Friday Recommendation #20
Quick background: Sonny Sison produced the well-known FMA documentary “Bladed Hand” several years ago, which was widely acclaimed. He has long been involved in the entertainment industry. As evidenced by the interview below, he has studied various styles of FMAs. The interview touches on topics ranging from his involvement in the entertainment industry, his views of martial arts training, the commonalities between styles, and why he got involved in Filipino Martial Arts.
If you’re not able to view this video, go here.
Sonny Sison reveals that he started studying FMAs for cultural reasons. This is probably the most common reason that I’ve heard for Filipinos to learn FMAs. For example, I know one person who was the only member of his family not to be born in the Philippines. His involvement in the FMAs was his way of connecting with Filipino culture. This desire to connect with their culture is the prime reason to train in FMAs for many American and Canadian Filipinos.
Professor Florendo Visitacion introduced me to FMA during a private lesson in the fall of 1989. I learned the first five angles of attack. “What is this? It’s so easy and amazing!” I said to myself. The mere existence and simplicity of the angles of attack blew me away. I now chuckle at my naivete. He taught me basic techniques and ended the session by inflicting painful finger locks on us.
However, the most valuable portion of the private lesson came while we drank tea. He encouraged us to study Arnis. “This will be your graduate school,” he told us.
“Professor, I’ll move to Ohio after I graduate. Do you have any recommendations?“
Professor Vee replied, “I don’t have any recommendations. Whatever you come across will be fine.“
If you are not able to view the video, go here.
As many of you know, I started training in Modern Arnis in 1998 under Master Dan McConnell and later with Master of Tapi Tapi Chuck Gauss.
How do Modern Arnis and other FMAs benefit me? Filipinos point to the cultural connection. What’s in it for me?
The short answer is learning to “go with the flow.” This philosophy has greatly impacted my life, especially as a deaf adult. While I was a teenager and in my early 20s, I was not a “go with the flow” type. Far from it! I easily got frustrated and metaphorically banged my head against the wall often.
If I could, I would return to my younger self and say, “Dude, relax and go with the flow!” Anyway, FMAs have given me this invaluable gift, and I’m a better person.
One more thing: I would be remiss not to mention my introduction to Filipino cuisine through my FMA journey. OMG, I love Filipino Food!
Next, Sonny Sison briefly mentioned the importance of basics
He said that “a lot of people in the US want to bypass the basics. They get bored with it and want to get to the advanced stuff.” He then says, “I always say that advanced is basics done well.“
YES!
I have asked students “Do you want to learn the advanced material?“
They nod, “Yes.“
“Well then, you really need to clean up your footwork and your feeds. Both need to be impeccable before we move to advanced material.“
I am far more particular and detailed about the basics than I was when I started teaching. Experience has driven home the importance of solid basics. It’s an absolute must before delving into intermediate and advanced material, particularly the flow drills. To me, solid basics lead to a lower risk of injury. Simple as that.
I’m sure that others may have more takeaways from this video, but those two topics were my main takeaways. I’m always interested in why folks train in FMA and the importance of basics.
As always, thanks for reading this and have a great weekend!
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[…] Hand” documentary, where producers interviewed folks on the streets of Cebu, Philippines. The producers asked the subject if they had heard of “arnis or eskrima.” They were all unaware of […]