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