Martial Arts Magazine Budo International 307 March 1 fortnight 2016

What happens when two people practice Chi-Sao, what is the meaning of their practice and what the objectives? In this 3rd DVD, "Chi Sao from the base to an advanced level," Sifu Salvador SĂĄnchez addresses perhaps the most important aspect of Wing Chun: ChiSao, the soul of the system itself, which provides the practitioner with some special characteristics which are completely different from others, and gives him great virtues. This role deals with some aspects quite basic in principle, but as you delve into them, they'll be surprising to you. It is a very clear feature traditional Chinese culture; what it's very obvious at first glance, it nevertheless contains a second or third reading, which will surely change your approach, practice and understanding. We will discuss how to practice Chi Sao through our working drills and how to apply those drills, that ability in a sparring, linking certain concepts, perhaps not so much tied to traditional Kung Fu, such as biomechanics, structures, knowledge of physics, etc., in order to obtain better results in our practice.

REF.: • DVD/TAOWS3 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

"The old man cannot do what a young man does; but he does it better."

Cicero n Japanese culture, the sixtieth birthday is the most important of all. Japan considers that this anniversary is equivalent in importance to the day of birth of the individual himself, so that birthday is celebrated throughout the year.

For the Japanese, in the anthropological imaginary of their culture, the 10-year cycles are considered as "Karmic cycles". Ten is the first of two-digit numbers and somehow means the entry into another dimension of things. All this is embodied in a known geometric figure, since they represent every period of 10 years as one entire segment of an upward equilateral triangle. After the age of 30, the first of two triangles are complete. A second triangle, this time downward, is formed with the segments representing the following three decades.

Both triangles overlapped, form a six point figure (the Star of David) so that on reaching the age of 60 all six points are defined and, once united, allow the creation of the circle, symbol of fate and perfection (the symbol for Infinity is formed by the union of two circles). Closing the circle is thus that magical moment in our 60th birthday, i.e., the birth to a new stage or, as they look at it, the time when a man is finally ready and complete to do what he has come to do in this life, a time when the fate cries higher than any other force.

Japan has an excellent life expectancy in the first place, closely followed by Spain, among the countries that can be called as such (San Marino and Hong Kong are ahead, but because of their size they are rather considered as cities).

The Japanese certainly enjoys good health and activity in the old age. There are many reasons that interact to create this state of affairs. Some of his most guarded secrets are of course a healthy diet that includes algae, with a high content in minerals; fish and vegetables, as well as condiments, and supplements based on soy beans (shoju, miso, tofu, etc.), fermented vegetables that safeguard the intestinal flora and, of course, exercise, some mythical examples and specific for the elders, as the "Densho butsu no kami".

Perhaps their last and most precious secret is the "Do o raku" (translated as "playing or having fun with the Tao"), something that, from a distant way, we could transcribe in our culture as "hobbies", although actually, these activities are much more than hobbies and turn de facto into a practical work, where age, far from being a barrier, is an incentive, an added value where experience can be translated into "mastery". It is this Mastery which in turn motivates and engenders respect and interest of the youngest, encouraging them to learn from them.

This generational meeting, which otherwise couldn't be recreated artificially, is decisive in giving meaning to life, because from a certain age, simple things like feeling valued or useful, become the backbone of the intention to stay alive. Over the years we all become physically weaker, more dependent and this generates not only depreciation but also discouragement. Older people begin to become "invisible" to others. Besides, for them the absence of primary stimuli must be replaced by self-will to stay alive.

I

"We all want to get old, and we all deny to have grown old."

Quevedo Much of what was happening until then automatically in the physical and hormonal levels, as a result of the very exuberance of life, must be replaced now by conscious attitudes "manually" managed.

The virtuous circle of this relationship is established when the other party also takes advantage of the meeting.

For the youngest, contact with older people allows them to moderate their excesses, tempering their judgment and, of course, dimensioning themselves within time by seeing their own figure reflected in the mirror of what someday (at best) they will become.

What makes the miracle of that generational meeting and this virtuous circle, is a series of activities, some of them crafts, others arts and techniques, which have the virtue of generating in its performers a certain encounter between mind, spirit and body. In all these activities, the natural decay of the body not only is replaced by the growth of the spirit and the accumulation of experience as an added value, it can also be infinitely increased, since it doesn't depend on force, a decrepit attribute, but on consciousness.

These activities are of the most varied nature, ranging from Japanese painting Sumi-e, to arts like Kyujutsu (Japanese archery), Origami (Japanese paper folding), ceramics, "Ikebana" (flower arrangement), sword forging, manufacturing of traditional products, Martial Arts, etc.

This reverence for elders is something of which we have a lot to learn in the West, where usually the youngsters live with their backs turned to their elders and where the standards and values of the youth have usurped the right space that entail conquests needing a whole life of efforts to be acquired. Instead of that, we have cornered the elderly and dismissed the usefulness of their experience in the context of awarding and celebrating the external values such as the economic plunder, success at any price, and selfishness as an accepted banner.

The information society and the electronic advances have not helped, rather they have created a strong barrier and a perfect excuse to devalue any previous experience, as if now everything was new under the sun, when the truth is on the contrary, always in this life, we talk about "the same dogs" but "with different collars".

The biggest prisoners of this state of affairs disguise themselves as youngsters up to ridicule, be it to attract the general attention be it to preserve their privileges. Men resort to dyes to hide their gray hair, women spend millions on creams and both men and women are turning to cosmetic surgery to stop or delay a process that cannot be aborted.

Growing old, as Groucho said, it is what happens if you live long enough. There is no special virtue if it's not filled with content, but there's no demerit either. At the end of the day is the horizon that awaits us all, as I said ... in the best of the cases.

The alternative to a birthday is death, so it's fair to say that old age is an achievement, a privilege and a value in itself, but it is even more when it's decorated by experience and mastery in something worth it to be transferred to those who will remain here, by the way, and

don't forget that it gives a lot of humility to every one... They, too, (the youngsters) come with an expiration date. Nobody has expressed it as well as the brilliant author of "La Celestina", D. Fernando de Rojas: "No one is so old that could not live another year, nor so young that could not die today."

Living a great life is not only living a long life. The fact that old age can be something tasty, appetizing and worth it living is the job of a lifetime. A culture that gives precedence to the values of youthfulness is certainly not the most appropriate framework, but each and every one can turn back the tide, of course, being aware of the real versus the imaginary.

Death is the only unshakeable certainty in our future, but there are many positive ways of organizing our lives in which virtue can prevail in such a way that, as Neruda, we can also say at the end and at all times, that of "I confess that I have lived".

Once distillated the nectar of the experiences, nothing equals the power, the tempered look and the gentle smile of an old man, a human being who made the most out of his days. If, as the Japanese think, the sixties are the true birth to this life, we don't even have the luxury of a minute to start preparing ourselves and meet the best of our destinies. May nothing ruin that commitment, life is a fleeting treasure and old age its golden icing ... if we know how to live it

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Russian Martial Arts

Systema is a Russian Martial Art that arouses passions. With some in favor and others against, the fact is that people talk about and are interested in Systema, although most of the time they speak with little knowledge of the issue. It's normal; when something new enters the mar tial scene, it usually r emains shr ouded in myster y and exposed to the opportunism and the opportunists.

To clarify the matter, a couple of years ago I contacted Master Weitzel, interested as I was in having his collaboration in spreading the Systema, both for his pedagogical approach, and his excellent availability. He speaks perfect English, Russian and German, and has an excellent character, as I soon discovered in our meeting.

His ruddy Viking's vibrant image doesn't detract at all from his true personality and sympathy, good treatment and affability. Not only we had a gr eat time together, but we managed to do a great job, of which I hope many of you can benefit.

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“At 41, loving dad of several children, Andreas has done a whole lot of things.

He is the leader and founder of his own school, the "Weitzel System Academy" in Augsburg, from where he regularly travels to teach his style”

Russian Martial Arts “The way one breathes, is the way one thinks and moves.

If the breathing is interrupted, panic arises and the body becomes numb.�

Systema Systema with order and judgment. In his hands, this style has tons of common sense and all those who see the video will learn a lot from it, freeing their practice from many ster eotypes that still cir culate on the subject.

At 41, loving dad of several children, Andreas has done a whole lot of things. He is the leader and founder of his own school, the "Weitzel System Academy" in Augsburg, from where he regularly travels to teach his style, not only in Germany, but also in the rest of Europe. Emerging contacts are already announcing the stated interest for his services in many other parts of the world, and after this article and the appearance of his new video, we are confident that it will be so in many other countries.

In his recording, Master Andreas Weitzel was assisted by two of his students: Michael Hazenbeller (Chief Instructor of Systema in Rastatt, Germany) and Thomas Gรถssler ("Systema instructor" at his academy in Augsburg). A Russian and a German, two fascinating people who "sweated buckets" that day ... Thanks for your work, lads!

Probably the first of in a series of works, this video will provide consistent guidelines, logical and perfectly organized, to learn the basis for the functioning of a style as exciting as unknown, without secrets and, as I said before, with a lot of good sense. In the video, Master Weitzel explains clearly the methodology, the formulation and the techniques, how are they applied and why.

What many were no doubt expecting is finally here. May you enjoy it!

Alfredo Tucci

Russian Martial Arts Budo International.: Where is the origin of Systema, where are its roots?

Andreas Weitzel.: Martial art is in Russia an old tradition. The population had to defend themselves constantly from invaders form the east, the north the west and south. At the same time they practised an active exchange of knowledge and experiences with their neighbouring countries and allies. The acquired skills were used, practiced and corrected. In todays Systema we find the result of enormous work, which stretches over generations.

Budo International.: What are the basic principles of Systema?

Andreas Weitzel.: In Systema the human is considered as one unit, body, psyche and mind, in which everything is bonded and dependent on each other. Systema is therefore based on three pillars- the form, breathing and condition.

By form we mean the way and manner you carry and move your body. The form is subdivided into four basic principles: First the principle of concentration.

It expresses that the body should always aim for a collected position: back straight, head erect, arms to the side, feet directly under the hips, no long strides, center of gravity remains directly under the trunk.

Secondly the principle of entirety.

The body should move itself as a whole. To demonstrate this principle

the shoulders should be in line with the hips, the elbows with the knees and hands with the feet.

The principle of relaxation demands that we relax all the muscles that are not immediately needed.

The muscles that are needed are tensed only as far as necessary. On those places that require well regulated and targeted tension the body will feel full and complete. Therefore we speak in Systema of the principle of completeness, when you learn to apply the correct muscle tension.

By Systema pillar Condition, we mean the psychic, mental and emotional conditions which we should control. Emotions are a bad advisor.

Therefore it is very important that our consciousness, with the help of our will power, controls the emotions. To achieve this, Systema developed a simple but very effective training method.

The third pillar of Systema is the Breathing. It is a bridge between the two others. The way one breathes, is the way one thinks and moves. If the breathing is interrupted, panic arises and the body becomes numb. When fear arises you forget to breath, and the body ceases to respond. When you tense up uncontrolled, you hold your breath and emotions arise. .. but breathing is the key to the body and the human’s psyche. It is difficult in dangerous situations to follow the advise such as ‘relax’ or ‘have no fear’. But both is possible, if you can get the breathing under control and

use it to control the psyche and the body.

Budo International.: How did you come to Systema and why have you stayed Andreas Weitzel.: I have practiced martial arts ever since I could run and think. My father was in his time a gifted close combat specialist and introduced me to Judo, Karate and boxing. When I was eight years old my mother sent me to Greco/Roman wrestling. I later changed to Judo and boxing and lear ned Kungfu and Karate as well. I tried different martial arts for nearly 15 years and was forever seeking something better and all-embracing . When I was 14 years I heard that Russian combat sports were available. I became curious. It was not until I was 21 that I discovered Systema and was immediately fascinated. I was sure that with Systema fulfils with its integral and overall martial art style all my expectations and more. Whether unarmed self-defence, fighting off more than one attacker, armed combat and fighting with improvised weapons, help and protection of third parties, fighting on the ground and constricted room. Everything is available. Further there are very clever training methods used to enhance mobility, precision, strength and stamina. Furthering ones own health through correct movement, constant breathing and massage and much more . One readily stays.

“In Systema the human is considered as one unit, body, psyche and mind, in which everything is bonded and dependent on each other. Systema is therefore based on three pillars- the form, breathing and condition.”

Systema

Systema

“The videos show mostly slow motion movements, how realistic is this as a training method.�

Systema Budo International.: In your opinion, what is the difference between Systema and other martial arts?

Andreas Weitzel.: I cannot speak of all martial arts, because I am sure I do not know them all. But to some, Systema differs by not offering a ready-made solution. We assume that a relaxed, strong, agile body combined with an easy, stable psyche is able to react to a conflicting- dangerous situation. Therefore we prefer to teach in Systema how to move and behave correctly. For example: Instead of teaching a blow, kick, throw or lifting grip , Systema teaches how one basically strikes, kicks, throws and lifts.

Budo International.: Whats the difference between Systema and modern sport contests, e.g. MMA? Andreas Weitzel.: First of all, its mental initial position is completely different.

Systema is no competitive sport, this says it all. The psychological conduct in a contest and that in a situation of life or death is very different.

The result determines the movements.

You must understand, there is a difference between being penalised in points for making a mistake or loosing my life. But in Systema we deal with this exactly - how one survives extreme and dangerous situations. The aim in a contest is to win, in Systema the aim is not to loose. That means: If I ensure that a dangerous situation

“We assume that a relaxed, strong, agile body combined with an easy, stable psyche is able to react to a conflictingdangerous situation.�

Russian Martial Arts does not arise, a fight does not start, I have reached my goal. This would be counterproductive in a martial art contest.

Budo International.: In your opinion, why is Systema ’streetwise’ Andreas Weitzel.: Because it is simple.- Systema is simple, but not easy. Simple means to me, that the solutions are direct, precise and natural. A street fight is usually decided in the first three seconds. In the ideal case you just need two moves to fend off an attack - move out of the attack line and hit precisely. Sometimes it is impossible to sidestep. Then a single move has to be sufficient. Systema offers these skills to its supporters.

Can I as a policeman or soldier profit from Systema training?

Andreas Weitzel.: Undoubtedly. System teaches one to act controlled and react adequately. It teaches you to control your emotions and to be lead by a clear mind. It teaches to move precise and economical/energy-efficient. Very important - how one moves naturally. Without fight stance, specified moves and ready-made solutions. Therefore a lot of value is put on spontaneity, improvisation, adaptability, etc. Don’t forget the diversity of Systema. Ideal for police and soldiers.

Budo International.: Can I also learn Systema if I am bodily disabled or have suffered severe injuries due to an accident Andreas Weitzel.: Naturally yes. Such a person will learn to use his apparent limited possibilities to apparent unlimited possibilities.

I know many examples where handicapped trainees with the

“System teaches one to act controlled and react adequately.

It teaches you to control your emotions and to be lead by a clear mind”

Russian Martial Arts right commitment and effort brought themselves up to the same level of training intensity as their colleagues.

If the will is strong and the effort great enough there will be no major difference between the trainees.

Budo International.: Is Systema for very young and very old people?

Andreas Weitzel.: Children four years old and upwards are training with me. Their training program consists mainly of playful exercises to boost their coordination and mobility.They scuffle a lot. Children like to fight. Later on more exercises for strength and endurance are introduced, lots of acrobatic and fall methods and more wrestling.

Either standing or on the mat, wrestling gives the children the right basis for their later training. They lear n not to be afraid of closeness nor the opponents maximum resistance. They learn to fall, roll, throw and hold. Later, when the children are older, they learn to strike and kick and how to defend against various attacks. …with grownups

there is no limit . Not so long ago I had a seminar in my school in Augsburg, where two gentlemen over seventy years took part.

Budo International.: To whom would you recommend Systema and why?

Andreas Weitzel.: Anybody, who sets value on achieving a natural and healthy exercise. Anybody who seeks an effective self-defence. Anybody who would like to train in a holistic/integrated martial art.

And of course, anybody who needs fighting skills professionally.

Budo International.: There are no belts worn in Systema. How does one judge the work of a student and his own?

Andreas Weitzel.: We find out by comparison.One can see and feel how good an opponent is if you train with him. One sees how well he keeps his balance, how relaxed and completely he moves, not showing noticeable emotion. I must

Systema

Systema however emphasise that everybody trains with each other within Systema. During training we are all pupils who have merely trained over different lengths of times. Only together can we grow. Only if you ensure your training partner is as good as possible can he further your skill.

The videos show mostly slow motion movements, how realistic is this as a training method.

We train slowly in order to ensure that what we have learnt is spiritually absorbed by both body and mind. It takes time. Obstructive or wrong movements that have been picked up beforehand should be exchanged for loose and spontaneous ones. Fast rash training destroys previous learning.

The training follows the pattern: Slow, without resistance, slow with resistance, fast without resistance, fast with resistance. System is a martial art which means that one learns to use full contact with maximum power.

Budo International.: System is well known for its ‘heavy fists’, could you please explain to us what is special about this term.

Andreas Weitzel.: The Systema-Punches are special in that they are actually very powerful and effective, although it looks effortless. The secret lies in the relaxed shoulder musculature.That is harder than it seems. Most people hit by ‘pushing’ their fists, causing the shoulder muscles to tighten. That leads to a loss of power which the body must compensate for. This we must try to avoid.

Budo Inter national.: Why use traditional weapons such as the whip or a sabre in training Andreas Weitzel.: With Systema we look upon each item with which we train, not only as a weapon but primarily as a training apparatus. Each of these items is used to learn one or more skills. Wrestling functions as a basis for bodily fitness, fist fighting

Systema trains the mind,but the armed combat, especially sword fighting forms the technical grounding of Systema.

We have the following compulsory weapons: Knife, stick, chain, whip, sword or sabre.

With the knife you learn to circle a centre point. With the stick you learn to move around a line. The chain must be used following a line. One brings the whip to bear on a precise point.

The sword/sabre combine all these skills and is the apex of Systema armed combat.

Budo Inter national.: How can we embody Systema in our daily life Andreas Weitzel.: The most important thing that System gives you is the ability to cope with extreme situations. Whether its a street attack or a severe illness, a car accident or a conflict with a fellow worker, a fall down the stairs or a football injury. Some of my students were thankful years later after leaving me that they survived nearly unharmed after being run over by a car. Some of the students said that their job success was mainly due to emotion control and self-control . Many people forget their handicap and can look their colleagues in the eye. Systema therefore offers here practically unbounded possibilities.

“First the principle of concentration.

It expresses that the body should always aim for a collected position: back straight, head erect, arms to the side, feet directly under the hips, no long strides, center of gravity remains directly under the trunk.�

Comprehensive or Integral Vovinam is simply going back to the Founder's true Vovinam. The goal of the founder was clearly and openly declared: "Harvesting effective techniques, assimilate their essence and transform them into Vovinam techniques", and indeed this concept still remains in force and is mandatory for all Vovinam Masters in the world. Vovinam is then a research concept to achieve a super effective style. However, today 90% of Vovinam teachers forget it and bend to a program too loaded, too fixed, too aesthetic and sometimes completely ineffective in numerous techniques.

Comprehensive Vovinam is simply rediscovering the original essence of Master Nguyen Loc's art. For that, we have the principles, the basic techniques, and we just have to go back to work out the effective way of every technique and apply the founding principle. In this DVD, by the hand of Master Patrick Levet, we will study the basis of Integral Vovinam, threats and knife attacks, integral counterattacks, and defense against Dam Thang (direct fist) Dam Moc (hook punch), Dam Lao (javelin punch) as well as basic leg levers.

REF.: • DVD/VIET6

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

Wing Tsun Universe (WTU) Extracts from the articles of the WTU: In our articles we write about the issues WTU Wing Tsun, martial arts, philosophy, psychology, health and the harmonious development of the human potential.

Chaos and Order In martial arts systems are the different styles with their limitations and inherent rules. Martial Arts is based on order, called rules, whatsever. It try to subdue the attack of an order that corresponds to the style. Try the chaos of battle and confrontation with the simplified order of style to capture, which often does not work. In WTU WING Tsun we increase the quality of the actions of man, so that he can juggle with even higher states of chaos, without order there. WTU Wing Tsun is a way of harmonizing from own division in the various fragments, or as we say, centers.

“In martial arts systems are the different styles with their limitations and inherent rules.

Martial Arts is based on order, called rules, whatsever.

It try to subdue the attack of an order that corresponds to the style.�

WT Universe

Excerpt from an article by SiMo/Sifu Rosa Ferrante Bannera to conclude Uni TCC Stage II Through the teachings of Budo Asian variant of the transfer of the way (DO) was known to me. The Way of Budo is the character training on the way in martial arts to me. This involves the inner attitude of the teacher, the teaching and classmates. It has much to do with respect and attention. It is the path to self-knowledge and perfection with the martial arts, which is operated and gets mediated by a master.

WT Universe

“The Way of Budo is the character training on the way in martial arts to me.�

“What is the ultimate goal in Budo, in WTU it is the starting point, at which the work begins. Only when the fragmented person, becomes a whole person, then the real work begins.�

In the WTU we have an European equivalent, but we do not call it Budo, since it springs from a different culture. We work in the Exoteric Circle with the three centers of men and thus to the development of the human potential. The orientation to the teacher and thus the right attitude to him is the basic requirement to work the way. Because learning has to do with the right approach and orientation and not with information and knowledge.

What is the ultimate goal in Budo, in WTU it is the starting point, at which the work begins. Only when the fragmented person, becomes a whole person, then the real work begins.

WT Universe

“This means that no adjustment to the time and circumstances and human understanding more would have happened.

So that we do not mean with our motto"Back to the Roots!�

WT Universe

“Back to the Roots�

Many people think by this sentence of a look into the past, to the beginning or the traditional origins of a thing. They then begin to analyze carefully step by step, moving around and trying in this way one thing to fathom. You think you can understand the career in this way, and they think that such an approach leads to legitimacy. They seek people who confirm this approach, confirming their own actions and their qualification. The proof that it is in line with the traditional original. They derive the credibility and accuracy of a thing of the documented chain of. The closer to the assumed original master, the better. As if standing the mature product at the beginning and from then is best entered no change, or no change has been approved. This means that no adjustment to the time and circumstances and human understanding more would have happened. So that we do not mean with our motto"Back to the Roots!�

“In the WTU we have a different view: The root of a thing is always the same distance from our present moment.

No further, as with humans 300 years ago or 3,000 years.

The root is our own connection with the life and its principles.�

WT Universe

In this thinking then the "picture stories" of mythical cultures are often interpreted as historical facts. An interpretation of these images in the current mindset is virtually regarded as sacrilege. The result is the transfer of dead cliches and empty rituals, who might in another culture under different circumstances fulfills a function that for our time but is useless and inappropriate.

With such an approach it is not the old days, even the new age requirements. Because if something has started somewhere in a culture or in a time, it does nothing else, that someone has dared on the tradition out that someone something time has adapted. Otherwise but any change or development would be impossible! This in turn, however, does not mean that all traditions are outdated.

In the WTU we have a different view: The root of a thing is always the same distance from our present moment. No further, as with humans 300 years ago or 3,000 years. The root is our own connection with the life and its principles.

The three WTU movement principles and the school of the moment: “Allow Contact” “Go with the Movement” “Avoid Distance”

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 today’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.: • KMISS-1

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

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"Perhaps one of the best theatrical performances regarding Martial topics "

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Vinh Xuan - The Weng Chun of Fung Siu Ching from Vietnam I recently allowed myself a very special research journey on the occasion of my thirtieth anniversary as teacher of Weng Chun, which happens to concur with yet another anniversary.

Eighty years ago, in 1936, one of my Weng Chun ancestors called Yuen Chai Wan from Foshan, received an invitation by the Nanhai and Shunde Expatriates Association to Hanoi for teaching Weng Chun.

Text: Andreas Hoffmann, Christoph FuĂ&#x;, Photos: Andreas Hoffmann, Budo International

Weng Chun

According to other stories, however, he was accused to have killed an opponent in a duel and thus was forced to leave China. Whatever the case, he relocated to Hanoi, calling himself Nguyen Te Cong, “Reincarnation of Bodhidharma”. He taught “Eternal Spring” Weng Chun, which there is referred as “Vinh Xuan”, using the same Chinese signs as for Weng Chun. Among the most important master students of Yuen Chai Wan were Ngo Si Qui, Cam Thuc Cuong, Vu Ba Quy, Tran Van Phung and Tran Thun Tien, as well as a few more students in Saigon (Ho-Chi-Minh-City). Today, however, it is already the second generation after Yuen Chai Wan practicing and teaching Vinh Xuan in Vietnam.

Weng Chun

With some of these I got in touch, because I planned to visit a representative of the Vietnamese Vinh Xuan to research it, and to find out about similarities and differences with the Chinese Weng Chun. However, I wished to delve deeper into the art to gain a more profound understanding, and so I opted for taking up an apprenticeship myself in Hanoi. After some investigation, I finally decided in favor of Sifu Nguyen Nam Vinh, one of the most important lineage holders of Ngo Si Quy in Vietnam. When he picked me up at my hotel in Hanoi, I realized that he is just the right person for my intention. Sifu Nguyen Nam Vinh made a quiet and rather modest impression, but during lessons proved to be a true virtuoso of Weng Chun. He is a very open person and instructed me the Vinh Xuan/ Weng Chun from within.

Weng Chun

Every day I learned a new form and its applications, Chi Sao, combat strategies, Qi Gong, as well as philosophy, which revealed clear references to Shaolin Chan (Zen). Prior to my first lesson I could pay respect to our ancestors at the school s altar, and basically I instantly felt at home. On the following day, the annual big Vinh Xuan-/ Weng Chun- meeting of the Ngo-family took place at the gravesite of grandmaster Ngo Si Quy.

Weng Chun

I was particularly honored to be invited, and to me it also was a lucky twist of fate to be present in Hanoi at this very time. Sifu Nguyen Nam Vinh led me through the memorable ceremony and the celebrations, and amidst this particular atmosphere I seemed to positively feel the legacy of grandmaster Ngo Si Quy – an emotion which reminded me strongly of what I experienced when I visited grandmaster Wai Yan, the last grandmaster of Weng Chun in Hong Kong.

During classes, I concentrated mostly on the forms at first, notably on the Th u quy n, the Khí công quy n and the “108-form” H th ng. With the first form, Th u quy n, the student learns the basic exercises of Weng Chun in a natural stance, legs hip width apart. Emphasis is placed on a relaxed and natural execution of the arm techniques. The movement patter ns are essentially identical with those found in the Chinese Weng Chun forms Sap Yat Kuen and Weng Chun Saam Pai Fut, but also in the Chinese Weng Chun Siu Nim Tau. This is historically comprehensible, since Yuen Chai Wan had also learned Wing Chun from Fok Bo Chun in the 19th century. With the second form, the Khí công quy n, I have learned more about the development of chi, about breathing, the “pumping movement” which is typical of Weng Chun, and about threedimensional circling.

Weng Chun

The partner exercises are generally focussed on relaxed, aware and spontaneous action, and on neutralizing all kinds of attacks, while great emphasize is put on Chi Sao (Quay Tay), the exercise of the “sticking/ sensing hands”. At first, Chi Sao is learned without footwork, and later with footwork in all directions. There is also a particular Chi Sao exercise series to learn how to push and pull using the power of the whole body, which also plays a crucial role in Chinese Weng Chun as taught by grandmasters Wai Yan and Pang Nam. Then there is the “108-form” (H th ng), which is performed “in the air”, with and without footwork, but also with the wooden dummy as well as with a partner. Again I realized here that every movement is also found in the Chinese Weng Chun wooden dummy form.

Weng Chun

When it came to the Vinh Xuan animal forms, the scales fell from my eyes, since the Fung Siu Ching Chong Kuen form and the Siong Kung Chong Kuen form include virtually identical movement patterns as the Vietnamese Vinh Xuan animal forms. Fung Siu Ching was particularly well-known for the Chong Kuen forms, and the animal forms as well as the “108 form� constitute the heart of the system. Hence it was completely obvious to me that this Vinh Xuan actually is the Weng Chun of my ancestor Fung Siu Ching, and that we are one family.

I was overwhelmed by the cordiality of Sifu Nguyen Nam Vinh and his students, and I am very grateful for it. The other masters who I met, like master Nguyen Nguyen Ngoc Noi and master Doan Thuy Anh as well as all of their students were also extremely friendly and open towards me. It was a heartwarming experience, and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for this.

Weng Chun

Subsequently all of the forms of Vinh Xuan/ Weng Chun:

· Thủ đầu quyề – basic form · Khí công quyền - Qigong form · Ngũ hình sơ bộ - combined form of the five animals · Long hình quyền – dragon form · Xà hình quyền – snake form · Hổ hình quyền – tiger form · Báo hình quy n – leopard form · Hạc hình quyền – crane form · Hệ thống (mộc nhân) 108 Form (wooden dummy form) · long pole · double knives

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

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu VACIRCA BROTHERS JIU-JITSU The Vacirca Story ¦ Part 3 In October 1997, thanks to the financial support of my best friend Marco, I could meet Grandmaster Pedro Hemetério, the first Red belt by Hélio Gracie. Initially Grandmaster Hemetério (better known as Professor Pedro, like he was called by his students and friends) was towards me, as well as any other stranger, quiet skeptical. He told me later, that before my visit, other Americans and Europeans had visited him, but not to learn from him, but only to make a few pictures with him. But since I was very committed and I continued my training with him , he acce p te d m e as his pr ivate student. During the second year of training, Professor Pedro was much more open and he started to share with me much more details then previously in the beginning of my studies with him. During the following years I also spent some time after the training with him, and I noticed that he didn’t use to share much time with his local students. He once said to me, because he had been disappointed to many times in the past. Under Professor Pedro's private tuition, I learned the entire (Hélio) Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Lesson program used in the early days, which he continued to teach until his dead.

Text: Franco Vacirca, Sandra Nagel Photos: Alfredo Tucci & Franco Vacirca hortly before Christmas of that same year, after I had returned from Sao Paulo and I had been together with my brother Demetrio in Valencia teaching our first JiuJitsu seminar in this city, I met for the first time with Alfredo Tucci, magazine editor of Budo International, in Madrid. This magazine is very well known around the world. The new link to Tucci was a higher gift for us, since it lead us Vacirca Brothers to teach our Jiu-Jitsu seminars around the globe.

The business cooperation with Budo International and Alfredo Tucci,

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who understood our goals and now shared also our mission, brought us to produce six videos (DVDs) about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, including also the video Cross-Fighting, a combination of BJJ and Thaiboxing in cooperation with Grandmaster Marco de Cesaris from Rome. Tucci called our new instructional video series VACIRCA JIUJITSU and a "new" Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brand was born virtually overnight in Europe. The Vacirca Jiu-Jitsu wave brought us shortly afterwards to London, I believe to be the most important city in Europe for martial arts from around the world. Then shortly after we traveled to Crete, Madrid, Milan, Varese, Rome, Athens, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vienna, and taught also in several cities in Germany and of course in Switzerland.

For several years I continued my private studies under Grandmaster Pedro Hemetério, however, one day Professor Pedro started to have some serious health problems, so it seemed to him to talk about my Jiu-Jitsu carrier. It seemed to me, that he wanted to be sure that I would get the opportunity, before he would pass from this world, that I would be certified by him and the Federation of State of Rio de Janeiro. In the late 60s together with his teacher Hélio Gracie, he was one of the founders of this Federation. So he made sure that I could contact Master Reyson Gracie, Red belt and son of Carlos Gracie (Senior) and Master Robson Gracie (today president of the Federation). In 2006 I invited Master Reyson Gracie to come and visit our Academy in Zurich; it was for the first time for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students from all over Europe to have a unique possibility to meet one of the very few Red belts outside of Brazil. During the second visit to Zurich in May 2009, he awarded me with the official certification of “Professor de Jiu-Jitsu”, 5th degree Black belt, signed by Master Robson Gracie, president of the Rio de Janeiro Federation.

After the passing of Professor Pedro, I felt a bit abandoned and emotionally weak, and not yet ready to connect with any other Jiu-Jitsu teacher. In Sao Paulo under the guidance of this true and charismatic master, I got the chance to get a different view of the whole, and at that time nothing and nobody could replace his teachings. Back at home in Zurich, I was in situations where I didn’t really know if I wanted to continue to train and teach.

The passing of Professor Pedro had created a big hole in my life and I tried with all my strength to close it again. In Sao Paulo, everyone knew that Professor Pedro was THE defender of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Originally born in Ceara, he learned from Carlos and Hélio Gracie in Rio de Janeiro, and ended up to be in the late 50s in Sao Paulo. He was not the first Jiu-Jitsu teacher in this city, since many masters from Japan had already established many schools around 1910s; in Rio de Janeiro the first JiuJitsu school was opened around 1925

by Sada Miake protégé Agenor Sampaio Moreira. Never less, with hard work he achieved an outstanding reputation which he also fully deserved. So it was not an easy task for Hemetério, but with his hard

working attitude he achieved his goal.

Through him, I meet also some of the non-Gracie masters, regardless of their Lineage. Professor Pedro had in my opinion a very large knowledge in many martial disciplines, but remained a true defender of the oldstyle Gracie teaching program.

Professor Pedro had told me about his former Jiu-Jitsu colleagues and so I took my time in traveling around the country and to visit them if that was still possible. Unfortunately many had already passed away, so I had to go from north to south and to the

interiors to see if I could meet the late Masters. It was the greatest experience in my life and it opened my eyes one more time. This tour had also provided me the unique opportunity to go back into the past. I felt truly to be on the footsteps of the great Mitsuyo Maeda and I learned a lot more about the history of Jiu-Jitsu.

Every time when I returned back to Zurich, I understood how great this system is and how much was yet still to learn, regardless of the lineage.

During this period my students in Zurich were exposed to my personal

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

research and were part of my "experiment". In my lab, the Vacirca Academy, they experienced firsthand this "research-time" and helped me without it great to know to develop the new Vacirca Brothers teaching program. There were times where we trained a lot from standing, as nearly as we would be a Judo or Sambo school and then there was again the time that we practiced a lot from the Guard or Mounted position. That happened because of my numerous expeditions, which brought me to a variety of interpretations of the same technique and position.

During this period I also traveled to Cuba, where some of the greatest Japanese and Russian masters visit this beautiful country. I was able to train in different schools and even to exchange at the local police school in Havana.

More and more it was clear to me that the name "JiuJitsu" was the right one to be used for our fighting method, because what we were doing is not Judo, even if some part maybe of the teaching and techniques is strong connected with it. In many martial arts magazine and on the internet you can read that some people believe that

there is no “Brazilian style” of Jiu-Jitsu, but more like a “Brazilian Judo”. In fact it is true, that only a few years ago, in Brazil, some schools and teams created a "program" for their students, and even in the same organization, from school to school the program still remains very different.

But it is not true for all Jiu-Jitsu Academies. I also agree that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was never created by only one or two families. It is a style that has a long history of training, teaching and competition, which i believe it is what JiuJitsu makes it so different. Jiu-Jitsu it has been tested in Vale-Tudo and Sport competition alike and I believe that this makes it so strong and naturally effective. It is also true, that the Brazilian style is available today thanks to the efforts also done by the late Japanese masters coming to Brazil. There students took their teachings further by opening their own schools and created a huge community which today is worldwide.

Franco Vacirca www.vacircajiujitsu.ch

GRAPPLING The JEET KUNE DO approach to the study of wrestling The arrival in Italy, at my school, of Sifu Larry Hartsell, Erik Paulson, John Machado and many others, was the perfect setting to draw up this brief analysis of the particular type of approach that JKD has in addressing the study of the fourth distance, that of wrestling, both standing and on the ground.

The increasing attention that has been poured in recent times on wrestling techniques (in particular ground fighting) has responded primarily to events like the now famous ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP, Mixed Martial Arts, and other disciplines more classifiable within the framework of sports, among which the SHOOT WRESTLING, quite popular in Japan, the Sanshou, the SHUAI JAO and the art of CHINNA (in China).

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hortly after the first editions of the UFC, some JKD organizations have decided to adopt the Brazilian JU JITSU as the only technical source with respect to the fourth distance.

Now, with all due respect for the Brazilian JU JITSU, which I study and that has specifically and precisely demonstrated to be one of the most effective combat systems in the world, I just can't understand how such a radical decision can be taken within a context like that of JKD, where should always prevail attitudes motivated by the principle of never limit yourself to a single system, but remain open to new and different ideas.

However, instead of arguing and not improving (building), I prefer to justify my previous statements in order to allow everyone to evaluate, criticize and confront something more concrete than a few statements ** of principle.

All wrestling systems, whether Western (Greco-Roman Wrestling, Catch, Turkish Wrestling, Pankration), Eastern (Ju-Jitsu, Judo, Dumog, Chinna, Shuai Jao), or mixed (Sambo, ShootWrestling) distinguish themselves, rather than by their technical differences, by the different importance that each one gives respectively to two key elements that are Sensitivity and Physical Strength.

For example, in Ju-Jitsu, tactile sensitivity assumes primary importance to the point of allowing the practitioner of this discipline being able to face an opponent much heavier than him.

In Wrestling and Turkish Wrestling instead, along with a good dose of sensitivity, the element that prevails is the force and he who has experience in this field knows well the devastating consequences of the physical strength of these athletes.

Therefore, the technical differences do not reflect anything but the different importance assumed in each system of the above two elements: a practitioner of JuJitsu, for example, will try to undermine the supporting points of his opponent, making any movement of the latter be counterproductive, while a Greco-Roman wrestler has in its arsenal techniques that are based on an imposition of his strength over that of his adversary (the takedown is a classic of this style).

In Wrestling and Turkish Wrestling instead, along with a good dose of sensitivity, the element that prevails is the force and he who has experience in this field knows

well the devastating consequences of the physical strength of these athletes.

Therefore, the technical differences do not reflect anything but the different importance assumed in each system of the above two elements: a practitioner of Ju-Jitsu, for example, will try to undermine the supporting points of his opponent, making any movement of the latter be counterproductive, while a Greco-Roman wrestler has in its arsenal techniques that are based on an imposition of his strength over that of his adversary (the reversal is a classic of this style).

In what way, however, does JKD insert in this great variety of systems, principles, techniques, etc.? Well, first, without making unique choices.

The fight distance is not special, and when studying it, we can't or shouldn't favor an approach to a specific system over another, and neither over the other three.

The superiority, or better, the greater convenience of a technique or approach, cannot be evaluated in an absolute

sense, but only in relation to the type of opponent and the particular situation in which you find yourself.

To those who claim to be practitioners of JKD and celebrate the supposed superiority of a combat system over the rest, justifying it with the fact that it has maintained a martial dimension that the others have lost becoming mere combat sports, I would like to remind them that Sigung LEE himself inserted in the constituent elements of the art, the first JUN FAN GUNG FU, principles, techniques and strategies from Western wrestling and even from fencing.

Of course, a discipline like JKD, which is exclusively trained for the purpose of a real fight, will offer its practitioners more ideas than the many that can be proposed by disciplines now recognized as sports, but not for that, I repeat, we must use eye protections.

Being qualified in a fighting system does not mean being prepared to fight against practitioners of other fighting styles.

I also remember that in recent free fighting events, many

specialists in this field are often beaten by personalities from sport fighting and Judo, the first among them DAN SEVERN. The approach to Grappling adopted by my school, JUN FAN JKD ACADEMY (honorary representative for Italy of the JUN FAN JKD GRAPPLING ASSOCIATION of Sifu Larry Hartsell) is divided into several phases.

The first is that of learning the simple technique that can be performed standing or on the ground and must be repeated many times in order to create those automatisms that allow to apply the technique instinctively and without thinking, to develop what Sifu Larry Hartsell calls "Muscle Memory".

In the second phase we study the distances, or rather, how to close the distance. For that, Sifu Larry Hartsell prefers hand trapping techniques, because the sensitivity required for a good entrapment, as well as the grips and the blows of trapping, provide contact points that are ideal for performing Grappling techniques.

The second step, once developed good entry capacities, consists of developing a good group of levers and related variables that work in various positions.

The fight can occur in a variety of different positions, so it's important to experiment with these levers standing, kneeling, and lying down on the ground.

Developing your progressions and your series of levers, you will learn the principles that will allow you to overcome the limitations of the various joints.

To explain this process Sifu Hartsell always said: "I saw this lever in six different styles, and it's always the same lever."

The fourth phase is that of the isolated sparring, sparring in isolation, that has its roots in the workouts of Sifu Hartsell with Bruce Lee: "Bruce asked one of us to put on a lot of protections. Then he made that the selected student was attacked with a limited number of techniques; in turn, the defender himself was also limited in the number of movements that he could use, and once the distance between them was closed, the grappling started, in which the defender had a couple of submission techniques to perform."

This exercise serves to develop a good sense of timing and the required speed and strength to effectively apply the techniques learned in previous steps; finally, you get to the stage of becoming familiar with the mat, which can only be developed in a way: sparring.

Sparring is good to analyze the variables of a technique when you are under pressure and you try to put it into practice at a high speed, there is no way to avoid this step, and the hours spent sparring may be the most fruitful (profitable) part of your workouts.

Some think that training at this level is not necessary, believing that is enough with two or three techniques for position; Sifu Hartsell's method is also based on the idea that if you know two techniques you will be submitted in

thirty seconds; if you know five you it will take two minutes; if you know twenty it will require ten minutes and perhaps during all this time you can find the opportunity you need to win.

This multidisciplinary approach is the root of Sifu Hartsell's method; he himself advised the students to follow other instructors of Grappling, Judo, Machado Ju-Jitsu, Shoot Wrestling, Sambo, etc., all of them in the list of the Arts to study.

In short, every student should be able to find his own way so that he can have full control over his workout.

In conclusion, I hope that this brief technical overview may have provided a new perspective from which you can study a distance that, over time, is becoming increasingly important, and I remind you that ten minutes of practice are better than so many hours of theory, so let’s get to train!!!

Interview with Larry Hartsell

by Alessandro Colonnese The following interview was made by Alessandro Colonnese during his last

trip to California, at the home of Sifu Larry Hartsell, with fifty years of Martial Arts behind, a history as a first-generation student of Bruce Lee, numerous experiences in the US Army and Police. He is considered one of the greatest experts of Jeet Kune Do on the world stage, to the point of having been defined one of the best fighters by the students themselves.

“After forty days of exhausting workout at Larry's house, I stopped to have a chat with the old rock in person. Here is the result.

A. Colonnese - "Larry, given that you're in charge of the Jun Fan / JKD Grappling Association, which mainly deals with distance in combat, can you tell us why such a specific choice?"

Hartsell - I. "Founding an association of this kind was suggested to me by Bruce Lee. He told me that since my technical characteristics were close to the fight, I should set up an association of my own which dealt specifically with grappling techniques. Then I founded the Jun Fan / JKD Grappling Association. This happened in 1991. The aim of the association is that of facilitating everyone the study and the aspects of the Jeet Kune do that were taught to me by Bruce Lee. The practice was based on the four combat distances experienced by Bruce Lee during workouts: the distance of kicks, that of the punches, the grappling distance and the wrestling distance, which I prefer in a particular way.

After his death, Bruce left us 33 fighting techniques that he had learned from Gene Le Belle, Hayward Nishioka and the Chinese art of Chinná, introducing them in the early concepts of Jeet Kune Do. You may belong to whatever association you wish and, at the same time, belong to mine. I only teach people who are willing to train hard; we are now a big family, we all know each other here; our goal is that of growing together and trying to spread the principles of Jeet Kune Do, as Bruce Lee would have wanted. I want to make sure that if anything happens to me people might say, 'I studied with Larry Hartsell, a direct student of Bruce Lee'.

II. My instructors, in fact, receive a certificate, a membership card to the association, and a passport type booklet. To give classes under my guide, you must have behind six years of training and demonstrate through a test that you have mastered all combat distances. My main goal is to lead seminars for all my representatives distributed in about twenty states. Alessandro Colonnese is my exclusive representative in Italy, currently one of the best, his organization, the Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Academy, organizes my seminars, spreads my approach to Jeet Kune Do and deals with personal issues of my organization in Italy.”

A. Colonnese - "You mentioned the burgeoning growth of ‘pseudo JKD’ groups which is happening these days.

American magazines are full of people claiming to teach the original JKD. What's your view on the subject? "

Hartsell - I. "Well, I think there are many who want to hop in the bandwagon, and for some strange reason there is no license on the terminology ‘Jeet Kune Do’. There are people who used to practice JKD years ago, but they don't do it any longer and therefore they've lagged behind.

II. There is talk of original JKD, which is opposed to the JKD concepts. But we still teach the evolution of combat. Life goes on, there is a progress; as a friend of mine likes to say; ‘why driving a 1968 car when you can have a car with cutting edge technology?’ Everything grows. Recently we entered the Shoot Wrestling in our Jeet Kune Do family in Los Angeles. It's a progression. There is no end in the learning process. Those who say ‘that's all we need’ are wrong."

A. Colonnese - "So you don't agree with those who, having trained with Bruce Lee in the early days, say that what they do is, in a sense, purer?"

Hartsell - I. "That's right, Bruce experimented continuously. He worked out the Jeet Kune Do concepts between 1967 and 1970, during the period in which he lived with James Lee, in Oakland. However, he really began to experience the fight when he was in Los Angeles. He changed continuously. Note that, at some point, he even decided to abandon the term ‘JKD’!

II. With regard to those who claim they do the original JKD, let me quote a few phrases of Bruce Lee. He said: 'JKD is just a name, it's like a boat that used and left once no longer needed.' In other words it is a concept, on which you mustn't stop, rather you have to go further to find your own way. I am more oriented towards the fighting distance.

Others prefer Muay Thai and long distance, such as the kick distance. To each his own; there are not two people are exactly alike.

III. Bruce focused more on the individuality of the person rather than on the mass production of this or that. So, can you really talk about "original" JKD? I don't think so....

A. Colonnese - "In fact, the idea of a system encoded with a beginning and an end would be at odds with the ideas disseminated by Bruce Lee." Hartsell - I. "Exactly. He was constantly changing. Of course, what he taught in the early days was very effective, I do not deny it, but he was constantly changing until the day of his death."

A. Colonnese - "I've heard some say that Bruce Lee didn't practice Southeast Asian Martial Arts or ground fighting, but even in the cruder versions of his art, as well as in his films, there are elements of Kali and wrestling."

Hartsell - I. "Once a journalist wrote in a magazine specialized in Martial Arts (Black Belt Magazine) that Bruce had never studied Silat. In reference to this he added, "why should he want to go to kindergarten if he was already in college?" I found it all so stupid, because I myself have seen Bruce Lee's notes on Silat."

A. Colonnese - "He was studying Silat and Kali, they no longer know what to write about. In fact, Silat and Kali shouldn't be forgotten, even if Bruce Lee had not studied them. " Hartsell - I. "Silat is a beautiful art. I myself studied it with Pendekar Paul De Thouars. One of the things I want to do is to promote harmony among all Martial Arts. We can all learn from one another, so it's not fair discrediting people like that."

A. Colonnese - "After so many seminars around the world, what do you think a practitioner of another style can draw from a seminar?"

Hartsell - I. "It depends on the person. Some get the message on the fly. In the United States, many people who were practicing amateur wrestling, learned fast ground fighting. A former boxer will learn quickly hand techniques. In short, it's always different things that go right or wrong to different people. I myself am training with Yore Nakamura in Shoot Wrestling. I absorb the techniques well enough to insert them in his seminars."

A. Colonnese - "So you're still learning, too! Are still there people that come to you in a yellow jumpsuit pretending that you teach them how to use the nunchakus?"

Hartsell - I. "Once somebody asked me to teach her Chi, because she said that Bruce Lee had a special Chi! In my opinion, what Bruce Lee had was a strong discharge of adrenaline. He could operate it at will. I think we all have that, like the lady that lifts a car to save her child. In the human body, stress can cause strange chemical changes that give amazing results."

A. Colonna - "It seems to me that there are two schools of thought of Bruce Lee. People like you, who continue his approaching methods to training, and those with an obsessive devotion to Bruce Lee as if he were an icon. Have you ever met any of the latter?"

I. Hartsell - "Of course, you ought to see the letters that Linda Lee receives. Crazy. People who claim to be possessed by the spirit of Bruce Lee. In seminars I sometimes see people with neurotic and obsessed behaviors, and I treat them like the others, because in these cases you must do so, although I keep an eye on them."

A. Colonnese - "These days how much do you train in relation to your work commitments?"

I. Hartsell - "It depends on the month. I always train with weights and try to set aside some time to train with Dan Inosanto and Yuri Nakamura. In short, I keep in shape!"

A. Colonnese - "I've noticed that US magazines are always addressing the same people. Indeed, given your background, you've never had sufficiently attracted the interest of the media as you deserve, why.?"

Hartsell - I. "Well, many of these newspapers are designed solely to create contrasts, always trying to play the old 'who would win in this situation?' I've had enough publicity. I wrote some articles in Martial Arts Magazine, a magazine that I really appreciate because it deals only with the training methods. However, this story of 'what is the best system' is nothing but garbage and I prefer to stay out of it because I have nothing to prove. I've gone into the ring, fought in the street, I know what I can do and I don't have to prove it to anyone."

A. Colonnese - "Thanks for giving us some of your time, Larry".

Hartsell - I. "Thank you, it has been a pleasure."

WTKF World Traditional Kung Fu Federation Practicing traditional Kung Fu means immersing yourself in a millenarian culture and so, parting on a cross trip through the study of philosophy, medicine, art and martial discipline.

The fields of study and research are countless, and so are the manifestations of its practice.

To date, the WTKF brings together a number of schools and masters who practice and teach different styles.

The beauty of this Union lies in the sharing of the various ways of living the martial experience, benefiting from the sharing and dialogue among different traditions and methods.

In the past, great Masters gathered to grow together, train and show the results of their research.

A virtuous circle of exchange and mutual support that allowed the Masters who adhered to this collaboration, to excel in the practice and spreading of traditional Kung Fu. The WTKF is rebuilding this spirit of harmony and cooperation to launch a New Era of Traditional Kung Fu. To do this it's vital to JOIN forces to allow the true martial culture to emerge from an increasingly decadent scene that has created an altered image of the nature of Kung Fu.

Alessandro Colonnese

WTKF World Traditional Kung Fu Federation We have given rise to a great project, the birth of the Italian Union of Traditional Kung Fu, an organization that serves only the purpose of unifying and promoting the authentic traditional Kung Fu in Italy, in Europe and worldwide.

The soul of this federation is the PASSION for traditional Kung Fu, much too often masked by marketing operations.

The association wishes to represent the ancient Martial Art that, in its different styles, is shared by thousands of practitioners worldwide.

Today the landscape appears surrounded by various realities, each with its own ideal, and each with the need to have a reference point, a common voice that gathers the legitimate representatives of traditional Kung Fu. This is our intention.

We want to be a martial community that collaborates so that new schools can flourish and protect those already existing, welcoming all other realities who want to join us.

We have important responsibilities, and first of all is to ensure that styles are taught according to the teachings of the old masters, keeping unaltered the art that distinguishes them and value them in their uniqueness.

Backed by many masters and the traditional Chinese martial community, we are walking proudly toward our federal second year, during which we hope to develop a great activity and make us present throughout the national territory.

To build this reality, we need your help and cooperation. If you practice a traditional style, come and join our large family, you are welcome and you can contribute with your sense of belonging. We can count on the support of the "World Traditional Kung Fu Federation" and many existing traditional Chinese associations with which we are twinned.

Want to be part of the great Family of Traditional Kung Fu? Ask for our membership Join for hard work

Uniti per il duro lavoro

1 - Kick defense with grip.

2 - Grabbing your opponent's leg and bringing him to the ground.

3 - Grabbing the leg to finish the knockdown 4 - After knockdown, lever to the knee joint.

5 - Lever to the knee and ankle.

In this DVD, G.M. Larry Tatum (10th Dan) develops techniques of the Kenpo program at the highest level.

Particularly, some of his “favorites” like Flashing Mace, Parting Wings, Entwined Lance…

Masterfully executed and based on the experience of the movement, G.M. Tatum incorporates his innovative teachings in these techniques that will help you add and complement your training in the Kenpo system. Besides, they provide the individual with the best choice for selfdefense, based on the logical and practical thinking, and place him in the path of understanding the art of Kenpo. These are the self-defense and fighting systems of the modern times we live in.

They are designed so that the practitioner gets all the benefits that training these techniques can provide. This DVD has the support of Master Adolfo Luelmo (9th Dan), who goes on with a series of techniques performed in a smooth and strong way, for situations of extreme aggression, in which can be appreciated different states of the movement, in a logical and effective way. As a conclusion, Master Camacho Assisi (8th Dan), displays a technique that combines the strength of the arms and his expertise with legs.

REF.: • DVD/LARRY4

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

Okinawa

Karate

Minoru Higa - Breaking Makiwara and Building Lives Higa Minoru sensei is regarded as the quintessential Karate master, both in Okinawa and abroad. Judan Hanshi, head of the Kyudokan, director of the Okinawa Karatedo Rengokai, and president of the famous Naha city giant ropepull, are but few of his titles. He is gentle, yet fierce kind and powerful. With energy to spare, he performs every technique with his students, many of whom are half his age. qÉñí=C=éÜçíçëW=pÉåëÉá=`Éò~ê=_çêâçïëâá

Okinawa

CB- Higa-sensei, it's an privilege and an honour for me to speak with you at your dojo.

HM- You're most welcome.

CB- You are the leader of the international Kyudokan Shorin-Ryu group, as well as an active ambassador for all styles of Okinawan Martial Arts and many cultural activities.

HM- With a unified voice, we can really advance the popularity, and promote the true meaning of Okinawa Karatedo around the world.

CB- Sensei how old were you when you began practicing Karate-do?

HM- I was 18 years old. This may seem late, but since the age of 12, I was a very active Judo

Karate

Okinawa

Karate

practitioner. My first Judo teacher was Yogen Tamashiro-sensei, then I become a pupil of Master Yokomoto Isekichi.

CB- Sensei on your retur n from the mainland, you started your Karate training.

Can you tell us something about this period?

HM- Well, Karate was my family's passion for generations. My two uncles, Yuchoku Higa and Jintatsu Higa, were very dedicated Karate-ka and teachers. One of the first stops on my return was the home of uncle Yuchoku, where he simply said "I suggested you start with Judo, now it's time for Karate", so I enrolled at his dojo. I knew Judo gave me good balance and understanding of Tanden, and I wanted to apply these principles.

CB- What are some of your memories of early days in the dojo?

MH- Generally, mukashi-keiko (old-day training) was done outside. Most dojo were actually gardens attached to the family residence.

It was difficult to tell a home from a dojo except for the many makiwara positioned around the yard. It was such an important tool. Today, people practice Karate to become better human beings, to develop a good heart and mind. Back then it was about having a knock-out punch. It was only about self-defence. At that time, the word most often used to describe the purpose of Karate was mamoru, protection. Bugei, or the purely practical side of Karate, was my interest, until I saw my senpai’s holistic approach to the art. This shifted my focus to budo, or the heart-mind method of spiritual practice.

CB- Do you believe Karate will help practitioners become better human beings, or do you think you have to possess a deep desire for personal growth?

HM- It's not about instantaneous change. It's not satori, or a flash of light. It's gradual, borne of watching your seniors. If they are modest, you will likely become modest. If they are benevolent, loyal or hardworking, you will develop these traits.

It's the concept of michi, road or path. The teacher and student must travel together, for however long it takes. This could be summed up as kyudo mugen - the study-trail is never-ending.

Okinawa

Karate

“Most dojo were actually gardens attached to the family residence.

It was difficult to tell a home from a dojo except for the many makiwara positioned around the yard.�

Karate

CB- Sensei the concept of ShinGi-Tai is often presented to the students on Okinawa. What is your personal understanding of this concept?

HM- Shin is kokoro or heart, it's about the spirit. Gi is about the waza, technique or skill. Tai or karada is the body, or core. The evolution takes place actually in reverse. First you must develop a strong body, with corporal and conditioning exercises.

Only then you are ready to learn the technique, kata, application or alike.

These skills are framed on strong core. The first two steps are at the discretion of the teacher, and best

suited to the individual. The heartsprit training is again something that student develops more on their own, based on the physical teachings.

These steps are a catalyst for Budo maturity.

CB- While speaking about Budo maturity, could you enlighten us on the concept of Shu-Ha-Ri as you see it.

MH- Shu means to protect, gourd but also to obey. In this stage you simply practice, it's all about learning the fundamentals, and discovering yourself as a practitioner.

Ha means to break, destroy,

detach but also to frustrate. At this stage you follow the teachings, but you develop your own need-based views on training. You might begin to teach and formulate your teaching procedures, still based on the doctrine of your style.

Ri means to detach, digress and to separate. In theory if you practice long enough, you will develop unique concepts and ideas, but I think these individual are very rare. Change simply for sake of change is futile.

CB- I think most practitioners are familiar with grades of Renshi Kyoshi and Hanshi, but but there is

Okinawa

Karate

an exulted title of Meijin used in reference of truly gifted individuals. Can you enlighten us on the meaning and usage of this title.

HM- the titles of Renshi Kyoshi Hanshi have a standard meaning (reading of Kanji characters) yet every style or group has a different standard and expectations attached. The title Meijin means a 'truly distinguished individual'. An ascended master who not only guides you down the path, but illuminates your travels. A kind of giver of light, or provider of profound inspiration.

CB- Sensei the last question; is there a maxim or a guiding principal you would care to share with our readers?

HM- I think maybe Ichi-go, Ichi-e, or one meeting, one chance. When you meet someone or experience something, you should attach importance to the experience. Sometimes the most infinitesimal moments might have profound results. When you're younger perhaps you look for important people to inspire or educate you, when you mature, every interaction, every human being matters and offers an opportunity.

Okinawa

Karate

HM- In closing I would like to say, that all Karate and in fact all martial arts are wonderful. Never criticize another art, system, style or especially a practitioner. Just because you don't understand something, it doesn't mean it has no importance and value. Rather then give to quick judgment, offer optimism and let's work together for the betterment of human lives.

Postscript. Higa sensei represents the convergence of old and new. With his leadership, that is full of heart and intellect, guiding the future of Karatedo, our future is secured. I am truly grateful to him for his time, as well Patrick Rault sensei for aiding in this interview, and Marion Manzo sensei for editing help.

“Never criticize another art, system, style or especially a practitioner. Just because you don't understand something, it doesn't mean it has no importance and value.�

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.: • DVD/YANTI-1

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

"What beautifies the desert is that it hides a well of water somewhere."

Antoine de Saint-Exupery "What we know is a water drop; what we ignore is the ocean.�

Isaac Newton Flow doesn't mean being sloppy; definitely, water is not so, for it doesn't leave any corner uncovered... it reaches everywhere!

As asturian people say, "water has a very fine snout". Unhurried, coupling to the circumstances, water is a metaphor for the persistence and extreme adaptability. It's the paradigm of changing in the form without transforming the essence.

Water catalyzes life; without water, the land dries and gets barren; and the fire, without a controller, spreads everywhere and the air, turned into a sandstorm, cannot carry the fertility of the clouds, or the force of the changes. Even iron is wrought by the use of fire in the forges!

Water is the cradle of all life, the primary livelihood of both inanimate and animate beings, all of them "bags" of hotter and hotter waters, according to their degree of evolution, and adapted to a change that we accompany, of which we are part, and not guilty, as some would have us believe. The "terminal sin" is the JudeoChristian guilt of environmentalism.

Water comforts us, cleanses us, and blesses us.

Wet in the rivers of the moment, we swim, fight, wreck...

Flowing, adapting to the barriers, going down, not opposing anything, water is the perfect analogy of humility, adaptation and not conflict. The water wins aimlessly; following its nature, it surrounds any obstacle and teaches us how to overcome, but with wisdom, free from wear and tear, without losing sight of the goal. What is a rock on the road, a mountain‌? Even trapped in between cliffs and narrow passages, water filters, or evaporates if such a thing is not possible; nothing stops its destination.

It's been the river of life that has left in my shores these texts, which today I share in book format. And I say "it left" because all authorship is at least confusing, since we are all debtors of those before us, those who inspired and keep inspiring us, of the floating clouds of the collective unconscious, and even, who knows!, of the spirits and the consciousness around us.

I can't teach anything because I don't know anything, but for those who wish to hear my poems, here I leave my sincere and truly felt thoughts, every time more felt and less thought, because mind is a deceptive device that sees what it wants to see and I’ve learned to be suspicious about it.

Kung Fu

People have indeed accomplished extraordinary achievements in countless areas, but there are only few people who become a legend during their lifetime.

I am very lucky to be a student of such a legend and also honoured to follow in his footsteps. And this year he was even here with us in Switzerland. Of course we are talking about Grandmaster Dr. Chiu Chi Ling, holder of the 10th Dan and head of style of our Kung Fu family.

A Kung Fu Legend in Switzerland

Kung Fu herever my teacher goes, people love him. Besides his technical skills and his experience I have always admired his ability to inspire people and to spread joy.

Especially thanks to his decades of experience in the original Shaolin Hung Gar Kung Fu his presence fills the room wherever he turns up. Many people have already asked me how I succeeded in becoming the successor of such an icon.

Oftentimes they question me what in general my secret for

W

my success in the world of the martial arts is. My secret is actually very simple and merely includes two rules: • Sifu’s right.

• If it should happen that your sifu is in the lesson, then follow rule number 1.

Okay, even if these rules surely have a grain of truth to them, joking aside: I was educated and trained by my Sifu to always do the right thing to the best of my knowledge and judgement, even if it was not always pleasant. I was trained to keep my ego out of important issues and to make our art accessible to as many people as possible. Apart from the technical progress by means of decades of training, the afore-mentioned points, efficiently and continuously applied, have certainly contributed to a large extent to the fact that eventually I

Kung Fu became his successor and top student. In this article I would like to show a good and particularly current example of how a top student treats his master even after years of following him and learning from him:When my Sifu landed at the airport of Zurich at the end of January, of course I picked him up and after a warm welcome we drove directly to my school in Zurich. It wasn't a long time since we last saw each other, since I had already met my Sifu at his first birthday party in Belgium where many of my Kung Fu brothers such as Hagen Bluck (Germany), Klaas Padberg (Netherlands), Giancarlo Matarazzo (Italy) were there too. Once we had arrived at the school in Zurich, I showed the carefully prepared plan for the upcoming days to my Sifu. Of course we wanted to make best possible use of his short stay here in Switzerland, so we organised not only several seminars for beginner, intermediate and advanced classes, but also TCM (traditional Chinese Medicine)

appointments in order to treat patients and of course private lessons for myself. Due to a sound and professional eduction, which involves technical and interpersonal skills and also cultural knowledge, my instructors and students knew exactly what to do and supported my goal to organise my Sifu’s stay as perfectly as possible.Already on the day after Sifu’s arrival (of course he stayed at my place in a guest room, especially arranged for him) my first private lesson began. After all these years he still managed to make me look like a beginner. But it is precisely because of this that I am very passionate about this style, this Kung Fu family and most of all this person. Also he emphasises: “You know Martin, there are not many people like you who wouldn’t stop learning from his master. One stops being good as soon as one stops becoming better. You have understood that. It is important that other people understand this too.”After having lunch near our headquarters in Wil (St. Gallen), we drove back to the school in Zurich where my students had prepared canvases and painting material. My Sifu then started to demonstrate his skills in a different way and painted wonderful calligraphy boards for my numerous branches. After a quick dinner, already the next highlight was about to begin: the seminar for the intermediate level class. Many participants between the middle (green belt) and the end of the basic class (black belt) were listening to and observing attentively the movements of their Sigung in order to execute them themselves with their partner. The hours passed by very quickly and with one’s head full, everyone was looking forward to see Sigung again already on Saturday when the MEGA seminar took place. But prior to that I still had another appointment with Sifu: amongst other things, of course I wanted to learn more from sifu and got further private lessons with him. Furthermore we visited other branches of my school and we made a short trip to Valencia where we completed various photo shootings, film shots and interviews. We got very little sleep, as it is often the case when my Sifu is around.

However, all the more so we were looking forward to the MEGA seminar. Early in the morning my Sifu and I drove back to Zurich where everything had already been prepared for the scheduled autograph session. I literally had to stop people from approaching Chiu Chi Ling at the table all at once. And the planned two hours were far from sufficient. However, it was very important to me that each student still had the opportunity to meet his Sigung and to get his autograph. And I think we managed to do this. After lunch we drove to a nearby gym where the over 100 participants had already been waiting for us. It was simply great to see how so many of my students were attentively following my master’s movements and how they were learning and trying out for hours. Two of my students were examined carefully particularly by my Sifu and by me, for they had the special honour to take the black belt exam in the presence of Chiu

Kung Fu

“I still have a lot to practice, and I am exceedingly proud to be student and style successor of a Kung Fu legend.�

Chi Ling. And they successfully passed the exam. Of course the many photo sessions in between were essential, at which there was great laughter and great photos were shot. To put it in the words of a student: “A complete success!” In the evening of the same day the belated birthday party of my Sifu took place where all the participants from the gym gathered in a restaurant. The people were enjoying delicious food, many good conversations and a good atmosphere. And of course we also paid respect to my Sifu and we not only organised a superb birthday cake, but also organised the obligatory Lai Si ceremony.“Lai Si” means a little red envelope in which one puts luck money for the master at his birthday or at a similar ceremony, in order to give it to him personally. Important: Culturally speaking, numbers which contain 8 e.g. 88.- or 888.- are particularly appropriate, as 8 “stands for luck”. Another option is also 54.-, as 5 stands for “not” and 4 for “luck”. Another option is also 54.-, as 5 stands for “not” and 4 for “die”, which together means “immortal”. Despite the repeatedly great photo sessions and the great atmosphere, I noticed that even my Sifu was slowly getting tired (long after other

had already given in to their tiredness). So the moment came we all said good-bye, and content with the many happy faces of my students on that day, we drove back home to my place. On Sunday we took it a bit easier.

And yet, of course we wanted to benefit from the special occasion. So I invited my instructors to a special afternoon seminar with my Sifu and had them getting deeper insight into our art. I suppose, going into too much detail would go beyond the scope of this article. But it is important to mention that of course after the seminar we organised a nice good-bye dinner in a fantastic restaurant in Wil, St. Gallen, where everyone gathered in order to thank my Sifu Chiu Chi Ling for spending his time with us. While planning and during the days shortly before Sifu’s arrival I was of course nervous, for I wanted to organise the stay of my Sifu, as I said, as perfectly as possible. Now, that it is over and that he is already again on his way to the United States, I am slowly but surely drawing a conclusion. And there are most of all two things which come to my mind: I still have a lot to practice, and I am exceedingly proud to be student and style successor of a Kung Fu legend.

Interview with Janice Lyn conducted by Sifu Vincent Lyn Photo: Mark Ruddick & Gia Photography

Janice Lyn: A woman with both intelligence, sex appeal and yes a World Muay Thai Champion.

An ingredient that will entice you and yet you don't want to be on the end of her foot or fist for that matter.

I recently caught up with my Cousin after she just finished off another opponent in Thailand in her rise to fame as a World Muay Thai Champion.

Photo credit by Gia & Top King

Women on Martial Arts

Women on Martial Arts

Janice Lyn: A woman with both intelligence, sex appeal and yes a World Muay Thai Champion.

An ingredient that will entice you and yet you don't want to be on the end of her foot or fist for that matter.

I recently caught up with my Cousin after she just finished off another opponent in Thailand in her rise to fame as a World Muay Thai Champion.

Vincent: Might as well begin at the beginning. You're not from around here, are you? Where were you born?

China or US?

Janice: Neither. I was born in Toronto, Canada. My background is Jamaican Chinese. My mother was born in Hong Kong and my father was born in Jamaica.

Vincent: Did you start showing a predilection for martial arts right away?

Janice: I’ve always been drawn to martial arts, but never really had a chance to immerse myself in a particular “art” until now because my parents were very strict on me focusing on my studies growing up. My childhood dream was to be one of those ninja’s in the old Kung Fu movies

Women on Martial Arts

that fought really well behind their mask and when they revealed themselves, their defeated male opponent would be so surprised that they were beaten by a female ninja.

Vincent: How old were you?

Janice: 25 years old Vincent: Can you give our readers some background on what inspired you to take up martial arts.

Janice: There’s something about martial arts that makes me calm and makes me feel at home. I didn’t understand it at first but it all makes sense t o m e n o w. I u s e d t o s e e o l d p i c t u r e s o f m y grandfather with a cigarette in his mouth practicing Kung Fu in his yard in Jamaica. I like martial arts because I feel empowered by it. I like to feel strong physically and it has also introduced me to the meaning of mental and spiritual strength as well.

Women on Martial Arts Vincent: What took you from Canada to Thailand?

Janice: Thailand is the Mecca of Muay Thai. My dream is to try to become the best female fighter in the world.

What better way to find the best opponents than at the place where it all began, where the fighters live and breathe Muay Thai, and have been competing since they were as young?

Vincent: I also understand you are studying holistic nutrition?

Janice: In 2007, I graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelors degree in Biology. My mentor, Dr. Rollo, sparked my interest in antioxidants and their involvement in human health. The term “health span”, which is the period of an organism’s life where they are free from

disease, echoed throughout our lab. Our lab developed a concoction of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals known to help maintain the body’s systems involved in aging.

Little did I know that my studies in aging would be related to my new found passion in the sport of Muay Thai and holistic nutrition.

Vincent: Getting back to your fighting skills. What has been your biggest challenge thus far?

Janice: Learning to relax. Most of my coaches have mentioned that I am too tense and that can affect your cardio, flow with combinations and your timing.

Being able to fight consistently in North America has also been challenging. Consistent competition allows you to apply the techniques you learn. I believe this is

Interview especially important when you’re an amateur fighter because you really get to test your skills and evolve.

Vincent: After hundreds of hours of blood sweat and tears and the big day has finally arrived. What are you going through mentally?

Janice: I try to think of something meaningful to fight for. This has been an interesting journey for me and I only started doing this maybe midway through my career. Muay Thai was created for war as a defensive weapon for the Thai people to conquer their enemies. When people go to war, they fight for their country, they fight for their families and they fight for liberation and freedom. When I fight. I find that I do my best when I remember to fight for something. Razor Ruddock planted this seed in my head. He told me before I won my first championship in Iowa that you have to go into the ring and pretend like you are defending it.

That weekend I took home the title. Fast forward a few years and I took that same mentality into my first professional fight. I fought in front of Mike Tyson, the epitome of greatness and I won via TKO. It was a great experience fighting in my name, for myself and for my family lineage.

Vincent: How does it feel to win and hear the crowd cheering your name?

Janice: It feels amazing if I know I did a good job and represented my gym and coaches well.

That’s the most important part, to know that all the training and hard work paid off and that I make the people who have sacrificed so much time in me proud. I really feel lucky and blessed.

For me it’s still very hard to take in that so many people are interested in watching me fight and are there to support me. It’s really bizarre to me.

Vincent: What’s your current record as an amateur and also now as a Pro fighter?

Janice: Amateur: 18-8-0, 7 TKO Professional: 5-1, 2 TKO 2012 TBA Champion, 2012 IKF World Classic Silver medalist, 2013 IKF World Classic

“I really feel lucky and blessed. For me it’s still very hard to take in that so many people are interested in watching me fight and are there to support me.

It’s really bizarre to me.”

Champion, 2014 WKA Champion, 2014 IFMA World Championship Bronze medalist, 2015 WKF Provincial Champion and 2015 WPMF World Champion.

Vincent: So obviously you know you carry a big mantle with your surname Lyn? Janice: Yes, it is quite interesting.

I’ve been truly blessed to be born into such a bloodline and yet I still have so much to learn about my family history.

Vincent: When did you find out that the Lyn lineage has a famous family style of Chinese martial arts Ling Gar that has been around for over 700 years?

Janice: Through you and your book. The Ling Gar Legacy: Kung Fu in the Real World.

Vincent: What do you think of that?

Janice: It means a lot to me to have such a rich family history of martial artists.

Vincent: Would you also like to study your family style of Kung Fu? Janice: Yes! Please teach me. I wasn’t joking when I said I feel like you’re Luke Skywalker and I am your Jedi.

Vincent: Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life?

Janice: My Grandmother who took care of me since I was a baby. She is the most loving individual I know even though she led a really difficult life growing up. She held a lot of responsibility at a young age having to take care of her younger siblings since

Women on Martial Arts she was the eldest. She is also a survivor of WWII during the Japanese invasion and endured many horrific experiences. It takes a really strong person to be as solid as she is in her morals and values. She is the person who teaches me how to love wholeheartedly. She is the strongest woman in my life.

Secondly, I wouldn’t be at this place in my life without my Kru Darwin Miranda and his wife Danica. I love the gym that they have built, Krudar Muay Thai, because it houses a strong spirit of fighters, trainers and people who truly care about Muay Thai and the progression of the sport. Kru and his wife have pour their hearts into the fighters and students who are eager to learn the art. Students come to learn authentic Muay Thai but come out learning so much more about how to love what you do, respect others and yourself, how to gain confidence in your abilities and how to dream big and make those dreams come true. I am forever grateful for the time, love and sacrifice they have given me and I hope I will make them proud and carry out their teachings to future generations of Krudar students.

Vincent: Looking forward - what is in Janice Lyn's future?

Janice: I plan to combine my passion for Muay Thai and nutrition. There is lack of knowledge and miseducation of nutrition. I’d like to create a nutrition program for our athletes and for our members. On a grander scale, I hope to help Muay Thai athletes outside of our gym and one day hope to be the nutritionist for our national team.

Outside of Muay Thai, I would like to use my knowledge of nutrition to help people in underdeveloped countries. The Institute of Holistic Nutrition has an apprenticeship program in Africa. If picked, I would be teaching holistic nutrition to empower women’s groups. The possibilities are endless and I’m very grateful that I have the opportunity to merge my 3 passions: Muay Thai, Holistic Nutrition and helping others, in my lifetime. I am so excited.

Vincent: I want to thank my Cousin Janice for being so candid and I'm sure now you'll have even more fans across the world. I want to wish you the greatest success in all your endeavors. Stay strong, serene and smart.

Hey, you’re a Lyn!

Sifu Vincent Lyn 10th Degree Black Sash and scholar of Chinese Medicine Heir of his family Kung-Fu style Ling Gar. "Jackie Chan called Vincent Lyn one of the best fighters he has ever worked with" Inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame HBO/Cinemax Urban Action Showcase was awarded: "Fists of Legends" - Hong Kong Legends Cinema Award President of Pro-Force Security Corps Certified by the Inter national Confederation of Police & Security Experts Board of Counselors for the University of Bridgeport (America's first BA in Martial Arts Studies).

Fighting With the Winning Edge A good fighter must be prepared at all times, training hard and apply the most effective techniques. Be positive and kill fear before the fight. Be prepared physically and mentally for the unexpected results, always be very observant of your opponent. Be respectful and don’t be too confident, don’t rush, get to know your opponent by maneuvering the first stages of the fight. Don’t lose sight, have control with super caution, protect yourself at all times. Move fast when applying combinations of kicks and punches keep your speed as top priority. The following tips are very important to keep in mind for successful results in winning any fight.

First a trainee or a student must always keep working on the basics to preparing himself physically: warming-up, stretch and follow the traditional workout system of kicking and punching with targets.

Repetitive practice of techniques is very important. It helps to build up the power in your system so you can depend on it.

Second, the experience comes not only from the gym where you face your fellow students as opponents, but from participating in as many competition as possible. This gives you the chance to use your techniques against a variety of styles. Fighting different opponents with different styles and experience is always the most challenging part of the fight. One must however, remember that by taking chances one eliminates fear and gets the chance to prepare oneself for the most challenging moments of the fight.

Third, a fighter must not hesitate at any moment to take chances.

Everything in a fight is a gamble. Anything is possible – the possibility exists to win or to be defeated. A good fighter must always be prepared mentally, spiritually and physically.

The mental part is meditation, done before a fight. Relax before a fight. Do not over-excite yourself as this weakens the body’s nervous system.

“When a fighter is engaged in a fight, a total calm and relaxation must take over.

You must be able to control your thoughts. You must be able to discipline your skills.”

Meditation is a key factor in the philosophy of martial arts. Many students and instructors practice and study meditation techniques to strengthen their minds. In this way, one understands himself as an aggressor and will incorporate this into his fighting program and training. Developing self-understanding and confidence in fighting avoids injury and eliminates the fear within.

Fear and lack of self-confidence will make the fighter incapable of winning. That is why meditation is a very important part of training for the martial artist. One must empty the mind of all outside thoughts. Paying full attention to the fight moment is all that matters. In the mind of the martial artist, the practitioner must use all inner strength and power to avoid distractions.

When a fighter is engaged in a fight, a total calm and relaxation must take over. You must be able to control your thoughts. You must be able to discipline your skills. At the same time, you must train your mind to see the possible self defense that will mean victory.

Think positively and be ready to take as well as to give.

Meditation rids your mind of the wandering. If you use your mind properly, focusing totally on the object and every action that is coming toward you, it will establish a harmony between yourself and the body.

Meditation will strive to free the mind of all unnecessary thoughts and ideas. One must be honest and straightforward in the examination of himself. It always seems that hearing and listening with full sincerity will give you good judgement. This judgement could be the deciding factor between life and death.

The mind free of unnecessary thoughts always allow us to be spontaneous with our techniques. This means that at the moment of the attack you will focus on your particular course of action. This will allow you to attack with the same experience level as reflected in your training. Those moments that we take to meditate allow us to have a positive attitude to face day to day training routines and to perform at our best physical abilities.

“Fear and lack of self-confidence will make the fighter incapable of winning.

That is why meditation is a very important part of training for the martial artist.�

The training methods in the philosophy of martial arts are very demanding and must be pursued with complete involvement. Any challenge that presents itself must be faced with calmness. Watch and respond to your opponent. The mind, the body, and the soul must be united in concert at any moment during the match. You are the best judge of your skills and ability.

The person and the art are unified; that art does not exist without the involvement. The spiritual part of meditation depends on the individual, on his belief, his faith, and his attitude.

While meditating, focus solely on the subject selected to give a sense of calm. Remove all evil from the mind. The condition of the mind and the state of the being are vital. Spiritual and mental harmony should be nurtured to develop the skills of the mind and the body so that nothing can destroy the sense of self worth.

A fighter must be able to face unexpected confrontation. However, a fighter must be kind, respectful and understanding to others.

Meditation will help create this understanding.

NOTES When you learn to defeat the opponent’s fear, he will defeat himself.

An experienced fighter must adjust for a successful win.

If you learn to fluid, you will be unbeatable.

GM Maurice Elmalem 7 Time World Champion, Author, Producer, Artist, www.mauricepromartial arts.com

“A fighter must be able to face unexpected confrontation.

However, a fighter must be kind, respectful and understanding to others.

Meditation will help create this understanding.�

Always with the Ochikara, "The Great Strength" (called e-bunto in the Shizen vernacular tongue) or secret wisdom of the ancient Miryoku Japanese shamans, as a backdrop, the author takes us into a world of genuine reflections that are capable to move at once both the reader's heart and head, thus placing him continuously in front of the abyss of the invisible, as the true final frontier of personal and collective consciousness.

The spiritual taken not as religion, but as the study of the invisible, was the way of the ancient Miryoku sages to approach the mystery in the framework of a culture as rich as unknown, to which the author has wholeheartedly devoted.

Alfredo Tucci, Manager Director to Budo International Publishing Co. and author in the past 30 years of a large number of titles about the Warrior's Way, offers us a set of extraordinary and profound reflections, which can be read individually in no particular order. Each one of them opens up a window to us through which we can take a look at the most varied subjects from an unexpected angle, now dotted with humor now with forcefulness and grandiosity, placing us in front of eternal matters with the view of the one who has just arrived and doesn't agree with the common places in which everyone coincides.

We can affirm with conviction that no reader will be indifferent to this book; such is the strength and intensity of its contents. Saying this is saying a lot in a world crowded with collective mangers, interested and behavioral ideologies, manipulators and, in short, spurious interests and mediocrity. It is therefore a text for big souls and intelligent people who are ready to look at life and mystery with the freedom of the most restless and scrutinizing minds, without dogmas, without transient morals, without subterfuges...