A Stranger Approaches And..
Here’s some background on how the stranger approached us: From the spring of 2008 to July 2010, I worked on a contract basis in downtown Toronto for the Law Foundation of Ontario, while Terence was working at TD. Normally, we would get together for lunch…
Bamboo Shoots
The Bamboo Shoots program is designed for children ages 4 through 7. It is part of Bamboo Spirit Martial Arts. We focus on instilling respect, confidence, courtesy, and discipline in children. We teach stranger awareness, personal safety skills, escape techniques, conflict management, and goal setting…
Evolving with the Times
I’ve been considering whether martial arts should evolve with the times or remain in its “pure form.” Let me elaborate. I think of martial arts as a vehicle to defend oneself—Self-defence, in other words. From that perspective, should it not make sense for martial arts…
Incremental Improvement
Often, martial artists or those engaged in athletic endeavours will reach a plateau. In addition, they may find that their rate of improvement dramatically slows down. The tricky question is whether one is willing to put in the work necessary to achieve a 1% or…
June 2009 Technique of the Month
The technique of the month in this video includes the following: If you cannot view this technique of the month video, click here. Let’s discuss one technique in this monthly sequence: the abanico corto. When I executed the abanico corto technique, I had to move…
May 2009 Modern Arnis Technique of the Month
In the May 2009 Modern Arnis technique of the month, I demonstrate an old-style tapi tapi sequence. Techniques included in this sequence are the same side bait and a center lock. The elements of this sequence include: Typically, one training partner will practice this technique…
A Great Seminar
Master Chuck Gauss taught a fantastic seminar this past weekend! During the seminar, he emphasized the 2 vs. 1 drill while incorporating several concepts. For instance, he taught armbars, passing, hitting, sweeping, body manipulation/management, and disarms. The material was eye-popping for the participants involved. There…
Recent Visit By Master Chuck Gauss
Last month, Master Chuck came to town to hang out for the weekend and to train me. After coming in on Friday night, we went out to eat. Post dinner, we trained in the basement for a couple of hours. Very eye-opening training and lots…
Bamboo Spirit Martial Arts
A New Year and Welcome to Bamboo Spirit Martial Arts! The inspiration for the new name comes from Terence, one of my students, who suggested using the word “Bamboo” in some form. Thanks, Terence! The bamboo plant is culturally significant in many parts of Asia,…
Master Chuck Gauss Seminar Review
Master Chuck Gauss’s second seminar took place on Saturday, November 8th. It was a fun-filled and energetic time. Master Chuck arrived in Oshawa on Friday night with his good friend and student, Steve. We went out to eat and then to the basement for intensive…
