Martial Arts Magazine Budo International 302 December 2 fortnight 2015 by Budo International Martial Arts Magazine

REF.: • DVD/SERAK-1

Pukulan Pencak Silat Serak is a very brutal and devastating Art. The Arts concept its to dominate and take over battleground and space, fast dominating space and engulfing opponents to prevent them from being able to use their weapons or body. Once space is acquired, the base and angle are taken to control opponents rotation or projection, rooting or uprooting is produced from the smallest expression of touch or angle and base position, this we call “Lengket” or sticky. Keeping very close to opponents when striking or using a weapon and putting opponents on “Slywa” or weightless stage of spinal and muscle misalignment. Once rooting takes place, the strike makes massive contact in the body that has no muscle or skeletal protection. “Sambuts” are finishes meaning something very hard to walk away from especially when compression of neck or spine, so finishing means its a done deal. The opposite of that is a “Buang” that stands for throws less devastating in the beginner levels but taught to learn mechanics that in later phases of development of the student or practioner can be modified to “Sambuts” for devastating throws. Compressing skeletal structure, weapons and body structures or striking, grapping defense and offence are all played and studied in our platforms. In this video there's a beginner “Pantjar” platform, also the “Jurus”, which are the playbooks of the system of Pukulan Pencak Silat Serak, are played here. This platform teaches where to be in position to attacker, the platform is 3 dimensional and teaches where opponents body's alignments are the weakest to point of contact the platform. It also teaches how to deal with multiple opponents and space needed, base angle and levers are all play here. Hope you enjoy my small offering into a vast large Art. “Hormat Terima Kasi”.

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

"Art is man added to nature." Vincent Van Gogh

“

artial Arts”. We are so accustomed to saying it that we don’t even stop to think about what Art means. We do Martial Arts, speak about Art with capital letters, of the Arts, handicrafts, the artistic and the artists, but would we know how to define its meaning if some indiscreet and curious student (and there are always some) threw such a question at us? Everything artistic is surrounded by a halo of charm and transcendence that is frequently disconcerting and at times turns off those ignorant in the material. This generates a certain elitism frequently poorly understood, an elitism that shouldn’t correspond to any social difference, but rather on the personal level. Art is not a question of status or stock, it is, perhaps, an aristocracy of the spirit; however, the obtuse, closed languages, the ostentation behind what is hidden in the pretentious speeches of the critics, that meta-language with which they wrap this phenomenon, have distanced it from its true dimension, from its natural space, a space accessible to anyone (not necessarily intellectual!) that approaches it sincerely, with the skin and the five senses open to the experience. For me, Art is the expression of the mystery of the invisible. The invisible, for being such, isn’t to say that it doesn’t exist; nor does it say that all beings who participate in its mystery don’t perceive it. It simply means that it is not in sight, that it remains hidden behind each thing, each Being, in the very make-up of the Universe. Art belongs to the world of mystery to the extent that it is able to surpass restrictive definitions that want to put a value on it in function of aesthetic, philosophical and of course technical recourses. Art is not techniques; these can be the tools with which we approach it, but knowing the Arab alphabet doesn’t necessarily mean that we know how to write in Arabic, and much less that we can write a poem in that language. As in all that concerns mystery, Art is in itself a way of superior consciousness. Penetrating its language is undoubtedly a way of transcending ourselves, of going beyond our perceptive limits and navigating through those beautiful seas where everything is possible, a privilege that until then was only the assets of the gods. On such a voyage we learn to use creativity, that way of getting something from nothing, or simply of mixing everything, and the final result is new, and of course superior in value to the parts that make it up.

"Without art, life would be a mistake." Friedrich Nietzsche

The artist is born, but is also made. Born to the extent that we are not equally gifted with the tools of sensitivity and of the necessary strength to first perceive, and later be able to express the mystery of the invisible with the same intensity. However, given that we all contribute to it (in the same way that the drop is part of the ocean), we can perfectly enjoy the expression of others as references on our path, as emergences from our own perception of the mystery. The artist, then, is in some ways a hierophant, an emergent from the collective. They receive what is being emitted with their antennas, “that which inundates the air” at a precise moment, in a specific place, and they are able to express it, re-written through their personal stamp. This exercise occurs not so much as the result of the virtues of the artist as from his defects, despite the fact that the majority of us think the contrary. What is certain is that the artist possesses the ability to express his “feelings”, but these usually feed on his “deficiencies” before his “excesses” as an individual. The artist is frequently an especially unbalanced being, and it is precisely in his effort to reach a certain personal balance that he attains, by using his facets in excess (abilities), a better balance through his expressive work, his struggle to give form to the intense, vital perturbation that continuously alters the natural tendency toward inertia that we all carry within us. The suffering of artists in the act of creation has always been spoken about, but what is certain is that the suffering is previous. However, it is conjured through this same act. This is, of course, like all birth, an event that requires effort, that involves a certain dosage of pain, of consciousness, and of a strange mix of will and abandon. Yet, the end result is not only balancing but especially able to contribute a calm pleasure that has no equal. Whatever the Art in question might be, Art is there in order to serve the artist and not the reverse. The end is not the work, the result, but the path that its realization involves. The true achievement of the artist is within him; what remains outside of him is the materialized result of his conquest, not the end of it. If, besides, what remains has that rare quality of beauty and is capable of moving others, well… frosting on the cake! In few Arts like in the Martial Arts the result of the conquest is briefer and more fading than our way of expressing ourselves. Like the Arts of Mars, our practices manifest themselves inconveniently, in the immediate, and despite their attending to matters clearly tangible and basic like self-defense, its artistic

result is immaterial as in the case of dance or music; we are the very canvas that we paint on. Like in other artistic forms, there are many levels of manifestation, an immensity of formulas to approach the creative and transcendent act of reaching and expressing the mystery. In its highest conceptions, the Martial Arts have the embodiment, significance and strength of a way of life that involves all of our Being, physical, emotional, and mental, in search of the mystery, in the realization of the ultimate Truth. In this sense there is a book that in my opinion marvelously describes this quest and its implications, “Zen and the Art of Archery” (Bungaku Hakusi), by Eugen Herriguel. I would like to finish this editorial quoting two of his many wonderful paragraphs, full of the deepest meaning of the way of the warrior. I hope that you like them and that they intrigue you so much that you can’t help but read the whole thing, as happened to me, now almost thirty years ago: “The spider ‘dances’ its web without knowing anything about the existence of the flies that will be trapped in it. The fly dancing unconcerned in the sunlight gets caught without knowing what awaits it. Through both, “It” dances and the interior and the exterior are one in this dance. In the same way, the archer hits the target without aiming exteriorly.” “If one feels irresistibly driven toward that goal (supreme freedom)…) he has to walk once again on the path of the Art without artifice. He has to jump back to the origin (and original) so that he lives from the Truth like someone who has integrally identified with it. (…)If he comes out successful from this adventure, then his destiny will be consumed in the confrontation with the non-refracted Truth, the Truth that is above all truths, the amorphous origin of all the origins: the Nothing that is everything, the Nothing that will devour it and from that be born again.”

Alfredo Tucci is Managing Director to BUDO INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING CO. e-mail: budo@budointernational.com

https://www.facebook.com/alfredo.tucci.5

Interview â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe that Chinese Martial Arts have many possibilities to be totally efficient, fully respect the tradition and origin of the style and also enrich us with all the values that are part of the overall practice of Kung Fu.â&#x20AC;?

“The approach I give to my practice is focused on the pursuit of the system efficiency. And we will never achieve this without understanding why, for what and how. The technical, tactical and strategic knowledge that the ancestral tradition of Wing Tsun conveys to us.” Sifu Salvador Sanchez has become in recent years a reference in the world of Wing Tsun in Europe. The growing of his institution, the TAOWS Academy, doesn't leave anyone indifferent and many Martial Arts enthusiasts are interested in his work. Coincidences do not exist in any field of expertise. Not even in this one. Good management always works. Sifu Salvador and his team of teachers are a clear example that with perseverance, honesty and love for the art, it's possible to grow as an institution. "Taking care of the art", like this friend of Budo International likes to say. For those who do not know Sifu Salvador Sanchez, we must say that he is perhaps one of the most popular students and with a more advanced level of Sifu Víctor Gutiérrez, of the Leung Ting Wing Tsun lineage. He studied for over twenty years directly with Sifu Victor. Four years ago, Sifu Salvador created the TAOWS Academy (The Art Of War Society), today it's a reference institution in the W ingTsun in Spain and it's increasingly growing worldwide. This month we announce the launch of a new DVD which surely will delight the lovers of the "Eternal Spring" style: Wing Tsun Kuen.

Budo International: Well, first of all we wish to express our sincere gratitude to you for having attended us, it's a real pleasure to have you back here on our pages. Now to begin our interview, we would like to ask you something that surely you've been asked about many times... Why did you create the TAOWS Academy? Why didn't you continue with your Master's project? Sifu Salvador Sanchez: I grew old... (Laughs). It comes a moment in the life of a martial artist in which it's mandatory starting to put into operation your own ideas. It's life itself. Many didn't understand it at the time and in fact, they still don't understand today, but I am convinced that this has been the most successful decision of my whole life, martially speaking. I've always said, I still say and I'll keep saying that I don't have words to thank everything Sifu Víctor Gutiérrez did for me. He always behaved exceptionally in every way, especially in the personal aspect, and, martially speaking, I must say that he's been the greatest Master I've ever had and the one that has most influenced me. You could say that more than eighty percent of what I practice today is what I learned directly from him and I feel deeply proud of all that. Some say that my style is pretty much like his... to me it's a real compliment! I have to recognize the excellent work that my Sifu has done in his institution, Wing Revolution, and technically it seems to me a really interesting concept. My "Way" goes today in a completely different direction, which is that of getting a true evolution of the style in order to try to do it better than the previous generation did. I know it's a rather complicated mission because it's difficult to overcome the work of Masters like Sifu Víctor Gutiérrez or Sifu Keith Roland Kernspecht, but that's what I'm going to try anyway. Surely it's presumptuous on my part to set such an objective, but that's the way I am: a perfectionist. I will always try to gradually improve what we do and that's why my approach is going in a totally different direction than the one followed today by my former classmates. B.I.: And which is that direction? S.S.: To explain this, again I'll refer to a reflection that my Master used around fifteen years ago: "The first step for any evolution must

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The concept of evolution or involution is something quite relative in the Martial Arts world because it will always depend on the viewpoint of the beholder.â&#x20AC;?

be the full knowledge of the style"... This phrase remained burned into my being as with a hot iron, and it's with which I began my job. I worked hard to know every "corner" of the system. Completing the forms of the system and working with them for a while, study them in depth, became a fundamental issue for me. Only later, with a much clearer vision, I could start to set up an evolution. But this progression can NEVER forget the origin of the style, its history and its particular idiosyncrasy. In short, "the essence of all evolution lies in its tradition. B.I.: Explain yourself, pleaseâ&#x20AC;Ś what do you mean when you say put evolution and tradition hand in hand? S.S.: During the long period of my life that I have devoted to the study of Wing Tsun, there has always been a constant debate between the advocates of evolution in pursuit of efficiency and those defending the idea that Wing Ts un s ho uld remain as it had been explained by Grandmaster Yip Man. I never agreed or with either s ide fo r a s imple reason, if we talk about those who defend the tradition, I must say that I fully understand their reas o ns . F o r many o f them it is essential that the style is kept as pure as possible, but I'd throw them a reflection I've made on many occasions and would like to share with my friends: do you think that Wing Tsun hasn't changed in the last twenty five years? And in the last fifty? And in the last two centuries? Wing Tsun is a style of Chinese boxing that has undergone constant changes since its inception, now five hundred years ago. But there's no need to go very far back in the past... if we take a look at the direct students of Yip Man, we'll see that even among them, in the same generation, there are already differences. So, if we review one or two generations, we realize that there have been obviously great changes. Thus trying to

keep a style without any change to the overall content, without evolution, is but a chimera. On the other side are those who claim that "the forms do not work"... that "Chi Sao is not good"... that "what must be sought is efficiency, basing the style on the concepts"... that "Wing Tsun should seek solely the validity or application to self-defense", etc., etc. There are even those who permit themselves affirm that Wing Tsun is not a system of Kung Fu but a mere selfdefense method. I haven't got time to argue with many of those who have such ideas. In contrast, I try to put myself in their place to understand how they have come to such claims. But the truth is that for me, at present, Wing Tsun, on top of that, is also PHILOSOPHY, HISTORY, MEDICINE, GEOMETRY, ETC... In short, a real pearl of traditional Chinese culture that has already become heritage of mankind. And that's the approach I want to give in TAOWS Academy. I wish that those who come to my school to practice could experience what I have been able to do in these more than 20 years. I'd love to invite them to check the way WT influences on its practitioners so that it becomes a real "way of life" for them. I do not want to stay with just one of its parts and of course I don't want to convert it into a simple self-defense system. That may look good in a magazine or tabloid text on Martial Arts, but it's very far away from what is real Kungfu. B.I.: Some say that you are walking toward the source, the tradition... S.S.: In short, the concept of evolution or involution is something quite relative in the Martial Arts world because it will always depend on the viewpoint of the beholder. When people say that my style is moving towards a more classic style, they are right. However, I can tell you that I had never felt so sure - and not only I, but also my team of instructors - that in recent years we have acquired a combat capability based on that point of balance between the study of the mo s t clas s ic art, but witho ut fo rg etting the perspective or the approach toward the overall efficiency.

We believe that Chinese Martial Arts have many possibilities to be totally efficient, fully respect the tradition and origin of the style and also enrich us with all the values that are part of the overall practice of Kung Fu. Currently I don't ask myself whether I am more "classic" or more "modern", or where is my Wing Tsun going, I simply study with passion and try to convey that same passion to my instructors and schools. In this

sense, I am very happy and I hope to keep doing so in the future." B.I.: How would you assess the evolution of TAOWS Academy as an institution? S.S.: I must admit that I received interesting offers to join very important institutions, but I decided to start with my own course from scratch or from virtually nothing, and try to do things my way and in the best possible way.

I made mistakes and I guess I'll continue to do so, but they are my mistakes. They won't be anybody's mistakes, or errors of a great institution in which there are thousands and thousands of practitioners whom haven't seen in my life. Although TAOWS has grown a lot, I know most of the students of our schools, because I've seen them in a seminary, because they have attended some of my courses or simply because I have contact with

them for various reasons. That's something I like very much and that reinforces the decision I made at that time. The TAOWS Academy is a small institution that doesn't have in itself the intention of growing but, curiously enough, it grows! It grows steadily by an issue that, to me, is clear for some time: a well done work. It will not please everyone, but it will be attractive to those who have a similar idea, those that I want walking by my side, practicing Martial Arts by my side. To the rest, with all due respect, I wish them well and let them do what makes them happy, but it's quite clear to me what my direction is and what the direction of the TAOWS Academy institution is. To assess our evolution as an institution I will say that I am HAPPY. Happy because two months ago, at our international convention, I could sit down and dinner with my instructors and masters and enjoy! Just like any group of Martial Arts fans and friends. We laughed, shared, trained and enjoyed together! And that is for me the best direction of a Martial Arts school.

B.I.: How would you define your Wing Tsun? What is different from other schools? S.S.: Actually, my Wing Tsun is different because all schools of Wing Tsun are different. If we take ten schools of various Wing Tsun lineages we will see that all of them are different. On my last trip to Hong Kong, I asked many of the masters whom I interviewed the reason of the differences among the schools of Wing Tsun. Why that inequality at a technical and even conceptual, and some of their answers were amazing. One of them surprised me with a very interesting reflection: "Well, differences are normal because everyone has an opinion and a different conception. Basically the difference among the schools lies in the interpretation of the Kuit Kuen." My Wing Tsun is different because it's the one I do. Even I must say that in ten years it will probably be different. Fortunately! I think that evolution is CHANGE. And styles, like people, change over time.

The approach I give to my practice is focused on the pursuit of the system efficiency. And we will never achieve this without understanding why, for what and how. The technical, tactical and strategic knowledge that the ancestral tradition of Wing Tsun conveys to us. So maybe my style is a little different than others. Although if I must be honest ... I could care less about what my style looks like or if it's different from other styles... I just enjoy practicing and teaching the best way I know. B.I.: Last year you travelled to Hong Kong and conducted numerous interviews with many great masters, what was your experience? S.S.: At a personal level, this trip was very interesting because it allowed me to meet some of the most important Wing Tsun figures in Hong Kong. In my opinion, Wing Tsun in the East and in the West lost that connection for different reasons and I think that is sad. Together we are capable of many more things. I was glad to meet many of these masters that now are "friends" and to whom I plan to visit each year and present all my respect to those who have served as "guardians of tradition". Thanks to many of them today we can practice this real treasure. B.I.: We've talked about the past and present. What are your plans for the future in TAOWS Academy? S.S.: TAOWS Academy emerged like a very small group of Wing Tsun fans. The vast majority of them still remain in the TAOWS Academy. As we advanced, some of them have not been able, or have not wanted to keep up with the institution. It is a pity. But we are consistent, we must keep walking. We understand that this is not a path for anyone. Nevertheless, we want to thank them for everything they did for the institution. Product is the evolution of the institution. If I have to put a snag, I will say that sometimes I think we've grown too fast. Currently we are in a process of consolidation at the institutional level. So we are trying that our schools are adequately formed, that teachers are constantly recycled and that there exist a sense of methodological unity among the school directors. And perhaps most importantly, that those who represent the institution feel a deep LOVE for what we practice. As for the future, our projects are to keep doing the same thing: PRACTICING! We would not be fair if we posed now big growth projects because in reality what we like is practicing Martial Arts, and that is what we are going to keep doing in the future: practicing Martial Arts with all our passion, with all our respect for the tradition and the style that has given us so much in our lives. From there on, whatever comes will be welcome! But what is not negotiable under any circumstances is our fundamental reason to do what we do: Wing Tsun! B.I.: You have launched an online formation platform called TAOWS University. What is the reason? S.S.: The growth of our schools, not only in Spain but worldwide, forced us to create a tool that would connect schools across the world in real time. TAOWS University is an online formation platform developed with great effort and great work by our association. The main reason in its origin was to facilitate access to information to

our teachers and schools wherever they were and in real time. That is, Mondays I usually get together with my team of instructors in Murcia, where I live, to talk about the aspects on which we are working. We usually record some of the ideas that I have to work during that week or for the month ahead. Then I get these ideas on the training platform and transmit them to all schools worldwide. Thus, everyone can be working on the same line as us and therefore we are all in a very similar direction. This makes things easier when I go to give a seminar around the world because they are training on the same line, exactly the same, wherever they are. When the platform started to operate, we saw the opportunity to open it not only to the schools, but also to Wing Tsun fans and practitioners who are willing to learn but for different reasons are unable to attend classes as often as they want; so we began to put on the platform training courses on various aspects of style which had a great acceptance. Now the TAOWS University is certainly the most important on-line Martial Arts training platform existing today, I have no doubt about that, and I'm sure that it will be even bigger and more important in the coming years. Soon our entire platform, which is currently only in Spanish, will be available in English and that will allow us to reach many more people. With TAOWS University we certainly had a great idea and we are very confident that in the future it will be a very important part of TAOWS Academy as a way to make known our philosophy and our working methods worldwide. B.I.: Many say that the key to all the growth of your institution is the way you organize teaching. Is it true? How are Sifu Salvador Sรกnchez's classes or training sessions? S.S.: I don't know if that is the key. What is clear is that I currently teach the way I'd like I had been taught. I mean, I understand that the traditional one-to-one Chinese

Interview

education system made sense when schools were very small and teaching was given to very small groups or even in private lessons teacher / student, but when you have a group close to two thousand students this is impossible. Therefore, the first thing I posed after learning the style from A to Z, was to organize instruction in a logical and progressive way so that anyone could learn the style from A to Z, letting the student put on his own his time and passion for Martial Arts, and giving him an orderly and logical training system. Each program has six parts and these parts are very clearly defined in all our training guides, also in our TAOWS University training platform. • Every program starts with "idea of developing". When I teach someone the first thing I say is what I want to get out of him, what are we going to work on that program. • The second point is "forms". Forms for me are meditation exercises in which I work out technical aspects and especially the ideas with which I am going to practice. • The third point is "displacements". In my opinion in the more traditional Wing Tsun training system; this aspect represents a major lack because there many and very interesting displacements in the style which are hardly trained. So I make a really important emphasis in this section. • The fourth is "no contact / no adherence". Agreeing that Chi Sao is the "soul" of the system. The ability to be stuck on the opponent's limbs to notice the direction of his strength, its voids, the distance, etc. But when for whatever reason this doesn't happen, is not possible, a situation is created in which I don't have the contact. For us this is a very important part within the practice. • Paragraph number five is "Chi Sao". As I said before, it's the most important part of the system. We are sure that linking some concepts, perhaps not so much linked to traditional Kung Fu, such as biomechanics, structures, knowledge of

â&#x20AC;&#x153;With TAOWS University we certainly had a great idea and we are very confident that in the future it will be a very important part of TAOWS Academy as a way to make known our philosophy and our working methods worldwide.â&#x20AC;?

“My Wing Tsun is different because all schools of Wing Tsun are different. If we take ten schools of various Wing Tsun lineages we will see that all of them are different.”

“My commitment to everyone who comes to my school is that I will teach him ALL I KNOW! No secrets.”

physics, etc., we can get better results in our practice. We know that the vast majority of Wing Tsun schools focus almost ninety percent of his practice in Chi Sao. For us, this being the most important part, is approximately sixty percent. The other forty is dedicated to other aspects we consider fundamental as I have already commented displacements, forms or the "no contact / no adherence" section. â&#x20AC;˘ And finally paragraph number six, which is ??Lat Sao (sparring). We think of Da Lat Sao. From the point of view of combat, we are going to try that each practitioner understands why, for what and how of every technique and strategy so that everyone can develop his or her maximum combat capability within their own limits. So paragraph number six always closes all programs and the test of each one is to check whether the student is able to apply those principles, those ideas of each program in a controlled sparring with a partner who won't collaborate or at least not excessively. My commitment to everyone who comes to my school is that I will teach him ALL I KNOW! No secrets. B.I.: The TAOWS Academy institution uses "Discover Your Greatness". Can you tell us something about it? S.S.: We school leaders agreed that the phrase "Discover Your Greatness" summed up what we do in a fairly accurate way. Discovering is a challenge and a sign of intentions that we launch to our supporters and fans. We pose them the challenge of discovering the full potential that exists within each individual. Discover Your Greatness is an invitation to each of those who come to our schools to find out how many great things can be accomplished with just a few hours of training, study and effort in a training room practicing and sharing with others. I am quite sure that in most cases, Chinese Martial Arts, and, in this case, Wing Tsun, will change the lives of many of them and will make them discover the huge potential that exists in each one. B.I.: And finally ... A NEW DVD!! What is it about?

Interview S.S.: This is the third DVD that we record for Budo International. For us it's an honor, it's a great joy to keep on working with Budo International because we consider essential for our institution transmitting what we do. The magazine has always treated us excellently and we are very happy to continue walking with Alfredo Tucci now and hopefully for many years. In this new DVD we address issues related to Chi Sao. Its title will be, "Chi Sao from the base to the

advanced level" and it will address issues in the forming line of how to practice Chi Sao through our working drills and how to apply these drills, this ability, in a sparring. We believe that Chi Sao must provide practitioners with great virtues and we want to clearly show both the way to train and how to apply these virtues. So I think this DVD can be really interesting for many Wing Tsun fans and we hope it really serves.

Wing Tsun â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you are interested in organizing a seminar in any country in the world, please contact our corporate information mail: info@taows-academy.com www.taows-academy.com www.wingtsuneurope.comâ&#x20AC;?

José Manuel Reyes Pérez, Hapkido 7th Dan by the World Hapkido Federation (WHF) and a member of the Board thereof, International Director for Western Europe and President of the Federación Española de Hapkido (FEH - Spanish Hapkido Federation Hapkido), in his first DVD, presents a complete treatise on the techniques that make truly great this traditional Korean Martial Art, through the legacy that was directly transmitted to him by Grandmaster Kwang Sik Myung, Hapkido 10th Dan. Hapkido is the Art of Dynamic Self Defense par excellence that combines speed and fluidity, along with the physical preparation, technique, breathing, meditation and the cultivation of internal energy. An art that covers a variety of techniques with and without weapons combining defenses and attacks, including leg, knee, fist, elbow, throws and choke techniques, and very especially dislocation techniques. In this work, Master Reyes shows us the Danjon Hop breathing exercises, the Gonkiok Sul arm attacks, the Jok Sul double and triple leg techniques, the Ho Shin Sul self-defense, the Dan Bong attack and defense techniques with short stick, and defense against knife. A complete work on an art, Hapkido, or the way of harmonizing the energy, the practice of which helps greatly improve our health, both physical and mental, and provides the practitioner with vitality, energy, self-confidence, character and personality.

REF.: • DVD/FEH-1

ORDERS: Budo international.com

Farang Developing speed The development of speed in Martial Arts is of the utmost importance if you want to succeed. Fast blows and attacks will allow you to hit your opponent first using devastating and effective combinations. In his daily training, Bruce Lee, like other great and renowned martial artists, worked hard toward the development of speed. To achieve this goal and get optimal results, we must use the appropriate exercises. In my personal experience as a master and trainer of both amateur and professional fighters, I use the boxing speed development training system.

ne of the types of exercises I most frequently use in order to develop speed is shoulder training. Shoulder exercises are highly effective in training nervous fast movements to increase muscle strength. This type of training involves doing several individual exercises sequentially without rest in between. Grab a long bar of about 40 pounds weight (18, 14 kg) and hold it up at the level of your shoulders, with your hands apart at the shoulders width. Pull the bar forward, quickly repeat this movement until your shoulders are tired. The movement should be parallel to the ground. Then, using dumbbells of 8 pounds (3.62 kg), perform combinations of straight punches to the jaw until you're completely exhausted. Finally, with the same weights, perform front raise dumbbell exercises alternating with lateral raise dumbbell exercises. These series of exercises will build up a tremendous muscle resistance in your arms and shoulders and will vastly improve your hand speed. In most cases we have noticed the limited use of speed bags on the martial artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily training. Using the double end punching bag is a great exercise to improve the speed in your hands and muscular endurance. The exercise itself forces you to maintain your rhythm while throwing quick blows. The routine develops fast nervous movements in the upper body, which are responsible for the general speed and explosiveness. When hitting the double end speed bag, move in a circle to mimic the actual boxing movements. As you develop a greater action capacity in controlling the speed bag, mix shifts and hooks to get the full benefits of this workout. Similarly, it's also possible to improve your speed by using wrist or ankle weights for traditional martial exercises. For example, practicing shadow boxing with light weights, possibly 5 or 8 pounds is highly effective to improve the speed of your hands. You will immediately notice the increasing stress on your arms and shoulders. After a few

weeks of training, you will see a marked improvement in the speed of your hands when you take off the weights. Besides, by using weighted ankle supports while working out with the boxing sand bag and the gloves you will improve your side movements, since this practice will build strength in your calves and will increase your speed. The weights to be used should never be so heavy as to prevent you from doing properly the movements through the exercises. The double end punching bag has become my most important ally when it comes to work out speed with my students and fighters. Another important add-on is the jumping rope. Rope jumping will help you develop the muscles used to perform quick strikes, which are the fast-contraction muscle fibers which locate at the top of your back and your shoulders. Move quickly your knees up and down while moving your wrists when jumping rope. Incorporate interval training into your rope jumping routine; for example, alternate fast jumps for 30 seconds, then slow down for 10 seconds. This method could allow you focus more on speed during the accelerated part of the interval. By using these exercises you will see a significant improvement in the development of speed and martial performance. So get to train!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;In his daily training, Bruce Lee, like other great and renowned martial artists, worked hard toward the development of speed. To achieve this goal and get optimal results, we must use the appropriate exercises.â&#x20AC;?

Farang

Iaijutsu... The sword and the other side! ... "Three out of ten people adhere to the pleasures of life and so they give themselves totally to the power of death..." Lao Tzu Every time I clean my sword, I see something different; it's dirtier, smaller, or larger, prettier, or uglier ... It's funny, but surely, my sword has nothing to do with my daily perceptions. We notice that our mind is moving when something we like stops being important to us, stops shining ... Many of those who practice the way of the sword begin to have such perception when they no longer feel the need to do anything for anyone. Let me explain: When we began our practice, we make our movements for the sake of personal satisfaction, something we could called search, dream... later, we do so that our masters praise us; then for people praise us ... until all that "tarnishes" and it's then that we really become mighty with the sword. This powerful integration process between mind and time, truth and illusion, really makes us think that there is something more. In my case, my perceiving and awakening was by detachment, by our need for conservation of the immutable. Great masters have always used their deep wisdom to illuminate their inner beings, to breaking the

Bugei

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It's the void state what permits to unsheathe the sword in a fast and accurate movement! Many fail to do so!â&#x20AC;?

passions and thus put an end to all suffering forever and ever. This leads to the complete elimination of the two types of death [natural and violent] and hop from the ocean of misery to the realization of awakening, that is, what is called the other side. Nevertheless, through the imaginary fight held in the "kata", we feel that what really matures is totality, especially involuntarily. We can say that thoughts succeed one another in their endless string until one of them turns to itself: to the "self-recognition". Unsheathing is no longer simply drawing the sword, just as the subsequent movements such as cutting, the "Chiburi", the "not" ... I believe that many, certainly have already felt these sensations, including the need to jump from the appearance and reach the other shore, thus crossing the bitter ocean that makes out of the sword an object of vanity. It's the void of wisdom; of the encounter! The form does not differ from the void, or the void from the form. The form is identical to the void and the void is identical to the form. It is easy. Once, a friend and I were face to face, both ready to unsheathe our sword. It was about searching the void of the opponent through speed. At a given moment, I realized that certainty is an obstacle to the movement when this movement is facing another movement. The search for what is right, sets hardly a way to be correct. That is, if we calm our mind by stopping our movement, such quietness will move our mind even

more. That explains that while we are in this duality, it is impossible to know the oneness. It's true that the synthetic thinking of the moment, especially when it has a target, must have, if not the details, at least its latest results. Empty knowledge should be elevated, the one that is not maintained, but flows. Who has not ever seen a drunk avoid an imminent fall? Difficulties, unbalanced, but even so, he unwittingly makes his movements ... These branches of human knowledge, these disciplines, indeed appear to us in circumstances that serve the restricted scope of the particular, fragmentary and even divergent circumstances; therefore, we must not forget that there is a point that dispels the notion of fragmentation: the object is unique; it's the same unitary universe, where all roads lead to the very center. Mainly in the fastest sword techniques, neatly executed, the detours and curves and detours of the void arise from the deceptive visions of the opponent; there's no need to seek the truth of the movement, just the cessation of these visions and follow the normal flow. This is the reason that there may be discrepancies, for example, between the revelation of the moment of drawing the sword, cutting, dodging, the philosophy that is taught through stories, anthropology, science etc. "One" void is like "two" and each void contains all things. When there is no difference between this and that, how could you

Bugei â&#x20AC;&#x153;The perfection of the form is in the acceptance and contemplation, until the day when our inner being will be pleased with the form executed.â&#x20AC;?

Bugei

prefer one or the other? That is the point in which, dissolving the certainty favors the void of the moment, of the opportunity, of the sword, extension object of the body. It is easy; in the void we flow ... in the flow, we obtain certainty ... Removed all fears and doubts, true confidence is strengthened; no longer remains nothing more ... Nothing else to think about, nothing to remember... On the other hand, it is true that the "Seiteigata" practice promotes good understanding of technique as a tool of war, in a normal situation of an already distant past. Still, it must be remembered that possibly, the opponent would not follow (in a real battle) the forms we train in various sequences; considering that, in every confrontation there is a different story; a place, a technique... Accordingly, we must be aware of a clear practice regarding the exercise and dependence of these forms. It may be easier if we note that training, in turn, serves the needs of martial literacy; awareness is the use of this literacy. The "Mushin", so sought after by masters, refers to the idea of ??not procuring the time, not tempting to listen the illusory phenomena we imagine through the way of the sword. Several students whom I tried to explain this concept, said to me: "I don't understand, I don't understand...!"

It is like saying that at the moment of real confrontation, facing the Mushin, wisdom does not exist. At the time of death, it will not disappear. It's the void state what provides a fast and accurate unsheathing! Many fail to establish a connection to the exterior and illusory universe. At that moment, they develop a rage and hatred that are mixed with the frustration of an imagined but n e v e r re a c h e d s u c c e s s . I t i s i m p o r t a n t t o remember that the "void in the thoughts", also means the no obstruction of the ways of understanding and externalization of the mind. In other words, facing frustration, when it happens in the void of practice as a form, do not hate or love the thoughts that arise, and above all, do not keep them. Anyway, practice the "Tadaima" here and now. If you don't keep your thoughts, they will not return by themselves. If you give yourself to inhale and exhale letting it fills you in a harmonious swinging, nothing will be left but the moment that was manifested in its exact form. The perfection of the form is in the acceptance and contemplation, until the day when our inner being will be pleased with the form executed.

Bugei

“It is easy ; in the void we flow ... in the flow, we obtain certainty ... Removed all fears and doubts, true confidence is strengthened; no longer remains nothing more ... Nothing else to think about, nothing to remember.”

“When we began our practice, we make our movements for the sake of personal satisfaction, which we could called search, dream... later, we do so that our masters praise us; then for people praise us ... until all that "tarnishes" and it's then that we really become mighty with the sword.”

In this DVD, Master Marco Morabito, with exclusive rights for Budo International, presents a preview of the Israeli Krav Maga Survival System. In this colossal work, the basic method and techniques of this discipline are illustrated in a clear and transparent manner. That is, no secrets, but in an extraordinary job that will take you to the very core of self-defense. The techniques are illustrated so that they are easily understood by all. A truly unique opportunity to approach selfdefense or improve your knowledge on the subject. The author is one of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top self-defense exponents worldwide and has to his credit an extensive experience both in the military field and in security companies; awarded several times in various countries and acclaimed by his courses and seminars around the world, he has become an international spokesperson for different combat and self-defense systems, little known but highly effective. He has learned and studied all over the world, from Japan to the US, via Poland, Spain, Cape Verde, Germany, Israel, France and Russia, a continued research in remote areas of the world, such as Siberia or the desert of Texas, without stopping at any point in his tireless search for new knowledge without ever stop asking questions. The Israeli Krav Maga Survival System is not a discipline or a set of rigid rules, but a method, a process of continuous and constant evolution. This makes it adaptable to any situation and circumstance and permeable to any changes, and then be able to take stock of its mistakes and use the experience as an opportunity to improve.

REF.: â&#x20AC;˘ KMISS-1

ORDERS: Budo international.com

Reportage

Professional self-defense systems are intertwined with Martial Arts since time immemorial. In fact, at the dawn of civilization, both were one. It has undoubtedly been in the specialization of our societies, where this distinction has taken place as a result thereof. Some martial artists react negatively to this relationship, but whether is true that security professionals are increasingly nourished by the knowledge of Martial Arts, the fact remains that a kind of mutual interaction is taking place between both activities in the last decades. The experience of those who daily have to deal with criminal violence, gives them a perspective that those of us who are interested in self-defense just can't ignore. In this context of cr eative interaction must be understood the article that we bring today to our pages. Before it was the sword, but who could ignore firearms today? To illustrate this point there is no-one betterplaced than an experienced officer and at the same time a magnificent martial artist such as Omar M. Sesto. By sharing both dimensions, he has managed to give us a complete picture of a matter, that although it is primarily intended for specialists, I understand it can fascinate anyone tr uly inter ested in self-defense scenarios with which, every day more often, any of us could be confronted. Alfredo Tucci

Police Defense

"The best defense is a good offense." This statement is often very true in almost all areas of daily life: when practicing our favorite sport, controlling the direction of a personal debate, facing a street fight ... or even surviving an armed confrontation. While in the eye of the novice, the "material equipment" available at the time of the aggression may be seen as a basic, essential and vital factor to achieving our success or survival factor, actually the real determinant variable to this end is the "tactical mind" Stated in other words: our survival as Law enforcement professionals depends not only on how we have been prepared ourselves psychologically and technically to address the pressing reality that represents being the subject of a violent, savage and deadly criminal attack, but fundamentally on how we have educated our "predatory instinct" through daily training, to activate a superior defensive response capacity, to the service of justice. The "tactical mind" is a concept that includes all aspects related to the internal predisposition of a warrior individual in order to: â&#x20AC;˘ Identify any factors in his environment that might reveal an intention of aggression. â&#x20AC;˘ Assess rapidly the main features that are present. â&#x20AC;˘ Respond quickly and decisively, neutralizing in an immediate and forceful way the focus of threat.

Reportage

Police Defense

It should be noted that these actions are the result or the physical manifestation of the skills acquired and developed by the professional. That is, no matter the degree of "natural talent" that you might have: without the correct dose of personal effort and a certain quality in the chosen professional instruction system or method, such attribute on its own will be totally inadequate in the moment of truth. Wrong time to learn what works and what doesn't, in the real world!

About this new video The attacks and aggressions that a police officer may face during his shift usually are: • Sudden, • Violent, • Unexpected, • Extremely dynamic. Therefore, as experience has repeatedly shown, only those officers, who have previously prepared themselves for this kind of clashes, are those who often find, thanks to their training, the tools that allow them survive these savage attacks. Most of these professionals that have been involved in real action often emphasize how sudden, violent and different these confrontations turned out to be, compared to what they expected them to be. This kind of "surprise" is a very serious factor, if not fatal, for the victim-official. Our tactical pistol training programs are based on updated statistical reports of police incidents, in which officers have been forced by the seriousness of the circumstances, to use their service weapon in defense of their own lives or that of innocent third parties. The Kokkar Group has thoroughly analyzed those cases in the last decade in which police officers got killed by firearms or cutting-stabbing weapons, in order to determine without doubt the true circumstances and scenarios in which these officers lost their lives. This line of new videos produced by Budo International is the end result of the compendium of these field experiences of many officers of the past and of the present, who in the line of duty, have often paid the price of this knowledge with their own blood. While most of the maneuvers and tactics outlined in this first volume, have been developed starting from the Standard pistol carrying (hip) and wearing a jacket, looking at the reality and operational needs of federal agents, undercover special agents, High Protection Service officers and police officers in civilian clothes, the possibility of extrapolating these actions and concepts to the regular police work (uniformed), or the tactical intervention field (S.W.A.T.), is full and natural. The underlying operating concepts behind these tactics are of universal application and proven effectiveness in real situations of armed confrontation. The program is designed to quickly give officers the essential tactical principles and operational skills needed to survive those real attacks statistically more common in the C.Q.B. zones and to decisively neutralize the most violent and combative criminals.

Reportage

Additionally, in this audiovisual instructive material we have included examples of threat resolutions in scenarios of low visibility (low light conditions) and defense against two armed opponents. Because failing is not an option!

Professional survival in the real world The most dangerous and difficult to survive attacks are those that occur at close range. And that inherent hazard to the extreme body closeness to the attacker, or attackers, increases dramatically if the officer is totally off guard at the moment the attack occurs. However, whether he is alert (S.W.A.T., for example) or not (patrol officer, for example), the professional must prepare his mind to react as

Police Defense quickly and efficiently as possible, under the strain produced by extreme levels of stress. Carrying a weapon is no enough for a law enforcement officer who puts his own life at risk every day. In fact, a weapon is of little use if he doesn't have the right mental, technical and physical preparation to respond properly in these situations and get a better chance to survive. At this point, it is essential to note that in this kind of job, there is no process that is the same as another. There is no routine. Countless professionals have found their way to the grave on assuming mistakenly that they were in a routine operation "on a normal day". Their weapon could have saved them, but their tactical mind failed them. And one thing doesn't work without the other. They are useless for the official that "carries" them... they are nothing. Both need each other. Both they complement each other. If your functions put you in the "first line of action" (the streets, the jungle, the desert) within today's violent world, the above mentioned attitude represent the only difference between living another day or dying today. The type of training to be developed on a regular basis, not only must refer to the different positions, techniques and methods of tactical shooting. To really offer the "decisive advantage" it should include: • Recognition tactics (anticipation to hostile action): this includes learning to decipher the human body language and acquire a basic mastery on psychology and criminal behavior. • Poor lighting conditions: one of the most common scenarios of confrontation in the CQB zone.

• Combat shooting at very close range: whenever possible, with realistic targets simulating in detail the human face, hands, etc. • Combat shooting against reactive targets: so as to get used to the level of physical demand and mental stress that supposes the dynamics of an armed confrontation, at the designated distances. This level of demand is due to the fact that whenever an outlaw kills an officer at the CQB distance, he doesn't manage to do so because he is an expert shooter, rather, it's because the closeness between them is so extreme (68% of the time, the average separation distance is only one arm) that it's physically impossible for the criminal to miss his shot, cut or stabbing!

Distance and reaction speed As we have seen, when the attack occurs at close range, the advantage will always be for the aggressor, because of two main factors: • Body proximity. • Reaction speed. The body closeness is a variable beyond our control, since it has been determined by the aggressor, and it's the main source of lethal danger to the officer. The other factor is the speed of reaction. Attacks i n t h e C . Q . B . z o n e a re p a r t i c u l a r l y d a n g e ro u s because they hardly give the average operator material time to evaluate the threat and the actual magnitude thereof (lethal or non-lethal), so as to act accordingly and proportionality (pyramid on the use of force).

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A wrong assessment can be fatal for both the officer and any civilian who can be involved by chance in the scene. Therefore, it is particularly important to always train the "status recognition" at the polygon work, with paper targets representing concrete, three-dimensional human figures that include both, the aggressor carrying weapons with direct threat (hostile) and the normal citizen (victim). This action will develop quickly and effectively a model of nervous and neuro-muscular response, absolutely transferable to the real

situation that a professional will face in the C.Q.B.

Instinctive shooting (Point Shooting) for police survival Over time, the Instinctive Shooting system has repeatedly proved to be a real "survival key" for any professional who has been forced to defend his own life confronting armed criminals in CQB distances and scenarios It's a combat shooting method of "natural" type, very fast, automatic

and accurate. It can be effectively used under all lighting conditions (normal or dimmed), so it is just as accurate in both daytime and night confrontations. Additionally, its general performing technique allows you firing multiple shots under dynamic action movements, with relative ease and high speed. All these surprising details highlight even more when one considers that its development and "reshaping" took place within the military world, in the extremely hard battlefields of World War II.

Police Defense

Reportage

Currently, it's the main combat shooting training method of countless Special Forces, police departments and gover nment agencies (including the FBI) ??worldwide. The main reason that gives rise to the different methods of instinctive shooting is the timely and specific analysis on what are universally considered the two basic scenarios of CQB confrontation: 1) Scenario A / Pre-Determined: there exist specific circumstances where an officer, previously to entering a CQB area, knows that the contact with the enemy is imminent (special units officers, undercover agents, etc.). Consequently, his mindset and physical training allows him to previously draw his weapon and take "semi-pointing" firing positions, before getting into the

"Hot Zone", thus being able to respond swiftly and effectively to a criminal who emerges out of nowhere and suddenly shoots. 2) Scenario B / Surprising: at the other end of the equation, we have the scenario where an officer, while he is walking down the street, issuing a traffic ticket or while providing a school talk, suddenly finds himself faced with a hostile fire. There is no time allowance that enables some form of preparation in order to optimize the margins of survival. In a split second, the officer is immersed in the Hot Zone, receiving shots... and with his gun still in the holster. The secret of the instinctive shooting system effectiveness lies in the fact that under the effects of the stress caused by a sudden and violent attack (mainly of

unanticipated origin and therefore surprising), in very short distances is physiologically impossible to avail ourselves of "refined" motor skills to defend ourselves effectively. Therefore, the solution is to be found in the development of natural and instinctive DEFENSE METHODS BASED ON "RUDE" MOTOR SKILLS. In short, the concept so distinctive of not using the pointing sights of our personal weapon in CQB combat zone, and gripping the gun mainly with only one hand, is based on: a. Direct field experience that demonstrates with solid conviction that in these scenarios itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very hard to find the time to do it. b. The proximity of the aggressors, that virtually ensures the accuracy of our shots.

Police Defense

c. The fact that if an officer holds his gun with a double grip (both hands) and he is surprised by any of his sides, in a hostile range comprised between 200 ° and 180 °, his capacity of defensive reaction to these positions will be, at the very least, severely compromised. In all these cases, experience has shown repeatedly that the best option a professional can have to survive, is the method of instinctive shooting and with only one hand or at a single grip.

First phalanx on the trigger? Big mistake! If you are accustomed to using the first joint of your index finger to press the trigger of your gun, you are taking a serious risk. The disastrous consequences caused by this bad habit are not readily apparent in the gentle and controlled target practice usually carried out hold the weapon with both hands; but they become immediately evident when the officer should respond quickly to a potentially lethal situation, having to shoot usually with a simple hold or a hand. Then it will be the worst time to confirm that his marksmanship is at least questionable, if his training has conditioned him to shoot using the pressure of the first joint of his finger on the trigger.

He will see in this case that his shots tend to cluster towards the sides and the bottom of its target. Why? The answer lies in biomechanics and structural design of human fingers when you press or pull the trigger, the end of your finger does not move directly back against the trigger, but moves in a curved arc. That is because of the specific design of the fingers muscles and tendons, which are brought into play whenever they are flexed or extended. The central portion of a finger bends always first and the middle knuckle is its "mother hinge". Consequently, the initial movement of the first phalanx of any finger will always be an arc with an origin point located on the middle knuckle of the finger. Only after the central portion of the finger is bent, the upper end (the first joint) can begin to press more directly backward against the trigger. From the above, you can easily deduce that the best options at the time of positioning the index finger and reduce the amount of "bow", "curved angle", produced when it bends to pull the trigger are: • Place the fold between the first and second phalanx of the finger on the trigger. • Place the second phalanx on the trigger. Remember that we are facing here situations of aggression developed in distances so close that most of the times we will not have the chance to make a two-handed grip on our weapon and then and correct any failure by improper

Reportage

pressing. The severity of the situation is revealed when one looks from his own experience that in this type of aggression there are no additional time or "second chances" to rectify any error. Remember, when it comes to survival, FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!

TEN RULES TO SURVIVE A CONFRONTATION WITH FIREARMS 1. ALWAYS ensure that your personal weapon works properly. 2. Never lose the state of "passive alert" on your immediate environment. The main and most dangerous factor that you should avoid in these scenarios is that of being taken by surprise.

Police Defense 3. In short distance attacks (from the hand-to-hand to 12 meters - C.Q.B. Zone) use EXCLUSIVELY Instinctive or Point Shooting systems. Under such circumstances, losing those vital fractions of a second trying to aim with your gun to an aggressor who is already shooting you, or is about to do it, is the worst mistake you can ever commit.

4. If you adopt an Instinctive Shooting position in a dynamical and correct way, your chances of survival will be statistically superior, even if your action is not too fast and you lack structural protection zones around you. 5. Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve recognized the threat, maintain a state of high alert, even after the danger has been

neutralized. Always keep in mind the possibility of a second or third attacker nearby. 6. If you can choose, ALWAYS carry a secondary weapon for support or "back-up". Over time, this tool has proven to be literally a real life insurance to thousands of police agents and security professionals worldwide. 7. Use ONLY NATURAL MOVEMENT TACTICS in your daily training, as opposed to specific shooting techniques. Remember that under the heat of battle, only the "rude" motor skills work. It's a proven fact in the daily reality of any professional. 8. In an armed confrontation in a C.Q.B. area, losing the firing capacity is almost always equivalent to dying. Remember this postulate: if you must run, do it always shooting your assailant. If you must reload ammunition, do it ALWAYS before shooting the last cartridge of your weapon. In this way, your responsiveness will remain in full force at all times during the confrontation. 9. In C.Q.B. combat, the closeness of the aggressor markedly increases the requirements of defensive reactive speed on the part of the victim to survive. Therefore, it is very important to ALWAYS remember these points: â&#x20AC;˘ Faced with an aggressor located in the 0-3 meters area, don't raise your gun beyond the height of your hip. Trying a higher elevation means a vital additional time consumption, with respect to a target that is already attacking us in the lethal danger zone. â&#x20AC;˘ Faced with an aggressor located in the 0-12 meters area, make at least the first defensive shot with your gun, with a single grip. Trying to make a double grip here is not a smart idea, nor a necessary action for two reasons: a. The extreme proximity to the target ensures our accuracy. b. The extreme proximity to the target / victim, requires from us avoiding unnecessary secondary movements, which jeopardize our speed of response and survival in these confrontation scenarios. 10. NEVER neglect the development of effective Hand-to-hand Combat Tactics, Defense against knife and Personal Weapon retention in your daily workout! Keep in mind the grim and hard reality that involves the kind of confrontation that you are training to face and survive. C.Q.B. combat has buried thousands of professionals, who were killed with their own personal weapons, or by strangulation, neck breaking, or a savage knife attack. Comprehensive and intensive training in these areas, will allow you face with certain guarantees the lethal danger inherent in these combat situations.

Police Defense

Police & military

Tactical Helmet: Usage & Defense A tactical helmet looks very intimidating when you're on a tactical team, but in some police departments you'd be called names if you were a patrol officer and you carried one around with you in your patrol, or worse yet, you might not even be allowed to carry one.

Self defense

Police & military

hat is, until a shooting occurs where common sense dictates that you need one. In the mid-morning of February 28, 1997, Larry Phillips and Emil Matasareanu raked police with automatic gunfire from assault rifles after a botched bank robbery in North Hollywood, California. The event shocked law enforcement throughout the United States. One of the memorable images of that horrific event were Los Angeles Police Department patrol officers, street cops, dawning their Kevlar helmets which they pulled from their standard issue "Go Bags" (a sports bag filled with some essential gear

for such confrontations: extra ammunition, tactical lights, knee pads, etc.). After this event many American police departments "saw the writing on the wall" and issued assault rifles to their patrol officers for greater â&#x20AC;&#x153;stopping powerâ&#x20AC;?. It made sense because it took 300 police officers to stop two well-armed bank robbers using self-taught military tactics. Unfortunately, most departments failed to issue ballistics helmets along with those more powerful weapons. Then there were those police departments out there that didn't learn a thing from this event, or even from the new threats of terrorism, and still

Self defense

refused to issue their officers assault rifles because of "liability" concerns. Even if they don't trust their police officers with these more powerful weapons there is no reason not to issue life-saving helmets. Even though most tactical officers wear helmets they just have not caught on like ballistic vests have with patrol officers, traffic officers, and other â&#x20AC;&#x153;routineâ&#x20AC;? duties, yet they all wear body armor. Why protect the heart, lungs, liver, and other organs in the chest and abdominal cavity and not the brain? How many motorcycle police officers wear riding helmets? The answer is every single one of them. If the motorcycle goes down, or is hit, the head is protected. In a worse case scenario an impact to the head will be at high speeds. For motorcycle police officers helmets make sense. Still, there are countless police officers who will go into high risk situations with the possibility of taking a subsonic or supersonic bullet to the head and they don't wear any head protection at all. It's foolish to go into these situations without a helmet. One might as get rid of the vest if that's the mentality. I have trained thousands of police officers in firearms, tactics, and defensive tactics in the past 12 years: federal, state, local and military police. I am always shocked when police officers don't have ballistics helmets. They show up with the rest of their gear, but not the helmets. Do they not think that bullets fly that high or something? The problem is not based on ignorance. When one sees this kind of blatant lack of officer safety there's usually politics lurking behind it. A lot of police administrators don't let their police officers wear ballistics helmets because it

Police & military looks too "militaristic". Now, I’m not suggesting that they wear them to every call, although that would be the safest thing to do, but at least to known high-risk calls. These same administrators who won’t issue their officers helmets are the same administrators who will give the slain police officer a "militaristic" funeral: flag-draped casket, uniformed escort, a band, salutes, and the whole works. When the bullets are flying who cares about how it looks, or how the public will perceive this piece of equipment. The only concern that any police supervisor should have is whether their people are adequately protected or not. It can't be the prices because helmets are relatively inexpensive.

Another reason why many police officers are not issued ballistic helmets is because those in charge of training or equipment research overemphasize the negative aspects of wearing helmets: reduced peripheral vision, reduced hearing, and they are uncomfortable to wear. It's true that these are drawbacks to this piece of equipment, but they used to say the same thing about ballistics vests. The last excuse given by some administrators, and this applies to patrol police officers, for not wearing helmets is that it's not "traditional". This same reasoning held up for many years by many police departments when they did not want to give up their old revolvers and switch to semiautomatic pistols. Then the death of many officers made them realize that they were out-gunned. Now many criminals themselves are wearing ballistic helmets, along with a vest, to commit violent crimes. Again, it’s the classic situation of the criminals trying to stay ahead of the police. If you are a police officer and your police department does not issue ballistics helmets, that does not mean that you cannot have one on hand in your own "Go Bag". Yes, they're a little bulky, but they don't really take up that much room. Store it in your bag for emergencies or for highrisk operations. I realize that in many police departments some officers may be ridiculed for wearing a helmet at an incident involving guns, or worse yet, denied from wearing one altogether. Some of us could already picture in our minds what our fellow officers would say. You show up to a high-risk car stop being the only one wearing a helmet and everyone's calling you a “Rambo” or a supervisor tells you to remove it. Yet, this is an issue that should not be ignored. If you're unable to persuade your police department to implement helmets for high-risk situations, and you yourself are denied wearing a ballistics helmet in high-risk situations, then I suggest getting it in writing as to why. Then, if you get injured due to a head wound make sure your family has a copy of that letter, because they will end up owning that city. Are the

Self defense

Police & military bullets shot in Los Angeles less lethal than where you work? Then your police department should make ballistics helmets a piece of standard issue equipment for all field police officers if they haven't already. Plus, let's not forget that most bad guys already know that we are wearing vests. So, what are they learning to do in the criminal world?

recognize when these techniques are about to be used against them and how to counter them. I will pass this information on to you. But, before I do, let me give you a word of caution. Anytime you are training techniques involving the neck GO S LOWLY A ND CAUTIOUSLY!

That's right, take head shots. With that in mind, no pun intended, we should all be crying out for helmets to be worn at all high-risk situations. But, as usual, it will take several more deaths from head wounds before ballistic helmets become fashionable.

Front Grab & Strip Exercise

Here are the main reasons for wearing a ballistics helmet: 1. Protection against handgun bullets, bullet fragmentation including rifle rounds, flash fire, blunt objects, edged weapons. 2. It provides an intimidation factor, protection against the elements, greater sense of security. Let's move on. I'm now going to take you through some RealityBased Police Defensive Tactics techniques, using your helmet as a tool, for those of you who wear them. Any criminal who has read a few military manuals has obviously come across the hand-to-hand combat sections demonstrating s t ep- by - s t ep ho w to break an enemy soldier's neck using their own helmet against them. These s ame t echn iqu es can be u s ed against you, the police officer, by a criminal or terrorist. Unfortunately, there are no books or videos out there yet teaching countermeasures to these deadly techniques. In the cou rs es t h at I teach to law enforcement and military personnel nationwide, Entry Team Combatives and Jail & Prison Combatives, and where helmets are standard issued equipment, I train my students to

If the suspect has a hold of the front of your helmet you have no more than a second to loosen his grip or he could use your own helmet to snap your neck. This exercise teaches you to strip the suspect's hands away from your helmet. It may seem like a simple exercise, but if you don't practice it, it won't be in your "muscle memory". 1. A hostile subject lunges at the police officer’s helmet. 2. If the suspect grabs the police officer’s helmet before he has a chance to block with his weapon the police officer must enact a transition from his weapon to using defensive tactics to protect his neck. Although this situation is a justification for lethal force, a shooting may not stop the subject from twisting your head in time. 3. The police officer immediately grabs the top of his helmet to stabilize it, tucks his chin into his chest, and drops his center of gravity. 4. The police officer peels the suspect's hands off with a forceful downward strike. Even if the suspect has a good grip on the helmet the tucked chin will prevent the police officer’s head from moving. 5. Now is no time for a wrestling match. Here is a subject who just grabbed a hold of the police officer’s helmet in order to break his neck. The police officer must strike in order to stop the subject from further aggression.

6. The police officer will deploy his firearm to war n, or shoot, the suspect depending on the subject’s further actions.

Rear Helmet Pull Defense 1. A suspect grabbing the helmet from the rear is even more

dangerous to the police officer than the frontal grab, and only quick reactions through training will save the police officer’s neck. 2. The suspect manages to grab the police officer’s helmet, and starts to pull back on it. 3. The police officer quickly grabs the front of his own helmet to stabilize it, and rapidly leans forward to break the suspect's grip. Leaning forward will also shift the suspect's center of gravity. 4. The police officer immediately turns into the suspect with an elbow strike. This will strip the suspect's hands from the helmet. 5. Again, lethal force is justifiable in this situation, but first the police officer must prevent further attack by striking the suspect. 6. The police officer will deploy his firearm to war n, or shoot, the suspect depending on the suspect’s further actions.

Self defense

Fu-Shih Kenpo KICKING IN MARTIAL ARTS, Part 3 ABDOMINAL MUSCLES The basic function of the abdominal muscles is such that without them we simply couldn't walk upright. They are direct antagonists of the paravertebral muscles and act against lumbar lordosis. Well built-up abdominal muscles arouse admiration and ensure good posture. They are also responsible for the movement of the trunk and pelvis and thus they help us breathe better. Regarding Martial Arts, abdominal muscles are fundamental for the balance, strength and beauty in the execution of leg techniques. So we must train well all our abdominal muscles, not just the rectus abdominis, but also the external and internal oblique as well as the transverse abdominis.

The Raúl Gutiérrez column Hypopressive abs Hypopressive abs are a new type of abdominal workout that reduces waist size, improves the back posture, helps extend the vertebrae, slows down the aging process, and is good for women who have recently given birth. When you practice these exercises, abdominal pressure is reduced and protection and relocation of the internal organs are significantly improved. One of the good things about doing hypopressive abs is that we can practice them while sitting or standing. They must be done on an empty stomach, and they shouldn't be considered a substitute for traditional abdominal exercise; but a complementary workout. The hypopressive abdominal method is actually based on the techniques developed in the 80s by Dr. Marcel Caufriez that provides health benefits such as: • Toning of abdominal muscles and reduction of the waist size (average reduction of 8%) • Treatment and prevention of organ prolapse (uterus, bladder, and rectum) • Postural correction and treatment of muscular tension • Treatment and prevention of herniation (inguinal, umbilical, disc) • Reduction of pelvic congestion and increasing blood circulation in the pelvis area, thus better sexual function • Treatment and prevention of urinary incontinence • Recovery after childbirth • Increased of abdominal and pelvic floor muscle tone (average increase of 58%)

• Activation of metabolism (average increase of 15%) • Improved athletic performance Besides, hypopressive abdominal exercises are also the basis for people who start doing physical exercise in order to improve their aesthetic appearance and their health, as well as sports professionals. This method is based in the hypopressive abdominal gymnastics. When these exercises are being performed, pressure within the abdomen decreases significantly, unlike what happens with all other methods and abdominal routines. The exercises used here are designed to create a proper progressive line that is useful for each of us. To carry out these exercises it's convenient to expel the air and remain in apnea, that is, breath out and do the exercises without air in the lungs, because this is the way to achieve a significant decrease in intra-abdominal pressure as well as the way to reduce more effectively the waist size, since the thoracic diaphragm is relaxed and in an elevated position. It should be taken into account that doing exercises in apnea could be problematic for people with hypertension.

Exercises to work out the lower abdomen The abdominal area that is located below the navel is no doubt the most difficult to tone up and build, because the rectus abdominis, by its own anatomy, always gets stronger in its upper portion. However, we can strengthen also the lower abdomen.

Fu-Shih Kenpo

The RaĂşl GutiĂŠrrez column Without any equipment and simply leaning on the floor, we can perform the following four exercises that facilitate the work of the rectus abdominis, concentrating the effort on the bottom part thereof. From a supine position, i.e. face up, we can perform four exercises to work the lower portion of the rectus abdominis that we so desire to tone up. A first exercise is to bring your legs extended upwards until they are perpendicular to the trunk and from there, lower them slowly until they are parallel to the ground, without touching the floor or dropping completely your legs (you can do that 10 times, for example). Repeat this exercise 3 to 6 times depending on your own capacity, but of course, at the beginning, you can do it once or twice, especially those who still don't have developed a specific abdominal strength. This exercise requires a large abdominal contraction at all times and avoid arching your lower back during the whole movement. Gradually increase your repetitions if possible by 3s, that is: 3, 6, 9, and so on. A second exercise we can perform with our legs parallel to the ground but detached from it, is opening and closing our legs while we alternately cross one foot over another. Also we start counting up to 30 movements between both legs, increasing 3 every day if possible.

Finally, we can do leg and pelvis lifts placing legs slightly bent at right angles to the trunk. With these four exercises you can work the lower abdomen at home, or wherever you might be, for a firm and strong abdomen, even in its most rebellious areas.

The third movement is similar to the second, but this time, moving alternately and simultaneously our legs up and down. It can be performed at a lower speed for a more intense and controlled work. (12/15/18 times ... etc.)

a job well done, in 1-2 months, we can see good results.

UPPER ABDOMINALS Muscles known as the "six-pack" are the visible result of a strong workout, especially the muscles concerning a well-defined rectus abdominis, although oblique muscles, as the serratus (diagonal muscles fingershaped, formed below the pectoral) and lower and transverse abdominal muscles are also critical to have a strong and beautiful nucleus. But really, is diet what helps abdominal muscles to look like if they were always freshly pressed by a waffle iron and chiseled to the level of a statue of ancient Greece. The surest way to add substance, definition and density to the rectus abdominis is ultimately a heavy dose of hard and effective training for the upper abs. Our list of the top 5 upper abdominal exercises is a conscientiously made selection. If we want that our abdominal muscles look perfectly it is essential that we remove as much as possible the fat from our belly. With

Upper abdominal exercises - CrossFit abdominals.

Fu-Shih Kenpo CrossFit abdominals are an effective exercise to train every section of the rectus abdominis, including the upper abs. It is clear that the bigger the emphasis we put on the eccentric phase do, the greater the stimulation on the muscles of the upper abdominals. CrossFit is a type of training of functional exercises, constantly varied and performed at high intensity. CrossFit is an overall strength and fitness program, which is based on the increase of the ten physical abilities most recognized by specialists in sports training with weights. The exercise seeks to build strength and muscle tone and increase the functionality of your muscles to later repeat the movements in different reallife situations. • CrossFit is a training technique that chains intensely different physical exercises, without time and without pause and in a continuous way. The principle of this type of exercising is that of training the body by practicing different disciplines at the same time, such as weightlifting, athletics, gymnastics and especially resistance. This program consists of endurance sports and different physical activities. • It’s based on the work of different skills and abilities: cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, muscular resistance, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, motor skills, balance, and accuracy. All these activities

intervene vigorously and help us getting in shape in an effective way. • Classic exercises focused on the trunk in general and to the abdomen in particularly, are being progressively replaced by completely different exercises. The CrossFit method also applies movements destined to that part of the body, focused from a functional mode. Perhaps the better known are the so-called CrossFit abdominals. Although variations are minimal, the work differs from the classical crunch and it requires a proper technical knowledge to avoid major injuries. You might be wondering what advantages do sit-ups offer in front of classic exercises. The main thing is that you replace intensity by functionality without overly changing the involved muscles (rectus abdominis, psoas, oblique, tensor fasciae latae...) • Starting position for the SIT UPS. • We lay on a mat or on the surface wherever we are. We put a towel in the lumbar area so as to maintain its natural curvature. We bend our knees bring together the soles of the feet, leaving our knees in external rotation. There are two options for placing the arms, depending on our level of fitness. Those who are new to this movement should extend the arms forward and between the legs. For more advanced ones, the work will increase by placing the arms extended backwards to increase the lever arm. • Concentric movement • Two remarks about the movement. The first is that it must be completely controlled, no sudden or quick movements, because all that will aggravate the risk of injury. The second has to do with coordination since the whole movement must be coordinated, elevating simultaneously the trunk and the arms, until our back is upright and we can touch our feet with our hands. • Eccentric Movement

The RaĂşl GutiĂŠrrez column â&#x20AC;˘ When you have reached the position above, hold it for about 2 or 3 seconds. Then it's time to go down again. The only thing you should pay attention to in this movement is the body control so that you go down with adequate speed. The longer this phase the deeper your workout.

Upper abdominal exercises - Crunch with bent legs Crunch with bent legs is an exercise for the upper abs that should be included in any table we design, if we are really seeking to work thoroughly this section. Working out 3 or 4 sets of 10-20-30 repetitions will permit us to congest and stimulate abdominal definition.

Upper abdominal exercises - Abdominals in V V abdominals are a risky but necessary bet if we want to see quick results. It's a type of exercise that is not intended for all sports fans since it requires a relatively high physical training. But all those who can do it, surely should include it in their workout routines.

Upper abdominal exercises - Abs feet to the bar The abdominals feet to the bar are a typical movement of functional training methodologies. It nevertheless remains the fact that this type of exercise is very effective in helping to form a tremendous "six pack". This is better explained by an example: those who practice calisthenics in the parks, as a rule, tend to have a sculpted stomach and well defined without the need of using neither machines nor bars.

Upper abdominal exercises - Crunch with pulley Crunch with pulley contrasts with the previous exercise, since it requires the use of a pulley of the classic kind that is usually found in sports centers or gyms. We have decided to include it because it is one of the best exercises to define and work out upper abdominals. High pulley crunch: To perform successfully the high pulley crunch, you have to kneel down under a pulley that has a rope properly hooked to it. Holding the rope with both hands, pull it down until your hands are next to your face. Slightly flexing your hips, let the weight of the hyperextension lowers your back. This will be your starting position. Without moving your hip, bend your waist as you contract the abdominal muscles so that your elbows shift towards the center of the thighs. Exhale as you make this part of the movement and maintain this contraction for a second, to improve congestion. Slowly return to the starting position as you inhale. You must ensure that you maintain a constant tension in the abdomen through the movement you are performing. Also, try to not choosing a weight excessively heavy so that your lumbar muscles don't end up being the ones that are making the most of the work.

Master Shaolin Shi Yanti is a monk of the 34th generation of the Songshan Shaolin Temple and a direct disciple of Venerable Abbot Shi Yong Xin. In this his first work for Budo International, he presents the Luohan Shibashou, one of the older and most representative basic forms of empty hand of the Shaolin Temple. According to the book "Shaolin Quan Pu", in the Sui Dynasty, the Shaolin's warrior monks developed a series of simple movements, chosen according to the "18 Luohan statues", hence the name Luohan Shou Shi Ba (18 hands of Luohan). The style of this Taolu is particular and in its continuous movements can be clearly seen combinations of real and unreal movements, defense and counterattack, and a variety of hidden movements. The main hand techniques in this Taolu are those of the palms, and learning requires great agility and coordination, as well as mastering the positions Xubu, Dingbu, Gongbu and Mabu and their features.

REF.: â&#x20AC;˘ DVD/YANTI-1

ORDERS: Budo international.com

Combat Hapkido

GM John Pellegrini DIPLOMACY & ALLIANCES Watch the news on TV on any given day and you will learn about nations for ming coalitions and alliances to assist each other in difficult or dangerous situations. Yo u w i l l a l s o s e e u n e n d i n g diplomatic efforts to negotiate treaties, handle crises and facilitate trade. And, if you are a keen observer of international affairs, you will also see betrayed alliances, cheating on treaties, broken accords and arrogant displays of hypocrisy, disinformation, failed strategies and r uthless power-plays. Wellâ&#x20AC;Ś.that's politics. Intrigue and duplicity have always been part of human history and, unless our species suddenly achieves universal spiritual enlightment, it will never change. However, it is not always a big waste of time. Sometimes alliances, accords and honest diplomacy actually work, resulting in peace, i n c r e a s e d prosperity and security for the parties involved

By Grandmaster John Pellegrini

GM John Pellegrini Having been a student of history and international affairs for most of my life, it should not be a surprise that I have often tried to apply some of the constructive principles of diplomacy to my martial arts endeavors. Specifically, I saw beneficial opportunities in the form of “alliances” between Leaders of different arts and styles. While most saw only rivalry, competition, ego and, all too often, insecurity, I entertained a vision of cooperation, friendship, growth and mutually beneficial exchange. And in the process, although it was never my intent, I became a recognized “pioneer” of martial arts alliances having created several successful ones (and a few that, sadly, did not work-out). But before I give you the details of what exactly was accomplished, let's take a look at what it take to envision and form such an alliance. First, I was motivated by several honest realizations: 1. No martial art has absolutely everything for everyone. 2. Today students are interested in cross-training. 3. Cooperation between leaders of martial arts organizations provides the students with additional resources and opportunities. 4. Grandmasters of different arts working together project a positive, honorable image that reflects wisdom, confidence and respect. I realized early on that it would not be productive to form alliances with other Grandmasters of the same art (Hapkido). The underlying issues of ego, financial interest, students' loyalty, personal style, seniority etc... would be too hard to overcome. Alliance with a different style of the same art would also be somewhat redundant, useless and even confusing for to the students. Cordial and

Combat Hapkido

GM John Pellegrini “True alliances need to bring fresh, interesting opportunities and a touch of excitement to both parties and that's why I decided to expose our students to arts and systems very different from Combat Hapkido” respectful “diplomatic relations” with those Grandmasters would be enough. True alliances need to bring fresh, interesting opportunities and a touch of excitement to both parties and that's why I decided to expose our students to arts and systems very different from Combat Hapkido. I wanted to complement and enrich our training, not change it or turn it into something else. Because of the risks involved and the potential pitfalls, I had to choose carefully to protect our students and, ultimately, our reputation and fortunately, for the most part, our efforts have been successful. Over the last 20 years, I have been able to form several productive and prestigious alliances with some of the finest martial arts leaders on the planet. And, at this point, I would like to mention a few of them:

The late Grandmaster Remy Presas, Founder of Modern Arnis. Grandmaster George Dillman, World authority on Pressure Points. Grandmaster Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, the greatest kicker of all time. Grandmaster Mark Shuey, Sr., World leading expert on the Cane. Master Carlson Gracie, Jr., one of the best BJJ fighters anywhere. Over the years, they and several other famous martial arts pioneers I have been fortunate to befriend, have all directly or indirectly contributed to my philosophical and technical growth and that of my art, Combat Hapkido. And because those alliances have been so productive, I continue to search to forge new ones. In fact, just a few months ago, my wife Trina and I spent four days in Las Vegas as

“Over the last 20 years, I have been able to form several productive and prestigious alliances with some of the finest martial arts leaders on the planet.”

Combat Hapkido guests at an exciting event hosted by martial arts legend and movie star Jeff Speakman. Grandmaster Speakman, (who has recently fought and won a battle with cancer) is carrying on the tradition of his teacher, the late Ed Parker, the founder of American Kenpo, with his very successful international organization. Although Jeff and I had known each other for over 15 years, we had never cooperated on any projects. But that is about to change as we have agreed to launch a new alliance to benefit our students, support each other's events, and exchange expertise in certain areas. Once again, true martial arts spirit, humility, respect and honesty

triumph over greed, jealousy, distrust and arrogant ego. We hope that other martial arts leaders around the World follow our example and begin a new era of friendship and cooperation in our industry. And in that vein, I look forward to joining the many great Masters, Grandmasters and experts who will attend the BUDO Hall of Fame gathering in Rome, Italy on April 16, 2016, making new friends and seeing some old ones (and what an opportunity for some diplomacy and potential alliances!) I encourage all of our members to attend and be part of this exciting and historical martial arts event. I hope too see you there.

GM John Pellegrini â&#x20AC;&#x153;I look forward to joining the many great Masters, Grandmasters and experts who will attend the BUDO Hall of Fame gathering in Rome, Italy on April 16, 2016, making new friends and seeing some old ones (and what an opportunity for some diplomacy and potential alliances!) I encourage all of our members to attend and be part of this exciting and historical martial arts event.â&#x20AC;?