No Justice For The Suntetsu.

I had just finished watching the Suntetsu video sold by Sakura Martial Arts Supply and I was left a little disappointed. The Master of the video was putting down the "BOB" (Body Opponent Bag) and said it was useless and then proceeds to "push" his version of an anatomical training bag. He then goes on to say that many of the "secret" or combat hand positions in various forms of Karate- Do were meant for the application of the Suntetsu !!!! I then said to myself "Ok, educate me". But the instructor goes on ragging other Karate systems by implying that karate practitioners are doing hand techniques when they should be using the Suntetsu for those combat hand positions ! I then again said to myself "Ok, educate me" !! His demonstration of such a unique and dynamic weapon was so lame that if you have any problems falling asleep this "lame duck" video will do the the trick and you'll be counting sheep in no time !!!! He does a series of exercises that involve moving around the anotomical bag that were so stiff and weird to me that I had to wonder. There were many good people that came out for his seminar in that video and I feel they did not get what they paid for.

Again, my exposure to the filipino martial arts brings out a different dynamic that blends with all martial systems. You never imply to the good folks who come out to a seminar and say "well, your art is not good or you shouldn't train in this or that" !! That's absolute crap ! In my experience (25 years of training in the martial arts. And 15 years of doing executive protection and club security) I have had the pleasure of working with various men and women from diverse martial disciplines (karate, judo, tae kwon do, kung fu and the "school of hard knocks") and I am thankful that they were all talented in their art and watching my back !!!

The Suntetsu is obviously a close cousin to the Filipino Dulo Dulo, Yawara and Edda Koppa Yawara of Japan. I train with various "hand loads" and recognized the similarities. I purchased two Suntetsu's from Sakura Martial Arts Supply a very fine store might I add. And I have had no problems adapting my Yawara movements to the Suntetsu.

The only thing that is worth mentioning in this video is that he went over some joint locks and a choke that I liked but overall the video was not exciting and not worth the money in my opinion.

In my martial training you will have combat systems that you like but that does not disregard other systems of combat. And whenever I teach someone weapons technique I will refer to their martial style and say "Well, we do it like this- just like you but a variation" ! And once they make the connection their eyes literally pop out of their head ! Because now they understand !!

Sakura Martial Arts Supply
P.O. Box 35471
Canton, Ohio 44735

Website:

www.sakuramartialarts.com



Phone:

(888)725-8720

Here at the JAJOVIDA Martial Arts Ctr. we specialize in small impact weapons and we will show you the similarities and how these weapons relate to your martial system. To begin your path to learn small impact weapons contact us:

1736 Unionport Rd.
Bronx, NY 10462

Website:

www.buddhastrike.com

Office:

(718)864-6022

Till the next time. Train hard, train safe !!!!

Buddha

Training knives.

When it comes to selecting the proper training knife some factors must be considered. Are you on a budget, group training, working on the heavy bag, demonstrations and of course realism.

Let's say you need to work on a budget. Wooden dowels fit this bill nicely. And if you can't find that then just simply make a fist and extend your thumb straight up from the rest of the fingers and you have your "blade" for slash and stabbing attacks !

For group training you could use the Sharkee plastic training knives and of course impact goggles to protect the students eyes. I find that the Sharkee trainers are best for working out on the heavy bag. You don't want to use the wooden trainers on the bag because they'll splinter and ruin your knife and bag. And you can't use the metal trainers on the bag either. Even though they are not sharp it is still metal with a "point" and that will tear your bag as well !!!

When you use metal trainers this gives the mindset of a "real knife" coming at you as well as teaching edge awareness. Also the metal trainers are great for demos because the audience will sometimes think "oh man, that demo was great ! They defended themselves against real knives" ! For illustrative purposes I used Mandala Leslie Buck's Aluminum Training Folder which you can get from Kali Gear. It is an excellent trainer !!!!! I know, I have four of them !!! I have listed here some links below of my favorite websites for aluminum, wood and plastic training knives.


www.kaligear.com

www.keenedgeknives.com

www.bloodsport.com

www.edges2.com

www.newhopemartialart.com


Here at JAJOVIDA we teach various knife defense techniques. If your curiosity for learning how to defend against edged weapons is of interest to you, please contact us at:

1736 Unionport Rd.
Bronx, NY 10462

Website:

www.buddhastrike.com

Email:

www.buddhastrike@optonline.net

Office:

(718)864-6022

Until the next time train hard, train safe !!!!

Buddha

A.T.M.A.

America's Top Martial Artist, indeed. Who would have the vision and courage to come up with such an intrepid entertainment concept to parlay and showcase martial talent ??? Aahh !. . . . That's right ! Master Jesse"The Tank" Wray of the Next Level Martial Arts dojo ! You may ask yourself "What else is there for a Master with 100 World Grand Championship wins to his credit left to do" ? Master Wray has taken his endeavors to "Next Level Productions" in which he and Sensei Mahagony B (presently ranked number 1 in the world for women's sparring) have put together a vision of a reality tv series featuring top martial artist in the NYC area !! This event viewing the pilot episode was held on Thurs., Aug. 6th, at:

The Ailey Studios
405 W. 55th St.@ 9th Ave.
NY, NY 10019

Website:

www.alvinailey.org

Office:

(212)405-9000

Fax:

(212)405-9001

The doors opened at 8:30pm and refreshments were served before the screening began. There were alot of famous martial arts instructors at this event. World Champion Christine Bannon, Master Mo of Harlem, Master Nitro of the Kuroshi do combat system, Sensei Wizz of Harlem Goju, Lamarr Thornton of Harlem and a host of others too numerous to list in this article.

The Pilot:

The pilot episode was set up elimination style. At the begining of the show there were forty competitors. Now only seventeen remain. . . . . .

The Judges:

World Champion Jesse "The Tank" Wray, World Champion Christine Bannon-Rodriguez, Sensei Wizz of Harlem Go- Ju.

Synopsis:

Master Jesse comes into the Dojo hoping to talk to fourteen contestants but there are seventeen competitors. After a briet discussion with his judges (and a flared up argument with Christine Bannon- Rodriguez !!!) Master Jesse makes it known that three contestants must go home !!! No exceptions, no excuses !!!

The Competitors:

The talent of competitors range from various styles of karate to grappling !!! The interesting thing about the competitors is that they are able to choose whom they wish to fight !!! The action is intense and will not disappoint you !!!!

Commentary:

One of the most hilarious things about the show is to see and hear the reactions of the fighters as each of them are challenged or eliminated !!!!

Conclusion:

With Master Jesse getting his wish of eliminated fighters. The competitors are taken to the "House" were they will stay for the duration of the competition. But to their surprise when they arrive at the "House" it is not what they expected !! Christine Bannon Rodriguez lays down the "ground rules" and Master Jesse walks in very cool and dignified with a suit on as if to give a President Barack Obama "press conference". He informs the competitors to "relax and rest up because eliminations will continue tomorrow". And that they "will work hard and earn their right to be here". He then turns smoothly towards the door and exits the living quarters, leaving all behind in the room wondering. . . . . . . . Who will be "America's Top Martial Artist" ?

World Champion, Master Jesse "The Tank" Wray can be reach for private and group instruction at:

Next Level Martial Arts
501 E. 163 St.
Bronx, NY 10451

Office:
(718)993-3344

Till the next time. Train hard, train safe !

Buddha

The Sarong, A Beautiful Flexible Weapon.

Being a student of the Filipino martial arts you are introduced to very progressive and innovative weaponry and techniques. One such weapon is the Sarong. In other countries it has other names and various lengths. The Pareo (Hawaii), Futah (Yemen), Lungi (India), and Dhoti (also India). The Sarong (Java and Southeast Asia) is used as clothing from everyday wear to formal and ceremonial dress. But for those who practice the martial arts it has more than a fashionable "good look" ! For those in the know it is a "religious" practice !!!! And for the absolute necessity of your self defense training it is imperative that you know how to use flexible weapons !!! Unlike the sjambok (sham- bok), whip or the garrotte the Sarong appears completely harmless. But in the hands of a person who knows how to- trap, lock, smother, whip, club, bind, choke and press- you will introduce to your attacker new levels of frustration and pain more than they bargined for when they made the mistake of attacking you !!! Combined with your previous or present martial arts training (Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Kung Fu, Jujitsu etc.) the Sarong will make a fine addition to your weapons arsenal !

Thre training method for this weapon is very unique. It forces your whole body into the attack, literally ! You just can't move only one arm. In order to properly use this weapon you have to shift, duck and pull the clothe off and on you (depending on the situation). You must practice your binding and smothering techniques to trap the arms, legs and body. And to smother knife and striking attacks. Yes, put on your dancing shoes 'cause your about to "boogie" baby !!

The Sarong teaches you how to be fluid and when to apply force at the appropriate moment to maximize your strikes !!! In other words you have to be mobile and loose until you strike or block then become fluid again moving onto your next attack !!

What an amazing skill set for such a "harmless" weapon !!!! And you can wear it to look good and "cultural" !!!! At the JAJOVIDA Martial Arts Ctr. the Sarong is a major weapon of our training curriculum ! To inquire please contact us at:

1736 Unionport Rd
Bronx, NY 10462

Website:

www.buddhastrike.com

Email:

buddhastrike@optonline.net

Office:

(718)864-6022

Till the next time train hard, train safe !

Buddha

Small Impact Weapons.

"Man, what are you going to do with that little thing", or "Come on now brother, stop messin' around and get serious" ! These are some of the many responses I get when I show someone my Yawara. But once they see my little impact weapon in action it then dawns on them unlimited possibilities !!!! The Yawara to the best of my knowledge is legal in every state and it is made of wood which is very atractive because some places you can't walk in with a small metal stick. Also it is a weapon that you have at all times. This goes back to what I've discussed before when martial artists have a "Well, we are in the training hall put the weapons up back on the wall, job well done" ! The Yawara will never have a mentality attached to it like that because it is always with you !!! You will always be battle ready because you will always have a mindset "If this fool comes at me I can dust 'em with my martial arts training and my little back up weapon". You will always be mindful of how to deploy your Yawara and other martial skills that you have attainded !!!! What are the benefits of the Yawara ? Here are some ideas to get you started with this phenomenal weapon !

1. Easy to carry.

The Yawara varies in length and thickness. Some are four to twelve inches long. You must determine the proper length for you. The standard length is usually five and half to six inches. This weapon is easy to get to in time of need should you choose to keep it in your pocket, up your sleeve, car etc.

2. Easy to use.

I love all martial arts weaponry but the Yawara shines as a primary weapon because it is safe to train with. You can't cut or stab yourself with it (unless the ends are pointed or shaved at an angle). And it is a weapon that is a pleasure to teach. Even though this weapon is not edged it can teach you how to change to various grips for other hand held weapons. It serves as the base for all stick type weapons just on a much smaller scale. Plus when you teach new as well as experienced students to the martial arts the Yawara is user friendly !!! Nobody is ever intimidated by this weapon and students are eager to learn it's applications.

3. It teaches you how to coordinate your hands and body in your defense and attacks.

The Yawara is a symbiotic skill set that enhances your previous training, regardless of martial arts style. Once you have learned even a few of the basic moves you will feel your attitude toward your training become more intensified now that you have learned how to use a weapon you can have with you everywhere you go.

If you are looking to "Up your game" by training with weapons I encourage you to start with the Yawara !! It is a convenient and "friendly" looking weapon that is the basis for all stick weapons. It will help you with striking, locking, pinching, choking, etc. All in the palm of your hands !!!

This is a prime weapon that is taught at the JAJOVIDA Martial Arts Ctr. For personal or group instruction please contact us at:

1736 Unionport Rd.
Bronx, NY 10462

Website:

www.buddhastrike.com

Email:

buddhastrike@optonline.net

Office:

(718)864-6022


Till the next time train hard train safe !!!

Buddha

Exotic Weaponry.

One of the most unique if not somewhat strange looking weapon is the Rattan Ring. I have encountered some "off" comments such as "How do you beat someone with that steering wheel", to "It just looks wrong" ! But when I put on a demonstration of this awesome and dynamic training tool/ weapon the advantages become very clear !

1. It trains your hands.

If you want to have your hands work in sync with each other the Rattan Ring is a perfect place to start !!! The principles of guiding and rolling with or around an attack are learned very early with this unique training tool !!!!!!

2. It is awesome as a weapon.

The Rattan Ring acts like a "Circle of elbows" for striking !! You must use control when training with your school mates because it is a very hard piece of circular wood.

3. Unique for joint lock applications.

If you understand joint locks very well the Rattan Ring is for you !! You will learn how to "stick" close to your opponent as you slide, lock, trap and guide your opponents limbs to painful unforgiving locks !!!

4. Chokes and Throws.

For me I find thus far that the Rattan Ring has no equal regarding choking & throwing techniques as a weapon. Once you understand how to move that ring you to will see it's effectiveness of these techniques.

The Rattan Ring also allows you to find your own natural rhythm for your body. Movement that is comfortable for you. Everyone has different body types therefore different rhythms. If you wish to learn what I have gleened over the years from this fine weapon you can reach me at:

JAJOVIDA MARTIAL ARTS CENTER
1736 Unionport Road
Bronx, NY 10462

Website:

www.buddhastrike.com

Email:

www.buddhastrike@optonline.net

Office:

(718)864-6022

Till the next time train hard, train safe !!!

Osu !!!!!

Buddha

They Are Out There !!!!

I met a person who informed me that he teaches "Advanced Tactical Technique". Now to do this you must be licensed with NY State to conduct this particular type of training. The fella then tells me how he is certified in thirty or so states to do this training. But as Rakim said in his Jam- I Know You Got Soul, "It aint where you from, it's where your at" !!!! I then inquire at which training facility does He work out of to give this type of instruction. He then informs me "Oh, NY has too much red tape and they give you a hard time" !!! I was stunned to hear what came out of his mouth but I then wanted to see how long he was going to go on with his "game". He then informed me that he trains people in their "private" facilities with his so called "Advanced Tactical Technique". Folks, if you are not certified in NY State to do a particular service that the state deems necessary to certify you you cannot do that service in the state !!!! That's like me walking into a Dentists office with a white coat on and saying to a patient in a chair, "Yo Son, what's good ? Let me get at your jaw and take care of you" !!! But I have no certification to practise dentistry in this state !!!!

Thoroughly check the references of people claiming to have "special training". Because folks if it looks like a duck. . . . .

Till next time train hard, train safe !

Osu !!!

Buddha