Open Invitation to Check out FCS Kali in San Diego

This is an Open Invitation for those interested in checking out Filipino Martial Arts via the system called FCS Kali created by Tuhon Ray Dionaldo.   The FCS Kali San Diego Group practices weekly on Sundays from 8:00am - 10:00am  in Chula Vista. Come check out what our system is all about, and meet the members of our FCS Kali Family.  For newcomers there is no fee to check out what we do, all we ask is an open mind to our system and come try it out with some participation.

What:  FCS Kali San Diego Weekly Sunday Group Practice 

When:     8:00am - 10:00am

Where:   Heritage Park - Outdoor Stage
             1381 East Palomar Street
           Chula Vista, CA 91913

Erwin G., Bernard H., and Eduardo J.

FCS Kali 2 Day San Diego, California Seminar with Tuhon Ray Dionaldo

2 Day Seminar with FCS KALI founder, Tuhon Ray Dionaldo. Train and share with one of the most world renown FMA Instructor! Blade Tactics, Stick and Specialty Weapons like Sarong, Latigo (Bull-whip) & the infamous Kerambit! VENUE: ARENA MMA Gym (we will occupy the back gym with the roll-up doors) DATE & TIME: September 28-29, 2013 (Sat. & Sun.) from 10:00am - 3:00pm FEE: $65/day FCS Kali Members & Military: $55/day CONTACT: Gil Rich Verdejo email: grverdejo@yahoo.com call or text: (626)831-5684 CONTACT: Bernard Herrera email: bernie.herrera@gmail.com

Keep on training

Weekly Sunday Group Practice

Weekly Group Practice is always on Sunday, unless otherwise posted or cancelled, so always look for any updates here or on FCS Kali West Coast Fan Page.  

FCS Kali San Diego Group Practice will be held at Heritage Park at the Outdoor Stage area.   Newcomers interested in checking out session are welcomed, come with an open mind and interest.

When:     8:00am - 10:00am

Where:   Heritage Park
             1381 East Palomar Street
           Chula Vista, CA 91913

Sunday Training, June 30th, 2013 - CANCELLED (PDE Ohana Gathering, Coronado Beach)

Training on Sunday, June 30th is cancelled. 

We will be attending the PDE Ohana Gathering at Coronado Beach (Dog Beach), just North of Hotel Del at the end of the cul-de-sac. No time frame, potluck, bring what you can, and FMA fellowship is the theme. Come on down and get to know other FMA practitioners in the South Bay.

Sunday Training, 6/23, Manong Rich Verdejo

Training on Sunday, June 23rd at Heritage Park, Chula Vista CA; (08:00 - 11:30)

Manong Rich Verdejo will be down to cover any of the knife, karambit templates we need help with. Additionally, he will be introducing the FCS F'n Hawk to the group.

We will be collecting $20.00 from each of the participants, please let us know if you will be attending.


Maraming Salamat

When:     8:00am - 11:30am

Where:   Heritage Park
             1381 East Palomar Street
           Chula Vista, CA 91913

FCS Kali Weekend Events

This month we have several weekend activities pending;

• Change in plans, our Sunday, June 16th training at Heritage Park, Chula Vista is cancelled.  Enjoy Fathers Day with your family and friends.
• Sunday, June 16th;  FCS "Old School" Seminar, Balboa Park, Encino CA 91316,  12:30 - 16:30 hrs.
• Sunday, June 23rd; Manong Rich, Heritage Park, Chula Vista, CA 08:00 - 11:00 hrs ($20.00).
• Sunday, June 30th; PDE Ohana Beach Day, Coronado, CA, TBA

Please respond to the events you plan on attending.  Thank you.

More training tips from Bob Dorris, S.M.A.R.T Athletics, Inc;

There's a concept I teach my students that goes like this...

“It's easier to learn 1 single technique that you can apply in 100 different situations... than to learn 100 different techniques.”  Technically speaking, it's still 100 different techniques, just using a simplified way of learning & remembering.


That's how I teach both striking and grappling. If you don't already approach your training that way, you won't believe how much more effective it is.

Keep training,

Bob Dorris

S.M.A.R.T. Athletics, Inc. 

Training Strategies

I regularly receive training tips from Bob Dorris of SMART Athletics, also known for the submission master grappling dummy.  He offers great advise and tips on how to train and stay motivated.  Keep training, be safe.

I know you've heard of "visualizing" for improving your skills. But do you do it?  If not, you're missing out.  Try this the next time you watch TV. During the commercials, close your eyes and clearly picture yourself doing a tactic you want to learn, as many times as possible until the commercials are over.

During a typical 2 minute commercial break, you should be able to mentally perform at least 20 to 30 reps of that move. 
If there's 5 commercial breaks during that episode of "Law & Order", you'll have performed 100 to 150 reps.I'll bet that's more than you did during your last "live" training!

After you make this a habit, I guarantee you're going to find yourself pulling off tactics while "rolling" that you've NEVER 
even physically done before... just because you've mentally rehearsed them.  A side benefit - your "significant other" will think you'respending quality time together, snuggling on the couch and watching a romantic comedy... while you're practicing kneebars and heel hooks.

It just doesn't get any better than that!

Keep training,
Bob Dorris

S.M.A.R.T. Athletics, Inc. 

No excuses, keep on training

Weekly Sunday Group Practice

Weekly Group Practice is always on Sunday, unless otherwise posted or cancelled, so always look for any updates here or on FCS Kali West Coast Fan Page.  

FCS Kali San Diego Group Practice will be held at Heritage Park at the Outdoor Stage area.   Newcomers interested in checking out session are welcomed, come with an open mind and interest.

When:     8:00am - 10:00am

Where:   Heritage Park
             1381 East Palomar Street
           Chula Vista, CA 91913

Great Practice Today - Sunday, April 7, 2013

It is always a great day when our FCS Kali West Coast - San Diego training group gets together.  Welcome back Glenda, it's great to have you back training with the group.  We started the morning by warming up with footwork and some sinawali.  We then went into punyo mano drills, mano - mano, and knife tapping, transitioning into the knife template #1.  It is motivating to see how well everyone is retaining the information.

In the coming weeks we are planning a couple of training events; firearm safety for FCS Kali SD members and their families; and a day at the shooting range - South Bay Rod and Gun Club, Dulzura.  Dates for these events will be posted.

Until next week, keep training, stay healthy, and be safe.

Maraming Salamat

FCS Kali West Coast - San Diego 1st Year Anniversary

Today marks the 1st Year Anniversary of the FCS Kali West Coast - San Diego.   Last year we began our first official practice as a group at our "Luneta Park" - Heritage Park in Chula Vista, California. At this time last year there were only 5 of us and we were hoping to end the year with 10 people in our group.  Today as we celebrate we have 20 active members.  The following is a link to my blog post last year and what we looked like.

http://fcskaliwestcoast.blogspot.com/2011/09/fcs-kali-club-of-san-diego-1st-group.html

I am proud we have grown so much in the last year.  Of the twenty regular members, currently there are 7 - Level Two, and 4 -  Level One  practitioners.  This weekend we plan to celebrate our 1st Year Anniversary of FCS Kali West Coast San Diego with a camp out near the beach in San Onofre California, Manong RIch Verdejo and some of his FCS Kali Cali Crew will be joining us.

I want to thank all our members who have been with us the last year and welcome the new members, we are excited to see all you grow with us, and your support and dedication means a lot to not only us, the FCS Kali Family, but it's a tribute to Filipino Martial Arts.  Those on board  the FCS Kali West Coast train, welcome aboard and hang on for the ride, we will be going places!

Maraming Salamat Po,

Erwin G.
Bernard H.
Eduardo J.

A Note from Kuya Bernard - A thought on Motivation

A Note from Kuya Bernard - A Thought for Motivation

I took this motivational speech from Bob Dorris, who is responsible for the submission master grappling dummy, and changed the words.

A quick motivator for you...

Do you practice FCS in between group practices? If not, think about this...

…would you ever consider taking music lessons and NOT practice in-between sessions? 

Or, would you take classes at a university, and NOTstudy in-between classes?

I'm sure you'd never consider doing that... it would be a waste of your time and money, and itwould waste your teachers' time as well.  So, why wouldn't you do that with your FCS training?  The point is, if you approach your FCS training the way you'd approach studying anything else, you'd make incredible progress compared to what most others make.

If you're not “hitting the books” in-betweentraining session, start now. You'll be glad you did.

==============

Private Session with Manong Rich Verdejo and Guro Ray Khanomtom Cole

FCS Kali San Diego Crew:

Regular Sunday Group Practice at Heritage Park for 8/26/2012 has been cancelled.   

In place of this practice a Private Invitation Only Session with Manong Rich Verdejo and Guro Ray Khanomtom Cole will take place at Kuya Ed Jonson's house. 

San Diego Crew please check your emails or FB messages for details on this.  As always when we have Manong Rich or a special guest trainer teaching us, we are taking donations for their time.   

Any San Diego Crew members who have not heard about this and are interested in attending this special session, please message me in Facebook or via email for details.  FCSKaliSD@gmail.comm

Regular Sunday Group Practice will resume next week.

Maraming Salamat Po,

Erwin

Kadangyan's Madirigma - Music for the Filipino Warrior

Every once in awhile you come across something that is so right for what you are passionate about and it immediately becomes a part of you and you embrace it and know you will love it forever.   For me my Filipino Martial Arts came into my life like that last year, and this year as we approach our 1st Year Anniversary another cultural infusion has immersed me.  To compliment my Filipino Martial Arts buzz I have discovered an OPM band (Original Pilipino Music), the hypnotic sounds of Filipino Ethno Tribal music infused in a rock foundation that will inspire me further.  They've been around for awhile and maybe I am playing catch up, but to my readers I introduce,  Kadangyan Band.   Below is their latest album cover to give you a sense of this band and some links to Youtube of them performing Live.  I hope you like them, enjoy.

Their albums can be purchased at the following website, very reasonable, I downloaded both their albums for $10.00

http://kadangyan.bandcamp.com/

Support OPM!

Maraming Salamat Po!

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FCS Kali San Diego Crew Sunday Group Practice - 8/19/2012

FCS Kali San Diego Group Practice will be held at Heritage Park at the usual area in the Outdoor Stage area or the park benches where we were last week on the other side of our hill.  


When:  8/19/2012     8:00am - 11:00am

Where:   Heritage Park
             1381 East Palomar Street
           Chula Vista, CA 91913

Erwin G., Bernard H., and Eduardo J.

I See the 2nd Ripple - FCS Kali San Diego Sunday and Wednesday Night Practice Commentary 8/15/2012

I see the 2nd ripple..... I want to first start off with an apology, apologies to the Readers of this blog I've been a little busy but confess I've had a little bit of writer's block as well, as a result I have fallen behind in keeping you all up to date on what's been happening out here in the West Coast.  We've been busy to say the least, so let me catch you all up.... 1) Last month a group of us tested out for Level 1 and Level 2 and that was another special day testing skills and wills, endurance, and heart.  2) In the last 2 months we have grown, it seems we are averaging a peak group count of 16 members, we have new faces eager and willing to train, I'm especially proud of the younger generation that is lowering our average age in the group, this is a very good thing to see!   3) Last Sunday Manong Rich began introducing Level 3 material, and we realized how really cool it is, this is the beginning of where it really gets interesting and deadly.  4) Tonight was the first night we began a renewed energy and discipline to have a mid week group practice on Wednesday nights, and we had a good turn out of 9 from our Sunday group, including a new younger generation brother trying our Kali for the first time.

Tonight  a great moment happened and it was special and I missed it.  Before I share it with you all, let me refer back to my opening words, I see the 2nd ripple.....  If you look back in my archives on this blog, it was the birth of our FCS Kali San Diego group, if I recall I had written something about our first days as the FCS Kali San Diego group dropped it's first stone in the pond, and the ripple was expanding out.  That was almost a year ago and as we approach our Sept. 25th date, the day of our 1 Year Anniversary, tonight I think we saw the second ripple of another stone being dropped and casting itself out to our universe.  

Back to the special moment this evening....  I arrived to this evening's group practice late, getting off work late and fighting traffic I had missed most of the early part of the practice.  At the end of practice, our lead, Kuya Ed shared something that happened earlier.  At our park it is vibrant with activity especially at dusk, there is a half mile track around us, basketball courts, a small community pool and amphitheater, and a large field used mainly for soccer. Our share of the community buzz is our activity of FCS Kali.   Ed retold a moment that had happened as practice had begun, an older generation "Kabayan" approached Ed and one of our newer members Allan and asked what we were doing, he asked "Are you guys doing Kali?"  As Ed and Allan explained to him yes it was Kali he proceeded to gush over how he remembered the Pilipino Marital Arts of Arnis and how his uncles and grandfather used to practice the art in the homeland, he went on to say he was very happy and proud to see that finally the younger generation was learning and respecting this part of Filipino culture. I wish I was there to have seen this for the way Ed retold what had happened early it was a heart warming moment.  

These are the moments that make what we are trying to do worth it.  Last year I had written how I was not only motivated to learn our Filipino Martial Arts for physical, mental discipline, and self defensive purposes, but for our culture and heritage. Though I missed this moment this evening, I know what a feeling it is. It is the same feeling I get when I share our group's progress with my father, he too feels the same way, he is proud to see us the younger generation preserving a part of our Filipino culture, I think of all the things I have ever tried, this may be one of the things he is most proud I am involved with.  So I call to my "kabayan" of the FCS Kali San Diego Crew, be motivated and energized, I know at times our busy schedules and lives may drain us to train, but think that what we do.  Be proud of what we are doing, it is not only for  personal development we learn the Art of FMA, but it is for our heritage and culture, be inspired. 

FCS Kali San Diego Crew, we thank you for being with us and appreciate your dedication.   Every Sunday as it should be, be thankful of each other and let's train hard.   

Maraming Salamat Po,

Erwin G.

P.S.   Sorry for now pictures lately, my good camera needs to be repaired, so I know....  get it fixed.

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Congratulations from Manong Rich Verdejo 7/23/2012

An announcement from Manong Rich Verdejo:

CONGRATULATIONS TO:
LEVEL 1:
Patrick Baxter
Marlon P Cabebe Jr
Angelo Fandino
Joshua Garcia
and finally Andrew Trieu Diep!

LEVEL 2:
Eduardo Jonson
Erwin Garcia
Wendel-Sheryl Penetrante
Jeremy Shelledy
Glenda DeOcampo Monzon
Dan Jess Fandinio
Bernard Herrera

After 2hrs demonstrating curriculum under the sun, the FUN stuff began! all participants went through our Defend,Isolate and Man carry drill. Yes, it had to be up a 3 tier grassy knoll! Next, Level 1 candidates had to perform the same drill with a little more stress, Insert "Pepper Spray"! Nulify the attacker and carry your friend to the safe zone, while enduring the uncomfortable pain of pepper spray. The value of this drill plays an IMPORTANT role in our Cali Family.

Level 2 candidates displayed their relentless spirit. After carrying people up and down the hill, sparring rounds were next.
3 min - Empty Hands (boxing/kickboxing), 2 min - Padded stick fight and 1 min. LIVE BLADE knife tap with Gil Rich Verdejo. I can't even explain the level of difficulty of trying to tap a LIVE blade when you were running on fumes on the previous station.

Now for the extra credit.."Draw your blade while I zap you with a civilian Stun Gun" Every one lined up and drew..AWESOME!

After the test we had our usual grub on, bottles of whiskey and beer, enjoying the company with array of cigars.

THANK YOU FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR THE SUPPORT!

Kudos to all, and proud to have each one in the Crew..You guys ran through my test like butter..gota take it up a knotch.


MRV

Interesting Find: Railroad Spike Recycling - Hand Forged Knives

Talk about recyling, I like this one....







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Bruises, Aches, and Pains for the Long Road Home

A weekend of bruises, aches, pains, Ben Gay, and a family sized bottle of ibuprofen, and all with a smile... 

Last Saturday was FCS Kali West Coast's first event of the year and will go down already as one of the best events we will do this year.  Over a month ago Manong Rich Verdejo was asked by one of FCS Kali's closest friends, L.D. "Stoney" Stone from the East Coast family if we could some how help a cause that was very special to him, the Long Road Home Project founded by Casey Miller.  Manong Rich with no hesitation accepted the task on hand and immediately approached the West Coast brothers that he was going to host a benefit for Casey Miller's project. When Rich presented this idea, it only took a few minutes to realize that this meant a lot to him and Stoney, and we were going to do this, and after hearing what the benefit was for, how could one say no.  

The Long Road Home Project's mission is threefold:  1) to help heal our veterans, 2) to raise awareness of the challenges faced by our returning service people, and 3) to  raise monies to help our veterans live more meaningful and fulfilling lives. Casey Miller's project spearheads all three objectives with a coast to coast biking journey across America by 5 U.S. veterans, but before every project can begin, funding must be secured, and this is where those sponsoring this honorable cause have pledged to help. Long Road Home Project needs $75,000 to begin their ride of awareness for veterans across America.

So we all get by with a a little help from our friends, so the song goes....  In the previous weeks Manong Rich was able to put together a training seminar benefit that would showcase the talents of various disciplines and expertise of Rich's friends.... Ajay J. - former professional Muay Thai fighter - Muay Thai Clench technique, Matt Parks - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Ground Escapes, Bernard Herrera - Retired SWAT - Home Firearms Tactics, and finally FCS Kali's Manong Rich Verdejo - Knife Tactics.  The event was hosted generously at Maurice Gomez's MG Kenpo Academy in Duarte, CA.

The turnout was good, we had over 20 participants stay the whole afternoon for the seminar. Manong Rich started the seminar with a warm welcome, tapered with a sobering reminder of why we are there besides camaraderie and learning, he noted how the challenges of the returning service people are not just physical but deeper, and that this among many more reasons is why we are all here today. We quickly moved into the learning segments, Ajay covered the Muay Thai Clench and how it could be used outside the ring. Ajay's instruction was excellent, clear, concise and effective as felt by everyone.  I would bet nobody came out of that afternoon without some form of neck ache. Personally I have not had my head shaken around like that since my Tijuana days in college where part of the ritual was having a shot of tequila and your head violently shaken around, except at least learning the clench had no whistle blowing in your ear, LOL!   Matt's instruction on basic ground escapes from his BJJ discipline was just as informative, and again for me and I am sure others who never had any grappling experience, this was an excellent lesson. I have come to further respect the ground game, especially after FCS Kali disciples were "volunteered" to roll with Matt, thank you Bernard!  Manong Rich then followed with his knife blade tactics, demonstrating his technique with of course live blade, what I have always loved about Maonng Rich's tutelage, is he is very passionate about his subject matter, so even with a hoarse voice which he acquired that afternoon from either the clench or some BJJ hold from Matt, he pushed on. The seminar ended with Bernard covering his opinions on firearm tactics in the home, keeping in mind strategy on securing/containing a room, and basic common sense awareness to be mindful of in case the worst scenario were to ever happen in your home. The seminar ended in the late afternoon, and what better way to end the day than a pack of us raid the closest Thai restaurant down the block at Thai City Restaurant, excellent food!

All said and done, the seminar pulled in $797.00 for Casey and his project, word is there are still more donations to come in and be added, so the tally at the time of this posting may need updating.  Saturday was a long day, and at the end of the day when finally getting home late that night early Sunday morning, I reflected.  Bruises, sore muscles, aches and pains, a slightly swollen top of my foot due to a couple heel stomps during the exercises, all worth it as I reached for the Advil and re-hydrated. As my aching body allowed me to get some sleep, I felt good about a great day for a great cause, I then thought of what was next... in 6 hours back to FCS Kali training at our Luneta park for our weekly Sunday Group practice.

                 

To End, here is a note from Manong Rich Verdejo:

"I want to Thank instructors Ajay and Bernard for taking the 2hr drive up with SD crew. Thank you Instructor, Matt Parks for letting me survive a full 15 seconds before putting me in that Damn Triangle, lol. I want to Thank GM Carrie Wong and daughter Cassidy Wong for training with me :) Thank you Karen Delgado for letting me use our precious weekend to support a GREAT cause. Thank-you Maurice Gomez for donating your home..MG KENPO ACADEMY.

Finally, thank you all that donated their time and money to Casey Miller's "The Long Road Home Project" We had such an awesome event and feel blessed to see old and new friends training for the cause. I'm happy to say It was a SUCCESSFUL event."

Rich Verdejo

Maraming Salamat Po,

Erwin G.

================================

Group Practice Commentary June 3, 2012

June has already started off as a busy month for everyone, with the start of summer the week before and ongoing graduations being celebrated across the Nation, we wondering who would show up for Group Practice last Sunday.   We had a pretty good turn out, while some of our usual core group was out for one reason or another we were happy to see familiar and new faces come to Group Practice.   As we stood waiting in the parking lot, slowly but surely some of our usual core group began to show up and we were relieved, but as they stepped int our Luneta., brothers that we have trained with surprised us yesterday, the return of the ever playful and joyful Marlon, and our brother from the local Doce Pares group, Darrell.  Both Marlon and Darrell not only brought themselves, but fresh faces to the group, we welcome Luis and Mark.

               L to R:  Bernard, Darrell, Marlon, Mark, Ed, Luis, Angelo, Dan, Jeremy, Josh
                 

Group Practice was more or less review towards our Level 2 test our preparation, however with our visitors for yesterday we also did a quick showing our FCS Kali basics.   I like it when new faces or visitors join us for Group Practice, for one the energy added tot he work out is positive, I think it picks up everyone's workout trying to display our skills in good light and spirit.  New faces also helps create new dynamics and energy, so I'm hoping our guests were impressed enough to come join us again and hopefully become regulars.   I'm getting a good feeling, it's gonna be good hot summer, and in the horizon, FCS Kali West Coast/ San Diego's 1st year Anniversary is coming up!


Maraming Salamat Po,

Erwin G., Bernard H., and Eduardo J.

BENEFIT SEMINAR for The Long Road Home Project

BENEFIT SEMINAR for The Long Road Home Project by Casey Miller . 

Check the link http://longroadhomeproject.com/ 


All proceeds will go help fund this project, Casey and a few other War Veterans launch this July 15th. 


TIME: June 23. Saturday 12-4pm.


VENUE: MG Kenpo Academy Studio
2163 Huntington Dr.
Duarte, CA 91010


DONATION: $30-$50


FEATURED INSTRUCTORS:


Bernard Herrera (30yrs of LEO and Martial Arts) will cover Firearm tactics in your home. We will simulate CLEARING a room and what to do if you've controlled the suspect - will be using AIRSOFT GUNS for simulations! Also what to SAY/DO in a 911 situation if there has been shots fired.


Matt Parks (Former Air Defense Artillery and a brown belt in Brazillian Juijitsu with 15 yrs. of Martial Arts ) will cover ground escapes and reversals.


Rich Verdejo (FCS Blade tactics) will cover..Learn how to use the knife fast in combat.
Reaching out to family and friends. Things are getting rough and I want you guys to have SOME training and will benefit our Veterans as well!




Sincerely,


Manong Rich Verdejo






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