Iron Workers Martial Arts

All the trimmings....

2011-12-06T10:07:00.000-08:00

As with any good meal sometimes it takes a little while to digest. For me, the same has always been true of any good training session. The adage,”slow to learn, slow to forget” was written for me. Particularly, the first part, “slow to learn” or as I like to say I follow the Texas chicken wire method of learning. Just keep throwing crap at me, eventually somethings gonna stick. I may be a little more proficient than that, but you get the idea.

The same could be said of how I initially work new and often my old material, “slow to practice, slow to forget”, but with this method there's always the potential to learn something new. On this last trip for Thanksgiving I visited my family, went to the NCRM (National Civil Rights Museum) and also had an opportunity to spend a few hours training with my Silat instructor and four of his students. As the guest, his first question was, “what would you like to do?”. In standard fashion I asked if we could review the 1st Juru he taught me when he was in Houston back in October. As he began to go over the juru I could immediately see that 1) he was moving much slow and more methodically that the first time he taught it 2) he filled in some of the gaps I missed 3) he again corrected my posture and made me aware of some common errors to look out for when executing the foot maneuvers and finally, as he began to share the hidden understand within this short juru and the applications were actually different or expanded understands from my initial exposure.

From that simple request we moved into meridians and vital points, locks, 14 count applications against the low hook. I’m just now sitting back and digesting what was shared over a week ago.

Is Your Butt Getting in the way of Your Instructing?

2011-11-12T14:18:00.000-08:00

In a not so recent cell phone commercial a wife lets her husband know that his butt just called her. The commercial itself is great testimony to unwelcome forms of communication, even when the communication is coming from the one you love and/or respect. As martial arts instructors we should be careful not to let our “buts” create negative communication experiences with new or seasoned students. I have seen so many well meaning instructors ask a class question that they know full well no one probably knows the answer. Or even worse yet, no matter what the answer it will always be wrong because the instructor will want to show everyone who's the smartest in the room. Of course this begs the question, just how smart is he or she? If as an instructor they consistently assert their ego and tear down their students confidence.

As (well meaning) instructors we can be so zero focused on creating the perfect student that does the perfect block, the perfect punch or the perfect form that we lose site of the end goal, which is the journey. The wobbling before we roll over, the scooting before we crawl, the crawling before we soldier crawl, the pulling up on things before we attempt to walk. The instillation of guided, principled instruction over time that allows students to explore and discover their current limits and potential to bring out the greatness that is already inside. By default every person that walks in the door (particularly adults) are aware that they don’t know the subject matter and are willing to humble themselves to receive instruction from another human being to add to their existence and in doing so they add to their instructor’s existence. Let’s continue to appreciate and marvel at this exchange because it is what the arts are truly about. Not kicking and punching…

The pen is mightier than the sword….but not really

2011-10-10T13:01:00.000-07:00

The pen deals with public opinion, perception and what people can be lead to believe. The reality of this is no more relevant than today when the internet can give the perception of expertise in any subject and particularly in the martial arts. It is what self promotion is all about. It is very easy to talk the talk and to even walk the walk with the uneducated and uninformed because they come with open hearts and minds in the spirit of learning.

The sword deals with what’s done on the mat. Face to face and man to man if you will. When all is said and done the sword is what stories are made of. It is about what you bring to the floor and what you leave on the floor. Did the world see you gut it out and wimp out? Did you break a rib or was it a nail? At the end of the day where we choose to place the bar for ourselves will tell those that were actually there if we gave our all with sword in hand or pen.

Keys and Doors

2011-09-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

Over the last year I’ve had the good fortune to train about 3 to 4 days a week in a few different arts. Within the same time frame I had be able to train with, visit or attend camps and seminars with some excellent high level operators of their respective systems. That exposure to these talented individuals has solidified my philosophy on keys and doors. Whenever I attend a seminar, take a private lesson, watch a training dvd, read a book or talk to someone about training I look for keys. Keys that will open the doors to a great understanding about the arts as it relates to self defense, self preservation and self development in motion, anatomical alignment, structural integrity, power, targeting, balance, stopping power and in general my ability to hurt another human being as efficiently and effectively as possible. Over the last year, I’ve reevaluated this philosophy and refined it to not only looking for keys, but looking for those instructors that can give me the highest quality keys. The bottom line is that the key from a Gremlin won’t start a Porsche. And in as much as practice make permanent and perfect practice make perfect. High quality instruction makes for high quality learning and high quality execution if you spend more of your time practicing, more time listening that talking and work to stand on your own accomplishments more so than your lineage or rank. Just a thought from the woodpile..

One Skill Away...

2011-05-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

One Skill Away…

Over the years with my growing lack of leisure time I’ve found that I read a lot less for enjoyment and what I normally find myself doing is turning on an audio book or lecture on my mp3 player in the car. You would never imagine how much time you spend in a car listening to the mindless drone of crappy music and idiotic talk radio, when you could be expanding your thinking. During one of these many listening sessions a topic was mentioned about being one skill away. This really made me reflect on where I am in my life and where I want to be. Where I want my professional career to evolve to, where I want my family to be, what social skills I want to develop and finally, where I want my understanding and physical application of the martial sciences to evolve too.

The question is then are we all just “one skill away”? Is there an area of development (broadly speaking) that if changed or developed could facilitate the elevation of your skill within your life or the martial arts? Have you ever been at the cusp of a breakthrough only to give up not realizing you were just "one skill away" from attaining your goal? If that was actually the case you’d probably never know...Such is the curse of life and quitting. You don’t get to see that answers to the test to see if you got it right.

In my brief 25 years of experience in the arts I have had the pleasure of meeting many martial artists of various styles and systems. Their levels of experience have run the gamut. From my own students, to peers, to acquaintances and up to master level operators. I have watched, listened, asked questions and learned. I've discussed and felt applications in meridian manipulation, pressure points, physical and mental execution, timing signatures, breathing signatures, timing drills, structural integrity, animal mannerisms, methods of execution, power principles, footwork, maneuvers, various martial concepts (empty hand and with weapons) and the list goes on and on...

Steadily, I have searched and searched, and searched some more. But what is it that I've been searching? I believe that what I had been looking for is my pot of gold at the end of the proverbial martial arts rainbow, you know "it", that "thing", that "thing" that make you see a person move and say, "what was that…" and then stand these speechless with a sheepish grin on your face as you wonder if it is even humanly possible for lowly YOU to get there, what one of my good friends calls the "x factor". It's what I saw when I first saw Mr. Parker on video, and have since seen from half a dozen or so other amazing individuals whom have surpassed that “one more skill” level in my opinion, but are still on their own journey searching for their potentially unattainable level of mastery…whatever theirs may be.

So the next question is how can you develop "it"? How do you get on the path to get “there”? That is a very difficult question to answer because people differ in their needs, desires and over all goals. What’s important to you isn’t necessarily important to me. From my experience that basic formulas for true success in the arts seem to be….

1- Get great instruction – Note I didn’t say get “good” instruction. You get out what you put in. Every chance to get to work with a master level operator is one more chance for a little of that shine to rub off on you. If that means making road trips, taking flights, getting out of your comfort zone and asking for personal instruction outside of your “lineage” do it.

2- Chop Wood – Be willing to put in the work. There are a lot of high ranking under skilled advanced belts out there. One can stand around and pontificate on just how awesome Kenpo is and wait for your next promotion, but that ain’t doing it. That’s talking about it…get on the mat.

3- Practice what you’re not good at. I got that one from Mr. Bob White. Why stand around doing what you already know your good at. Work on your weak areas and let your ego sit on the side lines

4- Develop a support system – You need someone to bounce ideas off of, to push you when you won’t push yourself and to pick you up (physically and more so mentally) when you stumble and fall.

5 - Practice, practice, practice, practice…every chance you get. It doesn’t happen overnight, but over time development is attained.

2010-09-04T02:07:00.000-07:00

Attorney says workplace violence happens for variety of reasons

by Brad Woodard / 11 News

khou.com

Posted on September 3, 2010 at 10:11 PM

Updated yesterday at 10:34 PM

HOUSTON—Violence in the workplace may be more common than most people imagine.

Each year an estimated one million people are exposed to some form of workplace violence.

Earlier this week, police shot and killed a man armed with bombs as he held three hostages at the Discovery Communications building near Washington D.C.

Labor attorney Stephen Roppolo said workplace violence happens for a variety of reasons.

"The economy has made people very nervous and wary and desperate," he said. "And the ability to access guns, frankly."

The Houston area has seen its fair share of workplace violence, from the disgruntled NASA engineer who shot and killed a coworker before turning the gun on himself, to employees of a small company off the Beltway who fired back with their own guns when a mentally ill woman shot one of their coworkers with an arrow.

Workplace violence may seem to be on the rise, but in reality the number of murders has steadily declined since the mid 1990s.

However, in Texas murder is the third most common form of workplace fatality. Nationaly, workplace violence is the number two cause of on-the-job deaths among women.

"In many cases, because these are domestic situations that spill over into the workplace," said Roppolo.

Sonio Corrales of the Houston Area Women’s Center said the workplace becomes involved when a person loses control of their victim.

"So they’re going to do whatever it takes to find them. They know where they work," she said.

According to Rippolo, no workplace is completely immune.

"You do what you can, by implementing the right policies, training your supervisors, dealing with employees," he said.

All that can be done, he said, is minimize the risks as best as possible.

No class today...

2010-09-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder, not class today for the labor day weekend. Be safe and see ya next week.

Violence continues...

2010-08-31T06:21:00.000-07:00

Be safe and keep your eyes open...

The value of private lessons…

2010-08-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

I started training Kenpo in 1986 while in high school. Like everyone, I attended standard classes with other students. I started at the back like all white belts and worked my way up the front of the class as I attained the various ranks and trained consistently in class. It wasn’t until after college and moving away that in 1994 I met an instructor who showed me the value of private lessons.

At that time I started training with James Smith in Houston and attended one or two group training sessions during the week and had a weekly private session on the weekends. It was a great experience for me. This scenario lasted for 5 years. Most of the time we’d spar, discuss sparring theory, look at various training methods outside the realm of what at the time I would have defined as standard Kenpo training. We were student and instructor and through that training experience my understanding of martial arts in general grew. The one on one interaction allowed my to ask questions, address issues in my execution and see how I learn information best.

Later as I began to expand my horizons under different instructors I found all of my sessions to be private lessons. Not because I required that my lessons be private, but because I was a square peg that didn’t fit in a round hole. I approached them to learn, but I wasn’t one of their standard students with no experience so they took me on as a private student. Whenever certain instructors would come to Texas I would make a special point to go to their seminars and during the down time I would pay for a private lesson. If I brought instructors in for seminars the goal was to get a private lesson in their area of expertise and to have the seminar pay for the bulk of the expense. My standard sessions with Mr. Duffy by virtue of the distance traveled and scheduling dictated that I would train privately on the weekends with him. My training with Mr. Braughton was completely private training with he and his wife (a dangerous lady in her own right), unless he asked that I attend a session with the group. Before going to my next private lesson, I practiced what I had learned prior and I went into those sessions prepared with questions from the previous session. I came into every session with an open mind and spirit of receiving. Throughout the years of training, private lessons and consistent self-regimented practice sessions (even as little as 20-30 mins twice a week) have helped me get closer my personal goals in training.

To this day I still get several private training sessions in a month, am willing to travel to touch hands with instructors and peers, and understand the value of being a life long student.

When you hear of people speak of their time with Mr. Parker the sessions that are spoken of in the highest regard are those that involved private training…

2010-08-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

An example of how violence can happen during normal business hours (9pm) and at a normal place (Chevron gas station). Not 3am in some well know drug neighborhood. Keep your head on a swivel people...

Kenpo: A system of self-defense that teaches ordinary people how to prepare for extraordinary situations...

Getting Away with Murder...Sun, Aug 22, 2010

2010-08-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

Article on the front page of today's Houston Chronicle highlighted the number of unsolved murders in the city of the last 5 yrs. Approx 2800 murders over the last 5 yrs, 800 unsolved. Doesn't take into account all of the assaults, altercations, rapes, kidnappings and general run ins people tend to have in a big city like Houston.

NEW HOURS...

2009-11-07T20:59:00.000-08:00

***Classes will now be held***

Wednesdays 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Fridays 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Private lesson scheduled by appt.

***NEW LOCATION***

904 West 34th Street

Houston, Texas 77018

Orange Belt Basics - The Order of the Day...

2009-10-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

Training Horse
Neutral Bow
Forward Bow
45 Degree Cat Stance
Close Kneel
Wide Kneel

Inward Parry
Outward Parry
Inward Downward (palm up and down)
Underhand reverse hammerfist
Obscure Elbow
Back Elbow

Techs
Clutching Feathers
Triggered Salute

Kenpo Class reminder - Sunday: 1-2:30pm

2009-06-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

Look forward to seeing you all....

*********************************

A few of topics...

* Lost my phone until Tuesday

* Adding training sessions..

* Shirts still available

* Far and advanced notice on October Kenpo Camp

* Recruitment prizes still in affect

* Finally.......anyone in the market for...

*********************************

* Lost my phone yesterday, showed up in Dallas (don't ask..:-), but I'll have it back Tuesday by Fed Ex hopefully..Sorry I missed ya for that private lesson Friday Lance, we'll make it up this week..

* I am looking at adding some evening, during the week training sessions, probably two or three, to be covered by me and Monte Dudley to give students more acess to the material. Times will depend on studio availability...Monte will also be subbing for me, when I'm out the avoid breaks in training. As we move forward and grow the talent pool may grow and others may be asked to step up and feel leadship roles as well...

* Shirts are still avaliable in XL, but I'm out of the others. I owe Jim a large, who else needs a shirt and what size. I'll put an order in this week.

* Far and advanced notice on the AKF Kenpo Camp in October. It is one day for colored belts, great instruction from people with great attitudes. I strongly encourage you to participate. If you make it to the camp. You'll get one free class in November....what a deal.

* Recruitment prizes are still in affect...it looks like Rachel may become our first winner. She brought someone by that should start tomorrow.

As a reminder from April.....This promotion is through August...

**** Special Summer Promotion*****STARTS NOW!!!!!!! thru August 1st

Bring a buddy...

Bring a buddy to class. If they sign on you will receive $25 off certificate on anything you purchase through me from Century Martial arts. If you get 2 to sign up you'll get another $25 plus a rank key chain and so on...(see below). If they choose not to stay I'll still give you $10 off a Century purchase each time for supporting the effort to grow our class. With a larger base we'll be able to acquire some things to assist our training.

1 person - $25 off Century Purchase (see catalog in class or website)

2 people - $25 off Century Purchase + Rank Key Chain

3 people - Free Uniform

4 people - Free Student Head Gear

5 people - Free Student Hand and Foot Gear

feel free to ask any questions regarding this...

************************************************

Finally, if anyone is in the market for some weight lifting equipment I have some for sale. Free weights, bench bar, straight and angeled curl bar, a box (Like a smith machine, but not exactly) with tricept pull down attached, stand alone seated calf machine,stand alone inverted torso extension machine (not the name, but not sure how to describe it). It is like doing reverse sit ups, sometimes there is a excercise called supermans done on it as well..The smith machine comes with inversion boots and the arm straps to hang and do knee lifts. Dumbells with a slick release to change plates quickly.

Let me know if you are intersted and I'll send you pictures.

No Class Memorial Weekend...

2009-05-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

See ya next week....

Sunday, May 17, 2009 - Abhyasa Yoga

2009-05-17T17:05:00.000-07:00

Basics

manuevers
- back fall
- side fall

Technique review - beginner
- delayed sword
- alternating maces
- sword of destruction
- deflecting hammer
- captured twigs
- the grasp of death
- checking the storm

Forms review - beginner / advanced
- linear short 1
- short 1 L & R
- long 1 L & R
- short 2 L & R
- long 2 L & R
- short 3 L & R
- long 3
- long 4

Two man Set - Side A / Side B
worked set A vs B

tech review - Gift of Destiny, Circle of Doom, Circle of Destruction

T-Shirts have arrived...

2009-05-15T07:23:00.000-07:00

The Houston Kenpo T-shirts have arrived. They are $20 and can be requested in various sizes.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

2009-05-11T07:14:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day...was a wash...

See ya next week..

Class Sunday, May 10, 2009

2009-05-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

We are training on Sunday and it's gonna be a Mutha...(pun intended). Hope to see you there...

Quick Reminder: No Class this Sunday...

2009-05-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

Family commitment...

Will resume next week....give me a call or email on reserving your spot for a private lesson during the week...

Sunday, April 26, 2009

2009-04-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

Yellow Stripe Test..
- Jim
- david
------------------------

Class:

Orange Belt Basics

Tech: The Grasp of Death
- Horse Bite
- Surviving Initial Attack
- Close Kneel
- First Flank Attack

Freestyle Sparring: Sparring Concepts and Theory

Advanced Session - Mini Camp Review
- Basic Staff
- Form 4 Techniques - thru unwinding pendulum
- Stance Set 2

- 2 man set part A
- 2 man techniques: Reprimanding the bears, Bear and the Ram, Marriage of the Rams, Snakes of Wisdom, Courting the Tiger

April 19, 2009

2009-04-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

Yellow Stripe Review Class

- technique line

Stick Drills
Siniwali - heaven six, heaven earth six, 12 attacks (1,4,4,1 from Pekiti)

April 12, 2009 - Easter - NO CLASS...

2009-04-18T15:21:00.001-07:00

April 5, 2009 - Kenpo Class

2009-04-18T15:16:00.000-07:00

Basics
- Blocks
- Strikes
- Kicking Sequence - step through snapping ball, cross over knife, shuffle wheel, spin back heal with opposite side (first side of kicking set)

Drills
- Heaven Six
- H & E Six
- Double tap on each
Box Set

* Class Newsletter *****

2009-04-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

As a reminder we will have class this Sunday, but will not have class on 11th in celebration of Easter.
=====================================================================
Scheduled Days for No Class

*********No class on Easter Sunday**************

No Class on Sunday May, 1st. My son will be participating in a Chess competition and I'll be there to support his efforts.

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

Private Lessons

Reminder: Classes cost $45 per hr. Discounts available for 2 or more group sessions

Terms: If you cancel it must be done the day before. Cancellations on the same day will be charged $20 late cancellation fee. Upon 3 late cancellations our private trainng relationship will end, but group classes will still be available to you. By the same token if I cancel a private sessions without a days notice I will take $20 off the next private lesson which seems only fair.

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

**** Special Summer Promotion*****STARTS NOW!!!!!!! thru August 1st

Bring a buddy...

Bring a buddy to class. If they sign on you will receive $25 off certificate on anything you purchase through me from Century Martial arts. If you get 2 to sign up you'll get another $25 plus a rank key chain and so on...(see below). If they choose not to stay I'll still give you $10 off a Century purchase each time for supporting the effort to grow our class. With a larger base we'll be able to acquire some things to assist our training.

1 person - $25 off Century Purchase (see catalog in class or website)

2 people - $25 off Century Purchase + Rank Key Chain

3 people - Free Uniform

4 people - Free Student Head Gear

5 people - Free Student Hand and Foot Gear

feel free to ask any questions regarding this...

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

*****Uniforms & American Kenpo Federation memberships*****

- If you have been on board for a while it is time to get your white uniform (complete with uniform patches). Ranks under Brown belt are required to wear white gi's and have to appropriate patches (this is not optional). If you are new you have time to transition to this point, but after 4 or 5 months it is certainly time to show some group pride and get on board. Get them from me and get the patches included at a reduced price or purchase your uniform and get the patches from me for $20. I'm fine with either..

AKF membership - Everyone that signed up as members of the AKF are entitled to a AKF patch. If you didn't get your patch let me know, I have it. This also entitiles you to a patch, rank certificates and promotions through our umbrella organization the American Kenpo Federation and Mr. Duffy. AKF membership is mandatory. It is $35 for the first year (previously $25 for the last 10 yrs) and $25 annually each year there after. After your 2nd month of training signing up for the AKF is required.

March 29, 2009 - Abhyasa Yoga

2009-04-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

Bow in
Light warm up
Basics
- Block
- Stances
- Strikes

Kicking sequence - step through from snapping ball kick, cross over round house, shuffle knife edge

Drills - Heaven six, Heaven & Earth six, Heaven six quarter beat variation
- empty hand variations associated with these drills
- Siniwali
- Hubud

Sunday, March 22, 2009 Abhyasa Yoga

2009-03-27T23:50:00.000-07:00

Basics

Blocks, strikes, stances

Introduction - back falls

---------

Drills
- Heaven Six (6 count siniwali)
- empty hand

March 15, 2009 - Abyhasa Yoga 1:00-2:30pm

2009-03-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

Free Session

Cinco Tero as taught in IMUA Kenpo

Sumbrada - box set

Hubud Lubud

Class will be followed by a Tango Seminar this weekend...

2009-03-12T04:16:00.000-07:00

So we'll get in do our thing and get out...(if the class door is shut just come in)

For some reason they seemed tried to book our room during our time, but I have been in contact with the studio owner (who wasn't aware they did that) and it is our room during our time as usual, but I want to make sure we are out on time....just fyi

Feb 26, 2009 - Dallas, Tx

2009-03-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

Taught class at Bill Piper's Texas Storm Kenpo. IMUA Kenpo blend Cinco Teros, single stick & empty hand..

March 1, 2009 - Abhyasa Yoga

2009-03-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

Warm up

Basics

Reviewed Blocking Set & Linear Short form 1

Revisited Deflecting Hammer & Captured Twigs

Freestyle Sparring

Sunday, February 22, 2009 - Abhyasa Yoga

2009-02-23T22:45:00.001-08:00

Quick warm up

Punching drills

Work through the basics at conditioning pace

2 man techique drills L & R side

delayed sword
alternationg maces
sword of destruction
deflecting hammer

Had visiting instructor - Allen Gowdey
Taught the group Captured Twigs

Weapon Phase - Stick/Empty Hand

Sumbrada

1, 3, 4

A strikes with a 1

B responds with a roof block

B strikes with a horizontal 3

A responds with a brush check strike

A strikes with a horizontal 4

B responds with a drop stick and then strikes with a 1

End of Class

Approx 30 minutes of freestyle sparring after class

Sunday, Feb 15, 2009 - Abhyasa Yoga

2009-02-15T19:57:00.000-08:00

- Basics
- Techniques
- Delayed Sword
- Alternating Maces
- Deflecting Hammer
- Technique Line

- 30 minutes sparring
- Lepeord
- Crane
- Snake

Sunday, Feb 8, 2008 - Abhyasa Yoga

2009-02-10T17:54:00.001-08:00

Yellow Stripe review class

- important, know creed, know sayings

- work on step through blocks, punches and kicks

- practice sets

Sparring - 30 minutes light sparring

- Leopard
- Crain

February 1, 2009 - Abhyasa Yoga

2009-02-04T17:27:00.000-08:00

Sparring Class...

light to medium discussed concepts, principles of freestyle sparring.

Drills
jab catch drill
foot movement drill
two man drills - backfist, reverse punch

January 25, 2009 - Abhyasa Yoga

2009-02-04T17:20:00.000-08:00

Tech Review
Delayed Sword
Alternating Maces
Sword of Destruction
Deflecting Hammer

Basics

Step through - punchs
Step through - blocks
Step through - kicks

Forms

Linear Short form 1

Sets

Blocking Set

Sunday, January 4th, 2009 - Abhyasa Yoga Studio

2009-01-05T21:43:00.000-08:00

Warm up
- on your toes
- 2, 4 & 8 count jumping jacks
- light stretching drills

2 Person Drills w/ focus pads (all L & R side)
- jab / cross
- jab / cross / hook
- front snapping ball kick
- front round house kick

Freestyle Techniques - controlling height & width, maintaining erect posture and good stances

- B1a & B1b (in place)
- B2a & B2b (shuffle)
- B3a & B3b (cross over step out)
- B4a & B4b (cross over step out & step through)
h - heal palm added to the end of all of them as well (all L&R side)

December 28, 2008 - Closed for the holidays

2008-12-26T22:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays....see ya in 2009

December 21, 2008 - Abhyasa Yoga Studio

2008-12-26T22:38:00.000-08:00

Lite Warm Up

Basics
Blocks
Stances

Step Throughs with Blocks

Tech review and technique line

Introduction to Freestyle
5 Agressive Animal Movements
- Lepord
- Crane
- Snake
- Dragon
- Tiger

(does not replace the standard Ed Parker Freestyle formulas which will be explored at nasua in the near future)

Drills
- Basic focus mitt work (jab/cross)
- Stance
- Keep hands up
- Defocus, don't look directly at target
- Don't drop hand on return/don't drop had before execution

December 14, 2008 - Abhyasa Yoga Studio

2008-12-26T22:31:00.000-08:00

Light Stretch and warm up...
4 count jumping jacks
8 count jumping jacks

Basics
Blocks
Punches
Kicks
Stances

Technique review and technique lines
Delayed Sword
Alternating Maces
Sword of Destruction
Deflecting Hammer

Adv. Tech review - 2nd Brown
Menacing Twirl
Leap from Danger
Circles of Protection
Rotating Destruction
Broken Gift

Sets
Stance Set 2

Sunday, Dec 7, 2008 - Abhyasa Studio

2008-12-07T17:50:00.000-08:00

Basics
Blocks - concepts within blocks
Stances - concepts within stances

Reviewed base techniques
introduced Deflecting Hammer

Drill
Box Set (Sticks)
Reviewed Cinco Teros

Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008 - Out for Thanksgiving

2008-12-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

November 23, 2008 - Back In Studio!!!!

2008-12-07T07:43:00.000-08:00

Basics- Blocks - Strikes- Kicks
Sets- Blocking Set- Linear Short Form 1
Techs- Review- Delayed Sword- Alternating Maces- Sword of Destruction (tech line)

Finished stance set..

Advanced Group
- Short 1, Long 1, Short 2
- Stance Set 2

Drills
Box Set
12 Step Knife Strip (1,2,3 switch drill) - worked up through 6

Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008 - Hermann Park

2008-12-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

Basics- Blocks & Strikes- Kicks - Practice!!!!

Sets- Blocking Set- Linear Short Form 1 - Stance set review

Techs- Review- Delayed Sword- Alternating Maces- Sword of Destruction
Look at the relationship of these 3 techniques grafting them together
grab to tackle
grab to punch
tackle to punch, etc...

Also worked the 3 into a kata format to practice

Drills..
box set..
12 count knife strip (1st 3 strips)

Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008 - Hermann Park

2008-11-11T16:12:00.000-08:00

Basics
- Blocks & Strikes
- Kicks - Practice!!!!

Sets
- Blocking Set
- Linear Short Form 1

Techs
- Review
- Delayed Sword
- Alternating Maces
- Sword of Destruction (Introduced)

Drills - stick
Cinco Teros (5 Attacks)
Angle 1 - from right shoulder 1 to 7
Angle 2 - from left shoulder 11 to 5
Angle 3 - horizontal 3 to 9
Angle 4 - horizontal 9 to 3
Angle 5 - Thrust

Defenses
Angle 1 - Roof Block - step to 1:30
Angle 2 - Hi Drop Stick - step to 11:30
Angle 3 - Brush, Check, Strike - step to 1:30
Angle 4 - Low Drop Stick - step to 11:30
Angle 5 - Low Roof Block - step to 1:30

Box Set - 1, 3, 4

College Station Seminar...Guru Thomas Lomax

2008-11-08T18:53:00.000-08:00

I GIVE THIS PROGRAM MY HIGHEST ENDORSEMENT.....

Received this email from a friend in College Station...

Silat teacher Guru Thomas Lomax is giving a seminar on for November 15 (Saturday) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in College Station, TX at the Academy of Modern Martial Arts. 2501 Texas Ave. S. Suite A104, College Station, TX 77840 • 979-695-7150

$50, in advance; $60 at the door.

Guru Thomas is Cliff Stewart's 1st guru in Kilak Pukulan Pentjak Silat (under Cliff Stewart) and guru in Bukti Negara Silat (under Paul DeThouars).

He has over 25 years experience in the martial arts including Shotokan Karate, Okinawan Karate, and Jeet Kune Do in addition to silat. His other related experience is in law enforcement and personal security .

SEMINAR CONTENT: The content focuses on practical self-defense based in a Southeast Asian traditional art, yet suitable for the average American. Pentjak Silat utilizes grappling, striking, and vital point attacks. The self-defense methods Guru Lomax teaches draw on his experience in law enforcement and personal security to develop techniques that work right away regardless of age or fitness level. He is also available for private instruction during his stay.

He has done a significant amount of training with Dr. Chapél. Although he does not hold rank in Sublevel Four Kenpo, I'm sure Dr. Chapél would be willing to vouch for Guru T. If you know anyone who might be interested in spending the day training please pass this along. If anyone needs additional information, please have them get in touch.

Sunday, Nov 2nd - Hermann Park

2008-11-08T18:29:00.000-08:00

Hermann Park, bottom of the hill across from the Museum of Natural Science

Basics
Inward blocks
outward vertical
outward extended
upward
downward

Strikes
inward horizontal elbow - starts like upper cut
outward horizontal elbow
inward overhead elbow - cocks palm out
back hammerfist - check at should, look over should to see opponent
inward overhead claw - cocks palm in

Sets
Linear Short form #1
Blocking Set
Stance Set (introduction)
- Horse Stance
- Step back w/ left into r NB
- Setp back w/ right into r 45 degree cat stance
- Step back w/ right into training horse
- Step back w/ right into l NB
- Setp back w/ left into l 45 degree cat stance
- Continue to Step through w/ left into right front twist stance (rotate into r NB)
- Step back w/ right into left front twist stance (rotate into l NB)
- rotate into left reverse bow
- rotate into a left forward bow
- do front to back switch (moving front to the back by bringing up the rear foot)
- into a right NB
- rotate into right reverse bow
- rotate into right forward bow
- Pivot into a right front rotating twist stance
- Step through with left into a left fight horse stance
- Pivot into a left front rotating twist stance
- Pivot into a left neutral bow
- Step back with left into training horse stance

Drills
- Hubud Lubud w/ switches
- Cinco Teros (5 attacks)
- attacks and defense vs angles 1 thru 4
- Small Box Set 1, 3, 4 (Stick, empty hand, knife)

October 26, 2008 - Hermann Park

2008-10-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

Hermann Park, bottom of the hill across from the Museum of Natural Science

Basics
Inward blocks
outward vertical
outward extended
upward
downward

Strikes
inward horizontal elbow - starts like upper cut
outward horizontal elbow
inward overhead elbow - cocks palm out
back hammerfist - check at should, look over should to see opponent
inward overhead claw - cocks palm in

kicks - knee dictates where kick ends up
front snapping ball kick (ball of foot contact pt)
front roundhouse kick (ball of foot contact pt)

Sets
Linear Short form #1
Blocking Set

techniques - by the numbers, break down, technique line..
delayed sword
alternating maces

by the numbers

Drills
Hubud - version (1) player #1 -hammering strike down, player #2 - block up (l), parry under and out(r), push down (l), hammering strike down (r), player #1 follows same sequence

version (2) player #1 - straight punch, player #2 - block in (l), parry under and out (r),push down (l), punch (r), player #1 follows same sequence

version (3) player #1 - horizontal elbow, player #2 - catch with palm or obstruct with forearm (l), parry under and out (r), push down (l), elbow (r), player #1 follows same sequence
(alternative) player #1 - horizontal elbow, player #2 - parry through and down (l) follow up with elbow (r), player # 2 follows same sequence

mix up versions using different ranges

October 17, 2008, Hermann Park..

2008-10-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

Hermann Park, bottom of the hill across from the Museum of Natural Science

Inward blocks
outward vertical
outward extended
upward
downward

Strikes
inward horizontal elbow - starts like upper cut
outward horizontal elbow
inward overhead elbow - cocks palm out
back hammerfist - check at should, look over should to see opponent
inward overhead claw - cocks palm in

kicks - knee dictates where kick ends up
front snapping ball kick (ball of foot contact pt)
front roundhouse kick (ball of foot contact pt)
side snapping knife edge kick (knife edge of foot contact pt)
rear snapping back kick (heal is contact pt)

Sets
Linear Short form #1
Blocking Set

techniques - by the numbers, break down, technique line..
delayed sword - Ideal phase, good uki
introduction to alternating maces
by the numbers

Homework
Stretch...
work the kicks against the wall, with a chair
practice sets

Drills
Pekiti Tirsia - 5,8 &9 Knife Drill

October 12, 2008 - Hermann Park location

2008-10-12T15:53:00.000-07:00

Hermann Park, bottom of the hill across from the Museum of Natural Science

Basics - think conceptual box, alignment, shoulders back, fast is wrong / slow is right..focus on form.

Inward blocks
outward vertical
outward extended
upward
downward

Strikes
inward horizontal elbow - starts like upper cut
outward horizontal elbow
inward overhead elbow - cocks palm out
back hammerfist - check at should, look over should to see opponent
inward overhead claw - cocks palm in

kicks - knee dictates where kick ends up
front snapping ball kick (ball of foot contact pt)
front roundhouse kick (ball of foot contact pt)
side snapping knife edge kick (knife edge of foot contact pt)
rear snapping back kick (heal is contact pt)

Sets
Linear Short form #1 - also practice hands only, stances only - like in class
R In
L In
R cover block - inplace
L outward vertical - inplace
R outward vertical
cover step
R cover block - to 6 o'clock
L upward - as feet/hips engage with block
R upward
L inward downward palm up cover block(as right checks at shoulder)
R downward - inplace
L downward
L steps back to 12 into training horse close...

Blocking Set
R - U,In,Out,Down,Hidden,Pushdown
L - U,In,Out,Down,Hidden,Pushdown
Salute
L - U,In,Out,Down,Hidden,Pushdown
R - U,In,Out,Down,Hidden,Pushdown
Salute
Close

techniques - by the numbers, break down, technique line..
delayed sword - Concepts & Principles
Ideal phase
good uki
control height & width
torque / marriage of gravity
anchored elbow
striking from point of origin
backup mass
borrowed force

Homework
Stretch...
work the kicks against the wall, with a chair
practice sets

October 5, 2008 - Hermann Park Location

2008-10-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

1st Post Ike training session Sept 28, 2008

2008-10-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

Hermann Park, bottom of the hill across from the Museum of Natural Science

Lite warm up...

Basics

Inward blocks
outward vertical
outward extended
upward
downward

Strikes
inward horizontal elbow
outward horizontal elbow
inward overhead elbow
back hammerfist
inward overhead claw

kicks
front snapping ball kick (ball of foot contact pt)
front roundhouse kick (ball of foot contact pt)
side snapping knife edge kick (knife edge of foot contact pt)
rear snapping back kick (heal is contact pt)

Drills
inward block drills
star block - trailing, up to down, down to up...use a format to work other blocks, stikes and dynamic movements

techniques - by the numbers, break down, technique line..
delayed sword
alternating maces

we're back.....

2008-10-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

After surviving the storm the Platform is back....

The Yoga Studio will be out of commission for the month of October so we'll meet at either Hermann Park (across from the museum of natural science) at the bottom of the hill or there are a couple of rain day back locations as well..

Sunday, September 7, 2008

2008-09-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

class covered

basic blocks

inward
outward vertical
outward extended
upward
downward

step-through blocks - ***homework*** work these back and forward. Single blocks R & L and alternating the blocks from on to the next R & L.

punches - Continued to examine the mechanics of a horizontal thrust punch and the reverse motion, and its relationship to the vertical and upper cut punches.

horizontal thrust & snapping
vertical thrust & snapping
uppercut

strikes - hand to elbow relationship
outward horizontal elbow
inward horizontal elbow
inward handsword
outward handsword

techniques - ideal phase, safe attack proceedure, how to be a good dummy, know how to recite the jingle...

delayed sword
alternating maces

Private Lessons...

2008-08-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

The value of private lessons…

I started training Kenpo in 1986 while in high school. Like everyone, I attended a standard class setting with other students. I learned the customs and traditions that are present and so important in the development of any martial artist and the proliferation of the art. I started at the back like most white belts and worked my way up the front of the class as I attained the various ranks and trained consistently like everyone else. It wasn’t until after college and moving away that in 1994 I met an instructor who showed me the value of private lessons.

At that time I started training with James Smith in Houston and attended one training session during the week and had a weekly private session on the weekends. It was a new experience for me. Most of the time we’d spar, discuss sparring theory, look at various training methods outside the realm of what at the time I would have defined as standard Kenpo training. We were student and instructor and through that training experience my confidence grew.

Later as I began to explore other areas of martial training under different instructors and I found all of my sessions to be private lessons. Whenever certain instructors would come to Texas I would make a special point to go to their seminars and during the down time I would pay for a private lesson. If I brought instructors in for seminars the goal was to get a private lesson in their area of expertise. My standard sessions with Mr. Duffy by virtue of the distance traveled and scheduling dictated that I would train privately on the weekends with him. My training with Mr. Braughton was completely private training with he and his wife, unless he asked that I attend a session with the group. At the end of the day I went into those sessions prepared with questions from the previous session. I worked on what we covered and came to each session with an open mind and spirit of receiving. Throughout the years of training, supplemental private lessons and consistent self-regimented practice sessions have helped me get closer my personal goals in training.

When you hear of people speak of their time with Mr. Parker the sessions that are spoken of in the highest regard are those that involved private training….

Closed for Labor Day Weekend..

2008-08-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

See ya again on Sept 7th...

Sunday, August 24, 2008

2008-08-25T12:29:00.000-07:00

Warm ups - 4 count jumping jacks, 8 count jumping jacks, pyramid pushups (work on them..)

basic blocks - working by the numbers in a 2 stage motion, cocking to utilize torque, keeping shoulders back, using principles of the conceptual box and 45 degree angles where appropriate and not over rotating, bracing angle, blocking relationships to outer rim theory.

inward
outward vertical
outward extended
upward
downward

stances - HWD considerations on stances, weight distribution

neutral bow
forward bow
45 degree cat stance

drill set - discussion on blocks being strikes, the role commitement and intent plays in execution. When an attackers intent is increased (i.e. in a knife attack) ones commitment to the creating damage with their blocks increases.

Step back into neutral bow/inward block
Pekiti Tirsia empty hand v knife on the 5,8 & 9

2000 trip to LA to visit Dr. Chape'l

2008-08-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

Reprint from my old website regarding a trip to Los Angeles back in 2000..

My First Trip to LA

Last week I had the opportunity to go to Los Angeles for the first time. Although it was a work related trip I had the chance to do a couple of things that I've really wanted to do. One of those things was to meet Dr. Chap'el and find out what this Sub Level 4 actually is.

When I first arrived at the school I was greeted by Mr. Perez. He's a 4th Degree Black Belt in AAKC, very friendly and very good. He was about to start the Saturday class, so I sat down and waited for Dr. Chap'el to arrive. When Dr. C came in, the class stopped to acknowledge his presence and then proceeded. I introduced myself and was greeted with a big bear hug. He stopped briefly to speak to a grandmother who was watching her grandson (Christopher), who couldn't have been more than 6 or 7 doing Long One (right side). Earlier she had explained to me that he was in a tournament in Vegas last week and did Short Form One. She was pretty knowledgeable for a grandparent as she let me know who was working on what in the beginners class. Anyway, I digress. Dr. Chap'el spoke to her and she mentioned she had brought the gi that her grandson had outgrown and that she, "hoped Edmund's little one could fit it". Ok, she's on a first name basis with EP jr. So I went in the office with Dr. C and we chit chatted a bit. We talked history, I saw his original IKKA 7th Degree Certificate, old photos of he and SGM Parker, Tommy Chavis, etc...He gave me some additional information to read and we went out to watch the class. As we talked about Sub Level 4 and where Mr. Parker was taking Kenpo I could hear in his voice that there was no doubt or question of his conviction that this was what Mr. Parker showed him and he gave him full credit.

He never put down others he simply made his position clear, we then went out to watch the class. As we talked he had his intermediate and advanced belts form a technique line to work though courses 101,201 ect...He explained to me that Mr. Parker was in the process of moving Kenpo to a educational based system (i.e. School instead of Dojo, Tuition instead of dues, Diplomas instead of Certificates), which I found very interesting. As this students ripped through technique after technique Dr. C would take a minute and have me either act as attacker or defender to show me the different control manipulation concepts. Many of my misconceptions were cleared up and I could see how off base many people are on the net when they talk about what control manipulation is. It's definitely not grappling! He showed me multiple instances where you can control manipulate through strikes and he even took a minute to show me a couple of advanced "energy drains" that were pretty mind blowing. We talked about the importance of alignment in blocks and not just the block itself, but the importance of following the proper path to that alignment to maintain and create the structural integrity of the action. He showed my how very simple methods were used to align and fortify ones position and how improper slap checking in the wrong spot can actually drain your own energy and magnify your attackers strike at the same time. We discussed the philosophy of SL-4 not attacking soft tissue targets. They can, and they know they are there, but as he said and EP jr. said, "is it warranted to blind a man because he won't let go of your hand?" We discussed buoyant foot and hand position, CMA's (control manipulation alternatives) and the like. At one point said let me show you one manipulation and popped me lightly in the neck area. Next thing I know I'm feeling a little light headed so he sat me down. Clearly, he knew this would happen, because right after he did it he got closer (to catch me if need be) and said, "let's sit and talk". The strike was not hard at all, but it brought home the point of what he calls a "knock out". When a person is disoriented such that their eyes are open, but nobodys home. Because of the manipulation they are almost having an almost out of body experience.

He told me that one of the primary goals of SL-4 is to make sure that its practitioners survive the initial attack and he showed me several instances against chokes and holds that this could be done (as well as strikes). He asked me a very simple question that started the basis of our alignment discussion. Why do people punch at you? My answer was to hit you. Ok, why else? Huh....ok, I'll punch you react. Next thing I know he's got my arm in a figure 4, "sometimes they punch to set you up so they can get hold of one of your extremities (very loose quote) so you have to have proper blocking alignment so it can't be collapsed". So as we went on and I soaked up all this information I found myself being able to see the alignments, control manipulations and control releases taking place in the techniques. Actually, heard him tell one of the guys that he wasn't doing the control release properly so I got to check it out and see what he was talking about. We discussed purposeful defiance and compliance and the idea of being able to defy or comply when you want to based on body alignment. I saw so much and I've left out all the comedy that took place during the whole process. As Dr. C would tell his students, "Come here son let me help ya" in his best cross between W.C. Fields and Fog Horn Leg Horn or he would say, "where's my knife, I can't believe your still doing that wrong", "Come here son let me help ya". A couple of times he was driven to eat a cookie in disgust and he made sure they knew it, and the group would say, " No Sir, No not a cookie". Finally, as the class was going the oldies were playing in the background so every so often Dr. C would yell, "Smokie!!!" and the class would stop and look to see if he was imparting some great Kenpo knowledge and he'd say it again without paying attention to them, "Smokie Robinson" and then he'd break out into song. This also happened with the Jackson 5 and Diana Ross (or it might have been Aretha! Aretha Franklin). There was definitely a fun, but down to business atmosphere. After the class I met the Dean of Instruction, and a couple of the guys from class. All were very nice and humble and told me to come back so I could participate in the class sometime. There were no superior attitudes. In fact as I watched them do the techniques you could see them conferring with one another on various aspects of the alignment or contact manipulation that was present for a technique. So a Black Belt or Brown or even Blue would say no it's done this way without worry that he would be put down for speaking out of place.

Afterwards, Doc and I went to a little Chinese shop with some great barbecue pork and egg rolls that were ostrich sized "egg" rolls and we talked more about Kenpo and many other non-Kenpo related topics. He invited me back down and I thanked him for a memorable Kenpo experience of a lifetime.

The three things I walked way with from this experience were that Dr. Chap'el doesn't do hypothetical Kenpo, Sub Level 4 and Control Manipulation aren't adding locks to the end of your techniques and this man has a lot more that we haven't even began to see. It's so much deeper and is definitely another level.

The one thing I didn't mention was that when Dr. Chap'el looked at me at the beginning of the day he immediately said, "either your right shoulder has been hurt or it's about to be hurt" without even touching me or any cues on my part. Of course I denied it because I didn't want to have him hold back on the information (I had my shoulder cranked by a figure four move back in late July and it still acts up sometime). Anyway, about half way though the day I asked him how did he know my shoulder had been hurt? As he laughed, his answer was he could "see it on me". "Huh, what do you mean?" "I can see the hot spot on your aura" and we spent some time talking about Chi and internal energy.

------

My next trip to see Doc in LA found me downtown, in a horse stance, at night, in the parking lot of a bar, as crack heads came over to beg for change (here we go again)...My first introduction to indexing, but that story is for another day....:-)

Sunday, August 17, 2008

2008-08-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

class covered

Warm ups - 4 count jumping jacks, 8 count jumping jacks (work on them..)

basic blocks - working by the numbers in a 2 stage motion, cocking to utilize torque, keeping shoulders back, using principles of the conceptual box and 45 degree angles where appropriate and not over rotating, bracing angle, blocking relationships to outer rim theory.

inward
outward vertical
outward extended
upward
downward

punches - 3 part motion (uppercut, vertical then horizontal). All on one smooth motion. Not over extending at any point, following the same reverse line on the return. Observing the relationship between the upward block (as well as others) to the horizontal thrust punch.

horizontal thrust & snapping
vertical thrust & snapping
uppercut

strikes - Looked at point of contact inward horizontal and handswords and direction of intent. Discussed anchoring elbows (hand elbow relationship).

inward over head elbow
outward horizontal elbow
inward horizontal elbow
back hammerfist
inward handsword
outward handsword

finger techs - 2 points of contact for claw, bring elbow down centerline and cocking motion that allows utilization of torque

inward overhead claw

stances - HWD considerations on stances, weight distribution, 5 principle reasons to use a forward bow/reverse bow, step throughs on neutral bow

neutral bow
forward bow
45 degree cat stance

drill set
hubud lubud

Fast is wrong, low is right...
RELAX.....:-D

Thanks for attending..

Sunday, August 10, 2008

2008-08-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

class covered

basic blocks

inward
outward vertical
outward extended
upward
downward

punches

horizontal thrust & snapping
vertical thrust & snapping
uppercut

strikes
inward over head elbow
outward horizontal elbow
inward horizontal elbow
back hammerfist
inward handsword
outward handsword

finger techs

inward overhead claw

kicks

front snapping ball
front roundhouse

sets
lineral short from #1

techniques

delayed sword

Sunday, August 3, 2008

2008-08-16T11:18:00.000-07:00

class covered

basic blocks
inward
outward vertical
outward extended
upward
downward

punches
horizontal thrust & snapping
vertical thrust & snapping
uppercut

strikes
inward overhead elbow
outward horizontal elbow
inward horizontal elbow
back hammerfist
inward handsword
outward handsword

Drilled
step through blocks
star block

sets
linear short form #1

additional information
explored first 2 defending angles of Martial Blade Concepts as taught by Michael Janich

Sunday, July 16, 2008

2008-08-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

class covered

basic blocks
inward
outward vertical
outward extended
upward
downward

punches
horizontal thrust & snapping
vertical thrust & snapping
uppercut

strikes
inward overhead elbow
outward horizontal elbow
inward horizontal elbow
back hammerfist
inward handsword
outward handsword

stick
5 basic angles
box set with stick & empty hands