Martial Arts Magazine Budo International 512 April 2025 by Budo International Martial Arts Magazine

Join the greats! Join the greats!

Dates: May 16, 17 and 18, 2025 Dates: May 16, 17 and 18, 2025

Join the greats! Join the greats!

Dates: May 16, 17 and 18, 2025 Dates: May 16, 17 and 18, 2025

BUDO MASTERS 2025

The event:

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Dates: May 16, 17 and 18, 2025

Pearls of the Warrior Pearls of the Warrior

“If you want to know the secrets of the Universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration”

Worms or butterflies? Worms or butterflies?

Astrology is an ancient system of describing the world, which has been updated under immense pressure by swimming against the tide. Difficulty leads to ease! Well, it sharpens the wits and wakes you up in a glorious way. Under the pressure of censorship in Spain, we saw the emergence of a generation of extraordinary cartoonists, who used their humor as a transformative weapon.

Analogical systems of thought, so typical and natural in humans (we have spent more time as humans using this format than the current one), have been qualified and subjected by the scientific method to the label of witchcraft. Witchcraft, like art and creativity, is characterized by using both sides of the brain at the same time.

The human brain, by nature, thus strives to automatically use this analogical analysis system, which on the other hand has allowed us to survive and thrive as a species for a long time, with or without Descartes' permission.

On the other hand, the scientific method has enabled us to progress exponentially, but in doing so it has become a kind of belief system; thus, instead of a working method, it has been transfigured from its vantage point into the only bulwark of absolute truth. But as Le luthier said: “There is no such thing as absolute truth... and this is absolutely true”.

Crushed under the weight of the shoe of this group predisposition to see everything through that lens, which has animated the collective unconscious for the last two centuries, the analogical method, resilient as only it can be, has meant that the ancient descriptions of the world have been accommodated and intensely updated. This is the case of E-bunto (*), which kept its knowledge secret until now in an unsuspected way. Many other occult traditions are now re-emerging, like weeds that you pull out of the garden but which, in the struggle, become stronger every day. Astrology is a similar case and during the 20th century a group of new scholars were able to adapt and reinterpret its foundations, driven by new astronomical discoveries and, above all, by Jung's contribution to the modern belief system. Astrology abandoned its dream of investing itself in a deterministic science, something it was pushed towards by those in power in the past, to embrace a holistic and inclusive conception.

Having said this, not in defense of astrology, but as a necessary introduction to the use I want to make of it in this text, I will get down to business. Beyond the debates about the exact moment when the new age of Aquarius begins (the church is full of doctors!), there is no doubt that certain cosmic events, with their reflection in earthly history, have been announcing a paradigm shift between the two axes in transit, Pisces-Capricorn, Leo-Aquarius.

For those unfamiliar with the subject, I will simply say, read and take an interest before judging, but to facilitate the reader's understanding, we will say that the paradigms of the Pisces axis (religions) Capricorn (Crowned heads, the establishment...) are now opposed on the axis we are entering; Aquarius (Us, technology, inventions) Leo (individualism).

Given that Pluto has finished its task of destruction and rebirth in Capricorn, now that it has just entered Aquarius, we can expect an absolute reconception of the concept of the common. The common is plural, that is to say the idea of how we group together, and the very concept of what this means. Thus the ideas of collective organization will be called into question. We are already witnessing a revolutionary process regarding this paradigm. Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, which is in itself revolution, the leap into the void of change, spontaneous mutation. Uranus also rules technology and we are perplexed to witness the immense transformations to which the emergence of computers, and lately AI, are leading us.

Uranus, lord of lightning, illuminates the darkness of consciousness with a flash, an instant in which we see our most shadowy surroundings clearly, even at great distances, but after which, a second later, we are unable to see the stones and the details of the path.

The idea of the individual, a conquest of classical Greece, will have to be shaped in these new times in which the West, as the guiding light of humanity's conscience, pales and agonizes. The emergence of the USA, the epitome of the age of individual freedoms (with all its contradictions), and the economic rise of modern China as a leading power are a sign of these times.

Eras are analogous to the seasons in the astronomical year of the earth, but in terms of major axes. In the same way, they do not arrive suddenly. Even day and night have interregnum periods full of indeterminate chiaroscuro, but even in the doubt of change, trends always show themselves clearly. Little by little the darkness at dusk increases, just as at dawn the light imposes itself. Always in transit, humanity witnesses its changes; it is here that the “upper chamber” vision that astrology allows us, becomes an essential guide to understanding these transformations. Being aware of them will allow us to participate better, both as spectators and as actors, in this cosmic scenario, to which being born at this time inexorably impels us.

If we are spirits living a material life, being born in a specific context has to do with our evolutionary needs, providing us with the means and the script to fulfill our purposes, thus participating in the “great work”. Those most aware of the framework will enjoy the advantage that all knowledge provides; the majority, however, will be passive objects and extras in its staging. When one has no knowledge of oneself or of the environment, one will always be in danger; like leaves blown here and there by the winds of change, without an engine of their own. When one has no strategy, one always serves the strategy of another.

Like the worm that transforms into a butterfly, the ultimate image of transmutation, the human being must go through its phases: first forward, crawling along the ground; then inward, when, on looking at itself, it becomes a cocoon, and from there, finally metamorphosing into a butterfly. And the butterfly breaks its shell and flies upward! To finally fly... Towards the Whole!

(*) A body of knowledge about the energies that make up the universe, and the culture of the Hagumo (Shizen) people of Japan, which has remained hidden until the 21st century.

“Like

the worm that transforms into a butterfly, the ultimate image of transmutation, the human being must go through its phases: First forwards, crawling along the ground; inwards, when, on looking at itself, it becomes a cocoon, in order to metamorphose into a butterfly at last. And the butterfly breaks its shell. Upwards! To finally fly... Towards the Whole!”

Enrique de Vicente interview to

Shidoshi Alfredo Tucci on his youtube channel about Ebunto Japanese Shamanism of the indigenous people of Japan

Enrique de Vicente interview to Shidoshi Alfredo Tucci on his youtube channel about Ebunto Japanese Shamanism of the indigenous people of Japan

Two unavoidable references in the world of Martial Arts in our time, John Machado and Avi Nardia, long-time friends, one in Texas, the other in Belgrade, but on a plane every month, collaborate in this video in which they analyze disarms and self-defense techniques, the result of their shared experience. Let this article serve as an introduction to a work for all those who, beyond styles, know how to see and enjoy mastery, intelligent solutions and the advantages of cooperation over confrontation.

Pure Brazilian ju Jitsu, John and his Machado brothers sowed quality throughout America together with their cousins the Gracie brothers, opening the world to the techniques of the “soft art” that have revolutionized the last fifty years in the sector. Avi Nardia, a regular in our pages for decades, has had Israeli combat systems in his blood and has experienced first-hand their development and teaching, from his experiences in his unit, the Yaman, to his devotion to the arts of ancient Japan. An extraordinary combination that endures over time and always bears fantastic fruit, such as the present work.

Two greats who have my utmost respect and admiration.

Alfredo Tucci

Photos: Peter Doyle & Alfredo Tucci

Text: Chris Cotter

The Ronin and the Tea Master

“The sword has to be more than a simple weapon; it has to be an answer to life’s questions.”

-Miyamoto Musashi

I recently had the pleasure of accompanying Avi Nardia on his travels in the United States and in our discussions, we talked about the application of swordsmanship and martial arts to all aspects of life. It’s no surprise that The Book of the Five Rings and The Art of War became best sellers among executives and business elites, parallelling Carl von Clausewitz’s assertion that “War is merely the continuation of policy by other means.” Oftentimes, we get comfortable in or lives or in business because the structure of our society and industry is such that we have a large margin of error and there is a high tolerance for waste and inefficiency.

In war and in combat, we have no such luxury. Teams need to work in seamless coordination, training must be rigorous and adapted as strictly as possible to realistic conditions and the focus of each individual must be directly aligned with that of the whole, a focus which must be aimed at the highest-level priority for success. It’s for this reason that executives and those working in highly competitive industries seek out the guidance of military strategy, better adapting their own initiatives and leadership strategies to the rigors of combat.

Following this model, Avi Nardia has been developing a system of martial arts that can be adapted to life in general. Whether a martial artist or a business executive, a salesperson or a Law Enforcement Officer, Avi’s updated and integrated system incorporates the principles of “Kensei” or “Sword Saints” – a title designating one as not just a fighter, but as one who embodies the philosophical, moral and physical attributes of a warrior.

This system that he is calling Integrated Jiu Jitsu (IJJ) is the highest-level and most thorough system developed as a culmination of his experience and training.

IJJ incorporates his Close Distance Combat (CDC) curriculum, which has been developed training Special Forces units and top tier close protection teams throughout the world and combines this with his conceptual and philosophical learnings having studied swordsmanship for seven years in Japan. This system doesn’t require that one dedicate their life to martial arts, but rather integrate the martial arts into their life and develop and walk their own path, thus making it accessible to civilians and martial arts practitioners. Similarly to ...

Sword Style with No Sword

In Japanese, the term “Kensei” denotes a higher degree of perfection, a level that allows one to win fights without fighting or a sword style that requires no sword. Master Avi Nardia teaches a style of two swords: "satsujinken" (the sword that kills) versus "katsujinken" (the sword that gives life). Just as we learn martial arts to excel in our combative ability, so also should a true martial art be used for self-improvement and the betterment of society, not just for combat. This is often manifest in our abandonment of ego, situational awareness, relative position, calm in adverse situations and our psychological awareness and ability to de-escalate a potentially dangerous situation. Parallelling the question “which doctor is better, one that can cure any disease or one who can provide guidance so you never suffer a disease in the first place?”, so also one could say “which martial artist is better, one who can win any fight or one who can prevent a fight from occurring in the first place?” – obviously the latter is the superior practitioner in both cases.

Just like the third rule in the original Roadhouse was “Be nice”, being kind and caring to others is the easiest way to avoid unnecessary conflict in the first place. Your training should also prepare you for highstress situations, meaning when you do find yourself in an escalating conflict, your calm should act as ballast for the belligerents, brining a sense of peace to de-escalate the argument. If you’ve been training for a while, you should also have failed enough times to have put your ego in check. This is possibly the biggest liability in a situation that is escalating, where insults or even physical contact have already been leveled against you. Walking away with a smile is sometimes the best response to prevent a conflict, understanding when a situation doesn’t call for violence. Finally, in a situation where violence is truly unavoidable, having the skills and abilities to act in a just and moral manner to protect others is when you can exercise the “satsujinken”, ensuring your level of force is commensurate with the threat being dealt with.

“Just as we learn martial arts to excel in our combative ability, so also should a true martial art be used for self-improvement and the betterment of society, not just for combat.”

The Ronin and the Tea Master

A tea master, serving a Daimyo (a feudal lord), accidentally offended a ronin (masterless samurai) who then challenged him to a duel. Lacking any combat skills and fearing that he would die as a coward, disgracing his lord’s name, the tea master sought the guidance of a renowned sword master to teach him to die with dignity. Normally, this sword master would not even admit a student until undergoing rigorous months’ long assessments, but seeing the distraught look on the tea master’s face and hearing his story, the sword master admitted him as his student, but on the condition that the tea master prepare him a pot of tea.

Immediately, the tea master’s demeanor changed from sheer terror to absolute calm and his mastery of Zen was demonstrated in the precision with which he gently folded his outer jacket and set it aside and how he calmly and gracefully prepared the tea. As the sword master slowly sipped his tea, he told the tea master that he had no need for a master, but that when he met the ronin for combat, he should simply imagine that he is preparing tea for a revered guest and that he draw and hold his sword with the same grace and calm that he prepared the tea. He would be cut down with one blow by the ronin and honor the legacy of his lord with a noble death. The tea master understood and thanked the sword master for his wisdom.

The next day the ronin arrived at the point agreed and was surprised to see the tea master arrive in his ceremonial garb, fitted with a sword. The tea master calmly took off and folded his outer jacket and set it to the side as though he were about to prepare tea, but then drew his sword and raised it above his head, prepared to die in one stroke from the ronin. The ronin however was stunned by the tea master’s calm and focus, having drawn his sword with the same grace and precision he used in his craft. The ronin, sensing the tea master's composure and fearless intent, was overcome with doubt and seeing the folded outer jacket thought to himself “If he thought he was going to die, why would he fold his jacket? He must be a great master and I was a fool to have challenged him!”

“As is the case whenever we get the opportunity, Master Avi and I visited Master John Machado in Texas. In addition to sitting in on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes with a true Martial Arts Legend”

The ronin then bowed and begged forgiveness from the tea master, asking if he could be pardoned for his disrespect and lack of discretion. The tea master pardoned him and went on to serve his lord many more years, never forgetting the lesson of the sword master.

Just as the tea master was able to apply the principles of his art to martial arts, so also we as martial arts practitioners can apply the principles of martial arts to our profession, relationships and life.

The same calm a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner can exercise while surviving a choke and maneuvering to a superior position, he can employ in a stressful business meeting while calmly receiving the information of a crisis and maneuvering to resolve the issue. The same discipline with which a Muay Thai practitioner drills kicks and movements can be applied to the routine administrative tasks that most at his job would procrastinate in completing. This is a simple, yet profound realization in martial arts, one that can be life changing.

“Master John puts you in situations to challenge you and keep you in a constant state of growth.”

Training and Learning from a True Master

As is the case whenever we get the opportunity, Master Avi and I visited Master John Machado in Texas. In addition to sitting in on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes with a true Martial Arts Legend, we were able to sit down and chat over coffee. It is seldom that you come across someone with such passion and love of life, but Master John truly embodies the philosophy that he teaches. His teaching style is not at all rigid or mechanical, instead he gives you very concise concepts and allows you to explore the overall idea to generate your own style and techniques, which accelerates the learning process and pushes the body to internalize the concept as opposed to simply mirroring a technique. As you explore and ask questions, he’s able to show you so many variations and contingencies that your mind gradually opens up to the multi-dimensional nature of the art. As you continue to explore, Master John puts you in situations to challenge you and keep you in a constant state of growth. This past time training, Master John was demonstrating a specific concept that corrected an error that one of his students made in a recent competition, then showing a few variations (and many more variations for the more advanced students). One could think of this as limitless complexity from extreme simplicity.

Just as a seed contains all the information and capabilities to grow an entire tree and bear fruit, so also one concept taught by a true master has the ability to blossom into countless adaptations, depending on the circumstances and response from your opponent.

This same simplicity carries over into Master John Machado’s life. Instead of focusing on distractions in life, Master John distances himself from the drama and politics of martial arts and focuses on a good coffee, natural food and great conversations with friends. From this simple principle, there is limitless potential and this philosophy provides him peace and joy in life. By not getting wrapped up in the schemes and contrivances of others, Master John has more time to prioritize the activities that add more value to his life.

“I’ve had the extreme pleasure and fortune to train under such masters as Dr. Les Moore, John Machado and Avi Nardia, along with many others.”

Putting it all together

I’ve had the extreme pleasure and fortune to train under such masters as Dr. Les Moore, John Machado and Avi Nardia, along with many others. I can say with confidence that the teachings, guidance and vision of these great masters has been nothing short of life-changing. The application of the principles taught, the discipline and the perspectives have been integrated into every aspect of my life, both personal and professional. Avi’s system of Integrated Jiu Jitsu provides a framework for anyone looking to develop themselves, whether that be physically, philosophically or in their martial or combative arts journey. His practical instruction paired with the wisdom accumulated from a life-long study of martial arts has given him the unique ability to discern and tailor his training to any individual or audience. The pinnacle of his training is the way of the sword with no sword, shaping martial arts practitioners into true Kensei.

Handling firearms in self-defense

Using firearms in self-defense is a demanding and complex challenge in martial arts, whether for beginners, advanced students or masters. The essential question that arises is: How practical and realistic is the training? It is often overlooked that there is a significant difference between the controlled conditions in the dojo and the unpredictable circumstances of a street fight.

Before training in defensive techniques against firearms in a dojo or on a shooting range, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the weapon itself. This knowledge includes not only knowing different weapon types and models, but also how to handle them safely, how to position them correctly, and how to carry the weapon.

This includes analyzing dangerous situations before, during and after a potential conflict, as well as paying attention to the surroundings and the mental demands in such extreme situations. Only through a thorough understanding and respectful handling of the weapon can the necessary connection be created that is crucial for effective selfdefense.

Those who train disarmament techniques against firearms must be aware that many of these exercises are often idealized in the protected environment of the dojo due to the structures of the martial art. However, in reality, characterized by stress and uncertainty, these techniques quickly reach their limits. The real challenge and also the potential dan-

ger is to clearly recognize and respect the difference between art and reality.

Conclusion: Self-defense against firearms requires much more than just mastering techniques. It requires a comprehensive understanding of the weapon, the environment and one's own mental strength. The contrast between controlled training in the dojo and the unpredictable reality of an emergency makes it clear that theory and practice often do not seamlessly transition into one another. Only those who understand and respect the difference between the idealized martial art and real-life conditions can act consciously and responsibly in an emergency. Ultimately, the decisive component is not the weapon, but the person who holds it and understands what conscious handling means.

“Those who do not regularly work with firearms and do not train intensively with them should, in my opinion, not teach defense techniques against firearms.”

Firearms in self-defense: why experience and regular training are essential

Handling a firearm for self-defense is not simply a learnable technique. It requires a deep connection to the weapon itself, in-depth knowledge of its mechanisms and a pronounced ability to realistically assess dangerous situations. In many traditional martial arts, disarming techniques are trained in the dojo, but these often remain in a controlled, artificial environment and fail under the psychological and physical pressure of real use.

Dealing effectively with firearms goes far beyond their use in the hall: it means mastering the mental and technical side, sharpening situational awareness and always acting vigilantly and responsibly.

Therefore, only those who train regularly under realistic conditions and with high standards develop a genuine, resilient ability in dealing with firearms and in self-defense.

“Anyone who doesn't regularly work with firearms and train with them intensively should, in my opinion, not teach selfdefense techniques against firearms.”

Agility and mobility when shooting

Agility and mobility are two of the most crucial, but often underestimated, skills for effective shooting. They form the basis for dynamic shooting techniques and enable you to move flexibly and quickly in real-life self-defense situations. To develop a shooter's full potential, it is essential to train these skills in a targeted manner. The interplay of body mechanics, strength, footwork, speed, timing, coordination, balance, and mental attitude makes the difference between success and failure in the field.

It is not only important to have these qualities, but also to know when and how to use them. Each situation – whether shooting, knife fighting or close combat – requires a specific combination of these skills. Agility and mobility are at the core of shooting technique as they provide the foundation for smooth and precise movements. A marksman who has mastered these skills is limber, flexible and always ready to react quickly and efficiently.

The importance of agility and mobility is particularly evident in critical moments, such as in complete darkness or in other threatening situations, where the ability to move quietly, quickly and in a controlled manner can save lives. Shooting on the move requires precise control of weight transfer. A good marksman can move continuously – whether squatting, standing up or changing to another position –and still always hit the target. This perfection is the result of intensive training that combines agility and mobility with cognitive and mental exercises.

Another important aspect is cognitive and mental training, which sharpens attention, responsiveness, memory, and sensory acuity. These skills are essential to consciously navigate various movements and environments in the heat of the moment without losing control or putting yourself in a dangerous position. A shooter must be able to control their breathing, memorize the layout of the room and maintain situational awareness at all times.

“Even though the pistol remains a deadly weapon, it is not the deciding factor. The person who carries it is the deciding factor.”

“Only those who understand that shooting goes far beyond muscle power and technique will become a true professional and that is the key to personal safety and efficiency in the field.”

Many people, whether in sports or security professions, mistakenly believe that shooting is only about physical strength and athleticism. But to become a true professional, you have to open your mind and recognize what skills are really necessary to be fully prepared in every situation.

The ultimate goal is to develop the shooter's full potential in a holistic way, with agility, mobility and mental strength as key elements for success and safety.

Diagram extract:

1. Agility and mobility

• Flexibility and suppleness

2. Cognitive and mental training

• Attention, responsiveness, memory and sensory sensitivity

These elements form the foundation for the ability to act precisely and effectively even in dynamic and unpredictable situations.

Conclusion: agility and mobility are not mere additions, but essential building blocks for anyone who wants to reach their full potential in shooting. In combination with cognitive and mental training, they shape a shooter who can act precisely, flexibly and quickly in any situation – whether day or night, on the move or under pressure. Mastering these skills means not only becoming more technically adept, but also, on a deeper, holistic level, being prepared to face the real challenges of a defensive situation. Only by understanding that shooting goes far beyond muscle power and technique can one become a true professional, and this is the key to personal safety and operational efficiency.

The path to this level of excellence is demanding, but the reward is invaluable: a shooter who is prepared for any situation, always acts confidently and can exploit the full spectrum of his abilities. Agility, mobility and mental strength are the keys to shooting that is not only effective but also sustainably safe for oneself and for others.

Vital Points

“The effectiveness of any mar tial art is based on the principles they are founded upon... not the techniques. This is the chicken and egg question. Which

came first... the chicken or

the egg?”

“Kyusho Jitsu is not an art unto itself, but an advanced part of every martial art and the principles that we will discuss in this article will undoubtedly help you to increase the effectiveness of YOUR martial art.”

Assisted by Gianluca Frisan of Italy

The Kyusho Pyramid 10 Steps to Increasing the effectiveness of ANY martial art

By Mark Kline

The effectiveness of any martial art is based on the principles they are founded upon... not the techniques. This is the chicken and egg question. Which came first... the chicken or the egg?

Kyusho Jitsu is not an art unto itself, but an advanced part of every martial art and the principles that we will discuss in this article will undoubtedly help you to increase the effectiveness of YOUR martial art.

First I would like to tell you a little about myself.

I started wrestling at the age of 12 and continued with this until my 2nd year of college. This training was pivotal to how my martial arts career has evolved. During my first year of college I started studying Tang Soo Do, which was my first introduction to the kicking and punching aspects of the martial arts. Due to 7 years of grappling experience, this type of training was strange at first especially when it came to sparring. My first instinct had always been to grapple and takedown as soon as possible. When the instructors told me that this was against the

Vital Points

rules, I was a bit confused since I thought I was learning self defense, but what I soon realized was that I was learning sport karate. Once I understood this, I was ok with it since I was adding new strategies to my arsenal.

Soon after my college years, I started training with George Dillman, Professor Wally Jay and Professor Remy Presas. I used the revenue from my school, which I opened. In 1992, to train with one or all of them almost every weekend for more than 10 years and became the first person in the world to have earned individual black belts from each Grandmaster.

What I learned from them was invaluable to my understanding of armed and unarmed self defense through the strategies and concepts that I was studying. These transcended style and armed with this knowledge I have been codifying these principles, as you will see below, to help anyone, regardless of style or time training to increase the effectiveness of what they learn, study, and teach.

Since then I have been teaching seminars all over the world on the subject of Ryukyu Kempo / Kyusho Jitsu combined with Modern Arnis and Small Circle Jujitsu. This is what I call The PinPoint™ Method...A Strategic and Tactical Pressure Point Methodology. Easy to Learn. Quick to Implement.

So let’s dive right in and talk about the 10 Steps that I have discovered that will increase the effectiveness of any martial art.

Controlling Your Center

There are two aspects to controlling your center. First we will start with the Physical Aspect. It is important to maintain correct posture through what exercise physiologists call, keeping a “Neutral Spine.” This is where your spine is in the most natural state, where you can move about with ease and power. Maintaining correct posture will both enable you to avoid being drawn off balance by an opponent and allow you to transfer the maximum effect of your techniques into your opponent.

Now let’s move onto the the Emotional Aspect of controlling your center. Keeping a clear, focused state of mind despite the common emotions of fear and anger which

10 Steps to Increasing the effectiveness of ANY martial art

Kyusho Jitsu

usually accompany a confrontation is critical to maintaining the fine motor skills which are an integral part of the PinPoint™ Method.

Controlling your Opponent’s Center

Controlling your opponent’s center is broken into two parts. We will start off with the Physical Aspect. Keeping an opponent off balance physically makes it possible to apply techniques to larger, stronger opponents and make it more difficult for them to attempt to counter your actions.

The second aspect that we will discuss is the Emotional Aspect where we learn and train tactics intended to mislead, confuse, and otherwise inhibit an opponent’s ability to make good decisions. This will further decrease their ability to counteract your actions.

Body Movement

There are two aspects to understanding Body Movement. We will start out with our body movement first. Sometimes meeting

“Keeping an opponent off balance physically makes it possible to apply techniques to larger, stronger opponents and make it more difficult for them to attempt to counter your actions.”

“Once we can have a good understanding of how to generate power for striking and grappling thr ough proper body alignment, this will help us to maximize our power”

Vital Points

an attack head-on is the correct course o f action. Frequently however, avoiding and/or redirecting an attack achieves better results. Co-opting and/or commandeering an opponent’s momentum can also produce a significant tactical advantage and the recognition of when to move where is essential to any martial arts arsenal.

Now we can discuss your opponent’s Body Movement. There are cues that an opponent will give just before they are ready to attack. Understanding these cues and incorporating them into your training is essential to all martial arts. One problem with training in techniques only is that we as students don’t learn how to act spontaneously and how to recover from this. When things don’t go as planned, we tend to freeze up and stay in harm’s way. A good understanding of our

opponent’s body movement is a sure fire way to increase the chances of exiting most encounters safely.

Body Alignment

There are two aspects to understanding Body Alignment. We will start with our body alignment first. Once we can have a good understanding of how to generate power for striking and grappling through proper alignment will help us to utilize our entire body, including the legs and muscles of our core. We can maximize our effectiveness of all of our techniques in this manner.

When talking about your opponent’s Body Alignment, this is where we will learn how to create an alignment in our opponent’s body which will put them at a mechanical disadvantage. By breaking the structure of just one part of your opponent’s body, they will lose the ability to fight back offensively because they will be fighting just to keep their balance.

Principle of Opposites

There are certain subconscious things our body’s do when confronted with an attack. When someone pushes, we generally push back. When someone

Vital Points

pulls us, we generally pull away. These are a part of our natural survival instincts and basically how our attacker expects us to respond, but this does not mean that we cannot makes changes to what, individually, we perceive as natural. We can create habits that become natural...to us.

The Principle of Opposites is all about doing the opposite of what we would do instinctually thus retraining our brain. For example instead of pulling away when we are grabbed and pulled, move in towards our attacker and they will immediately take a defensive position by attempting to push you back. These are all predictable responses. All martial arts talk about using your opponent’s energy against them, but fail to address the psychological and instinctual components of using this Principle in detail. Using this principle against your opponent will help you to control their physical and emotional centers. This is a key principle in the PinPoint™ Method.

Yin & Yang

When we can understand the predictable responses our opponent will have when we strike or grapple with them, we can increase the effectiveness of our techniques. As a basic rule, The front of the body, which includes the inside of the arm and inside of the legs are considered Yin or Negative. The predictable response you would get when striking these areas are that your opponent will immediately close down towards the fetal position (depending on the area targeted and the amount of force).

The back of the body, including the sides of the torso, back and outside of the legs and back of the arms are considered Yang or Positive. When these points are manipulated the opponent opens up with one or both arms moving outward.

“The Principle of Opposites is all about doing the opposite of what we would do instinctually thus r etraining our brain.”

Kyusho Jitsu

“Since then I have been teaching seminars all over the world on the subject of R yukyu Kempo / Kyusho Jitsu combined with Modern Arnis and Small Circle Jujitsu. This is what I call The PinPoint™ Method...A Strategic and Tactical Pressure Point Methodology. Easy to Learn. Quick to Implement.”

Vital Points

These reactions are quite easy to explain from a physiological perspective. For examples I am going to use broad generalities using the upper body in this discussion. Yin responses where the opponent’s arms come in to protect themselves are to cover the internal organs located close to the surface in the front of the body. Even though the rib cage is there to protect the organs, the arms are a second layer of defense. In contrast, the back is heavily muscled because the arms cannot protect in the same manner. When the arms move backwards, the muscles close in around the spine and protect this vital area.

Understanding predictable responses of the body is yet another core component of the PinPoint™ Method.

Multiple Planes of Motion

There are two aspects we cover when discussing Multiple Planes of Motion. The first we will discuss is Striking. Utilizing multiple directions of movement can significantly increase the effectiveness of a strike. For instance, a punch in which the wrist is rotated upon impact, which we call a Force Multiplyer™ can transfer more energy into an opponent with less effort on your part. The result is greater effect on the opponent with less risk of you sustaining an injury to your hand or wrist due to impact.

Now let’s take a look at the grappling aspect when using Multiple Planes of Motion. This is where we would simultaneously apply torque to a joint along multiple planes. When we apply torque to a joint in multiple directions at once, we can produce greater results with less effort, increasing the chances of success against a larger, stronger opponent.

Anatomical Intuition

There are two aspects we talk about when discussing Anatomical Intuition. This is where we Instantly determine and apply the most appropriate technique(s) to achieve maximum effect based on the situation. (Reading motion of the body). This goes hand in hand with the aspects of Body Movement and Body Alignment and will help us to achieve success no matter whether we are applying a grappling technique or striking our opponent.

“Transitioning

from one technique to another rapidly, without leaving an opening for your opponent to counter, is necessary to win a fight and should be looked as a stand alone aspect.”

Kyusho Jitsu

The second aspect is Tactile Sensitivity. Every opponent will react differently to striking and grappling techniques. Determining the amount of force / pressure needed and having the ability to detect when a technique is not having the desired effect you must transition (see the aspect of Transitions)to a different one -- in fractions of a second.

This is another core component of the PinPoint™ Method.

Transitions

Transitioning from one technique to another rapidly, without leaving an opening for your opponent to counter, is necessary to win a fight and should be looked as a stand alone aspect. The ability to do this is achieved by learning to intuitively apply all of the PinPoint™ principles described above, knowing when to put on and take off pressure and when to change technique based upon your positioning in relation to that of your opponent.

Pressure Points / Anatomical Targets

The last aspect we will discuss today is the use of Pressure Point and/or Anatomical Targets. Pressure points induce specific physiological effects which you can strike or grapple with to use as leverage to escape, counter-attack, and diminish or eliminate an attacker’s ability to continue their attack. Sometimes these effects include pain, but more often include weakness (due to what’s called the myotatic reflex), disorientation, and even unconsciousness.

A common mistake many people make is that they believe that learning Pressure Points and/or Anatomical Targets is the most important aspect. The reason that I have chosen to discuss this aspect last is because without all the previous aspects discussed, this aspect could have little to no effect.

It is very important to have good solid technique first and foremost. There is a saying in Politics that if you put lipstick on a pig...it is still a pig. Learning the foundational elements of any art, especially if you want to add Kyusho to your arsenal is paramount to increasing the effectiveness, but only after you have become a good technician.

In Conclusion

The aspects we discussed in this article can make you a better martial artist. We have produced a DVD that can help you have a better understanding of how to quickly incorporate these into your training. My goal has always been to pass an effective self defense methodology that is not only easy to learn, but quick to implement.

The beginning

It was the early 80s and, as I've said in various other places, I found myself in Indonesia. It was my first trip to the Far East. Like any other practitioner of Japanese martial arts, in my case judo and jujitsu, I would have hoped to visit Japan, but fate brought me to Bali instead. As soon as I arrived I realized that, from a tourist point of view, this was a stroke of luck, but as far as martial arts were concerned, I still preferred the land of the Samurai. After visiting several gyms where the local martial art Pencak Silat was practiced, I became convinced that after all, with different names, there were similar activities in Italy too, for example the Viet Vo Dao that I was practicing in Milan.

Only after a few days my thoughts were contradicted: by chance I found myself in a Banjar (a Balinese neighborhood) where I was able to see young people and teachers at work. On the hard tiles of a kind of temple protected by a beautiful canopy, without walls, these people were performing both fascinating solo movements and splendid hand-to-hand techniques. I approached. That's where it all began.

My adventure began with the teacher Ketut Gysir, known as Mangku Gysir, or priest of the Hindu religion. He was an enigmatic, unpredictable character, you never knew if what you said or did pleased him or not, however, after a painful start with particular massages on pressure points and painful twisting of my toes, I started to practice every day. Some time later I learned that the style I was learning, which seemed so different from what I had seen in the gyms in Denpasar (the capital), was called Cidepok.

He told me that it was a well-known and widespread practice in some Balinese communities and added that interest in it was decreasing compared to the past; young people were turning their attention elsewhere, practicing other sports and above all, having to study and work, they no longer had time to devote themselves to traditional arts.

A few years later I found out that there was and still is a town near Bandung with the same name. I started to explore and wander around Sumatra, Java, Lombok, Flores, just to mention a few islands of the archipelago. I had interesting experiences in Malaysia, but I never missed my yearly appointment in Bali.

Master Ketut introduced me to Master Agung Aliit Sumandi (who can be seen as a young athlete in Draegher's book). I was also initiated into the Citembak Silat style, known as the explosive style, whose motto is: strong, fast and close.

Studying Cidepok Silat opened my mind, as I learned to discern what was Seni (artistic movement) and what was effective in combat against the orang jalan (the man in the street, the real aggressor).

In Sumatra I was lucky because I met the living authority of the Harimau, Master Malano, and even in this case I would have understood very little without the solid training I had received in Bali. Wandering around like a seeker of enchanted unicorns (as Shidoshi Alfredo Tucci called me) I found swindlers and charlatans, but also good people and good teachers.

Master Agung, with his kind and helpful nature, unfortunately passed away prematurely. However, he had the time to teach his two children the traditional arts. To tell the truth, one of the two younger ones was already a promising athlete of Balinese Silat Bakthi Negara, however he was intrigued by the fact that a Westerner came from Italy to study with his father while he, who always had him at his disposal, seemed to snub his father's old martial arts practices. The son did much more than study with his father. Following my example, he went to Banjar Singgi, which in the last century was teeming with Pencak Silat and even Chinese kung fu masters, and by interviewing the survivors he managed to create a system that today is called Silat Singgi, or the martial arts practices of that magical neighborhood. A team from Italy is already ready to go to Bali to learn the wonders of Silat Singgi.

Bandung

Last year I decided to embark on a journey to discover the origins of Cidepok, searching in the area around Bandung on the island of Java. Once again I was lucky: I found a system that was already organized, at least in terms of the structure of the jurus. The system is called White Elephant, which is also the symbol of this style of Silat. It is not a question of imitating the animal's movements, the symbol is intended to emphasize the qualities of power, generosity and resistance of the pachyderm combined with the purity represented by the color white in Indonesian, Putih

In 1959, the master Kh. H. Jagnudin, in the region of Jawa Barat, brought together his knowledge, which obviously concerned the different styles present in the area, and composed a program in which Jurus and Langkah form the backbone.

“Studying Cidepok Silat opened my mind, as I learned to discern what was Seni (an artistic movement) and what was effective in fighting orang jalan (the man on the street, the real aggressor).”

Gajah Putih, the White Elephant

There are 25 Jurus, subdivided as follows:

1. The first Jurus is simply called Jurus

2. The second is called Jurus Susun which in Javanese means level, in fact it indicates an increase in level because instead of 2 strokes, 4 strokes are made.

3. The third Jurus is called Jurus Potong which means “cut”

4. The fourth is called Jurus Sikut or elbow

5. The fifth is Depan Potong, which includes jurus number three

6. Jurus depan Sikut also includes jurus number four within jurus number six

This is the end of the first level of Silat Gajah Putih. It usually takes six months to successfully complete the first step. The next step is another 6 jurus:

1. Jurus simur

2. Jurus selup

3. Tabang atas

4. Tabang Bawa

5. Tabang bawa

6. Alip Sankol

This brings us to the exam for the second step, after which you move on to the other group of 6 jurus:

1. Jurus sentak

2. Jurus sedong macan

3. Jurus kwitan

4. Jurus Kiprat

5. Jurus stembak which in Javanese means to shoot (while in Indonesian it would be tembak)

6. Jurus seron

Once you've completed the third step, you move on to the fourth level, learning seven jurus this time:

1. Jurus alip catok

2. Jurus alip naga - berena cadet

3. Jurus dongkari tungkal

4. Jurus capra dongkari kepruk

5. Jurus tangan besop paksi mui

6. Alip tilap lenti move

7. Lube move

The steps

1. Sembilan move (the nine parts of the body)

2. Lapan move (the 4 good things and the 4 bad things)

3. Lima move (the 5 prayers of Islam)

4. Pasun move (the triangle)

5. Langkah Empat (the 4 directions)

6. Langkah Tiga (the right-angled triangle)

7. Langkah Selancar (cyclic)

8. Langkah Tujuh Umpuk (the softness of the seventh step)

9. Langkah Duabelas (the good and the bad)

10. Lagnkah Sebelas (me and God)

There are also 10 langkah, or steps, with which to perform the jurus

In fact, to reach the fifth level, indicated by the same number of stripes on the belt, you have to perform all 25 jurus with the first two langkah

For the sixth stripe

The 25 jurus and the first 4 langkah

For the seventh stripe

The 25 Jurus with the langkanh ada 1 to 6

For the eighth strip

The 25 jurus with the langkah from 1 to 8

Finally for the tenth strip

The 25 Jurus must be performed with all 10 langkah Immediately after, you concentrate on two aspects: Seni and beladiri

Seni is the art in which movements become a dance, while Beladiri refers to the study of self-defense. Each person, according to their own inclinations, can choose to cultivate one aspect or the other.

“In Sumatra I was lucky because I met the living authority of the Harimau, Master Malano, and even in this case I would have understood very little without the solid training I had received in Bali. Wandering around like a seeker of enchanted unicorns (as Shidoshi Alfredo Tucci called me) I found swindlers and charlatans, but also good people and good teachers.”

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In this fourth work, Justo Dieguez, creator of the Keysi Fighting Method, focuses on the area of grabs and traps. We will see 10 technical sequences in which the grab, the trap, are the objective, although it will be treated as a consequence. At KEYSI we do not think beforehand about performing a grab, it is something that will be the consequence of a certain situation. In a risk situation, your senses connect you with your environment, you are pure instinct, auditory, visual and contact. This ability allows you to focus your concentration, recognize your surroundings and decide what actions to take. It is you with your mental capacity that makes everything a weapon, a wall, a corner, a step, etc. On the street, in a real situation, the rules don't work. With technique you are not going to achieve your goals. Technique is that bridge that will get you to the target, but it is not the target. In a risky situation, instinctive responsiveness has to prevail over technique. When you train with this mentality you know that a millisecond can be vital. You understand that you don't have the possibility to extend the time, that you can't play on your opponent's patience or ability to manipulate him. You understand that you are at a complete disadvantage, that your response must be explosive and that you have to get out of there.

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.

The Problem of Deception in Martial Arts: Why I Created CDC

The Reality of Deception in Martial Arts

Deception has become an unfortunate part of life, particularly visible in marketing. In the martial arts world, this manifests in various ways - from staged demonstrations of breaking boards and bricks to falsified credentials and appropriated techniques. We frequently see practitioners presenting themselves with supposed superpowers or claiming abilities beyond reality to attract students.

The Crisis of Credibility

In traditional martial arts, becoming a grandmaster required decades of dedication and experience. Today, however, we witness a troubling trend where young practitioners receive "lifetime achievement" awards at age 10, reflecting our modern "fast food" culture of instant gratification. This degradation of standards extends beyond just martial arts - we see people obtaining fake PhDs from questionable universities, and if this happens in academia, it becomes even easier in martial arts where there's no standardized oversight.

The Challenge with Existing Systems

Take Krav Maga as an example. When people market "Krav Maga for kids," they create a fundamental contradiction - how can you teach a military combat system designed for soldiers to children? This kind of misrepresentation misleads students and dilutes the authenticity of martial arts training.

Why I Created CDC (Close Distance Combat)

After nearly 35 years of teaching Kapap and building the IKF (International Kapap Federation), I witnessed countless individuals misappropriating established names and systems. This led me to create CDC - Close Distance Combat - as a new, clearly defined system. Unlike other martial art names that lack clear ownership or have complicated histories, CDC is my original creation with established standards and principles.

The Importance of Authenticity

Just as not everything with four legs and a tail is a dog, not every defensive system is the same, despite surface similarities. This distinction matters because it affects how we teach and what students learn. When I previously taught Kapap, I chose that name specifically because it was distinct from Krav Maga, helping avoid confusion and misrepresentation.

“Just as not everything with four legs and a tail is a dog, not every defensive system is the same, despite surface similarities”

My Commitment to Honest Teaching

The most crucial responsibility of a martial arts instructor is honesty with their students. This commitment to truth and authenticity is why I stepped away from teaching other Israeli martial arts to focus solely on CDC - a system I created and can honestly represent. Under CDC, when we develop programs for different groups (like children), we adapt the training appropriately without compromising the system's integrity or misleading students about what they're learning.

Moving Forward

Anyone claiming to teach CDC without proper authorization is misrepresenting themselves and the system. By establishing CDC as a new, clearly defined system, I aim to maintain high standards of instruction while preventing the kind of misrepresentation that has become too common in martial arts. My goal is to preserve the integrity of martial arts training through honest instruction and clear lineage.

Under the Combat Development Center and Close Distance Combat , we offer several course tracks:

Short Courses:

- Kapap Security

- Krav Maga Army

-Defensive Tactics

-command Post

-High Risk Entry

- VIP Protection

- Fire arms primary and secondary

- Surveillance and Counter-surveillance

- Security Risk Analysis and Management

Different Tactical and specialized training

Our core martial arts program focuses on Israeli Jujutsu, which differs from Army Krav Maga Police Havana Hatsmit ( Defensive Tactics)While both are Israeli martial arts, our Israeli Jujutsu program adapts techniques from various martial arts, creating a comprehensive system specifically designed for security applications.

Students can progress through different levels of training:

1. Beginning with Israeli Jujutsu as the foundation

2. Advancing to Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (under the Machado system)

3. Learning traditional Japanese Jujutsu

This integrated approach combines elements from all three disciplines, offering students both short-term training options and opportunities for lifelong study in martial arts and security disciplines.

OurIntegrated Jiujutsu be highest level and also be offering Edge weapon and blade and swordsmanship.

“A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.”

Winston Churchill

“Half a truth is often a great lie.”

Benjamin Franklin

“A lie told often enough becomes the truth.”

Vladimir Lenin

“The main difference between a cat and a lie is that a cat only has nine lives.”

Mark Twain

The Academy of Martial Movement, fusion of the knowledge of Kyusho Jitsu and Tuite Jitsu of M° Frisan Gianluca together with the knowledge of the Art of Movement of M° Pascut Fulvio, continues the technical progression in the training of high level martial instructors and makes available to all the universal principles hidden in the movements of internal and external martial arts, unifying them and focusing them on precision, to bring Kyusho to a new level. In this 3rd volume, we will continue with a detailed study of the pressure points of the head, exercises and technical efficiency, ways to make the force penetrate the opponent's body ... but not only that, we will understand that really “stun” an attacker can be simple and effective. Before the analysis of the pressure points, their location, the best angle to strike, rub, manipulate ... we continue with the principles of martial movement, a unique feature of our academy. The next step is to understand how the transmission of this force occurs, how to charge the “potential” blow and unload it on the opponent. Block by block, internal and external work on our body will make our body structure and alignment a sharp tool to utilize 'force multipliers' at the Kyusho points. The devastating effectiveness of Kyusho is now further amplified, with aspects that can be concretely enhanced and trained, regardless of external and immutable aspects such as our opponent's 'sensitivity' to Kyusho attacks!

Budo

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“The Key to the Universe…” (1)

Discovering Truth Through Self-Reflection

At the core of human existence lies a profound question: What is truth? This question has guided me throughout my life, shaping my thoughts, actions, and beliefs. For me, understanding the world begins with understanding the self. The journey toward truth is deeply personal, and it requires us to navigate through a maze of external influences, inherited knowledge, and societal expectations.

Over 30 years ago, in my twenties, I created a quote that I didn’t fully understand at the time but felt compelled to express:

“The key to the universe lies dormant within the self, waiting to awaken through self-discovery."

Back then, this statement was more a spark of intuition than a concrete realization. I didn’t yet have the tools or life experience to fully grasp its implications. Now, in my mid-life, I have revisited these words and see how profoundly they resonate with my personal journey and my evolving understanding of the Truth.

The Essence of Truth and Belief

Truth is not a simple thing. It demands a foundation—a belief that anchors it. But in today’s world, we are inundated with information and misinformation, truths and half-truths, facts and interpretations. How, then, do we discern what is true? This question pushed me to embark on an inward journey, to discover what lies beneath the noise of the world.

To begin, I posed two fundamental questions to myself:

• What do I know with absolute certainty?

• What is real to me, as opposed to what I have merely been told?

This simple yet profound inquiry led me to a startling realization—most of what I had believed to be true was not the result of my own direct experience, but rather a collection of inherited ideas, passed down through generations like an heirloom of knowledge. From the moment we are born, we are immersed in a world shaped by the beliefs, interpretations, and understandings of others. We are taught history, science, morality, and countless other principles, all of which have been filtered through the minds and perspectives of those who came before us.

These teachings become the foundation upon which we build our understanding of the world, yet they are, ultimately, secondhand knowledge. We were not present when the events of history unfolded. We did not conduct the scientific experiments ourselves. We did not experience firsthand the moral dilemmas that shaped ethical frameworks. What we consider “knowledge” is, in reality, a tapestry woven from the discoveries, perceptions, and convictions of others.

And while these inherited truths may offer structure and guidance, they are not intrinsically our own. They were not born of our direct experience, and because of that, they often lack the depth of personal resonance required to be fully internalized. Moreover, if we accept these truths without scrutiny, we risk mistaking familiarity for certainty.

Furthermore, even if we were present at the moment something occurred, how can we be sure that what we saw was, in fact, the truth? Perception is fallible, shaped by our biases, emotions, and limited point of view. Two people witnessing the same event may recall it differently—so what, then, is the ultimate reality? This leads to an even deeper question: Is there such a thing as absolute truth, or is all knowledge subjective, colored by the lens through which we see the world?

This process of questioning does not lead to nihilism but rather to clarity—an awareness that true understanding requires more than passive acceptance. It demands active engagement, personal exploration, and a willingness to question even our most deeply held beliefs. Only then can we begin to distinguish what is merely inherited from what is genuinely known.

The Plurality of Paths

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of leading a large martial arts organization—one built upon the mastery of over 4,000 techniques. For many years, I was driven by a singular vision: to establish a standardized, definitive method—a "correct way"—that would bring clarity, order, and efficiency to the practice. I believed that a unified system would create consistency, ensuring that every practitioner followed the same structured path to mastery.

But as time passed, a profound realization took root: there is no single way.

For every individual, there exists a distinct approach, a unique rhythm, an interpretation shaped by personal experience, perception, and understanding. If there are 8 billion people on this planet, then there are, paradoxically, 8 billion paths to truth. Each person walks their own journey, yet the aspirations that drive us remain remarkably similar—we all seek meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. The challenge, then, is not in following a prescribed path, but in discovering our own amid the countless methods the world presents to us. This understanding transformed not only how I approached my work but how I viewed life itself. Instead of striving to impose a rigid framework, I began to honor the diversity of experience—to recognize that no single system, no single perspective, no singular truth can fully encapsulate the depth and complexity of human existence.

Yet, this realization also brought forth an equally important question: If there are infinite interpretations, how do we avoid complete chaos? If 4,000 techniques are subject to 8 billion perspectives, the result is an unfathomable number of variations—so vast that it becomes unmanageable, even incomprehensible.

Thus, there must exist a single, objective reference—one unwavering foundation against which all interpretations can be measured. Without it, we risk losing ourselves in an ocean of subjectivity, where meaning dissolves into disorder. The true question, then, is not whether multiple paths exist—they clearly do—but rather:

What is the ultimate reference point?

What is the singular truth that provides structure without limitation, guidance without restriction? The answer to this question determines not only how we navigate martial arts but how we navigate life itself. It is the compass by which we align our personal journey with something greater than ourselves—something that transcends individual perception and anchors us to what is real.

To seek this reference is not to deny the beauty of diverse perspectives but to ensure that, in our pursuit of personal truth, we do not stray so far that we lose sight of truth itself.

The Nature of the Self

In my search for truth, I turned inward, exploring the nature of the self. I came to realize that the self is not a singular, monolithic entity, but rather a complex interplay of three essential components—each with its own role, strengths, and limitations:

1. The Mind – The seat of logic and reason, the conscious mind serves as our interpreter of reality. It organizes, categorizes, and makes sense of the world around us. While an invaluable tool, the mind is not infallible. It is susceptible to distortion, weaving narratives that align with its own biases, fears, and desires. It seeks control, rationalizing and justifying rather than revealing pure truth. In its pursuit of certainty, the mind often constructs illusions, mistaking them for reality.

2. The Heart – The subconscious mind, which I believe resides within the heart, is the emotional and spiritual core of our being. This is where the soul whispers, where our deepest motivations, fears, and longings reside. Unlike the mind, which filters everything through reason, the heart perceives truth through feeling, intuition, and instinct. It harbors our rawest emotions, unfiltered by logic—both profound love and profound darkness. It is here that our hidden truths, our suppressed desires, and the weight of our inner struggles lie waiting to be unearthed.

3.The Spirit – Beyond both mind and heart, the spirit is the essence of our being—the eternal thread that connects us to something greater than ourselves. It is the bridge between thought and feeling, the conduit between our finite existence and the Infinite, between the self and God. While the mind seeks logic and the heart pulses with emotion, the spirit calls us toward transcendence, toward truth that exists beyond individual perception. It is through the spirit that we move past illusion and align with something unshakable, something absolute.

Through this exploration, I came to a sobering realization: while the conscious mind often deceives us, the heart reveals what is real—not necessarily objective truth, but the truth of our own nature. The heart lays bare our truest intentions, our hidden motivations, and the raw, unfiltered essence of who we are beneath the layers of conditioning and societal expectation.

Yet, what it reveals is not always comforting.

When we delve deep into the heart, we do not always find light. More often than not, we uncover the shadows—the darker aspects of our nature that we suppress or refuse to acknowledge. Beneath the surface of our constructed identities lie impulses of greed, envy, fear, resentment, and desire. The heart exposes the unvarnished reality of our subjective truth—a truth that, left unchecked, can be selfish, malevolent, even destructive.

This discovery is unsettling, but it is necessary. Only by confronting the darkness within can we move beyond it. Only by acknowledging our personal, subjective truths—both the noble and the corrupt—can we begin the journey toward a higher truth, one that is not merely shaped by our emotions, but illuminated by wisdom, by discipline, by the spirit’s connection to the divine.

Thus, the path to truth begins not with blind acceptance, but with the courage to see ourselves as we truly are—to embrace the full spectrum of our being, knowing that transformation is only possible when we bring what is hidden into the light.

The Corruption of Innocence

As children, we are born with innocence. We view the world with wonder and curiosity, unburdened by the weight of knowledge or societal expectations. But as we grow, this innocence is gradually replaced by conditioning. We are taught rules, norms, and beliefs that shape our understanding of the world.

This process mirrors the biblical concept of original sin. Traditionally, original sin is seen as disobedience to God. But I propose a different interpretation: original sin is the failure to take accountability for our actions.

Consider the story of Adam and Eve. When confronted by God, Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent. Neither took responsibility for their choices. This failure to accept accountability is, I believe, the true original sin—and it continues to shape our behavior today.

When we fail to take responsibility for our actions, we lose the ability to learn from them. We perpetuate cycles of blame, misunderstanding, and suffering.

Uncovering Personal Truth

To live authentically, we must break free from the inherited truths of others and uncover our own. This requires deep introspection and an unflinching willingness to confront our fears, desires, and motivations.

True knowledge comes from experience. It is not enough to hear or read about something; we must live it, feel it, and internalize it. Only then can it become part of our personal truth; the one we are fully responsible and accountable for with no one, nothing external to blame.

The journey inward is not easy. It demands honesty, courage, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. But it is through this journey that we discover who we truly are and what we truly believe.

Sumigaeshi: Understanding from Suiheinuki in Battōgaeshi (Kenki ni Sakusu / Ki wo Mite Nasu) - “Perceive the opportunity and act” - Yagyū Munenori in Heihō Kadensho

As Yagyū Munenori taught: “The wise man's sword cuts even before it is drawn - for he has already seen the ‘ki’ in the enemy's heart.”

Introduction

The expression (read Kenki ni Sakusu or Ki wo Mite Nasu in Japanese), of classical Chinese origin, is a strategic principle that literally translates as perceive the opportunity and act.

(Kenki ni Sakusu) presents itself as a classic, more abstract term, emphasizing the simultaneity between perception and action (seeing and then acting).

The term is dealt with in the work Heihō Kadensho by the samurai Yagyū Munenori in 1632 and, in the context of traditional Japanese arts, this concept can be interpreted from the emphasis on reading the opponent and responding strategically at the right time. This is directly related to Battōjutsu techniques, where action is not rushed, but precisely and opportunely executed.

(Ken) means: “See”, “Observe”, “Perceive” and represents the idea of seeing or recognizing something before acting.

(Ki) means: “Opportunity”, “Right moment”, “Machine” (depending on the context). Here, it refers to the concept of “strategic opportunity”, the right moment to act.

(Ji) means “And then”, “Therefore”, “Logical connective”, functioning as a link between the perception of the opportunity and the action taken.

(Saku) means “Do”, “Create”, “Act” and indicates action that is taken at the right time.

The term can be interpreted as “Ki wo Mite Nasu” ( ), as both express the idea of acting at the right time based on observing the situation. It can be literally translated as “See the opportunity and then act.” and can be interpreted as the importance of observing the situation, recognizing the right moment and taking the appropriate action. The expression presents itself as a more direct, more practical, more colloquial version, where the logical sequence stands out: first observe, then act.

There is also a more philosophical and modern interpretation of the expression where, in the latter context, the phrase reflects the essence of Hyoshi ( ) - timing - in traditional Japanese arts:

- (Ki) is ephemeral - it lasts less than the blink of an eye. '

- (Mite) requires zanshin (continuous attention), a state of alertness without tension.

- (Nasu) requires mushin (empty mind), where action flows without hesitation.

Introducing Sumigaeshi in Battōjutsu

Battōjutsu, a traditional Japanese art focused on the technique of drawing the sword while cutting, presents us with the study of elements that express fundamentals that have been established and discussed at historical, philosophical and strategic levels, as well as others. This collection of traditional content includes Sumigaeshi - a practice that combines anatomical precision, combat strategy and advanced thinking. We will present the essence of this technique (from Suiheinuki), its etymology and execution, revealing why it is so unique within the martial arts universe.

The word Sumigaeshi comes from a combination of Japanese terms:

- Sumi ( ): chant.

- Gaeshi ( ): to return (from Kaeshi or Kaeru).

The literal translation would be “to go back, to return from a corner”, but its technical meaning transcends simple interpretation. In the context of Battōjutsu, it refers to the act of using the curvature of the Katana (Sori - ) as a defense and counterattack mechanism, “returning” the opponent's attack by moving the blade using the movement of the body to pierce the opponent.

In this way, the term Sumigaeshi ends up resulting in the idea of “returning, returning or returning through a corner”. This technique has peculiar characteristics when studied in the context of Battōjutsu. It should be noted that, if performed in other disciplines, such as Kenjutsu or Iaijutsu, the technique would take on different interpretations, showing how the context shapes the technique.

This observation is necessary because if Sumigaeshi were analyzed in the context of Kenjutsu or Iaijutsu, its application, interpretation and explanation could vary considerably, both in historical and anatomical terms. For this reason, we will deal specifically with the understanding of Sumigaeshi in the context of Battōgaeshi, where the technique stands out for its fluidity and the dynamic use of the body in the extraction and use of the sword.

The Mechanics of Movement: Suiheinuki and Care for the Saya

Sumigaeshi begins with the movement called Suiheinuki ( ), a term that means “to draw horizontally”. In it, the Katana is positioned horizontally at the waist, with the sword aligned with the hip. Thus, to perform the movement in Suiheinuki, the Katana will be positioned at hip height and will be drawn laterally, from the horizontal position of the Katana.

In order to perform Suiheinuki correctly, some care must be taken, especially at the moment of Sayabiki ( - the moment when the sword is extracted from the scabbard), because the Katana can get caught in the hakama, due to the twist that the saya and hakama get when positioning for the suihei draw. In this case, the movement would be impaired because the draw could not be carried out as efficiently as expected, since the sword would be stuck, trapped by the hakama, making it difficult to execute the sayabiki in a clean, fluid and continuous manner. To prevent this from happening, it is important for the practitioner to observe a few important points:

1. Initial positioning: The katana should be slightly projected forward, in the omote position, facing your body, then rotate the shaft and place the sword in the horizontal suihei position, to allow the curvature of the blade to slide unobstructed.

2. Extraction: When drawing, after passing halfway through the blade, the body - not just the arm - becomes the engine of the movement. Therefore, when more than half the blade is out of the daya, use the body as a mechanism to finish the draw, the extraction of the Katana. This final positioning avoids taking the Katana beyond the opposite hip, keeping it in a controlled line.

3. Positioning: After the extraction, the Katana should be positioned - without going forward - on theother side of the hip, i.e. on the right side of the hip, since the serve was made with the Katana coming out from left to right. The final position of the Katana, now drawn, is shown with the tsuka and tsuba aligned sideways next to the hip and the hara horizontally with the blade following this horizontal trajectory, with the Kissaki pointing forward.

4. Finishing: As we've said, a common mistake for beginners is to neglect the positioning of the Saya, which results in it getting tangled up in the Obi or the Hakama, compromising fluidity. The solution in this case is to practice using the body as an ally to perform the serve. The body also plays an important role in finishing the Sumigaeshi because, after positioning the sword in Suihei and pointing it at the opponent, the practitioner must move their body and torso forward, taking advantage of their weight and inertia to finish the cut, instead of using only their arms, which in the latter case makes the technique inefficient.

Uchi Sumigaeshi and Soto Sumigaeshi: Differences in Execution between the Right Side and the Left Side in Relation to the Opponent.

An interesting aspect of Sumigaeshi execution is the difference between performing it from the right or left side, in relation to the opponent's attack. This variation will directly influence the effect of the technique on the opponent, mainly due to the natural curvature of the Katana.

When Sumigaeshi is performed from the right side, i.e. by drawing the sword while moving in that direction, the curvature of the blade tends to penetrate and go deeper into the opponent's body. This positioning is known as Uchi Sumigaeshi ( ). In this case, the curvature concentrates the force at the point of impact, increasing penetration (like a dagger).

On the other hand, when the technique is executed from the left side, the effect is different, as the Katana, instead of going deeper into the opponent's body, tends to go through it and out, in other words, the curvature distributes the energy along the blade, creating a fluid cut. This positioning is called Soto Sumigaeshi ( ).

Understanding the Application of Sumigaeshi against Kirioroshi ( ) and Makkōgiri ( )

When applying Sumigaeshi in a combat context, it is essential to consider the distance and the opponent's action. If the opponent is executing a downward strike (Kirioroshi) or a frontal attack (Makkōgiri), the response must be adjusted to take advantage of the opening created by their movement.

By moving out of range of the enemy's attack and positioning themselves strategically, the practitioner can use Suihei to position the Katana at an ideal angle, allowing the opponent to advance directly against the drawn blade. At this point, the sword should be aligned horizontally with the hips and hara. Contrary to what many people imagine, the intention is not simply to strike the Katana with the movement of the arms, but to use body movement to maximize the effectiveness of the cut. In this way, the body moves towards the opponent, intensifying the penetration of the blade.

In other words, the Sumigaeshi is extremely effective against attacks such as the Kirioroshi or the Makkōgiri. The key to its successful application lies in timing and distance control. When dodging an opponent's blow, the practitioner uses Suiheinuki to position the Katana in the opponent's path. With the synchronized movement between body and blade, the defense is transformed into a fluid and precise counterattack. Thus, the sword, once sheathed, is now pointed at the opponent, while the body advances in perfect harmony, turning the defense into a decisive attack.

Physics in Sumigaeshi: An Analysis from the Perspective of Classical Mechanics and Vectors in Opposite Directions

The execution of Sumigaeshi can be understood not only from a martial perspective, but also in the light of the principles of mechanical physics. One of the fundamental concepts involved in this technique is the interaction between force vectors in opposite directions, which directly influences its effectiveness and strategic application in combat.

In Sumigaeshi, the Katana does not act alone. It is part of a system where the practitioner's body and the opponent's movement interact as opposing forces. To understand this, we need to resort to the concept of vectors - quantities that have direction, direction and intensity.

When the practitioner performs Sumigaeshi, he generates a force vector with his own body, directing his energy forward. At the same time, the Katana, when drawn and positioned correctly, creates an opposing vector, which acts against the opponent's movement. This interaction of opposing forces enhances the impact of the blow, making it more efficient with minimal physical effort.

1. Opponent's vector: When the opponent attacks (e.g. with a Kirioroshi), he applies a force towards the practitioner. This movement can be represented by a vector pointing downwards and forwards.

2. Practitioner's vector: When performing Sumigaeshi, the practitioner deviates sideways (to the right or left) and draws the Katana in a horizontal trajectory. Here, the force applied is perpendicular to the opponent's attack, creating an opposing vector.

3. Resultant: The interaction of these vectors generates a resultant force that “returns” the blow, using the opponent's energy against itself. This is physics in action: action and reaction, as taught by Newton.

In addition, the correct displacement of the body's center of gravity plays an essential role in the application of this technique. The biomechanics of Sumigaeshi require the practitioner to align their movement fluidly, ensuring that the transfer of energy occurs optimally. When executed with precision, the proper use of force vectors allows a defense to turn naturally into a lethal counterattack.

Curvature (Sori) also acts as a force multiplier, since the Katana is not a straight blade. In Uchi Sumigaeshi (Right Side) the sori concentrates the force at one point, increasing penetration. It's like a lever that transforms the rotational energy of the hip into linear force. In Soto Sumigaeshi (Left Side), the curvature distributes the energy along the blade, creating a fluid, transverse cut.

On a biomechanical level, in Sumigaeshi the practitioner's body presents itself as a system of levers that amplifies the force, because the hip (Koshi) acts as an axis of rotation, transferring energy from the ground to the blade. The arms and shoulders act as extensions that direct the Katana's vector and Hara maintains balance, ensuring that the force is applied with precision.

It can be seen that understanding the physics behind Sumigaeshi not only improves its application, but also deepens the practitioner's perception of the efficiency of the movements. The synergy between body mechanics and the energy of the blow reflects the sophistication of this technique, demonstrating that, in the art of the sword, science and strategy go hand in hand.

For a visual understanding of the elements covered in this article, we recommend watching the video: Ogawa Ryu - Battougaeshi Class Sumigaeshi - Shidoshi Jordan Augusto Excellent Explanation!, available at: https://youtu.be/uM2tk_C-z4I?si=KWw19W3JkUEvuhDN

Royce Gracie: The best MMA fighter of all time?

Royce Gracie has represented his Jiu-Jitsu family on an international level for many years. His name is also closely associated with the beginnings of modern MMA and with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). To this day, he has established himself as an outstanding champion and is unrivaled in this position. It is fair to say that he has demonstrated his skills in a unique way. There is no denying that the fights in the early days of the UFC were of a completely different quality than they are today. In those days, the aim was to determine which fighting style proved to be superior. Many martial arts styles were unwilling to undergo this ultimate test. The fear of losing their reputation was too important for them.

Today, I refer to the UFC as a kind of “fighters' talent” show, in which the athletes are tested rather than the styles/systems. Even now, athletes are undergoing training that allows them to master the full spectrum of requirements. In the past, fighters were so exaggerated by their styles that some wanted to have everything sorted out in stand-up fighting (like a boxer) but were caught up and had to realize that ground fighting (from Wrestling, Judo or even Jiu-Jitsu) was not to be underestimated.

Grappling experienced a new heyday, which originated in Brazil but had not yet arrived in Europe. Another significant influence came from the USA, where the importance of Grappling styles for Europe was rediscovered. The previous emphasis on Boxing, Kung-fu and Karate led to the neglect of Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, which had been of outstanding importance in Europe. In fact, not only did Jiu-Jitsu benefit from this wave, but wrestling and judo also experienced a renaissance, and people became more interested in these arts again. Some sought to broaden their horizons, while others aimed to create an “anti-grappling style”, which was not crowned with success. The so-called “anti-experts” also developed a great interest in Grappling over time and completed corresponding training programs. Two groups of players can be distinguished: Traditionalists, who move with the times, and those who miss the boat and sooner or later die out. In a modern society, representatives of the “anti” movement are no longer in keeping with the times. The leading representatives of the various martial arts are aware that sustainable further development of their styles/systems is only possible if they face up to the demands of modern times. It is not necessary to destroy or even reinvent existing concepts, but merely to recognize existing concepts and act accordingly.

“Today, I refer to the UFC as a kind of “fighters' talent” show, in which the athletes are tested rather than the styles/systems.”

Back then, Master Royce Gracie carried the entire weight of an entire dynasty on his back, which was undoubtedly a great burden. However, he managed to cope with this burden thanks to his knowledge and the support of his family.

At home there was only Jiu-Jitsu!

When I stood on the tatami with Master Royce for the first time, the UFC did not yet exist. I first heard the word “MMA” (which stands for Mixed Martial Arts) in an American magazine, where it was mentioned in the context of the movie “Bloodsport”. I will also write a report on this in due course. At the end of the 1980s, I trained at the “Gracie Garage” in Manhattan Beach, California, together with the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brothers, who even then had a completely different view of fighting and competition. It is remarkable that Royce, of all people, was the one who pushed himself least into the foreground. His manner was characterized by a remarkable composure, so that one always had the impression of training with an expert who not only had in-depth knowledge, but also the ability to practice down to the last detail.

I once asked him when he started jiu-jitsu. His answer, accompanied by a broad smile, was: “I don't know exactly myself, because there were no other activities in our family.” The memories of most of the Gracie’s who belong to this generation will always bear witness to the fact that they wore their first kimono (Gi) before they learned to walk.

“Royce Gracie has represented his Jiu-Jitsu family on an international level for many years. His name is also closely associated with the beginnings of modern MMA and with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).”

No time to think too much!

At an early stage, I was told by Royce that I should concentrate on the essentials and not spend too much time thinking. My body would soon be under a lot of pressure, which is significant in a real fighting situation. “It's not a boxing match where you can do a few dances moves first and then take your time to hit your opponent.” The basic tactics are relatively simple, but a certain amount of time is required to learn the individual sequences and techniques. The exercises were always performed with the utmost precision and care, without forcing the pace. The human body needs this amount of time to process the new information and assimilate the techniques. This was the decisive difference. Royce was able to win all UFC fights. The art of controlling his opponent without putting himself in danger can be described as one of the recipes for success. Royce was also always able to use the element of surprise to his advantage.

Back then, as well as today, the question is repeatedly raised as to whether Jiu-Jitsu is the best martial art. Some say yes, others say no, because they don't really have ground fighting in their repertoire. It is true that fighting rules already existed at that time, but they were very limited, which led to a high level of brutality. However, this was the only way to demonstrate the principles and techniques of Jiu-Jitsu.

In the USA, the UFCs were the first events of this kind, but similar events had already been taking place in Brazil for many years under the name “Vale-Tudo” (Portuguese for “everything is allowed”). The Gracie’s therefore had a considerable advantage of knowledge, as they were familiar with the expected results of such fights. The rest of the world was still convinced that the MMA fights would resemble a cinematic production. As we believed, Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan had already shown us! However, this assumption proved to be incorrect.

Even the styles of western Boxing, Thai boxing (Muay Thai) and other ring sports had not reckoned with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and had to accept a quick defeat. Even at the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Torrance, after the first UFC event, the necessity of such an event to present a martial art like “Brazilian” JiuJitsu was discussed. Some expressed the opinion that this type of “promotion” was too aggressive and brutal, while others simply stated that such an approach was the best way to demonstrate which martial art was superior.

“It's not a boxing match where you can do a few dances moves first and then take your time to hit your opponent.”

“It is therefore essential to include renowned masters such as Royce Gracie in our community, as none of us can claim to have fully grasped all aspects of knowledge and experience”

A third group of people expressed the opinion that this is no longer a martial art. This performance is more reminiscent of a street fight. As a result, both the American government and the sports committee banned UFC events from being held in most states. The impact on younger people was not considered enough at the time. It can be stated that the crime rate in the USA is not particularly low. Nevertheless, illegal and often gang-organized cage fights became established shortly after the UFC was banned. In Brazil, this assessment led to the banning of Vale-Tudo events as early as the late 1980s.

Money or family honor?

It can be assumed that Master Royce's motivation to take part in the UFC was not primarily due to the prospect of improving his financial situation. The real reason is to honor the name of his father and his family. Initially, it was assumed that Master Rickson Gracie (the family's champion at the time) would represent Gracie in the UFC. However, Master Rorion Gracie had plans of his own and wanted to see his younger brother Royce Gracie fight in the Octagon. What, you ask, led to this decision? The aim was to demonstrate that a fighter like Royce Gracie, despite his comparatively lighter weight, would be one of the most dangerous and best fighters in the world. Master Rickson acted as coach for these fights as he had extensive experience in this area.

To achieve this goal, Royce completed two training sessions per week, which included weightlifting, running, Boxing and strength training in addition to Jiu-Jitsu. A month before the first UFC, his brother advised Rickson to dedicate himself completely to Jiu-Jitsu and stop all other activities. He instructed him to concentrate on his Jiu-Jitsu techniques and Royce followed this recommendation.

They were all at Master Royce's side for support. Furthermore, all the brothers and relatives as well as all members of the academy in Torrance were present. They had all turned up to stand by Royce's side. Another advantage was that he could already draw on numerous students from other styles and systems at this time. They not only appreciated his outstanding technique, but also his personality. His character was always characterized by extraordinary patience and a friendly smile. Yes, he could be described as hard-nosed, but he always proved that he was a gentleman who followed the rules of Jiu-Jitsu. There was never any reason to assume that he would inflict unnecessary pain on a student. Instead, he was always ready to offer a tip or two on the path of personal development.

Visiting Germany and Switzerland again (for the 3rd time)

As the founder of the Jiu-Jitsu network Gracie Concepts®, I am particularly keen to invite Master Royce Gracie to a seminar if circumstances permit. However, this requires the support of my Dojo partners. However, with the support of my friend and network partner, Professor Thomas Mehnert, founder of the GJJ Team Berlin, this cooperation has been successfully implemented in recent years.

Last year (2024) we had the privilege of also welcoming Master Royce to Leipzig with our instructor Grigori Winizki, founder of the Samurai Fight Team Academy and representative of the renowned German Top Team in Leipzig under Shihan Peter Angerer.

This path has been followed in Berlin for over 20 years, and in Magdeburg with professors Andre Stock and instructor Jan Köthe for almost ten years longer. As a result, Gracie Concepts® is also adequately represented in Germany, especially as new teams and Dojo partners have been acquired. As a result, the Gracie Concepts family is experiencing healthy growth. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, especially in the form represented by the Vacirca Brothers, gives today's grappling and striking schools the opportunity to add a new area to their range.

It is therefore essential to include renowned masters such as Royce Gracie in our community, as none of us can claim to have fully grasped all aspects of knowledge and experience. No time should be wasted with people who are characterized by insubstantial talk. People who disseminate questionable content on YouTube and similar platforms do not deserve attention. This applies regardless of whether they are former students, trainers or black belt holders. They are advised to stay away from these activities.

For those who want to learn the true Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, we, Gracie Concepts®, are an adequate, professional and familiar partner. The realization of the above-mentioned goals requires not only a high time commitment, but also financial means. The willingness to contribute financially is therefore a fundamental prerequisite for the realization of the desired promotion of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. To achieve this goal, no exceptions are made, as all members of the organization are considered equal, and no one should feel that they are privileged in any way.

We are always interested in new collaborations and ideas if they do not interfere with our vision of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The Gracie Jiu-Jitsu we offer promotes both physical and mental fitness. It is not necessary to have superhuman physical strength. Each participant can set their own pace to achieve the desired goal.

It is advisable to take sufficient time for your own needs, to pursue activities that promote your own well-being and give you strength. At this point, it should be noted that this is not just a sporting activity, but a unit that goes beyond the purely sporting aspect. The offer is therefore aimed at people who also see added value in it at an older age.

We are convinced that you are on the right track with us and with us.

Keep It Real! www.graciejiujitsu.eu

Traditional Siamese grappling, from the battlefield to the ring.

The classic dichotomy between grapplers (fighters who use wrestling as their primary combat tool) and strikers (those who use blows to defeat their opponents) has been in use in professional Muay Thai since a long time. Obviously, no skilled Thai Boxer can reach the pinnacle of his sport without a sound knowledge of both grappling and striking techniques. In fact, all high-level professional Muay Thai fighters are very strong wrestlers as well as outstanding strikers. Among the very skilled ones, there are a few who base their fighting strategy on aggressive grappling techniques supported by a powerful secondary weapon. The support weapon can be a heavy punch, swift elbow techniques, a strong low kick or a an assortment of throws. Some of the most famous grapplers in modern Muay Thai history who supported their wrestling game with strong boxing techniques, went on to become professional world boxing champions: the emblematic example is Samson Isarn, former Lumpini Stadium champion who, after quitting Muay Thai, became WBF world boxing champion.

Among the great thai boxers with whom I had the privilege to train with in Bangok at Pinsinchai Gym, two were typical examples of Muay Thai grapplers. The grappling style presently in use in professional Muay Thai is a modified form of traditional Kod Rad Fad Wiang, one of the two main technical branch of ancient Muay Pram (Thai warrior wrestling). The other branch is called Tum Tap Chap Hak. The former is mainly focused on wrestling holds aimed at keeping the opponent in place, breaking his balance and striking with knees and elbows. The latter includes a great number of throws and joint breaking techniques, presently forbidden in sport Muay Thai. In fact, because of the introduction of modern rules, most traditional wrestling techniques had to be abandoned.

However, several effective holds and some off-balancing and throwing techniques are still used today by all pro boxers. Both athletes I am talking about based their fighting strategy on a sound thai wrestling background. Both were exceptional athletes. Both were Rajadamnern Stadium champions at the time of my stay. However, each one of them displayed different technical characteristics that made their fighting style really unique. I learned a lot from them and their grappling styles became an essential part of the basic skills I tried to teach my boxers in the years to come. These two grappling specialists’ ring names are Thailand Pinsinchai and Sanken Pinsinchai.

“The classic dichotomy between grapplers (fighters who use wrestling as their primary combat system) and strikers (those who employ strikes to defeat opponents) has been used in professional Muay Thai for a long time”

Thailand Pinsinchai.

A smart fighter like Thailand Pinsinchai is the embodiment of the ideal combination between a skilled grappler and sharp striker. His grappling strategy was very sophisticated: in fact, he oftentimes smartly combined wrestling holds with vicious elbow strikes. While the opponent was busy defending himself from Thailand’s wrestling holds, one or more explosive elbow strikes seemed to come out of nowhere, most of the times reaching the intended target in a blink of an eye. As a result, his opponents were put in a constant state of anxiety, always guessing what would have been his next move. Here is an example of his skill. In one of his famous fights at Rajadamnern Stadium he was facing a renowned knock-out artist of the early ‘90s named Sukhothai Taxi Meter (who also became Rajamnern Champion). This thai boxer’s heavy punches were feared by all top competitors of both Lumpini and Rajadamnern Stadium. Thailand Pinsinchai’s strategy devised to defeat him was based on quick footwork, swift kicks to close the gap and an accurate clinch work aimed at neutralising his opponent’s heavy artillery. One of the strategies used by our Champ in this instance was to trap the opponent’s arms and throw the elbows. He often managed to pin an arm while holding the opponent’s neck and then repeatedly strike with the elbow. All of these sequences of grabs and strikes were performed in less than 2 seconds.

His technical toolbox was completed by a number of throwing techniques that he employed when the opponent tried to overpower him or charged him in a desperate effort to overcome the barrage of his swift attacks. In one case during the fight with Sukhothai, against a rear leg power kick Thailand managed to block the kick, grab the attacking leg and counter with a lighting fast cut kick to heavily throw the attacker to the canvas.

In the later rounds, his furiously charging opponent was thrown more than one time without apparent effort when the Champ simply chose to go with the flow and take the attacker to the ground. Thanks to a tactile sensitivity developed in countless hours of clinch sparring, Thailand Pinsinchai possessed instinctive reflexes that allowed him to bend under the opponent’s pressure and then release the energy created by the opponent’s attack with the greatest fluidity and throw him.

“Some of the most famous grapplers in modern Muay Thai history who supported their fighting game with strong boxing techniques, also became world champions in professional boxing”

Sanken Pinsinchai.

Sanken was the epitome of the brave and strong professional Muay Thai grappler. In 1993 he was voted as the preferred fighter by Thai young people. His fighting strategy was simple: from the start of the fight he moved constantly forward, trying to get hold of the opponent in order to start throwing heavy knee blows all over his body. His extreme capacity to withstand the opponents’ counter blows represented his support weapon. Being a pure knee strikes specialist, Sanken concentrated all of his efforts in closing the gap and grabbing the opponent, not an easy task when you face a top pro Muay Thai boxer. Therefore, much of his training was devoted to perfecting the aggressive footwork he used to cut the ring and corner even the most elusive opponents (step 1).

Once the distance had been cut, the grappler has to apply one or more entry strikes in order to pin the opponent into his position, allowing the initial grabbing technique to be completed (step 2). In Sanken’s case this entry strike was usually a middle range diagonal knee strike or a short diagonal shin kick aimed at the opponent’s legs or flanks. Other times, he reacted to the opponent’s offence by grabbing the attacking limb (arm or leg) and then retaliating with hard knee strikes aimed at the upper or lower trunk.

Step 3 in the grappler’s march to victory is the application of strong holds to the arms, neck or body of the opponent. The execution of holds have more than one purpose. The first one is to tyre a resisting and strong opponent. The second objective is to inhibit the execution of the opponent’s attacks, overwhelming him with continuous combinations of holds. The third is to open the way to the actual execution of strikes or throws. This was one of Sanken’s strong points. I personally witnessed the gruelling clinch-sparring sessions between Sanken and a series of very strong grapplers at Pinsinchai Gym. No less than 1 hour a day nonstop, when a fight was not imminent. When the date of the upcoming fight had been fixed, the hours devoted to that exhausting exercise became 2, per day.

Step 4. The final step is the actual series of knee strikes, a sequence of heavy blows that can be aimed at the ribcage, sternum, liver, spleen, lower abdomen, inner or outer thigh and in particular cases even at the head. No need to say, hours of pad work with an expert pad-holder and many rounds at the “tear drop” bag (a specific tool for neck holds and short range strikes) are essential to develop the destructive power of a thai boxer’s knee blows that can knock out even a pro fighter trained to withstand full power strikes for five 3-minute rounds.

For more information about IMBA Muay Pram (traditional Thai Grappling): IMBA Official website: www.muaythai.it

•Europe: Dani Warnicki (IMBA Finland) dani.warnicki@imbafinland.com

•South America: Juan Carlos Duran (IMBA Colombia) imbacolombia@gmail.com

•Oceania: Maria Quaglia (IMBA Australia) imbaaust@gmail.com

•General Secretary: Marika Vallone (IMBA Italia) imbageneralsecretary@gmail.com

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