The "Kyusho Tactical Control Program" (KTCP), was designed for Subject control escalation with Legal, Medical and Tactical Deployment research, field-testing and coordination. The scope of this program is for use by but not limited to, Law Enforcement, Security, Emergency Medical or Response, Coast Guard, Military, Governmental Agencies, Body Guards and Personal Security. This Basic Module is comprised of one set of 12 primary targets and integrated into 4 modules of escalating force restraint continuums. There are several weak structures in the human body that can be utilized by an Agent to simply gain control of a perpetrator more efficiently than conventional use of force methods. This would be in the protocol should a situation escalate past the verbal command stage. These Kyusho (Vital) points are where the Agent can make use of internal systems of physical control such as, Nerves, Tendon Structure and natural Nerve Reflexes of the body. Not requiring heavy force Fine or complex motor control or even sight… all of which is subject to failure and loss in high adrenaline states. This information is dedicated to the Brave and Resilient Members of these Agencies around the world… Thank you for what you do!
REF.: • KYUSHO 22
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"The important thing is money ... Health comes and goes� Les Luthiers
T
oday everything is classified, legislated and mediated. Getting off the common troughs means going adrift. Parliamentary democracies were a good idea which has become a disastrous reality. Few laws, much justice. The more we legislate, the smaller the space of freedom. And we did it... we ended up trying to stem the tide. The state has become a huge glutton, an insatiable monster fed on taxes, a bottomless well firmly anchored in autophagy, who, like Saturn, at the end devours his children; we've put the fox to look after the hens, and yet, in our infinite laziness, we expect that the crisis will make him decide to commit Hara Kiri and trim what has to be trimmed: his own claws. Deluded... systems rarely are reorganized from within, without someone making a lot of noise from the outside. But the revolutionary alternatives are just the breeding ground for disenchantment, arriving with ancient promises, with failed systems, and much populism, as if simple solutions to big problems could operate. They have the right to complain, especially young people; new myths have to be created, but times of myths in general are gone. Encapsulating freedom is a euphemism thereof. They say capitalism has failed ... but is it ever been tested? There has never been a true freedom so that such a thing would be possible. The US founding fathers tried and maybe they got the best possible outcome ... but that is long past, the present reality is another. Since Nixon put an end to the gold standard, paper money, which it already was an entelechy, became a fiction commonly accepted. Financial institutions do nothing but copy their masters. As the old tango goes, "we're all wallowing in a meringue and trampled underfoot in the same mud". Few and small moments in history have dawned as a fleeting sampling of a good staging of freedom. Small
"Work never killed anyone ... But why risk? " Les Luthiers
lights lit in the darkness. But everything carries in itself the seeds of its own destruction; sooner or later, if you live long enough, everything turns into its opposite. The world has always have been ordered by those in power, making the rules to suit themselves, and even when these did not suit them, finding ways to turn things around. But in the light of the issue, the lesser evil; the West is a little safe haven compared to what's out there. Putin swaps the presidential chair with his current prime minister, "now me, now you..." China proclaims its slogan "one country two systems", and neither of these things is true. There are a thousand Chinese countries, and only one system. Meanwhile Europe is debated in its identity crisis, smallholdings and other beads, while South and North are trying to delay the inevitable. The United Kingdom is increasingly less united and, as usual, wants to wage war on its own, while the fallacy of pensions and the welfare state fall under their own weight. USA yields the top spot as the world's largest economy while in its war on terrorism, sees degrading the principles that made it great, a reference and an example. The Americas are struggling between populism and chieftains in power, taking advantage of the emerging economies, something that anyway is running out. Japan is and is not, or is no longer, surviving horrific blows, while the rest of Asia is the backyard of a huge and polluting China, whose engine is seizing up. In this scenario we started 2015, hoping to leave behind the worst of a crisis that has become endemic, systemic, weary and tiresome. The stage is set, the curtain lifted, and our thousands of personal stories will unfold in it. Let there be luck and good sense for everyone! As for us, our commitment of bringing you the best of the martial world twice a month is already enough work!
Alfredo Tucci s General Manager to BUDO INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING CO. e-mail: budo@budointernational.com
“…We've put the fox to look after the hens, and yet, in our infinite laziness, we expect that the crisis will make him decide to commit Hara Kiri and trim what has to be trimmed: his own claws.”
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Interview
Bringing together two legends of Martial Arts and combat sports from both sides of the Atlantic... behold the power of Master David Buisan, who was able to give us all a wonderful opportunity to learn more about them and certainly pay tribute to a career, as prominent as crucial for understanding the evolution of Combat Arts in the world during the late twentieth and early twenty-first century. For a brief moment (I must confess) I was tempted to title t h i s a r t i c l e " Te a f o r Tw o , " recalling the eponymous film by Doris Day in the 50's. Nothing could be further from dear old sweet Doris Day than these two tough, noisy, friendly and easygoing big men. The contrast was enormous! But I could bear it... Both Bill "Superfoot" Wallace and Dominique Valera were part of that invincible squad which in early seventies opened the doors of modernity to a formulation of more realistic combat sports, an update that gave way to Full Contact, Kickboxing and a new direction for combat sports. H o w e v e r, b o t h o f t h e m w e r e trained (it couldn't be otherwise) in classical Martial Arts. Today, in this interview, we will have the chance to learn more about their lives, their achievements and their curr ent way of thinking about all this after the years.
Legends of Martial Arts
Interview
For those who enjoyed this historical course, being close to these two champions of Contact sports and Martial Arts was a real and probably unrepeatable privilege. So I want to thank Master David Buisan, central axis and visible head of this miraculous "Tea for Two" for his kindness and the attention he devoted to the magazine. They say that time is a machine to make monsters ... or wise men, I should add. Enjoy the wisdom, grace and unique personality of these two phenomena. And given the length of the work, this month we bring to our pages the first installment thereof, with the interview with this extraordinary character who is Dominique Valera. Next month we will be pleased to offer you the interview with "Superfoot" Wallace. Enjoy! Alfredo Tucci
INTERVIEW WITH DOMINIQUE VALERA David Buisรกn: With your martial experience, what would you say to the younger ones? Dominique Valera: Well, I'd tell them, for example, that when you train you do it it's a whole life, not only a moment, because the moment is the competition and people mix competition and training. Training is for all your life ... since childhood, with seven or eight years
Dominique Valera
Interview
of age, until the end of your life. You train because it's healthy. As the saying goes: "Healthy body, healthy mind". Why every time we talk about sports people refer to a competition, a match or a football game and the score? A child of seven or eight years must be put in a position of Contact with others in a friendly way. To do what? To make an athlete out of him or her and not a vedette, a star ... Parents always say, "If you take care of him, my son could become world champion." But he's only seven years old ... let him live, let him do his stuff. He has to laugh, he has to play! Because if at seven you make him do serious things, he will soon grow tired of Karate, kick boxing or kenpo... at fourteen he will be fed up. Children should be initiated in this career slowly, calmly... playing, training, and developing technique, speed, power ... with respect. David Buisรกn: I've quite a few people who are world champions, but when it comes to transmit their knowledge, which obviously is the most difficult, they are simply unable to do so. They might have developed a very high technical level, but they have difficulty in what is most important: convey to others what they feel. What do you think of those who are dedicated to teaching and only think about themselves? Dominique Valera: They are selfish and think in a how selfish way. But when they go, what's the message they leave? None. They leave nothing! I give seventy-five seminars per year. In all countries of the world I meet Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, Muslim ... people of all
Legends of Martial Arts faiths and from all walks of life: from lawyers to cleaning women ... it does not matter. And that's the most important thing: being able to convey to everyone and not just the elite. David Buisån: Dominique, the way you think now is the way you've always thought or there has been a before and after? Dominique Valera: I think that everybody evolves. So, when you're single you're a little selfish just because of that, but of course, after you get married, you live with your wife and you have to share. Then you have a child, and again you have to divide yourself and share. Maybe even another child ... So, life goes on and one day you wake up being a grandfather and you realize that the most important thing is not only what you've done, but what right now you still can give your family, and this also relates to my students. You can't get to a class and tell your students, "I was world champion in 1972" ... The boy is fourteen and he's not interested. He doesn't care whether you've been world champion or not, he's only interested in what are you going to teach him now, what techniques, what exercises you'll make him do! Now, with the Internet, machines, cell phones and all that... the child won't be interested in you unless you do something interesting for them. We need to stir up people's interest and not just make them repeat things that eventually annoy them: "Oh, I'm sick of Karate, and all those punches, and kicks!� Everything must have a purpose, there is always something to look for, in this and that ... But we're all different and work differently. That's what makes our job interesting! If we were all the same and worked the same, same technique, same height, same weight, same feeling ... we all would end up the same at the same time... BORED. David Buisån: Now tell me about your childhood, ple-
ase. Where were you born? How many brothers have you got? Dominique Valera: I was born to a family of Spanish emigrants from Cartagena. My parents moved to France before the war. My father enlisted in the French Navy. Three children were born in Spain before the war. My brother Juan, my sister Rosa and I were born in France after the war. Three years before the war and three years after the war, life was hard. My father had built a wooden
Interview “I remember when I came back home at 22 and said: "Mom, I'm world champion!” My mother replied: "O.K., very good. Now grab the broom and clean the kitchen." And that was it! She was very happy but she wouldn't show. She told the entire neighborhood: "My son is world champion", but I did not know it...”
house next to the river but weather conditions were rough in France at the time, 1954 was a very cold year, rivers overflowed and the water destroyed everything (in fact, they made a film in France titled "Winter 54"). We suffered that situation. Then a priest whose name was Lavepierre came into our lives. I was seven years old but I remember it as if it were yesterday. This priest set us in a neighborhood where there was a Judo club. I started out with Judo, but I was a very violent kid and I liked hitting with my fists and my feet ...So the priest told my mother:"Madame Valera, your child has to do Boxing". Then my mother said:"Oh, no. Boxing no, it's very dangerous for my son; I don't want him to be fighting every day ". And the priest replied, "No, that's what he is doing now, fight every day. If he practices Boxing he'll never fight again, never!" My mother: "No, I don't know ..." A year later, the priest came back and told my mother: "Madame Valera, there is a sport called Karate". My mother replied: "Karate? But what is that? And the priest said: "It's a sport where they use to wear a white suit" My mother gave said: "Ah, a white suit... That will be good for my son!"... But every weekend, the white suit was red with blood, and my mother said: "But wasn’t it white?” And I answered: "Yes mom, but occasionally it gets red". That's how everything started for me, as you can see, in very difficult living conditions. So, when I see now that the sport took me out of all that, I recall my beginnings. Recalling is very important! David Buisán: It's just not the same that you're given everything than to start building slowly on your own. Then, the daily effort makes you realize what you have: the example of the parental home, what you have lived, all your background, everything is valuated more.
Legends of Martial Arts Dominique Valera: Oh yeah! I remember, when I came back home at 22 and said: "Mom, I'm world champion!” My mother replied: "O.K., very good. Now grab the broom and clean the kitchen." And that was it! She was very happy but she wouldn't show. She told the entire neighborhood: "My son is world champion", but I did not know it... David Buisán: That's what parents usually do. They won't say anything but they are proud of you... Dominique Valera: Yeah, that's normal. But now they take you their child and ask you: "When will he be world champion?" And you answer: "Come on, he hasn't even started yet!" Do you see the difference? And when you don't give the child the yellow belt, they say, "Why doesn't my child have the yellow belt? Alfredo already has it and they started together!” Then you try to explain: “Madame, Monsieur, - you tell them – the problem is that your child is not mentally prepared for this, he can't concentrate and probably the same thing is happening to him at school." But they insist: "Oh, no, no, no! That boy, Alfredo, who begun with him a year ago already has the yellow belt and my son doesn't. Why?” What can you do? People have changed so much. Before, if I came home without the belt my father would asked me: "Hey, here's the belt? What happened" "Dad, I still don't have because I have to train more..." Then he said: "Then train, train and let's see if you can get it at the end of the year". And now: "Why didn't you get it?” That's the difference! David Buisán: What do you remember about your first Karate class, when you put on that white kimono for the first time in your life? Dominique Valera: I remember my teacher taught me a kick. I carried it out immediately without imbalances, errors, maintaining my guard position and everything! Then the teacher told me, "Dominique, this is called Mawashi Gueri". And I said that it was a kick in the face. He laughed, and said: "No, no. Here it's a Mawashi Gueri"... And thus began my martial education. David Buisán: What do you remember about your first steps as an instructor? David Buisán: I remember people had great difficulty in doing what I was doing. During the first seven, eight, or ten years I
Interview
“I left France when they kicked me out because of the "Contact" problem in 1975. In 2000 I went back home and started working on Karate Contact.”
“We need to stir up people's interest and not just make them repeat things that eventually annoy them.”
didn't have that fiber transmission to give to others. I think I started to change when my daughter Karine was born, I was 28; I had her at home, I was a "Dad" and so patience began. Then, from this daughter at age 41, I had my granddaughter and so I had to develop more patience, even more! I mean that life forces us to change, and if we don't do it is because we have a problem not being able to get used to something different. At 70 you don't think the same; you can't have in your head what you had when you were 15. Also, you might have missed things in your life and your head simply doesn't work... David Buisán: Has ever happened to you that you've said something to someone in class and later you have realized you were confused? Have you ever made that mistake and have gone home with a bad feeling? Dominique Valera: Yes, it has happened to me. Sometimes I raise my voice and shout, and then I see a poor child getting a little sad and then I think how stupid I’ve been! That’s exactly what happened to me one day with a young student, and the next day he didn’t come to class, so I went to his house and apologized asking him to come back: "No, I don't want to train with you any longer ..." said he. A little nervous, I said, "Come on, my friend, come to train!" And his mother said, "No, no. He doesn't want to go." But I insisted... finally I convinced him that he should keep coming. He trained with me for about seven or eight years, later he was runnerup in France. Now, when I see him occasionally in Lyon, he tells me, "Oh, sensei. I got so many memories, so many memories!" We are human beings. If boys like that don't mark you ... then you're a machine, you're not human! David Buisán: Unfortunately, most teachers who are dedicated to Martial Arts wouldn't have acted that way in case like that. "If he doesn't want to come, let him not come"... they just don't care! It's a disgrace! Dominique Valera: Yeah, they don't care, if he doesn't come somebody else will. They will
Dominique Valera change ... that is true. The problem of Martial Arts is that people retain the martial spirit of combat, but not the martial spirit of transmission, of Contact with the others. Not the hitting Contact, but the human Contact. And that's the problem. We always stay, to give but one example, at ten centimeters; if the child's life is a meter and the competition is eight centimeters, everyone focuses on those eight or ten centimeters. But to me, what is really important is what do you later so that the child remains on this line of behavior. Later it's no longer his job, it's yours. In competition he needs to be accompanied, like you take a child by his hand, when he is five or six years old... then you have to talk to him, communicate with him, and still accompany him, because those ten years of competition are not his life, but only a small part of his life. In France we have a word: epanuissement. It means that the boy is "well on his skin". David Buisán: Have you made friends in Martial Arts? Dominique Valera: Yes, very many. I've made friends in Martial Arts and in Full Contact. In any combat sport that is martial, in Boxing, etc., people respect each other. In Karate, for example, there are all the people of the France team with which I was world champion. We respect each other very much; we keep in touch... apart from one friend who has already departed to do the "Great Trip". In Full Contact: Bill Wallace, John Lewinsky, who left us two or three years ago ... But I keep seeing people. Look, in the course we did yesterday, I could see very good young people. David Buisán: That "very good" is for their training? Dominique Valera: No, that "very good" I want it for their lives, not only for training. I want to see their behavior in the street, at home, with their wives, their mothers... that's what interests me more than the half hour we spent throwing punches and kicks. David Buisán: Is there martial life after the class? Dominique Valera: Sure it is! David Buisán: There are teachers who just want martial life within the mat. You, who are more experienced than me, will have seen no doubt people who are very straight on the mat because you are supposed to be very straight on the mat, but... Dominique Valera: Oh yeah! But you know, sooner or later everybody abandons them and when they are seventy they're all alone. "I can't understand why my students are all gone, everyone leaves me ...” No. It's you the one who left them. But that was twenty years ago and you haven't still realized that you never made a unification, you never transmitted anything... And now you complain? Have you seen how grandparents behave when a child is born? Grandma says: "Patience, no problem, everything's O.K., the baby will learn". This is transmission! “And that can be done with the fist and the foot…?” Come on, there’s no need to get to 70 years being able hit someone in his face and leave him K.O... It’s useless! Now, transmitting how you can get to do this with ease, with speed, strength in the sand bag ... these are the important things to convey! But knocking out someone and tell him "You see? I'm 70!"... What's good about that? Absolutely nothing! David Buisán: Since when do you know Bill Wallace? Dominique Valera: I met Bill Wallace in 1974. We were introduced in Germany where they were doing an exhibition match. I was introduced to Bill Wallace and that same day I told him that I would compete in the World Karate Championship and he said laughing; "Oh, Karate, Karate ..." then I told him that the competition would take place in Long Beach, in the month of October 1975, and he replied, "Well, then I'll go to see you". He came to see me and amid all the fuss with everyone speaking in Long Beach, Bill said, "Hey,
Interview
Dominique, leave this. This is not for you. You have nothing more to offer this people. Not in this, not in this sense. Come back and begin Full Contact with me, you'll see, it's different. At least when you win, you know why and when you lose, you know it too. But in Karate, the problem is that you depend on the referees, you depend on many things. Not in Full Contact; you won or you lost, that's it. People see if you have won or lost". David Buisán: Have you lost any combat in Karate? Dominique Valera: In Karate I lost 17 fights out of 701. And in Full Contact I made 28 fights and lost 4. A competition career of 20 years: from 1960 to 1981. David Buisán: When you decided to leave the competition in 1981, how did you feel? Dominique Valera: Well, I was feeling very bad, not because of leaving competition, I was feeling bad because people in France had turned their back to me. Full Contact was then something like Free Fight is now. But Full Contact was two athletes who stood in the ring for a fight, and people saw it as in Roman times, Dead or Alive. And it had nothing to do now with the fight in the cage, blows and blood everywhere. No, there’s no comparison to it. Then everyone turned away and I started slowly with classes and courses, and Full Contact began to spread across Europe. That was in ten years. It took me 10 years to show Full Contact throughout Europe and now I'm happy because Full Contact is a martial discipline that is practiced in all countries. David Buisán: You did Judo, Karate, you met Bill Wallace and started with the Full Contact... but when did you start with Contact Karate? Dominique Valera: With Karate Contact I started in 2000, because the new president of the French Federation of Karate, Francis Didier, who was like a brother to me - I guided him and
Interview “I've always said that the most important inches are not those behind your fist or your foot, but those you have between your ears; it's called intelligence.”
“I was feeling very bad, not because of leaving competition, I was feeling bad because people in France had turned their back to me. Full Contact was then something like Free Fight is now.”
gave him advice - the day he was elected he called me and said: "Dominique, in Karate we are losing a lot of licenses because many people are going to Kick Boxing, Full Contact, Taewkondo... I'd like that you started the “Contact” concept also in the French Federation of Karate, the "Karate Contact". Are you interested or not? ". And I told him "Yes, that interests me", because he was like my family.. I left France when they kicked me out because of the "Contact" problem in 1975. In 2000 I went back home and started working on Karate Contact. Now Karate Contact has 14,000 licenses in France, there are championships in France, in the south, north, etc... And are now they beginning to work in a European championship, which most probably will be held in Paris next year, organized by the French Karate Federation and Francis Didier. Karate Contact is already in 14 countries. David Buisán: What did you feel when you saw Bill on Thursday, before your seminar in Zaragoza? Dominique Valera: Well, the feeling was about the same as when I first saw him, because Bill is a very friendly person and that's what I love above everything. Because raising your leg is one thing, but raising your mental and intellectual capacity is something else. I've always said that the most important inches are not those behind your fist or your foot, but those you have between your ears; it's called intelligence. That's why I really like Bill, because he is very human and a very intelligent person. David Buisán: Do you want to add something, Dominique? Dominique Valera: I have a great appreciation for you. You're like a little brother to me because you had the guts to do something that nobody else had done in Spain, since 1965: bringing people like us to make a large class. My respects, David, that's very good. David Buisán: Thank you, Dominique.
The Five Animals of Weng Chun Kung Fu
W ithin the framework of Weng Chun Kung Fu, the student deals with the development of strength, v i t a l i t y, a g i l i t y, c o o r d i n a t i o n , flexibility, endurance and speed, as well as with strategy and techniques within combat situations. Regarding his inner growth, he seeks to develop effortless power, resulting from awareness as well as from an understanding of the natural utilization of body, breath and mind. A mighty tool for that purpose is the practice of the Five Animals of Weng Chun Kung Fu, which is said to have been developed by
the last, legendary abbot of Shaolin, Chi Sim. Alertness as well as the observation of animals and of the elements of natur e always formed a source of inspiration for our martial arts elders in ancient China. But even today everybody can feel the power of the elements during a stroll through the forest, or the irrepressible strength and fearlessness at the sight of a tiger.
The Five Animals of Weng Chun Kung Fu The Five Animals of Weng Chun Kung Fu: Tiger (Fu): Strength, Power. The tiger stands for irrepressible power and is symbolized by the tiger s claw, which is used in martial arts to grab and pull an attacker s face, hair or groin, thus breaking his balance. The strategy of the tiger is to sneak up on its prey, aggressively closing the distance in the right moment and attacking the prey from the side to throw it down or to press it. In Weng Chun Kung Fu, this is practiced right from the start: The first weng chun combat strategy is based on the principle “from the side to the center”, thus forcing the opponent into extreme close combat to immobilize him, or to throw him down. The utilization of the tiger s claws is specifically practiced by strength development in the hip and legs, and by keeping the spine strong and flexible. A well-known exercise for that purpose is the “Hungry Tiger”, performed by arching one s back like a cat. At the mental level, fearlessness is developed, thus enabling the practitioner to act spontaneously and directly. The Fu Mei Gerk, the tiger s tail kick, is that famous spinning kick of Weng Chun, which encourages the opponent to attack, only to hit him by surprise with a spinning side kick which is usually disabling him. Snake (Shè): flexibility, lissomeness. The snake represents inner, quiet, soft and lissome energy, which is always ready to change its direction in an instant, which is utilized for example to apply surprising finger jabs to the opponent s eyes or other vital points. According to Shaolin tradition, the snake symbolizes chi, the very energy of life. The
The Five Animals of Weng Chun Kung Fu exercises of the snake are performed mainly to develop flexibility, elasticity and lissomeness. Following the strategy of the snake, physical contact with the opponent is established and his energy perceived, while at the same time attacking him. Biu Jee, the darting fingers- technique, is characteristic of the snake. Using the Biu Jee technique of the snake, an attacker s punch is intercepted by a semicircular movement with the forearm by feeling and deflecting the opposing energy, while at the same time counterattacking with a finger jab to the eyes. Mentally, a flexible and at the same time calm mind is developed, which at the same time is clearly perceiving the inner and outer surroundings. Crane (Hok): Posture, balance. The famous crane stance with one bended knee forms a foundation for all the kicks and balance exercises symbolized by the crane in Weng Chun Kung Fu. A wellknown technique for attack and defense in Chinese Kung Fu is Bong Sao, the wing hand. Using the forearm, an opponent s attack is swept away as if by a wing s flap. That way, the opponent loses his balance, and possibly with his back turned to the Weng Chun practitioner. The hook-shaped hand Kao Sao is a well-known crane technique, used to deflect or hook an attacker s arm or leg. Pulling his neck or arm is also often performed with the hooked crane hand, as well as the compressed fingers for attacking vital points. Based on the specific footwork of the crane, kicks and knees can be applied, and by changing combat distance the opponents gets confused and finally overwhelmed.
The Five Animals of Weng Chun Kung Fu
On a mental plane, the cranes inspires to maintain a balanced mind. Leopard (Pau): Speed. While the power of the tiger is based on solid postures, with the leopard strategy the strength of the Weng Chun practitioner results from aggressive swiftness, expressing itself in resilient, flexible steps as well as in the typical fast punches from the hips (Tschap Choy) and swift, aggressive chain punches (Lin Wan Kuen). The opponent s attacks are stopped at the outset by speed, and using quick chain punches he gets overwhelmed and downright overrun. Mental strength of the leopard is characterized by forwardoriented alertness and fearlessness. Dragon (Lung): Spirit. The dragon combines the traits of the aforementioned animals, resulting in a new way of movement, which is lissome, flexible and soft, and at the same time might appear fast, explosive and hard as well, depending on the demands of the combat situation, yet in any case effortless . The principle of the dragon is about the development of the famous Sing Kung („double power“) power of Weng Chun Kung Fu, where inner and outer methods of training are combined. The dragon fighter controls and uses all combat distances spontaneously and effortlessly, and thus rendering all his opponent s possibilities to attack useless. To an attacker, the dragon fighter seems to be able to just vanish, only to reappear at a new, stronger position. From a mental point of view, the dragon is
Weng Chun
Weng Chun characterized by the utilization of the inherent abilities of the mind out of a state of alertness and mental self-awareness.
Epilogue of the author, Andreas Hoffmann: The training method of the Weng Chun Five Animals is an outstanding tool to impart physical fitness and fighting ability to adults as well as children, while at the same time fostering their mental and spiritual development. Since thirty years I am doing research in the area of the Five Animals, and have been visiting quite a few grandmasters in China and around the world to learn from them and to share ideas and experiences with them. Also during my apprenticeship as a teacher of Ginรกstica Natural I came across the training method of the Five Animals again. Ginรกstica Natural is usually practiced by professionals in MMA and Freefight to prepare themselves for the contest, or as rehabilitation exercises in case of sports injuries. Within the framework of our International Weng Chun Association I have developed special programs based on the Five Animals, suitable for the layman interested in self-defense or merely fitness, as well as for the professional athlete. I am very pleased that our Five Animals Weng Chun- programs in our schools also enjoy immense popularity among children, achieving great results. In case of questions or for further information, please don t hesitate to contact me. Text: Andreas Hoffmann, Christoph Fuร , Photo: Gabriela Hoffmann
Kung Fu
Dr. Chiu Chi Ling, 10. Dan – The living legend of the Shaolin Hung Gar Enthusiasts of kung fu movies already know his face from numerous kung fu pictures in which he was acting in front of the camera. With his role as a tailor in “Kung Fu Hustle” he once again showed his skills on screen. Contrary to most of the other kung fu actors of this movie he is not only a Kung Fu Master in the movie. Dr. Chiu Chi Ling arises of a famous Kung Fu family and he lives and incorporates like no other all aspects of the Shaolin martial arts as well as the healing arts. Only very few Kung Fu masters can claim to have taught the three greatest movie start of the last decades: Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and also Jet Li enjoyed lessons by Grandmaster Chiu Chi Ling par ticularly in pr eparation of their movie scenes. Most of today’s Hung Gar Sifu’s have started to learn the art because of Chiu Chi Ling’s movies, teaching videos, seminars or articles.
Famous Kung Fu Lineage Dr. Chiu Chi Ling was born 20th January 1943 in Kanton (PR China) as an heir in probably the most famous Kung Fu lineage of China. His father, Chiu Kow (1895-1995), favourite student of the legendary Lam Sai Wing, taught him the original art of Shaolin Kung Fu from the age of four and onwards. Scarves still witness the hard training instructed by his father and mother. Today Grandmaster Chiu Chi Ling has all the knowledge of this extensive martial art and counts internationally as luminary in the
areas of fighting techniques, traditional Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, history, philosophy, ethics, but also the Lion Dance and Chinese calligraphy. Besides the privilege of being the son of a famous Kung Fu master, his responsibility to adjust to the high standards of the family tradition also arose in him, and so he had to acquire his knowledge and his skills in a particularly hard way. Already at a very young age his father began to teach him according to the strict principles of the Shaolin monks and of educated him according to tradition integrally in all Shaolin arts.
The Tiger-Crane Form At the tender age of eight years Chiu Chi Ling therefore already mastered the trademark of Hung Gar, the (very demanding) Tiger-Crane-Form with which Chiu Kow had won the Chinese Wu Shu championship in the 60ties. At that event he had created the conditions that Nangquan (Cantonese: Nam Kuen), representing the Southern styles, was implemented into Modern Wu Shu. With this tournament success he arouse great interest in the public as well as in the circles of the association officials. This gave him the opportunity to teach this form to the former masters. They recognized the genius and the vast potential of this form and on basis of that they created the first official Wu Shu Form.
The followers At the age of 15 Chiu Chi Ling began his training to be a healer and chiropractor under his parents. Today he carries the complete herbal knowledge (Dit Da) and TCM knowledge of the Chiu family. Already at a very young age Chiu Chi Ling was assisting his father during teachings in the evenings. Because of his extraordinary technical qualification and his loyalty to the family and to the traditions of the true Shaolin Kung Fu, the then 70 year old Chiu Kow named his youngest son his official successor when he retired from his teaching activities in 1965. At the age of 28 Chiu Chi Ling opened his own Kung Fu school at the Nathan Road in Hong Kong. A year later he married Chan
Yuk Ling. Their common son Kevin appeared as “three-cheese-tall” with his father in the movie “duel of the 7 tigers”, where he performed the snake technique during a training scene. But growing up he later showed more interest for computers than for traditional Kung Fu. Kevin Chiu is nowadays a sought-after expert in informatics.
The boom of movies during the 70ies and 80ies During the boom of the “Eastern Movie” in the 70ies Chiu Chi Ling became a wellknown actor and stunt man. But his vocation never was in front of a camera, so he preferred supporting roles in order to be able to act as an fighting coordinator behind the camera and to shape the fighting scenes. In case an actor got hurt his healing skills were often asked for as well as his medical knowledge. He coordinated fighting scenes of famous actors like Bruce Lee, Jacky Chan, Jet Li, David Chiang, Ti Lung etc. Unfortunately the “duel of the 7 tigers” remains one of the only movies where he can be seen starring in the main role. In the year 2003 he filmed a new movie with Stephen Chow in Shanghai. This movie appeared in theatres by the name of “Kung Fu Hustle”. Still, the now 70 year old Grandmaster is currently making further movies.
The heritage of his father Grandmaster Chiu Chi Ling takes the wish of his father to maintain, to promote and to
Kung Fu
expand the Shaolin Hung Gar very seriously. The knowledge of this art which was given to him as precious heritage of his father is that appreciated by him that he is willing to direct his whole life accordingly. To maintain and to show this original, traditional martial art in the world he travels all the time. Nowadays he is teaching selected students all around the globe and is holding seminars. His officially chosen successor is Grandmaster Martin Sewer from Switzerland.
His enormous media coverage The Chinese Gover nment appreciates his value and therefore commissioned him for example to supervise the reconstruction of the Southern Shaolin monastery or the organization of the opening of the
Wong Fei Hung memorial museum in 2001. His popularity can also be witnessed by his media coverage. His portraits have been found regularly on covers of countless Kung Fu magazines and martial art magazines all over the world for decades. Numerous TV stations with millions of viewers like NBC (USA), TVB (Hong Kong), NHK TBS (Japan) keep inviting him as a star guest to their broadcasts. Newspapers like the American Chinese Times report regularly news about him and his life which he determined solely to Hung Gar Kung Fu.
Human greatness and modestiy If one has the chance to get to know Grandmaster Chiu Chi Ling in person,
one will be very astonished: the 72 year old is bursting with energy and despite his elevated status he is a totally courteous, happy man who is always open to show, explain and to help, but who is evermore ready to have fun and to entertain people in a humorous way.
WingTsun
The training system... WingTsun I usually say that the CHI SAO occupies 90% of the practice of WingTsun. This has a good side and a bad side. The good side is that it gives the practitioner a great skill: the ability to stay glued the limbs of the adversary and perceives changes in angulations, address or pressure loss. It really is a fundamental skill of our system and especially is really "fun" and enjoyable to practice. The bad part: The vast majority of Wing Chun practitioners of any branch become "addicts" to Chi Sao. Their training ends up being almost 100% of the time joining hands and making drills, sections or simply free Chi Sao with a partner. Perhaps this is the main cause of "forgetting" other facets of great importance in Wing Tsun Kuen. You will agree with me that focusing on one aspect of an ART isn't particularly positive.
his occurs primarily when we are not able to design a good training plan and a schedule. I've already discussed issue this in some articles and texts published previously, but I think in today's column it gains a particular importance in this sense. Traditionally the education system was private and secret, "from father to son". This form of learning (in the first instance) and of personal practice (in a second) is simply PERFECT. It's ideal because it doesn't allow any interference or failure in understanding the techniques and ideas. Good or bad, right or wrong, we can never say that there is the slightest transmission error in teaching. From this first scenario and the logical consequences of the openness of schools of martial arts, this system has become obsolete by the impossibility that a single teacher teaches more than two or three people in a direct way. So the method must be different. From that moment, an adaptation period occurs which is summarized in the development of drills so that a small group of practitioners train among themselves and the teacher conveys an idea or technique and keeps on making small corrections to his pupils. Let's say this is the most widely used system in Wing Chun worldwide today.
T
“I've been over 15 years professionally dedicated to education in the world of Martial Arts and I am sure that the forming processes and training systems can be significantly improved.�
WingTsun I must admit nevertheless that I understand teaching a little differently. I've been over 15 years professionally dedicated to education in the world of Martial Arts and I am sure that the forming processes and training systems can be significantly improved. Sure there are people who think different and shamelessly say: Why change something that works well? Well ... Actually that would be a really interesting topic to discuss. I'm not so sure it works especially well. I think that in every process of learning and developing skills there should be an attempt to constant improvement. We understand that if the practitioners' general level is high, is good for the ART itself. Achieving high levels in practitioners logically requires highly-forming levels. It is mainly the reason for which I always try to take a small step beyond in the systems and training methods of the style I practice. What is our view?
We are extremely fortunate to have our basic needs absolutely covered, and although today Martial Arts are part of our life, they're not something VITAL. We don't practice because we have an urgent need of combat capacity and self defense. We practice because it makes us feel good, because it fills us, because it makes us feel prepared, ALIVE! We are passionate to study and look from different views the ART we have chosen as a way of life. People who practice today MA are very lucky to have a place where they can train and work out (School, Dojo, Kwoon ...) and not have to worry much beyond training that day. It is the task of trainers and teachers that it be so, and for that, the development of a comprehensive and balanced system that allows the evolution of all practitioners should be a must. It is the best way to
maintain a legacy that previous generations made available to us. We must take CARE of the ART. And we don't understand a better way to take care of something than trying to make it a little better than the previous generation. For the development of any system we should be clear what elements we have in our style. This is also a very delicate point because the approach or interests in the practice vary slightly from one school to another. That's why I believe that in order to try to convey today's idea, is best that I explain WHAT and HOW we do it at my school: TAOWS Academy. If it serves someone as a guide he can use it or adapt it his way. First we always carry out a work PLANING, setting up specific periods: training for a year, semesters or months. We believe that the lack of planning often
pushes us to attend a class to do "Wing Tsun". Nothing concrete, it's all improvised. This, that certainly would be ideal for advanced practitioners, can't be imitated by beginners and intermediate levels, for a really simple reason: beginners have to learn and complete the whole system. The absence of a program forces the student to dedicate on day to train one single thing, next day another thing, finally some Chi Sao, then a little sparring, etc., in short, to walk around in circles. Training must be organized and planned by weeks, months and years. It is curious to hear practitioners say after 12 or 15 years of practice that they haven't completed so far the learning system and haven't yet seen the Bart Cham Dao form or other aspects of the style. In my opinion, this lack of orderly process and programming is primarily responsible for this. The result?
WingTsun
The more time we spend wandering around aimlessly, the LESS time we have to practice and develop skills. The task of a practitioner with a basic technical level should be that of learning the forms, techniques and applications as soon as possible. For teachers, including me, trying to get our students to learn and understand the entire technical, tactical and strategic arsenal in the shortest possible time, should be an OBSESSION. This will allow more time for the practice of the entire system. When I refer to practice I make a very clear difference with learning. Although we all know that a Martial Arts practitioner NEVER stops learning, we must agree that in the early years of practice, the student should focus on learning and the proper execution of techniques, their application ways and the right moment of each. But once reached the advanced level, the person should experience with them, TEST them and apply them in a scenario closer to sparring with an opponent / partner who knows the same "questions / answers", to generate in that exchange a sort of "war game" that will allow us to acquire a greater control and skill in using them. To explain this in a way that can be perfectly understood, I will use the simile of the ART that best assimilates to WingTsun in its conception as a system: CHESS. When we learn to play CHESS we can't even consider playing a match against a middle level opponent. I would seem frivolous trying to play as equals with an opponent with a middle or advanced level by a very simple matter: the average or advanced player knows many more "techniques", and especially strategies, than the beginner. In this art you must first learn the rules. It is essential that you know how the pawns, bishops, knights, rooks, queen and king move about the board; what are the strong points of each in front of the different situations in which the board and the adversary will put us. You have to accept that in every technique (whatever it is) there's always a good part and another "not so good". And therein lies the true nature of the "game" and therefore of Martial Arts. After the first phase, where we learn how to move around the board, we will be starting to play games with opponents of our level, in which we will try to prove our knowledge, and even dare with some movements to try to win the opponent. Winning or losing, the fun of chess is in the struggle itself, in the game itself. In the way...
“The task of a practitioner with a basic technical level should be that of learning the forms, techniques and applications as soon as possible.�
WingTsun “We practice because it makes us feel good, because it fills us, because it makes us feel prepared, ALIVE!�
“I think that in every process of learning and developing skills there should be an attempt to constant improvement.”
When a novice player occasionally plays a game with an opponent of a higher level, his level of emotional stress rises and everything gets complicated ... but the beginner needs to go through such process because he must leave the "comfort zone" if he really wants to improve his ability in an environment where he doesn't have control of the game. But equally, the veteran player will try to do everything that his knowledge and creativity offer him in that closed "battlefield" to try to beat the student. It would seem really ridiculous that our chess "master" compelled us to use his own "tricks" (openings or techniques). It doesn't make much sense to try to beat your teacher with techniques that he knows better than you. The advice of any chess player would be: try, dare to do things. Think, choose and decide. At the end, it's nothing but a game. Our ability will improve as we play games. On the other hand, for a chess player of an intermediate or higher level, playing with a beginner is QUITE BORING, because he is very easy to overcome and win and that makes the game really bland. Enjoyment, fun... is in struggling with someone who is trying to do everything he can to beat you... Sounds logical, right? Well ... then why not use the same learning systems in that "human chess" that supposes the Wing Tsun? Don't you think that we could make something of the like in this exciting style of warfare? I'm sure you do. This the reason for which, in my classes or courses, I refer countless times to Wing Tsun as the Human Chess...
“Although we all know that a Martial Arts practitioner NEVER stops learning, we must agree that in the early years of practice, the student should focus on learning and the proper execution of techniques, their application ways and the right moment of each.”
WingTsun What are the elements we should integrate into that work plan? 1- Forms (from Siu Nin Tao to Bart Cham Dao, going through each and every form with a perfect knowledge of their technical execution). Names and meaning of forms and ideas they "hide". 2.- Displacements: Necessary moves to develop any kind of tactical strategy. Displacements are to be found in the FORMS (point 1), along with some search tactical concepts of these movements. 3. - Striking Techniques (correct performance of the techniques, objectives and neutralization). 4. - Chi Sao. The heart of the system. Is the feature that characterizes this Chinese system and to which we must devote much time, BUT NOT ALL our practice time. Adherence from TWO points of view: first, the one who tries to stay glued in order to divert, inhibit or neutralize the force and direct it where it can be less harmful. And secondly, the one who tries to detach from someone who by adherence intends to stop the attacks and striking techniques (point 3) 5. - Chi Gerk. Although it should be part of point 4 (Chi Sao), we make a small difference at this point to give it the importance it deserves. Some practitioners of Wing Tsun pay much attention to Chi Gerk and others not so much... The differences are immense in the combat application. In short, what I want is to stress out how significant is that Chi Gerk becomes part of the work as a UNIT, and especially how important it is for the Wing Tsun Kuen system mastering the techniques of "sticky legs" for various purposes. 6. - Non-Contact. Because imbalances or loss away for any reason, we lose the ability to stay glued to the opponent. We have to try as quickly as possible to close the distance and seek adhesion again. But
“We should fight every day, every time we practice, to keep things in perspective. Wing Tsun is in essence a system of Chinese Boxing.�
those extra inches of non-contact should be studied to avoid unexpected surprises. Again, the solution to these is to be found in the style Forms (mainly Wooden Dummy, Biu Tze Tao and Bart Cham Dao. Once more we refer to point # 1 7. - Exercises for the development of elastic power and dynamic channeling, as elements to provide power and efficiency to our hand or leg blows. In this sense, the system also provides really interesting elements that link us to the Internal Martial Arts, found mainly in the Siu Nin Tao form and in the Long Pole Form, and are extremely important for practitioners of a style that closes the distance with the opponent and hits at a short distance. We simply NEED such elastic hitting power and without space. 8. - Sparring: The way to learn to fight is fighting. Obvious! But it's important to
consider this item. We should fight every day, every time we practice, to keep things in perspective. Wing Tsun is in essence a system of Chinese Boxing. Forgetting that can lead practitioners into a dynamics not too recommendable for a Martial Arts practitioner. These elements must assume the design of a work plan perfectly laid out both in content and time. We can't forget that the most important thing in a MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL is, without doubt, that students learn and understand the system as soon as possible. To be continued next month... Thanks to all for your attention RESPECT! Sifu Salvador Sรกnchez TAOWS Academy
Self Defense
The Krav Maga Tactical (KMT) is a form of self defense, based on the original Krav Maga, which was further developed and adapted for both individuals and private and state security forces. Krav Maga ("Contact Fight", in Hebrew) was developed for the Israel security authorities of the post-war and considered one of the best self defense systems ever, because of its techniques, relatively simple but extremely effective and based on the instinct. It's widely practiced and used by many police departments and security forces throughout the world.
"Poor preparation is when you face an attack hoping that it doesn't happen"
What is KMT? The KMT is a new development in accordance with the requirements and laws of the Western world. While in the initial Krav Maga, the sports aspect and the final execution - in other words, the death of the adversary -, are relatively important given the demands of a zone in crisis, KMT aims in first place to find the resolution of conflicts of all kinds in daily life. It
should be pointed out that anyone can lear n KMT, regardless of age the physical condition. The Organization-KMT also develops special training for women, elderly and even physically and / or visual handicapped people. Some of our instructors were trained in the respective specialties. The experience of these specialists, along with that of the instructors in the training of state and other professional security forces, is poured in turn into the KMT, resulting in a continuous development, conscious and permanent, of great benefit to the KMT, contrary to other systems.
Strong points - Modern, flexible and realistic Self Defense. - Suitable for all ages and physical conditions. - CFV continuous improvement. - Specific training, for example, for physical or visually impaired individuals. - Competent and experienced instructors. - A training method adjustable to the needs of each person. The aim of the KMT is not victory over an opponent, but the domain and survival in dangerous situations in
Self Defense
everyday life and in violent confrontations in the streets, even against armed opponents.
Features Unlike most Martial Arts, in KMT there's no need to fulfill any special series. The learned basic movements are combined in different dynamics. This freedom of improvisation allows you to adapt as quickly as possible to any situation - a very important aspect - precisely in regard to mastering stress situations in which (thankfully) the average citizen rarely gets involved. In the case of a confrontation with aggression, you must put into practice in a quick and instinctive way what you've learned. Everything else can be fatal. Basically, the important thing is to use the techniques without major effort and, through speed and surprise attack, put an end to a dangerous situation. This prevents on the one hand the risk of injury, and on the other, it enables the victim to use the strength that he still has to move into a position of security.
Self Defense In the KMT, as in the unarmed defense, other techniques that teach the use of striking and pointed weapons and even everyday objects for defense are also practiced. It also teaches how firearms can used without shooting them, our own or those of our aggressors with which they are threatening us. This extremely important because of the legal requirements for the use of weapons, since if it is proved that an aggressor was not as heavily armed as intended, it can bring enormous legal consequences. KMT instructors not only show the students the way to effectively defend themselves. An integral part of the KMT is also the correct behavior in a conflict situation and knowledge of the legal status. We show how to avoid a worsening of the situation, verbally or through body language, and in the case of reaching a physical confrontation, what is or is not allowed. Thus, you may rely on our experience training law enforcement agencies and security services, as well as practical knowledge. Many of our instructors are part of police and security services. We show how to avoid a worsening of the situation, verbally or through body language, and in the case of reaching a physical confrontation, what is or is not allowed. Thus, you may rely on our experience training law enforcement agencies and security services, as well as practical knowledge. Many of our instructors are part of police and security services. The KMT contains different techniques like boxing punches, open
hand techniques, finger strikes and thrusts in the eyes and larynx, elbow strikes and Karate kicks, blocking and immobilization techniques of Jiu-Jitsu and Aikido and some pushing and simple drags.
The public as objective To the question of who should learn KMT, there is only one answer: Anyone! Because in our days everyone should consider an attack by surprise, the worst is not being prepared for an attack, with the hope that it will never happen. In a realistic training, when we face situations of aggression, our fear is greatly reduced. We can act consciously and effectively and defend ourselves. The self-confident person, who knows how to behave in conflict situations, reduces the danger of being attacked. Everybody can learn KMT. Since techniques are not developed by means of physical force and that each student starts at the appropriate level, there's no restriction on age or physical condition. Attention: It is a pre-requisite for learning KMT to be 18 years of age. In addition, KMT students must not be on file for violent crimes or capital offenses.
Law Enforcement The KMT - Law Enforcement provides seminars and training time, appropriate for police and security
forces, which complement the KMT for civilians in major towns. It contains special redress techniques (not only for firearms holders), domain and retention techniques, transportation management, fasteners, ground fighting, as well as training in various scenarios, anti-stress training and teamwork. In addition, the KMT-Law Enforcement also incorporates the use of handcuffs, kubotan and extendable baton (PR-24, MEB / ASP) being compulsory for the latter the presentation of licenses from employers and / or an exception license of the competent authorities.
A brief comment about the aforementioned antistress training This is an extremely realistic and unique training, developed with the aim of creating a resistance to stress, which enables acting in an emotionally and physically controlled way, in dangerous situations such as emergency states. The methods used in the anti-stress training program foster the development of the so-called "previous warning system" (recognize danger as soon as possible) and strengthen the assurance in the action (correct assessment of hazards, react accordingly, redress and / or control). In order to achieve these objectives it is advisable to take a seminar of several days or attend regular training of at least once a week.
Hwa Rang Do速 and Korean history The evolution of Korean combat skills began about 5000 years ago with the establishment of the Kochoson kingdom. During the subsequent Three Kingdoms Period, this Korean warrior tradition found a particular expression in the combat skills of the Hwarang warrior system of the ancient kingdom of Silla. Their secret combat skills are codified into Hwa Rang Do huge syllabus.
Grandmaster Taejoon Lee (Hwa Rang Do 8째 dan), the eldest son and the apparent heir to Hwa Rang Do, tells us what follows about the relationship between Hwa Rang Do and Korean history, moreover he describes to us the incredible job made by His Father Dr. Joo Bang Lee (Hwa Rang Do 10째 Dan):
Korean Arts A legacy of Loyalty, Relentlessly seeking Truth, Empowering Lives, Serving Humanity “There is always much discussion within the martial arts community concerning the validity of various claims made by martial arts grandmasters and founders, regardless of their styles or national origins. I do not like to address these issues because I believe that truth should be discovered through personal experience — through research, travel and human interaction — rather than from rumors, gossip and hearsay. Anyway, I have come to understand that my life — my truth — is intertwined with the fiber of Hwa Rang Do, and that this Art is a crucial thread in the tapestry of Korean martial history. It is important to understand that the modern Korean martial arts were founded immediately following Korea’s freedom from Japanese occupation (1910-1945) and the Korean War (1950-1953), which marked Korea’s entrance into the modern industrial age and the birth of what is now South Korea.
The entire nation was rebuilding its war-torn cities from the ashes and becoming one of the top international economic powers. Korea was franticly trying to rediscover its identity, and the streets were filled with opportunists taking advantage of the country’s regained freedom and renewed nationalism. Just as American cities in the 1920s are often depicted with scenes of mobsters and bootleggers, bands of gangsters roamed urban Korea in the middle part of the century. The common people were forced to rally against them, defending themselves with their bare hands or whatever everyday implements could be used as weapons. Even today, it is illegal for the public to possess fi rearms in Korea. It is owing to this dangerous era that martial arts became a necessity for the common people who chose not to be affiliated with gangs. My Father, Dr. Joo Bang Lee, not only developed the most successful chain of martial Art schools in Seoul, South Korea, but also protected the public from unruly street thugs. He quickly gained notoriety and respect from the common people and was given the nickname ‘the man who came down from the mountain’. It was in this climate, before Tae Kwon Do became Korea’s national sport, that my Father created a vast chain of Hwa Rang Do schools based in Seoul. To be the founder of such a martial art, to establish such a successful chain of schools in Seoul, and to accomplish these things in the pressure-filled social, political and economic environment of that period speaks volumes about the man my Father was and is. I am blessed as a student and a son because my mentor and my Father are the same person. Many people know him as a man, a teacher and a martial artist, but only I have known him as a god (when I was young), a Father (always) and a mentor (when I became a man). No one is perfect, but of all the great leaders I have had the pleasure and honor of meeting, no one has worked harder than my Father. I am constantly searching for mentors, but I have yet to meet one who can inspire me like he has.” Many other details of the discussion in the book: “Hwa Rang Do®: Defend, Take Down & Submit” by Taejoon Lee & M. Cheng ©2005 Black Belt Communications LLC (ISBN-13: 978-0-89750-281-8).
About the author: Hwa Rang Do® Head Instructor, Lieutenant Colonel of the Italian Military Police Force (Carabinieri) and Engineer Marco Mattiucci is the Chief of the Italian Branch of the World Hwa Rang Do® Association and one of the main followers of Grandmaster Taejoon Lee.
Hwa Rang Do
MMA Texto: César Fernández de las Peñas Fotos: © www.budointernational.com
Wrestling Ten years ago we bet on the success of the MMA, that's why we brought a great coach and teacher to record one of the best videos ever made on the subject. New generations of students can't miss it!
Today we bring to our pages one of the most prestigious trainers and experts in MMA of our times: Erik “Storm� Paulson. In this age where the MMA are gaining followers, the youth involved in this area have generated a certain unease among the supporters and practitioners in that they need firm and reliable points on which to construct a serious and proven work method. For that it is more necessary than ever to rely on individuals with a long legacy of experience as a coach, with experience as a fighter, and especially with a long history as an instructor in the Arts of combat. What doubt is there that Paulson fits these three premises perfectly, and for that it is fortunate to be able to rely on him once again, and with a new instructional video.
MMA After the great reception of his previous work, Paulson comes with more flavorful ideas, concepts, and formulas to develop your capacities in combat, bringing you closer to the most adequate strategies to confront the most diverse situations, such as his own magisterial formulas to develop your own skill and with them excellence in combat. Paulson is a very respected man in the circle of experts in this matter, a well-deserved fame, earned by his recognized dedication over the years and his long and consistent learning with the most outstanding teachers of the past decades in this material. A total luxury that we are very happy to present to you today. Alfredo Tucci
I
n this article, Eric presents to us his second video, where we will find new strategies to apply in the ring; strategies that range from how we must position our body in the execution of fist and leg strikes to the author’s personal recommendations about the kind of submission most appropriate for each type of fighter. Erik Paulson is known by our readers as one of the most outstanding trainers of the known Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) or of what he calls Combat Submission Wrestling (CSW). CSW is not a new style, but it involves a personalized vision of fighting in the championships without rules derived from the personal and professional experiences of Erik Paulson. CSW takes techniques and concepts from Shooto, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo, American Cath & Cath, and Muay Thai. The objective of CSW is not “to teach” a series of techniques, rather to favor the acquisition of the mobility and neuromuscular integration of the movements through the execution of numerous exercises (drills). Knowing numerous techniques doesn’t necessarily imply being able to apply them in any position and situation, for that, CSW stresses the development of the same technique executed in multiple situations.
CSW: Strategy for combat Strategy is a fundamental aspect of CSW. What does it serve to learn thousands of techniques if one doesn’t follow the appropriate strategy? The learning of CSW is based on developing and learning different kinds of strategies, allowing practitioners to do any kind of takedown or submission in any position. One of the abilities that is developed with CSW is learning to create holes, what some denominate inducing the attack. In this sense, CSW will show us how to create false holes facing our adversary, leading to our foreseeing his reaction, which favors the counter-attack. Really, more than creating holes, the objective is to induce the adversary into reacting in a certain way, facilitating our next attack. This is one of the fundamental facets in the study of CSW. The development and the application of chain drills will allow us to acquire the necessary qualities to react almost automatically to the response of our adversary. There are multiple drills that will help us create situations close to the reality of
Wrestling “Strategy is a fundamental aspect of CSW. What does it serve to learn thousands of techniques if one doesn’t follow the appropriate strategy?”
MMA combat in order to acquire the necessary abilities and come to foresee the reactions and the escapes of our opponent. The “knowledge” is not based on the quantity of techniques that you know, but on the number that you are capable of applying in each situation. In this second project with Budo International we will show you two kinds of strategies, one involving the fist strikes and kicks and the other oriented toward submission in ground fighting.
Positioning the body during the execution of a strike When a practitioner of contact sports watches a Boxing or Kick-boxing fight, he will observe the technique of the fighters and will generally focus on the strikes, if they are executed with the weight of the body, if they cover the area that remains exposed, the speed, the power, the timing, etc. However, a very important strategic concept in CSW is the positioning of the body during the execution of the strike. This principle has its origin in Erik Paulson’s training in the Jeet Kune Do of Bruce Lee, under the guidance of Guro Dan Inosanto. The concept of the central line has great relevance in Vale-Tudo fights. If our adversary dominates this line of attack, he will reach his objective (our body) faster, and he will be the one who strikes. In this new project with Budo Inter national, we show you diverse exercises that will help you to correct this combative defect and attain greater power in your strikes. If a Boxing practitioner sees this kind of exercise, surely he will raise his arms to his head since his impression might be that one loses the whole technique in the execution of the strikes. However, Erik will demonstrate to us the importance of this concept on the video, especially influencing the
positioning of the head of the person that strikes in order to avoid being hit. You will see exercises for fist and leg strikes, stressing the importance of head movement, and on occasion, the whole body, in order not to be hit while we strike. This is a crucial concept in a combat in which a fist strike can be 100% definitive due to the lack of gloves that absorb the power of the strike.
Strangulation, pain holds, dislocations These three kinds of submissions allow us to win a fight on the ground. In CSW, we stress the work on each one of them, emphasizing at which moment of the fight and against what kind of adversary one or the other can be the most effective. Though the three are equally effective, in CSW we concentrate more on dislocations, although we will explain in detail the advantages and inconveniences of each one of them. Strangulation: it is one of the first submissions that is taught in any ground sport. For example, in Judo they teach children strangulations before dislocations since the former can, at least theoretically, cause greater harm than do dislocations. As all Martial Arts practitioners know, there are two kinds of strangulations: blood flow and respiratory. It is not the objective of this article, nor the video, to explain each one of them, though we will analyze their advantages and disadvantages. Not all adversaries are equally sensitive to strangulations, or said in another way, the effectiveness of the strangulation depends on our opponent, and with some it can take us a long time to apply a strangulation. Furthermore, the majority of fighters fortify the musculature of the neck in order to better resist this kind of attack. That, together with the fact that experienced fighters put up a good
MMA defense of the chin, leads us to conclude that the application of a strangulation is not the ideal technique for all kinds of adversaries. In CSW, numerous kinds of strangulations are taught and from all the positions, even from the most diverse and mixed, in order for the student to acquire skill in the application of the technique. Pain hold: this name refers to any kind of painful hold whose objective is to provoke the adversary’s surrender. An example is the calflock, wrongly called leg-lock. Generally, whoever executes the technique places his forearm perpendicular to a muscular and/or tendon structure of the adversary, in the example we have cited, perpendicular to the calf. So, at compressing the muscular-tendon structure, one provokes a very sharp pain. The disadvantage of this kind of submission is that it is not effective with all opponents because the success of the technique depends, in part, on the threshold of pain of each one of them. Besides, we must keep in mind that in situations of stress, adrenaline is released, so that the threshold of pain and the tension generated by the contraction of the attacked area will diminish the effectiveness of the technique. Dislocations: this involves the application of counter-posed forces against a joint in the direction contrary to its natural mobility. The effects provoked are pain in the area and sprain and/or dislocation, according to the intensity of the application.
In CSW, the dislocations can be applied to any area of the body (ankle, knee, hip, backbone, cervical,, shoulder, wrist, elbow, etc.). There are diverse procedures for dislocating a joint, the rotation being the most dangerous movement when it comes to executing them. The classic example is the hold known as heel hold in which one does a twisting movement on the ankle, affecting the ligament structures of the knee. The problem is that the injury to the ligament, in this case the knee sprain, is produced before the opponent feels pain. Another kind of dislocation is done against the joint, that is, forcing a movement of the joint, as in the arm bar on the arm, or the chicken wing on the shoulder. On the video you will learn the execution of the chicken wing technique from multiple positions on the ground. The objective of this technique is to force the rotation movement of the shoulder to dislocate it. The best way to obtain an effective dislocation is to bend the elbow and the shoulder to the maximum, if possible with an angle greater than 90 degrees. As we have mentioned, in CSW the preferred techniques are the dislocations given that few fighters can stand to continue fighting with an injured joint (though recently a fighter won a world championship with a broken arm), for which they can be decisive for a combat. Of course, we can’t get around the fact that there are counters, that is, techniques for escaping from the application of these kinds of techniques. We sincerely hope you enjoy this second project as much as we ourselves have.
MMA
Wrestling
The DVD "Krav Maga Research and Development" comes from the will of four experts in Krav Maga and combat sports, Christian Wilmouth and Faustino Hernandez, Dan Zahdour and Jerome Lidoyne. To date, they lead several clubs and a group of twenty instructors and monitors from multiple disciplines, from Krav Maga or Boxing to the MMA, Mixed Martial Arts. This work is not intended to highlight a new method or a specific branch of Krav Maga, it simply aims to present a Krav Maga program that focuses on the importance of the "content" and share their experi
REF.: KMRED1
All DVDs, wichi is produced by Budo International, si provided and alone in the formats DVD-5 or MPEG-2, in VCD, DivX or the like is however neves offered with a special holograma sticker. Besides our DVD is characteristed coverings by the hig quality in pressure and material. If this DVD and/or the DVD covering do not corespond to the requirements specified above, it concerns illegal pirat copy.
ORDERS: Budo international.com
Major Avi Nardia is one of the leading head official instructors for the Israelite army and police in anti terrorism and CQB, he along with Ben Krajmalnik have made a new basic dvd in the field of firearms and safety, training techniques in IPSC. Instinctive Shooting in Combat. Combat Instinctive Point Shooting - IPSC is a shooting method based on instinctive reactions and kinematics to shoot short distances fast and in dynamic situations. A self defense discipline in order to survive in life t h r e a t e n i n g situatuations , where you need a very fast and accurate shooting abilities, when you must take the gun out as soon as possible and shoot at a short distance without using the sight. In this first volume you will study how to handle the weapon ( revolver and semi -automatic ) dry firing practice and security, "Point Shooting" or instinctive shooting , at a close range and a series of movements and exercises for weapon retention , low stress and multiple attackers ; exercises on how to recharge with one hand, ... and finally practice shooting gallery with guns such as AK- 74, M -4 , M -249 machine gun and even M -16 grenade launchers .
REF.: • KAPAP7 All DVDs, wichi is produced by Budo International, si provided and alone in the formats DVD-5 or MPEG-2, in VCD, DivX or the like is however neves offered with a special holograma sticker. Besides our DVD is characteristed coverings by the hig quality in pressure and material. If this DVD and/or the DVD covering do not corespond to the requirements specified above, it concerns illegal pirat copy.
ORDERS: Budo international. net
Great Masters Text: Marcelo Alonso Photos: Marcelo Alonso, Rorion Gracie, Budo international archives
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January 29, 2015 marked six years of his death and we didn't want to miss this anniversary without paying him homage. Helio Gracie, the patriarch of the family that established a new paradigm in the Martial Arts in the twentieth century, was an exceptional figure, a single character, a man formed in the old ways. We have reproduced here an interview with him, and also the memory of one of the most famous episodes of his life, the fight with Santana, the longest battle in history, all seasoned with some pictures never published before. Helio Gracie: The Living Legend of Jiu-Jitsu Story of a seamless conviction The expansion of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu doesn't respond to a smart marketing maneuver, although it certainly managed to display its virtues (and justify them with facts), as if the boss of the Coca Cola Advertising Department had been personally in charge of the whole operation. At least, that's the opinion of many who ignore the true history of a style that has revolutionized the world stage of Martial Arts in recent decades. The emergence of the hand-to-hand combat styles, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, no-rules fights and the keys and approaches of real combat certainly wouldn't have been the same, if the man that we bring today to these pages had not existed. Our magazine could see the true potential of this family, long before any other journal of the genre (and not only in Europe!). At that time, before the UFC had broken the barriers and concepts of Martial Arts in the US, we had already published some articles in which we reviewed the history and career of this great Master of the total fight. Helio's decisive character and strong will has prompted his whole family far beyond they had ever dreamed. His firm determination and confidence in the art he has developed over the years from the legacy left by Count Koma, a purely traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu style, made the difference. A seamless deep conviction that he managed to spread on his sons, all of them great fighters. What could we say about Rickson that has not been already said? A true ring Samurai! And what about Royce, the myth and the talent who put the hitting styles down on their knees in the UFC? Or Royler, who remains undefeated while he keeps setting high standards in the Jiu-Jitsu and Vale-Tudo tournaments in
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Brazil? What's the common factor they all share? Every one of them was formed and trained by Helio from a young age, and, of course, all of them
share a common genetic, even if Helio, as is well known, "knew" more than a woman, in the biblical sense. His family is long and active, and
naming them all here is out of place, although we can't help citing Robin Gracie, currently teaching the system in Europe, and, at the top, the official heir of the family and certainly the brain of the staging of such an inheritance: Rorion Gracie, father of the UFC and a man of great charisma and outstanding teaching skills, who instructs you each month from these pages with his peculiar style. And all this sprung from a point, from a man whose career was recently honored at the Brazilian JiuJitsu World Championships, as you probably have read in this magazine. Helio means Sun, and as the god of Greek mythology, Helio Gracie shines out with his own light in the martial world of present century. At age 86, Master Helio still shows a powerful inner force, that same strength that is more typical of other generations, as also are some of his viewpoints, which, taken out of context, would be certainly reprehensible for the hardness and rigidity thereof. But it must be stressed that this man was brought up before the outbreak of the First World War, and we should grant him the benefit that such distance proclaims. Seventy-two years of nonstop practice of Martial Arts are his warranty. A story full of challenges,
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“It must be stressed that this man was brought up before the outbreak of the First World War.�
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fights and learning; this is his background, and in there he's infallible! Therefore don't take into account his opinion about homosexuals or his view on women, perhaps far away from what our society thinks about today. His mastery lies in his art, and this is a gift for all current and future fighters. May our interview with Helio serve at the same time as tribute to this great fighter; he deserves our respect and admiration as one of the greatest martial talents of this century. The interview transcription is supplemented with the narrative of his fight with Valdemar Santana, the longest in history: a three hour and forty-five minute combat with a 26-year-old man, when Helio was 42! Helio lost the match, but actually he was the real winner, in demonstrating that technique is the victor in no-rule fights. The historic photos that accompany this article are courtesy of Rorion Gracie and possess a historic priceless value which you certainly will appreciate. Parting from his physical weakness, he developed a defense strategy which, until today, is considered one of the most efficient in the world. At 86 years, 72 of which have been devoted to Jiu-Jitsu, Helio Gracie is a kind of living legend of the sport. Indeed, he is the only person who is well above the rivalries between Academies, and is revered by all factions of Jiu-Jitsu. Our correspondent in Brazil, Marcelo Alonso, brings us this exclusive interview with the Master, who, with extreme lucidity and humor, talked to us about controversial topics such as family quarrels, loves, Vale-Tudo and invincibility.
Great Masters Interview Budo International: How did you get interested in the Jiu-Jitsu? Helio Gracie: As a child I never enjoyed good health. I often skipped class at school. When I turned 20, my brother started teaching Jiu-Jitsu and I entertained myself watching his classes. I remember that, after a year and a half, I knew by heart the whole theory just from seeing him. One day, my brother was late to give a class to the president of the Bank of Brazil, Mario Brant, and I dared to tell him, "Mario, do you want me to pass you the program, while Carlos arrives?� And he not only agreed, but also appointed me his teacher, satisfied with my class. Even my brother liked it, busy as he was. Eventually I ended up assuming the teaching in the Academy, and he didn't give more classes.
B.I.: So, how did technique emerge? H.G.: I had no intelligence to create anything. What moved me was the need for adaptation. Doing it was pure physical effort, not a stroke of genius. All I did was put a mechanical jack in each movement to create a lever, so that I could do what I do without exerting any strength. In order to win I just waited that my opponent got tired. B.I.: After learning Jiu-Jitsu, did you become less quarrelsome? H.G.: The person who learns Jiu-Jitsu happens to be more tolerant because he knows he will not have problems. When someone yells at you, if you're not absolutely sure it has nothing to do with you, you can get nervous and trigger the fight. But if a child tells
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you ugly, it even makes you laugh. For me, a normal man is like a child: physically he is nothing. This way of thinking allows you to stay calm in dealing with people. B.I.: What do you think about the defeats that the biggest names in Jiu-Jitsu are suffering in the ValeTudo?
H.G.: What big names? My three sons, world champions (Rickson, Royce and Royler) have not yet been defeated! B.I.: Do you think that the lightest of your sons, Royler (64 Kg), has any chance of winning in a ValeTudo against a Wrestling giant like Mark Kerr (115 Kg)? H.G.: It would only take him longer, but the outcome would be the same. But if I have Royce or Rickson, with 80
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Kg, to fight Kerr, why put Royler with 60 Kg? B.I.: They say that Rickson is by far the best of the family. Is it true? H.G.: No. His technique is not better than that of his brothers. He is the same as all the others. They all know the same. B.I.: In Brazil, many people divide the history of the Gracie family in three eras: yours, Carlson's and Rickson's. Do you agree with that? H.G.: No way! Carlson was a good fighter, very strong, but technically is
far from what I consider a champion. His only really important fight was the one he held with Valdemar Santana. Carlson has always been undisciplined. B.I.: How do you like this new generation that represents the JiuJitsu now, like Carl達o Barreto, Vitor Belfort and Murilo Bustamante? H.G.: Jiu-Jitsu has grown and will grow even more. The problem is that current Jiu-Jitsu, except for my sons, is based on endurance, strength and physical preparation. My sons don't depend on that. Rickson, for example,
can beat the elite fighters of Rio de Janeiro in one single day. Royler can do the same. B.I.: What do you think about fighters practicing more than one modality, as Vitor Belfort, and even Mark Kerr, is currently doing? H.G.: I have no objection. The problem is practicing two modalities and not being good at any. If Vitor, for example, had to fight Mike Tyson, he'd receive a punch right away and fall asleep. Same thing would happen if he faced Rickson in Jiu-Jitsu, looking no further.
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CN: Are you against competition Jiu-Jitsu? HG: The Jiu-Jitsu I created is not for competition but for personal use, for people who need to acquire selfconfidence, whether they are executives, women or children. B.I.: How's your daily schedule? H.G.: I wake up every day at 7 in the morning, after having slept 10 hours. I keep on moving all day long, either practicing Jiu-Jitsu or performing any other activity. B.I.: Do you still give classes? H.G.: I still give some private lessons. My classes are very expensive! B.I.: What is the secret to reaching age 86 with such vitality? H.G.: I never was a roisterer, nor did I drink or I smoke. I've never had dinner off-hours. All I could do at age 50, I do now rather better. I just crave things that suit me. I don't remember
the taste of meat and chocolate; I only have fish, occasionally. My brother Carlos, creator of the Gracie Diet, has always said that those who follow his regime will live about 20 years more. And I believe it. I've never had even a headache or belly pain. And I attribute it to the diet. B.I.: What do you think of Viagra, the revolutionary medicine against impotence? H.G.: I haven't had the need to use it so far, but it must be very good for those in need. Thank God, power isn't anything that I lack. My health has never been better. I haven't even had a cold in ten years. B.I.: And talking about sex, how many women have you loved? H.G.: I've never loved any woman. Love is a weakness and I have no weaknesses. Love is sex. In my opinion, it is a must that we use to procreate. I always asked my girlfriends if they wanted to have
children. If they said no, there was no sex. B.I.: Would you teach Jiu-Jitsu to a homosexual? H.G.: Probably I would, as long as he behaved like a man, but if I was Governor or President, I’d make them castrate and send them all to the Amazon. B.I.: Tell us about the memorable fight between you and Santana‌ H.G.: It was in 1955, the longest fight in history. It lasted three hours and 45 minutes. I was 42 and Valdemar, who was my student, was 23. I got into the fight with a serious ear infection. B.I.: What would you say to those who are against Vale-Tudo? H.G.: Vale-Tudo is the art that I teach. It's not a bloody fight, and we have already shown that is possible to win with technique. The truth is that Boxing, with its gloves and
History everything, kills 10 people every year. A barehanded punch does much less damage than a gloved punch, which can reach 130 kg, breaking brain vessels. Therefore, being against Vale-Tudo is a mistake. B.I.: Who will replace the current generation of the family? H.G.: I don't see anybody for the moment. My sons will stay unbeaten for another 10 years. I'm trying to prepare Rorion's kids, with whom I maintain more contact. B.I.: How did you like the last JiuJitsu World Championship? H.G.: It was a World Championship of anything but Jiu-Jitsu. For me, JiuJitsu is what I've been doing and teaching in Brazil for 70 years. From the moment they modified it and put rules, a maximum time and points, which only favor the stronger and heavier, was no longer my Jiu-Jitsu. B.I.: But how can you carry out a championship if there's no time in the fights? H.G.: This is the justification they give. The truth is that those rules are there only to favor the strongest and don't permit demonstrate the effectiveness of the system, rules so that an individual hold his opponent and don't let him fight,
when my Jiu-Jitsu is made for winning and for not "receiving", using the technique. B.I.: Thank you Master Helio, for your time and kind attention. H.G.: Thank you.
Helio Gracie vs. Valdemar Santana The longest Combat in History Helio Gracie was sitting at his desk in the office of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy, in the heart of Rio de
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“My brother Carlos, creator of the Gracie Diet, has always said that those who follow his regime will live about 20 years more.”
“After three hours and 45 minutes of non-stop struggle, they were virtually exhausted.”
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Janeiro, while enjoying the April sun that was shining through the windows. Although he still was considered everywhere as the toughest man in Brazil, he was satisfied with his teaching job and the administrative work that involves the managing of a school of Jiu-Jitsu, which was attended by all kind of
students, from janitors to the Brazilian president himself. And that was exactly what he was doing that morning; office work. And maybe he was thinking of spending a weekend at the beach with his children, or perhaps at his ranch in the mountains, where he raced in his car, tamed horses, or practiced many of the other things he used to do in order to channel his competitive spirit since he had officially retired from the rings. Suddenly, the April quietness was interrupted by some visitors.
The challenge "Hi, champ!" - shouted his friends as they flooded Helio's office stirring newspapers over their heads "Champion, Valdemar has written a letter to the newspapers saying you're nobody, that you're finished".
Helio ripped the newspapers from hands of his friends, and began to read the column. As he read the letter in the newspaper, all his calmness disappeared. He knew Valdemar Santana quite well. The friendly and great stonemason had worked at the Academy doing odd jobs and serving as training partner for Helio and other instructors, in order to pay for their classes. Helio never understood why Santana had befriended the small guild of trainers within the community of Martial Arts in Brazil,
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which were jealous of the Gracie's success. Neither had he understood why the reproaches and jibes had led Santana to leave his post within the Gracie Academy, especially when none of them had had the courage of challenging the Gracie face to face. But he never would have expected something like that; a diatribe in the newspaper ridiculing personally Helio and the Gracie family in general. When he finished reading the paper and put it on the desk, his hands were trembling with anger.
The response At the end of the day, Helio had already published a response in the
newspaper that, like his fighting style, left no stone unturned. He challenged Santana to keep his statements like a man, and confront him face to face and not by newspapers. For weeks, many family friends visited Helio begging him to reconsider the situation. "You haven't fought for years'' - they said- "let him fight against one of your students to demonstrate what they know, in the same way that you had to fight first with Kato to get a fight with Kimura. At least you'll have time to get fit if he wins ... then you can beat him without any problem." But Helio refused to listen. Although he had learned to control his temper much better than his countrymen, due to the practice and discipline of Jiu-
Jitsu, deep inside he was a true son of Brazil, a country where the offense against the "machismo" of a man, his pride and honor, was still considered by the legal system in force at the time like when someone is accused of a violent crime. And not only was involved Helio's personal honor, but the honor of his whole family, his students and the art that had taken a lifetime to perfect. As a champion he was aware that he should wait and prepare himself thoroughly, but as a man, he simply could not. Quickly a combat was arranged. There would be no limits, no breaks, and no rules. It would be held on May 24 at the YMCA headquarters, in the very core of Rio
History de Janeiro. All media would be there, including the relatively new broadcasting system called television. Shortly before the battle, the concern of the family and friends of Helio grew due to an ear infection, which caused high fevers and prevented him from properly preparing for the fight. In the last week before the fight, he lost three kilos. As a champion he was aware that he should take his time to prepare himself thoroughly, but as a man, he simply could not. Quickly a combat was arranged. There would be no limits, no breaks and no rules. It would be held on May 24 at the YMCA headquarters, in the very core of Rio de Janeiro. All media would be there, including the relatively new communication mode of television. Shortly before the battle, the concern of the family and friends of Helio grew due to an ear infection, which caused high fevers and prevented him from properly preparing for the fight. In the last week before the fight, he lost three kilos.
The match The big day arrived and Helio entered the arena amid acclamations from those watching, that overflowed the stadium. Although he was sick and feverish, he stepped boldly into the ring and faced Santana. The referee's instructions were short. After all, there were no rules. Helio looked directly into Santana's eyes. As he stared intently at the man who had insulted his honor, all he saw was FEAR.
To another man, Santana might appear to be a formidable foe, a huge black stonemason whose muscles stood out as testimony to years in his trade, at a time when there were no power tools. But what Helio could see was the look of a scared man who in that moment would rather be somewhere else. The order to begin the fight was given, and Helio moved to Santana, who lost his nerve. He turned around and ran into the crowd. They took him by the arms and legs and threw him back into the ring. "Fight, you coward, or we'll break your legs!" the multitude shouted with scorn to the man who had defied their champion, and now was seeking to flee and hide. Santana stayed on his feet paralyzed with fear. Then he turned around and tried to flee again. Once more, the crowd grabbed him and threw him back into the ring. The stonemason dodged and ran away from Helio, offering the comical appearance of a man who had stumbled across a wasp nest and was fleeing in terror at the sight of a single wasp. While he was chasing Santana all over the ring, Helio began to feel that his strength was diminishing because of his illness. He felt dizzy and weak. Helio finally reached Santana and the two fell rolling down the floor. On reaching the ground, Helio wrapped Santana with his legs, hooked his ankles and, taking the position of "guard", hugged Santana closely with his arms. In this way, he was too
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close for the big man to win distance and use his superior strength. While both men were rolling on the ground, occasionally, Helio threw a flurry of punches to the stonemason's head, in order to tempt him so that he attempted grabbing Helio and thus expose himself to a lever, or maybe to adopt an escape position that would put Helio in position to apply a choke and finish the fight. But Santana had already played the game of "waiting" before. Actually, the man to whom he was grabbed on the ground was the one that had taught him these same tactics, and for that reason he couldn't risk exposure to a lever or strangulation. Indeed, when the opportunity arose, Santana also launched several punches, but not powerful enough to do any damage, as he wasn't a good position on the floor. Minutes ran and passed the first hour, suddenly he began to hear something he had ever heard before. At first, he couldn't believe it, he was not sure what he had heard. But it was true; it was the first that Santana was listening to the sound of Helio breathing hard because of fatigue. He got shocked! The Grand Master was suffocated? Instantly, Santana felt a surge of confidence he had never felt before. Helio Gracie was breathing heavily, he was exhausted, and for the first time since his friends had convinced him that the newspapers carried his little
dispute with Helio, the stonemason thought that he not only had the chance to survive the fight, but also to win. Santana saw an opportunity to take advantage of Helio's state, using the same techniques that the Master had taught him. And he began to place his weight on the older man, so that any movement Helio tried would be nullified by almost 150 kilos of dead weight. And in the same way, began to strike the face of Helio with his head, causing inflammation and closing of his eyes. As time went by, the lack of physical preparation of Helio began to be evident. He also ensured that his experience was noticed on Santana; in a series of devastating kicks, Helio dug his heels in the kidneys of Santana. The second hour passed without a break, while the two men kept fighting on the ground. As the crowd cheered and applauded, both contenders grunted and groaned out of tiredness and sweat ran down their eyes, and so ran out the third hour... Both rivals had exceeded their limits and, moved only by pride, kept on fighting and desperately trying to connect a specific blow that could give way to a situation in which they could apply a technique that finished the bout. After three hours and 45 minutes of non-stop struggle, they were virtually exhausted. On his knees, each one strived to catch his breath, seeking strength to continue fighting. Finally, while Helio was watching almost paralyzed by fatigue, Santana stood up all of a sudden and kicked him in the head. The kick reached its goal and Helio fell down. The fight was over.
Gracie Jiu JItsu Helio was awakened by the cheers of the audience shouting his name. For a second he was perplexed because he had lost the match. But he soon realized that he was still the champion. His defeat, only the second in 30 years, had not marred his reputation in the eyes of his followers... Like Muhammad Ali, after losing to Frazier and Norton, Helio Gracie had shown himself like a mere mortal, but instead of downplaying his success in the ring, the defeat turned into his most heroic deed, since in no other he had endeavored so much. After finishing the fight, sports historians gathered and proclaimed it as the longest combat in history. They recognized that in the days when boxers fought unprotected, before the Queensbury rules, there had been some matches that had lasted that long, but in those meetings, fighters were allowed short breaks, a luxury that neither Helio nor Santana were able to enjoy. Not even in the days of the Roman Colosseum there had been a fight that had lasted so long.
Some days after the bout, Santana was seen by the Gracie Academy to congratulate Helio and recognized that, in the prime of his career, he would have easily won. In fact, a few months later, Helio's nephew, Carlson, regained the title for the family proclaiming the Gracie’s as the toughest men in Brazil, after beating Santana. When Helio reassumed his administrative work at the Gracie Academy, he found 500 new students queuing up to attend his classes. All of them wanted to lear n the techniques that had helped a man of 42 years, out of shape, to defend against a stonemason of 26 years, in top shape of his life. Helio was happy. For some reason he couldn't help but feel justified.
Did you know...? The Gracie family has been the impeller of the largest Martial Arts revolution of the last decade. As a result of its unique approach to
combat, the "Grappling" styles have been skyrocketed. Other Gracie, cousins and members of the family, and groups like the Machado brothers (Machado JiuJitsu), Bhering Jiu-Jitsu, Vacirca JiuJitsu, etc., have shown us a new world: that of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, an art that is breaking barriers and has clearly demonstrated its value in combat. Arts like Judo, or Japanese JuJutsu, have experienced a rebirth in the public interest that, during the 60s and 70s, had focused primarily in the hitting arts, such as Karate or Kung Fu. This "surprise" has aroused the interest for lesser known combat formulas, opening the perspectives of the martial artist collective toward arts which, despite not having a household name, can nevertheless broaden the horizons of the practitioner’s martial culture. Reflections on close combat and ground fighting have broken some old conceptions and myths about the meaning of "real" in a confrontation without rules.
Great Masters “On January 29, 2009, the great Helio Gracie left us at age 96, a lifetime that changed the way to look at fighting arts creating a revolution that has continued to the present day.�
Always with the Ochikara, "The Great Strength" (called e-bunto in the Shizen vernacular tongue) or secret wisdom of the ancient Miryoku Japanese shamans, as a backdrop, the author takes us into a world of genuine reflections that are capable to move at once both the reader's heart and head, thus placing him continuously in front of the abyss of the invisible, as the true final frontier of personal and collective consciousness. The spiritual taken not as religion, but as the study of the invisible, was the way of the ancient Miryoku sages to approach the mystery in the framework of a culture as rich as unknown, to which the author has wholeheartedly devoted. Alfredo Tucci, Manager Director to Budo International Publishing Co. and author in the past 30 years of a large number of titles about the Warrior's Way, offers us a set of extraordinary and profound reflections, which can be read individually in no particular order. Each one of them opens up a window to us through which we can take a look at the most varied subjects from an unexpected angle, now dotted with humor now with forcefulness and grandiosity, placing us in front of eternal matters with the view of the one who has just arrived and doesn't agree with the common places in which everyone coincides. We can affirm with conviction that no reader will be indifferent to this book; such is the strength and intensity of its contents. Saying this is saying a lot in a world crowded with collective mangers, interested and behavioral ideologies, manipulators and, in short, spurious interests and mediocrity. It is therefore a text for big souls and intelligent people who are ready to look at life and mystery with the freedom of the most restless and scrutinizing minds, without dogmas, without transient morals, without subterfuges...
WING CHUN GUNG GUNG FU: FU: The Explosive Art of Close Range Combat
Five brand new Wing Chun DVDs 1 DVD: “Bot” Jom Doh Basics Complete “Bot” Jom Doh Form, 108 Motions, Historical Information about the Wing Chun Broadswords, Detailed Knife Blocking and Striking Techniques, “Bot” Jom Doh Footwork, Details of the footwork orientation of the form, One-man “Bot” Jom Doh Drills 2 DVD set: “Bot” Jom Doh, Applications, Drills, Concepts & Principles Applications of the motions from the “Bot” Jom Doh form, Knife vs. Knife, Knife vs. Pole, Drills, Concepts and Principles, Specially created Knife drills for the Wooden Dummy, Detailed Knife Blocking and Striking, Knife techniques as compared to their empty-hand counterparts, Cutting Principles
Sifu Randy Williams’ extensive collection of books on Wing Chun in 6 volumes, the series contains the history of Wing Chun, the theory and description of all Wing Chun forms in detail, Volume 6 is focused on instructing the system and provides additional information about Wing Chun Combat Theory from A to Z! This great work, originally written in 1988 and newly revised and updated is a must for the library of any serious student of the art. You can order the entire series as a set of 6 books, or by individual volume, and the new DVDs can also be ordered individually or in sets directly from us through our website:
1 DVD: CRCA Wing Chun “Biu Jitsu” Groundfighting Contents: The concept of “Reverse Engineering,” Chokes; Rear, Front Standing, “Guillotine,” Head-and-Arm, Side-Mount Shoulder Choke, and many other Groundfighting drills and techniques.
2 DVD set: “Look Deem Boon” Gwun Volume 1 ( 55 min. ) Content: Pole Details, Pole Drills, Pole Footwork, Form Overview, “Look Deem Boon” Gwun Form, 6 ½ Strikes of the Pole, Applications: Pole vs. Pole
www.shop.crca.de One Volume SingleWeapon DVD Biu Jitsu DVD DVD Set (all 5)
€ 49,90 € 39,90 € 25,90 € 149,90
The shipping & handling costs are not included for more information please contact us: Copyright © 1989 CRCA Enterprises Publisher CRCA-Lopez / Mario Lopez, Atroper Str. 56, 47226 Duisburg, Germany E-Mail: info@crca.de
“Look Deem Boon” Gwun Volume 2 (60 min.) Heavybag Drills, Dummy Drills, Two Man Drills, Form overview, Pole vs. Knife
“TAOWS Academy. Wing Tsun Advanced”. Sifu Salvador Sánchez Wing Tsun is an excellent style of Chinese boxing that permits a lifetime training experience and an integral development of the individual. Its ideas, techniques, philosophy etc , it all belongs to an ancient art and must be studied and understood in its whole. Sifu Salvador Sánchez focusses his second dvd on the wooden dummy and how it influences all of the Wing Tsun practice. Given that the wooden dummy form is taught at the final levels of the actual system of today, most practitioners that leave the system before time don't have the opportunity to know the ideas and concepts hidden within the form, and they cannot incorporate them in their practice. For TAOWS academy it is very important that the practitioner understands what he is doing always and in every aspect, and for this, in this dvd we are going to follow the same outline that we follow in our classes, seminars and training sessions. Our outline follows six steps, the first one is to develop an idea, what we want to achieve. The second part are the forms, Siu Nim Tao, Chum Kiu, Biu Jee, the wooden dummy form, depending on each s level, the third part is footwork, mobility understood. The fourth pillar is Chi Sao, Chi Gerk, stickiness, the soul of the system. The fifth element is non stickiness and no contact, to know what to do in order to reach contact with the opponent in a safe way.
REF.: • TAOWS-2
All DVDs, wichi is produced by Budo International, si provided and alone in the formats DVD-5 or MPEG-2, in VCD, DivX or the like is however neves offered with a special holograma sticker. Besides our DVD is characteristed coverings by the hig quality in pressure and material. If this DVD and/or the DVD covering do not corespond to the requirements specified above, it concerns illegal pirat copy.
ORDERS: Budo international. net
"Vital spot in Taekwon-Do is defined as any sensitive or breakable area on the body vulnerable to an attack. It is essential that the student of Taekwon-Do has a knowledge of the different spots so that he can use the proper attacking or blocking tool. Indiscriminate attack is to be condemned as it is inefficient and wasteful of energy". - General Choi Hong Hi, ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TAEKWONDO, Volume II, page 88. Taekwon-Do is one of the largest and most professional martial arts in the world today, (founded on April 11, 1955, by General Choi Hong Hi, and continues to flourish even after the passing of its founder in June of 2002. Over time the sporting factors took precedence and much was either ignored or discarded in the area of the original self-protection methods. In the original writings of General Choi much of the focus, structure and even the use of the vital points "Kupso", as well as the weapon development to access them, was outlined but never fully taught. Kyusho International has developed a program to enlighten, educate, integrate and develop this incredible Martial Art back to it's founders concepts. This new program has the full support of the founders surviving son Choi Jung Hwa. The focus of this series is to investigate the Patterns (teul), which are performed in accordance with the founders precepts in "The Encyclopedia of TaekwonDo" (an astounding 15 volumes written by General Choi Hong Hi, including his "Vital Spots"). It is through this structure that Kyusho will be initially integrated back into Taekwon-Do. Kyusho International is proud to assist in this monumental and historic collaborative undertaking.
REF.: • KYUSHO20
All DVDs, wichi is produced by Budo International, si provided and alone in the formats DVD-5 or MPEG-2, in VCD, DivX or the like is however neves offered with a special holograma sticker. Besides our DVD is characteristed coverings by the hig quality in pressure and material. If this DVD and/or the DVD covering do not corespond to the requirements specified above, it concerns illegal pirat copy.
ORDERS: Budo international.com