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…
Timing, Speed and Rhythm
In the past year, I have pondered how to teach my students speed, timing, and rhythm. I have noticed the tendency of many to be “clocklike” in their timing and rhythm. This makes them predictable. In other words, their technique is usually “ONE-TWO, ONE-TWO, ONE-TWO.”…
3rd Annual Toronto Modern Arnis Camp
This weekend, Bamboo Spirit Martial Arts Centre hosted the 3rd Annual Toronto Modern Arnis Camp in Pickering, Ontario. Darkhorse TKD was the site of the camp. This year’s camp was proof of this annual event’s growing size, with 30 attendees in total. As a result,…
Review of Datu Kelly Worden DVDs
A few months ago, I purchased Datu Kelly Worden’s newly released DVDs, entitled “Anyo Baston- Beyond Form!” and “Anyo Isa- Beyond Form!” In a nutshell, I highly recommend getting these two DVDs. They are fantastic for deepening your understanding of the Modern Arnis anyos Professor…
Review of Master Chuck’s “Combat 2 vs. 1 ” DVD
Master Chuck Gauss recently released a new 2 vs 1 DVD, entitled “Combat 2 vs 1.” This is the sequel to an earlier DVD that covered the basics of the two sticks vs. one drill. Disclosure: I was the training partner/uke in both videos. Two…
Bodyweight Exercises
In recent years, I have become more attracted to bodyweight exercises, using only the body’s weight. In contrast, I have increasingly questioned the value of weightlifting at a gym. At a typical gym, you see rows and rows of exercise machines that specifically target and…
The Modern Arnis 2 vs 1 Drill
My favourite developmental drill is the Modern Arnis 2 vs 1 drill I learned from Master Chuck Gauss. Through this drill, one can develop tremendous skills needed for single-stick fighting. At a basic level, a practitioner will learn how to develop ambidexterity. Major concepts of…
