Real Kung Fu Magazine Editor in Chief – Michelle Marquez Creative Director – Lupe Huerta C.E.O. – Jim Muse Furtado Senior Staff Writer – Cecelia Railey Feature Writer – Marisa Marquez Administrative Assistant – Roseanne Najera Junior Assistant – Christina Railey Interns Samantha Edwards Grace Marquez Mia Marquez
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On behalf of the staff and I, we welcome you to our new and exciting first issue of Real Kung Fu Magazine. Though Real Kung Fu Magazine is focused primarily on Traditional Kung-Fu, we will give recognition and respect to other Martial Art forms as well. Grandmaster
Jim
Muse
Furtado has spent decades of his
life
connecting
to
the
Spirituality within Martial Arts. He began his journey in 1973; while studying in Baltimore, Maryland. He received instruction in the Kang Duk Won Kwon Bop form of Kung Fu, a style practiced in Korea and has since trained with and studied under one of the most skilled Kung Fu masters; Paulie Zink.
Grandmaster Furtado has studied and mastered the arts of Tai Shing Pek Kwar (Northern Monkey Kung Fu), Toaist Yoga, Chi Kung
and has several honors to his name; Six Time World
Champion, National Champion, Eleven Time International Long Beach Karate Champion, West Coast Champion and inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame fourteen times.
Letter from the editor
Welcome to the first issue of REAL KUNG FU MAGAZINE! The purpose of this magazine is for enjoyment, enlightenment and educational. We welcome anyone who wishes to submit photographs and articles about their schools, teachers and students, as we would like to highlight those who have made achievements in Martial Arts! In this issue we are very pleased to introduce Faiz Mashood who has an incredible skill and gift in Tai Shing Pek Kwar! We also have a remarkable young man named Steven Olmos. We are also pleased to have Monica Aldapa who will share her incredible story with us. So please take a moment and enjoy our first issue of Real Kung Fu Magazine!
Michelle Marquez Editor
The Stand off!
The Wrist Grab!
PEK KWAR AXE FIST ELBOW BREAK!
ELBOW BREAK MONKEY FOOT STOMP!
DRUNKEN MONKEY HEEL KICK!
MONKEY REVERSE ROLL OUT!
small MONKEY ON GUARD POSITION!
Demonstration by Grandmaster Jim Furtado & Faiz Mashood
Monica Aldapa A new beginning with
Traditional Kung Fu I discovered
Kung Fu when I was
going through a divorce. My son started having behavioral issues at school and was told he possibly had Autism/ADHD and that I needed to look into putting him on medication. I couldn’t accept that putting my six year old on medication was the only alternative. I did my research and started to look into martial arts schools.
My son started martial arts and improved in every area of his life. His teachers, staff, family and friends were amazed at his improvement and couldn’t believe the difference in my son after training traditional martial arts. He is an awesome respectful student and is currently studying for his brown belt!
’BRINGS THE BEST OUT IN YOU’
I was in so much pain and didn’t believe I could do Kung-Fu. If my son could get healed through martial arts training than so could I. My teacher started me with yoga and as I grew stronger he invited me to stay for Kung-Fu training. Ever since that day of KungFu training it's changed my life. It is more than I ever expected. There are days
I’m
amazed
I
completed training. I’ve experienced through
healing
Kung-Fu
not
only for me, but also my children.
‘I’m spiritually, mentally, and physically strong!’
The
hard work and discipline will take you to another level in your life
spiritually, mentally, and physically where healing can take place. If
anyone is considering martial arts I suggest you research your teachers and schools. Get traditional martial arts training from a teacher or Sifu that teaches martial arts as a way of life and not just as a sport. Like my Sifu, who always tells us, “Kung-Fu is in everything, everyday, a way of life.”
If you want to be the best, find a teacher who is the best and who can bring the best out of you. I am so thankful and grateful for my school. This is the happiest I have ever been in my life. I have found Peace and Healing through the mystery and power of KungFu thanks to my teacher for believing in me and teaching me a way to a better life through Kung-Fu. I can only hope that women and families will seek the same type of healing through Martial Arts and get inspired.
I’m spiritually, mentally and physically strong which makes me a Kung-Fu Golden Warrior. Kung-Fu changes lives through its teachings.
Steven Olmos A Kung-Fu Inspiration By Cecelia Railey Photographs by Lupe Huerta Mr. Steven Olmos is a remarkable young man. He is also a Martial Artist. While there are many young men that overcome obstacles to achieve their goals, Steven stands out because he’s excelling not only at a sport that requires discipline and focus; he‘s doing so with a learning disability.
Mrs. Yvonne Olmos Steven’s mother explained that the interest in Martial Arts is ingrained in her family;
Her husband, Joey Olmos is also a practitioner of the martial arts. It was coincidence that when, in celebration of their anniversary, they went to a restaurant near the United School of Martial Arts Kung-Fu Academy located at 14364 Whittier Blvd, Whittier, CA.
They took a closer look at the studio, and found that they liked Grandmaster Furtado’s teaching methods. There are philosophies encompassed in training for the martial arts. The Olmos family found that Grandmaster Furtado’s style was one that blended traditional philosophies with a focus on health, well being, and the ideals of honor, perseverance and discipline.
Because they liked what they saw, Steven Olmos began to study martial arts with Grandmaster Furtado.
Actually, the Olmos family was so
impressed with the studio that they enrolled all three of their sons with Grandmaster Furtado.
‘Martial Arts is a way of life’ It should be noted that in Jim Furtado’s studio, there is no philosophy of competition except for personal growth. The students compete only with themselves, to better themselves on a personal basis. That way each student sets the bar for themselves, based on their abilities, without fear or pressure. The focus of the studio is that martial art is not for aggression or
Steven with his father Joey Olmos
solely for learning fighting techniques; martial arts is a way of life. To consider it as anything less is to do a disservice to the student. Health is emphasized, and Furtado stresses a ‘whole person’ theory of martial arts, in which the focus is on not only the techniques, but also the health of the body, mind, and soul. The true adherent a Martial Artist learns at this studio is that the purpose of the Art is never for mindless violence, but rather a philosophy of one’s whole being with a component of self-defense.
Steven has Down’s Syndrome. He is fortunate in that he is blessed with a wonderful family, who intervened early to help him develop his potential to the best of his ability.
His family treated him no differently than anyone else, and always has high expectations for him. Steven works to that level of expectation, setting himself personal goals and working hard to achieve them. Those that expect more from him are met with more from him.
His family was unsure at first how he would manage to study martial arts with Furtado, as Steven started at a young age, so when he started the classes it was with the help of a support person. It was difficult at first, because as any parent of a small child knows, it is difficult to keep interest and focus. But Furtado didn’t give up, and Steven began to learn.
Eventually didn’t
he
need
support
a
person.
Steven started to learn the routines, and got better at being able to apply the
disciplines
needed to succeed. As he progressed, his
martial
arts
studies helped him to focus more in the
classroom,
while the lessons of
perseverance
and discipline spilled over into other aspects of his life. He received positive feedback from neighbors, friends, and other students, and of
course his family; and he is blessed with a patient teacher in Furtado, who is strict with him but enforces structure and fortunate because of his teacher Grandmaster Furtado, who is, in this writer’s opinion, a truly exemplary teacher.
It is worth repeating that young Mr. Olmos is blessed in many ways, not the least of which is family. His father, Joey, and his mother, Yvonne, have other children, and each child is treated with the same love and care. They expect their children to excel, and so they excel. It is disheartening to note, that, while Steven is blessed with a strong support system in his family, not all disabled persons are so lucky. Steven’s parents insisted that he be treated like anyone else; including enrolling him in school, but the school district was reluctant to provide the support that a disabled child would need. Steven had the support of his parents, and after a battle with the school district, the Olmos family got Steven into the school system.
He successfully completed his education with the school district, and Steven Olmos, now 26, can be viewed as an example of how hard work and perseverance can help one to overcome obstacles and achieve one’s goals. Steven Olmos is a wonderful example of how, when you support your children and expect great things from them, you will seldom be disappointed. Cheers to Grandmaster Furtado, the Olmos Family, and Steven!
Monkey kung fu‌ 1. drunken monkey 2. stone monkey 3. lost monkey 4. tall monkey 5. wooden monkey
Which monkey are you?
What is
Monkey Kung Fu? Monkey Kung Fu is a Chinese Martial Art which is based on monkey like movements and its origins can be traced by to 206 B.C. There are a number of developed systems of Monkey Kung Fu, but not a number of teachers who teach this art today. You may be familiar of the novel Journey to the West based on the Monkey King. But what does this style consist of and what makes it stand out from the other Kung Fu styles? Let’s review them one by one.
Hou Quan The Hou Quan style from the Emei region was taught by Xiao Yingpeng. This was used as the basis for the modern wushu variant of monkey style or monkey staff as is often seen in demonstrations and competitions. Traditional Hou Quan as taught in Mainland China includes running on one’s hands and feet as and various difficult acrobatic movements are used while performing these intense movements: flipping sideways in the
air, front flips, back flips, back handsprings, hand stands, walking on hands, forward lunges, backward lunges, and spinning. Attacks are usually aimed at these parts of the body: knees,
groin area, throat or eyes of the opponent while the hand strikes are normally: open handed slaps or clawing with a semi-closed fist known as monkey claw. Various monkey facial expressions are also made while performing these movements. They are always:
confusion, joy, mad, as well as fear.
Monkey Weapons,
one most fully believe themselves to be a monkey well enough that anyone watching would believe that they were looking at a monkey and not a performance piece. This is not a task that just anyone could do as it takes years of training and dedication to perfect this skill. With this fighting style you must embrace your inner monkey. To be a Monkey Boxer you need to be very quick on your feet, have lots of energy as well as be agile. Monkeys can at times us weapons such as swords or their favorite: the Staff! The tale begins with a man by the name of Kou Si who lived in a village during the Qing Dynasty in the Northern Part of China. He was sentenced to prison and it was while he was incarcerated that Monkey Kung Fu was created. Outside his prison cell were a group of primates. Kou Si would watch these primates all day and he began to see patterns in their movements that were similar to the martial art style he had studied before being sent to prison. He began to mimic the movements the primates would make and he created names for them. By the time Kou Si left prison a new martial art style had been born.
The 5 documented Monkey Styles 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Drunken Monkey Stone Monkey Tall Monkey Wooden Monkey Lost Monkey.
Drunken Monkey: To be totally unbalanced, this creates an illusion of weakness to your opponent, but in actually it is a lethal fighting style
Drunken Monkey Side Kick
Stone Monkey: With this fighting style one must embrace the power and strength of the monkey. The fighter will leave an area of their body open to lure their attacker in. The Stone Monkey fighter knows they will be hit they are expecting it, but in exchange the Stone Monkey will hit a vital part of their attacker’s body causing more harm than what was received. Stone Monkey Punch
Stone Monkey Side Kick
Tall Monkey: This Monkey is TALL and fights from an UPRIGHT position. The upper part of the body is the focus and will receive the most damage, not to say that will be the only part of the body the TALL Monkey will attack. A TALL Monkey will also utilize pressure points in order to bring down their attacker.
Side Kick
Tall Monkey Punch
Wooden Monkey: These are angry movements and grappling is used as they channel the aggression of the Monkey and will always take the fight to the ground where they are the most ruthless and the most deadly.
Wooden Monkey Twisted Heel Kick
Small Monkey Front Heel Kick
Small Monkey Cross Legged Sitting Position
Monkey Steals a Peach
Kraiguar Smith
5 Questions with… Senior Grandmaster Kraiguar Smith By, Michelle Marquez Photographs by, Lupe Huerta
Senior Grandmaster Kraiguar Smith, founder of the Original Warrior Association, is a man who has made Martial Arts a part of his life and a part of himself. The life of a Martial Artist is not an easy one, it takes years of dedication and study, to truly understand the art you must become the art and Senior Grandmaster Kraiguar Smith has done this in more ways than one. Senior Grandmaster Smith is a 10th degree black belt under the Original Warrior Association and the Institute of Strategic Principles. He also has received an honorary 10th degree black belt from the Black Dragon Martial Arts Federation and the Hurricane Payne Fighting System. He has also been under the tutelage of such masters as; Sijo Steve Muhammad for Kenpo/Wu Shur Shin Chua Fa, Bob Owens for Shotokan, Eugene Davis for Shorin-Ryu, Dan Inosanto for Wing Chun/Jeet Kune Do/Kali, Master Toddy for Muay Thai, Bapak Waleed for Silat Tuo/Seni Silat, Haqq, Jerry Smith PhD in Five Level Method, Guru Cliff Stewart in Hapkido/Silat, Frank ‘Nitty’ Wilson in Chuan Fa/Hung Gar Kung Fu, Arnold Urquidez in Full Contact Karate, Edmund K. Parker Sr., Dr. Ron Chapel, Steve Herring, Ted Taylor in American Kenpo, Bill Clayton in Boxing strategy, as well as from Muhammad Ali, Jerry Smith, Freddie Roach and Michael Stewart. Such an impressive list of training and work is one that is both admired and inspiring.
He has won an impressive number of championships and fights against such fighters as Benny Urquidez, Byong Yu also known as the ‘Monster Man’, Everett Eddie, Burnis White, Cecil Peoples, Dana Goodman, Bob White, Howard Jackson, John Natividad, Marvelous Hagler and Roberto Duran. He has given back to his community by establishing the Original Warrior Association in 1993 and has met Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Elvis Presley and Ed Parker. Kraiguar is humble yet fierce; he is a Senior Grandmaster in his art and to this day he trains, always ready and always willing to improve his skill, technique and himself. Senior Grandmaster Smith is currently an instructor of Martial Arts and Martial Sciences for the city of Las Vegas at Dula Gym and has a class roster filled with some of the top Hollywood names who have come in and out of his classes whether they are training for a role or for personal growth and enlightenment. Recently Senior Grandmaster Kraiguar met with us here at Real Kung Fu Magazine, to give us some insight on what it takes to become a Martial Artist and to give us a few tips on what we and our readers can learn from a Senior Grandmaster in Kenpo Karate.
Can you share with us how your journey as a Martial Artist began? It began in 1958 in Los Angeles, California and my first teacher was my uncle who taught me at the age of four. I did train with my brother and sister, but I really took to it and made it part of my life. In 1967 at twelve I met Steve Sanders who now goes by Steve Muhammad who was a student in Kenpo. I played baseball at Manchester Park and I used to watch the Martial Art classes they had there in the ‘60’s. Steve was there with Chuck Sullivan and the both of them were students under Ed Parker. Ed Parker of American Kenpo; which is the
International Kenpo Karate Association ‘IKKA’ had free classes in the park and we didn’t even have uniforms we would work out in our regular clothes. One day I was invited to a Kenpo class at the Balboa Theater. Eugene Davis was our instructor; he was a black belt in Shorin-Ryu, which is what we were learning at the time. The fights we had were three on one or five on two; I wasn’t really learning that much for some reason. At the time I wasn’t good at sparring, but I was good at forms. I was more interested in forms than sparring. My friend told me that he was going to leave Eugene’s class and asked me to go with him to train with Steve Sanders who trained Kenpo and so we went and began our training. Well Steve was invited to Chuck Norris School; he was invited to a lot of schools because he was a champion fighter and as his students we would travel to these schools with him. He fought a lot of the big named fighters of the time. I also met Bruce Lee, but being a young man at the time I didn’t know who Bruce Lee was, I just knew Bruce was a good friend of Steve’s. The great man for me was my teacher; Steve Sanders. I learned more about Bruce Lee in the ‘70’s when my school was in his movie ‘Enter the Dragon.’ They used our martial arts school as the backdrop for a scene and my class can be seen in the background training. By eighteen years old I was a tournament competitor and fought in a lot of tournaments, we were working out everyday training for these tournaments. We opened another school during this time called Scheenway Coulter Center which was on Broadway near Century in Los Angeles. It no longer stands there; it was closed and sold to a nearby high school. The 1970’s was a busy time for Senior Grandmaster Kraiguar Smith, as he became a founding member of the Black Karate Federation and worked as an assistant instructor for BKF schools from 1969-197 and, was promoted to Black Belt by Sijo Muhammad. He was well on his way as establishing himself as a Martial Artist and found time to work as a stunt coordinator, performed in TV series and
movies. The highlight of them all was becoming a co-owner and instructor at the West Los Angeles Karate Institute.
How would you compare the Marital Artists of today from when you first began your journey? Everything I did was surrounded or related to martial arts. I worked with some of the greatest martial artists of the day. We were a product of some of the most amazing teachers; Sijo Steve Muhammad, Dr. Jerry Smith, Guru Cliff Stewart, and Ed Parker. Ed Parker had a school in Pasadena and at that particular school he taught Lucille Ball, and Peter Sellers. As a matter of fact I met Elvis Presley in 1968 at Ed Parkers Kenpo School where Elvis took private lessons. One day I went to the Kenpo School with Ted Taylor who was also a student of Ed Parkers and Elvis was there at the time. My friend Ted was a blues singer who also took private lessons from Mr. Parker. Ted and Elvis became good friends and talked about Ted possibly singing backup for Elvis at one time.
Who have been your influences? Those would be Ed Parker, Sijo Steve Muhammad, Dr. Jerry Smith, Guru Cliff Stewart and also Ted Taylor. Ted was one of my mentors and was greatly inspirational not only in my martial arts, but as a writer too, I used to write poetry and short stories. Ted was a songwriter and so I’d show him my poems to see what he thought and he’d encouraged me to pursue my writing.
You have contributed greatly to the community, such as establishing The Original Warrior Association. Can you tell us more about that? On March 3, 1987 I was at Ted Taylor’s house and we were talking about giving certificates of merit and Ted said, “Kraiguar, we should give one
flowers while we’re still here and could still smell them.” In October of ’87 Ted was on his way to do a concert in Lake Charles, Louisiana and was killed in a car crash on the way. After his death I decided to make it my life’s work to make sure that my teachers, and the great men and women who influence not just me, but other people, received their ‘flowers’ as it were. The Original Warrior Associations was established in 1993, this is not a Martial Arts organization. We recognize; legends, heroes, and pioneers of the community. I also have my own system of Martial Arts which I developed in 1973 called Kune Lop Sao which means the law of the flowing grabbing hand also called to flow, you must know the inside of your soul. You must know the function. Not only has Senior Grandmaster Smith established The Original Warrior Association, in 1987 he founded the Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Team Karate Championships.
If you were asked by someone who was beginning their journey into Martial Arts what advice would you give? Have no expectations. This will change your life and make you feel that you are a part of something. I would ask; what are your motives, your reasons for going in and if this is important to you focus, pay attention and know what you are getting into. Know who your teacher is, pay attention and respect your teacher and do not take for granted the art that is here in front of you. As Bruce Lee had said, Martial Arts is based on hard work, understanding and total comprehension of skill. If that’s the case than we should think about what Martial Arts means from the beginning. The dictionary would say that ‘Martial’ is anything to do with fighting and the ‘Art’ is creative mind.
Next you have ‘Martial Science’ the philosophy or terminology and than you have the ‘Medicinal’ of how to heal. I tell my students they need to first respect and honor their mother and father, pay attention to your teacher, train hard, study hard and research diligently. You have to make sure that its part of your lifestyle. Go to a traditional Marital Arts School and be ready to go on a journey. When you leave you will find out who you really are. Senior Grandmaster Smith has had a long and tireless career, he won the Lightweight Black Belt Division at the International Karate Championships in 1979, he was rated #3 in the world in Kick boxing in 1981and Won Pro-Am Lightweight Black Belt Division at the International Karate Championships in 1983. What I find most impressive is that Senior Grandmaster Smith came out of retirement in 1993 to participate in a seven round professional kickboxing match. He was also honored in Hollywood California for his accomplishments in 1995 when he received the title Grandmaster which was presided over by Freddie Roach. Of all of his accomplishments, the titles, fights and honors I believe his most exulted of them all is the day he founded The Original Warriors Association.
Hidden Talents with
Faiz Mashood
by Michelle Marquez photos by Lupe Huerta
Faiz Mashood is a dedicated Martial Artist; he has been training in Tai Shing Pek Kwar for four years and has recently earned his black belt. Originally from Chicago, Illinois he now calls Los Angeles home. Faiz opens up to us about his diligent training schedule, the influences in his life and how Traditional Martial Arts has changed him.
How did you become interested in Martial Arts? I was always a student of movement and energy, and the fascination of tapping into something greater within your self. The wisdom and example of Bruce Lee had a big influence on my uncles and in turn on me. Also, the emerging culture made it appealing to me with movies and shows such as The Last Dragon and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Why did you decide on Tai Shing Pek Kwar? I love Traditional Martial Arts and the connection with nature and animal forms. I more so decided to be a part of Grandmaster Furtado’s school and feel blessed to learn anything he has to offer.
How long have you studied Martial Arts? Since I was 10, I was always learning one thing or another from
my uncles. I was always reading, researching, and engaging in my own informal training. My formal training in Kung Fu started four years ago with my Grandmaster.
Has Martial Arts enriched your life in other ways? DEFINATELY. It truly brings Peace and Balance to your life. It becomes less about self-defense and more about finding beauty in everything. It strengthens your mind, body, & soul. I have learned patience, determination, respect, humility, and optimism just to name a few.
By studying Martial Arts what have you learned about yourself? I have learned how to focus, be humble, and have just barely learned how to access the light inside all of us. Martial Arts & Grandmaster Furtado helped me learn about that Golden Warrior Spirit inside us all that will help you in all aspects of life.
Would you ever consider competing in tournaments? Possibly, just out of pure curiosity. I think I would be smiling the whole time even if I lost, because I respect and love seeing all kinds of styles. Honestly, I am completely content with Traditional Martial Arts for Health and Happiness and not really
for sport.
Have you set any personal goals for yourself? I want the Glow! I want to shine in everything I do, and Martial Arts is a way of life to attain that. The process is where it is at. My personal
goals
include:
being
the best Natural Healer,
Raising
the Consciousness of
Humanity,
helping access
others their
Light, starting a Family,
and
pleasing GOD.
Ask
Grandmaster Furtado your Questions! How many years did you fight competitively? I have completed in; fighting, forms, and weapons divisions for over thirty years. What advice would you give to someone who was considering stepping into the ring? Make sure you’re in top condition; Spiritually, Mentally and Physically. Eat Right and get a proper amount of rest. Most of all have a “Full prepared fighting armor.” How many years have you been a martial artist? I have been training in Martial Arts for forty years. Can anyone do martial arts? Many times you’ll hear a Martial Artist say that anyone can do Martial Arts. Well, I say it depends on three factors and those are: Age, Mindset and most of all Discipline.
Many start Martial Arts training and mid-way through they will give up. Some have a just reason while others, however just quit. To truly be a well trained Martial Artist takes time, repetition and patience. Kung-Fu means hard work, it’s a way of life, and it is Kung-Fu! What are Forms? Do they work in real life situations? Forms are very important in Martial Arts. They consist of Basic, Advanced and Sophisticated Movements. I look at them as the glue that holds everything together. They are also a form of Moving Meditation which helps to bring inner calm, focus, and concentration to the Martial Artists as well as inner peace and health. Many say that forms are no good and that they are a waste of time and are also worthless. I disagree with this, as the Great Masters spent many years researching and developing these tried and true fighting movements. In ancient times these forms helped them on battle fields and in modern times they help in the sports arena or if you were in ‘life’ and ‘death’ battle fields without rules, these forms have worked. They condition a Martial Artist in mind and body. Most of all they do work! Do you have a Question you’d like to have Grandmaster Furtado answer? If you do please email us your Question at:
realkungfumagazine@yahoo.com