Block, slash, stab, block slash stab… This is the rhythm of Philippine knife fighting. When the opponent stabs, you block and slash. Then you follow up with a stab. The slash is generally done on the forearm, to destroy the tendons. If done correctly, the slash will cause the opponent to drop his weapon. The […]
Cambodian Bokator was the origin of Muay Thai and Bradal Serei (Khmer boxing). The modern sports art of kick boxing is a watered down version of the ancient Bokator fighting. Where kick boxing contains less than 20 techniques, Bokator contains thousands. Many of these ancient techniques are excellent for modern fighting. Whether you are doing […]
The players meet in a small circular ring, with a sand covered floor. They wear brief bicycle shorts, with a satba, a thick strong belt wrapped around their waist and right thigh. The players start kneeling on the floor, facing one another. The right hand is gripping the satba tightly at the opponent fs waist, […]
Some professional fighters have trained their bodies to perfection, but have they forgotten their spirit? Kru Pedro Villalobos came to Thailand and fought as a champion Muay Thai fighter. Later, he realized that his spirit wasn’t fulfilled by his ring success. So, he became a monk, and learned the precepts of Buddhism. He adopted the […]
Sweat dripped off of the fat red face of a 35 year old Tae Kwan Do black belt instructor who had come to show us that our art was weak. We were only forty five seconds into the fight and I thought someone would have to call the paramedics. The guy was on the verge […]
Many martial artists don't think of boxing as a martial art, but for those competing in MMA, kick boxing, Muay Thai or K -1, it is a necessary component to a professional training regime. I came to the Philippines to learn Arnis, Philippine stick fighting. To keep up with my fighting training, mornings were spent […]
The aboriginal priest lead me through a traditional long house, eventually depositing me in a private room with shower. ”This a good room.” said Father Steven. “The old priest lived in here for thirty three years.” “Why did he give it up?” I asked. “He died, in that bed.” Said Father Steven, pointing. “Great!” With […]
“A Shaolin priest can walk through walls. Looked for, he cannot be seen. felt, he cannot be touched. This rice paper is the test, clean as the cocoon of the silk worm, fragile as the wings of the dragon fly. When you can walk its length and leave no trace, you will have learned.” Kung […]
For the martial artist, it is important in each evolution of training to know what you are doing, and why. You should change your training routine to match the specific challenge that lies ahead. When planning to enter a sparring competition, full contact fighting, or san da / san shou (Chinese kickboxing), you must train […]
National competitions of Bokator Khmer, the Ancient Cambodian Martial Art, to be held in Cambodia, first time in nearly 1,000 years. During an expedition into China’s Taklamakan Desert, explorer, Sven Hedin, uncovered a piece of parchment, later discovered to be nearly two thousand years old, and counted as one of the world’s oldest documents. China […]