My dealings with Gallowglass Academy

I apologise if this is slightly off topic but since Allen Reed is a regular here I thought it was as good a place as any to post this.

I recently purchased a book from Gallowglass (to bring things on topic, it was Paulus Kal's "In Service of the Duke" fechtbuch, which is long out of print and I was delighted to find an as-new copy for original retail price) and the service I received was excellent. Andrea was extremely helpful, and the book travelled across the Atlantic and got to me in perfect condition, which is no mean feat as the posties tend to like to kick stuff around.

Just thought I'd say thanks to the Gallowglass team for this wonderful acquisition to my WMA library, and mention to everyone that if you have cause to do business with them then you are in good hands.

Thanks for the attaboy. Andrea always tries to do the best she can when she sells books. Hope you can make it to the States and drop by sometime.

Slung-Shots by the historian John Evangelist Walsh

I just started reading a true-crime book called Moonlight, by the historian John Evangelist Walsh. It is about a notorious 1857 murder case which took place in Illinois. The defendant's lawyer, a young fellow named Abraham Lincoln, won a spectacular "Perry Mason" victory. (This case, highly fictionalized, is a highlight of John Ford's film Young Mr. Lincoln.)

One thing that interested me was that the murder weapon was "a certain hard metallic substance commonly called a slung-shot (a lead ball encased in leather with a cord attached for swinging.)" It also turns out that Lincoln, as a young man, was an enthusiastic belt-wrestler. One of the decisive moments in Lincoln's early career came when he defeated Jack Armstrong, the champion of New Salem. The match got a bit rough towards the end, with both men resorting to foul tactics. The crowd, fearing for the safety of their local hero, threatened to riot. All turned out well in the end, however. Lincoln managed to stare down the crowd. Armstrong was so impressed by Lincoln's stamina and courage that the two men became lifelong friends. The rough-hewn folks of New Salem formed the core of Lincoln's Illinois constituency. 

Incredibly cool stuff; and I'm only on chapter two. I'm from ILL originally. There are many stories of Lincoln, but I didn't know about his wrestling. In England the policeman’s truncheon became known as a ‘life-preserver’ but in fact before that people carried a ‘self-defence’ weapon which was nicknamed the ‘life-preserver’. This consisted of a small (possibly lead) ball attached by cord/chain to a short stick. It was like a miniature mace which was small enough to be carried inside a coat pocket and was intended for use against footpads and suchlike. I wonder if this was similar/identical to the slung-shot?

Flip and Flick

Just Greg and I. We focused on the Cane in close range and confined spaces. We first defined what "close range" and "confined spaces" was in a historic context and then in the modern. We looked at Lang's "Flip" and "Flick," both my interpretation and Craigs. Then Lang and Vigny's bayonet related material. Examined the different grips used in the Lang and Vigny bayonet style material. We also brought in a bit of Cunningham work ("Double Guard"). Did a few drills using modified bayonet (Lang, Vigny, Cunningham) against a knife in a restricted area, then developed a "practice set" of chained techniques and defenses.

Followed this with an inclusion of the defenses against a grab from the "Cane and the Footpad" article along with the logical extensions for left or right use.

Finally, I taught one blood-choke using the cane which flows sometimes from Lang's "Flip." It's a variant of gyaku.

First Class!

Anybody first Class in this week from today! Any last minute advice?

I taught my first class a few weeks ago. I'm actually teaching my third tomorrow. My advice is this: know you'll screw up and accept it and just have fun! 

One thing I did for my second class was write on GIANT Post Its my choreography notes. I could see them easier to glance at and my class could "cheat" if they needed to. Since I don't have cuing down to a science yet, it was a great thing to do!

By the way, if your group is new to Turbo Kick too they really will only get about 4 layers or less. I didn't believe it, but low and behold, that's what happened. 

Yes, definitely write my notes out on something you can see so you can glance down at them. Keep your layers simple. You will do great! I haven't been teaching too long..:a little over a year, and the other day I froze during the warmup and couldnt remember what to do after the double bob and punches! Luckily there was another instructor in there and she started marching. Lol see, we will all mess up from time to time, but as long as we can laugh it off, we will be fine. :) 

Have fun and let us know how your first class goes. What round are u teaching?

Know that you will mess something up & embrace that. Focus on having fun & keeping your participants safe. If that means big ole' monster cheat sheets, then cheat away. Let them know that safety & a solid workout are your priority. You may not even need the notes, but with them you can have fun, monitor exertion levels & engage your students :o) Without the notes, you may prove that you nailed memorization, but at the expense of an amazing experience -- you build classes based on experience, not memorization skills.

Get a really good nights rest the night before! I was so nervous that I could not sleep, but it didn't help that I kept on practicing late that night. Lack of sleep just intensified my fears of being on stage and I completely blanked out and froze with a deer in headlights look on my face! Thankfully my second time went much better as I accepted my 1st experience and really it was not the end of the world and as I reflected I realized that in teaching group fitness, its the students experience in your class that matters the most! So I quit worrying about me and chose to be positive, excited, and full of energy for them. Just go with it...have fun and your class will too! :) 

This is all good stuff! I love the advice and reading your own personal stories. I'm going with R45. The presenter here kind of taught me how to break it down even more so it should be fairly easy for people new to Turbo.

Staying positive

It's been quiet plus we need some humor as the holidays approach. This is not a joke, but I found it amusing.......So a friend told me that there is a guy on cable TV that supposedly is a real life paid gigolo/male escort in Vegas. Here's the funny part...they said he states that he seriously studied Yoshokai Aikido (I think that's the Kushida Sensei group) and participated in Kenshu. Now THAT is using your ki! Anyone hear of this or see that show? Anyone know this guy or ever practice with him? Wonder how much kamae comes into play? LOL

I am 44 years young and have recently returned to Aikido, after a 27 year absence. I don't roll like I used too LOL. I walked into the Grafton Dojo back in March and have thoroughly enjoyed myself. The Club trains 3 times a week, Tues & Thurs evenings 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm & Sat 10:30 am - 12:30 pm. 

I have been attending all 3 classes, work commitments allowing. I haven't been able to attend the last 3 weeks, as I am Funeral Director (Undertaker) and unfortunately, have been flat out with work. As I normally work 24/7 for 10 days and get a 4 day weekend every second weekend. But I am currently on my 21st day straight on call. As I have a colleague away with personal issues and have been unable to attend class.

I have had every Mon, Weds & Sunday free, the opposite days to class of late. So I am not to happy about that, as I am looking forward to my 5th Kyu grading.

I am trying my hardest to get back on track, have go Jo 1 & 2 down pat and have nearly got Bokken 2 as well. As I have been practicing in the back yard in the heat an humidity( Summers building).

So just trying to stay positive and train when I can at present.

Sorry for the waffle

the Fitzsimmons shift

Chris, Matt and I today...

2 rounds shadow boxing

2 rounds three count cadence drill

1 round heavy bag

2 rounds boxing

We then went over the Fitzsimmons shift. We have done it before but it has been a while and I realized that this was something new to Chris so it seemed like a good subject for the day. We also worked in Biddle's Killing shift and a few variations of our own on the concept. Once we had this ingrained a bit we geared up again and each boxed two more rounds with an emphasis on landing the shift.

Next up shillelagh working through the Footpad and the Cane article: http://adf.ly/3l0ua

We had a good bit of fun working with this short text. It is short but has a good deal of useful and interesting material. We ended the session working through some basic attack and defense with the shillelagh followed up with two bout each shillelagh vs shillelagh. Always the most violent of all.

What's the difference between Biddle's shift and Fitz's? I think Biddle was a student of Fitz, or am I imagining things?

Insurance for the turbo kick instructor

I am currently teaching Turbo Kick at my church. However, starting in January I am planning to teach it at the hospital that I work for. They called today and said that I would need insurance. I called my insurance agent, but they do not offer it. I looked at some sites online and am seeing it for anywhere from $150-250/year depending on the amount you want to be approved for and if you are certified (doesn't include the TK cert, they are talking about ACE/etc).

What kind of insurance does everyone else use, and what is the most affordable one? My concern is that I do not charge for my classes, but this is an additional cost. I have already spent $500 between the certification day, the Elite 11 DVDs, and the 5 pack of DVDs that were on sale on the Turbo Kick site. That is fine, because I love teaching and doing the workouts... However, I'm considering starting to charge at least a small amount of money to help cover the insurance and any new DVDs that I may want to purchase in the future. When the lady from the hospital called to see if I planned to charge, I said "no" so I'm not sure if she was going to say that it wasn't allowed, or if she just wanted to know...

 

Here's an option - http://adf.ly/3jejE - About 144/yr. I wouldn't teach without it - When I looked at the site, it said it would be asking for a registration number for certification. There isn't one on the TK certificate. Did you have to give one?

Blades -Brawling

Just Greg last night. So, I knew it was going to be a warm, dry, beautiful day so I planned on using what may be the last nice day of the season to do outdoor work, Greatstick and Singlestick/Saber. What I forgot was that Daylight Savings Time borks evening daylight hours in favor of morning. I'd rather have the evening daylight than the morning but the government didn't ask my opinion. Therefore, even though the garage door was open, we worked inside, beneath the cold glare of my fluorescent bulbs.

Brawling – First looked at the Head Butt again. Reviewed the three uses: modern, French Apache attack, and "Scientific Boxing" technique. Spent the most time on the mechanics of the modern technique. Then we went on to Slungshot. Looked at the commonly reported historic carry techniques then worked on deploying from the pocket draw in conjunction with initial attack technique. Next up was pairing the Slungshot with commonly reported history weapons pairings. This includes the knife, coat, and [redacted – I'm saving it as a surprise for the Seminar and book!]

Blades – Next up, BOWIE KNIFE!!!! Huzzah! 

Drill 1: Thrust on inside line and parry to the inside. 

Drill 2: Mandriti style thrust on outside line and parry/back-parry to the outside. 

Drill 3: Combine 1 2, Thrust inside, parry inside, thrust outside, parry outside, lather rinse repeat. Then footwork, parry, and thrust drill with the "swinging bar." 

Finally, SPARRING! WOOT!!!

Supreme Grand Master Angel Cabales Exclusive Interview

Grand Master *D*

Grandmaster *D* has over {30} + years of actual training in the field of martial arts. The combat arts that he has studied includes Kajukenbo, Chinese Kempo, Thai Boxing, Tai Chi Chuan, Western Boxing, Kali and the fine art of *Serrada Escrima* as personally taught to him by the late

*Supreme Grand Master Guru Angel O. Cabales* GM *D* Always Looks to be in tip top shape

Regardless of your skill level, style, experience or previous training in the pugilistic weapon or "empty-hand" arts…Grandmaster *D* thoughtfully, and thoroughly guides, and personally teaches you this "beginner to expert" stick-knife and empty-hand training program. The time worn notion that all students must train for 3, 6 or even 10 yrs. is a misnomer, and, is a thing of the past. 

By extracting the essence of Serrada Escrima and combining it with his over {30}+ years of martial arts expertise…You are presented with an "eclectic" modern day style that will give you the decisive edge in the absolute art of streetwise combat.

With Grandmaster *D* "It's all about superior quality of service". 

Serrada Escrima is not only based upon technique, but also, on theories, and concepts that were developed and refined throughout many years by SGM Angel Cabales himself. 

SGM Angel Cabales learned the rudimentary foundation of the Filipino art of escrima from his mentor, 'Dequerdas' SGM Felicisimo Dizon. 

GM *D* began studying Serrada Escrima in 1984 in Stockton, California. With several years of genuine combat experience already underneath his belt, GM *D* knew that after having witnessed SGM Angel Cabales in actual combat action he was indeed a genuine weapons master.

The Late Great Prof. Gilbert Tenio teams up with SGM Angel Cabales at GM *D*s 1984, *Classic Cabales Serrada System of Escrima Seminar* in San Francisco, Ca. GM Angel Cabales once said to GM *D* that his intentions were not to inflict upon him his particular style of martial arts; but rather to demonstrate & to teach him some effective tactics that he could use to make his 'own' style of martial arts even more applicable & even more effective.

SGM Angel Cabales also said to GM *D*, "Any student whose primary focus is to be a carbon copy of his teacher is doing themselves a great disservice. No one can be exactly like the teacher and still retain their own personal identity."

In essence, the 'Cabales Serrada System of Escrima' was designed as a method of personal self-discovery & for self-transformation of the soul. In this hands-on learning system, SGM Cabales called the highest level of martial arts attainment " presence of mind " or "spontaneous intelligent reaction". Around 1986-87, GM *D* arranged & introduced GM Gura Graciela Casillas to SGM Angel Cabales where she began her transformative stages of training within the field of Cabales Serrada Escrima

"When a person is seriously engaged in close-quarter combat, there is no time for thinking, feeling, choosing or judging what is occurring from moment-to-moment" SGM Angel Cabales

Here's how SGM Angel Cabales put it:

On June 3, 1990, GM *D* traveled to SGM Angel Cabales' home in order to conduct a very special interview on him. Although GM *D* had spoken to SGM Cabales many times about his style of fighting, he was always reluctant to ask him about his death matches. SGM Angel Cabales told GM *D* that escrima death matches were an integral part of the ancient warrior code & traditions of the Philippines.

"To willfully test one's skills in an actual match to the death is the ultimate test of true fighting skill and indomitable courage".

SGM Angel Cabales

SGM Angel Cabales added, " Whenever you are engaged in mortal combat you must forget about all of the antics of your opponent. One must not worry about things like how big or strong or how great your opponent's reputation or image is. One must remain calm & cool, but as alert as possible and strike the enemy down with certainty, accuracy, and with overwhelming pinpointed, and strategic execution of overriding power."

SGM Angel Cabales insisted that in order to survive in any life or death encounter, you must bypass all negative and positive conflictualities. Any type of conflictuality constricts the natural flow or " presence of mind of a person." 

Freezing in the midst of a life or death encounter can be very fatal. It is only in a natural state of mind that one can effectively defend himself against myriad of attacks. SGM Angel Cabales taught GM *D* that obtaining high levels of rank or degrees should never be the primary focus of a martial arts aspirant. Instead, a practitioner should focus upon the fundamentals & upon the metaphysical ingredients that lie behind all external formulas for combat fighting. 

According to SGM Angel Cabales, no level of rank could ever equate with the raw courage and skill that is latent within the hearts, bodies, and the minds of every human being. A real warrior works from a position of practicality, and begins the process of becoming a master craftsman by using whatever personality & circumstances he/she is in at the time.

To SGM Angel Cabales, befriending and assisting a person with the elevation of their mind was his greatest and highest achievement award within his lifetime. The 'Cabales Serrada System of Escrima' was designed for thinkers, and for all those who are seeking a supreme martial arts type of lifestyle. 

The art of Serrada Escrima as developed by SGM Angel Cabales entails many aspects of the art of combat.

"In order to make my art of Serrada Escrima serve the present time, we only have to assemble or reassemble my art into its fullest dimensions scientifically, and then my students have to bring to life my art of Serrada Escrima, and then make it there own." SGM Angel Cabales 

Supreme Grand Master Guru Angel O. Cabales

{1917-1991}SGM Angel Cabales stated that his style of fighting could not fail him in any combative encounter. In SGM Angel Cabales' mind his art could never fail him because he always thought in a completely positivist way when it came to close-quarter-combat-fighting. SGM Angel Cabales was not afraid to engage in actual hand-to-hand or weapon-to-weapon encounters.

The Serrada System of Escrima as taught by SGM Angel Cabales was very people oriented. SGM Cabales was not only the first escrimador master to open a commercial escrima academy in America in 1966, but also! like the legendary Bruce Lee; he was amongst one of the first Filipino masters to teach outside of his race.

A good example of this are the top three African American master graduate students that Cabales personally taught escrima to; Professor Sultan Uddin, Master Guru Jerry Preciado, and Grand Master *D*. (l-to-r) GM Jim Mather, SGM Angel Cabales, Grand Master *D* & Professor *Sultan Uddin* (l-to-r) Co-Founder of 'Angel's Disciples' Serrada Escrima Master/ Jerry Preciado & Grand Master *D*

Finally, Angel Cabales believed in the eternal goodness of man. Even when the usurers were closing in on him, he still had faith in his; 'Serrada System of Escrima'. After more than {27} years of practicing and promoting the Serrada Escrima System of martial arts worldwide; GM *D* still continues to discover hidden clues & further meaning that has unearthed some of the deepest secrets of the "Angel Cabales Serrada System of Escrima".

It's these energy-releasing secrets that continue to propel GM *D* upon an " Endless Journey " of self-discovery & further development within the area of close quarter combat.

In an interview in early 1990, just prior to SGM Angel Cabales' death, GM *D* asked the 'Supreme Grand Master' who he felt are some of his top Serrada Escrima graduate student(s). In a proud, and in a jubilant voice, he said;

"All of my students are my top students".

That's how SGM Angel Cabales truly thought, he was always fair & equitable in regards to giving recognition to all of his graduate students.

2007, Grand Master *D* had the distinct pleasure of meeting in person in Augsburg, Germany, one of Ving Tsun Kung Fu's best fighting master's. Master/Guru Sifu Muammer is probally one of the least known of Grand Master Leung Ting's graduate master students. Additionally! Master Muammer has mastered & studied extensively within GM Rene Latosa's Escrima system.

Note: Grand  Master Rene Latosa is a former Serrada Escrima graduate instructor under the late *Supreme Grand Master* Angel Cabales.

GM Rene Latosa received the fundamental's of the combat art of Serrada Escrima directly from SGM Angel Cabales, which in turn greatly aided him when he first introduced his rendition of the art of Serrada Escrima known as 'PMAS' all across Europe.

{1983} Escrima Grand Master Rene Latosa Makes a Special Guest Appearance at GM *D*s "Kali/Jeet Kune Do" Seminar featuring Maha Guru Ted Lucaylucay & Guro Dan Inosanto (l-to-r) Guro Dan Inosanto & GM *D*/1980 Cleveland, Ohio "Kali/Jeet Kune do Workshop"

Ving Tsun/ Escrima Expert Master Guru/Sifu Muammer Grand Master *D* had the distinct pleasure of being one of the first of the late Grand Master Angel Cabales' graduate students to formally introduce the "Serrada System of Escrima" directly to Master Guru/Sifu Muammer at his academy in Augsburg, Germany.

THE IMMACULATE SGM YIP MAN

Grand Master *D* Formally Introduces Serrada Escrima to Master Guru/Sifu Muammer in Germany {l-to-r} Grand Master *D* Prepares to Utilize a Serrada Escrima Cross Block {l-to-r} Master Guru/Sifu Muammer & GM *D* Indeed the fine art of 'Serrada Escrima' along with the illustrious legacy of the "Father of Escrima in America" has crossed over to various shore's all over the world. "Long Live the art of Supreme Grand Master Angel Cabales" THE GM *D* SGM ANGEL CABALES ALLIANCE FORMED IN{1984}

Ghosts, Demons and Ru Ding

I was recently reading in Bruce's book "The Power of Internal Martial Arts" about how on the path towards spiritual evolution, there are some very challenging stages where we can experience such things as "searing deserts" of the soul and "gnawing psychic thirsts," as we encounter the depths of our being through inner dissolving and martial training. He also talks about how being a spiritual warrior involves a willingness to live through several "dark nights of the soul."

I'm wondering if anyone here would be willing to share some of their expereinces of working with their demons through meditation and martial arts? Has anyone here lived through any of these "dark nights?" if so, what was it like, how long did it last and what helped you in dealing with it?

My reason for this request is to help to get some perspective on my own experience, as well as for sharing and community around these rarely-discussed experiences. 

I know about it, and it is very recent history. It started when I was in China. I was teaching in a university there, and I started to have some panic attacks, coming from absolutely nowhere, heart beating very fast, a feeling of death coming very soon, and other pains in the chest. Symptoms of a heart attack. Went to many doctors who said my body was perfectly well! I was kinda thinking "the guy is fooling me". But check-up after check-up, I realized that they were right. 

So were was allthis pain/fear coming from? It was incredible, coming out of nowhere, especially in the evening. Really was an agony, on the physical, but even more on the emotional level. I later learnt from the internet that I was not alone. It is a symptom called "Spasmophilia" by the French. Don't look in a dictionary, the concept doesn't exist in english, it is a kind of "panic attack symptoms. People may have this for years. 

Knowing this started to help me, also a supporting wife, and an australian neighbor I consider to be a sage helped me a lot too. Having a warrior spirit: oh yes it definitely was what made the difference. I can honestly say I had it. I didn't want to lose; losing meaning to be dead/crazy.

The last doctor I saw said I should be on medication for a year minimum. I thought, "fuck it, no way, better die than become a zombie". And it did finally work! Compared with some other people having the same stuff: 

- I never took medication (maybe one pill when I was to take a plane)

- I never lost my job, despite the many sleepless nights I had

- I never tried to commit suicide

- I was - strangely- happy when not in a crisis.

However, my "I don't wanna lose" attitude was also my biggest flaw in many aspects. What I needed to learn (and still need somehow) was the idea of letting go. Accepting, even things I thought terrible. Including death. 

That is not easy. I realized my fears and angers where coming out in my body. And it was a result of my energy practices. Not because I was not practicing correctly, I believe, but because it was a stage. I hated it. 

I realized I was in a constant anger against many things. The weather, the bad environment. Fear was coming almost instantly when I was hearing a story of someone dying in car accident, or something like that. I was feeling helpless, powerless in a threatening world. I didn't want to admit it, my body spoke for me!

2 words were for me to learn: acceptance, and no-judgement. I knew these (I read some spiritual literature, too!), but I had to make them become real in my very body., not just as words. I thought coming back to my country would help me. It did, but not immediatly. It was not a matter of place, it was purely internal stuff. 

That was a real dark night of the soul. AS for "ghosts", well, I was not thinking of it that way in the beginning. But I had heard about Castaneda's "flyers", ghosts feeding on human energy through emotions. I don't know if those exist, but I managed to get out definitely by saying strongly, but without hatred: "ok, you will do all the crazy stuff to my body, you may even kill me, I don't care if can't sleep, but I WON'T GIVE YOU MY FEAR. 

Since then, I had some "crisises", but nothing compared with the ones I had before. I know the protocol to get out. And more important, I don't bother. Actually I believe what we feel emotionally is more important than anything else. Events may be important, but they should never be a loss of emotional balance, which is our very soul (in chinese, the heart is the root of the shen or spirit)

Several minor ones and one big one. In a period when I was practicing a great deal, something started coming out of the lungs. Then it worked out to the skin...there is stayed giving me a really hellish experience for about six months of continual skin itching along with spasmodic leg stuff every time I tried to sleep. One of the hardest times of my life. Thought I mind end there. Kept practicing...in fact my meditation was about the only thing that gave me any break at all. Couldn't sleep for very long periods. Really, really happy when that was over.

Italian Knife Fighting System?

Has anyone ever heard of this instructor and knife fighting system?

Master Gilberto Pauciullo and Northern Italian Piedmont (?) knife fighting system.

I have been lurking for a long time,and people who know me, like Ken, are aware that I research South American Fighting systems like Garrote and now in Colombia Grima. But another aspect of my research has to do with my Italian heritage, on my fathers side. So for a long time now I have been looking into Italian traditions of Knife and Stick fighting. There are quite a few that are still alive and kept that way by old Masters. The only problem is a certain veil of secrecy maintained by several knife and stick traditions, especially the Sicilian ones. And yes, they exist,they are not reconstructed thru old manuals, the only problem is getting in. Look up BASTONE SICILIANO or COLTELLO SICILIANO and you will get some answers.

COMBAT AGAINST MULTIPLE OPPONENTS

Here's some more info on my newest book, which happens to be on one of my most beloved topics: 

Combat in Outnumbered Scenarios: The origin of Historical Fencing.

... 

In this book I cover the fundamentals of combat against multiple opponents both with long double hand weapons (staff) and short single hand weapons (baton).

The main topics are:

- Combat strategy against multiple opponents,

- Principles of engagement,

- Principles and usefulness of active and reactive behavior,

- Technique for distance optimization,

- In motion sweeping parrying technique,

- Scenarios specific of baton due to its shorter length and single hand manipulation,

- Tactical decision making during combat.

The book has one additional chapter in which I cover the historical evolution of combat technique, more specifically parrying technique, presenting why and for what purpose different parrying techniques were created over time, hoping that these contents contribute not only for a better understanding of Martial Art's history but also improve combat strategy.

The book costs 19,95 dollars and is available at www.pretomartialarts.com, as well as on www.amazon.com

More information can be found on www.pretomartialarts.com and http://bf3c2baf.linkbucks.com

Although the Portuguese version of my website is still under construction, all my books are available in both languages.

Bartitsu Session at Gallowglass Academy

Tonight was the second session with my Bartitsu student.

We reviewed our pugilism from last week including the left lead, the right rear punch and the upper cut. We then reviewed using your left lead arm to block an incoming right hand punch and then counter punching with your right fist. I then introduced the idea of using the inverted fist punch used as hook to strike at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

We then talked again about how you can get someone off balance by moving them into the empty triangle point in front of behind them. 

We then worked on making someone fall over backward from the collar and elbow/randori position both with and without blocking the leg. From there we worked on the back heel throw from pugilism. Once we had worked on that I introduced the cross buttock throw from pugilism also called the neck hip throw in jujutsu.

We finished the session by an introduction to Vigny's cane with the front guard and using cuts #1 and #2 and then falling into a two handed bayonet stance to add a thrust. 

A Weekend of Iberian Swordplay at Gallowglass Academy

I can't speak to the Destreza material, but I've taken several classes with Eric and Puck at WMAWs in 2007, 2009 and 2011 on the montante, the Iberian greatsword that Allen references.

For those who aren't familiar with it, it's a fascinating weapon and style, IMHO. The primary sources are predominantly centered on tactics, not techniques, so while Eric, Puck, Steve Hicks and others have had to work hard to clarify the techniques involved, the scenarios provided in the sources give us a level of insight into the weapon that we have for few other historical weapons.

For example, there are combinations for fighting in an alleyway that's so narrow you can't swing the sword, combos for use in streets that are *just* wide enough to let you swing the sword, and scenarios for guarding a noble lady, for breaking up a fight between fencers, for fighting on the central walkway of a sailing galley, and more.

Given all the source material available, I have no doubt that Eric could easily fill a day with interesting stuff.

I'm definitely planning on going!

I discussed with Maestro Puck Curtis at WMAW having him come out to do a seminar at Gallowglass Academy (25 miles from Rockford, IL and 90 miles from Chicago) next year. Based on our preliminary discussions we are currently looking at doing a two day event on either April 21 - 22 or 28 - 29, 2012.

Maestro Curtis has suggested he do a one day Destreza seminar with sidesword, rapier or longsword and then Maestro Eric Meyers do a one day seminar on Iberian great sword. This will necessitate we get at least 20 students at close to $100 each for the weekend. I am looking to get feedback to see if we can get enough interest in the seminar to let them know to plan on coming out.

So please talk amongst yourselves and any interested students or friends and get me feedback ASAP so I can let Maestri Curtis and Meyers know what is going on.

Invitation to participate in a survey on Historical European Martial

Hi All,

some of us in Melbourne (Au) were discussing the merits of a journal article on "Martial arts participation: consumer motivation" that was in International Journal of Sports Marketing & Sponsorship;20100101, p105, 19p.

It did not seem to represent the HEMA community at all, so since I have already given money to SurveyMonkey I decided to make a survey and see what we can find out (then added some extra questions of interest).

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/wma-survey2011

Please also share this where you may like (eg. social media, blogs, websites, classes , etc).

I look forward to sharing results once we have a reasonable sample size. All identifying information will be private and only used for statistical purposes.

If any groups would like a snapshot of their members results (minus identifying information) please contact me personally on snimmo@swordplay.org.au.

Warning though, I will attempt to verify any such request as being legitimate (eg. emailing said organisation to confirm) If not successful I will refuse as I cannot verify you run that particular organisation.

Annapolis Mall Demo this Saturday, September 17

Jing Ying will be performing at Annapolis Mall's Kidfest this Saturday. The Kidfest runs from 11am until 3pm, and there will be interactive activities with the National Aquarium, Chesapeake Children's Museum, Baltimore Orioles, and more. The popular music group, "Milkshake," will perform 3 of their hit songs and will have a meet and greet afterwards.

The majority of the event will take place in the newer section of the mall where Pottery Barn is (the Bestgate Road side of the mall).

Key times for students who are performing:

10:30am 

Jing Ying Lion Dance Team 

Meet at the Pottery Barn Court. 

The team will also perform the lion dance a second time just after Milkshake's meet-and-greet by Crate and Barrel around 2pm.

1:15-1:30pm 

Other Jing Ying students meet in the Pottery Barn Court for kung fu or tai chi demos.

Note: If you are participating in the demo, we recommend you attend the 11-noon class at Jing Ying to practice.

See you there!

Hsing-I Five Elements with Luo De Xiu

He began with some basic thoughts, and showed how the 5 elements become the 12 animals. Tiger is double Pi Chuan, Monkey is Pi Chuan retreating, Dragon is Pi Chuan dropping and splitting. Horse is a reverse Tsuan Chuan, Pao Chuan becomes Chicken and a bunch of others. He always says that each element can be used in numerous ways, big, small, forward and back.

We worked on Pi Chuan most of the time, getting that sense of hefting a big rock rather than snappy forceful moves. He likes to move slow and smoothly, working on making the Mind more aware and dense in the space around you instead of rushing through the forms with crisp fast movements. This slower training allows you more options and adaptations in combat as he demonstrated.

We did a bunch of Tsuan Chuan drills, breaking down the form. We worked on dropping the elbow to get your power under the opponent. Beng Chuan was next and we did a lot of striking low and high in various ways with heavy, clamping down strikes. 

We only had a few minutes at the end for Pao and Heng, so we did a few techniques to wrap it up.

We had a two-day-eight-hours-a-day intensive with Wang Fulai and Huang Shuchun in Milan, earlier in May, and I got (re)introduced to xingyiquan by Master Huang (I had always disregarded it, in favour of tjq, which I now realise was kind of dumb on my part).

As I have been focussing on piquan training ever since, I would like to ask you - how is the elbow of the retreating arm positioned at the end of Luo's piquan? In Wang Shujin's we keep it wide, pointing straight out at 90° from the body... which feels strange in the beginning, but then creates a simultaneous lifting and pressing which I find great for strength development. Quite different from the smooth strength you get in tjq, I'd say, but excellent nonetheless.

Did you find the same kind of work in Luo De Xiu's xingyiquan?

In Luo's version I think we keep the back elbow closer to the body, but the elbow still pulls a bit away from the body. His grandteacher was a good friend of Wang Shu Jin so their systems aren't too far apart.

Cool that you got to train with Huang Shuchun, that's awesome! Always wanted to take his class. Please write more if you feel up for it.

Masters Wang Fulai and Huang Shuchun came to Milan during the second week of May. They taught a week long evening course at Cheng Ming Europe in Sesto S. Giovanni (Milan), which unfortunately I had to miss - but I was told they split the huge Cheng Ming program over the week and dedicated each day to a single component (the three Zhan Zhuang sequences, taijiquan, tui she and you shou, xingyiquan, baguazhang, weapons... it's really immense!). On Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May they then held their intensive seminar.

Saturday was xingyiquan day, open mainly to Cheng Ming members form Europe (we had people from all over Italy, but also from France and Switzerland, and an Inner-door disciple all the way from Australia! And that itself, the international flavor, the chance to practice with different people of different backgrounds, was worth the price of the event!).

SO - xingyiquan. The class was split into two groups, with Master Wang Fulai teaching a short stick form to intermediate to advanced students, while Master Huang Shuchun went over Wuxing quan with beginners. I stuck with her, of course, since, after being exposed to t, I had neglected xingyi in favor of taijiquan. As you may know, Master Huang Shuchun is the best female students of Wang Shujin (some would say his best bagua person all round) and she is one of the few to have been given full transmission of his curriculum. Personally I favor her technique one Wang Fulai - she is more minutely precise in every detail and aspect of the art, and a great teacher for details.

She began by showing piquan - splitting (ahah! sorry - lame joke) it into five steps:

1. From a stand still, hands, fist closed, called back;

2. The fists "resting" to the sides, they are raised about ribcage level (somewhere midway between hip and pectorals);

3. then the step, and the whole body is propelled forward by the simultaneous action of the two legs, two fists extended, the arm corresponding to the front leg thrust forward in a punch, the other arm "resting" (but there is a thrusting feeling to it) on the inside of the elbow;

4. From the end of the previous movement, here there is a sort of "coiling back" of the whole body on itself, beginning with the advanced forearm;

5. The splitting - santishi.

Santishi is very interesting. Since we were working out in a basketball court, Master Huang used to lines on the ground to explain feet and legs alignment - it's the outer edge of the front foot that should be parallel to the line on the floor, while the knees fall naturally inwards and the body faces forward. This creates a sort of spiraling/coiling of the whole body even while doing santishi-zhan zhuang, as the result of two opposing torsions. The back arm is, as I told you, very open to the side, with the elbow pointing directly away from the body, which causes the back, chest, heart and lungs to open naturally (and it had very good effects on my asthma, by the way!). Then there is a feeling of sinking with the backward hand, while the front hand (very frontal, with the upper arm extended straight away from the body and the elbow bent at about 50°) "pushing" forward. The fingers of a front hand should have a feeling of grabbing/grasping something - I was told this develops hand strength in qin na.

The same coiling/twisting/spiralling could be found in moving through piquant: when the front foot moves forward, and the whole body follows, in mid-step the two legs are twisting in one direction, 45°, while the arms are extended towards the front - in the opposite direction. This adds a sort of springing power to the movement, a feeling of being drawn inexorably forward while retaining control over your body.

The rest of the five fists is pretty much what one regularly sees in other styles, though the same twisting/coiling from piquan appears in very other techniques and movements develop a way of entering into the front line of the opponent at a slight off angle - you might be moving forward, but it is not exactly the same "forwardness" I was used to - say - in karate or boxing or full.

Master Huang also explained about the health benefits of every technique of xingyiquan - though her English was too poor, of course she has no Italian and the interpreter was working with Wang Fulai. I tried to act as translator from Chinese, which was OK (or almost so) until she got on the nuances of the meridians, the spiraling jin and the rising and falling of power - a bit too much for a self-taught! But what was clear is that the body mechanics in each movement are beneficial to both health and fighting: the arm position in piquant-santishi, or example, opens heart and lungs, while the beginning movement, with the arms twisting up wide to the sides, then falling down and twisting back - it creates an internal "widening of space" and following "closing" in the heart region, which massages the heart, and decompresses it. After seven hours of this, you could feel a warm wave rushing through the "yang" parts of the body, especially arms and trunk and legs, and a sense of strength and well being.

...but I have already written a fairly long essay - sorry, there would be so much more to tell! - If you think it worthwhile, I'll try and write some more on the second day - Taijiquan and martial applications.

We spent today working on some of the 12 animals of the Hsing-I system.

As always Luo Laoshi pointed out that the five elements are the important part and that the animals are for improving your range of motion and adding new ideas. But the five elements are all the component parts of the animals. For instance Dragon, Tiger and Monkey are all mostly Pi Chuan, but Hawk is Heng Chuan, and so is Bear. But all of them have a variety of elemental ingredients.

We did tons of fighting drills, techniques and power training. Can't describe them, but they were the usual variety of openings, controls, slaps, strikes, throws and locks all with an eye for quick fight stopping.

He showed how Hsing-I tries to get your opponent to close up, cover up and retreat. Hsing-I power is great for drilling into and cracking open someone stiff and brittle. Make them shrink their space so you can smash into it more effectively.

Heng Chuan is the mother palm because it is drilling, in all it's dimensions. All the 5 elements are just variations of Heng Chuans drilling and twisting actions. This motion is at the heart of all Hsing-I attacks and defenses.

We did the 5 Tiger Forms, each version of Tiger corresponds to one of the 5 elements. Raking the face, ripping the body and squashing the organs were taught. We did a lot of chasing drills for when they try to escape.

We did Bear and Eagle. Bear is heavy swatting and shaking power. We did lots of shoulder strokes and body checks to rattle their whole structure. Eagle is gripping and crashing down on top of them.

We did a long version of Hawk, incorporating Pi Chuan, Pao Chan, Tsuan Chuan, Heng Chuan and Beng Chuan in that order. A cool form that combines some great moves together. Smash down on him, then burst up from underneath. Hook, catch and strike the body.

Luo packs so much into these things that I can't delineate the 35 or more techniques we did today, all with variations. Plus all the principles and body movement drills. I only hope some of it will remain in my subconscious.

Then we did Monkey, lots of slapping catches, sticking to them, chasing them with jumping slaps, and body checks and flying knees. Vicious but playful.

Basically is was Hsing-I overload and we'll get to do more tomorrow.

the navaja trainers

Matt and I today.

No session last week or even midweek. had a run in with a hornet and found out I am more allergic than I thought I was. Matt had eye surgery a few weeks ago and finally got the ok to get punched in the head...

2 rounds shadow boxing

4 rounds boxing

1 round savate

On with the jackets for some sambo...

2 rounds grip work

2 rounds freestyle sambo

1 round par terre.

Sambo is fun but more than a little rough, often we are turned upside down during a throw or groundwork, stomach acid has no respect for the authority of gravity (what does that mean? I don't know) we call it sambo reflux. Often heartburn follows a good training session. I also suffer from something I call sambo amnesia. I have the hardest time remembering how we get to the ground even if I am the guy doing the throwing. Often I have to ask my training partner what just happened.

Strange but like I said, fun. Out came the navaja trainers. After a quick refresher on some basics we spent some time throwing a viaje or three. A viaje is a low line thrust to the belly, there are several different methods for doing this. We focused on a fully committed attack sometimes with a standard grip, some times with a Mediterranean grip(edge up). We also worked our cambios (hand switches)and switched from a viaje to a desjarretazo or ripping attack. We ended with a review of technique using the faja or sash, the finale being a bout using the faja and navaja in conjunction.

We then went over some of Dempsey's basics for power generation, this time we applied them to elbow strikes...brutal! We also hit the shovel hook, both to the head and to the body. My favorite punch. Last we applied Dempsey's mechanics to holding and hitting, the shoulder whirl is a thing of beauty. Good session, felt good to get to hitting people again.

So what is happening in your training sessions? I really want to steal some of what you do.

Strong emotions and meditation

Allowing yourself space seems essential to me. Dissolving is always good, but relaxation is key.  If you are having difficulty in relaxing into the dissolving procceses, then I suggest focusing solely on what will bring about relaxation. Some thoughts:

 

* Your favorite non-addictive opportunities to induce relaxation

* Time in nature with good air quality...allowing your eye to rest on the panoramas of nature

* Massage...even self massage* Vitamin C / High antioxident diet

* Warm baths

* Extra sleep

 

The last three are recommendations from Water Method instructors at weekend workshops, when the body may be processing/releasing more 'gunk.'

 

Best to you in finding what works best for you.

I like the first response you got - lots of extra sleep, relaxation, sitting in nature.  I honestly don't know what will best help you, but here is what works for me:

- realizing that my former 70% might be my current 100% and taking things extra easy - my first impulse is to amp up and drive through, but experience has taught me that being gentle with myself reaps better rewards

- not adding more dissolving to my daily routine, as I would have an undercurrent that is trying to avoid experiencing pain and loss

- adding more simple breathing, or possibly a walking meditation, and when thoughts or emotions come up, turning my attention to experiencing them as thoroughly as possible, without asking them to move or change or hurry along, in particular noticing my body sensations with alertness to any old memories that come up (and then, if it seems right in that moment, intentionally releasing whatever came up)

- deliberately adding one easy task outside my usual routine which requires overt action on my part, every day, to keep myself open to the world (a walk around the block, a nice bath, an hour volunteering, a phone call)

I'm going through some full-on emotional upheaval at the moment, and I'm wondering how best to respond to this in terms of my meditation practice.

I've been doing inner dissolving for several years, and lately doing quite a lot of practice. I've also been through a very traumatic break up and am feeling generally very wobbly, with a sense of the ground having disappeared beneath my feet.

At the moment I have loads of time on my hands, since I'm a cover teacher, and the hols are long, and no knowing when the work will come in.

Does anyone have any advice on what to do in this situation? Would you recommend making use of the time to do loads of dissolving, or are there times when it's a good idea to back off, or maybe focus on less intense practices like breathing, or just sitting and letting stuff move through?

It seems a shame not to use the time I have to work on myself, but at the same time I want to avoid putting too much strain on my system by stirring up too much emotion at a time when I'm alread feeling overwhelmed.

Any thoughts/suggestions from experienced meditators gratefully appreciated.

weapons vs unarmed

Midweek session for Matt and I today. We have been focusing so hard on sambo for the last month that it was time to take a break and do some drilling and bouting with weapons for a change.

1. Dussack...we had two spirited bouts uising the PH leather dussacks. I can feel these bouts in my legs still.
2. Longsword...just went over some basic binds then worked on them in real time with resistance.
3. Shillelagh...two bouts with this overly fun weapon. We took up the mats so we made the rule that we were not to go to the ground. Still a constant struggle much less strategy and more gagression.
4. Sparth axe...we went outside and reintroduced ourselves to this most brutal of weapons. It is good to get swinging once again. Have some serious work with these planned in the coming weeks. Had two fun bouts with these monsters.
5. Mountain axe..two bout with plenty of smashed hands. These are really like the shillelaghs in the level of aggression that comes out.
6. E-tool...just one brutal round of shovel sparring. Brutal sums it up.
7. Navaja...two bouts using CS trainers. Been a while, great fun can't wait to do it again soon.

Overall fun session. Different energy, weapons vs unarmed, not less or more just a different feel. Will go back to the mixed workout next time around.

Our Sambo adventure

Before I get into the meat of the post I will give a quick rundown of our session last Wednesday...

Chris, Matt and I.

2 rounds shadow boxing

2 rounds 3 count cadence drill

2 rounds feed and follow footwork

1 round freestyle footwork

Once again we worked on mechanics for the straight rear...this time we added the Jab first and followed with a lead hook. Really keeping Dempsey's shoulder whirl on the mind and making sure our form was a perfect as we could. 

Next up Sambo...

Since we had the Sambo tournie coming up on Saturday we wanted to do a nice light sambo workout. 4 rounds offbalance grip work 2 rounds sport sambo

We then went over some of the basic throws we were looking to land.

Roll on Saturday...

Doors opened at 9:30 AM in Chillicothe OH about 4 hours SW of us. I gave Chris the wrong time and he missed riding with us...totally my screw up. Lots and lots of competitor in sparring and grappling so many that at 4 PM sambo was still a distant thought. Prior commitments made us have to leave at 4 so we missed sambo altogether but since they did not get started before 6 they ended up canceling the sambo competition. I felt less bad about messing up the time for Chris.

So we talked on the way home about how bummed we were that we did not get to compete. That was the only real con, on the pro side...we worked really hard for over a month on improving our sambo and it did indeed improve...so even though we did not get to compete, it was far

no formal tests Yoshinkan

I don't think I would want to do away with formal tests. It's a good way to form group cohesion, whether you're testing at the same time as your uke or whether you're helping out a junior or being helped by a senior. It also focuses the mind with a degree of intensity and urgency that regular training doesn't always do. Gives you a reason to celebrate when it's done, and gives an overall sense of rhythm to the dojo year.

Not sure if you are asking how you keep motivated or how you keep the club as a whole motivated.In either case this is a very common problem which to be honest there is no good solution.  It would be nice if formal tests where done with, and we awarded rank based on performance in class.  That way you don't have that rising then falling felling you get for working hard before a test. Awarding rank based on merit would be great but it would lead to its own headaches.I have a few of recommendation that might help though since no one else seems to be offering:

1. create a demo team and continue to practice hard

2. invite a senior instructor to your school and ask them to demo specific techniques and the continue to work on them after he or she leaves.

3. NEVER TAKE THE SUMMER OFF

Not that they had the best solution, but in Aikikai, it was mandatory for anyone wanting to test for Dan ranking to attend summer camp AND people testing had to have their "passports" checked that they attended x number of seminars prior to testing. X would vary depending on the rank for which you were testing. It was their way of (a) ensuring people attended seminars put on by senior instructors and (b) ensuring that they had a good turnout for summer camp. The dojo I attended also had attendance cards. So even if your techniques were spot on and even if you were technically a student for the prescribed number of months or years for a rank, you had to have attended a specific number of classes. Funny thing how attendance picked up when people who wanted to get promoted realized they were short on hours! And of course the hours requirements increased with rank.

Round 46 to Canadians?

Just wondering if any Canadian Kickers have received R46 yet or are you still waiting like me? :( The mail strike was over weeks ago & they said all backlog has been cleared. (I've gotten all my bills! lol). I'm in Toronto.

Did it last week with a SUPER instructor @ 24HourFitness, D'wana, & at camp & am dying to teach it!

I'll check today & call if it's still not here...just figured i'd ask around first...it takes a little longer to get here but this us NOT normal!

Side note: I can't frickin' WAIT for R47!!!! Sooo FUN!!!

I just got round 46 on Tuesday...it took a long time!

gotten either email nor Round 46!

I have not watched the DVD but I listened to the music...so far, it's not settling well with me but maybe when I learn the choreo it will make it all better. It does seem like R45 just came out and my classes are still enjoying that round a lot. Read the comments about not getting the email about being charged for 46. Hmmm...wonder what's going on at the corporate level.

I taught Round 46 yesterday and my class Loved it! The choreography goes great with the music and the turbo is fun!!!

Did you (and others) get an email about being charged and it being shipped? Just wondering since I haven't gotten either email nor Round 46! (But did get my credit card charged of course ;)

Can't wait to see the round...

I didn't get any emails, but my card did get charged. My card gets charged later than some. So I called PBP and they said yes it did ship, as to why there was no email who knows. A few rounds ago I never received an email saying it shipped but got the round in the mail. I'll be checking the mailbox Tues

Mine came in the mail today! That was a unexpected surprise! Yaya!

After Action Report on Bartitsu Classes This Weekend

I taught four Bartitsu oriented classes this weekend at the Midway Village History Museum's Chatauqua in Rockford, IL I taught a pugilism and a Bartitsu class on both Saturday and Sunday. The Bartitsu class was based mostly on Vigny's walking stick system.

I was happy to get student's from the crowd for all of the classes. I had children participating in three out of four of the classes, I have never taught six and nine year old girls pugilism before :-{)

The Curator of Education was pleased enough with the response to suggest we would be invited back next year. I am hoping we can set up an area of our own so we can talk to folks about historical martial arts and physical culture between the classes.

I also want to thank my friends and students Michael Pennock and Antina Richards-Pennock for helping with the classes and of course the president of Gallowglass Academy, and my wife, Andrea for taking photos. We will post the photos as soon as we get them out of the camera

Blades And Brawling

Looked at some basic savate kicks & how they can be used to gain, create, or maintain range in a neo-Bartitsu context - Chasse Frontal, Chasse Lateral, Coup de pied Bas, and Fouette. Then we looked at how to crash range past these kicks and what some options are after closing. Especially enjoyed the throws/sweeps after crashing/capturing a Fouette. Then cane defense against knife, cane defense against cane and knife combo, then cane and knife vs cane and knife.

Could I bother you for the details on the cane work? Specifically the cane vs. knife?

Basic stuff. Cane-in-one-hand: 

1) Traditional weapon presentation: strike at the hand/knife, head, ribs

2) Folsome/Mediterranean: strike at head.

3) Use distance maintaining/creating techniques such as push-kick & thrust w/ cane

Cane-in-two-hands:  Variation of a spanish style James Loriega teaches mixed with some Fairbairn. Cane to front, bars attacks with sweping movements. Backhanded "flick" attacks. Full-moulinet horizontal forehand strikes which rechamber in the off hand while the primary hand (right, f.i.) releases and the hands switch roles with the new primary hand (left, f.i.) which throws another full mulinet forehand. Reverse chamber bayonet strikes, etc.

 "Sword" grip? (hammer or sabre?) "Traditional" meaning saber or hammer-fist presentation (not ice-pick) with weapon hand leading.

Strike mechanics? In this one, chambered from a high position, bata or a high FMA position.

Grip reference "Folsome"? This is an empty hand lead, knife hand held back position. Among other things, it is very useful for when you are concerned that someone might try to grab or otherwise attack your knife hand/limb. If your knife hand is your right, then you adopt a boxers style, left leg/hand forward stance and hold the knife in the reserve position.

Grip/guard details? I need to get some time under James Loriega some day. This is similar to Glen Doyle's irish stick system. The cane is held horizontally in front of you with your knuckles up, palm down. IMS, Walker shows something similar as well, though I think his version holds the stick high above the head.

Reverse chamber? It's a crappy term that I just invented on the fly. It does an absolutely atrocious job of describing what I mean. From the above referenced horizontal stick position, both hands gripping at equal quarters, palms down, turn side-wise to your target an thrust with either end of the cane. It's like a short jab bayonet thrust except that instead of the thumbs of both hands pointing the same direction with one palm up and the other down, both thumbs now face each other and both palms are down.

OK, I just double checked Walker and I guess it wasn't him but darned if I can remember who. You gotta clue or have I just taken one too many sticks to the head? Longhurst? Are you thinking of Cunnigham? He has a "double guard"- a two-handed grip with both hands pronated, holding the cane at about 3rds. Thanks for the extra details. A lot of what you were doing lines up, more or less, with my take on Cunningham.

Bingo. He was describing some elements of the Vigny system. Similar. But I was actually thinking about Longhurst's description of part of Vigny's system: "but it is not necessary to use the weapon with the skill of M. Pierre Vigny to discomfit a chance assailant. To use a stick as he does requires long training and assiduous practice. It is impossible to convey on paper any idea of the marvelous system of strokes and parries this master has evolved. Against one skilled in his system half a dozen assailants would be powerless, so irrepressibly effective is the use he teaches of an ordinary thick Malacca cane.

Standing on guard with the feet in a line, he grasps his stick with a hand at either end, his arms being held above his head. Whether the blow will come from the right or left depends altogether upon the attack he intends."

Upcoming classes in Tibetan massage, mantra healing, astro science

Ku Nye Traditional Tibetan Massage Training Level 1.1: May 21-26 2011

Mantra Healing Level 1: May 28-31 2011

Public Talk- Karma Mudra: May 31, 2011

Medicine Buddha Day: June 1, 2011

Other upcoming events:

With Jhampa Kalsang, master Tibetan Astrologer

Tibetan Medical Astrology Intro 24 June

Basic Elemental Astrology 25-26 June

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Ku Nye: Traditional Tibetan Massage Level 1.1 May 21- 26, 2011 

10am- 6pm at Mckinnon Institute, Oakland

Ku Nye is a main external therapy of the Tibetan Medical tradition. Originating from the ancient sages of Tibet over 3900 years ago, this healing practice has been developed in the Buddhist medical tradition. Ku Nye employs the wisdom of Traditional Tibetan Medicine and yogic understanding of the body's physiological and energetic systems. This external treatment is especially effective in calming the wind humour that is commonly disturbed in modern society. There is a wide spectrum of techniques, employing herbal infused oils and other therapeutic tools to treat various imbalances and to bring constitutional vitality.

May 21-23: Essential basics of Tibetan Medicine with Eric Rosenbush L.Ac. ***

* Origin and History of Tibetan Medicine

* Introduction to the five elements and three humors

* Basic typology.

* Use of herbal oils in kunye practice

* Basic breathing techniques and yogic exercises for Kunye practice

May 24-26: Practical Ku Nye training with Dr Nida Chenagtsang

The Ku Nye session is divided into three phases of treatment, which will be introduced in this course:

* KU: Techniques to apply herbal oil formulated according to constitutional type, using traditional strokes.

* NYE: Localized massage techniques including kneading, rubbing and pressing of muscles and tendons. Introduction to the points and energy meridians of Tibetan Medicine.

* CHI: cleaning the oils from the body using medicinal powders.

*** The class on May 21-23 regarding the basics of Tibetan Medicine will be taught by Eric Rosenbush, L.Ac. This is a required portion of the training for those students who have not completed the Basic Tibetan Medicine course with The Sorig Institute.

Please visit our website for the complete course description. There you will find descriptions for The Sorig Institute's 500 hour Ku Nye Massage certification program and its 3 levels of comprehensive training.

http://www.thesoriginstitute.com/kunyeprogram.html

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Mantra Healing 1: May 28-31, 2011 at The Applied Chikung Loft

Tibetan Mantra Healing is a powerful form of sound healing that originated 5000 years ago. It was developed by the Drang Srong sages (Rishis), who also revealed the yogic and meditation practices. This course presents a comprehensive introduction to the art and science of the Tibetan Mantra Healing tradition. Mantra healing is the practice of using sound as a healing medium, using primordial sounds of nature, as well as divine words from the Sanskrit and Tibetan languages. It is a powerful method of bringing balance to various diseases and restoring health for oneself and others.

Course Description:

* Introduction to Mantra Healing and TTM.

* Theory of how Mantras function, including the law of interdependent origination of all phenomena, the five elements, etc.

* Instruction on performing simple Mantra healing rituals.

* Using Mantra to empower substances, such as medicine, water, gems, and amulets.

* Transmission of 70 healing Mantras for various diseases, with practical application of how to use them.

The mantras taught in this course originate from the ancient Rishis and Ngakpa yogis of Tibet, and have been passed down up to the great 19th century master Ju Mipham Rinpoche. 

From this lineage, the mantra healing system was transmitted to Dr. Nida.

*Class will be from 10am- 6pm May 28th and 30th.

May 30th will commence again after dinner break at 8pm for a night mantra session that will go until approximately midnight. May 31st will be a half day, ending at 1pm.

http://www.thesoriginstitute.com/classes.html

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Karma Mudra: May 31st, 2011 2:30pm-4:30pm

Public Talk: Karma Mudra- Sexuality in Yoga and Healing

Dr Nida will bring clarity to an often misunderstood aspect of Tibetan Tantric practice. The talk will address the nature of sexuality spiritually as a path; and the nature of orgasmic states according to the yogic and medical systems. 

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Medicine Buddha Day: June 1, 2011

The meditations of Medicine Buddha, are used in both the spiritual and healing traditions of Tibet. The practice is aimed for personal spiritual progress, to heal the roots of our existence in samsara. For self-healing and to address the imbalances of body, energy, and mind, this practice is commonly used by practitioners of the healing arts. Dr. Nida will introduce the various aspects of Medicine Buddha practice, from sutra, tantra, and healing traditions. This includes a special sadhana practice from the terma tradition, involving Medicine Buddha with four healing Dakinis. This is a simple yet effective practice for those who are in need of mind/body healing.

There will also be a short transmission of the Yuthog Nyingthig Ngondro- a profound meditation practices employed by Tibetan doctors.

*Class will start at 10am with 1 hour explanation, then 1 hour practice; followed by 2 hours of practice in the afternoon.

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Dr Nida Chenagtsang was born in Amdo, Tibet; a region known for centuries for its tradition of Ngakpas- Tibetan Yogis. He studied the local medical system, as well as doing intensive formal training at the Lhasa Tibetan Medical University. Later, he has practiced in various hospitals in Tibet, and has published many works on Traditional Tibetan Medicine. He has extensively researched ancient Tibetan medicinal treatments, specializing in the revival of external therapies, which has brought him high acclaim in the field of Tibetan Medicine in both the East and West.

Dr Nida is Director of the International Academy for Traditional Tibetan Medicine (IATTM) and the Co-Founder of the International Ngak-Mang Institutes (NMI), established to preserve and maintain the Rebkong Ngakpa culture within modern Tibetan society. Recently he has been teaching comprehensive Tibetan Medicine courses all over the world.

Fluent in English, Dr Nida is an experienced and knowledgeable communicator with years of experienced and a sophisticated ability to teach the subtleties of this traditional wisdom to Westerners.

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California acupuncture CEU's available, (pending approval).

21 CEU's for Mantra Healing

36 CEU'S for Ku Nye Massage

For more information, visit www.thesoriginstitute.com, email info@thesoriginstitute.com, or call (510) 375-4061

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Location:

Kunye course: McKinnon Institute; 2940 Webster Street; Oakland, CA. 94609-3407

All other courses: The Applied Chikung Loft; 421 Bryant St, San Francisco, CA 94107

www.appliedchikung.com

Tuition:

Ku Nye Level 1: Before April 9th- $560, After April 9th- $700

Mantra Healing Level 1: Before April 9th- $400, After April 9th- $500

Karma Mudra: public talk-Donation (Please call or email to reserve your space)

Medicine Buddha Day: -Donation (Please call or email to reserve your space)

Both Ku Nye and Mantra Healing: Before April 9th- $900, After April 9th- $960

10% discount for students: please email info@thesoriginstitute.com

Limited work trade also available

Registration:

Send your name, email, phone, contact information and which courses you would like to attend to info@thesoriginstitute.com

Send paypal to: info@thesoriginstitute.com or mail a check made out to:

'The Sorig Institute':

Sorig Institute c/o Laura Nasca

1635 E. 22nd St, Oakland, CA 94606

***With your check, please clarify which classes you are registering for and your contact information. ~ Thank you.

This Website is dedicated to Taoist Lineage Master Bruce Kumar Frantzis ...

Focused on the "Water School" of Taoism ...

Therefore I think Ads like this are in bad taste !

In full respect to the traditions of Bruce, in every course he teaches, he speaks of the situation of Tibet, its culture and children. What we are doing is in harmony with the system of nei gong and internal arts, as we go deep into the channel systems and human energetic system. I posted it to bring awareness of Tibetan medicine to the community, not in any bad taste. However, you are entitled to your opinions, and if the moderators agree, I happily won't post about upcoming events again.

Thanks for your concern, and attempt to uphold integrity. We mean no disrespect.