Changes in Private Lessons
As previously mentioned, I have transitioned from teaching group classes to private lessons due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the last few months, the tenor and format of the private lessons have changed quite a bit compared to the pre-pandemic private lessons. Before the pandemic,…
The Learning Cycle
As many of you know, I like teaching flow drills. I find it a practical and fun way to introduce the concepts of Modern Arnis. I find this a useful addition to a student’s learning cycle. The concepts range from abanico corto, palis palis, disarms,…
Teaching Sensitivity
Teaching one-step techniques and flow drills alone is not enough. One-step techniques are a great gateway to teaching more complex techniques, and flow drills serve as an introduction to “the flow.” However, neither, by themselves, sufficiently teaches sensitivity. What do I mean by sensitivity? In…
Flow Drills vs. Techniques
Over the years I’ve taught Modern Arnis, I have flipped back and forth between teaching the art through techniques and flow drills. Lately, I have begun to emphasize flow drills more. Why? While teaching one-step techniques has its place, there are limitations to this method….
Reaction vs Anticipation
Learning the difference between reaction and anticipation is challenging for a beginner student. In the beginning, students will often anticipate their opponent’s next move, often leading to bad outcomes. Over time, with guidance and experience, they will learn that reading and reacting is a better…
Four Easy Ways to Teach Relaxation!
Recently, I was working on one of the Bamboo Spirit flow drills with one of the newer students in a class. Consequently, he had little idea how to relax during the flow drill. While going through the flow drill, he struggled to remember the sequence….
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….
Fix It Friday: Take A Stab!
The concept behind this “Fix It Friday” episode is pretty simple. Any time you have a thrust or a stab coming at you, it is wise to avoid the tip by moving out of the way. Additionally, you can parry the tip. If you are…
Fix It Friday: It’s A Reach!
In this “Fix It Friday” video, I address a common error when executing the pull-off. If you are not able to view this video, click here. This error involves reaching across the centerline to execute the pull off. Making this mistake leaves one vulnerable to…
Go With The Flow!
Professor Presas often admonished his students, “Go with the flow!” This quote is foremost in my mind when discussing the flow drills I teach to the Bamboo Spirit students. I have posted previously about these flow drills. I have mentioned that they are not combative. Instead,…