Class: Dec 22, 2011

Attendence: Todd L, Lem

Notes:
Warm-up with 3 of 9 w/tapping
3 of 9 rh/lh/simultaneously
3 of 9 lf defeats rh
Counters against reflexive grabs
Cross-body parry drill
Ended with free-flow sparring

History Timeline: Sayoc Kali, "All Blade-All the Time"

I have always liked reading about the history of different Martial Arts and how they became great. For example, the start of Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has always intrigued me, as well as, Wing Chun's history and the birth of Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do with Bruce Lee. I also like reading about Kajukenbo.

There are different systems that make up Filipino Martial Arts (fma). Each founder/master has their own flavor/style of sharing their expression of the blade or stick. I've read the history of Bahala Na's start with Grandmaster Leo Giron, a great warrior named Tatang Bo with Ilustrisimo Kali (escrima), Modern Arnis with Grandmaster Remy Presas, and GM Floro Villabrille with Villabrille-Largusa Kali system. More recently, I've been reading about the Atienza Kali family system which has evolved in New York City. Sayoc La has a good article about AK's history (scroll down to Atienza kali/escrima on the website).

There are many more fma's out there that I could list, but these are just a few that I liked reading about.

This leads me to the present. This article is a very insightful look into the timeline and history of Sayoc Kali. It's a very interesting read. In my opinion, this is a great look into Pamana Tuhon Chris Sayoc's life and how Sayoc Kali started. It also explains how the term 'Tuhon' came into use. Just check it out, I'm sure you'll find it interesting.

Class: Dec 11, 2011

Attendence:
Bryant (from Maharlika martial arts), Lem

Notes:
We warmed up by reviewing 3 of 9 w/tapping.
LH defeats RH
True Left
7 Count passing drill
Receiver grips
TD1
and started to learn TD2.

Class Notes: Nov 20, 2011

Attendence: Charlie, Lem

Notes:
Discussed blade protocol
Blade passing
3 of 9 template w/tapping
Knife Cross-body parry
Free flow

Getting Robbed @ MMA: Nov 15, 2011

Guro Bob asked each one of us . . . What would you and three other friends do if you were being robbed?

Would we all jump him at the same time? Would we sacrifice one person? Who would make the first move? In this scenario, we had one robber with a gun holding up 4 people. We tried a few things. . . one person tried for the gun while everyone else grabbed for a limb. We tried sneaking one person in while the gunman was being distracted. All our efforts fell short. One person or all of us were getting shot.

A tactic that worked consistently was to have the targeted person initiate the first move. His move has to be quick and committed to alter the target of the gun away from himself and his friends. Then each one has to help move the gun up and away while taking a limb.

Two groups of thought happens in this situation. It won't happen to me, so I won't need to think about it--reacting. Or if it happens, I have a plan--acting. Will you be the one reacting or will you be the one acting with a plan before it happens?

Immortals-God and Titans

I went to see this movie recently because I heard that Tuhon Rafael Kayanan from Sayoc Kali helped work on it. Another reason I wanted to check it out is because the directors also did the movie 300.

First, let me start by saying that it has some sweet action scenes. There were a few blade action sequences that showed a nice flow. There was a primal scene where the lead character, Theseus, faces off against a tall beast a.k.a. the executioner. He got some good slashes to the back of the knees to take out the tendons which dropped him, then to the neck area for a vital hit.

I wished the movie developed the story line better. Theseus' character was not as compelling as King Leonidas of 300. I really didn't cheer for Theseus. I just watched it for the action scenes. I think King Hyperion (Micky Rourke) had a stronger impact throughout the movie than Theseus' character. Micky Rourke did a great job depicting an evil mastermind.

If you like to watch a movie for some blade action, Immortals will not disappoint.

Training @ MMA: Nov 1, 2011

Training at Maharlika Martial Arts fun. Guro Bob went over what we learned with Tuhon Carl Atienza. We got to do some zombie scenarios and team scenarios. We also tried two vs two. I should have kept my awareness up because I got hit good in the head a few times.

Sharing a Part of My Culture

Growing up I liked watching martial arts movies that had a lot of kicks and punches. I was born and raised in America so when I first heard about about FMA, I was surprised to read about it through some Blackbelt magazines. I never knew Philippines had there own martial arts back then. I already liked movies that had a lot of action. I grew up idolizing Bruce Lee and watched all his movies. But I was intrigued that Philippines had there own martial arts and wanted to know more about it. My first experience with FMA was when I was about 10 year's old, I asked my dad if he knew anything about it.

He started telling me that he learned 'stuff' when he was in the filipino army serving in Vietnam. I asked him to show me some moves. He told me to get the bolo's out. Bolo's are like machete's here in the US. So he told me to swing at him. I wasn't sure about this so I slowly tried to hit him with a head shot (left temple). He stepped back and swung the bolo in an upward motion toward my wrist. I was scared because we were using live blades (I thought he'd be showing some empty hand techniques). So I said thank you for showing me. He didn't let me leave that easily. So he motioned me to try to hit him on the his right side. I tried . . . and he countered it by stepping back and aiming for my wrist again.

Looking back to that memory, I realized that not many people knew about FMA. I think in part because the filipino culture is to adapt and simulate into the environment. Only recently, people are getting cultured in the FMA through movies like Bourne Identity series, Hunted, and The Book of Eli to name a few. I think it will continue to be useful for anyone to learn. Not only should people see the value of learning how to punch, kick and grapple but how to use a weapon. Because not everyone likes to play fare in the streets:)

Class: Nov. 10, 2011

Attendance: Todd L., Lem

Notes:
Worked on downward deflections 1 & 2.
C-template, stick.

Class: Oct 27, 2011

Attendence: Tim M (perspective student), Lem

Notes:
Blade protocol.
3 of 9 template.

Review: Atienza Kali (AK) training at Maharlika Martial Arts Oct. 30

Tuhon Carl Atienza started class with an introduction to the design of their shoulder rig and back rig due to their experience growing up in NYC. He shared reasons why the training rig are set up the way they are. He got us thinking about riots and how we would react in those situations. Discussed what weapons could be used for each range from projectile to closing in.

We went over some techniques that could be used against a mass attack. Discussed which targeting areas would be available if someone was armored (chest, helmet).

Drilled tactics with two different scenarios: 2-men chasing and/or 3-men waiting for you. 

Finished up with combat analysis. Guro Bob against me. No contest. . . Guro Bob has more arsenal than me. Tuhon Carl asked what fighter types could be seen while we were sparring with the smak-sticks. AK has about 12 fighter type's that can be defined as of today. Each fighter type has pros and cons. There's certain things that each fighter does that distinguishes him from his opponent. For example, you can tell a wrestler from a kickboxer (striker) or bjj from a wrestler. Certain movements can be assumed how that person will continue to attack or fall back when stressed.

In conclusion, I had a great time at this training session. AK shed's a different light into blade tactics and mass attack tactics. It's still considered a new FMA relative to those who have been in the world like Modern Arnis or Doce Pares. Not many people know about AK now, but I think it's popularity will continue to grow.

Apprentice Instructor's training: Oct. 29

I was fortunate to be an observer at the Apprentice's weekend for their L.O.T. training. It was nice to meet and see old faces. Pamana Tuhon led the group with topics that makes everyone think about there training in a different manner. Tuhon Tom also stopped by and gave some insightful advice about their training. Good times again!

On a side note. . . Tuhon Tom is going to have a seminar in Warwick, England. I think it's going to be Dec 10 & 11, 2011. Contact Guro Krishna Godhania at KGodhania@aol.com. He has the details on what will be presented on those dates.

I think this will be a good way to meet a Tuhon in the Sayoc Kali system. Especially, hearing about the riots in England that happened this past August 2011. Sayoc Kali not only teaches about blade tactics and blade awareness, it heightens your awareness of people and surroundings. And why do we train in martial arts? Initially, to protect ourselves. But it should also include protecting those we love. The training brings everything into perspective. Wouldn't it be nice to dictate your circumstance like a Feeder and not become the victim (Receiver)?

Class: Oct 20, 2011

Attendees: Todd L, Lem

Notes:
C-template, stick

Training @ MMA: Oct 18, 2011

In class, we trained TD1 with silak skill-sets and reviewed 7 count passing drill with other people.  Most of these techniques overlap. You need to know the 7 count passing drill in order to pull-off the silak techniques within the transitional flow drill. Sayoc Silak is the second of three components of Sayoc Kali (Sayoc Kali being the first). Silak is the empty-hand skill-sets that incorporates percussion hits, disarming, and locking. It traps or disarms the blade hand by combining the use of percussion hits and manipulating the wrist.

Performing these silak movements within a blade flow attack . . . that's what it's all about.

To Have Forms or To Have Templates?

When we think about performing katas or forms, we think of pre-scripted fight sequences. First, you learn how to punch, kick, and block in the form. I remember taking TKD and performing these forms. Each belt progression adds upon the prior form.

Sayoc Kali forms are hidden within the drills. In the 3 of 9 drill, we show the vital template first.  It's the skeleton of the drill. It maps out the targets and flow of the drill. Knowing the template shows the form or how you are supposed to position yourself in the drill (the angle of the blade and the body positioning).

Sayoc Kali Instructor seminar

I had the opportunity to attend my instructor weekend seminar in October 8 & 9, 2011. Good times!

Class: Oct 16, 2011

Attendance: Bryant N (MMA), Lem

Notes:
Blade flipping/holstering.
7 count passing drill
Receiver grips
Free-flow
Introduced physical stressor 40 push-ups.

Training @ MMA: Oct 4, 2011

At Maharlika Martial Arts, Guro Bob worked on 7 count passing drill. This drill utilizes strips/disarms. Worked with different guys to see how I would do. This is really nice to know if you have someone you don't really want to hurt. Good for disarming a drunk relative or friend. But most disarms are hard to pull off against someone who wants to do you harm. If you have a disarming technique from your art, try pulling it off when someone is coming at you with intent. No scripted attack ... change it up. Change the angle of attack. Can you still pull off your disarm?

Atienza Kali Seminar: Oct 30

Who: Tuhon Carl Atienza
What: Maryland Training Group Seminar (Combat Analysis/Mass Attack)
Where: Ellicott City, MD
When: Sunday, October 30, 2011 (10 am to 4 pm)
Cost: $200

Please R.S.V.P. to Guro Bob Shin: bobshin@gmail.com

Training at Maharlika Martial Arts (MMA). Sept. 27

It was a good class at MMA. I was able to review a lot of material with Joe C. who also teaches a training group out in Baltimore, Md. We went over templates 4 of 12, 2 of 12 smoking knife, 3 of 10, TD 1-7. Guro Bob had the other guys go through silak for TD 1 and new guys for 3 of 9 w/tapping.

I had a chance to free-flow with Joe and try to incorporate receiver grips and silak when I was the receiver. I think next time I will try working on one concept during free-flow. . . to see if I could pull-off a receiver grip or silak move. One thing I realized that I have to rely on is my cross-tapping the blade first before executing the grip/silak move.  I think I'll try working on 7 count passing drills during next class with my students.

Class: Sept 22, 2011

Attendence: JR, Lem

Notes:
3 of 9 rh/lh template (evens/odds, lh mirrors rh)
3 of 9 w/tapping
Counters against Receiver grabbing blade hand
Introduced training modifier-fatigue (40 push-ups)
Receiver Grips
Ended with free-flow but worked on trying to attain a receiver grip during free-flow and working against those grabs. Liked this class because introduced a physical stressor.

Class: Sept 18, 2011

Attendees: Todd L., Bryant N. and Tavon T. (both from MMA), Lem. Also, Curtiss and Steve (perspective student's).

Notes:
Discussed Blade awareness and passing blade protocol
Explained the use of the training belt rig
3 of 9 template
3 of 9 w/tapping

Bryan and Tavon also reviewed receiver grips.

Class: Sept 15, 2011

Attendence: Mike L (perspective student), Lem

Notes:
Discussed blade awareness and blade passing protocol
Explained the use of a training belt rig
3 of 9 template
3 of 9 w/tapping
free-flow

Training @ MMA: Sept. 13, 2011

In the beginning of class, we had a guy demonstrate 3 of 9 with tapping and having the receiver drawing a blade after tapping. It was hard to pull off and not get cut when just tapping. This is when Guro Bob discussed about stop-locks and it's importance to buy that time or half-beat in order to draw a blade.
Class split into two groups. One group who knew TD1, and the other group--newbies. The group that knew TD1 reviewed it and performed a few reps. Guro Bob then went over stop-locks (blocks) for those who knew TD1. In the end, I got to free-flow with Joe Cepressi. I tried pulling off some stop-locks. Successful in some attempts, but it was still hard...I need more drilling/training time!

Interesting points to remember: Drawing a blade during an encounter is hard to accomplish without getting cut. I need a half-beat or beat in order to draw my own blade. Getting that half-beat can be achieved by stop-locks when you're in that close range. Getting that time to draw a blade is the key to shifting the fight to your advantage. This is the concept of being the Feeder in a fight.

Filipino Combatives Workshop: Oct 8 & 9, 2011

Tuhon Felix Cortes will be conducting a workshop on
Stick/Blade Fighting Applications in October, 2011.

Date: Saturday & Sunday, October 8 & 9
Location: Bowie, Maryland
Time: 12noon-4pm
Fee: $100 for both days or $70 for one day (Cash Only)

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
* Rattan Sticks
* Action Flex
* Training Blades
* Nok Trainers (or Similar Trainers)
* Head Gear
* Eye Protection
* Hand Gear

This Event is Mandatory for All FC Members.
Please Contact Silak Faye Cortes at tuhonfc@aol.com for additional
information and to RSVP...

Testimony:

"I have never left a workshop disappointed, just awed in what I witness and experience and brought back with me.

Recently returning from our Highly Successful First 'European Sayoc SamaSama'

 (see Sayoc.com) in the UK.

Tuhon Felix is one of 'Pamana Tuhon Chris Sayoc' most respected Instructors, with over 30 years of experience in 'Sayoc' Kali Martial Arts.

His dedication and talent is just a subset of his teaching methodology, he makes you believe you can and you will." -- Miguel A. (Vedo) Instructor of N. Virginia Sayoc training group.

Class: Sept. 11, 2011

Attendence: JR, Lem, Bryant (visiting from MMA), and Todd L. (perspective student).

Notes:
3 of 9 template
3 of 9 w/tapping
Blade passing protocol

Reviewed with Todd, the 3 of 9 template and began learning 3 of 9 w/tapping. Good review for JR who is liking classes so far. Explained feeder mindset.

Visiting Maharlika Martial Arts (MMA). Aug. 30

In this class, we reviewed receiver grips with Guro Bob teaching. I helped beginners learn the receiver grip techniques. In the second part of the class, Guro Bob had the experienced guys partner up with the beginners and try to perform a receiver grip on them while they were feeding. It was very hard to initially pull of the technique in the air. Joe Cepressi also mentioned that it was hard to just pull-off a receiver grip when just tapping. In all, the class was great! I got to see what works and what doesn't work while free-flowing.

Things I thought worth remembering when trying to get a receiver grip while free-flowing. I can't just grab the blade hand and perform any of the receiver grips. I have to stun the feeder to produce the delay (half-beat) in order to get a receiver grip.

Class: Aug 25, 2011

Attendees: JR, Lem, Mike (observing)

Notes:
Review 3 of 9 w/tapping
3 of 9 true left
Counters against reflexive response to receiver grabbing blade hand
Free-flow

Receiver Grips @ Maharlika Martial Arts (MMA). Aug. 16

We had a nice class at MMA. Guro Joe Cypressi led the class and taught receiver grips. Receiver grips are fused in a flow drill that shows different grips as if the receiver had control of the blade. A few questions were brought up in class like "how are these receiver grips going to help in a fight?" or "when do we use this? No one is going to stand there and let us perform receiver grips on them".

When performing this drill, you are working the receiver grips and attacking targets without the feeder giving much resistance. It might seem unrealistic to those who are just watching... but it is just a flow drill. Just like in brazilian jiu-jitsu. They have grappling flow drills. From guard to open guard->sweep to mount-> mount to americana, armbar, or choke.

The receiver grips is a flow drill. It helps us to memorize different grips without having to stop and start a new technique for another grip. If you want to train it like a knife technique-receiver drill, you can isolate a receiver grip and feed a technique for the grip you wanted to work on. As far as using it in a fight, you might not have your blade out in time if someone attacked with a knife. While he's still holding his blade, you could use his own blade against himself. The blade is yours now, not his. Now you become the Feeder.

Class: Aug 14, 2011

Attendees: JR, Lem

Notes:
3 of 9 template (rh, lh, simultaneously)
3 of 9 lh defeats rh
3 of 9 w/tapping
free-flow

Class: Aug 4, 2011

Attendees: Jose Rodriquez (JR, newbie), Lem

Notes: Discussed blade protocols. Explained feeder and receiver roles in drills. Explained having the feeder mentality. 3 of 9 template. Cross-body parry drill. 3 of 9 with tapping. Ended class with free-flow.

Visiting Maharlika Martial Arts (MMA). Aug. 2

I was able to go through phase 2 for 3 of 9 with Joe Cypressi and David Davis. A lot of good pointers to remember from Guro Bob. I wasn't able to hit the finger jab on the first two hits. I thought it was my height, because I'm short (lol) and David is tall. However, Guro Bob pointed out that I needed to throw the finger jab before he threw his first shot. After that advice, I was able to hit my target without having to be super fast or tall.

After that, we worked on TD1 (receiver with blade). The receiver looks for targets while the feeder performs TD1. Points to remember: can have countless amount of targets for each move. Having one way is not always the only way.

Last part of class, we worked on a hold-up scenario with a blade. Attacker holds a blade to your neck and pushes you (receiver) against the wall. Receiver puts his hands up while shrugging shoulders forward and turning his head away from the blade. Then, as the receiver brings up his hands, quickly tap the attackers blade to get away. Points to remember: create space, move outside/behind attacker's blade arm. The more space you create between you and the attacker, the better chance of escaping without vital injury.

A Serial Butt Slasher in Northern Virginia?

I heard on the news this past week about a "serial butt slasher" attacking young women in the mall. I did a search and found an article about a serial butt slasher in N. Virginia, and I couldn't believe it! How could someone get away with slashing someone else's body. I hope that someone catches this guy soon, because I wouldn't want any of my friends or family members to ever be attacked. It sounds like he's distracting and then slashing them as their eyes and mind are occupied with something else. What would you do? How would you prevent something like that from happening to you?

As martial artists, we talk about being ready at every moment. We are ready to fight if something bad comes at us. But what if the attacker doesn't want you to know he's coming? Without talking about the psychological issues of the attacker, let's see some actions we can do to lessen his attack on us.

Always be aware of your surroundings! You would think nothing bad can happen in the mall. Well, it already did happen here in N. Virginia. Make it harder for someone to hit you by creating distance or having another object between you and that person. Always look for ways to exit or be able to find a safe place to go. 

Watch people! Watch how they are looking at other people or if they are looking at you. You can always notice how people have different facial expressions when they are mad, sad, or happy. Watch their hands. Are their hands clinched, ready to hit? Maybe they are reaching for a weapon? Watch their eyes. Maybe the attacker is zoning in an area where they want to attack.

Go in numbers! It's always good to be with a friend or friends when something bad happens. They can help you fend off the attacker or call for help. You can watch each other's back. But what if you're alone with your child in the mall? Use your parental instincts. I think a mother has a sixth-sense when it comes to protecting her child. Listen to your instincts if you feel like a person doesn't act or look right. Move to a safer place. You can walk to other areas of the mall that have a greater amount of people.

Each of us can do something to lessen an attack on ourselves. But you have to be willing to trust your instinct and be ready for any situation to prevent it. Some thought provoking articles to read are situational awareness by Guro Harley E., and awareness training by Guro John P.

Class: July 31, 2011

Attendees: Bryant N. (from MMA), Lem

Notes:
Review of templates 3 of 9 rh, lh, and simultaneously. True left. Left defeats right. Phase two for 3 of 9. Reveiw of TD1.

Training at Maharlika Martial Arts (MMA). July 26

I made the drive up to train with Guro Bob Shin's class at MMA. The first part of class we partnered up and worked on Transitional drills. I got to work with Ryan. I think he's been training about a year now. He wanted to work on TD 3. Once Ryan got TD 3 down, we started working on TD 4. The last part of class Guro Bob showed us stickgrappling material that Tuhon Tom Kier had demonstrated in the past. It was a good class to be visiting. I remember watching Tuhon Tom's presentation in a Sayoc stickgrappling dvd and was thinking that you have to be able to take some pain to be his demonstration partner. Great stuff though!

Sayoc Kali Sama-Sama 2011

I attended this year's Sayoc Kali's Sama-Sama. Sama-Sama is a Filipino (tagalog) name for gathering or coming together. This happens once a year. I had a good time at this year's sama-sama. I felt honored to be a part of this art that Pamana Tuhon Sayoc has shared. I will offer my thoughts on what you can expect if you attend one in the future. Also, a good article to read is called Family by Guro Joey Marana. He writes about his experience at this year's sama-sama.

Sama-Sama is a good time to see old training partners and make new ones. Sayoc Kali is an evolving blade art and each year SK presents an assorted training material. Most information is new that helps facilitate our training. You can expect testing of skills from transitional drills to quick draws or projectiles. There is also a blade simulator tournament where only head shots or heart thrust will end the match. Sometimes there are melee blade fights where they split people into teams to test our group dynamics.  Each year SK also invites a guest speaker to share their art. This year's guest instructors were Guro Victor Gendrano Jr and Guro Mike Pena. Guro Victor G. is a instructor under Guro Dan Inosanto who shared a stick drill with us. While Guro Mike P. who runs the Bayani Warrior Group from New Jersey, shared a single-stick flow drill and also a stick n' dagger drill. The Atienza Kali tribe also shared their Bolo Evolution 1 material. Every day there is material being presented. There is even night training. Also during the night, there is a sayaw that is performed.

Sayaw at this sama-sama was a satisfying experience for me. Sayaw translates to 'dance'. It is done with a long blade in hand (usually a trainer) dancing around a fire pit with drums as the beat in the background. Everyone is encouraged to perform. No one is judged on how good their technique or fluid their motion looks. It is a dance that reflects you and your training. Each one's blade dance is different. It is always beautiful to see how the master instructors (tuhon's) and higher guro's perform in the sayaw. It was also great to hear from the tuhon's and guro's what sayaw meant to them. To some, it was a way to show respect to the warriors and instructors who kept the filipino martial arts alive. To others, it was a way to bond together as a family unit and support each other as warriors in life.

Class: July 24, 2011

Attendees:  Bryant, Lem

Notes:  Reviewed 3 of 9 template, 3 of 9 RH/LH templates (RH before LH; and at the same time), true left, and left defeats right.  Smoking knife and 2 of 12 templates.  Worked on TD1 level 3 isolations.

Class: July 17, 2011

Attendees:  Rax, Lem

Notes:  3 of 9 template (right/left), 3 of 9 right and left template at the same time, 3 of 9 template with tapping.  Counters to reflexive holds i.e. over-under/under-over. Discussion on blade awareness.  Reviewed TD1 with level 3 isolations.  Free-flow. AK hourglass footwork.  Worked on upward deflections: count 1 and 2.  Discussion about anchor points, long slash vs short slash.

Class: July 10, 2011

 Attendees:  Lem, Kristis D.  (new student)

Notes:  Discussed blade protocol.  Blade passing.  Importance of the blade rig for training purposes.  3 of 9 template.  3 of 9 feeder and receiver.  Worked on cross-tapping/cross-body parry (pendulum and corkscrew).  Ended class with Free-flow.
If you would like to read more on cross-body parry, Guro John P. from Sayoc NorCal training school wrote a good article on this subject: Cross-body parry.

Filipino Combatives Workshop

Filipino Combatives Weekend Workshop
June 24th – 26th
Friday 7:00pm – 9:00pm (FREE) details below
Saturday 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Pre-Register online at www.filipinocombatives.com by June 17th and SAVE!
Just click on the E-store and go to payment center to register.
2 Days, Saturday & Sunday: $100.00
1 Day, Saturday or Sunday:  $60.00
After June 17th
2 Days, Saturday and Sunday: $120.00
1 Day, Saturday or Sunday: $70.00
The Friday night session is FREE if you attend
Saturday & Sunday. (OTHERWISE SPECIAL FEES APPLY FOR FRIDAY)
For Information and to RSVP
Contact Tuhon Felix Cortes at
tuhonfc@aol.com
NOTE: THIS EVENT WILL BE VIDEO TAPED FOR SECURITY REASONS AND TO
DOCUMENT THE TRAINING!!

Atienza Kali Seminar at Maharlika Martial Arts

A lot of good information in this seminar.  Evolution 1 Bolo with feeder 1 and feeder 2 drills.  Explanation of force anchor (press, stand, pull).  Discussed different fighter types and how to tell from the footwork and body stance.  Discussion of footwork in relation to mass attack.  Many other types of training drills to aide in force-anchor attacks/counters.  This was a really good seminar with a lot of information.   If you ever get a chance to attend a Atienza kali seminar, you should go.  You will learn a lot of good techniques and tactics for the bolo/machete.

Class: May 8, 2011

Attendance:
Rax, Lem

explanation of cross-tapping (pendulum, corkscrew)
TD1
free-flow

Filipino Combatives Workshop

Another great training opportunity with Tuhon Felix.

Filipino Combatives Weekend Workshop

Open to Practitioners of all Levels

Location: Bowie Maryland

Date:

• Friday, May 13 (7pm Sharp to 9pm)
• Saturday, May 14 (12pm to 4pm) 
• Sunday, May 15 (12pm to 4pm)

Registration: 11am-12pm

Cost: 

• One Day: $60.00(Cash)
• Two Days: $100.00 (Cash)
• (Register for both days and attend Friday Night Session Free)

If you are interested in learning more about Filipino Combatives and Real Time Applications of the Dynamics of Stick Fighting, Filipino Boxing, and Blade Awareness. I recommend you join Tuhon Felix Cortes and Guro Joey Pena for this Dynamic Workshop!!

Equipment needed:

• Sticks
• Long Blade
• 12 inch, or Mini Trainer
• Focus Mitts
• Striking Gloves/Hand Wraps

T-shirts and Sticks are available for Purchase..

For more Information, and to RSVP please contact Tuhon Felix Cortes at tuhonfc@aol.com

May 1, 2011

Attendees:  Bryant N.(from MMA), Lem

Worked on TD1
free-flow
drilled ways on defeating the tap

Filipino Combatives Workshop

There is a public workshop on Filipino Combatives this Sunday (April 17).  Cost is only $25.  Please contact Tuhon Felix at tuhonfc@aol.com.
Material will be on Stick fighting, filipino boxing, and mini blade.

Training at Maharlika Martial Arts

On April 12, 2011, I went up to Guro Bob Shin's school (Maharlika Martial Arts in Columbia, MD) and was able to train and help teach the class.  It was nice to work with different guys and feel their energy.  We worked on 3 of 9 true left and performed 3 of 9 tapping with two minis (both feeder and reciever with blades).
We then introduced mass attack situations and what tactics they should know when faced with multiple attackers.  The mass attack material is a part of the Atienza Kali.  On May 7, Tuhon Carl Atienza will be in town to give a seminar to teach their bolo and mass attack material.  Contact Guro Bob Shin at Maharlika Martial Arts for more information.

April 9, 2011

Feeders:
Bryant N (visiting from MMA)
Rax,
Mike
Lem

Worked on blade awareness.
3 of 9 tapping
3 of 9 true left
3 of 9 left defeats right
free-flow

Class

Feeders:

Bryant N. (visiting from Maharlika Martial Arts)

Lem

3 of 9 w/tapping

3 of 9 left defeats right

Transitional Drill 1. 

Welcome to the Takoma Park Sayoc blog

Sayoc Kali is a Filipino Martial Art which focuses primarily on the use of the blade. Takoma Park Sayoc is taught by Guro Lem Tasin and is geared towards beginners and experts alike in the DC metro area. Classes meet every Sunday ... hope to see you there!