Effectiveness of Stickfighting

More often than not I get a lot of questions and comments about FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) and it's effectiveness. Well it doesn't take much convincing that FMA is designed for real world application. And yes I know we don't walk around with sticks everyday. But any true Filipino Martial Artist knows what makes this effective isn't the tool it's the "tool" that thinks that I need a stick to kick their ass. Just kidding what makes this dangerous isn't the stick it's the person that wields it.

And here's why:

1. Extension. A stick is an extension of my arm meaning that I can still do the same move with a small variation.

2. Faster than you. A stick can travel almost 50x's faster than your fist. And we train to block and counter with a fast moving sticks being wielded against us. Well if we can move block evade counter circumnavigate dodge with a stick traveling at high velocity than how much easier would it be when it is traveling at a slower rate?

3. We start training weapon first. That is because FMA has a military point of view. In any military training across the globe and history. All soldiers are first taught how to fight with a weapon. And when they go out on the field of battle they carry as much weapons as they can carry. Why? It's because they want to have as much of an advantage over their enemy. So they teach them how to wield their weapons first and then move into empty hands. But ask any soldier, once you take a way their weapons are they any less dangerous?


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All of sudden Im heading North

This is the first time I didn't go to a big tournament with the guys. But it was Jules birthday and well I had to go. Actually I had to go to both. So I went to Julies birthday but before that I've packed my bags for I am heading to Fremont California or the 2010 tournament. And here is my ROAD TRIP.

12:24 AM drove for about 45 mins and mother nature calls (or roared) and so I'm here at Santa Clarita's IHop answering the call. As soon as I was done I stepped out to find out that not all Ihops are 24 Hours. Oops.

2:02 AM not really sure where I am but I am in petro iron skillet stop. Why is this trip requireing me to use the can a lot? What the heck did I eat at Julie's

3:30 AM again not sure where I am but pulled over at a denny's nap time. Oh btw I drank that 5 hour energy drink and one hour later I'm sleepy. What a rip off.

I know I should really sleep but the one hour drive wasn't too bad. I was able to turn on the cruise control and just coast man. The whole drive I just kept thinking how beautiful Julie was tonight. She was wearing this cream colored dress and it was so nice to hear about special moments people had with her. It was really great to see Auntie Trini and Uncle Lawry. Auntie was telling me that she is going to Vegas for her 75th birthday and in July the whole clan is going to Hawaii for Uncle's 80th birthday. I love them so much.

4:30 AM FINAL PUSH. I've decided to not make anymore stops. I was driving on Highway 158 and the sun starting to peak through the hills. To be honest if this was the only reason why I went just so I can this Majestic Moment it would be worth it.

7:35 AM so the GPS kept saying that I will arrive at my destination at 7:35 AM and I was starting to have my doubts. But I did make it. Tried calling Josh but no answer and called Kim and he was able to tell me where their room was so I can take a quick shower.

8:00 AM I'm downstairs saying hi to everyone.

Now it's 2:19 AM Monday morning and I'm back home safe and sound. Josh was able to drive back with me and he actually drove the lion share of it back so I was able to catch some sleep. But overall it was a great quick road trip and wouldn't have missed it for the world.


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The Heavy Stick We Wield

Last night I trained with the guys for th first time this year. And it was intense to say the

least. Instead or swinging the regular rattan stick I swung a heavy kamagong stick. And it was bulky and the weight shifted too much to keep any sort of balance to it and unless you are an experience escrimador I don't recommend for new practicioners to be wielding it. It will just hurt your wrist.

Hitting the tires and th bags with those heavy sticks were no jokes. But when we switched to the lighter sticks I was flying

But my back is sore and I can't get up.

I love stickfighting
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Turtle style

So today's class I find myself developing more and more as an escrimador. Today we worked on the ABC blade technique. When my students asked why are we using the full stick when a knife is a lot shorter than that. I said well if you can clear a 24" stick while acting like it's a blade the how much more easier it is when it's a 4" knife? Which makes so much freekin sense that it made me wonder hmm did I always know that or was it something I did during my days as a student and never really understood why. I am so happy with my student's progress that I remember how they use to twirl now I am very proud to see the excell.

Then I wanted to re-emphasize the kawi hand. Cause I truly believe that the stick hand kills your enemy but it's your kawit hand is what will save your life.


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Dream Whisperer

In my personal studies of the scripture, it is clear that God does convey His message to us in many ways. But one unique way is through our dreams. Unique meaning that only a faitful few can interpret them. In the case of Joseph were Pharaoh couldn't interpret his own dream. Again with King Nebachanezzer. Joseph
himself said the business of interpreting dreams is God work.

Last night I had a dream. And here is what I saw. In the dream I joined a very old style of martial arts. I want to say it's Kung Fu for it was very heavy on the traditions and that the Grandmaster's word is law. Well there was a technique or move that I developed but the move has requirements in order for it to work. I was carrying an old muskett, you know the kind that was used during the American Revolution. And affixed on it was a bayonet. The move requires someone from behind me to grab me. And the move has me killing the enemy behind me by cutting his throat and down to his heart.

When I showed that to my old grandmaster he said that the move is not how they do things. And he ordered me to never so that move again. Perplexed why would he say that, and when I asked him why not? He yelled at me, and then as I was about to react, I woke up.

What do you think that means? My friends have said that my Jedi power is dream interetations. I always thought that God blessed me with this gift and now I need to use it. I think I have interpret it already but I shall pray more to see it more clearly.


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Western Regional

This past November was the WEKAF USA Western Regional and after seeing the Cebu tournament I sure was glad there were less people. It was hosted by Master Steve Del Castillo and this year's venue was surely unique. For at the same j
E the tournament was happening there was an ANIME expo going on. And thatsure made things interesting. All these Anime Fans were dressed up in their favorite character and the weird thing was our group was the weird one.

As far as Visayan Legacy all our fighters placed second or higher and of course we took home the coveted team trophy. All around a great tournament. And was capped off with dinner with the whole stick fam. It's always great hanging out with my stickfighting family.

What do I do when...

Eversince people learned that I practice Filipino Martial Arts I get some more often than not these type of questions.

So here is my answer to those query...

Question:
What if someone pulls a gun/knife/pipe etc and ask for your money what would you do?

Answer:
Give that person my money. My life is far worth more than whatever amount I carry in my pockets. I can always make more money (sure not as much as I would like) but I can't make another me.

People are in a daze to hear me say those things. I think they expect me to pull a Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Move. Trust me that movie was all fantasy. But that's what that us a fantasy. If anything a responsible martial arts instructor should teach you how to survive first. And in that situation why risk it over a few dollar bills. There is nothing in this world more precious than your life.

Now don't get me wrong if after I give the money and I feel my life was still in danger well it's on like donkey kong. But self defense starts with self awareness. Be aware of the situation around you. Pastor Rick Warren author of Purposr Driven Life said stay focused for just like light, focused well enough it can cut through anything such as rock or a sheet of metal.

So till next time keep swinging.

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