more victories in the Octagon and have many more successful judo throws!





Highlight clip






UFC 94 - Karo Parisyan X Dong Hyun Kim
January 31, 2009
 
Karo wins via a controversial split decision, however, after the fight, he tested positive for banned painkillers (which he claimed he had a prescription for his back and hamstring injuries)
 







For more information:




Karo Parisyan - Judo for MMA Vol 5-6 (Full videos)


In honor of Karo Parisyan's 31st birthday today, I am posting his martial arts instructional series. The video below contains 2 volumes.

Enjoy!




Judo for Mixed Martial Arts is the first instructional series ever produced on how to effectively use the power of Judo for real No Holds Barred fighting! Starring Karo Parisyan, 4 time International Judo champion and Ultimate Fighter, this series breaks down the most powerful throws that can be used in a real MMA match. Karo Parisyan has proven to be the very best fighter in the world utilizing Judo in MMA and has developed an amazing system of takedowns and ground work that are effective even in the midst of punches and kicks. Karo has taken Judo to an all new level by taking traditional Judo throws and making them work from the clinch and tie up, and then by dazing his opponents with these brutal throws. Do not mistake these moves for simple Judo throws without the kimono. Every throw that Karo uses has been completely reworked to be effective in a No Holds Barred fight. Each throw is thoroughly covered with the submissions that are available after your opponent hits the ground.



Volume 5: Kimura

The most famous throw and submission in grappling comes to No Holds Barred fighting in this incredible DVD! This is one of Karo's most effective techniques and one that he is using on a regular basis in all of his MMA fights. Learn the Kimura from standing and on the ground with counters and offenses never seen on video until now!


Volume 6: Submissions

This volume displays the devastating submissions of Judo that are effective in No Holds Barred fighting. Karo Parisyan's submissions are tested and proven in shows like the UFC and have led him to submit many of his opponents in his matches. Learn chokes, armbars and leglocks that are different then the typical Jiu-Jitsu approach to submissions on the ground.






Karo Parisyan - Judo for MMA Vol 3-4 (Full videos)


In honor of Karo Parisyan's 31st birthday today, I am posting his martial arts instructional series. The video below contains 2 volumes.

Enjoy!




Judo for Mixed Martial Arts is the first instructional series ever produced on how to effectively use the power of Judo for real No Holds Barred fighting! Starring Karo Parisyan, 4 time International Judo champion and Ultimate Fighter, this series breaks down the most powerful throws that can be used in a real MMA match. Karo Parisyan has proven to be the very best fighter in the world utilizing Judo in MMA and has developed an amazing system of takedowns and ground work that are effective even in the midst of punches and kicks. Karo has taken Judo to an all new level by taking traditional Judo throws and making them work from the clinch and tie up, and then by dazing his opponents with these brutal throws. Do not mistake these moves for simple Judo throws without the kimono. Every throw that Karo uses has been completely reworked to be effective in a No Holds Barred fight. Each throw is thoroughly covered with the submissions that are available after your opponent hits the ground.



Volume 3: Drop Seoi-Nagi 

This is one of Karo's favorite throws and one that he has used with great success in MMA! Every detail is shown with step by step instruction on this awesome throw and all of the possible variations.


Volume 4: Uchi-Mata

This throw is one of the most famous and powerful throws in traditional Judo. In this DVD, Karo teaches how to use this amazing throw for MMA! Every detail and variation you can think of is covered on this video with the strategies that makes this technique effective when dealing with a striking opponent. You will love this DVD!






Karo Parisyan - Judo for MMA Vol 1-2 (Full videos)


In honor of Karo Parisyan's 31st birthday today, I am posting his martial arts instructional series. The video below contains 2 volumes.

Enjoy!






Judo for Mixed Martial Arts is the first instructional series ever produced on how to effectively use the power of Judo for real No Holds Barred fighting! Starring Karo Parisyan, 4 time International Judo champion and Ultimate Fighter, this series breaks down the most powerful throws that can be used in a real MMA match. Karo Parisyan has proven to be the very best fighter in the world utilizing Judo in MMA and has developed an amazing system of takedowns and ground work that are effective even in the midst of punches and kicks. Karo has taken Judo to an all new level by taking traditional Judo throws and making them work from the clinch and tie up, and then by dazing his opponents with these brutal throws. Do not mistake these moves for simple Judo throws without the kimono. Every throw that Karo uses has been completely reworked to be effective in a No Holds Barred fight. Each throw is thoroughly covered with the submissions that are available after your opponent hits the ground.


Volume 1: Osoto-Gari

This DVD details all of the steps needed to hit this takedown in a Submission Grappling or No Holds Barred fight. Learn to "shock" your opponent with your throw and gain the submission on the ground. Karo finishes his throws with multiple submissions like armbars, chokes and more!


Volume 2: Ouchi-Gari

This is the most comprehensive look at this takedown from a Mixed Martial Arts view point. Learn how to create the setup without getting hit and how hit this effective throw leaving your opponent dazed and ready to be submitted. An awesome DVD! 







Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Dan Inosanto: Martial arts legend comes back home to Stockton, CA

A hat tip to Guro Marc Denny for this entry from his post to the Dog Brothers Martial Arts Facebook Group:





Dan Inosanto, right, demonstrates a move with Joel Clark during Saturday's seminar on the Filipino martial art of escrima at the Podesto Impact Teen Center. Inosanto, who grew up in Stockton's Little Manila and is widely recognized as the heir to Bruce Lee, is the world's foremost martial artist. 
CALIXTRO ROMIAS/The Record



STOCKTON - Once a year, the world's foremost martial artist comes home. To Stockton.

Dan Inosanto, 77 years old and widely recognized as the heir to the legendary Bruce Lee, will appear today, his second straight, at downtown's Podesto Impact Teen Center as part of his annual seminar devoted to the Filipino martial art of escrima.

"He looks like he's 40. He does everything and goes on for hours," said Stockton resident Tony Somera, his friend and promoter. "His physical ability is phenomenal, but he is a humble man. Dan never takes credit because he wants to give it to the teachers he has learned from. He is very fast and very athletic, a book of living history and knowledge. He is the most sought-after martial artist in the world, busy 48 weekends a year."

This weekend is devoted to Stockton.

Inosanto, an Edison High School graduate, will teach for 41/2 hours starting at 10 a.m. Devotees from across Northern California and the West are attending.


Dan Inosanto works with Alexandra Tan and other students on the first day of the seminar. 
CALIXTRO ROMIAS/The Record


Inosanto has been coming home since 1984 - to conduct the local seminar and to reconnect with family members.

The Inosantos represent a pioneering Filipino family in Stockton. They were immigrants in the early 1900s. Dan Inosanto, born in 1936, grew up on Sonora Street in the heart of the city's Little Manila neighborhood.

His father, Sebastian, was a labor contractor and his mother, Mary, went to college in her 40s and became a school teacher. "They helped a lot of Filipinos who didn't have a home or food," Somera said. "At one time, they had 100 men living in their basement and backyard.

"Sebastian contracted with them to cut lettuce, asparagus and celery."

Dan Inosanto, an undergraduate of Whitworth University in Spokane, Wash., received his master's degree in physical education from University of the Pacific. After serving in the Army's 101st Airborne Division, he connected with Lee, a renowned martial arts expert and movie star, during the mid-1960s.

Inosanto is one of three people allowed by Lee, who died in 1973, to teach and spread his martial arts system.
He operates the Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts in Marina del Rey and he teaches such disciplines as Jeet Kune Do, Shoot wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Silat, mixed martial arts and more.

Inosanto also has had minor roles in several movies.

Somera said that Stockton, with its large Filipino population, was once a hotbed for escrima, a form of martial arts that emphasizes weapon-based fighting with sticks, knives and other bladed weapons.

"The Filipino community is still pretty tight," Somera said. "Dan's relatives still live here and he is so busy that he has to have a reason like this (seminar) to come home."

Inosanto is considered a martial arts master worldwide, but his annual homecoming seminar lists him simply as "guro," the Filipino word for teacher.


Copied from:  http://www.recordnet.com/




Some other entries on Manong Dan Inosanto:




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