10 Tips To Avoid Killing Your Uke
If you are not able to view this video, click here. Demonstrating a technique on Jason. First, what does the word “uke” mean in martial arts? “Uke” means “receiver of a technique” and, in layman’s terms, means “demonstration partner.” Instructors often use demonstration partners to…
The Importance of the #5 Poke in Modern Arnis
The #5 poke is a tremendous way to move your opponent. Why? You are attacking your opponent’s centreline; frankly, folks don’t like their center being attacked. They either get hit or move out of the way. Either way, it’s a winner for the driver. If…
My Martial Arts Beginning
I began in the martial arts in December of 1982 after I “retired” from high school football. I was a star player for the YMCA team, the Oakdale Red Devils, from the 4th through 7th grade. The trajectory to stardom continued as a member of…
A Moment in Time- Avoiding Violence
In the past decade or so, I have gotten quite interested in the psychology of violence. Over time, I have gotten interested in the writings of Marc “Animal” MacYoung, Rory Millar, Kris Wilder, Lawrence Kane, and Peyton Quinn. Finding MacYoung’s website (http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/index.html) was the portal…
Women Warriors of Filipino Martial Arts: Guro Peachie Baron Saguin
Guro Peachie Baron Saguin is one of the foremost teachers of Kalis Illustrisimo. He recently did a seminar tour with Guro Arnold Narzo in the USA. Both were long-time students of GM Tony Diego. Grandmaster Diego was a student of Grandmaster Antonio ‘Tatang’ Ilustrisimo, a legendary…
Women Warriors of FMAs: Karen Callahan (Part 2)
To see part 1 of this article about this warrior, click here. If you are not able to see this video tribute to a great warrior, click here. John Doreck’s Memories of Karen The first story to come to mind was the first time I…
Women Warriors of FMAs: Karen Callahan (Part 1)
When looking at YouTube videos of Filipino Martial Arts or a cursory look at Filipino Martial Arts events, it is evident, like many martial arts, that males far outnumber females. This is unfortunate, as I have seen a number of incredible female FMA players, both known and…
Filipino Martial Arts on a Mook Jong
I have previously written about some of the drills in the below video that I practice on the Mook Jong in the basement. If you are not able to view this video, click here. Those drills are designed to develop the check hand for stick…
Martial Arts Email Scam
In this post, I discuss a martial arts email scam that I recently encountered. Back in August, I received an email that I did not give much thought to. It stated: “This is JONES WILLIAMS, am hearing impaired, i will like to know if you…
GM Bobby Taboada/Master Chuck Gauss Seminar
On Saturday, April 26th, Bamboo Spirit and Pugad Lawin Martial Arts hosted a successful joint seminar between Balintawak GM Bobby Taboada and Master of Tapi Tapi Chuck Gauss. This seminar was months in the making and involved much outreach. I’ve had Master Chuck in the…
