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

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

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

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

"A Rainy Night in Georgia".

Ok, ok I know I'm "knock'in off" lines again. But hear me out !! I just got off the phone with the Spectacular SpiderMan ! Er. . . I mean Master Jesse "The Tank" Wray of "Next Level Martial Arts" !!!!! And indeed Master Wray and his crew of Black Belts "slung webs" at "The Battle of Atlanta" That captured first place honors !!!! Master Jesse took Grand Champion (Business As Usual), Sensei Lawrence "Kodaq" Wray took first place in his divsion. Senpai Sheldon Wray took second place. Sensei Mahagony B took second in Ladies division fighting. Yes, it is a "Rainy Night in Georgia" but in New York "It's going to be a bright, bright sun shiny day", (lyrics from "I can see clearly now" by Everlife) !!!

The Wray family is extremely well known in Martial Arts circles in various countries. I have known this fighting family for ten years and they are consistant in maintaining the highest moral integrity in martial arts training. If you wish to join a premier martial arts school then welcome to the "Next Level Martial Arts" !!!!

Master Jesse "The Tank" Wray can be reached for private and group istruction at:

501 E. 163 St.
Bronx, New York 10451

Office:(718)993-3344

Osu !

Buddha

A Force to be reckoned with in New Jersey.

There are moments in life when you reflect upon your personal endeavors and you say to yourself "Man, who was the inspiration to push me to do this" ? And you are humbled and elated at the same time when those special individuals take the time to help you in your goals. That exceptional individual for me would be Grand Master Bob Martin !!

Master Martin would come up on Thursdays from his Dojo in Harmon Meadow in New Jersey and teach at the McBurney YMCA (when it was back on 23rd St. off of 7th Ave.). What is amazing about Master Martin is that he is very smooth and fluid with his technique and was always there to correct, inspire and share his knowledge. He shared and started me on my path to weaponry back in 1993 (oh no, I'm telling my age again) when I was a green belt !

One of the other unique training methods of Master Martin was that when I would come out to his Dojo in Harmon Meadow was that he would take us all up to the upper level of the parking lot and teach self defence out of and in the car !!!! From approaching the vehicle to getting in, to the back trunk he would teach us fighting in the car ! And it dawned on me- folks in New Jersey drive alot so that would be a high possibility that you would be "thumping in your ride" !!!!!!

Another all time "favorite" of Master Martin would be his very successful and effective "Women's Self Defense" seminars, which was always in demand because they were always an "eye opener" for all- not just for the ladies !!!!

Master Martin was one of the founding members of Zujitsu- Ryu and holds a Kyoshi (7th Dan) rank in that system. He is also a 9th Dan in his system of Unified Force Martial Arts. If you want innovative, progressive and effective martial arts "do the right thing" and train with an incredible Master and generous human being.

Master Martin is also a student of Sijo Floyd K. Mims, Sr. and is a board member of Sijo Mims American Chi Kung International Association.

Unified Force Martial Arts
77 Kim Lane
Long Valley, New Jersey 07853

Website: www.unifiedforce.com

Cell:

(201)988-2374

Office:

(908)850-9281

Osu !

Buddha

NY JUIJITSU- A VERY, VERY Fine Place.

From the moment you walk into this establishment to the extremely cheerful and helpful staff you know you have walked into a premier Martial Arts School !!!! The Instructors are exceptional and courteous in their teaching technique। There are three Mat Training areas with all types of Jujitsu instruction। Sensei Andrew and Sensei Glenn are awesome instructors in American Jujitsu। There is also a fine Brazillian Jujitsu Class run by Sensei Aaron who is a skillful practitioner of his craft !! The weaponry class of Pekiti Tirsia Kali is run by Guro Eddie Hunt, who has been practising this art for two decades. Guro Eddie also brings the added "flavor" of being a certified instructor in Silat Gayong under Cikgu Sulaiman Sharrif and Silat Kuntau Tekpi under Omar Hakim. Sensei Glenn runs Pekiti Tirsia Kali classes during the week as well. If You want effective no nonsense Martial Arts in a modern safe family oriented enviornment look no further than NY JUIJITSU !!!

666 Bond St. (between Lafayette and Broadway)
New York, NY 10012

Website: www.nyjiujitsu.com

Office: (212)343-8310

Till then train hard, train safe !

Osu !

Buddha

Martial Arts Training.

Hello to all out there in "Blogger Land" !! Just wanted to write a quick article about an "attitude" I have sadly noticed with some Martial Arts practitioners. It is not the Art itself but a certain mental attitude I've noticed. When practitioners put on their Martial Arts uniform to the time class is over. The training "ends" for them !!!! They put the Sai's, Bo Staffs and Swords back on the wall and that's it !!! In the system of combat I train in Pekiti Tirsia Kali our training attitude is different in that the Art is adaptive and our weaponry is not something that ends with the class. We have empty handed techniques and other forms of weaponry that are less lethal (depending on how you apply the weapon). When I teach a class it amazes me how the students react to feedback when their sticks forcefully impact with other sticks or heavy bags !!! This is an "understanding" as your hands are being "tempered" for the day should you have to "thrash" someone !!!! Also having a small weapon like a Yawara (Japanese) or Dulo Dulo (Filipino version of the Japanese six inch palm stick) changes your mindset towards your training. Training with these weapons keep you on "point". Why ? Because you don't leave your weapon in the Training Hall. It's with you all the time !!! That helps to raise your alertness on how to blend empty handed techniques to getting to your weapon if a self defence situation gets "ugly" !!!

Till then next time train safe,

Osu !!!

Buddha