Simple way to learn FMA.

[Attica]

I'm not an expert at FMA but I am a proud student. Being Filipino myself, I have found the most effective way to learn the arts. When learning...bring out the warrior side in you. You see, Filipinos are naturally little people. But what they lacked in size they had in their dedication and ferocity. Learning FMA is not like learning The northern asian martial arts. The attitudes are not the same. Remember Filipinos are asian but from the Austronesian ( everything from Madagascar to Hawaii) race and not Mongol(northern Asia) where Kung-fu and Karate, Etc. came from. Therefore the traits that make the Martial Art come from the people and there traits. Also remember these arts have always been used as a form of self-preservence. I know they have tournaments and all now. But back in the day there was no such padding, everything hurt and there we're death matches. That's where the effectiveness comes in. When you do the arts, it means life or death not who is going to win a trophy. Please keep that in mind. Picture yourself...A filipino warrior...outclassed, outsized and outgunned...but you have to do everything to protect your own. With this attitude you will feel the arts.

[sikal]

Good post, Attica. But I think you're undercutting the northern Asian arts. As an FMA practitioner, of course, I can be a little biased sometimes too ... but trying to be objective.

All the martial arts originally had the same goal as what you describe. The aggressors weren't always "bigger" physically than the defenders ... but they were, very often, better equipped and better supplied. That aggression and determination would have been true "back in the day" in any martial art. Even TKD has roots in very combative martial arts (though it has evolved into something that is, generally [there are exceptions here and there] not combative).

I think the biggest difference, though, between the SEA arts, though, is that the "back in the day" was more recent. Most of the SEA "masters" of today have fought and used their art in life-or-death combat. Virtually all of the SEA instructors of today, then, are only 1 or 2 generations (in the art) from real combat (and there are quite a few, even, in this younger generation, especially if they grew up in SEA who have used their training in life-or-death combat). I think that in many of the other arts, you have to go back at least 1, maybe 2 more generations to get to someone who applied their martial arts in life-or-death combat.

So, while I wholeheartedly agree with the gist of your post, I think you're not giving enough credit to the other arts. They're just in a different part of the cycle from SEA arts.

The "cycle" that I'm referring to is a reference to a book called "Martial Arts America" by Bob Orlando. I can't remember the whole thing but the concept, basically, is that the martial arts go through a cycle where they are developed for combat, then used in combat, then they are taught to non-combatants, then they start becoming a sport, then a need arises (for a group or an individual) and the combative side is pulled back out and the cycle begins again (for a *much* better explanation, check out the book ... it's a good book).

So, the SEA arts (as a whole) are really just starting to come into the "sport" part of the cycle and a lot of the other arts out there have been in the sports cylce for longer. And, if you look around, some arts are starting to move back toward the combative part of the cycle. I have a feeling, though, because of the nature of the SEA arts (and of the practitioners it tends to attract) that the SEA arts won't ever slip as far into the sport part of the cycle as other arts have. But that may just be my personal bias talking :-)

Mike

[Attica]

Very well put Sikal...sorry for a late reply. Actually I wasn't done with that thread and I was at work when I was typing it up. I didn't get to finish the whole thing but you sort of helped me put the rest out. Thank you. No, I wasn't trying to undermine other martial arts though. I practice JKD other than FMA. And you know JKD is in a way a mixed martial art. In my concept, whatever works works and that's all.

My main goal is to try and motivate people who do take the FMA to feel the art. I honestly loved FMA, but couldn't get myself to feel it for a long time. Then I read books did some research and found "a inner warrior spirit." Now everytime I go to class, practice or am faced with some sort of altercation...I turn this on. When back home in the P.I. and even our folks here, I observed that even if most Filipinos don't know FMA or any art, they still stand up to anyone. (even those 5'2 ft. middle age ladies won't take heat from anyone.) So, I did some personal research on the people and their traits. This is what helped me. I'm not focusing on a training method or a style here. Just a level of the art taken for granted.

You know some of the older masters, when they say you want to learn arnis, they make you feel how much the stick hurts. Although they couldn't do that here because of certain laws.

What I want to get a hold of is information on the tribes and their grappling methods. I read that most of the tribes in the P.I. had grappling arts they've been practicing for who knows how long. Could these methods be like Kina Mutay. I've seen tapes on Kina Mutay and I'm in awe of it even if many think it's barbaric. But hey what ever works right. I've had a few friends who I dabbled BJJ with and we've tried to see where we can apply these methods here and there.

Also, If anyone would like to share what makes them mentally a better artist then please share it. Please also, leave feedback on Carrenza and how I can take it to other levels. I can only do so much with it. I'm very open minded.

[haumana2000]

Hello All,
I do agree to an extent, though it is open to personal interpretation. As a Filipino mestizo and French Polynesian, I pressure myself every time I train to "identify" with those warriors who came before. As history has shown time and time again, when two equal fighters meet, the one with superior mindset will prevail and it is this intent.. this mindset.. that has helped me quite a few times in the competetive arena. Every time I compete, I do my warriors "haka" war dance, and try to fill my mind and body with that spirit, and when i feel that I cannot go on, it is that pride, that pressure that will make me finish. And anybody can do it..

[Hakoko]

Haumana,

I was wondering who you study Kui'alua with? Being of Hawaiian/Filipino descent, I too have studied the arts of my ancesters. I was privileged enough to meet many practitioners of the "Lua," (Hawaii's indigenous fighting system). I have also trained with two prominent Master's in the ancient system. Also, being 1/2 Filipino, I have been pursuing the arts of the PI. I am proud to be part of such a diverse warrior ancestry. I just wanted to send my Aloha to you.

Hakoko

[haumana2000]

Aloha nui loa!
I run a program for displaced Pac Islanders in Colorado called Pacific Pride and Island Hearts where we empower our youth and help them hold on to their dances, history, and traditions. And, for our boys especially the warrior aspects. Because of our work and support of our native kids, I have been very priviliged to have worked/ trained/interviewed/ and obtained knowledge from a few of our Kupuna(Elders) such as Dr. Mitchell Eli, (Honolulu), Nakulu from Kauai, Olohe Kaihewalu, Ramsey Taum, Kini Burke, and quite a few other elders from other isles whom have been kind enough to share their hearts and "mana" with me. Unfortunately, some of the aforementioned do not always see eye to eye on teaching styles, whom should learn, and what should be taught. And despite the wonderful experiences I have had with these men, I am sure that I have not scratched the surface of the true LUA yet eh? But if I can share this with young brothers whom nothing which to identify with, I am happy. In addition, I have worked with High Chief Siaosi Talitimu on Ancient Samoan Warrior traditions War club usage, martial dance, and ceremonies, Make Clawson of the Poly Cultural Center and tania mahuru on Maori Weaponry. wheeuw!
I have written a comprehensive book on the warrior traditions of the Pacific Peoples entiltled "Toa" Contrasts in the Island Warriors which I am hoping to release as soon as I get the draft back from Dr. Eli. We do not teach for money at our Halau though we do demonstrations, dances and our kids do a lot of dance gigs to help out for our space. Anyway..... I am glad to have found this message board
and look forward to sharing much Aloha and information with you.
a hi hou,
Haumana.