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

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