FMA Talk - Blogs http://www.fmatalk.com/blog.php Welcome to FMATalk. We feature friendly discussion about the rich and robust world of Filipino Martial Arts. Our relaxed forum enviroment features areas for many of the diverse styles and families. Visit us today! en Thu, 17 May 2012 15:57:23 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.fmatalk.com/images/misc/rss.jpg FMA Talk - Blogs http://www.fmatalk.com/blog.php Need A Training Partner In Las Vegas? FMA, JKD, Wing Chun, Silat. Im Available. http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?36-Need-A-Training-Partner-In-Las-Vegas-FMA-JKD-Wing-Chun-Silat-Im-Available Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:59:37 GMT Im just looking to learn from a training partner in any of the FMA Arts. I am available, just send me a message anytime. James. Im just looking to learn from a training partner in any of the FMA Arts. I am available, just send me a message anytime. James. ]]> Salingsing http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?36-Need-A-Training-Partner-In-Las-Vegas-FMA-JKD-Wing-Chun-Silat-Im-Available New Tuhon in Pekiti-Tirsia http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?35-New-Tuhon-in-Pekiti-Tirsia Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:20:45 GMT ---Quote (Originally by Bob Hubbard)--- Cool. Congratulations to Mr. Popolizio on his promotion. :) ---End Quote--- Congratulations as well!
Quote Originally Posted by Bob Hubbard View Post
Cool. Congratulations to Mr. Popolizio on his promotion. :)
Congratulations as well! ]]> Brian R. VanCise http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?35-New-Tuhon-in-Pekiti-Tirsia Any Training Fma, JKD Groups In Las Vegas, Instructor? http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?34-Any-Training-Fma-JKD-Groups-In-Las-Vegas-Instructor Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:22:22 GMT Hey guys! Im just wondering if there are any Fma, JKD training groups in Las Vegas, or any instructors coming to here? I know a few people that are interested along with me, let me know when, and what your training costs are. Looking for regular dependable instructor to start this group here.... Hey guys! Im just wondering if there are any Fma, JKD training groups in Las Vegas, or any instructors coming to here? I know a few people that are interested along with me, let me know when, and what your training costs are. Looking for regular dependable instructor to start this group here. Thanks! ]]> Salingsing http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?34-Any-Training-Fma-JKD-Groups-In-Las-Vegas-Instructor Kampilan http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?33-Kampilan Mon, 14 Nov 2011 03:14:36 GMT question: does anyone know any anamist tribes that used the kampilans, and any kampilans that belonged to non muslim filipinos??????? question: does anyone know any anamist tribes that used the kampilans, and any kampilans that belonged to non muslim filipinos??????? ]]> Pinuti http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?33-Kampilan Pekiti-Tirsia Kali in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?32-Pekiti-Tirsia-Kali-in-Harrisburg-Pennsylvania Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:24:10 GMT ---Quote (Originally by Ian Sammy Sikorski)--- In reply to pekiti in pa.id love to come check out what you guys are doin.i just did the 2011 summer camp with Tuhon McGrath.im very much into traning with Agalon Rob Walker and you guys.im in the tri state area of pa.ny,nj,pa.west chester would even...
Quote Originally Posted by Ian Sammy Sikorski View Post
In reply to pekiti in pa.id love to come check out what you guys are doin.i just did the 2011 summer camp with Tuhon McGrath.im very much into traning with Agalon Rob Walker and you guys.im in the tri state area of pa.ny,nj,pa.west chester would even be better its closer to me.let me know what you think.im going to also send an email at the ptk pa web site.
Regards,
Mr Ian Sammy Sikorski
sammywest06@yahoo.com
646 290 4719
]]> Ian Sammy Sikorski http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?32-Pekiti-Tirsia-Kali-in-Harrisburg-Pennsylvania Pekiti-Tirsia Kali in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?31-Pekiti-Tirsia-Kali-in-Harrisburg-Pennsylvania Thu, 15 Sep 2011 21:47:50 GMT JRest75, thanks for your interest, I sent you a PM. Also, to any martial arts schools in the Harrisburg (or more specifically the west shore) area, we're exploring the option of renting some training space. We'd be trying to have sessions only about once a week but would need some flexibility with the block of time. Let me know if you're interested. -Phil ]]> PAKali http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?31-Pekiti-Tirsia-Kali-in-Harrisburg-Pennsylvania A Padded Question... http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?30-A-Padded-Question Fri, 19 Aug 2011 01:41:28 GMT A few weeks ago I was helping a student prepare for a tournament when I was asked a seemingly simple question. The question was this: “Why do we bother wearing foot pads in competition? We don’t kick with the top of our feet.” It’s a fair question. I think its safe to say that we... A few weeks ago I was helping a student prepare for a tournament when I was asked a seemingly simple question. The question was this: “Why do we bother wearing foot pads in competition? We don’t kick with the top of our feet.” It’s a fair question.

I think its safe to say that we all dislike wearing foot pads. They never fit perfectly, they restrict some of the more intricate footwork, and the straps can cause the user to slip on certain surfaces. And as pointed out in the original question, many systems teach the student to strike only with the bottom of the foot (which is an area left uncovered by standard protective pads.) So why use them?

The simple answer is this: The tournament is forced to require foot pads by its insurance company. We can all appreciate that. Nobody wants to see a lawsuit as result of an injury. But there is more to it than that. We have to ask WHY the insurance company feels the pads are necessary.

Martial arts tournaments are fairly safe. Insurance companies know this, which is why rates for tournament coverage have decreased significantly over the past few years. (This does not include MMA and grappling events, where rates continue to increase.) Most events are well organized, closely monitored, and rarely are allowed to get out of hand. And Martial Arts students, by definition, are trained to protect themselves against an opponent. Despite these facts, standard protocol for a tournament is to require every competitor to have a mouthpiece, headgear, hand pads, foot pads, and a protective cup for males (I strongly support this last requirement.)

Anyone who has worn a full set of pads can tell you that they really don’t help protect you from an attack. If you fail to block, you will pay the price. The headgear typically does not cover the face, so you are still at risk for a broken nose, busted lip, or other injury to the jaw or mouth. And when you get punched in the gut by someone wearing a hand pad, its still going to knock the wind out of you. A kick with a padded foot… even when the attacker strikes with the covered portion of the foot… can still break a rib. So what purpose are all these pads serving?

The truth is this: You do not wear pads to protect yourself from you opponent. You training and reflexes are supposed to do that. You wear pads to protect yourself from yourself. The headgear is not designed to protect from a shot to the face… its to protect against trauma if you fall and your head hits the ground. The hand pads are not intended to lessen the impact of your punches (although they do soften the blow a bit.) Hand pads are intended to protect the user from hand injuries due to improper punching technique. And foot pads are designed to protect the metatarsals… the bones on top of the foot… from fracturing if you do happen to kick your opponent with the top of the foot.

In short, the insurance companies and pad manufacturers have figure out that most martial arts competitors need to be protected from themselves. More often than not, accidental self-injury is the cause for trips to the emergency room after a tournament. The pads just make it a little less likely to happen. ]]> grimfang http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?30-A-Padded-Question Impact of Economic Loyalty http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?29-Impact-of-Economic-Loyalty Fri, 27 May 2011 17:24:21 GMT If I had a nickel for every time I heard an instructor reminisce about how much tougher things were in the ‘old days’, I’d be freakin’ rich. We all know it’s the truth, though. Students just don’t undergo the abuse that took place 30 or 40 years ago. Back then, a person began to study martial arts... If I had a nickel for every time I heard an instructor reminisce about how much tougher things were in the ‘old days’, I’d be freakin’ rich. We all know it’s the truth, though. Students just don’t undergo the abuse that took place 30 or 40 years ago. Back then, a person began to study martial arts for much different reasons. These days, parent’s send their kids to the local McDojo like it’s a day at Chuck E Cheese. The whole ‘Little League Baseball’ mentality dominates now. Every kid is expected to get a trophy at the end of the season just for trying. Martial arts was never intended to work that way.

Not everyone is cut out to earn a black belt, become an instructor, and open their own school. Just like law school: not everyone gets their own firm… many of them just become clerks. But in this consumer driven culture, there is an expectation that every student can and will receive rank as a reward for time served (and money spent.) Its understandable. Nobody wants to spend hard earned money and have nothing to show for it. People look for tangible, measurable results these days. Certificates, colored belts, and titles are all trophies an individual can point to as proof of achievements. Unfortunately those items cannot talk. They do not tell the story of how hard a person worked or just how talented a person really is. They offer no true indication of a person’s true understanding of their art or that person’s ability to pass that knowledge on to future generations.

Many people blame the lawyers. Nobody wants to get sued these days. A student gets bruised up too much, you find yourself in a lawyer’s office. So instructors start toning down the levels of force used in class. Students stop learning how to deal with pain. With no threat of pain, students get sloppy with their blocking. Eventually a student gets whacked in the head, and the fear of lawyers arises again. So instructors tone down the force levels even further. It’s a pathetic cycle.

If a school is too brutal, it will not flourish in modern society. Instructors need to pay their bills just like everyone else. They can’t beat students senseless and drive them all away. But they can take a few steps to insure their students can actually take a punch if the need arises. And they may just preserve the quality of their system for the next generation.

Proper training and conditioning from day one will help. Let new students become accustomed to solid, controlled contact on their first day. Control is the key… nobody benefits from a serious injury. But people learn to block when they know it hurts when they fail to block.

There will always be a couple people who leave because they discovered they can’t tolerate a bit of pain. But part of martial arts is about discovering your limits. You never know if you can deal with a fat lip until you actually have a fat lip. And if you can’t deal with a fat lip or black eye on occasion, then perhaps you need to move on to a new activity.

If you feel a student is not physically or mentally strong enough for your system, then don’t water down the standards and reward that person with rank. At a certain point it becomes time to cull the herd. And its not fair to allow a student to think he or she has achieved a particular level of competency when the truth is otherwise.

Sometimes you simply have to explain to a person that there are limits to what some people can achieve in a system. Some individuals a can accept this fact, and they continue to train and study without expectation of additional rank. And if that person does finally meet the standards, than that person should certainly be awarded the proper rank.

Awarding rank simply for ‘time served’ only diminishes a system. An instructor who did not meet the criteria for rank cannot be expected to properly pass on the materials. ]]> grimfang http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?29-Impact-of-Economic-Loyalty In case of lion attack... http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?28-In-case-of-lion-attack Tue, 17 May 2011 01:44:21 GMT I was sitting at home watching the local news last week, and I watched one of those stories where some local martial arts instructors promotes his latest megadelux fantasical supersystem and tries to pass it off as news. These stories pop up on the air a couple times each year, typically on really... I was sitting at home watching the local news last week, and I watched one of those stories where some local martial arts instructors promotes his latest megadelux fantasical supersystem and tries to pass it off as news. These stories pop up on the air a couple times each year, typically on really slow news days. These stories usually come in two main varieties: kids self-defense/anti-bullying and senior citizen self-defense.

In this particular instance, the magical wonder-program was a class for senior citizens. The reporters repeatedly referred to the class as ‘Cane-Fu’ in a lame attempt to be humorous. The clip showed the instructor demonstrating exactly how these elderly citizens can use their canes and walkers to fend off the various thugs and vagrants they may encounter out in the wild. The guy showed them how to use their canes to execute a number of sweeps, and how to wave their walkers to fend off someone in the same manner as an old-time lion tamer fends off an angry cat.

The clip never actually showed the senior citizens doing any of this stuff.

I call bull****. This is the kind of stuff that gets people killed. In the hands of an able-bodied individual the techniques are fine. We have all demonstrated many techniques that function on the same principles as this stuff. I am not criticizing the specifics of the techniques themselves. But an 80 year old granny with a walker simply can do most of that stuff.

I speak from experience here. When I got out of the hospital in February, I needed a walker to get around for the first month. Then I could get away with just a cane. And during that time, there is no way in hell that I could have used either as a weapon. I depended on them to keep me upright. Take it away and down I went. I lacked the strength and balance to stand without that support.

Even if I could have stood and walked without support, my arms did not have the strength to effectively swing anything as a weapon. My two-year old could grab my cane and pull it from my grasp… there was not much I could do to stop him.

I realize that my condition at the time was not exactly a commonplace occurance. I know that not all seniors are invalids. But as a rule, its safe to assume that if a person is using a walker, its probably out of necessity. Which usually means issues with strength and/or stability. The whole lion-tamer routine is not likely to work out against an able-bodied assailant.

I am just putting myself in the shoes of the seniors in this situation . The senior citizen community would be better served with a class that taught them to never travel alone and how to scream loudly or blow a whistle…maybe a bit of pepper spray for those with better reflexes. Leave lion-taming to those who have two good legs to run away on. ]]> grimfang http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?28-In-case-of-lion-attack The basics of Basics http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?27-The-basics-of-Basics Sat, 14 May 2011 02:23:51 GMT I’ve found myself with a lot of free time on my hands while I recover from my recent illness. Its given me an opportunity to take a step back and take a long look at a variety of things. I’ve found myself reconsidering things that I may have overlooked and taken for granted in the past. ... I’ve found myself with a lot of free time on my hands while I recover from my recent illness. Its given me an opportunity to take a step back and take a long look at a variety of things. I’ve found myself reconsidering things that I may have overlooked and taken for granted in the past.

Mostly it’s the little things that jump out at me these days. Like walking. It’s a pretty basic function. Its not the type of thing you give a lot of thought to… until you have to re-learn how to walk. Then you discover just how much goes into it.

The whole process of learning to walk again leads me to think about the way we teach basics to new students. By “we”, I mean martial arts instructors in general. For the most part, we explain what we intend for the student to do, we demonstrate it, then we expect the noob to duplicate the results within a few attempts. Sure we show patience, offer encouragement, and tell the student that it will not be mastered overnight. Meanwhile we are silently shaking our heads and wondering how something so simple can be so complicated for someone to get correct.

We all know that it takes time to build muscle memory. Its all about repetition. Do it correctly enough times, and it becomes second nature. I’ve heard it a million times myself. For the most part, its true. But there is more to it than that.

When teaching basics… for example, a basic front stance… its important to consider more than the end result. Just because a student ended up in something that resembles the proper stance, do you ever ask what the student did to get into that position? Not just the basic foot movement, but the entire process?

As I have been discovering, there is a difference between taking a step and taking a “proper step”. People with injuries or recovering from certain conditions will often learn to walk in a seemingly ‘normal’ manner, when that person may actually be ‘compensating’ by using alternate muscles to substitute for weaker ones.

New students will often compensate in a similar manner offset balance or strength issues. If the end result looks correct, an instructor might not notice right away…if the problem is ever noticed at all. If the student compensates incorrectly for long enough, the action will become nature and virtually uncorrectable without a lengthy reprogramming. The student would literally need to retrain his muscle memory.

Looking at things in this light, its making me take a long look at everything I see a student do in class. Every stance is now a series of complex muscle movents rather than a simple motion. The order in which the separate muscle groups engage now become apparent and significant. It’s a whole new ballgame now.

Like I said… I have a lot of time on my hands these days.
]]> grimfang http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?27-The-basics-of-Basics FMA schools in cebu http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?26-FMA-schools-in-cebu Sun, 10 Apr 2011 02:20:04 GMT hey im new here in cebu city, where can i find a FMA schools near talisay cebu.i found 1 FMA school named doce pares but its too far from home..help me plsss i badly needed the info ..tnx!long live philippines! :kaioken: hey im new here in cebu city, where can i find a FMA schools near talisay cebu.i found 1 FMA school named doce pares but its too far from home..help me plsss i badly needed the info ..tnx!long live philippines! :kaioken: ]]> Marc Frederich Libo-on http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?26-FMA-schools-in-cebu Wanted Instructor In FMA In Las Vegas 4 Days A Week, $100. Monthly http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?25-Wanted-Instructor-In-FMA-In-Las-Vegas-4-Days-A-Week-100-Monthly Fri, 08 Apr 2011 07:03:07 GMT Looking for an experienced instructor in FMA in Las Vegas. Contact me anytime. Looking for an experienced instructor in FMA in Las Vegas. Contact me anytime. ]]> Salingsing http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?25-Wanted-Instructor-In-FMA-In-Las-Vegas-4-Days-A-Week-100-Monthly Bakbakan Kali-Ilustrisimo Filipino Martial Arts Workshop http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?24-Bakbakan-Kali-Ilustrisimo-Filipino-Martial-Arts-Workshop Tue, 01 Mar 2011 03:27:54 GMT ---Quote (Originally by Tagis-Talim)--- Guro Ramon Villardo, authorized Director of Bakbakan International Canada Chapter, will be conducting a Bakbakan Kali-Ilustrisimo Filipino Martial Arts Workshop on Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Undisputed Martial Arts. This open...
Quote Originally Posted by Tagis-Talim View Post
Guro Ramon Villardo, authorized Director of Bakbakan International Canada Chapter, will be conducting a Bakbakan Kali-Ilustrisimo Filipino Martial Arts Workshop on Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Undisputed Martial Arts. This open workshop is designed for all practitioners of the Filipino Martial Arts, from Beginners to Advance, regardless of the styles/systems you practice.

Learn the devastating, no nonsense techniques and effective training methods of Bakbakan Kali-Ilustrisimo which catapulted KALI-ILUSTRISIMO to become respected worldwide.

Contact Archie Luz at: left-hook@rogers.com or call 416-333-2342 or Guro Ramon Villardo at makata.yan@gmail or call at 647-500-1023.

*BAKBAKAN INTERNATIONAL is an organization governing the legitimacy of the Filipino martial arts. Its primary mission is to support, propagate and develop the "Warrior Ars of the Philippines" and its Culture. Mabuhay!
]]> Tagis-Talim http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?24-Bakbakan-Kali-Ilustrisimo-Filipino-Martial-Arts-Workshop <![CDATA["Modern Arnis Family Reunion Camp" July 14 - 17, 2011]]> http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?23-quot-Modern-Arnis-Family-Reunion-Camp-quot-July-14-17-2011 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:58:06 GMT ---Quote (Originally by James Miller)--- Early November update! Datu Hartman with the help of Bob Hubbard has given the Reunion Camp website a great face lift. There are bios on the instructors and special guest, location and hotel information and videos. Check out the site for yourself. ...
Quote Originally Posted by James Miller View Post
Early November update!

Datu Hartman with the help of Bob Hubbard has given the Reunion Camp website a great face lift. There are bios on the instructors and special guest, location and hotel information and videos. Check out the site for yourself. http://presasarnis.com/reunioncamp/
]]> James Miller http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?23-quot-Modern-Arnis-Family-Reunion-Camp-quot-July-14-17-2011 Need A Practice Partner In Las Vegas? I Want To Learn From You http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?22-Need-A-Practice-Partner-In-Las-Vegas-I-Want-To-Learn-From-You Sun, 17 Oct 2010 20:51:58 GMT Hey brothers and sisters! Are you looking for a training partner to train with in Las Vegas, I am looking to learn from you. I am interested in learning Doce Pares, Pekiti Tirsia, Sayoc Kali, Silat, Wing Chun. Im pretty much open to anything, I just really want to learn from you. I believe we can... Hey brothers and sisters! Are you looking for a training partner to train with in Las Vegas, I am looking to learn from you. I am interested in learning Doce Pares, Pekiti Tirsia, Sayoc Kali, Silat, Wing Chun. Im pretty much open to anything, I just really want to learn from you. I believe we can really help eachother out. Thanks for reading this.

James 702-502-8315 ]]> Salingsing http://www.fmatalk.com/entry.php?22-Need-A-Practice-Partner-In-Las-Vegas-I-Want-To-Learn-From-You