What You Missed In This Past Workshop

http://www.itsyoboyflex.com/2014/10/27/missed-past-workshop/

What You Missed In This Past Workshop

 

Knife Template

This workshop focused on knife template, sumbrada, and punyo entries. We started with knife template. Manong went a little over certain application aspects of the knife template such as “Out of site, Out of mind” techniques by hiding the blade inline with the body. This helps takes the focus off the blade for a short moment, and puts the focus on the other hand allowing more stealth like techniques. Along with that he briefly talked about covering spray (from blood) from certain cuts.

Sumbrada and Punyo Entries

From there we went into sumbrada. Specifically Super Sumbrada. After going over the basics of the drill he showed us how to throw in the punyo. This adds an extra beat and at the same time shows you how you can move into punyo mano from the drill. To go along with that we went into Punyo Mano entries after. He showed us three entries: high, low, and the percussion. We ran out of time so we ended training there.

Closing

It was another great workshop. Thanks to Manong Rich Verdejo and family for coming down to share some more knowledge with us, to both Bernie and Manong who lead the workshop, and to all who attended. We had a couple of faces come that we haven’t seen in a while so it was nice to have them back to train with the group and Manong Rich. Next seminar with James Urban is coming up! We hope to see you there! Well that’s it for now. Happy Training everyone! ItsYoBoyFlex and I’m out.

Just a Note... "Environmental Awareness vs. Paranoia" by Manong Rich Verdejo

Environmental Awareness: mental preparedness to what's On-In-Around you. This is the ability to observe the environment and make decisions to prevent danger, or take an advantage of an opportunity.

Paranoia: a mental disorder characterized by systemized delusion and the projection of personal conflict.

Some can say there is a fine line between the two. To a trained person, someone with personal threatening experiences or a certain environment upbringing will see this behavior as awareness. To quote some Words of Wisdom during my Ed Parker Kenpo days, "Suspect first, Prospect later". This train of thought applies to just about everything, not just to people but your surroundings.

Learning to pay attention to what is around, on, and in you should be a constant. This type of training can help speed up your ability to make decisions, because of your ability to read between the lines. You train yourself to fore see possible shifts in your environment and most likely to avoid or take advantages of, by making preventative decisions. Anticipate danger and beat action with action verses re-action. "I sense a disturbance in the force" sort of speak.

Here are some not so typical scenarios/exercises to play with, but may save you from harm.

1. You're walking in daylight with a descent amount of people out. While visually paying attention to your 12 o'clock, do you pay attention to your 6? Listen or make note of footsteps, keys jingling or any sound that's constant. Can you distinguish its range? Most crowds walk at the same pace, pay notice to the sounds that don't.

2. How many of you have driven into an unfamiliar neighborhood and pay attention to the graffiti, not just the artwork but the "tagging". They tell a story of what IS, HAS, or WILL happen in that area. You don't want to be caught in a neighborhood war.

3. You're sitting at a table having some drinks with your friends. There are strangers all around you going in and out. Of course pay attention to their 6 o'clock. They may not know this concept so without sounding "paranoid' and ruining a good time, just look for their eye, facial and body expressions to give you a sense on what’s going on behind you. It also doesn't hurt to check for any reflections that you can check periodically either. You never know when a hot looking woman or man (for you ladies) enter the room till you see their eyes light up. Those tell the tale before they open their mouth.

4. Just like how we practice sheathing and unsheathing our blades, when entering your car, instead of looking at the door or ignition hole to enter the key, use your eyes to scan the area instead. Have your index finger as your eyes and feel for the key-entry instead. You'll be surprised on how easily and quickly someone can come up on you just from keeping your eye on the key entry instead! (Eh-em, personal experience!)

Finally people,  let's not forget ZombieLand rule # 22 : when in doubt, know your way out. Always thinking there's a monster around the corner can be mentally and physically taxing. That's why we "train it, to ingrain it". If you're aware then you're prepared.

Maraming Salamat Po,

Manong Rich Verdejo








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Training in the style of FCS Kali Cali - Blogging thoughts from Manong Rich Verdejo

    Since I worked it til I wanted to throw up the night before, I was itching to kill my group the next night. Gave the group another taste of the old "Garage Workout" All we were missing are my truck tires  

    We started off with 3-5min rounds on the heavy bag. Each round progressing in speed and power. We should be killing that banana bag on the 3rd round! Once our loosened up and the blood flowing came the exercises..the fun stuff..the killer stuff to some. Using the female open triangle, we burned our legs as we did 130 repetitions at 4 different levels. That's 520 total! 

    Next up is to incorporate the upper body simply by doin a push-up and a small hop up to a squat position. They did about 100 of those, ahhh good times so far! 

Getting a little soft-hearted, I decided to give them a small break on the 3rd torture. Had them do a double shoot (imagine a wrestler shooting for a take down) So it was shoot in, stand up, shoot in again! Now instead of the usual 3 sets of 30, I only had them do 15! That's right 15 reps! And they were dying half way through by this time..tsk-tsk!

Seeing that they're really really tired now, I said "ok, go ahead and lay down" Suckersss! now lets pump out 3 sets of 10 Up-kicks! (image laying on the floor raising your pelvis so you're able to kick opponent's face) but don't let your feet touch back to the floor   Almost done with the WARM-UPs folks  Now lift your pelvis off the floor till you're on your shoulder blades and pump both legs up only using your lower abs, again without dropping your legs to the floor. 3 sets of 30.

   OK, now for some training. Learning how to Bob-n-Weave in a stick match can be beneficial. For one, it's highly unexpected and can keep you in the range you want to be in. The drill goes as your partner swings at your head, you duck/bob and then block the return swing by using your walls. Try using a bat/pipe or war-club cause it really forces you to do it properly..haha! It's also, a good way to burn those thighs. It's always good to hear.."I think I'm gonna throw up." That means I did my job.

Manong RV

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FCS Kali Cali: Manong Rich Verdejo "Playin with Latigos"

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FCS Kali West Coast - 1st Demo at Mater Dei Annual Bazaar - Oct.1st, 2011

This weekend was a busy one for FCS Kali West Coast, last Saturday (literally an almost last day entry into the program) we were invited to do a demonstration at my local church parish, Mater Dei Church as one of the performers of their week end long annual bazaar.   The FCS Kali Club of San Diego members along with FCS Kali West Coast Rep. Manong Rich Verdejo, put together in less than  24 hours a demonstration that was well received by those who saw our performance.  All I can say is that this was something memorable for me and my fellow San Diego members, personally it was worth the late night, the few hours of crash practicing, and the bruises I got!  LOL!   Anyways, I speak for the San Diego crew, Thank You Manong Rich!

Erwin G.


 Below is the highlight reel, but first a note from Manong Rich...

"I would like to personally thank Bernard Herrera, Ed Jonson, Tony Alvis, Erwin Garcia, and Jeremy Shelledy for their hard work and dedication. Let's not forget their wives and family for the hospitality! They really made me, a stranger feel at home. "

"For just short notice and only a few hours of practice, the 15min demo was quite exciting! The training on Sunday moring showed me that you guys have heart and will go far in your goals for expanding FCS Kali. I am very proud and excited to have you guys in the family..Let's just say it rekindled my fire as well and I'm glad to be back in ACTION! "

"There's a lot hard work that we will face, but that's what we're there for! But we will do it with fun!"

FCS Kali West Coast Rep.
Kapatid mo,
Rich Verdejo

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15 Years of FCS - Founder Tuhon Ray Dionaldo

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Filipino Martial Arts in Cinema

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Filipino Martial Art: Kombatan

Find the flow...

New Feature on this Blog - Tab Page for Official FCS Kali Curriculum

New Feature on this Blog - Tab Page for Official FCS Kali Curriculum

 http://fcskaliwestcoast.blogspot.com/p/fcs-kali-curriculum-2011.html


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New Feature on this Blog - Glossary of Terms Tab

This blog is still in it's infancy and we have many ideas on how to utilize the blog as an information and communication tool, as we move forward, I will add features to the blog, so keep tuned in to see what's new!

Today I have added a new tab menu and created a Glossary of FMA Terms for all, in particular those new to FCS and FMA.  Many thanks to Mark Cody who collected the terms and has allowed me to publish his glossary on our site, I hope you all find it helpful and useful.

Maraming Salamat,

Erwin G.

FCS Kali - West Coast

Today marks the birth of this blog site for the FCS Kali West Coast group, it's purpose is to unify the West Coast members of FCS, beginning with the first West Coast FCS Kali organization under Manong Rich Verdejo and his FCS Cali Crew from the Los Angeles area, teaming up with the newly formed FCS Kali Club of San Diego.  As the FCS following grows all FCS charters and clubs in the West Coast region will be welcomed and acknowledged into this blog site via approval the region's senior FCS Kali representative.

The FCS Kali West Coast blog site welcomes All, please become a blog member to keep up to date on the latest posts.

Maraming Salamat,
Erwin G.

Eskrimadors Documentary Teaser

Inspiration...

More to Follow...

More to Follow...


These are the humble beginnings of this blog site.   I envision this site to be a share point of sorts for all, and not only do we hope to use this site as an information source on anything FMA or FCS, but also for upcoming events, seminars, or trainings with Ray Dionaldo, and with any other FCS Representatives that will be in the area.   I would also like to post and schedule local San Diego self training or practice sessions for us as a group to become organized on a weekly or bi-monthly schedule.  So be sure to visit this site for future postings of this nature.

Erwin G.

FCS Kali - 1st San Diego Seminar

The following pictures are from July 9-10, 2011.  The 1st FCS Kali Seminar out in San Diego, CA.  We were honored and thrilled to have Tuhon Ray Dionaldo and Marie Lanoy teach and demonstrate FCS techniques!   We hope to have them come out again soon to an even bigger gathering in the near future. 

 Thank You Tuhon Ray Dionaldo and Marie Lanoy for visiting San Diego last July!

 

 Learning sword technique.

  Playing with the sarong, this was one of my favorite parts of the seminar, I was blown away how effective a weapon the sarong could be.

 Having fun with the sarong at my partner's expense.  

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I hope to gather more pictures from those that attended this seminar, if I do I will post them.  

More pictures to be added as I get them.

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The First Post : Inspiration and the purpose of this site.

What can I say, I am inspired...  As I write this I think back to not more than 3 months ago my brother in laws introducing the Filipino Martial Arts  to me.  All my life I always loved and respected the martial arts but never became involved with any of the disciplines or systems out there,  other than what I had seen and loved in Bruce Lee movies or Hollywood's depiction of the martial arts, I never trained.   My brother in laws who have more than 60 years of martial arts training between them; one in Taekwondo/Hapkido and the other in Kenpo and his experience with self defense techniques as a Law Enforcement officer, they have in the past shown me a thing or two, but I never did anything else.  I have watched them conduct lessons with students and family,  and this was my only taste in martial arts training.  Why I never fully indulged myself before I believe is because I never found a system that fit me and more I was not inspired enough to make time for a discipline that required dedication and passion.  This has changed and more than ever I wish I had found the inspiration earlier. 

This passed year, my brother in laws have began incorporating a new system to their repertoire, Filipino Martial Arts.  This struck a particular chord, or more inspirationally  sparked a light within me.   Yes, why not the Filipino Martial Arts?  By heritage and culture, myself and my brother in laws are Filipinos and as I observed them becoming more serious and inspired to train in FMA, it stoked my interest.   I quietly listened and saw in their eyes their motivation not only out of their own respect for being open to other martial arts, but for the notion and discovery that the Filipino Martial arts is a more than worthy and respected system, and on top of it all, it is a salute and respect to our culture.  This is what has inspired me along with all the other reasons one dedicates themselves to a martial arts, love of the sport, art, discipline, etc...  This became more pronounced after an event and more so an epiphany that took place for me in the last couple of months.  

The first inspiration being simply attending my first seminar of any kind in martial arts training by participating in Ray Dionaldo's Filipino Combat Systems Kali Seminar last July in San Diego.   I wanted to support my brother in laws by attending this seminar for a good showing, but also for myself to test and see if this was something I can and wanted to do.  The prior weeks to the July weekend FCS seminar I had already begun basic training with eskrima sticks and some hand to hand, and I was hooked, but after getting a taste of the system under the instruction of Ray and his partner Marie, I was getting reeled in more rapidly. Admittedly I was hesitant and intimidated by the company of martial artists surrounding me, all or most of the attendees had some form of martial arts training, I even deduce some at a very high level from military or law enforcement.  All this was awash after seeing that Ray and his system was very open and simple to understand, I realized this is what I had been looking for in a martial art for myself, immediately I was immersed in a very practical and effective system in which the foundations you learn apply to 3 disciplines in itself, stick work, hand to hand, and blade disciplines introduced at the same time, I liked it!

What finally got me in the me into the boat so to speak, is the epiphany of the importance of it all personally as a Filipino.  As the weeks have gone by I listen to my brother in laws and not only what they have been learning in technique, but the history of Filipino Martial Arts.   I borrowed from one of them a documentary that has inspired all three of us no doubt, the very well made documentary, "Eskrimadors: A Filipino Martial Arts Documentary".

 As I dig more into FMA, there is a sad realization that there is very little written, recorded, or documented about Filipino Martial Arts and this is painfully pointed out in the documentary.    For those who have not seen it, I encourage a viewing, as a self proclaimed ambassador I encourage to buy a copy for yourself! "Eskrimadors" paints a beautiful portrayal of the Filipino Martial Arts, you'll get a brief informative synopsis of the origins of FMA, which then warp drives to the 1940's -1970's and how FMA under the Doce Pares system, the most recognized FMA system at the time  and arguably today, became finally recognized internationally.  The documentary ends with the realization that the Filipino Martial Arts could one day be lost in Filipino culture in the sense that as the grand masters of the art age, who will carry the torch if the eskrimadors or Filipino martial artists of tomorrow are not passed onto Filipinos as grandmasters. 

As a Filipino by ethnicity, this is where my inspiration has come from, realizing for myself  as  an American born Filipino I can be a part of something in my culture. Growing up I was one of your basic non stereo typical Filipino Asians, I was only an average student growing up, I blended in American society more than I stood out in any other talent.  As a Filipino, I am even picky on my culture's traditional foods, I don't speak the language at all and barely even understand it, and finally  I don't even sing well in karaoke like so many Filipinos love and or noted in doing, LOL!  Inspite of all that, finally this is how I can honor and pay tribute to my heritage and culture by learning as much as I can about FMA, participate, and help spread the word and inspiration.  As I pick up the discipline and art, I hope to instill to my children and their kids one day to be inspired and help preserve this important part of the Filipino culture as the world continues to recognize and respect the Filipino Martial Arts.

And so begins my tribute to FMA, I am creating this blog site to help create an Filipino Martial Arts presence in the San Diego area under the Filipino Combat System Kali.  While I have aligned myself to the FCS discipline,  I hope this blog becomes a gathering place for FMA enthusiasts, respecting all Filipino Martial Arts styles and all other martial arts.  I believe Bruce Lee had the right idea and philosophy in being open to other forms, arts, and disciplines in the martial arts and with that spirit this blog is for everyone.

Thank you for taking the time to read and visit this site, I hope you find it refreshing, informative, and enjoyable.  May this site form a bond with all, and my hope is to one day affiliate it with an official FCS school or representative in the San Diego area.

Maraming salamat,
Erwin G.