Friday, November 14, 2014
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Sunday, October 12, 2014
GM Tasi Alo Recognized by Angel's Disciples
It is always a great privilige, and a grand honor for the WSEF to
acknowledge monumental achievements, especially when those
achievements are accomplished by martial artists/ senior citizens who
have strived hard to obtain levels of excellence that may at first
appear to be impossible for them to accomplish at an older age.
Recently, GM Tasi Alo passed an extensive Serrada Escrima 'six number'
exam, that was formally administered by Angel's Disciples co-founder,
Grand Master Guru Darren Tibon. GM Alo, along with two other
distinguished martial artist's, Professor James Hundon, a top Small
Circle Jiu Jitsu instructor, who originally trained under the late
legendary Professor Wally Jay, and ???, all received there Diploma
Degrees under the Angel Disciple's Serrada Escrima Methdology
close-quarter combat system. 'CONGRATULATIONSGENTLEMEN'
All of the WSEF Staff & WSEF Menbership Salutes You
Monday, October 6, 2014
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Jeet Kune Do's Professor Gary Dill and the WSEF
GM Michael Schwarz & Soke Gary Dill
On the 25th of September, I had the pleasure to meet with Soke Gary Dill. It was a unique opportunity to discuss training methodology, share war stories & discuss future opportunities for both of us. As within his audio interview he shared great enlightenment into the world of JKD during his time of study at the Oakland, California Academy.
I found Soke Dill to be down to earth with a calm that comes from a great deal of life experiences. It was a great honor to bestow present Soke Dill with an Honorary Professor of Jeet Kune Do within the World Serrada Escrima Federation. Soke Dill was kind enough to welcome me to his community.
I look forward to future collaboration with Soke Dill and pleased that he is a friend and now Honorary Professor within the World Serrada Escrima Federation.
My professional courtesy, respect and admiration continues for Soke Dill, his students and his organization. My highest regards to Soke Dill from the World Serrada Escrima Federation.
GM Guro Michael Schwarz
President of the WSEF
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Monday, August 25, 2014
You Must Make The Art Yourself by Dr. Jerome Barber
As I read through all of the posts on traveling to the Philippines and perhaps being anointed a “legitimate” FMA master or grandmaster, I was reminded of something that I learned from my first SE Asian martial arts instructors, Sifu Don Zanghi and GM Remy Presas, “Make the art for yourself.” I can’t recall a seminar that I attended with Professor that he didn’t tell everyone present that “You must make the art for yourself.” Professor Presas was talking about Modern Arnis, his own martial art creation, not some abstract, otherworldly fantasy.
From 1982 when I first began working with Sifu Zanghi, through the “Dorie Miller Club” in Buffalo and before I joined the “Fighting Back Institute”, that highly directive phrase was stated and re-stated time and time again. I first heard it from Sifu Zanghi, but he always cited and referenced Professor as the originator of the statement. By the time I met and began training with Professor in 1983, ‘make it for yourself’ was part of my training mantra. The orthodox training regime was to learn the techniques, mechanics, footwork and guiding principles of the art and then configure everything to fit your own bodily strengths, weaknesses and idiosyncrasies.
Professor never spoke about ‘the necessity’ of going to the Philippines to acquire any sort of refinement or fine tuning within the art. That is not to say that he would discourage people traveling to his homeland, far from it. He was very proud of his homeland, his culture and history. We have numerous private discussions about the Philippines and he was very adamant that I should learn about the Negrito (Mayang, Aeta) people, who are the original inhabitants of the Philippines. Those conversations came about because of my usage of a wooden training bolo, the “Negrito Bolo” from his home island. I had already begun the process of ‘making it for myself’ when I adapted the “Negrito Bolo” into my training regime. I was exploring and gaining an understanding about the differences between the use of a blunt instrument and a long blade. I was ‘making the art for myself’ because neither Professor nor Sifu Zanghi, were actively teaching bolo usage as part of Modern Arnis. My explorations were at first fueled by my conversations with WWII vets, who had fought in the Philippines, their stories about the Filipino Scouts as well as my reading of Professor’s 1974 book on Modern Arnis in which he mentions in his preface that the real weapon of arnis is the long blade.
I’m a strong advocate of Professors dictum of ‘making it for yourself’. His commitment to the idea of ‘making it for yourself’ was very clearly stated in his 1983 book on Modern Arnis, when he wrote that “The method should suit the person and not the other way around. This is known simply as using the “flow”.” If I can apply the concepts, principles and techniques of Modern arnis as taught to me by Sifu Zanghi and Professor Presas, then adapt those same concepts, principles and techniques to suit my own body, then where is the need for me to go to the Philippines in order to become more proficient in the art? My going to the Philippines would be for the cultural value, meeting some of his older students, my seniors in the art, and having the experiences that ensued from my travels.
I’m not one bit opposed to going to the Philippines. I simply reject the notion that I or anyone else NEEDS to go there if they wish to be viewed as an authentic master of the FMA. I’ve found some dynamite FMA instructor’s right here in the USA and Canada. Among those whom I’ve met and trained with several times are Sifu Don Zanghi, Professor Remy Presas, GM Tom Bolden, Ama Guro Billy Bryant, Maha Guru Roberto Torres, GM Bobby Taboada, Sifu Dan Donzella, GM Sultan Uddin, GP Abon Baet, GM Eddie Lastra, GM Jun de Leon and GM Crispulo Atillo. All of these men have given me solid, practical information and I’m grateful to all of them for their insights and advice.
I haven’t forgotten the ‘make it for yourself’ principle as taught to me by Sifu Zanghi and Professor Presas. Nor have I fallen away from another principle that Professor advocated when he talked about “the art within your art.” Professor emphasized the idea that Modern Arnis helps martial artists discover new things about their own style and use arnis to supplement their own mother-art. But that is an entirely separate post and this one is already long enough.
Sincerely,
Jerome Barber, Ed. D.
GM, Datu & Principal Teacher, Independent Escrima-Kenpo-Arnis Associates
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Monday, August 4, 2014
Excerpts From the Legacy of Grandmaster Angel Cabales By Anthony Davis with Leo T. Fong
Excerpts From the Legacy of Grandmaster Angel Cabales
By Anthony Davis with Leo T. Fong
Serrada Escrima, strikes, blocks, and counters, the Legacy of Grandmaster Angel Cabales, no doubt is long overdue. Since the Grandmsater's death in the early 90's, there has not been a lot of information on Grandmaster Angel Cabales, and his Serrada System of Escrima.
It is unfortunate that most of the information that is available, is more for exploitation than for authentic information about Grandmaster Cabales, and his art. It is the purpose of this book to present a brief biography of Grandmaster Angel Cabales, and his art known as Serrada Escrima. This book includes interviews prior to his death, and the core of his art which is the Twelve Strikes, Blocks, and Counters. These Twelve techniques may seem basic, and simple, and redundant, but in the hands of a perceptive student, it is the seed to develop, and grow in depth.
Those who have trained with Grandmaster Cabales personally, discovered his simple, yet profound approach.
On the surface his techniques look simple, and basic, but in practice his movements reflect depth, and emotional content. What makes the Cabales system so unique, is the focus on free sparring. Unlike some traditional Kung Fu systems, where the practice of form or kata's is the end in itself. As one advances in the practice, more forms are to be learned.
Form practice is valuable if kept in perspective, and utilized as it is designed to be, just that. However, if it is practiced as a way to prepare for free fighting, then the practitioner will be greatly disillusioned if he has to face off with another combatant who has devoted his time to a contact sport like boxing, or kickboxing, or wrestling.
This same analogy would apply to a practitioner of contact sports who only practiced sparring.
If asked to compete against forms, and kata experts with only a background in free sparring, he would lose. Not only is the Serrada Escrima System a practical system, it is also an adaptable system. In other words, the core of the Twelve techniques, and the shifting footwork, will enhance the proficiency of other arts, especially those arts that are concerned with practical applications to a self-defense situation, or situations.
As a former intercollegiate boxing champion in the late 40's, and early 50's, and a practitioner of boxing for over (50) years, along with other martial arts, I have found the Serrada System of Escrima to be an excellent way to help refine what you already have. The system of combat has helped me to develop additional angle's of attacks, and counters. One can increase speed, and spontaneity without sacraficing personal integrity. This is the essence of a great teacher. In the spirit of the legendary Bruce Lee, a teacher is one who is the "finger pointing to the moon". "Those who mistake the finger as the moon, will miss the heavenly glory".
Serrada Escrima is not just about stick fighting, it is also about developing the pyschological, and mental mindset for martial arts expression. The basic drills as designed by Grandmaster Angel Cabales, will lead a practitioner toward self expression, or as Bruce Lee once said, "Your martial arts skill of fighting should be like a voice, and an echo". The test of any system of fighting is based upon that premise.
In his younger days, Grandmaster Angel Cabales engaged in many fights. Some were just contests, others were real life, and death situations. The fact that Cabales won in every situation, is a testimony of the effectiveness of his approach.
Serrada Escrima is not strictly based on techniques alone, but on theories, and concepts that were developed, and refined down through the years by Grandmaster Cabales himself. Having learned the rudimentary foundation of the Filipino arts from Great Grandmaster Felicisimo Dizon, Grandmaster Cabales reshaped the concepts as he grew older, and into maturity. Any student who's primary focus is to be a carbon copy of his, or her teacher, is doing themselves a great disservice. No one can be exactly like the 'Teacher', and still be in top form. When one lets go of personal identity to be like someone else, that person sacrafices proficiency for image.
No one can be an imitation of someone, no matter how great the model is, and still have spiritual, and emotional integrity, much less content. Look at all of the Bruce Lee imitator's, where are they now?.
It is the purpose of this book to share with you, the readers, and practitioners, the direction of a Legacy left by Grandmaster Angel Cabales, as interpreted by two of his former students, Anthony Davis, and Leo Fong. The immortality of a person, or art depends upon those who take responsibility to keep the memories intact, and the art alive by that individuals efforts to further develop what was generously given to him, or her.
In this case, the knowledge gained from Grandmaster Angel Cabales, must be the seed for further growth.
If one takes what is given, and makes no effort to increase, and refine, he or she, is merely prostituting the art. On the other hand, if he or she takes the art given by a teacher, and master, and develops, and commercializes it, and does not give "credit where credit is do", he or she again has become a prostitute.
In closing, the greatest respect one can give to a teacher, is to become a good student, and to take the moral responsibility to share the art with others who are eager to learn. This is the spirit in which we have presented this book. Leo T. Fong
By Anthony Davis with Leo T. Fong
Serrada Escrima, strikes, blocks, and counters, the Legacy of Grandmaster Angel Cabales, no doubt is long overdue. Since the Grandmsater's death in the early 90's, there has not been a lot of information on Grandmaster Angel Cabales, and his Serrada System of Escrima.
It is unfortunate that most of the information that is available, is more for exploitation than for authentic information about Grandmaster Cabales, and his art. It is the purpose of this book to present a brief biography of Grandmaster Angel Cabales, and his art known as Serrada Escrima. This book includes interviews prior to his death, and the core of his art which is the Twelve Strikes, Blocks, and Counters. These Twelve techniques may seem basic, and simple, and redundant, but in the hands of a perceptive student, it is the seed to develop, and grow in depth.
Those who have trained with Grandmaster Cabales personally, discovered his simple, yet profound approach.
On the surface his techniques look simple, and basic, but in practice his movements reflect depth, and emotional content. What makes the Cabales system so unique, is the focus on free sparring. Unlike some traditional Kung Fu systems, where the practice of form or kata's is the end in itself. As one advances in the practice, more forms are to be learned.
Form practice is valuable if kept in perspective, and utilized as it is designed to be, just that. However, if it is practiced as a way to prepare for free fighting, then the practitioner will be greatly disillusioned if he has to face off with another combatant who has devoted his time to a contact sport like boxing, or kickboxing, or wrestling.
This same analogy would apply to a practitioner of contact sports who only practiced sparring.
If asked to compete against forms, and kata experts with only a background in free sparring, he would lose. Not only is the Serrada Escrima System a practical system, it is also an adaptable system. In other words, the core of the Twelve techniques, and the shifting footwork, will enhance the proficiency of other arts, especially those arts that are concerned with practical applications to a self-defense situation, or situations.
As a former intercollegiate boxing champion in the late 40's, and early 50's, and a practitioner of boxing for over (50) years, along with other martial arts, I have found the Serrada System of Escrima to be an excellent way to help refine what you already have. The system of combat has helped me to develop additional angle's of attacks, and counters. One can increase speed, and spontaneity without sacraficing personal integrity. This is the essence of a great teacher. In the spirit of the legendary Bruce Lee, a teacher is one who is the "finger pointing to the moon". "Those who mistake the finger as the moon, will miss the heavenly glory".
Serrada Escrima is not just about stick fighting, it is also about developing the pyschological, and mental mindset for martial arts expression. The basic drills as designed by Grandmaster Angel Cabales, will lead a practitioner toward self expression, or as Bruce Lee once said, "Your martial arts skill of fighting should be like a voice, and an echo". The test of any system of fighting is based upon that premise.
In his younger days, Grandmaster Angel Cabales engaged in many fights. Some were just contests, others were real life, and death situations. The fact that Cabales won in every situation, is a testimony of the effectiveness of his approach.
Serrada Escrima is not strictly based on techniques alone, but on theories, and concepts that were developed, and refined down through the years by Grandmaster Cabales himself. Having learned the rudimentary foundation of the Filipino arts from Great Grandmaster Felicisimo Dizon, Grandmaster Cabales reshaped the concepts as he grew older, and into maturity. Any student who's primary focus is to be a carbon copy of his, or her teacher, is doing themselves a great disservice. No one can be exactly like the 'Teacher', and still be in top form. When one lets go of personal identity to be like someone else, that person sacrafices proficiency for image.
No one can be an imitation of someone, no matter how great the model is, and still have spiritual, and emotional integrity, much less content. Look at all of the Bruce Lee imitator's, where are they now?.
It is the purpose of this book to share with you, the readers, and practitioners, the direction of a Legacy left by Grandmaster Angel Cabales, as interpreted by two of his former students, Anthony Davis, and Leo Fong. The immortality of a person, or art depends upon those who take responsibility to keep the memories intact, and the art alive by that individuals efforts to further develop what was generously given to him, or her.
In this case, the knowledge gained from Grandmaster Angel Cabales, must be the seed for further growth.
If one takes what is given, and makes no effort to increase, and refine, he or she, is merely prostituting the art. On the other hand, if he or she takes the art given by a teacher, and master, and develops, and commercializes it, and does not give "credit where credit is do", he or she again has become a prostitute.
In closing, the greatest respect one can give to a teacher, is to become a good student, and to take the moral responsibility to share the art with others who are eager to learn. This is the spirit in which we have presented this book. Leo T. Fong
Monday, July 28, 2014
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Highest Regards Fellow FMA Enthusiasts
The WSEF thus far has been able to recognize those who've made significant strides to propagate their systems. In doing so we've provided independent recognition outside of the Grandmasters, Masters & instructors systems.
These recognitions are honorary. In no way can the organization of the WSEF determine or designate a systems leadership, inheritance or direction the system will travel forward.
The interview program FMA Chronicles sponsored by the WSEF and Defensive Combat Initiatives will continue to seek those who wish to tell about their personal relationships with their instructors. The program offers an open invitation and an open interview format.
The WSEF and Defensive Combat Initiatives blog is now presently reaching 110,000 viewers and growing. Our viewership stretches from the U.S.A., Great Britain, Italy, Greece, Australia, Norway, Russia and the Philippines. As viewership builds so does the demand for additional information. ANYONE yes anyone who would like the opportunity to share with the growing viewership their experiences with their teachers, recognize the struggles and celebrate the accompishments of their instructors and systems, please contact me.
Additionally, I've been invited to events in California where several of my interview subjects live, teach and breath life into their arts, their students hearts and minds.. While I can't attend all, I've given my word that I will attend 1 if not 2 in the next several months and more in coming years. I'm very much looking forward to these experiences. Lifetime friendships,memories and history are made at such events. To name a couple I refer to The Banquet of the Masters and The Comemoration to GGM Angel Cabales both hosted by SGM *D*. The last memorial event I attended was several years ago with the Serrada Escrima family for the Angel Cabales Commemoration. This was a WSEF event hosted by GM *D*, his lovely wife Mila and Master Bob Langley. Beautiful memories that week. Looking forward to having much more very soon.
My very highest respect and regards to all of my friends in the FMA community but very special regards to the very special friends who hold the teachings of the great 3 of GGM Angel Cabales, GGM Gilbert Tenio & GGM Leo Giron alive in their hearts in Stockton, Ca, as well as throughout the world.
I salute everyone, Remember, agreement is not always possible, but as long as we keep our teachers in our hearts we will at least have the love for those teachers in common & to continue to share with each other.
Salute
Michael Schwarz
President of th WSEF
These recognitions are honorary. In no way can the organization of the WSEF determine or designate a systems leadership, inheritance or direction the system will travel forward.
The interview program FMA Chronicles sponsored by the WSEF and Defensive Combat Initiatives will continue to seek those who wish to tell about their personal relationships with their instructors. The program offers an open invitation and an open interview format.
The WSEF and Defensive Combat Initiatives blog is now presently reaching 110,000 viewers and growing. Our viewership stretches from the U.S.A., Great Britain, Italy, Greece, Australia, Norway, Russia and the Philippines. As viewership builds so does the demand for additional information. ANYONE yes anyone who would like the opportunity to share with the growing viewership their experiences with their teachers, recognize the struggles and celebrate the accompishments of their instructors and systems, please contact me.
Additionally, I've been invited to events in California where several of my interview subjects live, teach and breath life into their arts, their students hearts and minds.. While I can't attend all, I've given my word that I will attend 1 if not 2 in the next several months and more in coming years. I'm very much looking forward to these experiences. Lifetime friendships,memories and history are made at such events. To name a couple I refer to The Banquet of the Masters and The Comemoration to GGM Angel Cabales both hosted by SGM *D*. The last memorial event I attended was several years ago with the Serrada Escrima family for the Angel Cabales Commemoration. This was a WSEF event hosted by GM *D*, his lovely wife Mila and Master Bob Langley. Beautiful memories that week. Looking forward to having much more very soon.
My very highest respect and regards to all of my friends in the FMA community but very special regards to the very special friends who hold the teachings of the great 3 of GGM Angel Cabales, GGM Gilbert Tenio & GGM Leo Giron alive in their hearts in Stockton, Ca, as well as throughout the world.
I salute everyone, Remember, agreement is not always possible, but as long as we keep our teachers in our hearts we will at least have the love for those teachers in common & to continue to share with each other.
Salute
Michael Schwarz
President of th WSEF
Thursday, July 24, 2014
From The Roots Came The Fruits
FROM THE ROOTS CAME THE FRUITS
---------------------------------
Back in 1984, one of the most historical Filipino
martial arts promotions of all times took place in San Francisco, California.
This very special event was promoted by, SGM Guru Anthony Davis, and featured
three of FMA's most legendary top notch Escrimador's, Great Grand Professor
Gilbert Tenio, Grand Professor John Eliab, and the notorious stick/knife
fighter, Great Grand Master Angel O. Cabales.
Also present at this illustrious affair, were
other top martial arts Grandmaster's, Professor's, and Sifu's, such as,
Professor Al Novak, Grand Professor John K. Wong, California Department of
Corrections Weapons Training Instructor, Officer Lt. Ray Novencido, Grandmaster
Bill Tolentino, the famous 'Praying Mantis' Kung Fu Grandmaster Brendan Lai,
along with several other's such as, some of GGM Angel Cabales' assistant
instructor's, Guru Carlito Bonjoc, Guru Tony Texiera, and co-founder of
'Angel's Disciples' Grand Master Guru Darren Tibon.
Today, many of these great personalities have
already passed away. However, there still remains a selected few who continue
to promote, and who continue to keep there deceased teacher's arts alive, such
"Dynamic Dequerdas" Grandmaster Richard Van Donk, Serrada Escrima Grand Master Guru Darren
Tibon, and WSEF Co-Founder SGM Guru Anthony Davis.
The World Serrada Escrima Federation, would like
to extend a very special thank you out to GM Darren Tibon, for playing an
instrumental role in keeping the fine art of 'Cabales Serrada Escrima' alive,
and sticking, not only in Stockton, California, but all over the world as well.
GM Darren Tibon has gone on to become one of the
late GGM Angel O. Cabales' most prolific, and one of Angel O. Cabales' most
finest Master Graduate Instructor's.
Due to him, and his family, along with many of
his most dedicated students' donated
time, and unbiased efforts, GM Darren Tibon has gone on to produce some of the
worlds leading stick fighting champions, such as GGM Angel O. Cabales' youngest
son, Master Guru Gelmar Cabales, and GM Tibon' own son, Master Guru Chez Tibon
as well. Additionally, on top of all of that, GM Darren Tibon has also produced
some of the most outstanding, and most classic Filipino stick fighting
tournaments that are officially recognized worldwide today.
Again, thank you immensley Grand Master Guru
Darren Tibon, you have done an outstanding job in representing your teacher GGM
Angel O. Cabales, and the 'Cabales Serrada System of Escrima' in a most unique,
fashionable, and in a most professional way.
Your contributions on behalf of the WSEF, and on
behalf of the FMA world, will forevermore be acknowledged, and will always be
genuinely recognized.
The WSEF Respectfully Salutes You.
(l-r) Master Gelmar Cabales, Master Vincent Cabales Jr., GM Vincent Cabales
Sr.,
& SGM Anthony Davis. Standing in the back row (l-r) GM Jerry Preciado,
and
GM Guru Darren Tibon.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Nucleus of The: Cabales Serrada System Of Escrima By Otto Watt
Recently--in
Stockton, California, on June 30, 2014, the 'World Serrada Escrima Federation'
awarded by way of WSEF Honorary Grand Master Guru Ron Saturno, a "WSEF
Honorary Grand Master's Award" to the eldest son of the legendary Great
Grand Master Angel O. Cabales, Vincent Cabales Sr.
Great
Grand Master Guru Angel O. Cabales is officially considered to be the
"Father of Escrima in America". Additionally, GGM Angel O. Cabales is
the founder of the close-quarter stick/knife empty hand combat system, known
worldwide as the "Cabales Serrada System of Escrima". Many of GGM
Angel Cabales' graduate students went on to become legendary martial artist's
within their own rights, such as, Kung Fu action film star Grand Professor Leo
T. Fong, Guro Dan Inosanto, Grandmaster Richard S. Bustillo, Grandmaster Ted
Lucaylucay, Grandmaster Rene Latosa, Grandmaster Mike Inay, GM Dentoy Revillar,
GM Vincent Cabales Sr., GM John Cabales, GM Jimmy Tacosa, Master J.C. Cabiero,
GM Art Miraflor.
Some
of the last generation of Cabales Serrada Escrima graduate instructor's
include: Master Guru Tony Texiera, Professor Sultan Uddin, Master Gabe
Asuncion, GM Jerry Preciado, GM Darren Tibon, GM/Professor Wade Williams, GM
Carlito Bonjoc, Master Guru David Mau, GM Ron Saturno, SGM Guru Anthony Davis,
Master Guru Jeff 'Stickman' Finder, Guru Mark Saben, GM Mark V. Wiley,GM
Mike Davis, GM Charles (Chuck) Cadell III, Master Guru Lee Foster, GM Graciela Casillas, and GM Cliff Stewart.
The
list also includes numerous of other famous Professor's, Master's, and
students, such as, Great Grand Professor Gilbert Tenio, and his Chief Assistant
Instructor, Grand Professor John Eliab, who initially studied the art of 'Cabales
Serrada Escrima' directly under GGM Angel Cabales. These two great martial
artist's went on to establish their own unique versions of the illustrious
modern day art form of self-defense known today as "Dequerdas".
"Dequerdas"
is the name of the mother art form of what later became known as the 'Cabales
Serrada System of Escrima' in which GGM Angel O. Cabales had learned directly
from his Escrima teacher, the legendary Felicisimo Dizon back in the Philippine
Islands.
Following
in his father's footsteps, Vincent Cabales Sr., accepted the 'WSEF Honorary
Grand Master's Award' with great pride, honor, and with great reverence; just
as his father did well over (28) years ago, by way of the co-founder of the
'World Serrada Escrima Federation', SGM Guru Anthony Davis.
Under
different names, and labels, the 'WSEF's evolutionary roots, and processes of
growth extends as far back as 1980.
In
1986, SGMD, awarded at that time, 'Master' Angel Cabales, to the elevated
status of "Grand Mastership" by way of his San Francisco, California,
based FMA organization known then as, the "Northern California
Kali/Escrima Association".
Stated
SGMD, "As the co-founder of the 'WSEF' along with Grand Professor Leo T.
Fong, it gives me great pride, and great pleasure to be able to extend out a
handshake of peace, and friendship toward all of those who in one way or
another have kept GGM Angel Cabales' beloved art form alive, and
sticking".
SGMD
further states, "It is now very apparent, and now very verifiable, that
the primary nucleus responsible for the emergence of Filipino martial arts in
America, is traced back to Great Grand Master Guru Angel O. Cabales, the man
who established the very first Filipino martial arts academy in Stockton,
California, back in 1966".
As
SGMD was personally groomed, and certified by GGM Guru Angel Cabales, over a
seven year time period, dating as far back as 1984, his personal promise,
commitment, and sacred commission on behalf of his mentor has now come around
full circle.
The
"Cabales Serrada System of Escrima" has now been introduced into well
over (72) countries all around the world just by way of the 'WSEF' alone.
This
means that collectively as a whole, that if all of the Serrada Escrima
brother's, and sister's will one, and all unite together in unison as one
collective fist, under the banner of true brotherhood, and sisterhood, then the
Legacy of GGM Angel O. Cabales, and the system of combat that he created known
as "Cabales Serrada Escrima" will serve as a prime example of supreme
harmonic excellence in action, and we, as a collective society will demonstrate
to the world the pristine spirit of what GGM Angel O. Cabales shared with each,
and every one of us, and also, with all other's around the world.
In
conclusion, SGMD humbly, and respectfully extends his grand appreciation, and
thanks out to WSEF Honorary Grand Master Guru Ron Saturno, for often it is the
most difficult task to create harmony out of chaos, and under extreme
circumstances,
WSEF
GM Ron Saturno was able to complete a most difficult task on behalf of the
WSEF. Also, a very special thanks, and salute goes out to Grandmaster Guru
Art
Gonzales, for all of his mutual support, unbiased efforts, and extreme goodwill
on behalf of the World Serrada Escrma Federation.
Let
us never again allow any kind of a barrier, obstacles, or long term grievances,
ever again stand in the way, or divide the Serrada Escrima Brotherhood, and
Sisterhood within the sacred art of the 'Cabales Serrada System of
Escrima".
Mabuhay
ng Escrima, and long live the Legacy of Great Grand Master Guru;
Angel
O. Cabales
Fraternal/Maternal
Respect,
SGM
Guru Anthony Davis/Co-Founder
WORLD
SERRADA ESCRIMA FEDERATION
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Esteemed Comments from Ron Saturno
On June 30, 2014 the Honorary Grandmaster Certificate of WSEF, as officiated by Guro Michael Schwarz was publicly bestowed upon GM Vincent Cabales of Cabales Serrada Escrima. GM Cabales has continued to run the Cabales Serrada Organization, which was begun by his late father the esteemed Angel Cabales.
My significant other has been very ill and it did take awhile for me to make the time to bestow this great honor upon GM Vincent Cabales. Myself and a few others have also been blessed with this Honorary GM title. The next day my lady love went into the hospital for a cancer related operation. Thank you WSEF for your kind patience. I really do appreciate the patience upon the part of the WSEF Organization. It was an honor to have been part of those present and to have actually presented the certificate. I want to thank the WSEF for doing it's best to represent Serrada Escrima in a positive light and promote it's growth in a forward thinking and brotherly manner
Thanks WSEF
Ron Saturno
My significant other has been very ill and it did take awhile for me to make the time to bestow this great honor upon GM Vincent Cabales. Myself and a few others have also been blessed with this Honorary GM title. The next day my lady love went into the hospital for a cancer related operation. Thank you WSEF for your kind patience. I really do appreciate the patience upon the part of the WSEF Organization. It was an honor to have been part of those present and to have actually presented the certificate. I want to thank the WSEF for doing it's best to represent Serrada Escrima in a positive light and promote it's growth in a forward thinking and brotherly manner
Thanks WSEF
Ron Saturno
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Honorary Grandmaster Award within the WSEF by GM Ron Saturno
GM Vincent Cabales with WSEF Honoary Award presented by Master Ron Saturno
On June 30, 2014, the President of the World Serrada Escrima Federation, Guro Michael Schwarz bestowed GM Vincent Cabales with the recognition of being the Grandmaster of Cabales Serrada. Master Ron Saturno presented the certificate to GM Vincent Cabales. I, GM Arthur Gonzalez of Tenio's Decuerdas Escrima was invited to witness this event.
Master Ron Saturno, GM Vincent Cabales & GM Arthur Gonzalez
GM Vincent Cabales was born April 30, 1954. He started training with his father, world renowned Grand Master Angel Cabales, at the age of 8 years old. GM Vincent Cabales started doing demonstrations with his father when he was 14 years old and began teaching when he was 16 years of age. Grandmaster Vincent Cabales remained an instructor under the supervision of his father until 1990 when he officially took over the art of Cabales Serrada Escrima from his father and obtained the title of Grandmaster with the blessings of his father Grandmaster Angel Cabales before his death a year later. His school is located at 136 Harding Way, Stockton, Ca. 95204.
Cabales Serrada Escrima Academy Sign
Historical Gong's Restaurant where it all began
This was a special occasion for the FMA family of Cabales Serrada Escrima and all Serrada System of Escrima instructors, students and fans. The WSEF as an independent organization is very pleased to be able to award the hard work of GM Vincent Cabales for all that he has done to contnue the propegation of the Cabales Serrada Escrima System and to keep his father's life's work thriving.
Too often in martial arts as a whole, we seldom have the opportunity or foresight to be able to give recognition to those with in the martial arts that make a difference. This is particularly true of "family" systems and arts. This can be even more true with in the Filipino Martial Arts as a whole. It is a great pleasure to have personally met GM Vincent Cabales several years ago at a WSEF Commemoration for his father GM Angel O. Cablaes, then to be able to interview him and now to honor him with the well deserved Honorary Grandmaster Award within the WSEF for the great efforts he's made for the CSE System as a whole.
The WSEF remains as an independent organization. With primary focus on the System of Serrada Escrima, we also recognize the significant contributions of all Filipino Martial Arts, Systems, their instructors and organizations as well. It is with this in the fore front that the WSEF recognize all equally who strive to promote the very best with their individual expertise and experiences. The continued rich expression through sharing, good will, mutual recognition and respect which will only continue to enrich the Filipino Martial Arts experience as a whole.
President of the WSEF
Michael Schwarz
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Friday, June 20, 2014
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Angel Ovalles 'Father of Eskrima' Cabales (1917 - 1991) - Find A Grave Memorial
Angel Ovalles 'Father of Eskrima' Cabales (1917 - 1991) - Find A Grave Memorial
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Frank Trejo Interview Courtesy of Master's Magazine.
Frank Trejo Interview
Courtesy of
Master's Magazine
Though this is not a FMA instructor, he is a true inspiration from the Ed Parker American Kempo lineage.
This gentleman exemplifies excellence & give the respect when due.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Defensive Combat Initiatives Empty Hand Translations Intro
Defensive Combat Initiatives
Empty Hand Translations Intro
"BARE BONES BASIC"
DISCLAIMER:
All technique is for educational purpose. Do not attempt any technique demonstrated without the supervision of a qualified Martial Arts Instructor. Please consult a physician prior to engaging in any physical activity.
Nothing fancy here. This is just the very basic translation of the Angle 1 stick deflections. Please keep in mind, this is "interpretations", NOT to be mistaken for how myself or any Serrada player would react in REAL street confrontation.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Defensive Combat initiatives "Bare Bones Serrada Escrima"
Defensive Combat Initiatives Demo
"BARE BONES STICK DEFLECTIONS ANGLE 1"
"BARE BONES STICK DEFLECTIONS ANGLE 1"
DISCLAIMER:
All technique is for educational purpose. Do not attempt any technique demonstrated without the supervision of a qualified Martial Arts Instructor. Please consult a physician prior to engaging in any physical activity.
Nothing fancy here. This is just the very basic stick deflections of the Angle 1 stick deflections. Please keep in mind, this is "bare bones basics", NOT to be mistaken for how myself or any Serrada player would react in REAL street confrontation.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Teaching is an Opportunity for Leadership by Dr. Jerome Barber
Teaching is an Opportunity for Leadership
Teaching is an Opportunity for Leadership
Teaching is similar to parenting in that teachers can provide a role model that will be emulated and perpetuated by their students later in their own lives. Both parenting and teaching are the art of guiding, influencing and shaping the directions that child or student will follow as they proceed through the instructions provided by their parents and/or teachers. Bad practices in teaching as well as parenting can lead to replications of these behaviors when the students reach a point in their own lives where they are placed in charge of others.
Unfortunately, like parenting, most martial arts instructors have not been taught how to instruct nor have they acquired some practical hands-on experiences before they walked on the floor/mat to begin their instructional journey. They are actually experimenting with live students in an on-the-job learning format. These instructors are forced to fall back and rely on what the experienced as students. They are going to channel their own instructor(s) because that is all that they have as a basis for their own instructional format. And like so many of us, who said as children, that we would never do what our parents did to us, these instructors find themselves repeating the same things that they learned from their instructors.
When our students see, hear and experience these examples they in turn are being impacted with a behavioral imperative that will be repeated after they leave the confines our schools and open their own martial arts instructional programs. In a good number of cases the results are closely aligned with the cult-followers syndrome. The instructor both presents himself as and is observed by his students as being the leading authority figure on the art. Most other instructors and martial arts styles are seen as being inferior and should be avoided at all costs in order to prevent yourself from becoming ‘contaminated’ with inferior techniques and information. In many cases this attitude is not consciously and deliberately perpetrated by the instructor. However, when an instructor does not actively encourage independent thinking and research, the tendency to move in the direction of cultism is virtually inescapable for both the instructor as well as many of his students. This is particularly true when there is a kids program at the school. Young dragons are easier to mold in one’s own image than adults who have enrolled in the program for their own individual reasons.
The Paradigm Eskrima-Kenpo instructional program is grounded in the belief that a student who is taught to observe and think positively will become a better student of the arts and he/she can successfully transfer these concepts to all other aspects of their lives. In addition these students become positive role models for others in almost every situation that they are participating in. We strive to provide our students with positive behavioral experiences. We want our students to learn how to deal with adversity and failure as a springboard for future successes. Our students are shown how to evaluate themselves and accept responsibility for their own shortcomings, then work to reverse the previous outcome at the next opportunity that becomes available to them. In short, we want our students to make lemonade after they’ve been handed a batch of lemons.
Our basic instructional format is based on having a principal instructor and at least 2 assistant instructors. The assistant instructors are usually 3 to 4 belt ranks higher than the newest student who has joined our training group. We use a combination of class instruction, small group lessons and 1 on 1 training throughout our program. The assistant instructors provide the 1 on 1 lesson with specific tasks/goals assigned by the principal instructor. These lessons are evaluated by the principal instructor at the end of the training hour and corrections, if needed, are recommended at that time for the next training session. In time the assistant instructors are assigned small groups ranging in size from 2 to 6 people to instruct. In both cases mentioned above the assistant instructors are acting as tutors and resource people, reviewing the techniques/drills that have previously been taught by the principal instructor in the larger class format. We believe that the more individualized instruction that our students receive the better they will become and the faster they can progress through the underbelt ranks to black belt. The more confidence the students have in us as instructors, the more confidence they will have in themselves as students and martial artists. This confidence is easily transferred to other aspects of their lives because success in one area is the best way to build success in other areas of a person’s life.
Since our assistant instructors are most often higher ranked under-belts themselves they are actually re-learning their basic skill sets as they instruct the newer students in the 1 on 1 and later small group sessions. This is a win-win situation for everyone involved. There is a strong bond that extends from the lowest ranked students to the principal instructor and everyone is viewed as being a significant and important person within the training group. We do not wear belts or use titles in our training group, yet everyone understands where they are within the group. We also stress ability over time within the Paradigm Escrima-Kenpo Group. In other words, progress is determined by skills learned and mastered, rather than any concerns for how long someone has been a member of the group. Promotions are based on skill development and are a measure of one’s commitment to study and work. Anyone can pass another person in rank by simply being better or more skilled than someone else regardless of how much time each person has been a member of the training group. That potential situation keeps everyone motivated. The newer people want to move up as quickly as possible and the older students want to remain at a higher grade than the people they might have instructed at an earlier point in time.
Throughout our training format, we are stressing skill development, cooperation, competition and shared responsibilities. We are developing communication and instructional skill development. The PEK format is designed and intended to provide our students with the information and training necessary to make them good instructors if they choose to go into the instructional field in any area of their own personal interest.
At PEK we believe that leadership skills can be taught. By giving our students an opportunity to work in an instructional mode very early in their training, we have identified those people who have a knack for instructing. We do not leave instructional skills and leadership development to chance. Our program is very well structured and planned out. We use a standardized methodology and evaluation process to identify those people who could become excellent instructors both in and outside of the martial arts. We believe that we can develop leaders and we may very well be the first organizational entity in a student’s life that gives them some definite and specific responsibilities within an organizational structure. We use both informal and formal evaluation processes to help our assistant instructors. Each assistant instructor is responsible for monitoring lower ranked assistants and making suggestions to the principal instructor. Over time the assistant instructors will be asked to discuss their observations with the lower ranked assistants in formal training sessions and demonstrate the areas needing corrections.
The PEK instructor training program is a by-product of our main mission which is teaching practical and realistic self-defense to all of our students. We are not focused on retention and getting every single person who enters our program to black belt status. We take students who come to us with a very specific short term goal as well as people who are interested in a full program agenda. It is understood that not everyone is seeking a black belt when they enter our program and it is our job to give each student the best training and information that we can provide while they are training with us. It is equally important to train every student to maximize his/her potential for both the short and long terms. And for those students who go through the full training curriculum it is important that they leave our program with strong leadership and teaching skills that they can use throughout their lifetime.
Jerome Barber, Ed. D. Grand Master, Principal Teacher,
Independent Escrima-Kenpo-Arnis Associates
Friday, April 18, 2014
"Stand Your Ground" Laws. An Opinion From Dr. Jerome Barber
In a thread that appeared on the LinkedIn site Martial Arts Black Belt forum, the question was raised as to whether or not martial arts training should be different for persons of color. As the discussion developed, the Trayvon Martin case was brought in. Admittedly this was a tangent and took us to a very different set of comments and points of view. I was even accused of being a racist in an indirect passive-aggressive manner by a gentlemen who's position is that George Zimmerman acted in self defense when he shot and killed Trayvon Martin. Obviously we disagree on that contention but not for the reason that most people would think. While race was certainly a major factor in Zimmerman physically confronting Martin, thereby leading to the shooting, my contention is that if Zimmerman had followed the directive of the 911 operator and stopped following Trayvon Martin, he never would have been in the situation where he needed to use his firearm.
I further contend that if Zimmerman had followed the generally accepted behavioral standards of the Neighborhood Watch Patrol philosophy as found on any number of websites that discuss the program objectives, he would not have approached Martin, nor would he have been armed.
I believe that the following information makes it very clear that Zimmerman had an additional personal agenda on the night that he approached Trayvon Martin, that went well beyond his duties and objectives as a Neighborhood Watch Captain and patrol person. I can only speculate as to what that additional agenda might have been so it is better to set it aside and reflect on the more objective information that is available to us. Zimmerman did follow the basic operational standards for a Citizen on Patrol individual by calling the police to report a suspicious individual in his community, however, what followed was clearly outside of the accepted standards of patrol conduct.
Below is a fairly standard protocol for neighbor watch organizations:
http://www.stpete.org/police/pdf/crime-prev/crime%20watch%20book-01-11.pdf
Reporting Suspicious Activity
Anything that seems slightly “out of place” or is occurring at an unusual time of day could be criminal activity. Report all suspicious activity. Do not worry about bothering the police or about being embarrassed if your suspicions prove to be unfounded. Think instead about what could happen if you don’t act.
Do not attempt to apprehend a person committing a crime or to investigate suspicious activity. Call the police immediately. (Emphasis added.)
The Citizens On Patrol (COP) program is designed to be an additional component of the Neighborhood Crime Watch Program. A successful Neighborhood Crime Watch group may decide to get out of their homes and into their cars to patrol their neighborhoods. COP members are the “eyes and ears” of the police department, reporting suspicious activity and deterring any future crime.
COP participants actively patrol their own neighborhoods observing and reporting suspicious activity through the use of cellular telephones. COP members will not have to place themselves in dangerous situations and are trained to identify potentially harmful situations and learn how to stay safe. (Emphasis added.)
Citizens On Patrol is considered an advanced observation program, not focusing on intervention or confrontation. Participants will not need to carry weapons, and are prohibited from doing so. (Emphasis added.)
The police department will provide educational programs and materials designed to inform the COP participants in general topics of police functions, including legal issues, communications, property offenses, and patrol procedures.
------------------------------- End of Quotation ------------------------------
Please note that Zimmerman exited his own vehicle in order to follow and then physically confront Martin. Zimmerman was also armed with a handgun while 'on duty' as a Neighborhood Watch Patrol person. I tend to view his behavior in the context of the behavioral standards noted above and with the added point that he was advised by the 911 operator that he was not needed to follow the "suspicious person" because the police had been dispatched to the scene. It seems to me that Zimmerman took it upon himself to overstep the bounds of the standard behavioral protocols of a Neighbor Patrol person leading directly to the death of a young man who was not engaged in any type of illegal or criminal activity at the time he was confronted.
I understand and accept the fact that the jury did not find Zimmerman guilty of murder. I also fully understand and accept the reality that he can never be tried again on that charge. My questions with regard to the trial are as follows:
1. Should the prosecution team have brought up the "generally accepted standards" argument in their presentation to the jury? How difficult would that have been to research?
2. Should the prosecution team have brought up the fact that in a civil case against the Homeowners Association that authorized the Neighborhood Patrols, that the Martin Family won their case for financial compensation because of the 'wrongful death' of Trayvon Martin which was caused by a member of their authorized patrol.
I understand that the civil case is different from the criminal case but I am sure that in the civil case the defendants, the homeowners association, had to produce evidence regarding the training of their patrol personnel and sought to separate themselves from George Zimmerman to avoid incurring an even larger financial liability.
3. Should the prosecution team have brought up the right of Trayvon Martin to defend himself against an unlawful assault and harassment by a unknown person whose actions were unwarranted
because Martin was legally in a public place where he had every right to be and not engaged in any sort of illegal or criminal activity at the time he was accosted by Zimmerman. Didn't Martin have the right to defend himself under the Florida "Stand your Ground" statutes?
4. Under what statutes of Florida law did Zimmerman have the right to physically follow and/or pursue and then physically engage Trayvon Martin?
I believe that if these questions had been asked and presented to the jury that there might have been a different verdict rendered. \ A lingering question that I have for the legislators and governor of Florida is why won't they amend the "Stand your Ground" statute to restrict for the most part any sort of pursuit behavior for non-criminal or non-felony actions in a public place? In other words, if someone has to follow, chase or otherwise pursue another person, how can that be called and legally viewed as 'Standing Your Ground'? The law could certainly allow for pursuit of a person if a felony crime had been committed and witnessed, but otherwise, leaving a "safe place" in order to engage another person should not be allowed under the law as standing your ground.
Jerome Barber, Ed. D.
I further contend that if Zimmerman had followed the generally accepted behavioral standards of the Neighborhood Watch Patrol philosophy as found on any number of websites that discuss the program objectives, he would not have approached Martin, nor would he have been armed.
I believe that the following information makes it very clear that Zimmerman had an additional personal agenda on the night that he approached Trayvon Martin, that went well beyond his duties and objectives as a Neighborhood Watch Captain and patrol person. I can only speculate as to what that additional agenda might have been so it is better to set it aside and reflect on the more objective information that is available to us. Zimmerman did follow the basic operational standards for a Citizen on Patrol individual by calling the police to report a suspicious individual in his community, however, what followed was clearly outside of the accepted standards of patrol conduct.
Below is a fairly standard protocol for neighbor watch organizations:
http://www.stpete.org/police/pdf/crime-prev/crime%20watch%20book-01-11.pdf
Reporting Suspicious Activity
Anything that seems slightly “out of place” or is occurring at an unusual time of day could be criminal activity. Report all suspicious activity. Do not worry about bothering the police or about being embarrassed if your suspicions prove to be unfounded. Think instead about what could happen if you don’t act.
Do not attempt to apprehend a person committing a crime or to investigate suspicious activity. Call the police immediately. (Emphasis added.)
The Citizens On Patrol (COP) program is designed to be an additional component of the Neighborhood Crime Watch Program. A successful Neighborhood Crime Watch group may decide to get out of their homes and into their cars to patrol their neighborhoods. COP members are the “eyes and ears” of the police department, reporting suspicious activity and deterring any future crime.
COP participants actively patrol their own neighborhoods observing and reporting suspicious activity through the use of cellular telephones. COP members will not have to place themselves in dangerous situations and are trained to identify potentially harmful situations and learn how to stay safe. (Emphasis added.)
Citizens On Patrol is considered an advanced observation program, not focusing on intervention or confrontation. Participants will not need to carry weapons, and are prohibited from doing so. (Emphasis added.)
The police department will provide educational programs and materials designed to inform the COP participants in general topics of police functions, including legal issues, communications, property offenses, and patrol procedures.
------------------------------- End of Quotation ------------------------------
Please note that Zimmerman exited his own vehicle in order to follow and then physically confront Martin. Zimmerman was also armed with a handgun while 'on duty' as a Neighborhood Watch Patrol person. I tend to view his behavior in the context of the behavioral standards noted above and with the added point that he was advised by the 911 operator that he was not needed to follow the "suspicious person" because the police had been dispatched to the scene. It seems to me that Zimmerman took it upon himself to overstep the bounds of the standard behavioral protocols of a Neighbor Patrol person leading directly to the death of a young man who was not engaged in any type of illegal or criminal activity at the time he was confronted.
I understand and accept the fact that the jury did not find Zimmerman guilty of murder. I also fully understand and accept the reality that he can never be tried again on that charge. My questions with regard to the trial are as follows:
1. Should the prosecution team have brought up the "generally accepted standards" argument in their presentation to the jury? How difficult would that have been to research?
2. Should the prosecution team have brought up the fact that in a civil case against the Homeowners Association that authorized the Neighborhood Patrols, that the Martin Family won their case for financial compensation because of the 'wrongful death' of Trayvon Martin which was caused by a member of their authorized patrol.
I understand that the civil case is different from the criminal case but I am sure that in the civil case the defendants, the homeowners association, had to produce evidence regarding the training of their patrol personnel and sought to separate themselves from George Zimmerman to avoid incurring an even larger financial liability.
3. Should the prosecution team have brought up the right of Trayvon Martin to defend himself against an unlawful assault and harassment by a unknown person whose actions were unwarranted
because Martin was legally in a public place where he had every right to be and not engaged in any sort of illegal or criminal activity at the time he was accosted by Zimmerman. Didn't Martin have the right to defend himself under the Florida "Stand your Ground" statutes?
4. Under what statutes of Florida law did Zimmerman have the right to physically follow and/or pursue and then physically engage Trayvon Martin?
I believe that if these questions had been asked and presented to the jury that there might have been a different verdict rendered. \ A lingering question that I have for the legislators and governor of Florida is why won't they amend the "Stand your Ground" statute to restrict for the most part any sort of pursuit behavior for non-criminal or non-felony actions in a public place? In other words, if someone has to follow, chase or otherwise pursue another person, how can that be called and legally viewed as 'Standing Your Ground'? The law could certainly allow for pursuit of a person if a felony crime had been committed and witnessed, but otherwise, leaving a "safe place" in order to engage another person should not be allowed under the law as standing your ground.
Jerome Barber, Ed. D.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)