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…
Meeting GM Bobby Taboada
On Sunday, April 26, 2009, after I arrived at Ike Sepulveda’s house, along with Terence, I was introduced by Ike to GM Bobby Taboada, who received my handshake warmly and with a friendly smile. I said, “it’s an honor to meet you.” We all sat…
Martial Arts Training and Learning
Recently, I came across a quote from Rickson Gracie that nicely sums up my training and learning philosophy: “When you train you should put more emphasis on learning than competing with your partner.” In other words, Rickson is emphasizing the technical side of the art…
Book Review: Sonny Umpad’s Eskrima
Recently, I purchased “Sonny Umpad’s Eskrima: The Life and Teachings of a Filipino Martial Arts Master” by George M. Yore. Blue Snake Books (www.bluesnakebooks.com) published this book. First, see this video for those who are unaware of who Maestro Sonny Umpad is. If you are…
Book Review: When the Fight Goes to the Ground
If you are wondering how to counter MMA techniques for street self-defence, look no further than Lori O’Connell’s book “When the Fight Goes to the Ground: Jiu-Jitsu Strategies and Tactics for Self Defense.” The book includes a DVD that illustrates the concepts. She is the head…
