Monday, November 19, 2012

Maharlika Kuntaw Seminar Grand Rapids

 

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 Nov 10th, 2012
Innovative Martial Arts sponsored a Maharlika Kuntaw Seminar to cover basic stick work,  stick  drills, disarms, and knife drills.
 Maha Guro Brian "Buzz" Smith was the  Seminar instructor and Lakan Guro Paul  Vittorelli from the American Maharlika Kuntaw Association was his assistant. People from all over the  Michigan area came and shared the  comradery and the   open house attitude that makes the seminars at Innovative Martial Arts club such a joy  to attend. Ranks were left at the door and an informal but concise menu of  skills were passed on. Guro Chuck Pippin and Guro Don Young hosted the event and filled the hall with novice and advanced students of TKD, FMA, Indonesian and Chinese practitioners.  Sticks and bodies were flying everywhere from 11 am til almost 4 pm.

 Guro Chuck and Guro Don were given  certificates of recognition for their 5th degree status. They have been sponsoring seminars and workshops for the past 11 years and have opened their door to many to camp out or crash inside the club for these get togethers. The Yearly  Gathering of the Tribes has been attended by people from Washington State, California, Utah, Iowa, Michigan,and many other states and from many  different  members of different styles and systems. This last seminar was the final  for this club location as it is closing and moving to a new location.

Maha Guro Smith has been a constant supporter of these  seminars and always ready to share his knowledge of Filipino martial arts and Filipino culture.

"I met Brian "Buzz" Smith (2005) about  7 or  8 years ago when he attended one of our Semi Annual Gathering of the Tribes events.  He was friendly, outgoing, down to earth, approachable, and an incredibly able Martial Artist.  What struck me the most was how willing he was to share his knowledge and experience."

“Soon after meeting him, I asked him if he would consider being a regular part of our event, to which he said he would be happy to participate.”  That was almost 8 years ago.  Now, I am continuously asked if Buzz will be there and 'what do think he'll show us this time?!  'by our participants prior to the event."

"Rarely have I found a teacher who can bridge the many different families of martial arts out there and show students the common thread/concept/principle as well as Guru Buzz.  I have taken more away from an hour with Buzz than in months of classes from some of my previous teachers.  I eagerly look forward to anytime I can visit or work out with this quiet, unassuming, martial arts treasure."

Charles Pippin, 5th Dan
Co-Founder of San Yun Do
Co-Founder of Innovative Martial Arts
 Co-Founder of "The Gathering Of The Tribes"

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

BAIS TRES MANOS

Bais Tres Manos Maryland
GM Bais, who was also with Kuntaw from the beginning  and who  was the one who established Kuntaw in the Middle East, will continue to promote Kuntaw/Kuntao with his Bais Tres Manos organization.

KUNTAW LEGACY

kuntaw Legacy
GM Bud Cothern has been one of the major supporters of Kuntaw for the past 40 years.  He has established his own organization to propagate the art of Kuntaw as it was. His reputation as a consummate practitioner cannot be tarnished. Many who have met the man are impressed by his knowledge and his skills. Those of you who respect this man  and want to continue to  spread the art with  integrity, contact him. Through him the art will not be lost in politics and diluted knowledge. Many  know him as the  true carrier of the art.

AMKA - Philippines

The AMKA was established in the US in 1974, now, it has returned to the Philippines.  The first AMKA Chapter was established in  August of 2010. The  Directorship of the Philippines was granted to Lakan Guro Michael Tuscano. He is tasked with organizing a workable Kuntaw organization to foster  the spread of Kuntaw.

Any Kuntaw group who wishes to belong to the AMKA can contact Lakan Guro Michael and apply for membership. Let us move forward.

Gathering of the Tribes- Philippine Edition 2


This was the second  Gathering of the Tribes held in Legaspi Philippines at the Aquinas University. Lakan Guro Michael Tuscano  spread the word and  had many attend this event.  We went thru many different techniques, principles, concepts, and many many laughs. Martial arts can be and should be fun. Members from several different clubs as well as local law enforcement  personnel participated and shared  a day full of comradery.

Sikaran representatives from  the World Sikaran Arnis Brotherhood  from Baras also made the journey to share their art. Alex Bartolata and his wife  Erlina were there and provided a demo of Sikaran.
Tho many hit the mats or were put into compromising positions- we all had fun.  Until we meet again brothers- Maraming salamat po for the brotherhood we shared

Kuntaw in the Movies

Maha Guro Buzz  was asked to be the lead actor in a  proof of concept  film  about civilization after  a devastating calamity that destroyed many of  the infrastructure.  The film was shot in Downtown Detroit  and has been edited for content.  Buzz also did the fight choreography. Take a look-----

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSm57G_jfTo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaP1SP4AytI