Pulahan Derobio Eskrima

February 28, 2009

Seminar with Grand Master Lennie Siangco

Our day started with a hearty breakfast of champions of Diniguan at the Original Valerio’s Bakeshop in National City, CA.  When in San Diego County, we try to stop at our favorite feeding spots. 

We arrived at the door of Pulahan Derobio Eskrima in support of their new organization, and were immediately greeted by Tuhon Chaz Siangco and Master Tasi Alo.  Grand Tuhon Chris Siangco and Auntie Gail arrived shortly after as well as Will Torbio and the rest of the Pulahan students.  It was like a mini reunion since the FMA West Coast FMA Congregation ’08. 

Grand Master Lennie Siangco of Shangko Fighting Systems was up to get the day started.  With his extensive background in Cha 3 Hawaiian Kempo, Kajukenbo, and Eskrima, we fit right in with being part of their ohana.  He shared with us the power of Kenpo, the speed of Kung-Fu, and the timing of Derobio Eskrima.  Not to mention the anecdotes and analogies that can only come from GM Lennie.  In true Hawaiian fashion, the session had is laughter and pain.  The session ended with a table full of pupu’s to promote their ohana.

We would like to thank the Pulahan Derobio Eskrima family and the Siangco family for sharing that experience with us and wish them a strong future.

Salamat and Mabuhay!

dA bEST qUALITY pRODUCTS

visit Pulahan Derobio Eskrima at www.pdeskrima.com

BladeSport Blade Fighting at Compete Internationals

March 1, 2009

First, we would like to extend our gratitude to those who helped make this event possible.  Shihan Mohamad Jahan-vash, the tournament promoters, for entering hosting BladeSport Blade Fighting at their tournament, the Whipping Willow Association, and Galius Martial Arts for lending their support and expertise in judging the event with us.  Also the participants from Kenpo Evolution, especially Steve “The Wonder Boy” Baca, Valencia Lameco, Legacy, House of Champions, and FCS Kali Cali for participating on such short notice.

Once again the stage attracted onlookers as two blade fighters faced off.  At the end of 2 minutes or 5 points, one competitor was hailed the winner of the match.  The defeated competitor walked off the stage with a body full of chalk marks as evidence of the match that simulated cuts received.  However, the winner didn’t walk off completely clean either.  As in a true blade confrontation, the competitors prove that when it comes to a blade confrontation, expect to cut and be cut.

The kids division started off the day with the ongoing “sibling” rivalry between Jessica Guerrero and Ryan Micheal Moguel.  The two have followed us through our tournaments since its inception.  The competitive rivalry began at BladeSport’s inaugural tournament at the San Diego Grand Internationals 2008.  It was a very close fight with both competitors exhibiting their growth in the sport and incorporating defensive bobs, weaves, checks and attacks.  This time, Ryan takes the win and leaves the record at 2-2, for now.  Can’t wait for the next event at the San Diego Grand Internationals 2009 to see who will take the lead!

Next on the stage was the adult division.  Congratulations to Elheferios “Larry the Greek” for sweeping all 3 divisions; single blade, double blade, and tactical blade.  Closely behind him was Grahm “The Grahm” Baker who also swept 2^nd place in all divisions.  “The Grahm” was also awarded the “Best Technique of the Day” with a very clean check to “Larry the Greek’s” live hand followed immediately by a thrust into the chest. Taking 3^rd place in single blade was Rich “Ruff” Prepuse.  Leo “The One Legged Boxer” was awarded 3^rd in the double blade and tactical blade divisions.

Congratulations to all participants and we look forward to seeing you all at the next tournament, Disneyland Martial Arts Festival on March 28, 2009.  Go to our EVENTS page to view the complete BladeSport tournament schedule.  Check out our PHOTO GALLERY for more pictures of Compete 2009.

Kenpo Karate Evolution hosts an FCS Workshop with Rich Verdejo and Gigie Alunday - CA FCS Representatives

March 13, 2009

There was no better night to play with sticks and knives than on Friday the 13th! We would like to thank Steve Baca of Kenpo Karate Evolution for sharing his facility and hosting us where we were able to share concepts of FCS Kali.

We started the session with the "What If" concept of the bolo and worked our way to the kerambit.  Typically, the bolo is thought of as a long range weapon, for obvious reasons.  "What If" you find yourself in the Medio or Corto range and don't have the time to create the distance required of a long range weapon?  There are  techniques that allow you to use the bolo in such ranges.  Using the bolo's ability to slice vs. hack, the principles of Power Assisting can give the extra weight and force the bolo needs to accomplish its job in a closer range.  This concept of in-close work of the bolo opened new eyes and gave new ideas to others.

The remainder of the session was focused on the concepts of the kerambit.  Since most the participants had experience with working with the kerambit, we focused on an advanced concept of launching the kerambit to a forward grip or what we call the "rip cord" grip.  So many are seen flipping/spinning the kerambit, but don't necessarily understand its practical application.  We also played with how the kerambit can whip, trap, and manipulate its target.  Though a kerambit may seem to be at a disadvantage due to its size, its versatility as a weapon more than makes up for it.

Overall, the night was a successful gathering of friends.  We would like to thank all those that participated and for allowing us to share some of our concepts of FCS Kali.  The hospitality shown by Steve Baca and the energy of Kenpo Karate Evolution was the icing on the cake!

To learn more about this exceptional instructor and his facility in Sherman Oaks, CA, go to our links page and click on the Kenpo Karate Evolution logo.  They offer a variety of martial arts and fitness training for adults and kids.

This year, the Whipping Willow Association held its Spring Gathering at the NEW White Lotus Martial Arts Center in Northridge, CA.  The facility is run by Grand Master Douglas Wong and his wife, Master Carrie Ogawa Wong.  Not only was the faclity able to accomodate the gathering, it also has the potential to hold 3 events at the same time!  The facility boasts a 5500+ square foot facility with a 42' x 42' Olympic Palmer spring floor for Parkour and Freerunning, 2 separate padded training floors, hanging heavy bag section, grip tape wall and incline wall for wall flips, and trampoline and mini tramp!

Master Carrie Wong opened the gathering with her interpretation of yoga - "Yoga for the Martial Artist".  She introduced a new spin on how martial artists can incorporate yoga to improve our stretches and open up joints that we had once thought were already open.  We have attended Master Carrie's sessions, and everytime her yoga never fails to leave Rich sore!  Thus, we have nicknamed her sessions as "Combat Yoga".  We are always amazed at how we are able to target muscles that haven't been stretched.

Sigung Antwione Alferos followed Master Carrie with Corto Mano and using the kerambit.  Sigung Antwione's concept of the blade and live hand enlightened both those who have never used a kerambit before and added to the repertoire of those with experience.  He went over his rolling wrist exercise drill to increase sensitivity as well as your dexterity.  The weighted hand concept was introduced as a way to manipulate your opponent to open up areas that you want to target.

Sibok Tom Georgian closed the gathering by teaching the first 12 positions of the Wai-Don set.  Although it is seen as a physical excercise, more importantly it is a mental excercise.  From a physical standpoint, it is meant to pump chi, energy, or blood to certain areas of your body.  Not only do you get the muscle burn sensation, you also learn how to open up channels for increased circulation, and how you can control the energy flow.  Conducted at a slow pace timed with your breathing, heat/energy is produced causing a nice sweat!

Ending the day with high energy is an understatement when you are able to "test" the White Lotus Training Center facility!  The music was pumping and one by one, the seminar participants (lead by Rich and Gigie) went flying through the air on to the soft resin pad.  Those who were daring, tried executing front flips, back flips, twists, and whatever else we could think of!

It was another great day of training with the family, and we would like to thank the Whipping Willow family for hosting another great gathering!  The Whipping Willow hosts quarterly gatherings featuring different instructors.  Their premier event is the Winter Gathering which is held every December.  For more information on the Whipping Willow Association, go to our links page and click on their logo!

If you are near Northridge, we suggest stopping by White Lotus Martial Arts Center! They offer a variety of martial arts training as well as Parkour/Freerunning.  For those of you in the film industry, they also have open gym sessions.  Go to our links page and click on the White Lotus logo to view their website.

Visit our Photo Gallery for more pictures of the event!