Real Kung Fu Magazine Editor in Chief – Michelle Marquez Creative Director – Lupe Huerta C.E.O. – Jim Muse Furtado Senior Staff Writer – Cecelia Railey Writer – Marisa Marquez Administrative Assistant – Roseanne Najera Assistant – Christina Railey Graphics – Michelle Marquez Interns Mia Marquez Grace Marquez Samantha Edwards
Contact us! realkungfumagazine@yahoo.com Copyright © 2014 Real Kung Fu Magazine All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this e-magazine or portions thereof in any form. No part of this e-magazine may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the express consent of the publisher; except where permitted by law.
Letter from the Editor Welcome to the second issue of Real Kung Fu Magazine! In this issue we are featuring The Northern Style of the Praying Mantis and we’ll be focusing on the History of this Martial Art. This is a very ancient and complex style and not many teach this today, so we are very pleased that Grand Master Jim Muse Furtado agreed to do several demonstrations for us. We also have Grand Master Ed James who shares his origin story, I always find it fascinating to hear how one begins their Martial Art journey, and he was kind enough to share his unique story with us! We have two demonstrations performed by Grand Master James and his student, 1st Degree Black Belt Angelo Cruz. They are a step by step performance of Tang Soo Do’s intense fighting style. This Martial Art takes dedication to train and has rewarding benefits. Faiz Mashood has returned for this second issue and demonstrates several key moves from the Martial Art; Tai Shing Pek Kwar! He is a very talented Martial Artist who has studied this art and has accomplished great results which you will see in the demo! We are also excited to have in this issue a wonderful woman who some of you may know as ‘Kung Fu Grandma,’ Master Sandra Kamar Kreitz Luna, she has a unique background, one that hails from Belly dance and Master Sandra shares with us how she transferred from Belly dancing into Martial Arts! There are also two rounds of Martial Art battles which are performed by Willie Lawson who is a Brown Belt in Tai Shing Pek Kwar and Blue Belt Matthew Gutierrez! So take a moment and enjoy this second issue of Real Kung Fu Magazine! --Editor Michelle Marquez
Welcome to
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! So please take a moment and enjoy the April Quarter issue of
Real Kung Fu Magazine! We reserve the right to edit all articles and photos received.
Journey the
Kung Fu Grandma
Sandra Kamar Kreitz Luna
My incredible journey in Gung Fu did not begin in my younger years as most. I began my journey in 1995. My Granddaughter, Tamara, was already training with Grand Master Muse Furtado. Her other Grandmother had been taking her to train and could no longer take her. It was then that I volunteered to take Tamara. I sat there every week, twice and sometimes three times, in a chair in the back of the school while she trained.
Sometimes Tamara would get special attention as the only student there for that time slot. I was so impressed with Grand Master's knowledge and the amount of attention he paid to her.
It was a few years later that two more of my Grandchildren, Drew and Robyn also started training.
Master Sandra with her sword!
After not even a year of taking Tamara to train, I volunteered to help Grand Master Furtado with choreography, props and costuming for his
yearly school production of A Childrens’ Nutcracker. Several years later I helped Grand Master by designing and constructing most of the costuming, collecting and making props for his new production of Peter Pan; The Story. As you may have guessed, my passion was and is Performing Arts, dancing, Fashion and Costume Design. Little did I know that Gung Fu would join the list and has since become a true passion and way of life.
It will always be my pleasure to assist Grand Master with any of his Performing Art endeavors and to assist him with the yearly promotions and awards banquets along with anything else to help make the running of the school easier. One day I asked Sir where he got the Kung Fu Sashes for the promotions, he said he had them made for the school. I told him I could make these for him and he agreed to let me try.
So now for the past several years, I make every Black Belt Sash and added the black or white fringe to the lower ranking sashes. Now affectionately known as
Kung Fu Grandma, my journey was just beginning.
With a background in Belly dance, Ballet, Flamenco and Performing Arts, I was fascinated immediately by the grace, movement and power of this Martial Art called Gung Fu. In a way, it was almost like dance choreography. Belly dance became a big part of my life in my late 20s. Before we got married, my husband taught me how to dance while we were in College, but after we got married he did not want to dance anymore. Frustrated, I had to find a dance form that I could do alone. Belly dance? Yes!!! I could design and make my own costumes and had no need for a partner.
In the late 70s, there where no DVDs, CDs or Internet to learn this dance called Belly dance,
so,
I
bought
a
paperback book about Belly dancing at the local K- Mart and a record from a local record store. Two months later, I had taught myself a few moves, created my first costume and was invited to dance for the Elementary School PTA Talent Show. The rest is History! I have participated
in
Southern
California’s first major Belly dance Competition in Long Beach,
California.
accumulated
three
I First
Runner Up Trophies, three People’s and
Choice three
Trophies Halame
Congeniality Trophies from the Belly Dancer of the Year Competition held every year at
the
Long
Beach
Convention Center. After 38 years and no breaks, I am still Belly dancing.
Meanwhile, I was still sitting in the waiting area of United School of Martial Arts watching my growing Granddaughter train never thinking that a 55 year old Grandmother could do this. Grand Master Furtado invited me to join the Friday night Yoga Class. I loved it! Never did I get such a great stretch and attain a more flexible body than I did in this class. Even with15 years of Ballet it had nothing on Taoist Yoga. About six months later, Grand Master invited me to start the beginning Gung Fu class. I said that I was too old. He assured me that I was not too old and that he would not let me get hurt. We would see! This should have been easy for someone with a dance background. It was not easy but I loved it and hungered for more. Gung Fu has been my best friend and a way of life. I dreamed Gung Fu suddenly waking up in the middle of the night and going over a form in my mind. I had to work harder because remembering all this new and wonderful information was not easy for me. I knew Grandmaster was getting impatient with me but he never showed it. He would always encourage us to practice slow and easy and practice often. It has now been more than twelve years since I took my first Gung Fu Class. I am now a Fifth Degree Black Belt and my fellow students must now call me
Master Sandra I never
thought I could ever make it this far. I never could have done so without the great knowledge and encouragement I have so humbly received from Grandmaster Jim Muse Furtado. I cannot thank him enough for what he has done for my three Grandchildren and me! Because of him, I have been recognized in three USA
Martial Arts Halls of Fame Awards. I am still working hard on being a United School of Martial Arts Kung Fu Academy Golden Warrior. I have been so blessed and am thankful to God for my incredible journey. Yes, Gung Fu is Gung Fu:
Hard Work and Not Childs Play. But if you work hard no matter your age, you too can make it a part of your way
of life as well. Peace
!
Grand Master Ed James 8th Degree Black Belt Inducted into 8 Martial Arts Hall of Fames! Long Beach Tang Soo Do Academy
The Origins of A Grand Master By Senior Staff Writer – Cecelia Railey Photos by Lupe Huerta
Random acts of violence are horrible, and rightly condemned by all civilized members of society. No Matter how angry, or frustrated, those emotions can be re-directed into positive, life-affirming actions depending on societal influences. This story – which is true – can be told about three remarkable men: Grand Master Edward James, a Martial Artist who teaches a form of Martial Arts called Tang Soo Do right here in Long Beach. His students are very fortunate to have such a learned, skilled man for a teacher. Than there’s his father, a Korean military man named Bennie James, and his teacher, Master Sang Kyu Shin, who helped a young man regain his balance and zest for life. Grand Master James first began training in Martial Arts, at age 21. While he acknowledges that training can begin for Martial Arts at a considerably younger age – 6 to 10 – he himself was brutally introduced to the world of selfdefense because of a horrible act of violence. Grand Master James as a young man, liked outdoor sports: baseball, swimming, and other outside activities – as any other young man. He can recall in great detail the day he was attacked on a beautiful Sunday in Detroit, by a vicious gang of street thugs. He realized he couldn’t defend himself against the gang of attackers, so he did the best thing he could: he hollered and screamed, and protected his head. He was on the ground when his shouts
attracted the attention of firemen in a nearby fire station, who swarmed to his side and in doing so saved his life. But from that point on, a change came over Grand Master James: After the attack, he grew distrustful of groups, and then of individuals. He withdrew into his home, becoming less social. This effect is not unknown among those returning from battle, but it was hard to deal with. Paranoia can set in, and a feeling of helplessness. For a year, Grand Master James recovered from his attack, but the attackers took away from him a most valuable possession: His love of activities. Grand Master Ed James at his school in Long Beach, CA
Grand Master James’s father, Bennie James, a Korean military man, did not like to see the change that had come over his son. He set about to encourage Edward to regain an interest in life, and took him to investigate a self-defense (judo) school in the neighborhood. It was the 1960s, Bennie located a judo school operating out of a local YMCA and he made an appointment for his son. What Grand Master James saw when he went to the Y was a group of teens dressed in white, light uniforms, with different colored belts and he was also exposed, at this same time to Karate, which was fairly new in the 1960s, and not popularly known as a discipline outside Martial Arts circles. He noticed differences in the classes, one of which was the outfits. Karate uniforms were lighter and promoted ease of movement, while the Judo uniforms were thick and quilted. When he asked about why the judo uniforms were so thick, he was told it was because of the judo throws: landing on surfaces, the padding helped to minimize bruising. Faced with the choice of Judo or Karate, young James decided on Karate as a source of study. Judo was an art, but Karate helped more with group fighting. He signed up August 18, 1964, for Karate. Odd to say, but one of the reasons Grand Master James decided on Karate over the (at the time) more publicized Judo discipline was cosmetic: He liked the uniform, and the multiple kicking styles. Ask Grand Master James today, and he’ll tell you that signing up for that class was the best move he ever made. Grand Master James is knowledgeable about the history of Martial Arts. There were originally four major styles of Karate in the US in the 60’s: Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Okinawan, which is another Japanese style. Grand Master James decided to study (and teach) Tong Su Dong Moo To Quon, ‘Way of the China Hand.’ Grand Master Sang Kyu Shin taught James. This man was a great influence, as a teacher and as a father figure. Master Shin de-emphasized negative traits, such as egotistical behavior and bullying, and emphasized loyalty, integrity, discipline and of course self-defense. He went out of his way to ensure that Grand Master James could learn a discipline which was not regularly taught outside of Asian countries. Grand Master Edward James is able to influence children to be their best, thanks to the loving support of his father, Bennie James, and the teachings of his other father, Grand Master Shin. Congratulations to these three for being a positive influence on their students, and being truly deserving of their titles, “Master” and “Father.”
The Art of
Tang Soo Do Grand Master Ed James and his student 1st Degree Black Belt Angelo Cruz demonstrate Tang Soo Do! Photos by Lupe Huerta
Step #1 Grand Master James Prepares for an attack!
Step #2 Grand Master James Defends by raising his left harm blocking the attack and places his right to protect his core.
Step #3 With a swift Block downward Grand Master prepares for a strike to the neck in Step #4.
#3
#4
A sharp strike to the neck in step #5 and an elbow hit to the spine in step #6 ends this match.
#5
#6
In this attack Grand Master Ed James is attacked with a knife and in several quick moves he has his attacker unarmed! #1 The attacker lunges with a knife. With a grab onto the Wrist Grand Master prepares For the next Move!
Step #2 Grand Master Steps in And disables the Wrist with a Quick and decisive Move!
Step #3 Grand Master grabs the knife And uses it on his attacker!
Step #4 Grand Master James transitions and aims the knife!
Step #5 Grand Master embeds the knife into the spine!
Northern Praying Mantis… Also known as ‘Praying Mantis Fist’
Photos by Ana Montgomery Demo performed by Jim Muse Furtado
Northern Praying Mantis, ‘praying mantis fist’ is a style of
Chinese Martial Arts, sometimes called Shandong Praying Mantis after its province of origin, and named after the Praying Mantis, an insect whose aggressiveness inspired the style.
It was created by Wang Lang, he was an unshaven monk of the
Henan Shaolin Temple. Wang Lang was a native of Shangdong Province; he came from a wealthy family and studied the Martial Arts in his youth. He entered the Shaolin Monastery around 350400 years ago. Wang Lang witnessed a fight between a Praying Mantis and a Cicada. Lang was fascinated by the aggressiveness, speed and strength of the apparently overmatched Mantis. Wang Lang took the Mantis back to his living quarters for further study; he used a reed to prod the Mantis and carefully studied its movements. Wang would
then imitate these actions and over time the system slowly evolved. He compiled these movements into the: 12 key words Verbal Formula, the 8 Rigid Hand Patterns the 12 Flexible Hand Patterns the 8 Vulnerable and 8 lethal points of attack He incorporated into the new style the best techniques from the other seventeen styles which he had previously studied. He then blended the footwork of the Monkey with the hand movements of the Mantis thus assuring both Speed of the hand and feet. This Kung Fu style offers a complete syllabus of skills in long range kicking, middle range hand techniques, trapping skills, pressure point/pressure strikes, iron palm training, joint locks, throws and skills capable of neutralizing ground grappling attacks. Its fighting style involves the use of whip like/circular motions to deflect direct attacks, which it follows up with precise attacks to the opponent’s vital spots. One of the most distinctive features of the Northern Praying Mantis is the ‘Praying Mantis Hook’ a hook made of one to three fingers directing force in a whip like manner. The hook may be used to divert force (blocking), adhere to an opponent’s limb, or attack critical spots (eyes or acupuncture points). The ‘Praying Mantis Hook’ is also part of some of the distinctive typical guarding positions of the style.
Northern Praying Mantis is especially known for its speed and continuous attacks. Wrist/arm techniques are emphasized, as well and knee and elbow strikes. Another prominent feature of the style is its complex footwork, borrowed from Monkey Kung Fu.
What makes this style so effective are based on balance, coordination, and body efficiently. This waist-torque method of generating power does not require as much physical strength to have powerful techniques. This method offers quite efficient movement and aerobically does not require as much physical exertion and with its shorter movements it also consists of extremely fast techniques.
Praying Mantis uses a more flexible approach by using a guiding set of concepts and principles rather than a specific set of confining rules making it adaptable to any fighting environment. Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu teachers have with each successive generation, added to the development of the system without altering the original concepts that make it such an efficient fighting art. As social conditions have changed so has the training
emphasis. Today the emphasis is more on modern day street practicality. There are several styles of Northern Praying Mantis, the best known are: Seven Star Praying Mantis Boxing, this style was created in the late 1890’s. It takes its name from the star constellation the Big Dipper, the inside meaning being ‘the disciples of this style should spread all over the world’. It has as part of its syllabus, health enhancing breathing exercises called (in Cantonese) Law Hon Gong, or The Monk’s Strength, acquired from the Shaolin Temple. These chi gong-styled breathing exercises have meditative, health enhancing, strength building, and martial training aspects to them. It’s considered by many as the hardest of the Praying Mantis styles, however it still utilizes soft-hard principles and is classified as a soft-hard style. Plum Blossom Praying Mantis Boxing is the oldest among all Northern Praying Mantis styles, tracing its lineage to the 1700’s. Taiji Praying Mantis Boxing, today this style is represented by two distinct lineages. This style is practiced in Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam and North America. Taiji Plum Blossom Praying Mantis Boxing, this style is, historically, a combination of two different lineages of Mantis: Taiji Mantis and Plum Blossom Mantis. This style is well-known for its large two-handed sword and for being somewhat ‘softer’ than Seven Star Praying Mantis. Six Harmony Praying Mantis Boxing, known as the ‘softest’ or most ‘internal’ of the Praying Mantis styles. This style has a very different curriculum, with unique routines not found in other Praying Mantis styles. Eight Step Praying Mantis Boxing, this style was originally conceived by Jiang Hua Long and was further refined by his principle disciple of the style Fen Huanyi.
Other rarer styles, but deserve a mention include: Shiny Board Praying Mantis Boxing Long Fist Praying Mantis Boxing Throwing Hand Praying Mantis Boxing Secret Gate Praying Mantis Boxing
The Art of Tai Shing Pek Kwar Demo by Faiz Mashood
Photos by Lupe Huerta
This stance is a Pek Kwar Low Block
A Short Form Monkey Salute (Notice the back leg, the knee is not locked)
Twisting Stance Chop/Block Axe Fist
Cross Legged Stance
Double Upper Cut
The Art of Defense! Demos Round 1 & 2 are Performed by Willie Lawson (Brown Belt) & Matthew Gutierrez (Blue Belt)
With his Right hand Gutierrez grabs Lawson’s wrist in this move.
Gutierrez attempts to strike Lawson in the torso and Lawson blocks the move. (Note Gutierrez still has his hand on Lawson’s wrist.)
Lawson jumps out into a low cat stance and breaks free of the hold on his wrist bringing his left arm up in a guard position.
Stepping into a quick Bow Stance, Lawson does a Right Twisting Punch into the Solar Plexus ending this round.
Advertise with Real Kung fu magazine
Contact us at realkungfumagazine@yahoo.com
Here we have a wrist grab! This time Lawson is attacking Gutierrez!
Gutierrez Hooks the hand with a Wrist Grab!
Gutierrez prepares for an Axe Fist Chop!
Performs the Axe Fist Chop which Breaks the Elbow!
After completing the Elbow Break Gutierrez does a Left Side Punch to the Floating Ribs!
A move that completes Round 2!
Ask Grand Master Jim Muse Furtado A question! In this section we welcome readers to submit questions to Grand Master Furtado at realkungfumagazine@yahoo.com or you can ask us on our Facebook page! Grand Master will try and answer your questions! (Please note your names and info will remain private)
Question: Grand Master, the basic forms used in the Tae Kwon do and Kwon Bop and the renamed style of Suh do Kwan (Peaceful mind way) where do they originally come from? Is it from the Kwons or from China? Answer: The original basic Forms or Patterns as they are also called are from the original nine Kwans (schools) of Korea, they are based on the Japanese/Okinawan styles of Karate. As well as the Chinese Kung-Fu Arts, however, many have created their own ways, names and systems over the years and also changed a lot of the original Forms around and gave them their own flare. Question: Do you know the first form of Southerly Praying Mantis? Answer: According to the History on the Southern Praying Mantis the forms taught are as follows: Sarm Bo Gin Sarm Bo YIl Sou Sarm Kung Bic Kuiel Sarm Bo Pai Tarn Sarm Bo Pin Kuiel Tong Long Bow Sim Sou Tong Long Won Sou