Get Out of the Comfort Zone!
Often, martial artists stay in their comfort zone and practice the same form or workout routine daily. They perform their favourite kata the same way several times a week. As a result, some get stuck in a rut. Why not challenge yourself? Why not get…
Footwork
While perusing various videos on The Modern Martial Artist YouTube channel, I came across this fascinating video and loved the footwork analysis! If you are not able to view this video, click here. Quick background: Willie Pep is considered, pound for pound, among the top…
Which Technique Is Best?
I have often been asked, “Which technique is best?” for any given situation. The result of those questions was the above video. The long and short of it is “it depends on the angle of attack coming at you.” But it gets more complicated, as…
Archie Moore’s Crossed Guard
Recently, I came across a fantastic YouTube channel called The Modern Martial Artist. This channel has tons of videos analyzing many boxers and martial artists. The technical breakdowns are often superb. I have found several videos explaining techniques that are amazingly similar to martial arts that…
Banda y Banda
“Banda y banda” is a term used in Filipino martial arts to describe a side-to-side motion commonly practiced. It is one of the first “traditionals” that the late Professor Remy A. Presas taught his students, along with movements such as figure 8, reverse figure 8,…
The State of the Filipino Martial Arts Industry
Recently, Kai Morgan published a thought-provoking post on the state of the martial arts industry. It has made me think about the Filipino martial arts industry. Read her article here. In relevant part, the post states: The traditional martial arts are often said to be suffering. Many (although by…
Sinawali Applications
Sinawali practice is an integral part of Filipino Martial Arts. I am amazed to see how little some understand the value of sinawali. Some don’t get beyond the double stick practice of the patterns or the “pattycake” empty-hand version. There is much to be mined…
Counters to Disarms
“How do you do these counters to the disarms?” “It’s easy; you must relax and practice them repeatedly.” During one class, I taught some counters to the #1 disarm taught in Modern Arnis. I taught these counters in the context of some principles I wanted…
What Are Filipino Martial Arts?
Recently, a prospective student attended a trial class. She had some previous martial arts experience, consisting of karate. I taught her the 12 angles of attack and other Modern Arnis basics. She absorbed the material quickly and enthusiastically. After the class ended, I asked her…
Stealing and Keeping The Lead
Last week, I wrote about 3 Ways To Grab The Cane in which I offered ideas on opportune times to grab your opponent’s cane in the context of tapi tapi play. Grabbing the cane is often referred to as “stealing the lead” in some Filipino Martial Arts circles….
