Solo Training Video
I do some solo training with heavy sticks three or four times a week. Check out the solo training video below. This workout typically lasts 20 minutes. Any shorter than 20 minutes is unsatisfactory to me. This is purely a conditioning session for me. What…
Analyzing the Dynamics of Machete Attacks
Recently, I asked ChatGPT, “Which hand is most predominant in machete attacks?” Not surprisingly, it answered that right-handed people carry out the vast majority of machete attacks. The full answer from ChatGPT: “Most studies and reports on machete attacks indicate that the dominant hand of…
Upcoming Annual Michigan Camp
I’ve been attending the Annual Michigan Camp since the late 1990s, and every one has been a blast. This year should be no different. Professor Chuck Gauss and Professor Ken Smith are the featured instructors. Both learned directly from the late Professor Remy Presas and…
Arnis for Self Defense – Does It Work?
First, watch this video on whether Arnis works in the street. From David James’ perspective (as well as mine), it depends! I believe Filipino martial arts (FMA) are a powerful asset for street self-defence. FMA empty-hand techniques and weapon training can be seamlessly applied to…
Did I Start Too Late?
More specifically, what if I had started in Filipino Martial Arts/Modern Arnis before age 33? From age 18 to 33, I trained in Cooper Ryu and Kenpo Karate and dabbled in BJJ and Aikido. Years ago, I wondered what my skill level would have been…
Private Lessons and Big Data: Turning Sticks into Trendlines!
Before discussing my data experiment, I apologize for the month-long radio silence due to being (a) buried in work and (b) having a family get-together. That said, I’m happy to blog again! After a private lesson with Rosh, the owner of ABS Training Centre, we…
Video of the Week 32: Left Hand High Palis-Palis
Heeeyo! Let’s talk about the high palis-palis, specifically the left-hand version. I use this technique to counter high-line attacks. This maneuver is effective against angle 12 strikes and high versions of angles 1 and 2, but it has limited utility. Sweeping the attack over my…
Video of the Week 31: Left-Hand Abanico Corto
“Abanico Corto” is Spanish for “short fan.” Many of my students love this wicked technique. I have posted several abanico corto videos on my YouTube channel. Among the left-hand material I’ve been working on is left-hand abanico corto. In the video below, I demonstrate the left-hand abanico corto…
Video of the Week 30: Left-Hand Disarms
Practicing left-hand disarms in Filipino martial arts is crucial for self-defense and a highly enjoyable aspect of training. Here are some reasons why it’s fun! I demonstrate the first four disarms in the video below. Let me tell you; it’s somewhat discombobulating to execute right-hand…
Video of the Week 28: The Left Hand Block, Check, Counter Drill
Practicing right versus right drills and sequences is easy for me. As you know, I’ve been emphasizing the left hand while my right shoulder recovers from severe biceps tendonitis. Lately, I’ve been teaching left versus left material with my private clients. In particular, I’ve been…
