The Totasak. . . . A real helping hand !!!!!

Hello good folks !!!! I hope all of you are enjoying the Holiday Season with those you cherish most !! I have here for you just a little christmas reminder. . . The "Totasak". It will help you run around town making the old "Saint Nick" deadline !!!!! The "Totasak" is a tool for carrying plastic bags that will come in handy when you need it most. It serves as a hanger for plastic bags so your hands don't get binded while you complete your shopping tasks. And best of all it stores very conveniently in your coat pocket so you never have to forget it. It's always there when you need it for shopping, hauling bags and taking out the trash. The other unique property of this tool is that it slips off the plastic bags very quickly so you can go about your tasks without missing a beat !!! Yes, a little christmas help just in the "nick of time" !

www.totasak.com

www.buddhastrike.com

Merry Christmas,

Buddha

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

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