Guro Harley Elmore

Martial Arts Training Progression

2012-01-16T12:28:00.000-08:00

Martial Arts Training Progression

The martial arts is such a rich diversity of cultures and variations that it's often difficult to focus your training in a way that leads to real skill development and actual progression, not accumulation. I see this problem all the time with guys who have been around for ages and seem to know the material well enough to explain it, but their own personal skill level hasn't seem to get any better over the years. Now, before I upset too many people, I will state that everyone has their strengths and weakness, so to be fair, perhaps I'm not judging them on their strengths. But the concept is the same, how to you actually get better? Just do the same thing over and over again until you get better? Well, not really, that's part of it, but just a small part.

Below is an example of a training progression, not the only one and you can certainly be much more specific with the focus, but this is designed to work with our without weapons and is geared towards making a martial artist an effective fighter in any area of combat. Not the World Champion of anything, but effective in ANY area of combat.

Attributes: First we have to realistically assess and begin development of physical attributes. Things like strength (visit my friends website on possibly the most important aspects of strength you will ever read www.startingstrength.com ) speed, flexibility, coordination, timing, agility, power, etc. Here's where most boxing gyms and fight gyms have it right. From the very beginning they make you run, jump rope, hit the bags for hours, then focus mitts, then sparring. It causes the undisciplined and uninterested to drop out, the others get in great shape! Unfortunately this is a place where you loose lots of people that you could help as an Instructor if you can help them through this phase. Remember, it's easy to beat people into quitting, it take a real Instructor to lead them through this and to the next step.

Tool Development: This is where they learn to apply those attributes to techniques. Punches, kicks, trapping, striking with the stick, moving on the ground. Here's where they learn the basics of the martial arts. This is also where most Instructors get stuck. Why? Because it's easy. It's easy to show technique after technique. But that is a limited view of training and will never lead to skill development or applications. It's necessary, but don't get stuck here.

Skills through Drills: Each drill focuses on a particular skill to develop. It also creates a "training scar" or some unwanted element. For instance, Contra Sumbrada ingrains the reflexes needed to block and counter attack in medium to close range stick fighting. It's training scar is that it teaches a predictable pattern that can be misleading to the student and taken advantage of by the opponent. So you must have another drill that trains to over come the Contra Sumbrada training scar. But this drill create it's own scar, so you have another to overcome it. and so on and so forth. What you want is a series of drills that teach skills and overcome training scars. You want as few as possible and as many as necessary. This part of the progression, like all of them, is closely monitored and evaluated to determine the need for fewer, more or different drills.

Timing and Applications of drills: This is where you begin to freestyle drills together, blending and flowing from one range to another, one drill to another, one art to another, whatever. but this still creates a structure in which to perfect aspects of timing and application. It's replicable in the sense that you can do it over and over again until you have it right. Even in freestyle, you can set it back up to happen again and again until you have it right.

Competition: In most martial arts this is some kind of sparring. Sparring can go from no contact or light contact to full contact with the goal to knock the other person out or submit them. It can be stick fighting with soft sticks to real sticks and no gear. It can be sparring with firearms using Simunition rounds or even Airsoft. But it is a freestyle, competition within a specific setting and set of rules. Those rules can be strict or very loose, but there are rules. Many martial artists love this area and so they focus most of their time here. It's a great and fun place to be. It can really lead to great skill levels within it's structure. Here is where Champions are developed and honed. But, it's not the end of martial arts training. Just to continue to spar different people for years is good, but it's not the end game.

Multiple Target Tactics: Now we address the realistic possibility of multiple opponents or multiple targets. In the real world there are always other people. Many times in a fight you will see one guy winning until another person hits him from behind. Training in sparring now needs to include multiple targets, which changes footwork, striking, grappling and necessitates the need for moving your head from side to side so you can see the whole fight scene, not just the guy in front of you. This area also needs to include the training and use of firearms, impact and edged weapons. If your not doing this, it's what will kill you, guaranteed.

Team Tactics: Many times when a violent altercation occurs, we are not alone. We may be with friends or with family. What do they do? How do I teach them and train them to react and to be an asset and not liabilities? All of these things need to be thought out and trained, rehearsed and practiced. If not, what will your child do when you engage in a fistfight in a parking lot? Run, hide? freeze, get knocked over by you and the bad guy? Isn't it your job to train them and keep them safe?

Modifiers: There are different types of modifiers, external and internal. External are things like training in the rain, in a parking lot, in the woods, in the dark, cold, hot, etc. Internal are things like pain, fear, frustration and doubt. The more we can experience these types of modifiers in training the less they will become distractions or limitations in the real world. Simple things like changing the terrain will change footwork. Being cold or in the dark might change your kickboxing game. The concept here is simple "When Hell is the cradle in which I sleep, all other things are easy". If you can get accustomed to being uncomfortable and uncertain in the training, then you will become comfortable and certain in the real world.

Scenario training: I think one of the hardest things to instill in a student is the "when" of the martial arts. When is it ok to kick him? When is it ok to stab him? How do we teach students when it's appropriate to do what? Scenario training does just that. It teaches the students what is appropriate and when it is appropriate. It the training method that take what we teach and learn in the classroom and teaches the student how and when to apply it in the real world. Without this type of training, students are left to guess as to when and why. That is when they are likely to encounter legal issues and issues of regret and remorse. It's our responsibility to teach this to all our students and it's an area the most Instructors are weak on because it was lacking in their own training. You must study and research on your own, seek other instructors for help and other professionals so that you may become educated enough to help your own students.

Environmental Scenarios with Modifiers: This is the last step of the progression before it cycles back to the beginning. One you have done the whole progression, you add another skill set from the beginning until you are well rounded in each area of combat you find relative. This last step takes students out of the classroom and puts them in a wide range of environments and a wide range of combative and non combative scenarios with a wide range of modifiers designed to push very specific aspects of the training. the more specific you can make this type of training the better. In other words, have a clear and defined goal you want to achieve like "I want the student to recognize that there is another option than fighting" or "I want to force them into a lethal force scenario and see how quickly they come to that understanding".

Training in the martial arts comes on many different levels. I personally train four and five year olds and active duty military special forces. Obviously each group requires a different set of skills and training methods, but the progression is the same, it's the material and level of threat that varies. I find it very rewarding to study those wide boundaries and to explore the extremes of both. It challenges me as an Instructor and student of the art of War.

Guro Harley

Teaching Children vs. Teaching Adults

2012-01-12T10:26:00.000-08:00

Teaching Children vs. Teaching Adults

There are a few different ideas about teaching children martial arts. One of the old school is that no child under say, 16, should receive a Black Belt. Others believe it's a standard that everyone can achieve and that they should get it in about a year and a half. Some schools state that their children do exactly the same program as their adults. In my opinion that probably means they are teaching a kids program to their adults!

So, here's my thoughts on the matter. I know there are people on both sides that will disagree with me, that's ok. Each person strives for their best in following their beliefs, these are mine.

Just like you wouldn't expect a child to be able to do High School level academics, you shouldn't expect a child to do the same things an adult can do in the martial arts. Let's break it down further.

In education you have Pre-K, Elementary, Jr. High, High School and College, then Graduate studies. Each of those sections of education are about specific ages of development. Each section needs to work on a completely different set of character building traits, develop different study habits, work on completely different material!

Imagine a grade school kid trying to learn Calculus? Or working in a Shop class? Or competing against High School level basketball players? Of course not. Now, imagine teaching adults how to shake hands properly, to look the Instructor in the eye when they speak. Imagine teaching an adult which one is his right hand, how to follow instructions and to stop talking and listen when the Instructor is speaking. I know it sounds silly, but that's a huge part of any children's program. Teaching them structure and to follow directions and get along with others.

Here's our solution. Our Little Dragons program is our Pre-K program. They learn basic punches, basic kicks, basic blocking. They learn to throw dummies to the floor and establish control positions and how to hit from them. They learn the basics of ground mobility and agility through different exercises and games we play. But they also learn to follow instructions, listen to the teacher, get along with others, to play fair, to be a good person win or lose. We reinforce to be respectful of their parents and to try hard at everything they to do and to be their best. Things they WON'T learn, punching each other in the face, complex striking combinations, anything that requires control on their part to keep the other person from getting hurt, that it's ok to hurt someone to win, etc.

Our Grade School program is our Little Warrior's Program. In it children will learn many of the same things we teach Dragons in the beginning. Follow instructions, listen to the teacher, be a good training partner, etc. But in this class we will do the material on each other. They will punch each other, kick each other and learn to block it. They will learn to trap the partners arms down so they can hit him more effectively. They will learn to do joint locks and takedowns. They will learn to spar in kickboxing, grappling and with sticks. Each of these teach different skill sets and involve different physical abilities which force the child's physical development and martial ability to be well rounded. Eventually if they make it to the Jr. Black Belt test (It's called Junior Black Belt to denote that this is a "Children's" program and is NOT the equivalent to and Adult Black Belt), then they will be asked to perform all the material in the class, from White Belt to Black Belt. This takes about 3.5 -4 years to accomplish. It's not easy, many kids won't make it. The Black Belt test is long, about 4 hours, and difficult. The sparring is hard and physically and emotionally draining. But when they come out on the other side, they are changed. Every single child says it was worth every bit of effort to reach this standard of Excellence and the parents are proud beyond belief.

Our High School program is the Teens Class. This class covers the same material the adult class does, but the training environment is completely different. Teens still need to have some structure and still need to have fun. They will learn stick fighting, kickboxing, grappling, throwing, etc. But we will also work on them in improving their self imagine through accomplishments in the martial arts, which is a huge thing. It becomes the rock of success that they can lean on when other things in their life, like peer pressure, overwhelming school work and difficulties at home are making them feel awkward, out of place or less than their peers. This can be a difficult time in a person's life and I am certainly glad to have had my martial arts instructor there to guide me and counsel me through it!

College level would be our Adult Program. It is a course of study. To succeed in this class you must take notes, do research and train outside of class as well as inside. Weekly classes in four different arts from four different cultures is exciting and fun and forces each of the students to be well rounded in their physical abilities as well as their individual fighting skill sets. By studying different arts from different cultures, students are exposed to different cultures, customs and beliefs which aid them in understanding why a martial arts system trains a certain way or focuses on a specific element. Adult students will learn to fight with or without a weapon, standing up or on the ground, with a team or against multiple individuals. To achieve Instructor rank in the adult program takes about 4 years. Many won't make it. Those that do gain a skill and knowledge base that is recognized world wide as a level of excellence.

So, long story short, you can't expect adult training or results in a kids program or even teen program. Each class must be age appropriate and the expectations on them should be as well. Can the become excellent, yes, absolutely! But within the standards for that age group.

Sayoc Kali - A Historical Reference

2012-01-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

Pamana Tuhon Chris Sayoc

I get tons of calls and emails from people requesting information on Sayoc Kali and Pamana Tuhon Chris Sayoc. Listed below is a historical review of his life and the development of the Sayoc Kali system. I think many people will find this interesting and helpful. For more info on him and the Sayoc Kali system, make sure you visit www.Sayoc.com.
Guro Harley

Sayoc Kali – A Historical Reference

This article is a historical overview of the Sayoc Kali system, as developed by Pamana Tuhon Chris Sayoc.
A FULL TIMELINE of important Sayoc Kali events from 1959 to 2011 can be found below this article.
The Innovator Behind Sayoc Kali
All systems evolve from something. A starting point, and idea or an experience. In the case of Pamana (Inheritor of Family Legacy) Tuhon Chris Sayoc, his system, SayocKali, is the result of a lifetime of training and real life experiences. It’s about his personal development and his understanding based on the many lessons learned throughout his life. It’s his system, his thought process, his philosophy, his method of movement, his way of training and his way of life.
Brief History
During the 70’s the Sayoc household was a frequent stopping point for many, many Filipinos visiting the east coast. Having a martial arts school gave the Sayocs frequent contact with visitors and locals alike. During this time most of these visiting Master Instructors had no organized systems; many had no organizations at all. But as they came through, each of them shared and trained with the young Chris Sayoc. Each of them contributing to the lessons he was learning from others.
As the young Chris Sayoc trained with the many different Filipino masters that passed through New York, he also trained his own “crew.” Teenagers, like himself. Some older, some younger. These guys were his testing and training ground. They trained and fought using everything the young Chris Sayoc learned or developed. They pushed the boundaries of training to the point of extreme and fought in the streets and in tournaments. Chris’ personal training ranged from Tae Kwon Do to training with Master Leo Gaje, Professor Vee, Remy Presas and many, many others.
Origins of “Tuhon”
It was during this time that Chris Sayoc decided to take the title of ‘Tuhon.’ This wasn’t a title used in the martial arts at the time, instead it was in reference to historical Malay word, “Tuan,” meaning “Leader who has achieved Mastery.” This was his role in his gang, to his friends and students. Later Master Leo Gaje chose to use it as a title of rank in his martial art of Pekiti Tirsia and so the “title” of Tuhon has become widespread in the Filipino Martial Arts.
Organization / Systematization
The Sayoc family system wasn’t actually organized into a curriculum until Tuhon Chris changed the name to Sayoc Fighting System in 1981. Until then it was simply referred to as “Dugo ng Bansa” or “Blood of the Nation”. Tuhon Chris’ father (Tatang), Baltazar Sayoc had referred to the system as this, as well as many of his elders. This implied that the arts of the Philippines belonged to all the people of the Philippines and was a legacy of those who had shed blood to preserve their culture. Later as they started teaching the public they simply referred to it as Arnis.
Tuhon Chris had been teaching his own system as well as Pekiti Tirsia during this time. Later after a tournament at the United Nations, where he and his crew had performed extremely well against grown men, Tuhon Chris decided to go his own way and teach his own system. So he formalized the Sayoc Fighting System, with his father as the “Tatang” or Father as head of the system. However, it was the young Tuhon Chris who formalized the training programs, curriculum and taught most of the students. Tuhon Chris signed all the certificates of rank along with his father “Tatang” Bo. Of course other members of the Sayoc household trained as well up to this point. Chris Sayoc’s brothers and sisters trained in Tae Kwon Do, some trained sporadically with Master Leo Gaje, but it was the young Tuhon Chris who was the one in charge. He was the eldest, the most experienced.
“All Blade, All the Time” and the Training Formula
As Tuhon Chris grew older he focused more and more on the bladed aspect of the Filipino Martial Arts. With the focus of “All Blade, All the Time” Tuhon Chris created a completely new and highly evolved Bladed system that he named Sayoc Kali. This curriculum would focus on mastering Vital Targeting of the body, installing reflexes that are honed to perfection and that consider the tactical use of multiple edged weapons in high stress environments. Through the use of Transition Drills, Vital Template, Multi-Man drills, Training Modifiers and target-specific tapping against intelligent, skilled and resisting opponents. Focused only on teaching a few hand selected men in his backyard, training was rigorous and dangerous with a focus on performance. This testing ground for the new curriculum proved quite effective and although it is now more streamlined, it’s still the formula for today’s Sayoc Kali Instructor Training. Each Instructor in Sayoc Kali is personally trained by Tuhon Chris Sayoc himself in his home in small groups.
Public Release, Combat Choreography, Tactical/Combatives Divisions
In 1997 Pamana Tuhon decided to open his system up to the public, allowing others to see for the first time the evolution of the art of Sayoc Kali. The system and the Instructors have proven themselves to be of the highest quality. Sayoc Kali has in the short time it’s been open to the public made amazing changes in the Filipino Martial Arts world. With changes in mentality on such ideas as a training rig, projectiles as a legitimate fighting tactic, Feeder mindset and the concept of Vital Templates, other Filipino Martial Arts systems are now adding these ideas to their training.
Sayoc Kali made a huge impact when two of its top Instructors were instrumental in the training and fight choreography of the major motion picture “The Hunted”, attracting huge audiences to the Filipino Martial Arts for the first time. In the military field, Sayoc Tactical Group (STG) has trained many of the highest levels of government agencies as well as the nation’s most elite military Special Forces groups. Men who really count on life saving skills when everything else fails, when it’s face to face, life and death in a dark corner of the world, these men count on Sayoc Tactical Group to bring them home. Today Pamana Tuhon Chris Sayoc continues to teach and train Instructors. He guides Sayoc Global LLC. And it’s sub-divisions of Sayoc Kali, Sayoc Tactical Group (STG) and Sayoc Combat Choreography. Each of these entities continues to grow and influence their perspective fields, leading the way and evolving the entireconcept of edged weapons combatives.

**Timeline:**
1959 Baltazar Zook Sayoc and Antonette Jimenez Castaneda are married in Manila, Philippines.
1960 Baltazar “Butch” Castaneda Sayoc born in Manila, Philippines (eldest son of Baltazar Zook and Antonette Sayoc)
1962 Deanne Castaneda Sayoc born in Manila, Philippines (eldest daughter of Baltazar Zook and Antonette Sayoc)
1963 Christopher Castaneda Sayoc born in New York City, U.S.A. (son of Baltazar Zook and Antonette Sayoc)
1964 Michael Castaneda Sayoc born in Manila, Philippines (son of Baltazar Zook and Antonette Sayoc)
1965 Catherine “Cindy” Castaneda Sayoc born in Manila, Philippines (daughter of Baltazar Zook and Antonette Sayoc)
1969 Michael (4 years) and Catherine (3 years) moved from Philippines to Elmurst, Queens, NY United States
1970 Anthony (Tony) Castaneda Sayoc born in New York, U.S.A. (son of Baltazar Zook and Antonette Sayoc)
1970 Sayoc family moved from Elmurst, Queens, NY to Jamaica, Queens, NY
1972 Leilani (Lani) Castaneda Sayoc born in New York, U.S.A. (daughter of Baltazar Zook and Antonette Sayoc)
1973 Baltazar, Jr. (Butch) (12 years) and Deanne (11 years) and Rosario Jimenez Castaneda (maternal grandmother) moved from Philippines to Jamaica, Queens, NY United States
1975 Introduced to Judo training once a week as an after school program conducted at local Junior High School #217 in Queens (lasted for 8 lessons)
1976 All Sayoc siblings began formal Tae Kwon Do training at Chang’s Karate School in Queens, NY that became co-owned by Baltazar Zook Sayoc, Sr.
1977 Tuhon Chris Sayoc develops his projectile system that will later be called Sayoc Bakal. The skill sets will be shown in the current “chopstick wars”.
1977 Chang brothers decide to relocate to North Dakota. Tae Kwon Do classes are taken over by Master Tae Sik Kim of the Moo Duk Kwan TKD Federation. The school is remodeled and a new sign that read “Kim’s Karate”.
1977 Introduced to Arnis de Mano. Started classes with Master Leo Gaje in Rego Park, Queens. The Arnis America Organization is formed with Greg Alland as President.
1977 Chris and Mike Sayoc receive 1st degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do under Masters Joo Ki Chang and Young Ki Chang and become Junior Instructors for the children’s classes.
1977 Chris Sayoc forms the Arnis America Organization Juniors. The youth chapter of the Arnis America Organization. The main propagator and demonstration group for Filipino Martial Arts Training in the East Coast.
1977 Chris Sayoc develops “Thought Provocation Method”. A process of learning from the “Feeder’s point of view”, his personal viewpoint of learning through trial and error.
1977 Chris Sayoc and group members select Filipino nicknames to identify their heritage. Chris Sayoc chooses ‘Tuhon’ which meant a Leader who has achieved mastery.
1977 Met Professor Remy Amador Presas and Rolando Dantes. The Professor was a regular guest at the Sayoc residence. Chris Sayoc and his demo team also represented Professor Presas at many local demonstrations. Chris Sayoc is also a certified ranked Black Belt in Modern Arnis.
1977 Philippine Stick Fighting Championship at the Philippine Embassy in NYC hosted by the Arnis America Organization. Tuhon Chris Sayoc takes 1st in forms and 2nd in fighting earning the title of Grand Champion. Tuhon Chris Sayoc and his students take home most of the trophies.
1977 Felix Cortes starts training with Tuhon Chris Sayoc
1977 Master Leo Gaje with assistant Tuhon Chris Sayoc go to Torrance, California to meet with Guro Dan Inosanto. Tuhon Chris Sayoc gets to meet Master Leo Giron as well as other Masters. This is when Master Leo Gaje tells Guro Dan Inosanto that Tuhon Chris Sayoc is the heir to his system of Pekiti-Tirsia.
1978 Tuhon Chris Sayoc is awarded ‘Lakan-Dalawa’ in Modern Arnis. The Modern Arnis Organization in Jersey City, NJ. The awards and certificates are given by Professor Remy Presas and his Commissioner Mr. Jun Almario.
1978 Master Leo Gaje moves his training operations to the Sayoc School in Jamaica, Queens. The school becomes recognized as the Pekiti-Tirsia International Schools for Arnis, Inc. which Tuhon Chris Sayoc is made President. (listings in Inside Kung Fu magazines)
1978 Tuhon Chris Sayoc is appointed by Edward Carter as Martial Art Instructor and Youth Leader for the Fort Greene Youth Patrol in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. The Fort Greene Youth Patrol, which was founded and established by Edward Carter in 1968 and served hundreds of inner city youth, young adults, and senior citizens.
1978 Chris and Mike Sayoc receive 2nd degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do under Master Kim and become Instructors for the children’s classes and assistants to the adult classes.
1978 Masters Cacoy and Diony Canete arrive to visit and demonstrate at the Sayoc School in Queens. Chris Sayoc was his demo student. Many Masters have visited and given classes at the school including Professor Amante Marinas (Lanada Arnis), Professor Florendo Visitacion (Vee-Jitsu Te), Grand Master Duk Sung Sun (TKD), Eddie Jafri (Penjak Silat), and many more experts in the different disciplines.
1978 Arnis America Organization does a demonstration in the state of Maryland and are introduced to Master Fred Ocampo of Arbutus Tae Kwon Do Center.
1979 Tuhon Chris Sayoc is elected LEO CLUB District 20R2 President. (LEO CLUB is the youth version of the LIONS CLUB)
1979 Tuhon Chris Sayoc conducts Arnis seminar for Master Fred Ocampo in Maryland. Some of the seminar attendees are Mike Bosch, Victor Battung and Dr. Charles Patalinghug and his family.
1979 Chris and Mike Sayoc receive 3rd degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do under Master Tae Sik Kim at the school in Queens, NY
1979 Tuhon Chris Sayoc is married (16 years old)
1980 Chris Sayoc develops “Holistic Mind Method” an evolved version of the “Thought Provocation Method”. A process of learning from the “Feeder” and “Receiver” point of view”.
1980 Tuhon Chris Sayoc and students represent Arnis Master Leo Gaje to perform at the first professional demonstration of full-contact competition at the Playboy Club, Great Gorge, New Jersey.
1980 Baltazar and Antonette Sayoc and the rest of the Sayoc family move to Poinciana, Florida. Close family friend Bujin Mateen and family also moves to Poinciana, Florida. Tuhon Chris Sayoc stays and is now the sole operator and instructor of the school in Queens.
1980 Ray Dionaldo starts training with Bujin Mateen
1980 Tuhon Chris Sayoc is now completely running the Kim’s Tae Kwon Do classes and the Pekiti-Tirsia Arnis classes at his school in Queens. The school is divided into 2 sections. The Tae Kwon Do section is a carpeted 2000 square feet and the Arnis section is vinyl tiled 8000 square feet. The school is called the Sayoc Martial Arts Center.
1980 Grand Master Cacoy Canete along with Bonifacio Uy and Arnulfo Dong Cuesta and several of the Canete Clan show up at the Queens school to challenge Master Leo Gaje. Grand Master Cacoy held a special demonstration for Tuhon Sayoc and students.
1981 Tuhon Sayoc established a branch in Jersey City, NJ which was taken over by good friend Dong Cuesta and has flourished to Philippine Intergrated Martial Arts.
1981 Master Tae Sik Kim retires from teaching Tae Kwon Do and Tuhon Chris Sayoc takes over as school owner and Tae Kwon Do Instructor. Tuhon Chris Sayoc changes the school sign to “Arnis de Mano – Philippine Martial Arts”
1981 Tuhon Chris Sayoc is proud to announce his 1st born child Chris Sayoc, Jr.
1981 Tuhon Chris Sayoc stops teaching Tae Kwon Do and closes the Karate program. The school is now dedicated to Pekiti-Tirsia Arnis and a mixed martial art blend that Tuhon Chris has developed.
1981 Tuhon Chris Sayoc establishes a branch in Bayshore, Long Island, NY. Run by Steven Hendricks and named the Bayshore Kali Academy by Tuhon Sayoc. Some of the students are Roberto Torres and Allie Alberigo. The school was also listed in Inside Kung Fu magazine.
1982 Majapahit Martial Arts under Master Leo and Eddie Jafri host a stick fighting and Pentjak Silat tournament at the United Nations in NYC, NY. Tuhon Chris Sayoc and students overwhelmed the event in all categories. Guro Dan Inosanto was the center ring referee.
1982 After the United Nations tournament, Master Leo Gaje called Tuhon Chris Sayoc and said that the performance was not acceptable and Master Leo Gaje would have to come to the school to retrain everyone. This also was unacceptable to Tuhon Chris Sayoc and students. The same day anything to do with Pekiti-Tirsia was erased from the school.
1982 After the separation with Master Leo Gaje, Tuhon Chris Sayoc named his new style the Sayoc Fighting System. Tuhon Sayoc concentrated on developing a system far ahead of his previous training with no likeness for comparison. This is how Tuhon Chris Sayoc founded, created and developed the Sayoc Fighting System.
1983 After settling in Poinciana, Florida. Baltazar “Bo” Sayoc opens a Schools for Kali, the school was named by Tuhon Chris Sayoc.
1983 The Sayoc International Schools for Kali in Kissimmee, Florida hosted a week long training camp with featured Guro Dan Inosanto who was traveling with Tuhon Chris Sayoc from Virginia. Guro Dan Inosanto stayed at the Sayoc residence for a week. The school closed after a year.
1983 Tuhon Chris Sayoc is proud to announce his 2nd child, Jimmie Sayoc.
1983 Tuhon Sayoc formulates a written version of the Sayoc Fighting System. The book featured the first 36 vital templates.
1983 Baltazar Zook and Antonette Castaneda divorce. Baltazar Zook Sayoc moves to Ft. Myers, Florida with daughter Deanne Sayoc.
1983 Deanne Sayoc opens school called Pacific Martial Arts Center of Ft. Myers, Florida with Tatang Bo Sayoc as Head Instructor.
1983 The first Sayoc Fighting System manual written by Tuhon Chris Sayoc is released.
1983 Rafael and Ricardo Kayanan start training in Ft Myers, Florida
1984 Tatang Bo’s school closes after a year. opens Philippine Martial Arts Academy of Ft Myers, Florida with assistance from his student Ruben Burgos
1984 Tuhon Sayoc and his family in NY are running his school in Queen. Tuhon Sayoc is continually travelling and conducting seminars on the Sayoc Fighting System all over the east coast.
1984 Guest Instructor for Master Proforio Lanada of the Lanada style of Arnis. Hosted by Roberto Torres at the residence of Dennis Tierney. Tuhon Sayoc was accompanied by the Atienza brothers.
1985 Tatang Bo Sayoc opens Philippine Martial Arts Academy of Naples, Florida with assistance from his student James Kohler. Tatang Bo Sayoc creates an organization called International Philippine Martial Arts and appoints Tuhon Chris Sayoc as the President.
1985 Tuhon Chris Sayoc is proud to announce his 3rd child, Elizabeth Sayoc.
1985 Chris Sayoc develops “Three Dimensional Thinking Method an evolved version of the ”.“Holistic Mind Method”. A process of learning from the “Observer” point of view”.
1985 Sayoc Martial Arts Center in Queens, NY closes. Tuhon Chris Sayoc is teaching privately in house and continues to conduct seminars on the Sayoc Fighting System.
1985 Sayoc Kali named, founded, developed and propagated by Tuhon Chris Sayoc.
1985 Ricardo Kayanan draws the Sayoc Vital Template man.
1986 Rafael Kayanan designs 1st Sayoc Kali t-shirts, including fonts for Sayoc Kali. There are several T-shirts designs and logos for hats, jackets, sweat pants, and other apparel.
1986 1st 36 count Knife Drill developed at Antonette Sayoc residence in St. Cloud, Florida. Tuhon Chris Sayoc with Rafael, Ricardo Kayanan and the late Anthony Sayoc assisted Tuhon Chris in creating and developing “Knife Drill #1”.
1986 Tuhon Chris Sayoc wrote the Sayoc Fighting System manual, transcribed by Silak Tess
1987 Tuhon Chris Sayoc develops “Logical Order of Thinking Method” (LOT) an evolved version of the “Three Dimensional Thinking Method”. A thought process specific to the learning and teaching formulas of Sayoc Kali.
1989 Guest for the 1989 World Stick Fighting Tournament in Jersey City, NJ. The event was sponsored by the Doce Pares organization.
1990 Tuhon Chris Sayoc starts teaching at the Joel Buccholtz Isshin- Ryu school in Bayonne, NJ.
1990 Ray Dionaldo designs and fabricates the first aluminum trainers and is commissioned by Tuhon Chris Sayoc to manufacture and design original training rig.
1990 Neil Mendez, Francisco Ponce, Mark Conroy start training in Sayoc Kali
1991 Tuhon Chris Sayoc promoted Felix Cortes and Roberto Torres to the title of Tuhon at the Ladra brothers Tae Kwon Do School in Glen Burnie, MD. There were 26 attendees that received their Rank and Status under the Sayoc Fighting System. The event was filmed by then videographer Rey Galang.
1991 Tuhon Chris Sayoc establishes the Council of Tuhons. The rank and status of Tuhon can only be bestowed by Tuhon Chris Sayoc, The originating Tuhon of the Sayoc Fighting System and Sayoc Kali.
1991 Tom Kier, Colin Ryan and Robert Kier start training in Sayoc Kali in Bayonne, NJ
1991 Tuhon Chris Sayoc develops the Tournament Manual for Sayoc Kali competition. The format is full contact with rattan sticks. You can hit anywhere except throat and spine. Throws, sweeps, kicks, knees, elbows, and hand strikes allowed.
1991 Tuhon Chris Sayoc referees the 1st Sayoc Kali “Full Contact Stick Fighting” ring in Bayonne, NJ. The tournament is hosted by Grand Master Joel Buccholtz of the Bayonne Isshin-Ryu Organization. The Official Sayoc Kali Rules were applied.
1992 Tuhon Chris Sayoc is proud to announce his 4th child, Richard Sayoc.
1992 Tuhon Chris Sayoc holds 1st Sayoc Kali “Full Contact Stick Fighting” tournament in Allentown, PA. The event is hosted by Filipino Grand Master Esteban Conde, Sr. Official Sayoc Kali Rules.
1993 Tuhon Chris Sayoc holds 2 Sayoc Kali “Full Contact Stick Fighting” tournaments in Allentown, PA. The event is hosted by Filipino Grand Master Esteban Conde, Sr. Official Sayoc Kali Rules.
1994 Tuhon Chris Sayoc holds 2 Sayoc Kali “Full Contact Stick Fighting” tournaments in Allentown, PA. The event is hosted by Filipino Grand Master Esteban Conde, Sr. Official Sayoc Kali Rules.
1995 Tuhon Chris Sayoc is proud to announce his 5th child, Jacqueline Sayoc.
1995 Tuhon Chris Sayoc with Chris (Jeff) Sayoc, Jr. and Jimmie Sayoc develop the ‘Battang Tuhon Series’.
1996 Tuhon Chris Sayoc featured in “Filipino Martial Culture” book written by Professor Mark V. Wiley
1997 Tuhon Chris Sayoc is proud to announce his 6th child, Sabrina Sayoc.
1997 Chris (Jeff) Sayoc, Jr. and Jimmie Sayoc with the title of ’Battang Tuhon’ (young Tuhon) are official assisting their father, Tuhon Chris Sayoc, Sr. in Sayoc Kali affairs and business.
1997 Tuhon Chris Sayoc decides to go public with Sayoc Kali’s “All Blade – All the Time” curriculum and conducts public seminar in Woodside, NY at the Mayo Martial Arts Academy. This is the first time the 3 of 9 vital templates and knife transition drill#1 is taught in a public seminar. This is also when the “LOT” formula is applied in seminars.
1998 Tuhon Chris Sayoc creates the Sayoc International Group, Inc., the exclusive organization for Sayoc Kali.
1998 Tuhon Chris Sayoc is guest Instructor at Sama-sama in St. Cloud, Florida hosted by Master Mike Sayoc and Master Raffy Pambuan.
1998 Tuhon Chris Sayoc conducts seminar at the Inosanto Academy.
1998 Tuhon Chris Sayoc is guest Instructor at Uncle Bill’s gathering in Colorado. Assisting Tuhon Sayoc are Tom Kier, Gordon Katz, and Charles Kangas.
1999 Tuhon Chris Sayoc is proud to announce his 7th child, Christina Sayoc.
1999 Tuhon Chris Sayoc co-sponsors Sama-sama in St. Cloud, Florida with Master Mike Sayoc and Master Raffy Pambuan. Tatang Bo Sayoc and Grand Master Fred Ocampo are guests. Assisting instructors are Chris Sayoc, Jr. and Jimmie Sayoc
2000 Tuhon Chris Sayoc and the Sayoc International Group, Inc. is legally service marked “Sayoc Kali”.
2000 First Sayoc DVDs are filmed. ALL Sayoc DVDs were originated and created by Tuhon Chris Sayoc. The 3 of 9 Vital Template dvd released to the public. Check www.sayoc.com store for details and description of available Sayoc dvd’s. Currently, there are over 20 dvd’s available to the public and over 300+ titles that have been filmed.
2000 Sayoc Whip and flexible weapons curriculum is introduced. Tuhon Chris Sayoc appoints Jimmie Sayoc as Official Sayoc Whip Instructor and authorizes Basic Whip Course Completion Certificates.
2000 Tuhon Chris Sayoc and the Sayoc International Group, Inc. host the 1st Sayoc Sama-sama in Hazelton, PA at the Paragon Adventure Park.
2001 Tuhon Chris Sayoc and the Sayoc International Group, Inc. host the 1st Sayoc Sama-sama in Hazelton, PA at the Paragon Adventure Park
2002 Tuhon Chris Sayoc was a guest Instructor at FilipinoPalooza seminar in Philadelphia, PA where he met Krishna Godhania of Warrior Escrima and Grand Master Dawud Muhammad of Muhammad’s Martial Arts.
2002 Tuhon Chris Sayoc hosts the “Melee Wars” and “Circle of Pain” seminars in Media, PA. Introduces Atienza Kali with Carl, Allain ”Bong” and Daryl “Dee” Atienza and families.
2002 Tuhon Chris Sayoc and the Sayoc International Group, Inc. host the 2nd Sayoc Sama-sama in Hazelton, PA at the Paragon Adventure Park
2003 Tuhon Chris Sayoc and the Sayoc International Group, Inc. host the 3rd Sayoc Sama-sama in Hazelton, PA at the Paragon Adventure Park. This event was the only Sayoc Sama-sama that Tatang Bo Sayoc attended, he demonstrated his “Finger Touch system” to the 200+ Sayoc practitioners and was interviewed for the archives. The other guest instructors are Guro Ken Pannell of Silat, Steve Lefebvre of Bujinkan Nin Jitsu and Tuhon Roberto Torres of Talio Silat.
2003 Tuhon Sayoc introduces Sayoc Kali to England. The event was host by Guro Krishna Godhania. Assisting instructors are Tom Kier, Felix Cortes, Chris Sayoc, Jr., Jimmie Sayoc and Ray Dionaldo.
2003 Ray Dionaldo receives the title of Tuhon at the England seminar.
2003 Tuhon Chris Sayoc appoints Guro Krishna Godhania as European Representative for Sayoc Kali. Guro Krishna Godhania continues to Introduce Sayoc Kali into Europe hosting Tuhon’s Tom Kier, Ray Dionaldo, Felix Cortes and several Certified instructors of Sayoc Kali.
2003 Tuhon Chris Sayoc writes the Full Instructor manual of the Sayoc Kali curriculum. The manual is called “Black Program”. The Tuhon level curriculum is called “The Gray Program” and the current Sayoc Kali curriculum is called “The White Program”.
2003 The Official tribal tattoo of the Tuhon Chris Sayoc family is presented designed by Tuhon Rafael Kayanan. The “Sayoc Shield” artwork is designed by Tuhon Ricardo Kayanan. The Official Inker of the Sayoc family is Sayoc Associate Instructor and Tattoo artist Jim Cacciatore.
2004 Tuhon Chris Sayoc and the Sayoc International Group, Inc. host the 4th Sayoc Sama-sama in Hazelton, PA at the Paragon Adventure Park
2005 Tuhon Chris Sayoc and the Sayoc International Group, Inc. host the 5th Sayoc Sama-sama in Blakeslee, PA at the Sayoc site.
2006 Richard Sayoc with the title of ‘Battang Tuhon’ (young Tuhon) is official assisting his father, Tuhon Chris Sayoc, Sr. and brothers Chris (Jeff) Sayoc, Jr. and Jimmie Sayoc in Sayoc Kali affairs and business.
2006 Tuhon Chris Sayoc and the Sayoc International Group, Inc. host the 6th Sayoc Sama-sama in St. Cloud, Florida. The guest instructor is Ama Guro Raffy Pambuan of Pambuan Arnis.
2006 In Europe, the Sayoc International Group has Official Training Groups in Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Greece, Ireland, Russia, Germany, and England. These groups are trained and sponsored by Guro Krishna Godhania.
2007 Baltazar ‘Tatang Bo’ Zook Sayoc passed away January 4th in the Philippines.
2007 Antonette Castaneda Sayoc passed away on February 27th in Florida.
2007 Tuhon Chris Sayoc and the Sayoc International Group, Inc. host the 7th Sayoc Sama-sama in St. Cloud, Florida. This event inaugurated the new titles of Pamana Tuhon Sayoc and Pamana Silak Tess Sayoc. The Atienza Kali family were also inaugurated in their new titles. The guest is James Jacks, film producer and writer, whose credits include The Hunted, Tombstone, and more.
2008 PamanaTuhon Chris Sayoc and the Sayoc International Group, Inc. host the 8th Sayoc Sama-sama in in St. Cloud, Florida. This event featured guest instructors as Grand Master Nene Tortal of the Dekiti System from the Philippines, Gat Puno Abon Baet of the Garimot System and is also a Master Chef, Guro Raffy Pambuan of Pambuan Arnis and also a Master Chef, Guro Bahatti Merchant of Silat from Hawaii, and Tuhon Carl Atienza of Atienza Kali. Special Tribute to the 1st Manong of Sayoc Kali, Manong Dawud Muhammad.
2009 Pamana Tuhon Chris Sayoc and the Sayoc International Group, Inc. host the 9th Sayoc Sama-sama in Blakeslee, PA at the Sayoc Site. This event is highlighted with the promotion of the “Full Instructors” of Sayoc Kali. A full instructor is a product of ALL Sayoc Tuhons.
2009 Full Instructors of Sayoc Kali are inducted at Sama-sama 2009. The full instructors are Harley Elmore, Nick Sacoulas, Victor Wong, Robert Shin and Kevin Blake.
2010 Sayoc International Group, Inc. is closed and Sayoc Global, LLC is formed.
2010 Pamana Tuhon Chris Sayoc and the Sayoc Global, LLC. host the 10th Sayoc Sama-sama in Blakeslee, PA at the Sayoc Site
2011 Pamana Tuhon Chris Sayoc and the Sayoc International Group, Inc. host the 11th Sayoc Sama-sama in Blakeslee, PA at the Sayoc Site
2011 1st Sayoc Sama-Sama in Europe is hosted by Guro Krishna Godhania. The event was attended by Official Training Groups in Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Greece, Ireland, Russia, Germany, England as well as the United States. Pamana Tuhon Chris Sayoc with family and Sayoc Instructors introduced Sayoc Kali.

How to get the most from Your Dan Inosanto seminar

2011-12-23T14:12:00.000-08:00

We are hosting Guro Dan Inosanto for a two day seminar here in Wichita Falls, TX on Feb. 11-12th of 2012.

To help some of my students and many others out there I thought I would write about how to get the most from an event like this. So, I hope to see you at the seminar in Feb. and that you get alot from this article and the seminar!

I remember my first Dan Inosanto seminar. It was 1988 at Gibson's Martial Arts in Tulsa, OK.

I had already been in martial arts for several years and was a Black Belt in a couple of different martial arts already, so obviously I already knew everything! I was a huge fan of Dan Inosanto's, having read his books and articles over the years along with his fame as Bruce Lee's top student and heir to Jeet Kune Do. This was my chance to meet him and ask questions and see and feel for myself what real JKD was about.

He did not disappoint! My partner was overwhelmed in five minutes. It took me at least another ten minutes before I was lost and confused. Back then Guro Dan taught at a much faster pace than he does now. But we kept trying. I was determined to get at least a few things to take back and work on, which I did. I also learned many other things just by watching him move, bringing to life concepts and ideas that I had only seen pictures of or read about. His grasp of so many areas of the martial arts, kicking, punching, trapping, locking, throwing, sweeping, single stick, double stick, knife work, all amazing! It was world class martial arts right there, right in front of you. I will never forget it. I thought to myself, this is it, this is what I want to do!

Over the years I have attended tons of seminar by Guro Dan and many many others. Below are some tips on how to make Your seminar much more rewarding and beneficial. They are comprised of time assisting him in seminars, attending seminars, teaching seminars and as a friend of Guro Dan's.

1. Bring an open mind: Not everything Guro teaches will be your cup of tea, just practice it, try to understand it and move on.

2. Enjoy yourself: don't be too serious about your performance at a seminar, it's for learning, not showing off or perfecting your skills.

3. Bring a note book: His lectures on various martial arts and martial arts masters are amazing parts of the martial oral history. Trust me, it's valuable and you'll realize it someday.

4. Ask questions: both of Guro Dan and anyone who seems to know more than you. there are generally lots of good people at these seminars who will be happy to help.

5. Don't expect to learn everything he teaches!: This is important! Many people think they are supposed to learn all he teaches in a weekend, the truth is that Guro teaches by concepts. That means that if you get one or two options of what he taught, you will go home and explore and find another three or four! That's the plan, he opens the door, shows you how some things work, then you go do the research and discover and develop others on your own. Some people feel cheated if they didn't learn it all, blaming the teacher, when it truth, they failed to understand the lesson altogether.

6. To avoid problems know the rules of a Dan Inosanto seminar: They are very simple. NO PHOTOGRAPHS AND NO VIDEO TAPING. Don't try to cheat and use your phone or something like that, you will be caught and embarrassed and or kicked out of the seminar. The truth is Guro would be happy to take pics with people, but some idiots go back and put them on their website and claim to have been promoted to the head of JKD by Guro Dan or some other such nonsense. He's been burned so many times that we have to have rules like this in place to prevent more of that stupidity.

7. Bring your own training partner: this really helps aid your memory when you get back home and prevents the awkwardness of trying to fit into a previously established training group. It's a risk attending by yourself, who knows, you might get a good partner or someone with no knowledge or control.

8. After the seminar go back to your hotel and video tape you and your training partner doing everything you can remember and talk about everything he talked about. this will be invaluable later.

9. Make friends: it's normal to see the same people at the same seminars, so make friends and contacts. they have useful information and are good sources of training themselves.

10. This is my last tip and is also a pet peeve of mine, Don't bug Guro when he's eating, on the phone or going to the restroom or otherwise doing personal activities: I have seen all of these and I can understand them, people get star struck and loose their minds. Just be mindful that he travels all over the world, he's traveling every single weekend! He gets tons of this and really appreciates a personal moment when it's available.

Ok, there ya go, my top ten tips on attending a Dan Inosanto seminar. There are lots of other things to talk about but I think that if you follow these, you'll not only have an amazing time at the seminar but you'll learn a ton and be able to keep more of it when you go home. So, best of luck and when you see Guro Dan, tell him Guro Harley says "Hello".

Warrior's Way Instructor Camp - Exploring the history of Guro Dan Inosanto

2011-10-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

Every year we have a Warrior's Way Full Instrutor's Camp. It's a time for us all to come together as brothers and sisters, to work and train on skills and material that we don't normally get to work on with students and for us to all work together to make the organization of Warrior's Way better for future Instructors.

Cory Roberston, Brandon Bennett, George Chaber, Don Deal, Chuck Giangreco, Kara Giangreco, Dylan Cathers, Chad Silvis, Carlos Castro, Harley Elmore (not pictured) at the historical Dagohoy Lodge. Master John LaCoste was shot and killed on this very porch.

This year's Camp was held in Stockton, CA and we were honored to be the guests of Grand Master Tony Somera, Master Kirk McCune, Master Joel Juanitas and the Bahala Na organization.

Since Stockton is the home of the legendary Guro Dan Inosanto, it is ripe with locations and people that were a huge part of Guro Inosanto's life while he was growing up. As students of Guro Inosanto's, it only seems fitting to go back and visit the places he lived, worked, went to school, church, trained martial arts, etc. Of course I'm not from Stockton and didn't know anything about the city but GM Somera is a lifelong citizen of Stockton! He knows all the people, places and events that make it relevant to Filipino Martial Artists of today. Without him none of this would have been possible. His generosity of time and energy are amazing and a true testament of GME Leo Giron's great choice in choosing a successor. GM Somera believes in sharing not just GME Giron's art, but the history and culture of the Filipino Americans that lived and died in Stockton.

Great tasting Filipino food was one of the highlights of the weekend! CHICKEN FEET did not make the list of favorites however.

During the three day camp Instructors took numerous field trips to visit the graves of "resting" Masters and Grand Masters of the Filipino Martial Arts, to leave flowers and pay our respects. Great teachers such as John LaCoste, Leo Giron, Angel Cabales, Gilbert Tenio and John Eliab and many many others all rest in Stockton. We also had the honor of paying our respects to the Inosanto family by visiting, paying respects and leaving flowers with Guro Inosanto's Mother and Father as well as his Grandfather Pepe Arca. These visits help the current generation of Instructors learn more of the men and women who brought them these arts. Help the to place pictures and stories with names and faces. They give more depth and understanding and often provide a much greater detail into the lives of these men than just the normal stories that float around.

Warrior's Way Instructors and Bahala Na members on the park bench where Guro Inosanto interviewed John LaCoste for his book "The Filipino Martial Arts".

The camp was temendous success and as time passes these experiences will only become more valuable. As buildings are torn down, as people pass away, stories fade and memories of great men, amazing accomplishments and great friends become priceless. It was an honor to bring Warrior's Way International and Bahala Na together again as brothers and sisters, working toward the common goals of improving people's lives while preserving the art of those that came before us. May we all become as good examples of these lessons as our teachers were.

Bahala Na!

Guro Harley

Self Defense Series #3 - Bringing a Knife to a Gun Fight

2011-08-17T18:38:00.000-07:00

As a long time student of the Filipino Martial Arts I have studied fighting with both long and short blades for many years. I have heard the "don't bring a knife to a gun fight" line so many times just writing it makes my stomach turn. So, in this post I'm going to try to cover why that line is obsolete and misleading.

When I started studying in the art of Sayoc Kali, the head of the system, Pamana Tuhon (Inheriting Master) told me that a knife fighter was someone who ran out of bullets. I thought that was an odd saying coming from a guy who's system tag line is "All Blade, All The Time". What Pamana Tuhon was trying to get across to me, which after a few years and several other examples I finally understood, was that there is no such thing as a knife fight! Or a Gun fight, Or a fist fight! There is only fighting, sometimes you have a gun, sometimes you have a blade, sometimes you use the corner of the table or your empty hands, but fighting is fighting. Sure, each have unique tactics, etc. but during the altercation one may find oneself using all variations of weapons and empty hands! To think of a fight as a knife fight or a gun fight or a fist fight limits the possibilities your mind is open to. It limits not only your options but limits the scenarios you can predict and prepare for. So, first and foremost, we must stop thinking of broken down terms of conflict. Projectiles such as rocks, beer bottles, kittens and knives are all possible. Firearms, blades, icepicks, belt buckles, bar stools, and cars are all commonly used weapons in physical altercations. So training for them, with them and being open minded enough to recognize those options and possibilities is a necessary and intelligent way to prepare for violence.

Lastly is ALL weapons have a place in combat. Each weapons catagory has it's strengths and weaknesess. Since most weapons can be broken down into catagories such as firearms, long blade, short blade, impact weapons, flexible weapons, thrown weapons, etc. it makes sense to study and become at least proficient with each of those basic catagories. You don't have to master them, just know how to use them effectively and understand each one's strengths and limitations. Then during an altercation or possible altercation, you can choose which one is going to be the most appropriate tool for the job. If you only understand one weapon, perhaps it's not appropriate or you don't have it on hand at the time. Then what? Understanding and being effective with many weapons, both conventional (weapons by design) and improvised (things not designed as weapons but that can be used as one) is a simple way to make sure that you will always have options to help you through a physical altercation.

So, will a knife beat a gun. Will a gun keep you safe against all attackers? I'll end with a quote from the legendary Rickson Gracie "It's the man that makes the art, not the other way around." If you train hard and have the right mindset, you'll be able to use any tool when the time comes. If not, no weapon will keep you or your family safe from the fangs of the wolf.

Guro Harley

Self Defense Series #2 - Situational Awareness

2011-07-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

Situational Awareness - Are You Really Paying Attention?

Of the many topics discussed when it comes to self defense, this is one of the most commonly used, but rarely is it explained to the degree in which it becomes important to the reader! Sure everyone says, "Pay attention to your surroundings!" The problem is most people THINK they are!

When I speak to most people in lectures or workshops on self defense, I ask them if they pay attention to the world around them. Most people say yes, some laugh and admit that they are caught up in their own little world of texting and phone calls and work and kids and running errands. But MOST people really believe that they are paying attention.

The problem is that we are not paying attention. We are on Auto-pilot for most of the day. We get up and go through our morning routine without thinking of the specifics. I brush my teeth on autopilot. I even drive to work on autopilot. How many people aren't paying any attention at all to the road when driving to work. They take the same route everyday. On days off, if my wife drives by our work, she automatically turns into our plaza, without thought. Then realizing that's not where she was headed, turns around. How many of you have seen people drive through a parking lot with a drink or box or purse still sitting on top of the car? How many of you have walked out of a department store and thought "where did i park" During all of those times, we are on autopilot! NOT paying attention to our surroundings! We all do it and we all do it at various times during the day.

Why is this such a bad thing? Well, let's examine a military ambush. Ambushes work! They work for good guys and bad, they work for lions, kids and ex-boyfriends. And they work for really bad guys like murderers and rapists and child abductors. The key element in an ambush is time. Time to recognize what is happening and make correct decisions on how to deal with it. But ambushes are designed by their very nature to deprive you of that one critical element. So how to we deal with ambush type attacks? How to we prepare for someone "getting the drop on us" or catching you off guard? Well, there are a few simple concepts that will help you prevent giving away the advantage of time. The problem is that although they are easy to understand, they aren't easy to do. They take constant practice to become natural and comfortable. But if you practice these steps, you can take charge of your personal space and prevent the attack from occurring.

1. Become a people watcher! This may seem simple but it is a key element to predicting danger. A lot of people tell me "I do watch people all the time" Well, you can't just look at their terrible taste in clothing or notice their bad hair day. You have to actually look at each person and evaluate their emotional and physical state! You have to notice "gee, that guys looks pissed off!" or notice someone who's body language is different than everyone else in the group. This type of profiling is used by all predators and prey. It's how they tell one from another. This is like the guy who can't see the forest for the trees! You can't just look at the crowd. You have to look at that as your baseline and then you will begin to notice the anolomlies within the group, those are the ones you watch out for, those that are just slightly different. The ones were you intuition says "somethings not right about that guy."

2. Don't look like a victim! People say this all the time, but what does a victim look like? let me tell ya, it looks like you! If you are out, don't travel alone. It's much harder to commit a crime when having to deal with more than one person. If you are forced to be alone, walk with another group or beside them. No matter how confident you act, when you are alone, you are vulnerable. The average meth head only needs ten dollars to make his daily habit. The average person he assaults and robs gives him 4-5 bucks. so he has to rob 2 maybe three people a day to make his habit!! He's a pro with a game plan and practice. You alone are a victim with no time to react.

3. Carry a weapon that you can use effectively! Don't carry that crappy stick on a key chain! Don't use your keys between your fingers! Don't use those little stun guns that spark when you push the button. If you can fight well enough to make those work, your a fighter! Sure, with training those things could be useful weapons, but without training, less than useless! I say less than useless because what's worse than it not working is that you are counting on it to work. Carry a real useable self defense weapon. If it's legal for you, carry a gun, or a knife or pepper spray. But make sure whatever it is, you train on it realistically using the weapon for self defense. Whatever the weapon, make sure that when you are out that you not only have it on you, but that you can access it immediately! Don't leave it in your car! Don't keep it buried in your purse or deep in some jacket pocket somewhere. Remember, ambushes steal time, so you won't have the time needed to hunt for it or try to lug it out of a pocket somewhere. Carry it in your hand if the situation seems to warrant it! Don't worry about other seeing it, they are on autopilot and even if they did, so what. It's better to be safe than sorry (I didn't come up with that one, lol).

So as a brief recap:

1. Situational Awareness means not just seeing people but reading their emotional and physical state. Ambush types of attacks work - on everyone not paying attention! Me, you, military groups, etc. So pay attention.
2. Don't look like a victim - to a desperate criminal any lone person where the bad guy has a few seconds to do his job, can become a victim, unless you follow #3.
3. Carry a real weapon you can use all the time! This allows for you to be prepared for when you missed #1.

There ya go, simple yes, easy no. But in the real world of hard and painful consequences to ignoring or simply being oblivious to the real dangers, failure isn't much of an option.

Guro Harley

Mind of No Mind - thoughtless technique

2011-07-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

"You should have three attacks that you perform as effortlessly as you do a breath" Pamana Tuhon Chris Sayoc.

In Japanese martial arts the term is Mushin, meaning the Mind of no mind. It's a term used to describe the idea that your body will, through rigorous training, execute the perfect technique at the perfect time, without your conscious thought. This is of course what all martial artists are after. As Sijo Bruce Lee said "I don't think of hitting him, my fist hits all my itself".

I remember when I first had that experience in the martial arts. I was a teenager, living on my own in a house with no electricity, out in the country hills of Arkansas. Literally all I did was train. Day and night, when my buddies came over, we trained, when they left, I trained. I had a heavy bag hanging in the house that was my number one tool. I had a 2 liter coke bottle hanging from a rope as a swinging bag and I trained on everyone who came to visit. During this time I was teaching, under special permission from my Instructor, at my house twice a week (I was only a purple belt), training at his school twice a week and on my own when not in school or working. My point is total immersion. My first moment of mind of no mind was sparring one of my class mates. One moment we were lined up ready to go, the next they were gone! I was surprised by the fact that this person was no longer standing in front of me! Where had they gone? I was confused by this, then I got a clue. A tingling feeling in the inside of my right forearm and on the back of my right calf. when I looked down they were on the floor unconscious with my Instructor kneeling over them. I had swept the opponent when he entered without a thought. I was completely surprised by it, just as my opponent was.

Over the years I've had many many more times such as these. Once while working as a bouncer at a club I was in the parking lot (which is always bad!) dealing with a customer who was causing issue with the local Police. While dealing with him, a car wreck occurred just next to us. They asked me to watch this guy while they handled the wreak. So we calmly waited and watched the officers. I watched this guy and saw his body posture change, saw him make up his mind to fight us and run. Now, I had seen this guy fight a few times in the club, he knocked people out and ran. As he got off his car and walked to one of my bouncers, I approached from the side. Just as I opened my mouth to start to De-escalate the situation, he turned toward me to sucker punch me with a big right hand. Without time for thought, I entered with a Silat entry, gained neck control and kneed him in the chest. I then spun him to keep him off balance and kneed him again, this time I allowed him to fall to the ground. After the police had him again, I second guessed myself, had he really punched at me? I didn't remember seeing the punch. Maybe I just jumped this guy?! but how had I ended up on his right shoulder when I was approaching from his left? After talking to my bouncers they all said he had turned to hit me and they all were surprised by the attack. Even though they were physically close, they were waaaay to far behind the time curve to join the fight, it was over by then. That's just one of the many times it happened in a real fight on the street. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't always work that way. I got hit my fair share of times, but it was always because I got cocky, underestimated the opponent, didn't read his body language correctly, wasn't paying attention to his sucker punch buddies or something along those lines. No one I squared up with ever hit me. Ever. That's not how it happens.

One of the few times I had this happen outside fighting was at my school. We have birds that seasonally nest in the awning of the doors at our school. One evening when a student walked in, a bird flew in with him. Once in the school he flew around the training area, from one perch to another. I thought it was funny at first but then was concerned. How am I going to get this thing out of my school? The bird had landed on a picture of Dan Inosanto hanging on my wall. As I stood there staring up at it wondering what the hell I was going to do about this bird, it dropped off and flew right by me. Without realizing it, I reached out and caught it. It's wings folded perfectly back along it's body, it's head sticking out on one side, tail feathers and legs on the other. I turned around and my students were all shocked. They looked like I had just grown a second head. I walked over to the back door and kicked it open and tossed it into the air where it flew away. That's one of the few times it's ever happened outside of fighting and it's a pretty cool one if I do say so myself.

My point of this is two fold. One is to help people realize that this level of achievement is totally possible and can be amazingly effective. Two, the first time it happened to me I was just a teenager, not a martial arts Master! Just a kid busting his butt everyday in training. When your really working hard, training everyday and you immerse yourself in what you do, it comes naturally, comfortably and without thought or effort. That's what we are all searching for, striving for. This frees your mind to concentrate on the essential mental tasks of evaluating your opponent, solving problems, communicating with team members and planning to set up the opponents. So this is by no means the end aspect of training, it's what frees you up to do the real work!

Guro Harley

Real Self Defense Series - #1 "5 Truths I learned as a Bouncer"

2011-06-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

Let me start this off be explaining the various ranges of what a Bouncer is. It varies greatly from club to club, city to city. In some clubs Bouncers just take I.D.s at the door and never touch anyone. If a fight breaks out, they call the cops. In some clubs the Bouncers crush people and throw them in the dumpster. The club I worked at was in the middle. Company policy was in place to protect the patrons from getting roughed up too bad and to keep the company from getting sued. It seemed to work on most occasions and when it didn't the circumstances led most people to do what needed to be done to survive, if you got fired it was better than getting crushed or killed.

One of the misconceptions with Bouncers is that alot of people think they only handle or fight drunks. Honestly in most cases where people are drunk they are very easy to manipulate by other means, fighting them was extremely easy and rare. No, in the club I worked, when we fought it was to break up a huge fight that might cause damage to property or innocent bystanders. We also dealt with drug dealers, gang members, frat boys and military younglings out trying to prove themselves in the wrong environment.

I told no one of my martial arts training, not wanting to become a target. Instead seeking to make a reputation by what people see, not what I tell them. Before long I was in charge of teaching the security staff of 12 guys. I also had a best friend who worked there with me, he was my room mate, training partner and back up during this three year period. Guro Thor saved my bacon a few times and I would still want him to have my back today.

When I started I had some simple rules for new guys and I won't go into all those now. Instead I'm going to concentrate on the 5 Truths I discovered and how they applied to me as a martial artist. They are listed below in order of their discovery. Keep in mind, I was already an accomplished martial artist, have had many street fights and sparred thousands of rounds with martial artist from all over. So I had a huge edge over most civilians.

1.   The first rule of unarmed combat is get armed. - This may seem like a hard rule to do when your bouncing but I think it's hugely relevant. thinking you are going to just go up and grab a guy and carry him out with some wristlock is nice. I did it. So did my guys. On some people you can just give them a slight physical suggestion and they will follow along willingly. Most people who have never fought will comply when they encounter something they didn't expect or plan on. However, a huge amount of people fight harder when you put them in pain. So in the club my weapon was Guro Thor. this 6'4" 235 lb. buddy was my back up weapon. When things got hot, there were too many or someone was trying to blind side me with a bottle, Guro Thor took care of business. So if you can't arm yourself with a weapon, arm yourself with a buddy. Preferably on who can fight.

2.   The second rule is he is always armed. - Again, many many people try to argue this, saying that most people don't carry guns or knives in to a bar. True, most don't but some do. We took weapons off people all the time. But the most popular and dangerous were improvised weapons. I saw a guy carried out on a stretcher when he got hit in the back of the head with a beer bottle (which didn't break). Once knocked out, the guy started stomping on his face with cowboy boots. The EMT's were doing CPR on the guy as they took him. out. Beer bottle, thrown or swung, are awesome weapons. It's one of the many reasons why Bouncers walk around throwing away empty beer bottles. Another one was chairs. We had big massive wooden chairs. So big in fact that they were heavy and awkward to pick up and throw. I always thought that was a brilliant move on the owner's part. But still, people did use them from time to time. Lastly were what we call in Sayoc Kali, fixed weapons. such as rails, the corners of walls, walls, bars, tables, even the floor. These fixed weapons worked quite nicely and became the number one helper for many of our bouncers. Why hit him when I can make him hit a rail or light pole?

3.   The third rule is He is always They. - The reality is very few people go to a club or bar alone. With this being said, you can always count on having to deal with more than one guy. Or girl. Family members get involved, boyfriends, girlfriends, best friends. It turns into a huge social scene quick. Some of the biggest fights we had where when whole families seemed to be there, then you got 20 people all fighting. Men and women. Just awesome. Many of the bouncers had a hard time with the women because they didn't want to hurt them. Not me. If you acted silly I made you look silly. I would whip them to the floor just like anyone else if they did something stupid. Before you think I'm a bully, keep in mind I'm not talking about calling someone a name. If I put my hands on them, it was because they were hurting someone. So this rule helps people to understand, as soon as you engage with this one lone guy, another is coming up behind you with a beer bottle and another brother and they are about to crack you in the head without saying a word. So head on a swivel and stay alert.

4.   The next rule is "They" always train faster, harder, longer and stronger than you do. - Alot of the people we fought against were in much better physical shape than me or my bouncers. Some were college football players, some were prison guards, some were athletes. Some were skinny little gang bangers but they were fast as heck! Some just got out of prison and were big and tough. The key to this point was two fold: one is try to be in the best shape you can because they sure are and two even if they are big and pumped up and mean looking, they still get the same treatment, we don't back down or lose in our own house. In my club, no one beats me. That mentality and the fact that you expected them to be big and strong really helped you overcome fears and focus on the task at hand. In many cases, seeing you weren't intimidated by their size or posturing, they would give up and do what you wanted without fighting.

5.   The last rule is It always happens when you are sick, tired or other wise occupied. - this rule was in place because during an average night a bouncer is doing alot of things, fighting is actually less common than sweeping the floor, dumping empty beer bottles and helping someone find a taxi. It's easy to get distracted, start a conversation with a girl or talk sports with some guy, then out of no where beer bottles are flying, people are running, tables are knocked over, women are screaming and it's time to get your hands dirty.

So, you can see how many of these rules apply to us in a daily situation, not just bouncing. The realization that you need a weapon is a huge step in the right direction. I don't care who you are, how long you have been training and what kind of martial arts you trained in, your kung fu isn't going to win against multiple opponents or maybe even one bad guy pissed off at you for all the wrong in his life who's only thought is a mental image of beating your brains out with this pipe. Sure, many martial artist can handle that, most can't. But a weapon takes a bad situation and makes it survivable. Realizing that bad guys often have buddies as back up is another step that will help you tremendously. Always be on the lookout for someone to help you or someone coming to help the bad guy. Expect weapons to be involved! Train and prepare yourself for that. Seeing a guy pull and icepick out is shocking if you weren't expecting it. Watching a cowboy wrap his belt around his hand and start to swing that huge belt buckle at you can throw you off your game. So the more you can train to be expecting them, the better you can cope during the hour of need.  Preparation is the key. Mental, physical and emotional training that will help you anticipate threats, handle the problem at hand and remain in emotional control is the key to going home to those you love.

I hope you find this as useful as I have and that it helps to motivate those who need it to stretch beyond their training barriers to seek a more realistic and practical approach to their martial arts training.

Guro Harley

Warrior's Way has 7 New Jr. Black Belts!!! Congratulations!

2011-06-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

First let me say what an honor it is to train children like these. The fact that parents trust me enough to teach their kids, year after year, to push them and mold them and lead them to become better young men and women, is humbling. I realize that there are many other choices of activities out there for parents to take their children to. And I am honored to be entrusted with guiding and training your children.

Each one of these children have done some amazing stuff in the last 3.5 - 5 years of training with me. Zach could have tested months ago, but chose to wait months so that his parents would be able to attend the testing. Louana's parents told her that if it was important that she would have to pay for the testing from her own money. So she got all the money from her Piggy bank and paid for her test herself! Wow! That's an amazing lesson from some really awesome parents!! The parents gave her the money back after the test as a reward for her achieveing her goal!!! Just awesome! Jimmy had some problems with the terminology test, so everyone in his family helped quiz him on the terms, using flash cards and practice tests to get better. Mrs. Krystal spent hours, just her and him, sitting in the office going over terminology. In the end he scored 100%!!!! That's an awesome team effort from everyone involved in Jimmy's life! Great job Team Jimmy!

Each child has great stories like that. Each kid has suffered and endured to become the martial artist they want to be. Aria focused and really pulled it off when it came time, taking punches in the face and giving them right back! Isaac, the oldest of the group, stood up to some solid sparring, proving he deserved that belt and earning the respect of everyone in the room! Tyler's quick feet and good strategy really paid off in sparring and Brady mananged to keep fighting with no air in the lungs and no gas in the tank! Each one really did a great job and earned their rank.

I am always proud of kids when the achieve this huge goal. It's a rite of passage, a test of skill, knowledge and heart. I am honored to be a part of their lives and be entrusted with helping them become the awesome young men and women they go on to be!

Below are just a few of the hundreds of pics we took during this test. To see more visit Warriorswaytx.com

Weapons are the rule - not the exception.

2011-06-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

Teaching martial arts is a great job. There are so many great benefits to training in the martial arts and watching children and adult students growing more skilled, more confident, get in better shape and make new friends is always a real pleasure. The martial arts, more than any other activity I can think of, has something to offer everyone. We have young children who gain coordination and learn to be respectful to others and we have adults who learn to defend themselves better while living a healthier lifestyle.

Is this really a weapon?

I teach several different systems of martial arts. Most of them are empty hand systems, meaning that you learn punching, kicking, trapping, sweeps, etc. This makes sense to most people and they readily accept that as a common form of martial arts and thus common form of self defense. One of the most common questions I face as a martial arts teacher is "why do we train so much weaponry?" Now keep in mind that it's a quarter of my curriculum. That may seem like a lot to some of you, I don't know, but to me it's not enough. You see, in the real world it's the exact opposite! In the real world most crimes are committed with some kind of weapon. It may be a gun, knife, baseball bat, etc. But a huge percentage of crimes and violent altercations are committed with a weapon involved.

Since most of the altercations we may be involved in are going to involve weapons, shouldn't most of our training be with and against weapons? Perhaps the average person doesn't expect the bad guy to have or carry weapons? Just take a look at the pictures in this post. The weapons above are confiscated from a prison, where THERE ARE NO WEAPONS. lol, yeah right. If that is what they have in a lockdown environment like prison, what are they carrying out in the free world?

It's a simple concept once you understand that the bad guy will be armed, would you rather face this criminal with or without a weapon? It really is that simple! Sure, you can try to go against him empty handed and who knows, maybe your empty hands training will pay off, maybe the bad guy is having an off day? Maybe your double leg takedown will catch him off guard? Do you want to bet your life on it? What about the lives of your loved ones who are with you?

Another method of dealing with all these weapons is to ban them. "LET'S BAN GUNS" is a big push in the United States and around the world. Trust me, if we could suddenly make all firearms of all kinds instantly turn to dust, I would be all for it! That would instantly put me and my friends at the top of the food chain : ) But the reality is you will never be able to ban firearms. All it does it take the guns away from honest people who never did anything with it except carry it to defend his or her family. The bad guys won't turn in their guns! They will still carry them, they are criminals, that's what they do! And if you think "we can make them so scare they simply won't have access to get them." think again. The pic above is a homemade firearm from Russia. So much for Gun Bans!

In the pic above a suspect is trying to take the firearm out of the Officer's holster. The magazine is already laying on the ground behind the officer. Bad guys know the best way to win is to get a weapon. That's not a criminal mindset, that's a winning mindset! You see that bad guy above really really wants to win. So much so he's willing to risk his life to win. Shouldn't we train to fight just as hard and have the desire to win just as much? If so we have to be willing to carry a weapon or find and improvise a weapon.

This is a DVD knife. imporvised weapons are the norm around the world. Not just prisons. Places where they become illegal or simply hard to get, places where they are too expensive or where common items are forced into service as weapons due to the immediate threat.

Above is another improvised double barrel pistol. Simple, easy to make and deadly.

The above is a collection of weapons from criminals. Brass knuckles, daggers, guns, knives, clubs of all kinds. These are the things bad guys are carrying every single day! Not just when they feel threatened or are traveling. They carry them everyday. What do you carry everyday?

The above pic is a Zip Gun, a single barrelled spring loaded gun. try banning firearms, you'll see thousands of these types of weapons hit the streets.

Not to mention all the everyday objects that surround us everyday! These objects are deadly weapons and are used by people all over the world on a regular basis for self defense, crime, civil unrest and to ward off attackers and animals. We should learn to recognize the items as possible weapons when confronted by an assailant with a weapon. If you don't have one, make one!

How long do you think it would take you to make that weapon in the pic above? If someone broke into your home and you retreated into the bathroom with your kids, could you make this weapon and fight him off?

How's your stick fighting? We often assume that the weapons we are going to face are similar to the weapons that we train with in class. Will your system of stick fighting work against this weapon? How do you know? There's a huge difference between theory and reality. That difference could be the difference between life and death.

In the above pic the officer is arresting a homeless person. Many people don't consider homeless people to be dangerous, yet many are mentally unstable, have communicable diseases and are armed. Although not your traditional criminal, you should still be wary of them and the dangers the present. For them, improvised weapons are a way of life.

The fist load in the above pic would take almost no time to make out of some nails and a piece of wood and some string. Think about using your boxing skill or striking skills against someone who is using this. Think of how good you would have to be. You would have to be so good that he never hit you! That's hard to do.

In this pic another fist load. One of the problems with these types of weapons is that you don't see them. You think it's going to be a fist fight and them you are cut or dead. These types of weapons can easily be carried and if used or the suspect is close to being caught, can be dumped with no real loss. Just make another one later.

Uh. Well. I'm thinking that most people won't have an answer for how to fight against this one. This flail is a quick down and dirty tool that will be a difficult thing to face. If you haven't seen this types of weapons before, you might not even have the chance to percieve them as the threat they really are.

Oh wait, another homemade firearm! This was made in a prison out of a bed leg. They fired it to show it worked and then took a guard hostage and escaped. With limited resources and tools they make a real working firearm that shot lead bullets powered by AA batteries! Come on! Really?!?

Another homemade firearm. Russia. I'm afraid firearms, in one form or another, are here to stay. So with that in mind, we might as well find another alternative to the threats of crimes committed with firearms and find a solution for firearms accidents. I think the key to both is education and training. I think it really is that simple. Educate people on how to store, carry and use firearms and you will eliminate accidents and prevent crimes.

Blades are the real king of weapons. found in thousands of forms around the world. they really are everywhere and everything.

These three shivs were found in a prison. Again, look at how ingenious these weapons really are? Could you recognize the individual pieces necessary to improvise yourself a weapon if you needed one?

Common everyday items are some of the best and most natural weapons we can learn to identify as weapons. How long would it take to make the ones above or below? Would it help you? If you could have this or be empty handed when faced with an armed attacker, which would you choose? Armed or unarmed?

The single most common kind of knife of any prison, the toothbrush knife. Extremely common. Would you recognize this as a weapon?

How hard would the weapon above be to make? How effective would it be?

This reminds me of a weapon used in the trenches of WW1 to finish off wounded soldiers. These types of weapons are literally around us everyday.

Guns, knives, rocks, sticks, screwdivers, hammers, weapons of all kinds surround us everyday. Criminals carry them every day. Yet many people look at training with or against weapons as an exotic or unique martial arts niche. The reality is that most criminals have and use weapons and most victims do not! The first step in not becoming a victim is to change your mindset about weapons and realize that they play an important role in martial arts training and in self defense. Learn to recognize everyday things around you for their value as improvised weapons. Train with and against weapons. Learn how to use, carry and conceal legal weapons on you or in your environment. Remember banning weapons will not work, never has. The real key to surviving the coming violent encounter and prevent accidents from occuring is Education and Training. It's that simple. If you and your family don't have it, go get it! Guro Harley

The Reality of Anarchy

2011-05-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

Australia - This officer has failed to realize the increased threat level.

First let me start by saying I'm a "glass is half full" kinda guy. I like to find the good in people, give people more than one chance and I get along with most everyone. I'm an outgoing, friendly person. I believe in the good in people and the hope for all humanity. With that being said, let me go on to say I also realize that as a society (around the world), we are in sad shape.

First let me explain the difference between Laws and Rules. You see Laws are things that I cannot break. Like gravity, laws of speed, time, etc. Those are physical laws that I cannot break. Rules however are a different matter all together. You see, Rules are things that we as a society choose to put in place to help guide the actions of people within the society. They aren't always fair or intelligent, but for the most part they work. However, you or I can choose at any time to simply break those rules and do something different. Choose to play unfairly. To harm others, steal, kill and in other ways take advantage of others unable to prevent us from doing so.

Greece - armed and amored protestors attack the police

What keeps people from breaking these rules most of the time is a moral code. Although I would like to assume it's there own moral code that keeps them in check, I know better. What makes me say that? Well, all we have to do is look around the world at what happens when the Law (Rule) Enforcement is removed. Look at the LA riots, riots in Greece, Paris or New Orleans. Any place where the enforcement ability to removed, anarchy takes it's place. The thing that keeps society relativey safe isn't an internal moral code at all but instead is a moral code that's inforced by the government or some such power. As soon as it can no longer provide enforcement, violence and chaos ensues.

With this reality that society can erupt into chaos at any moment, how does that effect our training in the martial arts and the necessary overlap into protecting our loved ones? All of the pictures in this post are recent, modern pics. these riots are happening all over the world, right now. Here in America and civilized cities around the world. Of course the front lines are protesters and police, who knows, maybe that's you, maybe not. But even if you try to stay away from it, civilians are commonly killed and injured during these types of civil unrest incidents. Homes and business are burned, cars burned, people stomped, stoned and drug through the streets. Long improvised weapons like the ones in the above pic are commonly used to repel police officers.

Shields, helmet, body armor and a team of trained warriors didn't help defend agains the most basic attack known to mankind, the groin kick. This proves training (software) is far more important than tools (hardware)!!!

In Sayoc Kali we teach and practice projectiles of all kinds regularly. This is commonly ridiculed in the martial arts world as being useless. Yet, in every modern riot you will see tons of projectiles. Bricks, chunks of concrete, knives, molotov cocktails, etc. are all commonly used. Your training should include projectiles and the defenses for them. As I explain to my class, not all enemies are two legged. If you were facing a dangerous animal, would you rather try to kick and punch it or throw rocks at it? The answers and use for modern projectiles is obvious.

Imagine that all your training consisted of boxing or grappling in this pic above. With a opponent wearing a motorcycle helmet and swinging a big stick you might not opt for empty hand strikes. In fact this is an excellent time to discuss the real and modern use of conventional and improvised shields. Does your training include them? How and what would YOU use in a similar situation to block, deflect or absorb the blow of that long weapon?

France

Common strategies on fighting more that one include taking out the leader, going for the biggest guy first to scare the others, hit or kick first and run, maybe bluff your way out. Which one of those do you think is going to work when faced with the crowd in the pic above?

United States

Other tactics include dropping and curling up into a ball to protect your vitals, cover you head and pray for the best. Do you think that is working for the guy in the pic above? Why aren't those people helping him?

Here's another pic of a guy on the ground. This really shows you the value of staying up and being on the move. You don't have to be a world class sprinter, but I don't care if your the world's greatest grappler, you end up down there and you won't ever get up.

Los Angeles

Many people go for the hide and ride method. Hoping they can hide in their homes and ride it out. Possibly. If the riots are not in your area, sure. But all it takes is one fire to end the fantasy of "a man's home is his castle". You have to be prepared to move, shoot and communicate.

Here more "protesters" are wearing helmets and using improvised weapons. Does your martial art work against an armored opponent using an noncoventional weapon? Have you trained for this? Against this? It's easy to say "Well, I would never be in that situation" but tons of people thought that in LA and in New Orleans. Tons thought that in Greece and Paris. Throughout history people have thought it wouldn't happen to them or in their neighborhood. Don't be that person. An ounce of prevention (training and hardware) is worth a pound of cure (or thousands of pounds of Government assistance). Take responsibility for yourself and your family.

Shields work both ways! With his hand on the shield, the protester can block most of that blow! Put yourself in the place of the protester and the officer. What would you do differently?

Not all projectiles are rocks!! Fire is one of mankinds most effective violent weapons. Able to be delivered by hand to accuate targets with almost no forethought or preparations. Simple and deadly all over the world. It ruins vehicles, destroys castles, blocks off advances or retreats and in the pic below, kills individuals.

Armor and helmets are effective against weapons like impact and edged weapons, the shield might have worked to keep the fire on it instead of him but it looks like he caught the fire bomb on the bottom of the shield instead, which then spread to him.

Projectiles work on both sides!!! Here we have perfect example of non deadly projectles. These are commonly used in the United States as well as other parts of the world. But if you look closely, the guy is wearing a gas mask of some sort. Perhaps not rated as a "gas" mask, it might still prevent most of it from getting to him, thus keeping him in the fight longer. He is also armed with a long weapon and armored with a hard hat.

The reality is that the beauty of civilization is only skin deep. Underneath this enforced rule of playing fair are thousands who will do whatever they want as soon as the threat of repercussions is removed. Since there is no way of knowing when or where such breakdowns in our society will occur it is in our best interest to consider how it happens, when and why. What are the common methods employeed by both protesters and police or military during these times? What can I do now to prepare for those threats? What kind of training (software) and what kind of equipment (hardware) should I get now to prepare? As you can see in these pictures, both sides will be armed, armored and there are casualties on both sides.

This is a post on preparedness and the reality of conflict in large masses. It has nothing to do with the political, social or religous beliefs of anyone. It does not condone or condem riots or violence and it does not in any way suggest you should take any action except to become more educated and prepared to protect your family. I realize that many of the pics contained in this article are related to polictical issues but this article assumes no relationship or opinion on those topics.

Guro Harley

Warrior's Way Int'l Family Gathering 2011 "The Best Yet!"

2011-04-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

This year's Family Gathering was "The Best Yet!" according to many of the participants who attended. With Nine Warrior's Way International Full Instructors on tap to teach each section as well as to walk around and answer questions and interact with the students, everyone got a lot of help. We also had the amazing honor of having special guests Pamanan Tuhon Chris Sayoc, fifth generation head of the Sayoc Kali system, and Tuhon Rafael Kayanan, one of the highest Masters in the Sayoc Kali system. Simply put, the caliber of insturction was world class.

Topics ranged from Double Dagger to Sayoc Tomahawk, from Melee Mass Attack to Baybayin, the ancient written language of the Philippines.

With over 70 people in attendance, it was a high energy camp with over 28 hours of training during a three day period.

It's wasn't all super hard training, as you can see here on Josh's face. I think he's tired of her cutting him to small pieces. lol.

One of the coolest parts of Family Gathering is people from all over coming together to share and train together. People from NY, Alaska, PA, AZ, and many others working toward the common goal of become a better martial artist.

Adapt, overcome and improvise ened up being the lesson learned here. Way to stay in the fight!

Yep, Tomahawk. I wish I would have got to learn Tomahawk from a Tuhon at that age!

Deadly focus. Onlookers watch as the Doc prepares for surgery!

2 time former undeafeated World Muay Thai Champion Lester Philips on the bad side of a Hawk template!

Tuhon Rafael Kayanan giving some tips to Warrior's Way students Daniel, TX and David, AR.

Pamana Tuhon Chris Sayoc and Guro Harley Elmore

The Sayoc Family attending the Warrior's Way Family Gathering in Warrior's Way garb. You guys make that uniform look good!

2011 Family Gathering!

Each year we hand out the cerifications and promotions of Instructors in Warrior's Way.

Promoting my son, Brandin Elmore to Apprentice Instructor. It was an honor to have Pamana Tuhon Sayoc and Tuhon Rafael Kayanan there to be a part of it.

Each year we also choose a student or Instructor to recieve the Terry H. Gibson Achievement Award.

Mr. Gibson was hugely influencial in my life and as a marital artist, in honor of him and the lesson he taught me.

This year's Terry H. Gibson Achievement Award winner, Guro Brandon Bennett. Guro Brandon has personified the lessons Mr. Gibon taught, he opened his own school, Relentless Training Concepts in Tulsa, OK, has played a major role in Warrior's Way student and Instructor development, serves as a full time Detective in Tulsa Police Department and is on the TPD S.W.A.T. Team. He returned from a two week misson trip to the Philippines training Law Enforcement there. Guro Brandon was a student and close friend of Terry and Cathy Gibson, he was one of my students and training partners there and so I know he realizes how much this award means for me to give to someone. I can think of no one more deserving. Congratulations Guro Brandon, Mr. G would be proud of you.

Guro Harley Elmore, Tuhon Rafael Kayanan and Pamana Tuhon Chris Sayoc

The Red Headed Bully and O&B #1

Christian Jester's first Family Gathering and he gets to hang out with the whole Sayoc family for days! Lucky dog!

People are asking "how are you gonna make next year better?" Well, don't worry, I'm already working on some ideas that are going to make next year even better! See you guys there!

Warrior's Way Int'l Family Gathering 2011 - Your Invited!

2011-03-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

I am a lifelong fan of the martial arts. I grew up on Bruce Lee movies and read Black Belt magazine for what seems like my whole life. I love all martial arts, traditional, modern, combative, military based, sport, I love 'em all. Don't get me wrong, I have my favorites. But in general, I love 'em all. Over a life time of training I have had some great times, met some great people and along the way got some of the best training in the world. Now it's my turn to provide those same opportunities to my students. So every year we host the Warrior's Way Interntional Family Gathering. It's called the Family Gathering not because there are kids running around or because it's a picnic in the park. No, it's called that because people walk away feeling like they belonged here. Because they felt like family.

Our goal with the Family to to give world class training. Consisting of lectures, demonstrations, drills and sparring. These are all done to the comfort level of the participant and everyone is there to learn and grow, no egos, no championships, just learn and grow and enjoy.

                                               This year's Warrior's Way Instructors include:
                                      Mataas Na Guro Harley Elmore, Guro Chuck Giangreco,
                                               Guro Brandon Bennett, Guro Chad Silvis,
                                                 Guro Don Deal, Guro George Chaber,
                                                Guro Carlos Castro, Guro Dylan Cathers,
                                                         Guro Cory Robertson

                                             This year's special guests instructors:

                                            Tuhon Rafael Kayanan of Sayoc Kali

                                                     SWAT Sgt. Charley Eiper

You are invited to attend this year's Family Gathering in Wichita Falls, TX

April 8-10th.

You can get more information on like

Schedule of events

Gear list

Topics to be covered

Instructors and Guest Instructors

http://www.warriorswaytx.com/store/13/family-gathering/

The Art of Panantukan - Filipino Boxing

2011-03-11T13:26:00.000-08:00

Flash Elorde in a "False" lead

Panantukan is a term many of Guro Dan Inosanto's Instructors used when describing the empty hand striking arts of the Philippines. The other commonly used term was Sikaran, but back in the 70's many martial artist thought Guro Inosanto was saying Shotokan, which is a martial art from Japan and entirely different. So to differentiate the arts, many of his Instructors told him to use the term Panantukan. The term Pangamut was also used for empty hand aspects of Filipino Martial Arts but it's original use was "highly skilled" with both weapons AND empty hands.

Filipinos have always been skilled boxers. Coming from the use of weapons, they understood the need for footwork. The great Muhammod Ali, famous for his footwork, traveled to the Philippines where he returned with great footwork. These Filipino boxers kept their hands in close to the body and face to keep them from getting hit or cut by weapons. They used body shifting, head movement and footwork. These were elements that were unseen by American boxers until the time of the American occupation of the Philippines. During which time the American soldiers introduced boxing as a sport and more humane way of setteling disputes. Filipinos took to this sport with gusto. This lead to many famous Filipino boxers back in the 30's, 40's and 50's. You can review my notes on older posts in this blog for more information on boxers from that era.

In fact, when you look at boxing now, you are seeing a version of Panantukan. The early pioneers of Western Boxing had the upright or leaned back posture of European Boxing. With hands held out away from the body, palms up in what we refer to as the "John Sullivan" stance. In contrast to what boxing began to look like when the Americans met the Filipino! After that, boxing was never the same, boxers used footwork, not shuffleing. They kept their hands up and in tight, not extended as before. They moved their heads and shifted the body. None of that had ever happend in boxing before the Filipino influence. You can still see a difference today in American Boxing vs. European Boxing. It's not as pronounced as before, but they still don't look or move quite like the American version of today.

Today Panantukan is considred to be one of the most well rounded and versitle striking systems in the martial arts world. It includes the use of destructions to the arms and legs, making it hard for the opponent to punch, parry or move. It uses a wide variety of strikes, from punches, to eye jabs, forearm strikes, elbows, even head butts. For this reason many people like to use the term "Dirty Boxing" when they talk about Panantukan, however, it's only dirty if you are thinking of it in terms of sport! If you are talking about real fighting nothing is dirty, just effective and non effective! The art also includes the use of gaining control of the opponent by grabbing the neck, pushing to off-balance and even stepping on his foot! All to gain advantage and put yourself in a postition to hit more effectively and so he can hit less effectively.

One of the questions I get alot is "Why not just use Western Boxing?" True, there a great many things about boxing as it is practiced today that are useful. Hard conditioning, the toughness one gains through that hard training, being able to generate tons of power, along with footwork, head movement and speed. So why do anything else? Well, one of the reasons why boxers wear gloves is to protect their hands. It's not to protect the opponent! If that were the case there would be no knockouts! No, gloves simply protect the boxers hands, that's it. What happens when a boxer gets in a fight on the street and hits someone without a glove? Ask Iron Mike! Every fight he got into on the street, he broke his hand. Why? Because boxers generate so much power with each punch that the human hand can't withstand the force, so when smashed against a head, it breaks. Now of course the head gets smashed too! So yes, they might knock him out, but now what? You got a broken hand, one bad guy down and two to go! Hard to keep fighting with a broken hand, or draw a weapon or dial for 911 or stop bleeding from a wound. If that boxer would have slapped him, he'd still be KO'd but his hand wouldn't be broken! So what we want is to have the modern benefits of a boxer, fast, tough, great shape, great footwork and body mechanics, head movement, etc. but also have the versatility of the old Panantukan style, hitting in clinch, elbows, headbutts, forearms strikes, knees, thumbing the eyes, that kind of fighting will be much more useful, keep you in the fight longer and you will be able to to it even if your sick, old or injured.

So, if your looking for a practical martial art, a great phyical fitness program, a cultural aspect of the Philippines or something that's just fun to do, Panantukan is a great art that can fill those needs. I have found it to be very rewarding and it has helped my skill level to raise consistantly over the years.

I will be teaching a seminar on the Art of Panantukan in Bellingham, WA. The date is April 2nd. Here is the link to the flyer. If you have any questions just drop me a email.

http://www.warriorswaytx.com/panatukan-seminar/

Guro Harley

Rites of Passage

2011-02-28T14:05:00.000-08:00

In most primitive societies around the world there are very distinct and clear lines of demarcation that separate children from adults, young boys to men, men to warriors. For instance in the Zulu tribe, young boys had to go out and kill a lion with a spear. By themselves. No small feat by any one's standards of a warrior. Other cultures involve surviving rituals of circumcisions, being stung by bullet ants, the taking of local drugs for enlightenment and vision quests. Being able to ride a race, jump a bull, Native American tribes included wrestling an Alligator into submission.

There still exists some rites of passage in our world. The military has some. Certain indoctrinations, tests of mental and physical ability as well as a test of one's determination and heart. Some are known to the public, others are closely guarded so as not to be destroyed or tainted by the the "politically correct" aspect of lowering standards to the common denominator.

I have always been a huge believer in these types of rites of passage. They instill a sense of accomplishment and self worth that few other things in life can. It helps the young warrior face upcoming challenges with more confidence in himself and his abilities. Sure, he might survive without that test, just relying on training, but he and those who count on him will feel better knowing he has tested those abilities before and passed the test.

The martial arts have rites of passage. Each martial art has it's own distinctive ways of testing it's students. What one sets as it's standard might be just a normal class for another. Each art and instructor determining what that level should be. In my class we have pre-set physical standards that each student should accomplish. We also have "personal" standards which are the character traits we are looking for in each student. Those "personal" standards are developed in the physical practice of overcoming obstacles and achieving physical skills. It's hard, its supposed to be hard.

In Sayoc Kali, a system I teach and train in, there are many rites of passage, each progressively more difficult and challenging. A simple rite of passage is getting your gear. If it's important to you to study the system, you will get the right gear. A simple test many fail. These test move on to include some of the most dangerous and difficult rites of passage I have ever faced. Once on the other side of each one of those tests I saw their inherent value. It all made sense. No so much before, but after I saw the true genius behind each one.

In our program we have Jr. Black Belt for children and Full Instructor for Adults. They are different standards because children cannot understand or perform the material on the level that adults can. It's that simple. If they could there would be no need for grade school, they would just go to college. But they can't, so you have to stair step them towards those larger longer term goals. That doesn't mean that the goals should be any less difficult or trying for the children. It should be the hardest thing they have ever done. They should be physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted when the test is done. The parents of the children testing come up to me afterwards and always have the same comments, "wow, I didn't realize how much they knew!" or "I had no idea my kid could do that!". And they watch classes regularly! It's the rite of passage, the raising the bar and level of expectation. It's the pushing to pass the test and become more than they were yesterday!

Rites of passage are important and are simply disappearing in our society. Forced behind closed doors because of the fears of others. It's something I spend time and careful consideration on. It's an important part of my past and keeping them alive and utilizing them to make better people is an important part of my future.

Guro Harley
Mataas Na Guro

Guro Dan Inosanto promotes Harley Elmore to Full Instructor

2011-02-15T14:41:00.000-08:00

Magulang Na Guro Dan Inosanto promotes Harley Elmore to Mataas Na Guro

I remember being a young teenager reading Guro Dan Inosanto's books, reading his articles in Black Belt magazine, etc. I remember wondering what it would be like to meet him someday. I read the books so often, I even studied the pictures in the books, I looked at the background, at the decorations on the walls, the drums, the signs with Bruce Lee's sayings on the walls. I studied each persons face (now each of them famous in their own right). I was a huge Bruce Lee fan as a kid and teenager, but then something happened during the reading of those books and articles. I became a even bigger fan of Dan Inosanto. Thanks to the late Terry Gibson, I had the chance to meet Guro Dan and Simo Paula years ago. That only served to solidify my stance on Guro Dan. Over the years I have found him to be a incredible humble, gentle man, who's life's work it to spread the arts and cultures he represents to those that wish to explore them. Never pushy, never political. I've never heard him say a bad thing about another human being in over twenty years. He has shown me a friendship and compassion that I never expected and has taught me much more about being a good human than being a good martial artist. His amazing skill and knowledge as a martial artist are what attract people to him, but people stay with him because they learn what a fine, honest and honorable man he is.

Recently Guro Dan promoted me to Full Instructor in the Filipino Martial Arts and Jeet Kune Do. The realization of a life long dream. It is an honor to humbly accept these ranks. However, I cannot accept them without saying thanks to the many people who have helped me achieve them over the many many years.

First I would like to Thank Guro Dan Inosanto and Simo Paula Inosanto. I am honored to be a small part of your lives.

Thanks to the late Sifu Terry Gibson and to Simo Cathy Gibson-Fry. Thanks for giving me a chance at the Big Show and introducing me to the right people. I couldn't have done it without you.

To Pamana Tuhon Chris Sayoc, Pamana Silak Tess and all the Sayoc Tuhons and Full Instructors - Thanks for not letting me rest on my laurels. Thanks for pushing me to become better and more than I thought possible.

Thanks to Shodai Monty Atchley for showing me just how big the martial arts world is and for giving me the tools to go after my dreams.

To All my brothers and sisters. As training partners, teachers, students and friends, you have all helped me become the man I am now. I will never forget your help or all those long training sessions.

To All my Warrior's Way Full Instructors - Each of you inspire me to grow and become the leader you need me to be. You constantly push me to be better than the year before. I look forward to many more years with each of you.

To All my students over the many years - Thanks for your hard work. It is the building blocks of accomplishing dreams.

and lastly, to my Wife, Krystal. Thank you for believing in me, investing in me and supporting me for all these years. I know I'm the one who always gets the recognition, but you really are the great woman behind the good man. I couldn't do it without you. (btw, Happy 12th Anniversary!)

Harley Elmore
Mataas Na Guro

WARRIOR'S WAY CLOSED TUES. FEB 1st DUE TO WEATHER

2011-01-31T23:03:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Just a quick update, we will be closed Tues. Feb 1st. due to bad weather. In an effort to keep people off the dangerous roads we have canceled classes.

Please check back tomorrow for more updates and to see how the weather affects Wed. classes.

Black Belt Candidates should still be doing their push ups and leg lifts! Daily progress towards long term goals, that's the key to success!

Enjoy the time off and be safe!

Guro Harley

Warrior's Way After School Program

2011-01-20T12:02:00.000-08:00

"What are all those Little Warrior's vans doing? I see them all the time!"

Several years ago I was talking to a friend who runs a martial arts school in San Diego. He told me about the After School program he was doing and how it had really made a difference in the services he could provide for his students and their parents. I did some research and found out that several martial arts schools around the country were beginning to offer an After School program.

I was reluctant at first. After all, I'm a professional martial arts instructor, NOT A DAY CARE. There was no way I was going to let my dream of what my school was and could be become get derailed by any program, much less what I was afraid would become a day care program. I talked things over with my wife Krystal, who is my partner at Warrior's Way. She agreed that we needed to make the After School program have the exact same standards, exact same curriculum, exact same results produced as our regular, already successful Little Warrior's Program.

So we started very slowly. Only enrolling children in schools that were very close to our Academy. Only taking a few children at a time to make sure I was certain the standards would be maintianed. As it turned out the kids that signed up were already children in our regular program! So keeping the same standards and curriculum was easy! Except now the kids were training five days a week instead of two!

HERE'S THE BENEFITS - Most parents get off work around 5, rush to get their kids from a day care, rush to get them to martial arts class, run them home, start homework, feed them dinner, clean them up and put them to bed. Hectic to say the least. Add to that another sport or school activity and parents and kids are both swamped! Plus the parents have to pay for day care and martial arts.

Warrior's Way After School Program - we pick the child up from school and transport them to our Academy. From there, they change and go straight to class. They do the exact same martial arts class that everyone else does, working on material, sparring, promoting to the next belt, etc. Then they go in the back and have time to have a snack and start their homework. Many kids finish their homework here. The really awesome thing is that the kids have all of this done, BY THE TIME THE PARENTS GET OFF WORK! So when the parent shows up, their child has already worked out, had their snack and at least started their homework! Accomplishing all this before the parent would normally be picking them up to bring them to class. Since this forumla works so well it saves the parents money in many ways: No need to pay for day care, they are here training! Save money driving back and forth to day care, work, martial arts, etc. The parents save money on martial arts training and get more value because their child gets to train five days a week instead of two or three!

We have had the After School Program up and running now for years. All my fears about becoming a day care are long since dead. Having seen the results, kids becoming Jr. Black Belts from the After School Program and seeing the same quality as the other classes, I am confident we are on the right track.

If you feel like this is something you and your child could benefit from, call Krystal at 940-696-1254 and tell her you read my blog and your interested in getting some information. She'll be happy to help out.

Guro Harley

Guro Dan Inosanto Biography

2011-01-06T14:19:00.000-08:00

Guro Dan Inosanto

Guro Dan Inosanto has over 40 years experience in the martial arts and is a world authority in Jun Fan Gung Fu/Jeet Kune Do Concepts and Filipino martial arts.

Guro Dan was originally introduced into the martial arts at the age of ten. During that summer he was taught Okinawa Te and Jiu-Jitsu by a local from his home of Stockton, California. That experience left a favorable impression on Guro Dan but as boys will be boys he followed his interest in football and track for the next ten years. At Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington he won a track conference with 9.5 seconds in the 100 yard dash. His senior year he was the leading ground gainer for the football team. Later his primary career would be a Jr. High School Physical Education teacher.

After college in 1957 Guro Dan took, up Judo from a man called Duke Yoshimura. He trained in Judo until 1959 when he entered the service to become a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division. During his tour of duty he was stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. While stationed there Guro Dan was exposed to various styles of Karate with exposure to some other arts as well. It was at this time Guro Dan got his first look at Kenpo Karate.

In 1961, Guro Dan was discharged from the military service and he moved to Los Angeles, California. He looked for an instructor in the art of Kenpo. This search would lead him to path that would change his life. Guro Dan found the “Father of American Karate”, Kenpo Instructor Ed Parker. For the next several years Guro Dan would train with Ed Parker and attain a black belt in the Kenpo system.

It was Ed Parker that first inspired Guro Dan to study Filipino martial arts. Guro Dan thought the Filipinos had some stick fighting called Eskrima. But Ed Parker informed him that there was a lot more than just stick work to the Filipino martial arts. Guro Dan later went to his father, who in turn introduced Guro Dan to many Escrimadors in the local Filipino community. Some of the most prominent where Leo Giron, Max Sarmiento, Angel Cabales, and Johnny Lacoste.

Guro Dan Inosanto & Sigung Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee and Guro Dan Inosanto during the filming of Game of Death

In 1964, Ed Parker was organizing his International Karate Championship. During that time Ed Parker needed someone to escort one of his out-of-town guests around town. So Guro Dan was assigned the task to take care of Sifu Bruce Lee for the weekend. From this meeting Bruce Lee and Guro Dan started a life long friendship.

During the next nine years Guro Dan studied with Bruce Lee up unto Lee’s passing in 1973. During that time Guro Dan gained instructors certification in all three arts (Tao of Chinese Gung Fu, Jun Fan Gung Fu, Jeet Kune Do) that Bruce Lee taught. Guro Inosanto is the man personally chosen by Bruce Lee to carry on the concepts and philosophy of Jeet Kune Do. He was one of the only three persons ever to be certified by Bruce Lee to teach. (The two other persons are Taky Kimura, and the late James Lee).

In addition to having studied over 20 methods/styles of Filipino martial arts (being an instructor in several), he is an instructor in Muay Thai under Master Chai Sirisute, an instructor in Pentjak Silat under Pendekar Paul De Thouars and Pendekar Herman Suwanda, an instructor in Shoot Wrestling (Shooto) under Yori Nakamura. Guro Dan is also a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the famous Machado Brothers.

Guro Dan has worked both in the television and movie industry as a stunt man, fight choreographer, and trainer on numerous projects. In addition to this Guro Dan has several instructional videos and has authored several books: "A Guide to Martial Arts Training", "The Filipino Martial Arts", "Jeet Kune Do", and “Absorb What Is Useful". Guro Dan appeared in the following movies:

Actor
* Big Stan (2008)
* Redbelt (2008)
* Brazilian Brawl (2003)
* Out for Justice (1991)
* Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
* Sharky’s Machine (1981)
* Long de ying zi (1981)
* Skirmish (1981)
* Game of Death (1972)
Documentaries:
* Fight Science (2006)
* Modern Warriors (2002)
* Bruce Lee: The Immortal Dragon (2002)
* Bruce Lee in G.O.D.: Shibôteki yûgi (2000)
* Bruce Lee: A Warrior’s Journey (2000)
* Famous Families (1999) (The Lees: Action Speaks Louder)
* The Path of the Dragon (1998)
* E! True Hollywood Story (Brandon Lee) (1997)
* Curse of the Dragon (1993)
* Bruce Lee, the Legend (1977)
* The Warrior Within (1976)
* Life and Legend of Bruce Lee (1973)
Specials:
* Escape from L.A. (1996)
* The Green Hornet (1 episode, 1966)

Guro Dan has also received the following awards from Black Belt Magazine's Hall of Fame: 1996 - Man of the Year, 1988 - Weapons Instructor of the Year, 1983 - Instructor of the Year, and 1977 - Jeet Kune Do Instructor of the Year.

GIRON SPEAKS - "FOR THE RECORD"

2010-12-14T23:09:00.000-08:00

Fantastic Video! How can there be any argument about this? It's obvious what GME Giron wanted and who he wanted to run things? I love the part where he says "why don't they just keep quiet and learn both of them." LOL. Awesome.

GIRON SPEAKS - "FOR THE RECORD"

2010-12-14T22:49:00.000-08:00

Grand Master Leo Giron speaks out and explains who should inherit Bahala Na Martial Arts and why people are disagreeing with changes within the system.

The real problem is that others were not happy with GME Giron's choice of Tony Somera as the successor of Bahala Na and Giron Arnis Escrima. As soon as that choice was made public, others began a campaign of disruption within the organization that eventually lead the them being asked to leave.

Now they attempt to change history and speak disrespectfully of Grand Master Somera all while trying to make themselves look like they should be in charge.

Well, once and for all, let's let the man himself, Grand Master Leo Giron, tell us the truth.

Dan Inosanto and Bruce Lee on anti-bullyin...

2010-12-09T17:25:00.000-08:00

My teacher, mentor and friend, the legendary Dan Inosanto talking about the development of his teacher, the immortal Dragon, Bruce Lee. What a powerful video!

Full Instructor's Camp 2010 - Warrior's Way Int'l

2010-11-24T11:50:00.000-08:00

Guro Brandon Bennett running the range

Guro Dylan Cathers knocking out some push ups in the stress run / move and shoot course

Guro Brandon Bennett monitoring Guro Dylan's mag change and use of cover

Bullet holes in the truck windshield. The ranges as USSA have tons to offer.

You can see that inside the truck is a bad place to take fire.

the problem with sticking your head up over the hood to fire is that rounds skip off the hood into your head!

Using the wheel and corner provides better cover and equally good options to return fire. Here Retired NYC Police Officer Guro Carlos Castro and Guro Cory Robertson get instruction from Guro Brandon Bennett

Guro Brandon Bennett covering something important. I can tell that by the position of his left hand, lol.

Guro Brandon explaining the use of cover.

Guro Harley Elmore monitoring Guro Cory Roberston's move and shoot run.

The final stage, Head Poppers at 25 yds!

Guro Dylan Cathers prepares to time Guro Harley Elmore's run.

Guro Harley Elmore on the cover stage of the course.

Running Bob and Weave. Definately some "move" in this section of the move and shoot course!

Warrior's Way Full Instructor's. For our Brother and Sisters out there that couldn't make it, we missed you guys! It would have been better to have all of us together, but we understand. Those of you who are fighting the fight to keep us safe, Thank You! and to Guros Chuck and Kara, we look forward to teaching the next generation of Warriors!

Back at Relentless Training Concepts, the Warrior's Way International Tulsa, OK, Branch.

Guro Don B.F.D. Deal and Guro Dylan L.H. Cathers.

Guro Brandon T.S. Bennett and Guro Chad T.S.B.G. Silvis

Guro Carlos S.W. Castro and Guro Cory T.N.K. Roberston.

How Far Can Your Kids Go In Life? All The Way!

2010-11-24T10:14:00.000-08:00

Mason shows a lot of qualities in this picture, flexibility of course, but you need strength as well to support yourself and the confidence that achieving goals gives is obvious on his face. Whatever goals you set for your child, don't be satisfied with the basics, don't allow them to be happy with the minimum. Push them, inspire them and lead them to want more for themselves. Confidence comes from success, small goals like the splits, board breaking, sparring, and testing for belts all build a character of success! Use those small victories to lead up to more difficult challenges and huge victories in life!

Andy knows that hard work pays off, strength, flexibility and balance all wrapped up into one kid!

Confidence. Splits are just a simple goal that takes tons of discipline and hard work to achieve but the results and rewards are amazing.

Sometimes work can be so much fun it stops feeling like work! Kaden is having the time of his life and is still working hard to achieve his goals!

Tamara is all giggles while stretching. Although she's flexible, she still is working hard on the strength needed at this range of flexibility. Increased strength = increased speed and power in her kicks!


Two head kicking Little Warrior's working on a simple goal, Full Center Splits with no support. I'm confident they will get there.

Pushing towards limitless Victories...
Guro Harley

Warrior's Way Promotes it's 100th Jr. Black Belt in Wichita Falls, TX

2010-11-23T17:00:00.000-08:00


Alexis Reed takes her lumps during the last and hardest

Warrior's Way Martial Arts is proud to announce 11 more amazing kids that worked hard and achieved the honor of Jr. Black Belt! With this event we reached the record of 100 Jr. Black Belts promoted over the last 11 years of teaching and training in Wichita Falls, TX. It is our honor to help kids improve the physical, mental and emotional character and set them on the path to a successful future! Special thanks to all the families who believe in our goals and trust us with their most precious gifts, their Children. Guro Harley

Alexis "giving back" to her Sifu.

Alissa Gutierrez takes a hard jab to the face at the end of her four hour long test.

Here Alissa is paying me back, lol.

Dylan Debois earning his Jr. Black Belt the hard way

Going for the final finishing move.

Mason Weaver's Mom and Dad loved this picture!

Mason bringin the pain!

Jarrett Spurlock said the test was WAAAAAAAY harder than he expected, lol.

But Jarrett gave what he got and made us proud.

Rene Koehl showing us his war face.

Rene had been in class a long time and was attending teen's class as well, so he got extra love.

Rene showing he can take a shot and keep standing.

in fact he can do better than that, he can give 'em back!

Carlie Spurlock worked hard and fought hard!

Carlie dottin' my eye!

Jon Luna workin the body!

Jon takin the fight to me! Great job Jon.

Stashzek Zakrzewski has the honor of being the fourth one in his family to get a Jr. Black Belt at Warrior's Way!!

He earned it! Nice work Stash!

C.J. Zotz takin one right on the kisser!

Sifu taking one right on the kisser! Nice shot C.J.!

Kordell Dorman pushed past self doubt and earned his Jr. Black Belt!

Great work Kordell, we knew you could do it!

Warrior's Way Int'l Apprentice Instructor Camp 2010

2010-11-21T18:34:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

I wanted to take a few moments to talk about how much progress everyone made during this year's Apprentice Instructor Camp! Across the board the Full Instructors were very happy with the progress, work output and skill everyone exhibited this year.

Check out the Outline below to for a review or to see all the great stuff some of you may have missed!

I would also like to welcome the newest Apprentice Instructors into the Family:
Michele Angel
Shamarie Estes
Mark Hamilin
Shanini Parikh
Eric Luke
Jake Patterson
Marie Burns

These new Apprentices worked their butts off and really earned the right to be there!

Also special thanks to the Full Instructors who assisted me during the camp, an awesome job running the individual groups and helping with the whole camp. Thanks to Guro Brandon Bennett, Guro Chad Silvis, and Guro Cory Robertson. I couldn't do it without you guys.

Apprentice Instructor Camp Outline 2010

Day 1 - 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Jun Fan Gung Fu
A. Terminology Test
B. Test Review
C. Energy Drills
1. Hinge Drill
2. Ball and Socket Drill
3. Hinge and Ball and Socket
4. Pak Sao Cycle
5. Lop Sao Cycle
6. Don Chi Sao
7. Chi Sao

LaCoste / Inosanto Kali-Escrima-Arnis-Pangamut-Kuntaw-Silat
A. Written Test
B. Test Review
C. Introduction to Abecedario
1. Single Stick
2. Double Stick
3. Stick and Dagger
D. Sumbrada Progression
1. Abecedario Stage 1
2. Hold up stick as target
3. Feed Random angles
4. Add your deflections
5. Add your check hand
E. Contra Sumbrada
F. Punyo Sumbrada
G. Mix Contra Sumbrada, Punyo Sumbrada and Hubud

Maphilindo Silat / Madjapahit Martial Arts

A. Body Positions
B. Foot Placement
1. Sapu Dalem - Body only
2. Sapu Luar - Body only
3. Bizet Dalem - Body only
4. Bizet Luar - Body only
5. Using Wrist Control
6. Using Neck Control
C. Entries
1. Gunting
2. Trapping

Day 2

Warm up - Dodge Ball

Mat Chat -
1. Personal Weaknesses
2. 3 Class Room management ideas
3. 3 Self Defense ideas

Apprentice Instructor Evals:
1. Muay Thai Test - two 3 min. rounds, light to med pressure, 65 kicks / 45 knees
2. Mix Contra Sumbrada, Punyo Sumbrada, Hubud
3. Mix Kali / JKD Energy Drills

Mat Chat -
1. How to get more students
2. How to get / make training partners

Training Focus:
Personal Weaknesses defined at the beginning of the day

This year's Apprentice Camp was the best one yet! With a concentrated effort comes consistent progress! Keep up the great work everyone!

Guro Harley

Positive Affirmations to Achieve Postive Results

2010-10-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

I'm a big believer in Affirmations. Affirmations are things you tell yourself everyday that help to define who you want to become. If you want to become successful, tell yourself everyday that "you are becoming more successful with each decision you make, each action you take!"

I believe that in a simple formula, most of my students have heard this over and over again. It works like this.

Thoughts become words...

Words become actions...

Actions become habits...

Habits define who we are.

It is incredibly hard to stop yourself from saying bad things if you think bad things. By bad I mean self destructive or negative towards yourself or others. It's hard to stop doing bad things if you think them. The ONLY place you can stop ALL negative actions is in your thoughts! You have to focus on keeping you thoughts going in the direction in which you aspire to grow. If you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts, stop yourself and instead actively think and plan on achieving a positive goal in your life. This "Stop Thought" therapy works very well. I use it everyday.

Below is a speech from a football coach. This speech is on youtube and I suggest you go watch it. But I read this everyday, watch the video everyday, it's part of my positive affirmation program. Enjoy the speech and remember, I am a Champion and you can be too!

Guro Harley

I am a champion!

Alternate Version: Historic Coach Flowers pre-game speech for leland high school before the championship jv game.

I will conquer what has never been conquered. Defeat will not be in my creed. I will believe where all those before me have doubted. I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor and respect of my team. I have trained my mind and now my body will follow!