Saturday, May 28, 2011

Music For Coordination And Free Flow

I just finished working out to music this morning when I decided to write this article. What I wanted to talk about was using music to develop rhythm and timing. I love to watch the X-Treme Martial Arts athletes and how they have excellent perfoming music as they go through their routine of gymnastics mixed with martial arts.

When we work out at the Dojo we use music to stay in time (and go "off beat") to help with our rhythm. This is not such an easy task because we change up the music from African Drums, R&B, Hip Hop, Rock, Classical, Salsa, Merengue and World Music (music from other countries that is not in the "mainstream"). I have experienced music that just overwhelms me!! That's why we call it PRACTICE! But I am getting better at it over time!! LOL!

Let's say we are moving to System Of A Down's "Kill Rock 'n Roll". Now anyone familiar
with "Systems" music will know that this band loves to switch tempos in their music in a heartbeat!! The key is to pace yourself or you'll be off beat and you'll burn out!! We will start off by possibly working out with Deftones "Change (in the house of flies)". As we work the concepts of the "Rub A Dub" exercise we will then put one "Attacker" (a fellow classmate) to throw punches and kicks to the tempo of the music at another student who will be the "Defender". As the defending student gets a rhythm going another student will join in on the "attack". A track like "Change (in the house of flies)" keeps a mellow tempo that allows the student to get a good rhythm to block, redirect and deflect CONTINOUSLY on the move! As the student becomes rhythmically in tune with this beat it is encouraged to move to that "fly" baseline in "Change". Now remember the "defending" student can use any part of their body to defend themselves. The elbows and knees can be used for gentle blocking and redirecting (we don't ever want to have students hurt themselves or each other).

All students involved in this exercise MUST be relaxed. Nobody is trying to "finish" anyone off. It is a drill of deflection and subtle movement because you are being overwhelmed by two or several opponents! You can only "hit and run" with this type of attack. You cannot "Hold Your Ground" because you will be overwhelmed by your attackers onslaught.

There are other levels to this drill but this is where we start. This type of exercise will force the student to deal with attacks they cannot see but feel so they can roll off the attack and keep it moving.

I recommend moving to every type of music you can get your hands on. Fast tempo or slow tempo- move to them all! Below I have a list of music to move to to get you started:

Bass Swagger Chronicles- Sweet Talk

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJpHOfd7fjI&feature=share

Mazze- Molten

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRdHDJ4SItk

Missy, Jay Z, Twista & Mephis Bleek- Is That Yo Chic

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRKkOFdyl_c

Deftones- Change (in the house of flies)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZL4MGwlZuAc

Lakme'- Flower Duet (performed by Erika Milo'sa & Bernadett Wiedemann)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX-6Ej2lnwg

System Of A Down- Kill Rock 'n Roll

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwBAivs3x9A

This is a very SMALL sample of what we move to. But I believe you get the idea. Try it out by going slow and work with people who are into learning- not abusing or being an idiot!

Osu!

Train safe, train smart.

-Buddha

Monday, May 23, 2011

Get A "Grip" And Take Control!

I will have to say that I have found the perfect "fist load" for self defense. The funny thing about this tool is that it grips you rather than you having to hold it. Ladies and Gentlemen meet the new face for self defense tactical devices-The Griffin Grip. This is a device designed by Mike Griffin that fits on your forefinger (I prefer my middle finger for more support) like a ring. There is no going through your pockets nor do you have to worry about having to hold it. It's already on you at all times. There is no way you can drop this thing and it fits comfortably in your hand. When I wear my Griffin Grip I don't even realize that I'm wearing it! This device is so incognito that any fool on the street that attacks you will swear that they are are receiving an intensely sharp slap when the device is applied. If you can wave your hand to swat away flies you can master this device with a little practice. When I say a little practice, I am implying that you will combine this device with all the techniques of your previous training. If you do not train on a regular basis I would encourage you to take a self defense course that teaches open handed techniques and that you practice diligently on your own.

The Griffin Grip I purchased is sand colored. At the main site they come in a variety of colors to choose from. As I worked the device with my students we were nothing less than amazed!! With very little effort positive effects were achieved, especially from unwanted grabs. The video that demonstrates the device's awesome potential is fantastic! The man doing the demonstration reminds me of those folks back when I was a kid in the neighborhood who would give you a good wack when you did something stupid!!

Folks, do yourself a favor and step into this new age right by purchasing a Griffin Grip. You will be taking hold of any hostile situation that may come to you on the street!!

www.griffinmartialtraining.com/griffin-grip.php

Train safe, train smart!

-Buddha

Sunday, May 22, 2011

My book, "MARTIAL TALK WITH SENSEI BUDDHA: Myths, Masquerades, Malevolence and Mayhem in the Martial Arts," will be released by 7/4/11.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

James Keating's Stinger

We all know those famous words from the GREAT boxer Muhammad Ali, "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee"! Well Master At Arms James Keating has literally brought those words to life with his Stinger. I modified my Stinger and give a demonstration in my video on Youtube. As a "force multiplier" it is a phenomenal device that can be tucked away and then be used in a moments notice. It is one of the smallest "hand loads" that I have used so far. This device can be used for punching, slapping, locking, choking and has the most "insane" pressure point potential that I have used to date. Very few items come this compact for an impact device. Do yourself a favor and order a little "peace of mind" today!!

Master At Arms, James Keating website:

www.jamesakeating.com

Train safe, train smart!

-Buddha

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Here is the video demo of my using Datu Kelly Warden's Safe-T Wrench. It is a GREAT self defense tool --> http://bit.ly/jzxUqs

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Kelly Worden's Safe-T Wrench.

Hello good folks! I have posted a video demonstrating Kelly Worden's Safe-T Wrench. This is another nifty "hand load" that can be used for self defense and man, is it painful (just ask my good friend Senpai Tyrone Turner- he will tell you)! This little tool will do it's job nicely of either inflicting pain, control techniques, take downs and chokes. So much is offered by this device and it's all in the palm of your hand. The device is so sturdy that when you practice with your partner you must go very slowly (remember, your turn is next). The grip of this device is very comfortable. So whether you are an experience martial artist or not this tool is completely user friendly. One the most attractive features is the knuckle guard. When the device is deployed you won't have to worry about damaging your hand (if used properly). Since the knuckle guard goes between the fingers this gives you more options in using a "cupped" handed strikes as well as the ability to grab and not worry about the device falling out of your hand. This device is a winner in my book! Please visit Master Worden's site today!

To purchase a Safe-T Wrench go to Kelly Worden's site:Link
www.kellyworden.com

To view my demonstration with the Safe-T Wench visit my Buddhastrike Channel on Youtube.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1_D0mA91VA

For information concerning weapons training with Buddhastrike Combatives:

website:

www.buddhastrike.com

ph: (347)460-6241

Train smart, be safe.

-Buddha



Sunday, May 1, 2011

The Stinger self-defense tool is a great force multiplier and joint manipulation tool. Check out this demo - http://bit.ly/lGBr7h