THE LEGACY CONTINUES
Bedford, Ohio- Recently a grand martial arts masterful affair took place at the "Martial Arts & Fitness School" in Bedford. The school run by Sifu Richard J. Prather II, in collaboration with special guest star instructor Grandmaster Dee has in the past, and is now hosting several top notched martial arts celebrities. On July 19, 2008, the late great Grandmaster Art Sikes was given top honours , and high acknowledgement on behalf of his many accomplishments in the field of martial arts. Many spectators, along with several of Grandmaster Sikes' master graduate students attended this illustrious affair. Long time Sikes Ohio representative Master Greg Mayo came out to pay his respects, and to be present at this unique gala.
Master Mayo expressed his zeal, and continued committment in continuing the 'Golden Legacy' of his former teacher. From Erie, Pennsylvania came Master Sam Copeland. Copeland trained under Grandmaster Sikes as far back as 1964. Master Copeland was the primary recipient that accepted a gold medal, and an honorary 'Great Grandmaster' certificate on behalf of Grandmaster Sikes. Also on board was Sikes master graduate student; Dexter Ivy. Master Ivy is one of Clevelands finest martial arts instructors. Always ready to serve with humility, Master Ivy assisted in the Gung Fu demonstration portion of the event. Putting a spiritual touch to the Sikes commemoration; was Sikes student Reverend/Master Edmonds. A man of many contrast, Reverend Edmonds represented Grandmaster Sikes in immaculate fashion.
Master Don Wallace, gave a remarkable Gung Fu demonstration, and answered many of the participants questions. Master Wallace was extremely instrumental in helping to bring the Sikes commemoration together. Filipino martial artist Tony Marcial not ony paid his humble respects to Grandmaster Sikes, he "siked' everyone out with his chain reactional stick, knife, and empty hand tactics. Master Marcial is one of the most highly respected, and prolific martial artist worldwide. Last but not least was the ambassador of martial arts, Grandmaster Dee. Grandmaster Dee gave an exceptional speech, and a Filipino stick fighting performance on behalf of Grandmaster Sikes. Grandmaster Dee was the main instrumentator, and the mastermind behind the Grandmaster Sikes commemoration. Says Grandmaster Dee " There are many untold legends in the history of martial arts, but this was one out of many master's stories that had to be honoured, and acknowledged." Currently Grandmaster Dee is offering classes at the 'All Sar Martial Arts & Fitness School'. The school is located at: 40 Northfield Rd. in Bedford. Additionally, you can catch Grandmaster Dee and other top masters at the upcoming "Martial Arts X-treme Exhibition". The exhibition presented by Northern Wind's Master Greg Mayo, will take place on August 30, 2008. For more information contact Master Mayo or Grandmaster Dee at: (216) 645--0906.
On April 19th and 20th, 2008, the Prather Kung Fu Academy in Cleveland, Ohio was the scene of the most recent Davis Cabales Serrada Seminar held outside of the system's home base of Sacramento, California. Guest starring Punong Guro Tony Marcial of the Marcial Tirada System, Guro Michael Schwarz with primary appearance of Grand Master Anthony Davis; this local all star event boasted a the valued teachings of these great systems to an eager and most appreciative seminar audience. Academy owner, Sifu Jacob Prather, opened his Kung
Fu school to basic and advanced martial arts practitioners as well as the curious from around Ohio.
The event opened with the illustrious and fascinating stick, knife & empty hand mastery of Punong Guro Tony Marcial. PG Marcial wowed the onlookers with lightening speed. The transition techniques between stick, knife & empty hand was a dazzling display. PG Marcial in his always humble & jovial personality won admiration from all who attended.
After introductions and an overview of the Cabales Serrada Eskrima system as founded by the late Great Grandmaster Angel Cabales, everyone got to work. First up was showing the 12 Angles of Attack as practiced by Cabales Serrada practitioners worldwide. As one could expect, seminar participants started out somewhat overwhelmed by the material covered but as the weekend progressed, they got the hang of things and quick! Besides being shown what the 12 angles represent, participants went through each of the stances, positions and strikes by the numbers.
Hungering for more, the majority of the weekend was spent introducing seminar participants to inside/outside deflections as well as cross block deflections. Working with the first angle of attack due to time constraints, participants learned about the counters to this angle of attack as well as
Preparations for other level attacks. Instruction in the flow picking drill of lock & block was the other major demonstration point to be covered during the fast paced weekend seminar. After introductions and an overview of the Cabales Serrada Eskrima system as founded by the late Great Grandmaster Angel Cabales, everyone got to work. First up was showing the 12 Angles of Attack as practiced by Cabales Serrada practitioners worldwide. As one could expect, seminar participants started out somewhat overwhelmed by the material covered but as the weekend progressed, they got the hang of things and quick! Besides being shown what the 12 angles represent, participants went through each of the stances, positions and strikes by the numbers.
Hungering for more, the majority of the weekend was spent introducing seminar participants to inside/outside deflections as well as cross block deflections. Working with the first angle of attack due to time constraints, participants learned about the counters to this angle of attack as well as
Preparations for other level attacks. Instruction in the flow picking drill of lock & block was the other major demonstration point to be covered during the fast paced weekend seminar
Exhausted but happy, participants left with new appreciation for the teachings of Punong Guro Tony Marical; his style of Marcial Tirada Kali & GGM Cabales and the Davis Cabales system of Serrada Eskrima.
