Under Lockdown
Note: I wrote this on March 2nd, which seems so long ago. A lockdown has been imposed. Still, much of what I wrote below still applies. Well, these are wild times. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’re likely aware of the coronavirus. As…
The Learning Cycle
As many of you know, I like teaching flow drills. I find it a practical and fun way to introduce the concepts of Modern Arnis. I find this a useful addition to a student’s learning cycle. The concepts range from abanico corto, palis palis, disarms,…
Get Out of the Comfort Zone!
Often, martial artists stay in their comfort zone and practice the same form or workout routine daily. They perform their favourite kata the same way several times a week. As a result, some get stuck in a rut. Why not challenge yourself? Why not get…
The Comparison Game
Several years ago, one of my students, who was in his mid 70s, stopped by my class and announced that he had decided to quit. I asked him for a reason, expecting him to cite a health or age-related issue. He surprised me by responding,…
Footwork
While perusing various videos on The Modern Martial Artist YouTube channel, I came across this fascinating video and loved the footwork analysis! If you are not able to view this video, click here. Quick background: Willie Pep is considered, pound for pound, among the top…
Angry and Crazy Driver
A month ago, I had an exciting front-row seat to a near-road rage incident on a residential street. Let me tell you, the two drivers involved were dumber than dirt. This incident involved an angry and crazy driver and a stupid driver. There are lots…
Which Technique Is Best?
I have often been asked, “Which technique is best?” for any given situation. The result of those questions was the above video. The long and short of it is “it depends on the angle of attack coming at you.” But it gets more complicated, as…
Archie Moore’s Crossed Guard
Recently, I came across a fantastic YouTube channel called The Modern Martial Artist. This channel has tons of videos analyzing many boxers and martial artists. The technical breakdowns are often superb. I have found several videos explaining techniques that are amazingly similar to martial arts that…
Talent or Dedication?
Which is more important, dedication or talent? From an instructor’s perspective, dedication wins hands down. Like many instructors, I have students who are talented and “natural.” I also have students who are not “natural” in martial arts. Oddly enough, and generally speaking, the less talented…
Banda y Banda
“Banda y banda” is a term used in Filipino martial arts to describe a side-to-side motion commonly practiced. It is one of the first “traditionals” that the late Professor Remy A. Presas taught his students, along with movements such as figure 8, reverse figure 8,…
