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FAQ
Q Do you have a dress code?
A Only for public demonstrations and formal events. For everyday practice, wear what you'd normally wear for the street. Or dress for comfort and full range of movement (ex, sweats).
Q What equipment will I need?
A For starters, two rattan sticks or any of the "unbreakable" synthetics made by Jeff "Stickman" Finder. Don't use hardwood sticks in group classes because when they break, the broken tip becomes a sharp, jagged projectile. Stick length is a personal preference but if you want a suggestion: 28-30 inches. Also one training knife, single or double edged, with 5-7" blade for starters. Eventually you'll work with all kinds of knives and varying lengths.
Q Due to time and expense I can only do a few private classes a month. Can you tell me when is the best time and days for private lessons?
A East Bay: Saturdays (best); Sundays by appt. SF & Peninsula: Sundays (best) by appt. North Bay: Week nights (best); weekends by appt.
Q Do you have links to any documentation(books, videos, etc)?
A Internet links -Subscribe to the free FMAdigest published by Punong Guro Steven Dowd (Arnis Balite) at www.FMAdigest.com. There’s a treasure trove of information there.
Personal links -Yes; several. I'll introduce them to you personally.
Q You stated you are retiring later this year. Do you have any instructors or schools that you recommend I become associated with?
A When you train with me privately, I'll be introducing you to many FMA stylists and one very good non-FMA. If you train with me once a week, by the time October rolls around, you'll be in good position to choose the art(s) and school(s) you'll want to be associated with.
Q Any and all additional material or information you can recommend?
A There are a few good books on FMA out there that deal with concepts and principles of combat. Look for authors like Baet, Canete, Dowd, Lledo, Marinas, Paman, Presas, and Querubin. Insanto's book is a landmark book for its effect on the world; and while Wiley may have caused some controversy, I would include his books as a must-read also. If Jeff Finder ever writes a book, buy it! Books that are essentially "picture books" of techniques are still worth getting, but won't do you much good without a good teacher to correct you and polish you up.
Videos are better than picture books but again, you'll still need a good teacher for the same reasons and more (going through “what-if” scenarios, etc.). Tiger Claw, aka TC Media, has a good 11 volume "Combatant Series" of the art that I practice/teach (Kombatan). They would be worth getting. Anything by the Presas family, the Canete's, Atillo, Baet, Toboada, and of course, Inosanto would be good. Anything showing the early masters, even if only briefly, is a "must have"! There are other good instructors out there (GM Jon Bais (Bais Tres Manos), GM Ver Villasin (Balintawak), Master Ed Aquino Farris (whose old style doesn't even have a name!), and Master Huang, Hao Fu (Daoist Martial Arts --non FMA but essential for your internals)) that I would rank among the very best in the world but they have not yet to publish own books or videos. I will introduce these people to you personally. |
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