The 10 Best Martial Arts
You’ve seen those lists. “The 10 Best Martial Arts For Self Defense,” “The Best Martial Arts Styles for Self Defense,” or “The 10 Most Lethal Martial Arts.” They’re eye-catching and often informative. I have the utmost respect for the martial arts listed. I believe that…
Three Reasons Why Filipino Martial Arts Suck
Over the years, I’ve heard several reasons calling into question the effectiveness of Filipino Martial Arts. Not surprisingly, the opinions often come from those who have not trained in Filipino Martial Arts and, consequently, are uninformed. Those uninformed about Filipino Martial Arts often say the following:…
Let’s Get It On!
Upon receiving the proposed date of the next cochlear implant surgery, I had only one thought: “Let’s Get It On!” As many of you know, I had cochlear implant surgery in the left ear in December of 2013 and have had amazing results. Then I…
“Sinawali Training is Useless”
Is sinawali training practical? Are there any benefits to this kind of training? Some believe that the practice of sinawali is useless. From collecting or learning as many patterns, engaging in patty cake play may be useless. I have seen folks with impressive sinawali skills….
Taming the Mustang Spirit
I’m pleased to have a guest post from Cathy Chapaty, a veteran martial artist and author of a terrific book (No Pouting In the Dojo). If you teach children, this is a must-buy available at Amazon. She has previously guest-posted on the mental aspects of teaching…
7 Ways I Teach Children Filipino Martial Arts
Some believe children should not be taught a “violent” activity like Filipino Martial Arts. I’ve encountered those who believe FMAs are inappropriate for children because they involve swinging a stick or two. Ahem. While risks are inherent in swinging sticks, many age-appropriate ways to teach Filipino…
The Good Guys and the Bad Guys
Regarding kids and martial arts, a fair bit of time is spent differentiating between the good and bad guys. It seems pretty easy since we’re dealing with schoolyard bullies, various stranger scenarios, and practicing self-defence moves. It all seems pretty cut and dried until you…
7 Great Ways to Train Left Handed
The late Professor Remy A. Presas was left-hand dominant yet was just as proficient with his right. He felt strongly enough about ambidexterity that he insisted that we learn to train both right and left-handed. Sometimes, he had right-hand dominant students train with their left…
Simplicity
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. – Leonardo DaVinci. Simplicity is the key to brilliance. – Bruce Lee. My first formal introduction to Arnis/Eskrima was during a private lesson with Professor Florendo Visitacion, otherwise known as Professor Vee in the fall of 1989. I travelled to…
The Mad Scotsman and the Burmese Strangler
The “Mad Scotsman” and “The Burmese Strangler” are fun nicknames that I’ve given to two great gentlemen, Alan and Noel. Alan is an 80-year-old Scotsman; Noel is 78 years old and was born in Burma. I first met Alan in 2009 through a Senior Citizens…
