What happens when two people practice Chi-Sao,

what is the meaning of their practice and what the

objectives? In this 3rd DVD, "Chi Sao from the base to
an advanced level," Sifu Salvador Snchez addresses
perhaps the most important aspect of Wing Chun: Chi-
Sao, the soul of the system itself, which
provides the practitioner with some
special characteristics which are
completely different from others,
and gives him great virtues. This
role deals with some aspects
quite basic in principle, but as
you delve into them, they'll
be surprising to you. It is a
very clear feature
traditional Chinese culture;
what it's very obvious at
first glance, it
nevertheless contains a
second or third reading,
which will surely change
your approach, practice
and understanding. We will
discuss how to practice Chi
Sao through our working
drills and how to apply those
drills, that ability in a sparring,
linking certain concepts,
perhaps not so much tied to
traditional Kung Fu, such as
biomechanics, structures, knowledge of
physics, etc., in order to obtain better
results in our practice.

REF.: DVD/TAOWS3

All DVDs, wichi is produced by Budo International,

si provided and alone in the formats DVD-5 or
MPEG-2, in VCD, DivX or the like is however neves
offered with a special holograma sticker. Besides
our DVD is characteristed coverings by the hig
quality in pressure and material. If this DVD and/or
the DVD covering do not corespond to the
requirements specified above, it concerns illegal
pirat copy.

ORDERS:
Budo international.com
 "The old man cannot do what a young man does;
but he does it better."
Cicero
n Japanese culture, the sixtieth birthday is the most
I
important of all. Japan considers that this
anniversary is equivalent in importance to the day of
birth of the individual himself, so that birthday is
celebrated throughout the year.
For the Japanese, in the anthropological
imaginary of their culture, the 10-year cycles are
considered as "Karmic cycles". Ten is the first of two-digit
numbers and somehow means the entry into another
dimension of things. All this is embodied in a known
geometric figure, since they represent every period of 10
years as one entire segment of an upward equilateral
triangle. After the age of 30, the first of two triangles are
complete. A second triangle, this time downward, is
formed with the segments representing the following three
decades.
Both triangles overlapped, form a six point figure (the
Star of David) so that on reaching the age of 60 all six
points are defined and, once united, allow the creation of
the circle, symbol of fate and perfection (the symbol for
Infinity is formed by the union of two circles). Closing the
circle is thus that magical moment in our 60th birthday, i.e.,
the birth to a new stage or, as they look at it, the time when
a man is finally ready and complete to do what he has
come to do in this life, a time when the fate cries higher
than any other force.
Japan has an excellent life expectancy in the first place,
closely followed by Spain, among the countries that can be
called as such (San Marino and Hong Kong are ahead, but
because of their size they are rather considered as cities).
The Japanese certainly enjoys good health and activity
in the old age. There are many reasons that interact to
create this state of affairs. Some of his most guarded
secrets are of course a healthy diet that includes algae,
with a high content in minerals; fish and vegetables, as
well as condiments, and supplements based on soy beans
(shoju, miso, tofu, etc.), fermented vegetables that
safeguard the intestinal flora and, of course, exercise,
some mythical examples and specific for the elders, as the
"Densho butsu no kami".
Perhaps their last and most precious secret is the "Do o
raku" (translated as "playing or having fun with the Tao"),
something that, from a distant way, we could transcribe in
our culture as "hobbies", although actually, these activities
are much more than hobbies and turn de facto into a
practical work, where age, far from being a barrier, is an
incentive, an added value where experience can be
translated into "mastery". It is this Mastery which in turn
motivates and engenders respect and interest of the
youngest, encouraging them to learn from them.
This generational meeting, which otherwise couldn't be
recreated artificially, is decisive in giving meaning to life,
because from a certain age, simple things like feeling
valued or useful, become the backbone of the intention to
stay alive. Over the years we all become physically weaker,
more dependent and this generates not only depreciation
but also discouragement. Older people begin to become
"invisible" to others. Besides, for them the absence of
primary stimuli must be replaced by self-will to stay alive.
"We all want to get old,
and we all deny to have grown old."
Quevedo
Much of what was happening until then automatically in
the physical and hormonal levels, as a result of the very
exuberance of life, must be replaced now by conscious
attitudes "manually" managed.
The virtuous circle of this relationship is established
when the other party also takes advantage of the meeting.
For the youngest, contact with older people allows them to
moderate their excesses, tempering their judgment and, of
course, dimensioning themselves within time by seeing
their own figure reflected in the mirror of what someday (at
best) they will become.
What makes the miracle of that generational meeting
and this virtuous circle, is a series of activities, some of
them crafts, others arts and techniques, which have the
virtue of generating in its performers a certain encounter
between mind, spirit and body. In all these activities, the
natural decay of the body not only is replaced by the
growth of the spirit and the accumulation of experience as
an added value, it can also be infinitely increased, since it
doesn't depend on force, a decrepit attribute, but on
consciousness.
These activities are of the most varied nature, ranging
from Japanese painting Sumi-e, to arts like Kyujutsu
(Japanese archery), Origami (Japanese paper folding),
ceramics, "Ikebana" (flower arrangement), sword forging,
manufacturing of traditional products, Martial Arts, etc.
This reverence for elders is something of which we have
a lot to learn in the West, where usually the youngsters live
with their backs turned to their elders and where the
standards and values of the youth have usurped the right
space that entail conquests needing a whole life of efforts
to be acquired. Instead of that, we have cornered the
elderly and dismissed the usefulness of their experience in
the context of awarding and celebrating the external
values such as the economic plunder, success at any
price, and selfishness as an accepted banner.
The information society and the electronic advances
have not helped, rather they have created a strong barrier
and a perfect excuse to devalue any previous experience,
as if now everything was new under the sun, when the
truth is on the contrary, always in this life, we talk about
"the same dogs" but "with different collars".
The biggest prisoners of this state of affairs disguise
themselves as youngsters up to ridicule, be it to attract the
general attention be it to preserve their privileges. Men
resort to dyes to hide their gray hair, women spend millions
on creams and both men and women are turning to
cosmetic surgery to stop or delay a process that cannot be
aborted.
Growing old, as Groucho said, it is what happens if you
live long enough. There is no special virtue if it's not filled
with content, but there's no demerit either. At the end of
the day is the horizon that awaits us all, as I said ... in the
best of the cases.
The alternative to a birthday is death, so it's fair to say
that old age is an achievement, a privilege and a value in
itself, but it is even more when it's decorated by
experience and mastery in something worth it to be
transferred to those who will remain here, by the way, and
don't forget that it gives a lot of humility to every one... They, too, (the
youngsters) come with an expiration date. Nobody has expressed it as
well as the brilliant author of "La Celestina", D. Fernando de Rojas: "No
one is so old that could not live another year, nor so young that could
not die today."
Living a great life is not only living a long life. The fact that old age
can be something tasty, appetizing and worth it living is the job of a
lifetime. A culture that gives precedence to the values of youthfulness
is certainly not the most appropriate framework, but each and every one
can turn back the tide, of course, being aware of the real versus the
imaginary.
Death is the only unshakeable certainty in our future, but there are
many positive ways of organizing our lives in which virtue can prevail in
such a way that, as Neruda, we can also say at the end and at all times,
that of "I confess that I have lived".
Once distillated the nectar of the experiences, nothing equals the power,
the tempered look and the gentle smile of an old man, a human being who
made the most out of his days. If, as the Japanese think, the sixties are the true
birth to this life, we don't even have the luxury of a minute to start preparing
ourselves and meet the best of our destinies. May nothing ruin that
commitment, life is a fleeting treasure and old age its golden icing ... if we
know how to live it

https://www.facebook.com/alfredo.tucci.5
 Russian Martial Arts

Systema is a Russian Martial At 41, loving dad of several

Art that arouses passions. With
some in favor and others children, Andreas has done
against, the fact is that people
talk about and are interested in
a whole lot of things.
Systema, although most of the He is the leader and founder
time they speak with little
knowledge of the issue. It's of his own school,
normal; when something new the "Weitzel System
enters the mar tial scene, it
usually r emains shr ouded in Academy" in Augsburg,
myster y and exposed to the from where he regularly
opportunism and the
opportunists. travels to teach his style
To clarify the matter, a couple
of years ago I contacted Master
Weitzel, interested as I was in
having his collaboration in
spreading the Systema, both for
his pedagogical approach, and
his excellent availability. He
speaks perfect English, Russian
and German, and has an
excellent character, as I soon
discovered in our meeting.
His ruddy Viking's vibrant
image doesn't detract at all from
his true personality and
sympathy, good treatment and
affability. Not only we had a
gr eat time together, but we
managed to do a great job, of
which I hope many of you can
benefit.
M a s t e r We i t z e l t e a c h e s
fW=d~=t==p~=s~
mW==^=q=
 Russian Martial Arts

The way one breathes,

is the way one thinks
and moves.
If the breathing is interrupted,
panic arises and the body
becomes numb.
 Systema

Systema with order and judgment. In his

hands, this style has tons of common sense
and all those who see the video will learn a
lot from it, freeing their practice from many
ster eotypes that still cir culate on the
subject.
At 41, loving dad of several children,
Andreas has done a whole lot of things. He
is the leader and founder of his own school,
the "Weitzel System Academy" in Augsburg,
from where he regularly travels to teach his
style, not only in Germany, but also in the
rest of Europe. Emerging contacts are
already announcing the stated interest for
his services in many other parts of the
world, and after this article and the
appearance of his new video, we are
confident that it will be so in many other
countries.
In his recording, Master Andreas Weitzel
was assisted by two of his students:
Michael Hazenbeller (Chief Instructor of
Systema in Rastatt, Germany) and Thomas
Gssler ("Systema instructor" at his
academy in Augsburg). A Russian and a
German, two fascinating people who
"sweated buckets" that day ... Thanks for
your work, lads!
Probably the first of in a series of works,
this video will provide consistent guidelines,
logical and perfectly organized, to learn the
basis for the functioning of a style as
exciting as unknown, without secrets and,
as I said before, with a lot of good sense. In
the video, Master Weitzel explains clearly
the methodology, the formulation and the
techniques, how are they applied and why.
What many were no doubt expecting is
finally here. May you enjoy it!

Alfredo Tucci
 Russian Martial Arts
Budo International.: Where is the
origin of Systema, where are its
roots?
Andreas Weitzel.: Martial art is in
Russia an old tradition. The
population had to defend themselves
constantly from invaders form the
east, the north the west and south. At
the same time they practised an
active exchange of knowledge and
experiences with their neighbouring
countries and allies. The acquired
skills were used, practiced and
corrected. In todays Systema we find
the result of enormous work, which
stretches over generations.
Budo International.: What are the
basic principles of Systema?
Andreas Weitzel.: In Systema the
human is considered as one unit,
body, psyche and mind, in which
everything is bonded and dependent
on each other. Systema is therefore
based on three pillars- the form,
breathing and condition.
By form we mean the way and
manner you carry and move your
body. The form is subdivided into four
basic principles:
First the principle of concentration.
It expresses that the body should
always aim for a collected position:
back straight, head erect, arms to the
side, feet directly under the hips, no
long strides, center of gravity remains
directly under the trunk.
Secondly the principle of entirety.
The body should move itself as a
whole. To demonstrate this principle
In Systema the human is considered as one unit, body,
psyche and mind, in which everything is bonded and
dependent on each other. Systema is therefore based on
three pillars- the form, breathing and condition.
the shoulders should be in line with
the hips, the elbows with the knees
and hands with the feet.
The principle of relaxation demands
that we relax all the muscles that are
not immediately needed. The
muscles that are needed are tensed
only as far as necessary. On those
places that require well regulated and
targeted tension the body will feel full
and complete. Therefore we speak in
Systema of the principle of
completeness, when you learn to
apply the correct muscle tension.
By Systema pillar Condition, we
mean the psychic, mental and
emotional conditions which we should
control. Emotions are a bad advisor.
Therefore it is very important that our
consciousness, with the help of our
will power, controls the emotions. To
achieve this, Systema developed a
simple but very effective training
method.
The third pillar of Systema is the
Breathing. It is a bridge between the
two others. The way one breathes, is
the way one thinks and moves. If the
breathing is interrupted, panic arises
and the body becomes numb. When
fear arises you forget to breath, and
the body ceases to respond. When
you tense up uncontrolled, you hold
your breath and emotions arise. .. but
breathing is the key to the body and
the humans psyche. It is difficult in
dangerous situations to follow the
advise such as relax or have no
fear. But both is possible, if you can
get the breathing under control and
use it to control the psyche and the
body.
Budo International.: How did you
come to Systema and why have you
stayed
Andreas Weitzel.: I have practiced
martial arts ever since I could run and
think. My father was in his time a
gifted close combat specialist and
introduced me to Judo, Karate and
boxing. When I was eight years old
my mother sent me to Greco/Roman
wrestling. I later changed to Judo and
boxing and lear ned Kungfu and
Karate as well. I tried different martial
arts for nearly 15 years and was
forever seeking something better and
all-embracing . When I was 14 years I
heard that Russian combat sports
were available. I became curious. It
was not until I was 21 that I
discovered Systema and was
immediately fascinated. I was sure
that with Systema fulfils with its
integral and overall martial art style all
my expectations and more. Whether
unarmed self-defence, fighting off
more than one attacker, armed
combat and fighting with improvised
weapons, help and protection of third
parties, fighting on the ground and
constricted room. Everything is
available. Further there are very clever
training methods used to enhance
mobility, precision, strength and
stamina. Furthering ones own health
through correct movement, constant
breathing and massage and much
more . One readily stays.
Systema
Systema
The videos show mostly slow motion
movements, how realistic is this as a
training method.
Systema

Budo International.: In your opinion, what is

the difference between Systema and other
martial arts?
Andreas Weitzel.: I cannot speak of all
martial arts, because I am sure I do not
know them all. But to some, Systema
differs by not offering a ready-made
solution. We assume that a relaxed,
strong, agile body combined with an
easy, stable psyche is able to react
to a conflicting- dangerous
situation. Therefore we prefer to
teach in Systema how to move and
behave correctly. For example:
Instead of teaching a blow, kick,
throw or lifting grip , Systema
teaches how one basically strikes,
kicks, throws and lifts.

Budo International.: Whats

the difference between
Systema and modern sport
contests, e.g. MMA?
Andreas Weitzel.: First of
all, its mental initial position
is completely different.
Systema is no competitive
sport, this says it all. The
psychological conduct in a
contest and that in a situation
of life or death is very different.
The result determines the
movements. You must
understand, there is a difference
between being penalised in
points for making a mistake or
loosing my life. But in
Systema we deal with this
exactly - how one survives
extreme and dangerous
situations. The aim in a
contest is to win, in
Systema the aim is not to
loose. That means: If I
ensure that a
dangerous situation
We assume that a relaxed, strong,
agile body combined with an
easy, stable psyche is able to
react to a conflicting-
dangerous
situation.
 Russian Martial Arts

does not arise, a fight does not start, I have reached my goal. This would be
counterproductive in a martial art contest.

Budo International.: In your opinion, why is Systema streetwise

Andreas Weitzel.: Because it is simple.- Systema is simple, but not easy. Simple
means to me, that the solutions are direct, precise and natural. A street fight is
usually decided in the first three seconds. In the ideal case you just need two moves
to fend off an attack - move out of the attack line and hit precisely. Sometimes it is
impossible to sidestep. Then a single move has to be sufficient. Systema offers
these skills to its supporters.

Can I as a policeman or soldier profit from Systema training?

Andreas Weitzel.: Undoubtedly. System teaches one to act controlled and react
adequately. It teaches you to control your emotions and to be lead by a clear
mind. It teaches to move precise and economical/energy-efficient. Very
important - how one moves naturally. Without fight stance, specified
moves and ready-made solutions. Therefore a lot of value is put on
spontaneity, improvisation, adaptability, etc. Dont forget the diversity
of Systema. Ideal for police and soldiers.

Budo International.: Can I also learn Systema if I am

bodily disabled or have suffered severe injuries due to
an accident
Andreas Weitzel.: Naturally yes. Such a person will
learn to use his apparent limited possibilities to
apparent unlimited possibilities.
I know many examples where
handicapped trainees with the

System teaches one

to act controlled and
react adequately.
It teaches you to
control your emotions
and to be lead by a
clear mind
 Russian Martial Arts
right commitment and effort brought themselves up to
the same level of training intensity as their colleagues.
If the will is strong and the effort great enough there
will be no major difference between the trainees.
Budo International.: Is Systema for very young
and very old people?
Andreas Weitzel.: Children four years old and
upwards are training with me. Their training
program consists mainly of playful exercises to
boost their coordination and mobility.They scuffle a
lot. Children like to fight. Later on more exercises
for strength and endurance are introduced, lots of
acrobatic and fall methods and more wrestling.
Either standing or on the mat, wrestling gives the
children the right basis for their later training. They
lear n not to be afraid of closeness nor the
opponents maximum resistance. They learn to fall,
roll, throw and hold. Later, when the children are
older, they learn to strike and kick and how to
defend against various attacks. with grownups
there is no limit . Not so long ago I had a seminar in
my school in Augsburg, where two gentlemen over
seventy years took part.
Budo International.: To whom would you
recommend Systema and why?
Andreas Weitzel.: Anybody, who sets value on
achieving a natural and healthy exercise. Anybody
who seeks an effective self-defence. Anybody who
would like to train in a holistic/integrated martial art.
And of course, anybody who needs fighting skills
professionally.
Budo International.: There are no belts worn in
Systema. How does one judge the work of a
student and his own?
Andreas Weitzel.: We find out by
comparison.One can see and feel how good an
opponent is if you train with him. One sees how well
he keeps his balance, how relaxed and completely
he moves, not showing noticeable emotion. I must
Systema
 Systema
however emphasise that everybody trains with each
other within Systema. During training we are all
pupils who have merely trained over different lengths
of times. Only together can we grow. Only if you
ensure your training partner is as good as possible
can he further your skill.
The videos show mostly slow motion movements,
how realistic is this as a training method.
We train slowly in order to ensure that what we
have learnt is spiritually absorbed by both body and
mind. It takes time. Obstructive or wrong
movements that have been picked up beforehand
should be exchanged for loose and spontaneous
ones. Fast rash training destroys previous learning.
The training follows the pattern: Slow, without
resistance, slow with resistance, fast without
resistance, fast with resistance. System is a martial
art which means that one learns to use full contact
with maximum power.
Budo International.: System is well known for
its heavy fists, could you please explain to us
what is special about this term.
Andreas Weitzel.: The Systema-Punches are
special in that they are actually very powerful and
effective, although it looks effortless. The secret lies
in the relaxed shoulder musculature.That is harder
than it seems. Most people hit by pushing their
fists, causing the shoulder muscles to tighten. That
leads to a loss of power which the body must
compensate for. This we must try to avoid.
Budo Inter national.: Why use traditional
weapons such as the whip or a sabre in training
Andreas Weitzel.: With Systema we look upon
each item with which we train, not only as a weapon
but primarily as a training apparatus. Each of these
items is used to learn one or more skills. Wrestling
functions as a basis for bodily fitness, fist fighting
 Systema

trains the mind,but the armed combat, especially sword fighting forms the
technical grounding of Systema.
We have the following compulsory weapons: Knife, stick, chain, whip, sword
or sabre.
With the knife you learn to circle a centre point. With the stick you learn to
move around a line. The chain must be used following a line. One
brings the whip to bear on a precise point.
The sword/sabre combine all these skills and is the apex of
Systema armed combat.

Budo Inter national.: How can we embody

Systema in our daily life
Andreas Weitzel.: The most important thing
that System gives you is the ability to cope with
extreme situations. Whether its a street attack or
a severe illness, a car accident or a conflict with
a fellow worker, a fall down the stairs or a
football injury. Some of my students were
thankful years later after leaving me that they
survived nearly unharmed after being run over
by a car. Some of the students said that their
job success was mainly due to emotion control
and self-control . Many people forget their
handicap and can look their colleagues in the
eye. Systema therefore offers here practically
unbounded possibilities.

First the principle

of concentration.
It expresses that
the body should
always aim for a
collected
position:
back straight,
head erect,
arms to the
side, feet directly
under the hips,
no long strides,
center of gravity
remains directly
under the trunk.
 Comprehensive or Integral Vovinam is simply going back to
the Founder's true Vovinam. The goal of the founder was
clearly and openly declared: "Harvesting effective
techniques, assimilate their essence and transform them
into Vovinam techniques", and indeed this concept still
remains in force and is mandatory for all Vovinam
Masters in the world. Vovinam is then a
research concept to achieve a super
effective style. However, today 90% of
Vovinam teachers forget it and bend
to a program too loaded, too fixed,
too aesthetic and sometimes
completely ineffective in
numerous techniques.
Comprehensive Vovinam is
simply rediscovering the
original essence of Master
Nguyen Loc's art. For that,
we have the principles, the
basic techniques, and we
just have to go back to
work out the effective way
of every technique and
apply the founding
principle. In this DVD, by the
hand of Master Patrick
Levet, we will study the basis
of Integral Vovinam, threats
and knife attacks, integral
counterattacks, and defense
against Dam Thang (direct fist) Dam
Moc (hook punch), Dam Lao (javelin
punch) as well as basic leg levers.

REF.: DVD/VIET6

All DVDs, wichi is produced by Budo International,

si provided and alone in the formats DVD-5 or
MPEG-2, in VCD, DivX or the like is however neves
offered with a special holograma sticker. Besides
our DVD is characteristed coverings by the hig
quality in pressure and material. If this DVD and/or
the DVD covering do not corespond to the
requirements specified above, it concerns illegal
pirat copy.

ORDERS:
Budo international.com
Wing Tsun Universe (WTU)

Extracts from the articles of the In martial arts

WTU: systems are the
In our articles we write about the different styles with
issues WTU Wing Tsun, martial
arts, philosophy, psychology, health
their limitations and
and the harmonious development of inherent rules.
the human potential.
Martial Arts is
based on order,
called rules,
whatsever.
It try to subdue the
attack of an order
that corresponds to
the style.

Chaos and Order

In martial arts systems are the different styles
with their limitations and inherent rules. Martial Arts
is based on order, called rules, whatsever. It try to
subdue the attack of an order that corresponds to
the style. Try the chaos of battle and confrontation
with the simplified order of style to capture, which
often does not work. In WTU WING Tsun we
increase the quality of the actions of man, so that
he can juggle with even higher states of chaos,
without order there. WTU Wing Tsun is a way of
harmonizing from own division in the various
fragments, or as we say, centers.
WT Universe
Excerpt from an article by Si-
Mo/Sifu Rosa Ferrante Bannera
to conclude Uni TCC Stage II
Through the teachings of Budo Asian variant of
the transfer of the way (DO) was known to me. The
Way of Budo is the character training on the way in
martial arts to me. This involves the inner attitude of
the teacher, the teaching and classmates. It has
much to do with respect and attention. It is the path
to self-knowledge and perfection with the martial
arts, which is operated and gets mediated by a
master.
 WT Universe

The Way of Budo is the

character training on the
way in martial arts to me.
 What is the ultimate
goal in Budo,
in WTU it is the
starting point,
at which the work
begins. Only when the
fragmented person,
becomes a whole
person, then the real
work begins.

In the WTU we have an European equivalent,

but we do not call it Budo, since it springs from a
different culture. We work in the Exoteric Circle
with the three centers of men and thus to the
development of the human potential. The
orientation to the teacher and thus the right
attitude to him is the basic requirement to work
the way. Because learning has to do with the right
approach and orientation and not with
information and knowledge.
What is the ultimate goal in Budo, in WTU it is
the starting point, at which the work begins. Only
when the fragmented person, becomes a whole
person, then the real work begins.
WT Universe
This means that no adjustment to
the time and circumstances and
human understanding more
would have happened.
So that we do not mean with our
motto"Back to the Roots!
 WT Universe

Back to the Roots

Many people think by this sentence of a look into the past, to the beginning or the traditional
origins of a thing. They then begin to analyze carefully step by step, moving around and trying
in this way one thing to fathom. You think you can understand the career in this way, and they
think that such an approach leads to legitimacy. They seek people who confirm this approach,
confirming their own actions and their qualification. The proof that it is in line with the traditional
original. They derive the credibility and accuracy of a thing of the documented chain of. The
closer to the assumed original master, the better. As if standing the mature product at the
beginning and from then is best entered no change, or no change has been approved. This
means that no adjustment to the time and circumstances and human understanding more
would have happened. So that we do not mean with our motto"Back to the Roots!
In the WTU we have
a different view:
The root of a thing is
always the same
distance from our
present moment.
No further,
as with humans
300 years ago or
3,000 years.
The root is our own
connection with the
life and its
principles.
 WT Universe

In this thinking then the "picture stories" of mythical

cultures are often interpreted as historical facts. An
interpretation of these images in the current mindset is
virtually regarded as sacrilege. The result is the transfer of
dead cliches and empty rituals, who might in another
culture under different circumstances fulfills a function that
for our time but is useless and inappropriate.
With such an approach it is not the old days, even the
new age requirements. Because if something has started
somewhere in a culture or in a time, it does nothing else,
that someone has dared on the tradition out that someone
something time has adapted. Otherwise but any change or
development would be impossible! This in turn, however,
does not mean that all traditions are outdated.
In the WTU we have a different view: The root of a thing is
always the same distance from our present moment. No
further, as with humans 300 years ago or 3,000 years. The
root is our own connection with the life and its principles.
The three WTU movement principles and
the school of the moment:

Allow Contact
Go with the Movement
Avoid Distance
 In this DVD, Master Marco Morabito, with exclusive rights for
Budo International, presents a preview of the Israeli Krav
Maga Survival System. In this colossal work, the basic
method and techniques of this discipline are illustrated in a
clear and transparent manner. That is, no secrets, but in an
extraordinary job that will take you to the very
core of self-defense. The techniques are
illustrated so that they are easily
understood by all. A truly unique
opportunity to approach self-
defense or improve your
knowledge on the subject. The
author is one of todays top
self-defense exponents
worldwide and has to his
credit an extensive
experience both in the
military field and in security
companies; awarded
several times in various
countries and acclaimed by
his courses and seminars
around the world, he has
become an international
spokesperson for different
combat and self-defense
systems, little known but highly
effective. He has learned and
studied all over the world, from
Japan to the US, via Poland, Spain,
Cape Verde, Germany, Israel, France
and Russia, a continued research in
remote areas of the world, such as Siberia or
the desert of Texas, without stopping at any point in
his tireless search for new knowledge without ever stop
asking questions. The Israeli Krav Maga Survival System is
not a discipline or a set of rigid rules, but a method, a process
of continuous and constant evolution. This makes it adaptable
to any situation and circumstance and permeable to any
changes, and then be able to take stock of its mistakes and
use the experience as an opportunity to improve.

REF.: KMISS-1

All DVDs, wichi is produced by Budo International,

si provided and alone in the formats DVD-5 or
MPEG-2, in VCD, DivX or the like is however neves
offered with a special holograma sticker. Besides
our DVD is characteristed coverings by the hig
quality in pressure and material. If this DVD and/or
the DVD covering do not corespond to the
requirements specified above, it concerns illegal
pirat copy.

ORDERS:
Budo international.com
 Video Download

"Perhaps one of the best theatrical performances

regarding Martial topics "

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 News

"The magic, the charm, the taste of the genuine.

The strength of a culture and a people
staged in its customs "

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Vinh Xuan - The Weng Chun of Fung Siu Ching from Vietnam

I recently allowed myself a very special research journey on the

occasion of my thirtieth anniversary as teacher of Weng Chun,
which happens to concur with yet another anniversary.
Eighty years ago, in 1936, one of my Weng Chun ancestors
called Yuen Chai Wan from Foshan, received an invitation by the
Nanhai and Shunde Expatriates Association to Hanoi for teaching
Weng Chun.

Text: Andreas Hoffmann, Christoph Fu,

Photos: Andreas Hoffmann, Budo International
 Weng Chun

According to other stories, however, he was

accused to have killed an opponent in a duel and
thus was forced to leave China. Whatever the case,
he relocated to Hanoi, calling himself Nguyen Te
Cong, Reincarnation of Bodhidharma. He taught
Eternal Spring Weng Chun, which there is referred
as Vinh Xuan, using the same Chinese signs as for
Weng Chun. Among the most important master
students of Yuen Chai Wan were Ngo Si Qui, Cam
Thuc Cuong, Vu Ba Quy, Tran Van Phung and Tran
Thun Tien, as well as a few more students in Saigon
(Ho-Chi-Minh-City). Today, however, it is already the
second generation after Yuen Chai Wan practicing
and teaching Vinh Xuan in Vietnam.
 Weng Chun

With some of these I got in touch, because I planned to visit a representative of the Vietnamese
Vinh Xuan to research it, and to find out about similarities and differences with the Chinese Weng
Chun. However, I wished to delve deeper into the art to gain a more profound understanding, and
so I opted for taking up an apprenticeship myself in Hanoi. After some investigation, I finally
decided in favor of Sifu Nguyen Nam Vinh, one of the most important lineage holders of Ngo Si Quy
in Vietnam. When he picked me up at my hotel in Hanoi, I realized that he is just the right person for
my intention. Sifu Nguyen Nam Vinh made a quiet and rather modest impression, but during
lessons proved to be a true virtuoso of Weng Chun. He is a very open person and instructed me the
Vinh Xuan/ Weng Chun from within.
 Weng Chun

Every day I learned a new form and its applications, Chi Sao,
combat strategies, Qi Gong, as well as philosophy, which revealed
clear references to Shaolin Chan (Zen). Prior to my first lesson I
could pay respect to our ancestors at the school s altar, and
basically I instantly felt at home. On the following day, the annual
big Vinh Xuan-/ Weng Chun- meeting of the Ngo-family took place
at the gravesite of grandmaster Ngo Si Quy.
 Weng Chun

I was particularly honored to be invited, and to

me it also was a lucky twist of fate to be present in
Hanoi at this very time. Sifu Nguyen Nam Vinh led
me through the memorable ceremony and the
celebrations, and amidst this particular atmosphere
I seemed to positively feel the legacy of
grandmaster Ngo Si Quy an emotion which
reminded me strongly of what I experienced when I
visited grandmaster Wai Yan, the last grandmaster
of Weng Chun in Hong Kong.
 During classes, I concentrated mostly on the
forms at first, notably on the Th u quy n, the Kh
cng quy n and the 108-form H th ng. With the
first form, Th u quy n, the student learns the
basic exercises of Weng Chun in a natural stance,
legs hip width apart. Emphasis is placed on a
relaxed and natural execution of the arm
techniques. The movement patter ns are
essentially identical with those found in the
Chinese Weng Chun forms Sap Yat Kuen and
Weng Chun Saam Pai Fut, but also in the
Chinese Weng Chun Siu Nim Tau. This is
historically comprehensible, since Yuen Chai
Wan had also learned Wing Chun from Fok
Bo Chun in the 19th century. With the second
form, the Kh cng quy n, I have learned
more about the development of chi, about
breathing, the pumping movement which
is typical of Weng Chun, and about three-
dimensional circling.
Weng Chun
 The partner exercises are generally focussed on relaxed, aware and spontaneous action, and on
neutralizing all kinds of attacks, while great emphasize is put on Chi Sao (Quay Tay), the exercise of
the sticking/ sensing hands. At first, Chi Sao is learned without footwork, and later with footwork
in all directions. There is also a particular Chi Sao exercise series to learn how to push and pull
using the power of the whole body, which also plays a crucial role in Chinese Weng Chun as taught
by grandmasters Wai Yan and Pang Nam. Then there is the 108-form (H th ng), which is
performed in the air, with and without footwork, but also with the wooden dummy as well as with
a partner. Again I realized here that every movement is also found in the Chinese Weng Chun
wooden dummy form.
 Weng Chun

When it came to the Vinh Xuan animal

forms, the scales fell from my eyes, since the
Fung Siu Ching Chong Kuen form and the
Siong Kung Chong Kuen form include
virtually identical movement patterns as the
Vietnamese Vinh Xuan animal forms. Fung
Siu Ching was particularly well-known for the
Chong Kuen forms, and the animal forms as
well as the 108 form constitute the heart of
the system. Hence it was completely obvious
to me that this Vinh Xuan actually is the
Weng Chun of my ancestor Fung Siu Ching,
and that we are one family.
I was overwhelmed by the cordiality of Sifu
Nguyen Nam Vinh and his students, and I am
very grateful for it. The other masters who I
met, like master Nguyen Nguyen Ngoc Noi
and master Doan Thuy Anh as well as all of
their students were also extremely friendly
and open towards me. It was a heart-
warming experience, and I would like to
express my heartfelt gratitude for this.
 Weng Chun

Subsequently all of the

forms of Vinh Xuan/ Weng
Th u quy basic form
Chun:
Kh cng quyn - Qigong form
Ng hnh s b - combined form of
the five animals
Long hnh quyn dragon form
X hnh quyn snake form
H hnh quyn tiger form
Bo hnh quy n leopard form
Hc hnh quyn crane form
H thng (mc nhn) 108 Form
(wooden dummy form)
long pole
double knives
 Pukulan Pencak Silat Serak is a very brutal and devastating
Art. The Arts concept its to dominate and take over
battleground and space, fast dominating space and engulfing
opponents to prevent them from being able to use
their weapons or body. Once space is acquired,
the base and angle are taken to control
opponents rotation or projection, rooting
or uprooting is produced from the
smallest expression of touch or
angle and base position, this we
call Lengket or sticky.
Keeping very close to
opponents when striking or
using a weapon and putting
opponents on Slywa or
weightless stage of spinal
and muscle misalignment.
Once rooting takes place,
the strike makes massive
contact in the body that has
no muscle or skeletal
protection. Sambuts are
finishes meaning something
very hard to walk away from
especially when compression of
neck or spine, so finishing means
its a done deal. The opposite of
that is a Buang that stands for
throws less devastating in the beginner
levels but taught to learn mechanics that
in later phases of development of the
student or practioner can be modified to
Sambuts for devastating throws. Compressing
skeletal structure, weapons and body structures or striking,
grapping defense and offence are all played and studied in our
platforms. In this video there's a beginner Pantjar platform,
also the Jurus, which are the playbooks of the system of
Pukulan Pencak Silat Serak, are played here. This platform
teaches where to be in position to attacker, the platform is 3
dimensional and teaches where opponents body's alignments
are the weakest to point of contact the platform. It also teaches
how to deal with multiple opponents and space needed, base
angle and levers are all play here. Hope you enjoy my small
offering into a vast large Art. Hormat Terima Kasi.
REF.: DVD/SERAK-1

All DVDs, wichi is produced by Budo International,

si provided and alone in the formats DVD-5 or
MPEG-2, in VCD, DivX or the like is however neves
offered with a special holograma sticker. Besides
our DVD is characteristed coverings by the hig
quality in pressure and material. If this DVD and/or
the DVD covering do not corespond to the
requirements specified above, it concerns illegal
pirat copy.

ORDERS:
Budo international.com
 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

VACIRCA BROTHERS JIU-JITSU

The Vacirca Story Part 3

In October 1997, thanks to the financial

support of my best friend Marco, I could meet
Grandmaster Pedro Hemetrio, the first Red
belt by Hlio Gracie. Initially Grandmaster
Hemetrio (better known as Professor Pedro,
like he was called by his students and friends)
was towards me, as well as any other stranger,
quiet skeptical. He told me later, that before
my visit, other Americans and Europeans had
visited him, but not to learn from him, but only
to make a few pictures with him. But since I
was very committed and I continued my training
with him , he acce p te d m e as his pr ivate
student. During the second year of training,
Professor Pedro was much more open and he
started to share with me much more details
then previously in the beginning of my studies
with him. During the following years I also
spent some time after the training with him,
and I noticed that he didnt use to share much
time with his local students. He once said to
me, because he had been disappointed to many
times in the past. Under Professor Pedro's
private tuition, I learned the entire (Hlio)
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Lesson program used in the
early days, which he continued to teach until his
dead.

Text: Franco Vacirca, Sandra Nagel

Photos: Alfredo Tucci & Franco Vacirca

hortly before Christmas of that same year, after I had

S
returned from Sao Paulo and I had been together with
my brother Demetrio in Valencia teaching our first Jiu-
Jitsu seminar in this city, I met for the first time with
Alfredo Tucci, magazine editor of Budo International, in
Madrid. This magazine is very well known around the
world. The new link to Tucci was a higher gift for us, since it lead us
Vacirca Brothers to teach our Jiu-Jitsu seminars around the globe.
The business cooperation with Budo International and Alfredo Tucci,
who understood our goals and now shared
also our mission, brought us to produce six
videos (DVDs) about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,
including also the video Cross-Fighting, a
combination of BJJ and Thaiboxing in
cooperation with Grandmaster Marco de
Cesaris from Rome. Tucci called our new
instructional video series VACIRCA JIU-
JITSU and a "new" Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brand
was born virtually overnight in Europe. The
Vacirca Jiu-Jitsu wave brought us shortly
afterwards to London, I believe to be the
most important city in Europe for martial
arts from around the world. Then shortly
after we traveled to Crete, Madrid, Milan,
Varese, Rome, Athens, Moscow, St.
Petersburg, Vienna, and taught also in
several cities in Germany and of course in
Switzerland.
For several years I continued my private
studies under Grandmaster Pedro
Hemetrio, however, one day Professor
Pedro started to have some serious health
problems, so it seemed to him to talk about
my Jiu-Jitsu carrier. It seemed to me, that he
wanted to be sure that I would get the
opportunity, before he would pass from this
world, that I would be certified by him and
the Federation of State of Rio de Janeiro. In
the late 60s together with his teacher Hlio
Gracie, he was one of the founders of this
Federation. So he made sure that I could
contact Master Reyson Gracie, Red belt and
son of Carlos Gracie (Senior) and Master
Robson Gracie (today president of the
Federation). In 2006 I invited Master Reyson
Gracie to come and visit our Academy in
Zurich; it was for the first time for Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu students from all over Europe to
have a unique possibility to meet one of the very few
Red belts outside of Brazil. During the second visit to
Zurich in May 2009, he awarded me with the official
certification of Professor de Jiu-Jitsu, 5th degree
Black belt, signed by Master Robson Gracie,
president of the Rio de Janeiro Federation.
After the passing of Professor Pedro, I felt a bit
abandoned and emotionally weak, and not yet ready
to connect with any other Jiu-Jitsu teacher. In Sao
Paulo under the guidance of this true and
charismatic master, I got the chance to get a
different view of the whole, and at that time nothing
and nobody could replace his teachings. Back at
home in Zurich, I was in situations where I didnt
really know if I wanted to continue to train and teach.
The passing of Professor Pedro had created a big
hole in my life and I tried with all my strength to close
it again. In Sao Paulo, everyone knew that Professor
Pedro was THE defender of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Originally born in Ceara, he learned
from Carlos and Hlio Gracie in Rio de
Janeiro, and ended up to be in the
late 50s in Sao Paulo. He was not the
first Jiu-Jitsu teacher in this city, since
many masters from Japan had already
established many schools around
1910s; in Rio de Janeiro the first Jiu-
Jitsu school was opened around 1925
by Sada Miake protg Agenor
Sampaio Moreira. Never less, with
hard work he achieved an outstanding
reputation which he also fully
deserved. So it was not an easy task
for Hemetrio, but with his hard
working attitude he achieved his goal.
Through him, I meet also some of the
non-Gracie masters, regardless of
their Lineage. Professor Pedro had in
my opinion a very large knowledge in
many martial disciplines, but
remained a true defender of the old-
style Gracie teaching program.
Professor Pedro had told me about
his former Jiu-Jitsu colleagues and so
I took my time in traveling around the
country and to visit them if that was
still possible. Unfortunately many had
already passed away, so I had to go
from north to south and to the
interiors to see if I could meet the late
Masters. It was the greatest
experience in my life and it opened
my eyes one more time. This tour had
also provided me the unique
opportunity to go back into the past. I
felt truly to be on the footsteps of the
great Mitsuyo Maeda and I learned a
lot more about the history of Jiu-Jitsu.
Every time when I returned back to
Zurich, I understood how great this
system is and how much was yet still
to learn, regardless of the lineage.
During this period my students in
Zurich were exposed to my personal
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
research and were part of my "experiment". In my lab, the
Vacirca Academy, they experienced firsthand this
"research-time" and helped me without it great to know to
develop the new Vacirca Brothers teaching program. There
were times where we trained a lot from standing, as nearly
as we would be a Judo or Sambo school and then there
was again the time that we practiced a lot from the Guard
or Mounted position. That happened because of my
numerous expeditions, which brought me to a variety of
interpretations of the same technique and position.
During this period I also traveled to Cuba, where some of
the greatest Japanese and Russian masters visit this
beautiful country. I was able to train in different schools
and even to exchange at the local police school in Havana.
More and more it was clear to me that the name "Jiu-
Jitsu" was the right one to be used for our fighting method,
because what we were doing is not Judo, even if some
part maybe of the teaching and techniques is strong
connected with it. In many martial arts magazine and on
the internet you can read that some people believe that
there is no Brazilian style of Jiu-Jitsu, but more like a
Brazilian Judo. In fact it is true, that only a few years ago,
in Brazil, some schools and teams created a "program" for
their students, and even in the same organization, from
school to school the program still remains very different.
But it is not true for all Jiu-Jitsu Academies. I also agree
that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was never created by only one or
two families. It is a style that has a long history of training,
teaching and competition, which i believe it is what Jiu-
Jitsu makes it so different. Jiu-Jitsu it has been tested in
Vale-Tudo and Sport competition alike and I believe that
this makes it so strong and naturally effective. It is also
true, that the Brazilian style is available today thanks to the
efforts also done by the late Japanese masters coming to
Brazil. There students took their teachings further by
opening their own schools and created a huge community
which today is worldwide.
Franco Vacirca
www.vacircajiujitsu.ch
 GRAPPLING

The JEET KUNE DO

approach to the study of wrestling
The arrival in Italy, at my school, of Sifu Larry Hartsell, Erik
Paulson, John Machado and many others, was the perfect setting
to draw up this brief analysis of the particular type of approach
that JKD has in addressing the study of the fourth distance, that
of wrestling, both standing and on the ground.
 The increasing attention that has been poured in recent
times on wrestling techniques (in particular ground figh-
ting) has responded primarily to events like the now
famous ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP, Mixed
Martial Arts, and other disciplines more classifiable within
the framework of sports, among which the SHOOT WRES-
TLING, quite popular in Japan, the Sanshou, the SHUAI
JAO and the art of CHINNA (in China).

S
hortly after the first editions of the UFC, some JKD organizations have
decided to adopt the Brazilian JU JITSU as the only technical source
with respect to the fourth distance.
Now, with all due respect for the Brazilian JU JITSU, which I study and
that has specifically and precisely demonstrated to be one of the most
effective combat systems in the world, I just can't understand how such
a radical decision can be taken within a context like that of JKD, where should
always prevail attitudes motivated by the principle of never limit yourself to a single
system, but remain open to new and different ideas.
However, instead of arguing and not improving (building), I prefer to justify my
previous statements in order to allow everyone to evaluate, criticize and confront
something more concrete than a few statements ** of principle.
All wrestling systems, whether Western (Greco-Roman Wrestling, Catch, Turkish
Wrestling, Pankration), Eastern (Ju-Jitsu, Judo, Dumog, Chinna, Shuai Jao), or mixed
(Sambo, ShootWrestling) distinguish themselves, rather than by their technical
differences, by the different importance that each one gives respectively to two key
elements that are Sensitivity and Physical Strength.
For example, in Ju-Jitsu, tactile sensitivity assumes primary importance to the
point of allowing the practitioner of this discipline being able to face an opponent
much heavier than him.
In Wrestling and Turkish Wrestling instead, along with a good dose of sensitivity,
the element that prevails is the force and he who has experience in this field knows
well the devastating consequences of the physical strength of these athletes.
Therefore, the technical differences do not reflect anything but the different
importance assumed in each system of the above two elements: a practitioner of Ju-
Jitsu, for example, will try to undermine the supporting points of his opponent,
making any movement of the latter be counterproductive, while a Greco-Roman
wrestler has in its arsenal techniques that are based on an imposition of his strength
over that of his adversary (the takedown is a classic of this style).
In Wrestling and Turkish Wrestling instead, along with a good dose of sensitivity,
the element that prevails is the force and he who has experience in this field knows
well the devastating consequences of the physical strength
of these athletes.
Therefore, the technical differences do not reflect anything
but the different importance assumed in each system of the
above two elements: a practitioner of Ju-Jitsu, for example,
will try to undermine the supporting points of his opponent,
making any movement of the latter be counterproductive,
while a Greco-Roman wrestler has in its arsenal techniques
that are based on an imposition of his strength over that of
his adversary (the reversal is a classic of this style).
In what way, however, does JKD insert in this great variety
of systems, principles, techniques, etc.? Well, first, without
making unique choices.
The fight distance is not special, and when studying it, we
can't or shouldn't favor an approach to a specific system
over another, and neither over the other three.
The superiority, or better, the greater convenience of a
technique or approach, cannot be evaluated in an absolute
sense, but only in relation to the type of opponent and the
particular situation in which you find yourself.
To those who claim to be practitioners of JKD and
celebrate the supposed superiority of a combat system over
the rest, justifying it with the fact that it has maintained a
martial dimension that the others have lost becoming mere
combat sports, I would like to remind them that Sigung LEE
himself inserted in the constituent elements of the art, the
first JUN FAN GUNG FU, principles, techniques and
strategies from Western wrestling and even from fencing.
Of course, a discipline like JKD, which is exclusively
trained for the purpose of a real fight, will offer its
practitioners more ideas than the many that can be proposed
by disciplines now recognized as sports, but not for that, I
repeat, we must use eye protections.
Being qualified in a fighting system does not mean being
prepared to fight against practitioners of other fighting styles.
I also remember that in recent free fighting events, many

specialists in this field are
often beaten by personalities from sport fighting and Judo,
the first among them DAN SEVERN.
The approach to Grappling adopted by my school, JUN
FAN JKD ACADEMY (honorary representative for Italy of the
JUN FAN JKD GRAPPLING ASSOCIATION of Sifu Larry
Hartsell) is divided into several phases.
The first is that of learning the simple technique that can be
performed standing or on the ground and must be repeated
many times in order to create those automatisms that allow to
apply the technique instinctively and without thinking, to
develop what Sifu Larry Hartsell calls "Muscle Memory".
In the second phase we study the distances, or rather,
how to close the distance. For that, Sifu Larry Hartsell
prefers hand trapping techniques, because the sensitivity
required for a good entrapment, as well as the grips and the
blows of trapping, provide contact points that are ideal for
performing Grappling techniques.
The second step, once developed good entry capacities,
consists of developing a good group of levers and related
variables that work in various positions.
The fight can occur in a variety of different
positions, so it's important to experiment with
these levers standing, kneeling, and lying down on
the ground.
Developing your progressions and your series of
levers, you will learn the principles that will allow
you to overcome the limitations of the various joints.
To explain this process Sifu Hartsell always said: "I
saw this lever in six different styles, and it's always the
same lever."
The fourth phase is that of the isolated sparring, sparring
in isolation, that has its roots in the workouts of Sifu Hartsell
with Bruce Lee: "Bruce asked one of us to put on a lot of
protections. Then he made that the selected student was
attacked with a limited number of techniques; in turn, the
defender himself was also limited in the number of
movements that he could use, and once the distance
between them was closed, the grappling started, in which
the defender had a couple of submission techniques to
perform."
This exercise serves to develop a good sense of timing
and the required speed and strength to effectively apply the
techniques learned in previous steps; finally, you get to the
stage of becoming familiar with the mat, which can only be
developed in a way: sparring.
Sparring is good to analyze the variables of a technique
when you are under pressure and you try to put it into
practice at a high speed, there is no way to avoid this step,
and the hours spent sparring may be the most fruitful
(profitable) part of your workouts.
Some think that training at this level is not necessary,
believing that is enough with two or three techniques for
position; Sifu Hartsell's method is also based on the idea
that if you know two techniques you will be submitted in
thirty seconds; if you know five you it will take
two minutes; if you know twenty it will
require ten minutes and perhaps during all
this time you can find the opportunity you
need to win.
This multidisciplinary approach is the
root of Sifu Hartsell's method; he himself
advised the students to follow other
instructors of Grappling, Judo,
Machado Ju-Jitsu, Shoot Wrestling,
Sambo, etc., all of them in the list of
the Arts to study.
In short, every student should be
able to find his own way so that he
can have full control over his workout.
In conclusion, I hope that this brief
technical overview may have provided
a new perspective from which you
can study a distance that, over time,
is becoming increasingly important,
and I remind you that ten minutes of
practice are better than so many
hours of theory, so lets get to train!!!

Interview with Larry

Hartsell
by Alessandro
Colonnese
The following interview was
made by Alessandro
Colonnese during his last

trip to California, at the home of Sifu Larry Hartsell, with fifty
years of Martial Arts behind, a history as a first-generation
student of Bruce Lee, numerous experiences in the US Army
and Police. He is considered one of the greatest experts of
Jeet Kune Do on the world stage, to the point of having been
defined one of the best fighters by the students themselves.
After forty days of exhausting workout at Larry's house, I
stopped to have a chat with the old rock in person. Here is
the result.
A. Colonnese - "Larry, given that you're in charge of the
Jun Fan / JKD Grappling Association, which mainly deals
with distance in combat, can you tell us why such a specific
choice?"
Hartsell - I. "Founding an association of this kind was
suggested to me by Bruce Lee. He told me that since my
technical characteristics were close to the fight, I should set
up an association of my own which dealt specifically with
grappling techniques. Then I founded the Jun Fan / JKD
Grappling Association. This happened in 1991. The aim of
the association is that of facilitating everyone the study and
the aspects of the Jeet Kune do that were taught to me by
Bruce Lee. The practice was based on the four combat
distances experienced by Bruce Lee during workouts: the
distance of kicks, that of the punches, the grappling distance
and the wrestling distance, which I prefer in a particular way.
After his death, Bruce left us 33 fighting techniques that he
had learned from Gene Le Belle, Hayward Nishioka and the
Chinese art of Chinn, introducing them in the early
concepts of Jeet Kune Do. You may belong to whatever
association you wish and, at the same time, belong to mine. I
only teach people who are willing to train hard; we are now a
big family, we all know each other here; our goal is that of
growing together and trying to spread the principles of Jeet
Kune Do, as Bruce Lee would have wanted. I want to make
sure that if anything happens to me people might say, 'I
studied with Larry Hartsell, a direct student of Bruce Lee'.
II. My instructors, in fact, receive a certificate, a
membership card to the association, and a passport type
booklet. To give classes under my guide, you must have
behind six years of training and demonstrate through a test
that you have mastered all combat distances. My main goal
is to lead seminars for all my representatives distributed in
about twenty states. Alessandro Colonnese is my exclusive
representative in Italy, currently one of the best, his
organization, the Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Academy, organizes
my seminars, spreads my approach to Jeet Kune Do and
deals with personal issues of my organization in Italy.
A. Colonnese - "You mentioned the burgeoning growth
of pseudo JKD groups which is happening these days.
American magazines are full of people claiming to teach
the original JKD. What's your view on the subject? "
Hartsell - I. "Well, I think there are many who
want to hop in the bandwagon, and for some
strange reason there is no license on the
terminology Jeet Kune Do. There are people who
used to practice JKD years ago, but they don't do
it any longer and therefore they've lagged behind.
II. There is talk of original JKD, which is opposed
to the JKD concepts. But we still teach the evolution
of combat. Life goes on, there is a progress; as a friend
of mine likes to say; why driving a 1968 car when you
can have a car with cutting edge technology? Everything
grows. Recently we entered the Shoot Wrestling in our Jeet
Kune Do family in Los Angeles. It's a progression. There is
no end in the learning process. Those who say that's all we
need are wrong."
A. Colonnese - "So you don't agree with those who,
having trained with Bruce Lee in the early days, say that
what they do is, in a sense, purer?"
Hartsell - I. "That's right, Bruce experimented
continuously. He worked out the Jeet Kune Do concepts
between 1967 and 1970, during the period in which he lived
with James Lee, in Oakland. However, he really began to
experience the fight when he was in Los Angeles. He
changed continuously. Note that, at some point, he even
decided to abandon the term JKD!
II. With regard to those who claim they do the original
JKD, let me quote a few phrases of Bruce Lee. He said:
'JKD is just a name, it's like a boat that used and left once
no longer needed.' In other words it is a concept, on which
you mustn't stop, rather you have to go further to find your
own way. I am more oriented towards the fighting distance.
Others prefer Muay Thai and long distance, such as the kick
distance. To each his own; there are not two people are
exactly alike.
III. Bruce focused more on the individuality of the person
rather than on the mass production of this or that. So, can
you really talk about "original" JKD? I don't think so....
A. Colonnese - "In fact, the idea of a system encoded
with a beginning and an end would be at odds with the
ideas disseminated by Bruce Lee."
Hartsell - I. "Exactly. He was constantly changing. Of
course, what he taught in the early days was very effective, I
do not deny it, but he was constantly changing until the day
of his death."
A. Colonnese - "I've heard some say that Bruce Lee
didn't practice Southeast Asian Martial Arts or ground
fighting, but even in the cruder versions of his art, as well
as in his films, there are elements of Kali and wrestling."
Hartsell - I. "Once a journalist wrote in a magazine
specialized in Martial Arts (Black Belt Magazine) that Bruce
had never studied Silat. In reference to this he added, "why
should he want to go to kindergarten if he was already in
college?" I found it all so stupid, because I myself have seen
Bruce Lee's notes on Silat."
A. Colonnese - "He was studying Silat and Kali, they no
longer know what to write about. In fact, Silat and Kali
shouldn't be forgotten, even if Bruce Lee had not studied
them. "
Hartsell - I. "Silat is a beautiful art. I myself studied it with
Pendekar Paul De Thouars. One of the things I want to do is
to promote harmony among all Martial Arts. We can all learn
from one another, so it's not fair discrediting people like
that."
 A. Colonnese - "After so many seminars around the WTKF
world, what do you think a practitioner of another style
can draw from a seminar?"
World Traditional Kung Fu Federation
Hartsell - I. "It depends on the person. Some get the
Practicing traditional Kung Fu means immersing yourself in
message on the fly. In the United States, many people who
a millenarian culture and so, parting on a cross trip through
were practicing amateur wrestling, learned fast ground
the study of philosophy, medicine, art and martial discipline.
fighting. A former boxer will learn quickly hand techniques. In
The fields of study and research are countless, and so are
short, it's always different things that go right or wrong to
the manifestations of its practice.
different people. I myself am training with Yore Nakamura in
To date, the WTKF brings together a number of schools
Shoot Wrestling. I absorb the techniques well enough to
and masters who practice and teach different styles.
insert them in his seminars."
The beauty of this Union lies in the sharing of the various
ways of living the martial experience, benefiting from the
A. Colonnese - "So you're still learning, too! Are still
sharing and dialogue among different traditions and
there people that come to you in a yellow jumpsuit
methods.
pretending that you teach them how to use the
In the past, great Masters gathered to grow together, train
nunchakus?"
and show the results of their research.
Hartsell - I. "Once somebody asked me to teach her Chi,
A virtuous circle of exchange and mutual support that
because she said that Bruce Lee had a special Chi! In my
allowed the Masters who adhered to this collaboration, to
opinion, what Bruce Lee had was a strong discharge of
excel in the practice and spreading of traditional Kung Fu.
adrenaline. He could operate it at will. I think we all have that,
The WTKF is rebuilding this spirit of harmony and
like the lady that lifts a car to save her child. In the human
cooperation to launch a New Era of Traditional Kung Fu.
body, stress can cause strange chemical changes that give
To do this it's vital to JOIN forces to allow the true martial
amazing results."
culture to emerge from an increasingly decadent scene that
has created an altered image of the nature of Kung Fu.
A. Colonna - "It seems to me that there are two
schools of thought of Bruce Lee. People like
you, who continue his approaching methods to
training, and those with an obsessive devotion
to Bruce Lee as if he were an icon. Have you
ever met any of the latter?"
I. Hartsell - "Of course, you ought to see the
letters that Linda Lee receives. Crazy. People who
claim to be possessed by the spirit of Bruce Lee.
In seminars I sometimes see people with neurotic
and obsessed behaviors, and I treat them like the
others, because in these cases you must do so,
although I keep an eye on them."

A. Colonnese - "These days how much do you

train in relation to your work commitments?"
I. Hartsell - "It depends on the month. I always
train with weights and try to set aside some time to
train with Dan Inosanto and Yuri Nakamura. In
short, I keep in shape!"

A. Colonnese - "I've noticed that US

magazines are always addressing the same
people. Indeed, given your background, you've
never had sufficiently attracted the interest of
the media as you deserve, why.?"
Hartsell - I. "Well, many of these newspapers
are designed solely to create contrasts, always
trying to play the old 'who would win in this
situation?' I've had enough publicity. I wrote some
articles in Martial Arts Magazine, a magazine that I
really appreciate because it deals only with the
training methods. However, this story of 'what is
the best system' is nothing but garbage and I
prefer to stay out of it because I have nothing to
prove. I've gone into the ring, fought in the street, I
know what I can do and I don't have to prove it to
anyone."

A. Colonnese - "Thanks for giving us some of

your time, Larry".
Hartsell - I. "Thank you, it has been a pleasure."
 Alessandro Colonnese

WTKF
World Traditional Kung Fu
Federation
We have given rise to a great project, the birth of the Italian
Union of Traditional Kung Fu, an organization that serves only
the purpose of unifying and promoting the authentic traditional
Kung Fu in Italy, in Europe and worldwide.
The soul of this federation is the PASSION for traditional
Kung Fu, much too often masked by marketing operations.
The association wishes to represent the ancient Martial Art
that, in its different styles, is shared by thousands of
practitioners worldwide.
Today the landscape appears surrounded by various
realities, each with its own ideal, and each with the need to
have a reference point, a common voice that gathers the
legitimate representatives of traditional Kung Fu. This is our
intention.
We want to be a martial community that collaborates so that
new schools can flourish and protect those already existing,
welcoming all other realities who want to join us.
We have important responsibilities, and first of all is to ensure
that styles are taught according to the teachings of the old
masters, keeping unaltered the art that distinguishes them and
value them in their uniqueness.
Backed by many masters and the traditional Chinese martial
community, we are walking proudly toward our federal second
year, during which we hope to develop a great activity and
make us present throughout the national territory.
To build this reality, we need your help and cooperation. If
you practice a traditional style, come and join our large family,
you are welcome and you can contribute with your sense of
belonging. We can count on the support of the "World
Traditional Kung Fu Federation" and many existing traditional
Chinese associations with which we are twinned.

Want to be part of the

great
Family of Traditional
Kung Fu?

Ask for our membership

Join for hard work

Uniti per il duro lavoro

1 - Kick defense with grip.
2 - Grabbing your opponent's leg and bringing him to the
ground.
3 - Grabbing the leg to finish the knockdown
4 - After knockdown, lever to the knee joint.
5 - Lever to the knee and ankle.
 In this DVD, G.M. Larry Tatum (10th Dan) develops
techniques of the Kenpo program at the highest level.
Particularly, some of his favorites like Flashing
Mace, Parting Wings, Entwined Lance
Masterfully executed and based on the
experience of the movement, G.M.
Tatum incorporates his innovative
teachings in these techniques that
will help you add and
complement your training in
the Kenpo system. Besides,
they provide the individual
with the best choice for self-
defense, based on the
logical and practical
thinking, and place him in
the path of understanding
the art of Kenpo. These are
the self-defense and
fighting systems of the
modern times we live in.
They are designed so that the
practitioner gets all the
benefits that training these
techniques can provide. This DVD
has the support of Master Adolfo
Luelmo (9th Dan), who goes on with a
series of techniques performed in a
smooth and strong way, for situations of
extreme aggression, in which can be appreciated
different states of the movement, in a logical and
effective way. As a conclusion, Master Camacho Assisi
(8th Dan), displays a technique that combines the
strength of the arms and his expertise with legs.

REF.: DVD/LARRY4

All DVDs, wichi is produced by Budo International,

si provided and alone in the formats DVD-5 or
MPEG-2, in VCD, DivX or the like is however neves
offered with a special holograma sticker. Besides
our DVD is characteristed coverings by the hig
quality in pressure and material. If this DVD and/or
the DVD covering do not corespond to the
requirements specified above, it concerns illegal
pirat copy.

ORDERS:
Budo international.com
Okinawa
 Karate

Minoru Higa - Breaking Makiwara and Building Lives

Higa Minoru sensei is regarded as the quintessential Karate master, both in

Okinawa and abroad. Judan Hanshi, head of the Kyudokan, director of the
Okinawa Karatedo Rengokai, and president of the famous Naha city giant rope-
pull, are but few of his titles. He is gentle, yet fierce kind and powerful. With
energy to spare, he performs every technique with his students, many of whom
are half his age.

q=C=W=p=`~=_
 Okinawa

CB- Higa-sensei, it's an privilege and an

honour for me to speak with you at your dojo.
HM- You're most welcome.

CB- You are the leader of the international

Kyudokan Shorin-Ryu group, as well as an
active ambassador for all styles of Okinawan
Martial Arts and many cultural activities.
HM- With a unified voice, we can really advance
the popularity, and promote the true meaning of
Okinawa Karatedo around the world.

CB- Sensei how old were you when you began

practicing Karate-do?
HM- I was 18 years old. This may seem late, but
since the age of 12, I was a very active Judo
Karate
Okinawa
 Karate

practitioner. My first Judo teacher was Yogen

Tamashiro-sensei, then I become a pupil of
Master Yokomoto Isekichi.

CB- Sensei on your retur n from the

mainland, you started your Karate training.
Can you tell us something about this period?
HM- Well, Karate was my family's passion for
generations. My two uncles, Yuchoku Higa and
Jintatsu Higa, were very dedicated Karate-ka and
teachers. One of the first stops on my return was
the home of uncle Yuchoku, where he simply said
"I suggested you start with Judo, now it's time for
Karate", so I enrolled at his dojo. I knew Judo
gave me good balance and understanding of
Tanden, and I wanted to apply these principles.

CB- What are some of your memories of

early days in the dojo?
MH- Generally, mukashi-keiko (old-day
training) was done outside. Most dojo were
actually gardens attached to the family residence.
It was difficult to tell a home from a dojo except
for the many makiwara positioned around the
yard. It was such an important tool. Today, people
practice Karate to become better human beings,
to develop a good heart and mind. Back then it
was about having a knock-out punch. It was only
about self-defence. At that time, the word most
often used to describe the purpose of Karate was
mamoru, protection. Bugei, or the purely practical
side of Karate, was my interest, until I saw my
senpais holistic approach to the art. This shifted
my focus to budo, or the heart-mind method of
spiritual practice.

CB- Do you believe Karate will help

practitioners become better human beings, or
do you think you have to possess a deep
desire for personal growth?
HM- It's not about instantaneous change. It's
not satori, or a flash of light. It's gradual, borne of
watching your seniors. If they are modest, you will
likely become modest. If they are benevolent,
loyal or hardworking, you will develop these traits.
It's the concept of michi, road or path. The
teacher and student must travel together, for
however long it takes. This could be summed up
as kyudo mugen - the study-trail is never-ending.
Okinawa
 Karate

Most dojo were actually gardens

attached to the family residence.
It was difficult to tell a home from a
dojo except for the many makiwara
positioned around the yard.
 Karate
CB- Sensei the concept of Shin-
Gi-Tai is often presented to the
students on Okinawa. What is your
personal understanding of this
concept?
HM- Shin is kokoro or heart, it's
about the spirit. Gi is about the waza,
technique or skill. Tai or karada is the
body, or core. The evolution takes
place actually in reverse. First you
must develop a strong body, with
corporal and conditioning exercises.
Only then you are ready to learn the
technique, kata, application or alike.
These skills are framed on strong
core. The first two steps are at the
discretion of the teacher, and best
suited to the individual. The heart-
sprit training is again something that
student develops more on their own,
based on the physical teachings.
These steps are a catalyst for Budo
maturity.
CB- While speaking about Budo
maturity, could you enlighten us on
the concept of Shu-Ha-Ri as you
see it.
MH- Shu means to protect, gourd
but also to obey. In this stage you
simply practice, it's all about learning
the fundamentals, and discovering
yourself as a practitioner.
Ha means to break, destroy,
detach but also to frustrate. At this
stage you follow the teachings, but
you develop your own need-based
views on training. You might begin to
teach and formulate your teaching
procedures, still based on the
doctrine of your style.
Ri means to detach, digress and to
separate. In theory if you practice
long enough, you will develop unique
concepts and ideas, but I think these
individual are very rare. Change
simply for sake of change is futile.
CB- I think most practitioners
are familiar with grades of Renshi
Kyoshi and Hanshi, but but there is
Okinawa
 Karate

an exulted title of Meijin used in reference of

truly gifted individuals. Can you enlighten us on
the meaning and usage of this title.
HM- the titles of Renshi Kyoshi Hanshi have a
standard meaning (reading of Kanji characters) yet
every style or group has a different standard and
expectations attached. The title Meijin means a
'truly distinguished individual'. An ascended
master who not only guides you down the path,
but illuminates your travels. A kind of giver of light,
or provider of profound inspiration.

CB- Sensei the last question; is there a

maxim or a guiding principal you would care to
share with our readers?
HM- I think maybe Ichi-go, Ichi-e, or one
meeting, one chance. When you meet someone or
experience something, you should attach
importance to the experience. Sometimes the
most infinitesimal moments might have profound
results. When you're younger perhaps you look for
important people to inspire or educate you, when
you mature, every interaction, every human being
matters and offers an opportunity.
Okinawa
 Karate

HM- In closing I would like to say, that all

Karate and in fact all martial arts are
wonderful. Never criticize another art,
system, style or especially a practitioner. Just
because you don't understand something, it
doesn't mean it has no importance and
value. Rather then give to quick judgment,
offer optimism and let's work together for the
betterment of human lives.

Postscript. Higa sensei represents the

convergence of old and new. With his
leadership, that is full of heart and intellect,
guiding the future of Karatedo, our future is
secured. I am truly grateful to him for his
time, as well Patrick Rault sensei for aiding in
this interview, and Marion Manzo sensei for
editing help.

Never criticize another art,

system, style or especially a
practitioner. Just because
you don't understand
something, it doesn't mean it
has no importance
and value.
 Master Shaolin Shi Yanti is a monk of the 34th
generation of the Songshan Shaolin Temple and a
direct disciple of Venerable Abbot Shi Yong Xin. In
this his first work for Budo International, he presents
the Luohan Shibashou, one of the older and most
representative basic forms of empty hand
of the Shaolin Temple. According to the
book "Shaolin Quan Pu", in the Sui
Dynasty, the Shaolin's warrior
monks developed a series of
simple movements, chosen
according to the "18 Luohan
statues", hence the name
Luohan Shou Shi Ba (18
hands of Luohan). The
style of this Taolu is
particular and in its
continuous movements
can be clearly seen
combinations of real and
unreal movements,
defense and
counterattack, and a
variety of hidden
movements. The main hand
techniques in this Taolu are
those of the palms, and
learning requires great agility and
coordination, as well as mastering
the positions Xubu, Dingbu, Gongbu
and Mabu and their features.

REF.: DVD/YANTI-1

All DVDs, wichi is produced by Budo International,

si provided and alone in the formats DVD-5 or
MPEG-2, in VCD, DivX or the like is however neves
offered with a special holograma sticker. Besides
our DVD is characteristed coverings by the hig
quality in pressure and material. If this DVD and/or
the DVD covering do not corespond to the
requirements specified above, it concerns illegal
pirat copy.

ORDERS:
Budo international.com
 "What beautifies the desert is that it hides a well of water
somewhere."
Antoine de Saint-Exupery

"What we know is a water drop;

what we ignore is the ocean.
Isaac Newton

Flow doesn't mean being sloppy; definitely, water is not so, for
it doesn't leave any corner uncovered... it reaches everywhere!
As asturian
people say, "water has a very fine snout". Unhurried, coupling to
the circumstances, water is a metaphor for the persistence and
extreme adaptability. It's the paradigm of changing in the form
without transforming the essence.
Water catalyzes life; without water, the land dries and gets barren;
and the fire, without a controller, spreads everywhere and the air, tur-
ned into a sandstorm, cannot carry the fertility of the clouds, or the
force of the changes. Even iron is wrought by the use of fire in the forges!
Water is the cradle of all life, the primary livelihood of both inanimate
and animate beings, all of them "bags" of hotter and hotter waters, accor-
ding to their degree of evolution, and adapted to a change that we
accompany, of which we are part, and not guilty, as some
would have us believe. The "terminal sin" is the Judeo-
Christian guilt of environmentalism.
Water comforts us, cleanses us, and blesses us.
Wet in the rivers of the moment, we swim, fight,
wreck...
Flowing, adapting to the barriers, going down,
not opposing anything, water is the perfect
analogy of humility, adaptation and not con-
flict. The water wins aimlessly; following its
nature, it surrounds any obstacle and tea-
ches us how to overcome, but with wisdom,
free from wear and tear, without losing sight
of the goal. What is a rock on the road, a
mountain? Even trapped in between
cliffs and narrow passages, water filters,
or evaporates if such a thing is not pos-
sible; nothing stops its destination.
It's been the river of life that has left
in my shores these texts, which today
I share in book format. And I say "it
left" because all authorship is at least
confusing, since we are all deb-
tors of those before us, those
who inspired and keep inspi-
ring us, of the floating clouds
of the collective unconscious,
and even, who knows!, of the
spirits and the consciousness
around us.
I can't teach anything
because I don't know any-
thing, but for those who wish
to hear my poems, here I leave
my sincere and truly felt
thoughts, every time more felt and
less thought, because mind is a
deceptive device that sees what it
wants to see and Ive learned to be
suspicious about it.
Kung Fu
 People have indeed accomplished extraordinary
achievements in countless areas, but there are only
few people who become a legend during their lifetime.
I am very lucky to be a student of such a legend and
also honoured to follow in his footsteps. And this
year he was even here with us in Switzerland. Of
course we are talking about Grandmaster Dr. Chiu
Chi Ling, holder of the 10th Dan and head of style of
our Kung Fu family.

A Kung Fu Legend in Switzerland

Kung Fu

herever my teacher goes,

W
people love him. Besides his
technical skills and his
experience I have always
admired his ability to inspire
people and to spread joy.
Especially thanks to his decades of
experience in the original Shaolin Hung
Gar Kung Fu his presence fills the
room wherever he turns up. Many
people have already asked me
how I succeeded in
becoming the successor
of such an icon.
Oftentimes they
question me what in
general my secret for
my success in the world of the martial arts is. My secret is actually very
simple and merely includes two rules:

Sifus right.

If it should happen that your sifu is in the lesson, then follow rule
number 1.

Okay, even if these rules surely have a grain of truth to them, joking
aside: I was educated and trained by my Sifu to always do the right
thing to the best of my knowledge and judgement, even if it was not
always pleasant. I was trained to keep my ego out of important issues
and to make our art accessible to as many people as possible. Apart
from the technical progress by means of decades of training, the
afore-mentioned points, efficiently and continuously applied, have
certainly contributed to a large extent to the fact that eventually I
 Kung Fu

became his successor and top student. In this article I would like to show a good and
particularly current example of how a top student treats his master even after years of
following him and learning from him:When my Sifu landed at the airport of Zurich at the end
of January, of course I picked him up and after a warm welcome we drove directly to my
school in Zurich. It wasn't a long time since we last saw each other, since I had already met
my Sifu at his first birthday party in Belgium where many of my Kung Fu brothers such as
Hagen Bluck (Germany), Klaas Padberg (Netherlands), Giancarlo Matarazzo (Italy) were
there too. Once we had arrived at the school in Zurich, I showed the carefully prepared
plan for the upcoming days to my Sifu. Of course we wanted to make
best possible use of his short stay here in Switzerland, so we
organised not only several seminars for beginner, intermediate and
advanced classes, but also TCM (traditional Chinese Medicine)
appointments in order to treat patients and of course private lessons for myself. Due to a sound and professional
eduction, which involves technical and interpersonal skills and also cultural knowledge, my instructors and students
knew exactly what to do and supported my goal to organise my Sifus stay as perfectly as possible.Already on the day
after Sifus arrival (of course he stayed at my place in a guest room, especially arranged for him) my first private lesson
began. After all these years he still managed to make me look like a beginner. But it is precisely because of this that I am
very passionate about this style, this Kung Fu family and most of all this person. Also he emphasises: You know Martin,
there are not many people like you who wouldnt stop learning from his master. One stops being good as soon as one
stops becoming better. You have understood that. It is important that other people understand this too.After having
lunch near our headquarters in Wil (St. Gallen), we drove back to the school in Zurich where my students had prepared
canvases and painting material. My Sifu then started to demonstrate his skills in a different way and painted wonderful
calligraphy boards for my numerous branches. After a quick dinner, already the next highlight was about to begin: the
seminar for the intermediate level class. Many participants between the middle (green belt) and the end of the basic class
(black belt) were listening to and observing attentively the movements of their Sigung in order to execute them
themselves with their partner. The hours passed by very quickly and with ones head full, everyone was looking forward
to see Sigung again already on Saturday when the MEGA seminar took place. But prior to that I still had another
appointment with Sifu: amongst other things, of course I wanted to learn more
from sifu and got further private lessons with him. Furthermore we visited
other branches of my school and we made a short trip to Valencia where
we completed various photo shootings, film shots and interviews. We
got very little sleep, as it is often the case when my Sifu is around.
However, all the more so we were looking forward to the MEGA
seminar. Early in the morning my Sifu and I drove back to Zurich
where everything had already been prepared for the scheduled
autograph session. I literally had to stop people from approaching
Chiu Chi Ling at the table all at once. And the planned two hours
were far from sufficient. However, it was very important to me that
each student still had the opportunity to meet his Sigung and to get
his autograph. And I think we managed to do this. After lunch we drove
to a nearby gym where the over
100 participants had already been waiting for us. It was simply great to
see how so many of my students were attentively following my masters
movements and how they were learning and trying out for hours. Two of my
students were examined carefully particularly by my Sifu and by me, for they
had the special honour to take the black belt exam in the presence of Chiu
 Kung Fu

I still have
a lot to practice,
and I am exceedingly
proud to be student
and style successor of
a Kung Fu legend.
Chi Ling. And they successfully passed the
exam. Of course the many photo sessions in
between were essential, at which there was
great laughter and great photos were shot. To
put it in the words of a student: A complete
success! In the evening of the same day the
belated birthday party of my Sifu took place
where all the participants from the gym
gathered in a restaurant. The people were
enjoying delicious food, many good
conversations and a good atmosphere. And
of course we also paid respect to my Sifu
and we not only organised a superb birthday
cake, but also organised the obligatory Lai Si
ceremony.Lai Si means a little red envelope
in which one puts luck money for the master
at his birthday or at a similar ceremony, in
order to give it to him personally. Important:
Culturally speaking, numbers which contain
8 e.g. 88.- or 888.- are particularly
appropriate, as 8 stands for luck. Another
option is also 54.-, as 5 stands for not and
4 for luck. Another option is also 54.-, as 5
stands for not and 4 for die, which drawing a conclusion. And there are most of
together means immortal. Despite the
repeatedly great photo sessions and the
great atmosphere, I noticed that even my
Sifu was slowly getting tired (long after other
had already given in to their tiredness). So
the moment came we all said good-bye, and
content with the many happy faces of my
students on that day, we drove back home to
my place. On Sunday we took it a bit easier.
And yet, of course we wanted to benefit from
the special occasion. So I invited my
instructors to a special afternoon seminar
with my Sifu and had them getting deeper
insight into our art. I suppose, going into too
much detail would go beyond the scope of
this article. But it is important to mention that
of course after the seminar we organised a
nice good-bye dinner in a fantastic
restaurant in Wil, St. Gallen, where everyone
gathered in order to thank my Sifu Chiu Chi
Ling for spending his time with us. While
planning and during the days shortly before
Sifus arrival I was of course nervous, for I
wanted to organise the stay of my Sifu, as I
said, as perfectly as possible. Now, that it is
over and that he is already again on his way
to the United States, I am slowly but surely
all two things which come to my mind: I still
have a lot to practice, and I am exceedingly
proud to be student and style successor of a
Kung Fu legend.
 Interview with Janice Lyn conducted by Sifu Vincent Lyn Photo: Mark Ruddick & Gia Photography

Janice Lyn: A woman with both intelligence, sex appeal and yes a World Muay
Thai Champion.
An ingredient that will entice you and yet you don't want to be on the end of
her foot or fist for that matter.
I recently caught up with my Cousin after she just finished off another
opponent in Thailand in her rise to fame as a World Muay Thai Champion.

Photo credit by Gia & Top King

Women on Martial Arts
Women on Martial Arts
 Janice Lyn: A woman with both intelligence, sex
appeal and yes a World Muay Thai Champion.
An ingredient that will entice you and yet you don't
want to be on the end of her foot or fist for that matter.
I recently caught up with my Cousin after she just
finished off another opponent in Thailand in her rise to
fame as a World Muay Thai Champion.
Vincent: Might as well begin at the beginning. You're
not from around here, are you? Where were you born?
China or US?
Janice: Neither. I was born in Toronto, Canada. My
background is Jamaican Chinese. My mother was born in
Hong Kong and my father was born in Jamaica.
Vincent: Did you start showing a predilection for
martial arts right away?
Janice: Ive always been drawn to martial arts, but never
really had a chance to immerse myself in a particular art
until now because my parents were very strict on me
focusing on my studies growing up. My childhood dream
was to be one of those ninjas in the old Kung Fu movies
 Women on Martial Arts
that fought really well behind their mask and when they
revealed themselves, their defeated male opponent
would be so surprised that they were beaten by a female
ninja.
Vincent: How old were you?
Janice: 25 years old
Vincent: Can you give our readers some background
on what inspired you to take up martial arts.
Janice: Theres something about martial arts
that makes me calm and makes me feel at home. I
didnt understand it at first but it all makes sense
t o m e n o w. I u s e d t o s e e o l d p i c t u r e s o f m y
grandfather with a cigarette in his mouth
practicing Kung Fu in his yard in Jamaica. I like
martial arts because I feel empowered by it. I like
to feel strong physically and it has also introduced
me to the meaning of mental and spiritual strength
as well.

Vincent: What took you from Canada to Thailand?
Janice: Thailand is the Mecca of Muay Thai. My dream
is to try to become the best female fighter in the world.
What better way to find the best opponents than at the
place where it all began, where the fighters live and
breathe Muay Thai, and have been competing since they
were as young?
Vincent: I also understand you are studying holistic
nutrition?
Janice: In 2007, I graduated from McMaster University
with a Bachelors degree in Biology. My mentor, Dr. Rollo,
sparked my interest in antioxidants and their involvement
in human health. The term health span, which is the
period of an organisms life where they are free from
Women on Martial Arts
disease, echoed throughout our lab. Our lab developed a
concoction of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals known
to help maintain the bodys systems involved in aging.
Little did I know that my studies in aging would be related
to my new found passion in the sport of Muay Thai and
holistic nutrition.
Vincent: Getting back to your fighting skills. What has
been your biggest challenge thus far?
Janice: Learning to relax. Most of my coaches have
mentioned that I am too tense and that can affect your
cardio, flow with combinations and your timing.
Being able to fight consistently in North America has
also been challenging. Consistent competition allows you
to apply the techniques you learn. I believe this is
 Interview

especially important when youre an amateur

fighter because you really get to test your skills
and evolve.

Vincent: After hundreds of hours of blood

sweat and tears and the big day has finally
arrived. What are you going through
mentally?
Janice: I try to think of something meaningful
to fight for. This has been an interesting journey
for me and I only started doing this maybe
midway through my career. Muay Thai was
created for war as a defensive weapon for the
Thai people to conquer their enemies. When
people go to war, they fight for their country,
they fight for their families and they fight for
liberation and freedom. When I fight. I find that I
do my best when I remember to fight for
something. Razor Ruddock planted this seed in
my head. He told me before I won my first
championship in Iowa that you have to go into
the ring and pretend like you are defending it.
That weekend I took home the title. Fast
forward a few years and I took that same
mentality into my first professional fight. I fought
in front of Mike Tyson, the epitome of greatness
and I won via TKO. It was a great experience
fighting in my name, for myself and for my
family lineage.

Vincent: How does it feel to win and hear

the crowd cheering your name?
Janice: It feels amazing if I know I did a good
job and represented my gym and coaches well.
Thats the most important part, to know that all
the training and hard work paid off and that I
make the people who have sacrificed so much
time in me proud. I really feel lucky and blessed.
For me its still very hard to take in that so many
people are interested in watching me fight and
are there to support me. Its really bizarre to me.

Vincent: Whats your current record as an

amateur and also now as a Pro fighter?
Janice:
Amateur: 18-8-0, 7 TKO
Professional: 5-1, 2 TKO
2012 TBA Champion, 2012 IKF World Classic
Silver medalist, 2013 IKF World Classic

I really feel lucky and

blessed. For me its
still very hard to take
in that so many people
are interested in
watching me
fight and are there to
support me.
Its really bizarre
to me.
Champion, 2014 WKA
Champion, 2014 IFMA
World Championship
Bronze medalist, 2015
WKF Provincial Champion
and 2015 WPMF World
Champion.

Vincent: So obviously you

know you carry a big mantle
with your surname Lyn?
Janice: Yes, it is quite interesting.
Ive been truly blessed to be born into
such a bloodline and yet I still have so much
to learn about my family history.

Vincent: When did you find out that the Lyn lineage has a famous family style
of Chinese martial arts Ling Gar that has been around for over 700 years?
Janice: Through you and your book. The Ling Gar Legacy: Kung Fu in the Real
World.

Vincent: What do you think of that?

Janice: It means a lot to me to have such a rich family history of martial artists.

Vincent: Would you also like to study your family style of Kung Fu?
Janice: Yes! Please teach me. I wasnt joking when I said I feel like youre Luke
Skywalker and I am your Jedi.

Vincent: Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life?

Janice: My Grandmother who took care of me since I was a baby. She is the most
loving individual I know even though she led a really difficult life growing up. She held a
lot of responsibility at a young age having to take care of her younger siblings since
 Women on Martial Arts

she was the eldest. She is also a survivor of WWII during the Japanese invasion and endured
many horrific experiences. It takes a really strong person to be as solid as she is in her morals
and values. She is the person who teaches me how to love wholeheartedly. She is the
strongest woman in my life.
Secondly, I wouldnt be at this place in my life without my Kru Darwin Miranda and his wife
Danica. I love the gym that they have built, Krudar Muay Thai, because it houses a strong
spirit of fighters, trainers and people who truly care about Muay Thai and the progression of
the sport. Kru and his wife have pour their hearts into the fighters and students who are eager
to learn the art. Students come to learn authentic Muay Thai but come out learning so much
more about how to love what you do, respect others and yourself, how to gain confidence in
your abilities and how to dream big and make those dreams come true. I am forever grateful
for the time, love and sacrifice they have given me and I hope I will make them proud and
carry out their teachings to future generations of Krudar students.

Vincent: Looking forward - what is in Janice Lyn's future?

Janice: I plan to combine my passion for Muay Thai and nutrition. There is lack of
knowledge and miseducation of nutrition. Id like to create a nutrition program for our athletes
and for our members. On a grander scale, I hope to help Muay Thai athletes outside of our
gym and one day hope to be the nutritionist for our national team.
Outside of Muay Thai, I would
like to use my knowledge of
nutrition to help people in
underdeveloped countries. The
Institute of Holistic Nutrition has
an apprenticeship program in
Africa. If picked, I would be
teaching holistic nutrition to
empower womens groups. The
possibilities are endless and Im
very grateful that I have the
opportunity to merge my 3
passions: Muay Thai, Holistic
Nutrition and helping others, in
my lifetime. I am so excited.

Vincent: I want to thank my

Cousin Janice for being so
candid and I'm sure now you'll
have even more fans across
the world. I want to wish you
the greatest success in all your
endeavors. Stay strong, serene
and smart.
Hey, youre a Lyn!

Sifu Vincent Lyn

10th Degree Black Sash and scholar
of Chinese Medicine
Heir of his family Kung-Fu style Ling
Gar.
"Jackie Chan called Vincent Lyn one
of the best fighters he has ever
worked with"
Inducted into the World Martial Arts
Hall of Fame
HBO/Cinemax Urban Action
Showcase was awarded:
"Fists of Legends" - Hong Kong
Legends Cinema Award
President of Pro-Force Security
Corps
Certified by the Inter national
Confederation of Police & Security
Experts
Board of Counselors for the
University of Bridgeport (America's
first BA in Martial Arts Studies).
Fighting With the Winning Edge
A good fighter must be prepared at all times, training hard and
apply the most effective techniques. Be positive and kill fear before
the fight. Be prepared physically and mentally for the unexpected
results, always be very observant of your opponent. Be respectful
and dont be too confident, dont rush, get to know your opponent
by maneuvering the first stages of the fight. Dont lose sight, have
control with super caution, protect yourself at all times. Move fast
when applying combinations of kicks and punches keep your speed
as top priority. The following tips are very important to keep in mind
for successful results in winning any fight.
First a trainee or a student must always keep working on the basics
to preparing himself physically: warming-up, stretch and follow the
traditional workout system of kicking and punching with targets.
Repetitive practice of techniques is very important. It helps to build
up the power in your system so you can depend on it.
Second, the experience comes not only from the gym where you
face your fellow students as opponents, but from participating in as
many competition as possible. This gives you the chance to use your
techniques against a variety of styles. Fighting different opponents
with different styles and experience is always the most challenging
part of the fight. One must however, remember that by taking
chances one eliminates fear and gets the chance to prepare oneself
for the most challenging moments of the fight.
Third, a fighter must not hesitate at any moment to take chances.
Everything in a fight is a gamble. Anything is possible the
possibility exists to win or to be defeated. A good fighter must
always be prepared mentally, spiritually and physically.
The mental part is meditation, done before a fight. Relax before a
fight. Do not over-excite yourself as this weakens the bodys nervous
system.

When a fighter is engaged in a

fight, a total calm and relaxation
must take over.
You must be able to control your
thoughts. You must be able to
discipline your skills.
 Meditation is a key factor in the philosophy of martial arts. Many
students and instructors practice and study meditation techniques to
strengthen their minds. In this way, one understands himself as an
aggressor and will incorporate this into his fighting program and
training. Developing self-understanding and confidence in fighting
avoids injury and eliminates the fear within.
Fear and lack of self-confidence will make the fighter incapable of
winning. That is why meditation is a very important part of training
for the martial artist. One must empty the mind of all outside
thoughts. Paying full attention to the fight moment is all that
matters. In the mind of the martial artist, the practitioner must use all
inner strength and power to avoid distractions.
When a fighter is engaged in a fight, a total calm and relaxation
must take over. You must be able to control your thoughts. You
must be able to discipline your skills. At the same time, you must
train your mind to see the possible self defense that will mean victory.
Think positively and be ready to take as well as to give.
Meditation rids your mind of the wandering. If you use your mind
properly, focusing totally on the object and every action that is
coming toward you, it will establish a harmony between yourself and
the body.
Meditation will strive to free the mind of all unnecessary thoughts
and ideas. One must be honest and straightforward in the
examination of himself. It always seems that hearing and listening
with full sincerity will give you good judgement. This judgement
could be the deciding factor between life and death.
The mind free of unnecessary thoughts always allow us to be
spontaneous with our techniques. This means that at the moment of
the attack you will focus on your particular course of action. This will
allow you to attack with the same experience level as reflected in
your training. Those moments that we take to meditate allow us to
have a positive attitude to face day to day training routines and to
perform at our best physical abilities.

Fear and lack of self-confidence

will make the fighter
incapable of winning.
That is why meditation is a very
important part of training for the
martial artist.
 The training methods in the philosophy of martial arts are very
demanding and must be pursued with complete involvement. Any
challenge that presents itself must be faced with calmness. Watch
and respond to your opponent. The mind, the body, and the soul
must be united in concert at any moment during the match. You are
the best judge of your skills and ability.
The person and the art are unified; that art does not exist without
the involvement. The spiritual part of meditation depends on the
individual, on his belief, his faith, and his attitude.
While meditating, focus solely on the subject selected to give a
sense of calm. Remove all evil from the mind. The condition of the
mind and the state of the being are vital. Spiritual and mental
harmony should be nurtured to develop the skills of the mind and the
body so that nothing can destroy the sense of self worth.
A fighter must be able to face unexpected confrontation. However,
a fighter must be kind, respectful and understanding to others.
Meditation will help create this understanding.

NOTES
When you learn to defeat the opponents fear, he will defeat
himself.
An experienced fighter must adjust for a successful win.
If you learn to fluid, you will be unbeatable.

GM Maurice Elmalem
7 Time World Champion,
Author, Producer, Artist,
www.mauricepromartial arts.com

A fighter must be able to face

unexpected confrontation.
However, a fighter must be kind,
respectful and understanding
to others.
Meditation will help
create this understanding.
 Always with the Ochikara, "The Great Strength" (called e-bunto in the Shizen vernacular tongue) or secret wisdom
of the ancient Miryoku Japanese shamans, as a backdrop, the author takes us into a world of genuine reflections
that are capable to move at once both the reader's heart and head, thus placing him continuously in front of the
abyss of the invisible, as the true final frontier of personal and collective consciousness.
The spiritual taken not as religion, but as the study of the invisible, was the way of the ancient Miryoku sages to
approach the mystery in the framework of a culture as rich as unknown, to which the author has wholeheartedly
devoted.
Alfredo Tucci, Manager Director to Budo International Publishing Co. and author in the past 30 years of a large
number of titles about the Warrior's Way, offers us a set of extraordinary and profound reflections, which can be
read individually in no particular order. Each one of them opens up a window to us through which we can take a
look at the most varied subjects from an unexpected angle, now dotted with humor now with forcefulness and
grandiosity, placing us in front of eternal matters with the view of the one who has just arrived and doesn't agree
with the common places in which everyone coincides.
We can affirm with conviction that no reader will be indifferent to this book; such is the strength and intensity of
its contents. Saying this is saying a lot in a world crowded with collective mangers, interested and behavioral
ideologies, manipulators and, in short, spurious interests and mediocrity. It is therefore a text for big souls and
intelligent people who are ready to look at life and mystery with the freedom of the most restless and scrutinizing
minds, without dogmas, without transient morals, without subterfuges...