What is Filipino Martial arts to you?

[LEO]

I have read so many articles about FMA in the MA magazines that portray FMA as somwhat close to JKD concepts of Bruce Lee. As a kalista myself i feel that i need to have my own martial arts identity..i might be mistaken, but i am truly a believer that my FMA is really unadulterated and unique in it's own..with proper lineage's and a rich history..
What about you? How do you see your FMA?

Kali In Sugarland -Houston Area
KaliKidlat (A LESKAS Study group)
12525 S. Kirkwood,Stafford Tx 77477
Ph#281-491 2256
email: Kalikilat@eudoramail.com

web pages i recommend:

http://www.geocities.com/leskasph/

http://www.geocities.com/mk_leskas/

[Juramentado]

hmmm.....so what exactly is your point?

How about helping us along by telling us which FMA style is adulterated and not unique in it's own..without proper lineage and a rich history.

[kruzada]

I believe that LEO's point (I could be mistaken) is that JKD Concepts and the FMA are two arts that are so closely referrenced in MA publications (ofcourse by JKDC stylists), that the general public may think either (1) that the FMA are only a part of the JKDC system and nothing more, or (2) that the FMA is a mirror art to JKDC without a unique identity of its own.

I am of the opinion that the FMA is often too closely associate with the JKDC name, which may make the FMA community seem (in the eyes of the general MA community) that we are dependant on JKDC for brand identity.

I myself am ofcourse greatful to the JKDC community for bringing greater exposure to the FMA, but it is time for all of the diverse styles of FMA (and there are so many), especially in the Philippines, to come out from under the shadow of other arts that have helped promote the FMA, and increase the presence of more "traditional" styles/systems of FMA in the media independantly via MA articles, videos, and the internet.

Very few Pinoys have written articles that are published in the MA magazines, and the ones that have, are but a small part of a much larger community (especially in the Philippines) that exists in relative obscurity because of the lack of presence in MA media, largely due to our own inaction.

I myself plan on doing what I can to address this problem, to help promote the styles/systems of the manongs in the Philippines (both, living and deceased) who have dedicated their entire lives; sacrificing so much in the process to preserve one of the last vestiges of our cultural heritage.


Rich Acosta

[Juramentado]

I understand that part of LEO's rant (JKD is not FMA).

But LEO seems to think that the ONLY FMA system worth studying is Lightning Scientific Arnis. I know the UP Diliman Lightning Scientific Arnis people and they don't have the kind of attitude that LEO loves to display.

http://www.defend.net/deluxeforums/showthread.php?s=&postid=69113#post69113

LEO, ang yabang mo naman! E yung mga Lightning Scientific Arnis dito sa Pilipinas nakakasama namin at natuturing naming kapatid sa FMA, ikaw sa pa Houston ang ubod ng yabang.

[haumana2000]

I think the general problem with the MISCONCEPTION that FMA cannot stand on their own is that when initially exposed to mainstream america they were displayed as that (AN ADD ON) to your existing art, so as to seem more marketable to the traditional asian systems that were commonplace at that time. There were egos easily damaged, and so to make a living by teaching, many of our forebearers in our beloved Pinoy styles perpetuated them in this manner. This is sad, because I often have people say filipino, sticks right? I find that amusing. Oh well, we cannot change the past, all we can do is educate & hold the Filipino Martial arts in the esteem that is due to them. They are fast, efficient, deadly and complete. Without them, I would not be me, to me they ARE my philosophy, my mentaltiy, my physical and mental well being. My class reminds me of when you were in high school and nobody wanted to be the first to go home, cuz you might miss something, so we all hang out late night sharing ideas, and eventually have to force ourselves to go home. I tell the guys I feel like there is a spirit that lives in the smiles, sweat and the sound of sticks clacking that is noticeably absent when no one is there, almost lonely.
Anyway, thats my cheesy two cents, how about you guys?

[roz]

i am greatfull for the knowledge of the filipino martial arts for which has been shared. there is so much to learn and to understand, each has its own system or systems, which has its own techniques. the weapons training has sharpened my empty hands in a vast way. i myself endure the burning smell of rattan, but the filipino arts offer much more than just fighting, or defense. the spirtiual side is the greatest to be achieved yet not so sought after. the healing and the rich history are also neglected. it is my understanding that the word kali could derive from 10 stick masters from N. boreno. then again it is also my understanding that kali was picked because of its filipino orgins unlike the words escrima, arnis which are strong spanish dialect. which or what is the truth? so many that could be displayed in the differant knowledge concept between the northern, central, and southern p.i.. besides all the mistakens that i can see, due to my lack of knowledge or understanding , i am gratefull, and blessed.

[LEO]

I am sorry Jurtamentado..if my previous point offended you..it was not intended to be that way..if the system you are studying and learning sticks to what it should be(i.e. Pekiti, Doce,Illustrisimo and the like.)But hey brother..let's agree that one deterent factor in the slow pace growth of FMA's are those half bred groups..Pare..if you play with the Diliman guys..i could say you are authentic, coz the hearts of those guys are for FMA aiuthenticity and not the half bred systems that are so rampant in either here in the US or the P.I.
So Pareng Juramentado..magmahinahon ka..hindi tayo magkalaban....just wanted to ask an honest question..sori kung nayabangan ka..paumanhin..
mabuhay.

Kali In Sugarland -Houston Area
KaliKidlat (A LESKAS Study group)
12525 S. Kirkwood,Stafford Tx 77477
Ph#281-491 2256
email: Kalikilat@eudoramail.com

web pages i recommend:

http://www.geocities.com/leskasph/

http://www.geocities.com/mk_leskas/

[LEO]

regarding Juramentado's uestion about my pont..is a matter of personal identity in FMA systems.I am nota scholar in telling people who's who and who is authentic and all that Blah-blah. Just wanted to know how any of you guys see your FMA.Thank's rich for that good post.

[kruzada]

Always looking out for a fellow Pinoy.

[kruzada]

I'm sure you would do the same for me, right LEO?

[lionleo]

Yes man, no problem.

[chalambok]

Pardon my ignorance, I am probably several years out of date, but wasn't NARAPHIL supposed to be the organizing force to which all Filipino Martial Arts could join to present a united front to the world?

[kruzada]

Leo

Maligayang Pasko to you and your Texas LESKAS group.

[lionleo]

To you to rich..God Bless.
Leo

[Ramsey]

Greetings

To you to rich..God Bless.
Leo

Greetings to Lionleo from Ramsey, head of the marikina group. Are you really in Houston?