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

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

Dan Bong 2

I just finished putting up the "Dan Bong 2" video on YouTube. And I am very happy that I can share my information with folks. My best friend and Assistant, Senpai Tyrone Turner has once again helped me to tape the video and be the "bad guy" (Uke) in the video. The Dan Bong is a fantastic weapon to strike and lock with and can be used as a flail. But I very rarely ever see demonstrations using the rope portion of the weapon for joint locks and "control" techniques. I hope that some interest will be considered after folks view this video and I welcome any feedback- as long as it's "real" (sincere martial critique). The Dan Bong is a Korean weapon that can be used with or without a rope either single or double weapon. I love the length of this medium range weapon because it can be stored away comfortably until needed.

I would like to thank Sabumnim David Herbert and his Black Belt Staff of the World Martial Arts Center (WMAC) for sharing their knowledge of this weapon with me. Sabumnim has stimulated my weapons applications principles with this unique and dynamic weapon.

Until next time good folks watch your back !!!

Kindest regards,

Buddha

WMAC
475 Atlantic Ave. (between 3rd and Nevins)
2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Phone:

(718)855- 9898

web:

www.happykicks.com

For your martial training needs visit Cane Masters.

web:

www.canemasters.com

The "SAF-T- WRENCH". . . Pure Brilliance !!!!!

Wow !!!!! Just in a "nick of time", the "SAF-T-WRENCH" by Datu Kelly S. Worden has arrived to put a new spin on a popular but well regarded "fist load" !!! It's a combination of a Dulo Dulo, Pasak (Filipino) and Yawara (Japanese) all rolled into one !!! I got mine two days ago from Shomer-Tec and man, the possibilities are endless !!! And it really stays secure in your hand with no tight or binded feel to it !!!! Just totally comfortable !!!!! For those of you who don't know, Datu Kelly S. Worden is a Martial Arts Master and maker of brilliant low profile self defense aids. The first of his great designs that I recall was the Impact Kerambit which had total success at my Dojo and among others who train and wanted a nice convenient self defense tool. The "SAF-T-WRENCH" was easily adapted to our Yawara and hand held defense loads. I was able to manipulate the tool very well within two hours of maneuvering it in my hand. When I struck some wooden boards laying on top of one another the tool felt real good in my hand when I struck down on the boards (using a hammer fist) and decimated them !!! My hand held firm with no pain at all. The "knuckle guard" of this weapon was very impressive as well. When I punched through another set of boards, again I felt no pain and the tool did not break or fail.

So ladies and gentlemen you can add the "SAF-T-WRENCH" by Datu Kelly S. Worden to your list of excellent self defense tools that will be there for you when some fools want to act out of hand. Osu !!!!

Check out Datu Kelly S. Worden's site:

http://www.kellyworden.com/

And Shomer-Tec:

http://www.shomertec.com/

At the Jajovida Martial Arts Ctr. we teach all self defense and impact weapons ! To inquire please contact us:

Website:

www.buddhastrike.com

Email:

www.buddhastrike@optonline.net

Phone:

(718)864-6022

Best regards,

Buddha

Video review: WMAC-Blue Dragon Skills

Yes good folks it's fall again !!!! The beautiful air in NYC is very soothing and nice after a humid summer ! So while those of you who are coming back from vacation and are ready to return to work and or go back to school it would be prudent for you to add a unique education curriculum to enhance your life and well being. To add something extraordinary, to take yourself to new heights of achievement !!!

At the World Martial Arts Center under the meticulous tutelage of Sabumnim David Herbert and his highly exceptional black belt staff you will find the extraordinary as well as pushing yourself to new heights of achievement !!!!! This Dojang (training hall) has everything to assist you to progress in your martial and spiritual knowledge. But one of the most impressive things offered here is the World Martial Arts Center's dvd series to assist students in retaining and gaining the highly sophisticated joint locking, weaponry and special self defense techniques offered in Hapkido. My review will begin with the Blue Dragon Skills (Basic Forms, Drills, Techniques) dvd.

Synopsis of dvd.

The dvd is divided into four sections covering joint locks (Ship Gu techniques one through ten), ten sweeping techniques, then returning back to cover the first ten Ship Gu techniques with an extra eight techniques added (totalling eighteen altogether). And then finally two forms- Hap Ki Two and the Eight Step Breathing Form.

Review of dvd.

This very informative and well organised dvd is what is direly needed for novice and advanced students alike and Sabumnim Herbert knows how to teach it well with slow step by step progression of the techniques. Plus the video is shot from different angles which will help you out allot !! Sabumnim Herbert shows striking variations while applying the joint locks, sweeps and finishing holds.

The form Hapki Two is demonstrated by Jennifer Casseta, a 2nd Degree black belt under Sabumnim Herbert. And the final form Eight Step Breathing Form is demonstrated by Sabumnim Herbert. Both Forms are superbly demonstrated and easy to follow along for those taking the Hapkido classes at the WMAC Dojang as well as for novices to understand. This is good because for an individual to make a decision to train with Sabumnim Herbert, this dvd will give them a glimpse into the training and they'll see that they can learn the techniques if they put their mind and body to commit to the training regiment of the WMAC !!!!

www.happykicks.com

Manhattan

69 West 14th Street @ 6th Avenue
4th Floor
New York, NY 10011
Phone # (212) 941 8771

Brooklyn

475 Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone # (718) 855 9898

I am proud to say that I am continuing my martial arts training with Sabumnim David Herbert and the WMAC !! As always, this school is a "cut above" the rest in integrity, technique and a wholesome safe enviornment to train in !!!!!

Best regards,

Buddha

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

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

"A New Hope".

I know, I know ! I severely "stole" that famous line from "Star Wars- episode 4" ! But I do have some good news for all of you Martial Arts Practitioners out there- NEW HOPE MARTIAL ARTS SUPPLIES !!! Located at:

823 6th Ave. 2nd Flr. (between 26th & 29th St.)
NY, NY 10001

Website:

www.newhopemartialart.com

Office:

Tel:(212)643-8216.

I have known these good folks for years. I remember when they had their store on 42nd St. (Oh no, I told my age now) !!! Their videos used to go like "hot cakes". Why ? Was it because the video series was awesome ? Yes, those were the main reasons they sold. But there was an added twist ! They would sell a complete set of videos autographed personally by the Masters of the video series !!!!! You don't see that too often these days unless you order from the Masters directly. New Hope has it all- filipino training weapons, mats, Gi's and great service and respect. So if you are in Manhattan by 28th St. and 6th Ave. Stop on in, you won't regret it !!!!

Till next time, train hard, train safe !!

Osu !

Buddha