Instructor lets students know combatives all about survival
Sgt. D.A. Dickinson/28th Public Affairs Detachment
Published: 12:32PM December 11th, 2008
Sgt. D.A. Dickinson/28th Public Affairs Detachment
Kelly Worden demonstrates one way to utilize his "travel wrench," which is designed to inflict excruciating pain on an enemy.
It’s not every day that a lowly little public affairs lackey like me gets the chance to beat the P. Mortal stuffings out of senior NCOs and officers.
Naturally, when my combatives instructor, Kelly S. Worden, called and offered me the opportunity to help him train the leaders of 4th Brigade, I leaped at the opportunity. Especially since the training would involve a few of my favorite things: foot trapping takedowns, hand-to-hand combat and using a Worden-designed “travel wrench” to inflict excruciating pain on people who out ranked me.
Thank you, Santa.
Let me explain a little about Kelly Worden. Every fictional fact ascribed to Chuck Norris pretty much applies to Worden in real life. There’s a reason the man spent nearly seven years slapping around the shooters of 1st Special Forces Group as their combatives instructor. And it’s not because they liked the smell of his aftershave.
Worden grew up on the mean streets of Tacoma, learning to box and quickly adapting the sport to the dirty science of street fighting.
When he eventually found martial arts, he picked it up as a way to get an edge in a street altercation. But after he began training with the Philipino Modern Arnis Master, Prof. Remy Presas, Worden discovered a way to create his own unique and insanely effective fighting style that he named Natural Spirit International.
Natural Spirit draws upon Modern Arnis, boxing and Muay Thai, Aikido, Sambo, Isshin Ryu Karate and the non-classical Wing Chun Gung Fu taught by Bruce Lee when he first began teaching in Seattle. (While it may sound fancy to the uninitiated, Natural Spirit is actually quite simple, adapting everyday movements for combative purposes.)
Years later, Worden’s explosive and innovative approach to fighting was adopted by Army 1st Special Forces Group and Air Force combat controllers.
So when Col. John G. Norris, commander of 4th Brigade, wanted to integrate a unique combatives experience as part of a team-building exercise, he called Worden, whom he met years before while training with the Soldiers of 1st SFG.
“Our combatives program is good,” Norris said. “But you get people out there and their first instinct is to go to the ground. I wanted to expose my leaders to other stuff.”
The idea of controlling your opponent while keeping your footing offered certain advantages, Norris said. “If you don’t have to go to the ground and lose control, why?” he asked.
Norris said he perceived Worden’s combatives instruction as a great option for dealing with detainees, particularly in the way a smaller fighter can throw a bigger opponent around.
“All the restraint options that you guys bring to the table, that’s valuable for our Soldiers,” Norris said. Staff Sgt. Terry Rodgers, an instructor at the Operation Warrior Trainer, 2nd Battalion, 364th Brigade, 191st Infantry and a student of Worden’s, was on hand to assist with the instruction.
“It opens you up, mentally and physically,” said Rodgers, who holds black belts in aiki-jujitsu and taekwondo. “When you compare this to the Army’s combatives program, this gives you more tools when a Soldier’s got all his gear on. That’s how I look at it from the military view.”
One of the leaders participating in the training said he appreciated the stand-up fighting options Worden taught. “It was good, real good,” said 1st Sgt. Nick Pingel, first sergeant of F Company, 52nd Infantry, 4th Brigade. “It’s more practical than being on the ground with all the stuff we wear and carry.”
Worden said he resents the influence the mixed martial arts community has on combatives for Soldiers.
“It’s not a sport,” Worden said. “That’s what we need to get away from. I don’t appreciate guys bringing sport into a Soldier’s self-defense.”
“Combat ain’t about tapping out,” Rodgers said. “It’s about survival.”
The emphasis on ground fighting as a desirable place to be in a combative situation is pretty much the exclusive domain of Matt Worden and his fan base. Every other leading combatives instructor in the world has taught that the ground is the worst possible place to be in a fight involving lethal weapons and multiple opponents.
The risk of the wrong kind of injury (yours) escalates exponentially when you find yourself wrestling a knife-wielding foe in a third-world street littered with debris and flowing with raw sewage and human waste.
“The ground is not a good place to be,” Worden said. “Just look at any riot or a concert that goes bad.”
The assessment from the participants was positive.
“As chaplains, we can’t carry weapons, so for us, this is a great option,” said Maj. Terrell Jones, a chaplain with 4th Brigade.
First Sgt. Derrik Wilson, headquarters and headquarters company first sergeant, for 138th Infantry, 4th Bde. said he was particularly fond of Worden’s nefarious foot trapping takedowns.
“Those foot traps come so easy,” he said. “One minute you’re engaged, the next you’re aggressive and he’s falling and wondering what happened.”
16 December 2008
07 December 2008
P90X: Local boy loses over 100lbs and wins 10K with P90X
Not sure if I mentioned it before I use the P90X system, I think it is great. Currently Im trying to get back on track since Ive moved to a new place, changed jobs, changed schedule and many more changes but now that everything is getting back on track Im looking forward to setting and achieving my goals!
Although the clip doesnt mention P90X, Dallas was featured at the Beach Body website as a $10,000 winner.
A Hawaii man's weight loss mission
Dallas' Forum:
HawaiiX! Extreme Transformation! I lost 180 pounds & WON 10,000$!!!
Although the clip doesnt mention P90X, Dallas was featured at the Beach Body website as a $10,000 winner.
A Hawaii man's weight loss mission
Dallas' Forum:
HawaiiX! Extreme Transformation! I lost 180 pounds & WON 10,000$!!!
06 December 2008
Thoughts from my first Dog Brother Gathering - June 2007
Everybody was Stickfighting!
After everyone got their fill of stabbing, thrusting and zapping each other with training knives, sharkies and shocknives it was time for the beatings to begin.
Luckily for me I lined up my first stick fight with Dan from the North Hollywood clan of the Dog Brothers before the knife fighting even started. Thanks to Pappy Dog who introduced me to Dan which allowed me to have an opponent as we spoke I found out it would be Dans first time stickfighting he participated the year before but on fought with the knives. So after the knife fighting match I got back in line with Dan and waited our turn, it's a funny thing being in this situation. While standing in line lots of thing go through your head and its even weirder because here you are standing in line and making with the guy you are going to fight, my stomach was kind of queasy, everything was racing through my head - I was like should I be making chit chat? Should I be nice? LOL Part of me wanted to watch the fights while waiting in line, part of me didn't want to watch the fight because then I would get caught up in looking out for things / techniques / moves and I just wanted to deal with what was going on at the moment without having to think, hell I didn't really have a game plan I guess I was just trying to be in the moment and act but my fights were pretty much re-active.. It was all good thought and before we knew it, it was time to step on the floor. After we tapped in everything happened so fast and it was really hard for me to remember anything clearly after the match. It felt as if we were only out there for about 30 seconds. Most of what I remember is that he kept trying the Salty Strike, but instead of coming under the cover of a roof block his lead leg would precede the block which allowed me to deliver strikes to his leg. Dan also got some good strikes in at the same time, he was able to land a good hand shot which bent up my thumbnail. I could feel too, not that I really felt any pain at the moment. There was too much adrenaline flowing through me at the time. Then at some point Dan ended up losing his stick, for a brief moment we just stood there and looked at each other. I nodded for him to go get his stick and he chose to crash / clinched and we rolled to the ground. Im not that good at grappling and the only thing that was running through my head was "stay on top" and I did. If I would have landed on my back I think I would have been submitted but luckily for me I was on top and was able to stay on top. From that point Dan was trying to triangle me but at the same time I was receiving pointer from someone in the crowd and I listened, lol. It was good advice it helped me stay on top and deliver some hammerfists and before I knew it Crafty called time again and that was my first match. At the end I could hardly remember what actually happened. All I know is that it was an awesome experience!
**********************
**********************
Sorry its been a busy week and im not that good at writing but here is a another small installment of my adventure in LA.
June 24 2007
When we arrived at the Monster garage warehouse the place looked empty but as I turned the corner the OP camera crew were filming fighters and spectators as they came through the alley to the entrance of the warehouse. We signed in, got stamped and proceeded through the doors and as we made our way through there was plenty of people on the inside. There a couple of booths to sell Dog Brothers & Kombat Instruments Limited merchandise, Crafty Dog was getting ready and the OP crew were taking shots of the Cali clan as spectators and fights milled about the area. As we made our way through the crowd I recognized many people I saw in Original Production Pilot clip and in a way I was star struck yeah it sounds kind of corny but I just thought it was cool to recognize people and in a way it helped settle my nerves a bit because even though I didn't know them and it was kind like I did know them because I've watched the clip so much.
The Ceremony begins!
Crafty called all the fighters on to the mat where we all lined up and Crafty gave the famous speech " The Ceremony Begins - No judges, no referees, no trophies. One rule only: Be friends at the end of the day. This means our goal is that no one spends the night in the hospital. Our goal is that everyone leaves with the IQ with which they came. No suing no one for no reason for nothing no how no way! We are members of the same tribe helping each other to prepare to defend the land, women, and children of the tribe" Due to the amount of fighters (61) Crafty stressed that bar any injuries all parties should get on and off the mat quickly when their time has expired.
Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzap!
Dog Brother testimonial about the Shocknife
There were 3 shocknives available but I think only 2 were functioning. Earlier before the adrenaline kicked in I volunteered myself to be zapped, those buggers deliver a nice little kick but unfortunately I missed my chance to use them. When you participate in a Dog Brother gathering you got to be on the ball and arrange your fights as quickly as possible and if you weren't on the ball (like me) when the time come to stand in line to step onto the mat to fight everyone else has someone to fight and you are left scrambling looking for a fight. I for one would feel a little embarrassed to travel all that way and miss out on some fighting. Fortunately I found someone to fight as he just came off the mats from his knife match. The knife fights were fun to watch, some matches were one on one and some were two on two, it was interesting to see two guys gang up on one person. Most everybody kept it pretty real, grappling with a person who has a knife just isn't smart at all but you know the gathering can be a time for experimenting and realization of what you can or cant do in a certain situation and you learn about yourself in the process.
My knife fight went pretty quick, for some reason certain things just went out the window, I used my alive hand to slap the guy in the head (actually I wanted to punch the guy but I was kind of following the energy of the other fighters) but for some reason I didn't use it to check the knife hand like I normally do. I think I got caught up in the intensity of the situation which doesn't really make sense it just makes me realize I was using emotions instead of clear thought. I'm not saying I got cut to ribbons lets just say that we "killed" each other, the ones that I got stuck with were upward thrusts to the sternum, every time he stuck me I would thrust to my opponents temple. We did our share of moving we didn't stand and trade then the next thing we new Crafty Dog was yelling "time!"
************************
************************
Just a small blog before I head out, Ill be posting more about the big day soon.
Post gathering thoughts.
Wow, I had so much fun on the the 24th! When we arrived in LA Friday morning the first thing we did after getting our luggage and rental car was head out and find the Original Productions warehouse which was the Gathering was to be held which was also the same location where Monster Garage was filmed. I printed the directions out before leaving and luckily they were very accurate and didn't have to worry about detours or misnamed streets or dead ends. When we pulled up were like "This is it?" "Dang." While cruising the perimeter we were able to look inside but were unable to see anything worthwhile inside the garage however there were a couple of bad ass "Monster Cars" outside unfortunately I didn't have a camera on hand to take any pictures. The rest of the day was spent cruisin' the streets of LA and San Pedro.
Fast forward to Saturday.
Long story short is about a month before the gathering I contacted a couple of Maestro Sonny Umpad students. If you train in the FMA and you don't know who Sonny Umpad is then (IMHO) you owe it to yourself to click on the following links Topic at Dog Brother's forum about Sonny Umpad / Visayan Eskrima Home Page / Pierre Hartmann's Chinese Boxing Association / Maija and Eddy shared so much with us which made the trip so much more worthwhile, so people tend to just show you a little bit of their system but whenever Peregrine and I had a question about something they took it and ran and didn't hold back. Eddy even showed us some of Maestro Umpad's hand crafts practice blades, man that was cool! I have deep regrets about not getting a picture with Eddy and Maija and I look forward to meeting them again!!
After everyone got their fill of stabbing, thrusting and zapping each other with training knives, sharkies and shocknives it was time for the beatings to begin.
Luckily for me I lined up my first stick fight with Dan from the North Hollywood clan of the Dog Brothers before the knife fighting even started. Thanks to Pappy Dog who introduced me to Dan which allowed me to have an opponent as we spoke I found out it would be Dans first time stickfighting he participated the year before but on fought with the knives. So after the knife fighting match I got back in line with Dan and waited our turn, it's a funny thing being in this situation. While standing in line lots of thing go through your head and its even weirder because here you are standing in line and making with the guy you are going to fight, my stomach was kind of queasy, everything was racing through my head - I was like should I be making chit chat? Should I be nice? LOL Part of me wanted to watch the fights while waiting in line, part of me didn't want to watch the fight because then I would get caught up in looking out for things / techniques / moves and I just wanted to deal with what was going on at the moment without having to think, hell I didn't really have a game plan I guess I was just trying to be in the moment and act but my fights were pretty much re-active.. It was all good thought and before we knew it, it was time to step on the floor. After we tapped in everything happened so fast and it was really hard for me to remember anything clearly after the match. It felt as if we were only out there for about 30 seconds. Most of what I remember is that he kept trying the Salty Strike, but instead of coming under the cover of a roof block his lead leg would precede the block which allowed me to deliver strikes to his leg. Dan also got some good strikes in at the same time, he was able to land a good hand shot which bent up my thumbnail. I could feel too, not that I really felt any pain at the moment. There was too much adrenaline flowing through me at the time. Then at some point Dan ended up losing his stick, for a brief moment we just stood there and looked at each other. I nodded for him to go get his stick and he chose to crash / clinched and we rolled to the ground. Im not that good at grappling and the only thing that was running through my head was "stay on top" and I did. If I would have landed on my back I think I would have been submitted but luckily for me I was on top and was able to stay on top. From that point Dan was trying to triangle me but at the same time I was receiving pointer from someone in the crowd and I listened, lol. It was good advice it helped me stay on top and deliver some hammerfists and before I knew it Crafty called time again and that was my first match. At the end I could hardly remember what actually happened. All I know is that it was an awesome experience!
**********************
**********************
Sorry its been a busy week and im not that good at writing but here is a another small installment of my adventure in LA.
June 24 2007
When we arrived at the Monster garage warehouse the place looked empty but as I turned the corner the OP camera crew were filming fighters and spectators as they came through the alley to the entrance of the warehouse. We signed in, got stamped and proceeded through the doors and as we made our way through there was plenty of people on the inside. There a couple of booths to sell Dog Brothers & Kombat Instruments Limited merchandise, Crafty Dog was getting ready and the OP crew were taking shots of the Cali clan as spectators and fights milled about the area. As we made our way through the crowd I recognized many people I saw in Original Production Pilot clip and in a way I was star struck yeah it sounds kind of corny but I just thought it was cool to recognize people and in a way it helped settle my nerves a bit because even though I didn't know them and it was kind like I did know them because I've watched the clip so much.
The Ceremony begins!
Crafty called all the fighters on to the mat where we all lined up and Crafty gave the famous speech " The Ceremony Begins - No judges, no referees, no trophies. One rule only: Be friends at the end of the day. This means our goal is that no one spends the night in the hospital. Our goal is that everyone leaves with the IQ with which they came. No suing no one for no reason for nothing no how no way! We are members of the same tribe helping each other to prepare to defend the land, women, and children of the tribe" Due to the amount of fighters (61) Crafty stressed that bar any injuries all parties should get on and off the mat quickly when their time has expired.
Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzap!
Dog Brother testimonial about the Shocknife
There were 3 shocknives available but I think only 2 were functioning. Earlier before the adrenaline kicked in I volunteered myself to be zapped, those buggers deliver a nice little kick but unfortunately I missed my chance to use them. When you participate in a Dog Brother gathering you got to be on the ball and arrange your fights as quickly as possible and if you weren't on the ball (like me) when the time come to stand in line to step onto the mat to fight everyone else has someone to fight and you are left scrambling looking for a fight. I for one would feel a little embarrassed to travel all that way and miss out on some fighting. Fortunately I found someone to fight as he just came off the mats from his knife match. The knife fights were fun to watch, some matches were one on one and some were two on two, it was interesting to see two guys gang up on one person. Most everybody kept it pretty real, grappling with a person who has a knife just isn't smart at all but you know the gathering can be a time for experimenting and realization of what you can or cant do in a certain situation and you learn about yourself in the process.
My knife fight went pretty quick, for some reason certain things just went out the window, I used my alive hand to slap the guy in the head (actually I wanted to punch the guy but I was kind of following the energy of the other fighters) but for some reason I didn't use it to check the knife hand like I normally do. I think I got caught up in the intensity of the situation which doesn't really make sense it just makes me realize I was using emotions instead of clear thought. I'm not saying I got cut to ribbons lets just say that we "killed" each other, the ones that I got stuck with were upward thrusts to the sternum, every time he stuck me I would thrust to my opponents temple. We did our share of moving we didn't stand and trade then the next thing we new Crafty Dog was yelling "time!"
************************
************************
Just a small blog before I head out, Ill be posting more about the big day soon.
Post gathering thoughts.
Wow, I had so much fun on the the 24th! When we arrived in LA Friday morning the first thing we did after getting our luggage and rental car was head out and find the Original Productions warehouse which was the Gathering was to be held which was also the same location where Monster Garage was filmed. I printed the directions out before leaving and luckily they were very accurate and didn't have to worry about detours or misnamed streets or dead ends. When we pulled up were like "This is it?" "Dang." While cruising the perimeter we were able to look inside but were unable to see anything worthwhile inside the garage however there were a couple of bad ass "Monster Cars" outside unfortunately I didn't have a camera on hand to take any pictures. The rest of the day was spent cruisin' the streets of LA and San Pedro.
Fast forward to Saturday.
Long story short is about a month before the gathering I contacted a couple of Maestro Sonny Umpad students. If you train in the FMA and you don't know who Sonny Umpad is then (IMHO) you owe it to yourself to click on the following links Topic at Dog Brother's forum about Sonny Umpad / Visayan Eskrima Home Page / Pierre Hartmann's Chinese Boxing Association / Maija and Eddy shared so much with us which made the trip so much more worthwhile, so people tend to just show you a little bit of their system but whenever Peregrine and I had a question about something they took it and ran and didn't hold back. Eddy even showed us some of Maestro Umpad's hand crafts practice blades, man that was cool! I have deep regrets about not getting a picture with Eddy and Maija and I look forward to meeting them again!!
Pacific Islander Showdown II
This is actually an old post from my myspace Blog.
The big day finally arrives, weve been training for this since we came back from the gathering in June (well I could have trained better) but every Saturday in the park we trained specifically for the Pacific Island Showdown. I don't have too much to report but hopefully when the event shows up on Olelo I can record it on my PC and then split it up into clips and put it on youtube.
To tell you the truth this is actually my first tournament and I was really nervous about the whole event. Fighting at the gathering is a totally different thing, its not a competition it's about testing yourself well at least for me. I'm not saying it is better than the tournament you can test your conditioning and competiveness at a tournament but you are judged and that makes me uneasy, lol.
So anyway I wake up feeling excited and ready to go early Saturday morning. The only troubling thoughts were due to my Jeep making some funny sounds starting the night before. I popped the hood checked the serpentine belt, "felt tight." Looked over everything and couldn't find the source so I figured I would work on the car another day and concentrate on the tournament. So about a block away from the FILCOM the car makes a shrrrrak sound, I was like wtf?? Then I noticed the steering was hard to turn and then I knew what the problem was it was the serpetine belt, luckily I was only a block away. So I pull into the parking lot park the car, pop the hood and see that the belt was shredded. Part of me was relieved because I knew it was something simple and easy fixable.
After looking under the hood I met up with the guys made my rounds of speaking with DogZilla, Peregrine, Joe, Mark, Professor Lee from the Tobosa System and others then made my way to weigh in. Im not even going to tell you what I weigh, lol. :P After figuring out when everything was going to I called my girl and mother of Tai (yep the name changed) to come to the FILCOM center right after her appt with the doctor so I can head to the auto parts store and run some errands so I can get back and relax. After all the running around I get back to the car and get ready to put on the belt when I noticed that something else was wrong. The pulley is what actually broke, I was like WTF (again) but again the problem was fixable, luckily there was a NAPA right down the street they had the part and it was on sale. YAY! I finally get the car fixed and dont have to worry about anything but competing.
I bet you thought I would have more information about the tournament didnt you?? LOL.
I get in and watch the some of the Solo Baston competition, those guys are quick and agile. Eventually the time comes for the "Live Stick" which the event is before "Live stick Ultimate Warrior." The difference between the two is with "Live stick Ultimate Warrior" you can punch, kick, knee but there are some rules, it's kinda like a Dog Brother gathering but with certain limitations, Im not complaining. It was a lot of fun! So before the end of the Solo Baston (padded stick) I headed back to the staging area to relax and get into the mood. If you read some of my earlier blogs you read that I didn't really watch the fight at the gathering and I didnt really didnt watch the fights prior to my match, I watched bits and pieces but I just went in the back and did my own thing while helping Joe (another one of the Hawaiian Dog Brother Clan) get ready for his match, he ended up taking first. Eventually it came to our turn, Peregrine decided to step up to another weight class and we now had 3 people fighting in the heavy weight division of the "Live stick Ultimate Warrior." Originally it was just DogZilla and me in the heavyweight division. As we were waiting out turn, DogZilla and I joked about how we just paid alot of money to fight each other - we do that every Saturday in the park, FOR FREE! lol. Either way I figure it is good and we wanted to support Hawaii FMA and hopefully we introduced the Hawaiian Clan of the Dog Brothers to some people who never really knew about us.
Finally our turn arrives, before our we pulled card on of us would have a "by" we debated who would take the by, I was nervous about the whole thing and figured I would lose so I fought Peregrine first, we call Peregrine the machine because the guy never runs out of energy, he's like the freakin energizer bunny.
They call our names, Peregrine and I step out onto the mats and it's time to begin. Master Ty was the ref, he went through the usual, obey my commands and keep it "clean." We bow to the judges, bow to the ref, bow to each other and then it was time to rock and roll. Peregrine and I circle and we start swinging, we maintained good distance and threw down for two solid minutes. Then it was time for the second round, again we showed good technique, punched, kicked and beat each other for another two solid minute, no clinch no ref to stop the fight. At the end of the match they read the scores, and to my suprise - I WON. Yeah I was really surprised but I still had to fight DogZilla. DogZilla people!!! Do you know who that is?? One of the orginal Dog Brothers man! If you dont know then go to www.dogbrothers.com and look for the clip "Dogzilla's first day"
Luckily I didnt have to fight back to back because I was freaken tired, let me rephrase that I was "MOTHERFREAKIN TIRED," Keoni from the Pedoy School of Derobio had to fight his last fight and he kicked ass people!!
So now it was our time to fight, still tired and legs of lead I trodded out there and gave the rest of my energy to the match with DogZilla. I got hit pretty good with DogZilla but I landed some good hits, kicks and punches. Ultimately I didn't have enough energy to win the match. In the end it was a good fight, I suprised alot of people but to me it was just another Saturday of Stick fighting but with judges.
It was great tournament, it was awesome to meet everybody and I look forward to next years and Im going to prepare for next years much better and I may even try a carrenza or I might get a wild hair and try all the events! Now that would be something!
Last but not least congrats to Maestro Keoni from the Pedoy School of Escrima, he won the "Ultimate Warrior" which is quite an accomplishment it consists of taking first in all events Carenza, Solo Baston, Live Stick and Ultimate Warrior Live Stick. Thats a lot of fighting people! He kicked some major butt. All the competitors gave it their all and made the event a lot of fun.
Thanks to all who attended, Ill see you guys next saturday at the park
A clip from one of my matches.
Match 1
The big day finally arrives, weve been training for this since we came back from the gathering in June (well I could have trained better) but every Saturday in the park we trained specifically for the Pacific Island Showdown. I don't have too much to report but hopefully when the event shows up on Olelo I can record it on my PC and then split it up into clips and put it on youtube.
To tell you the truth this is actually my first tournament and I was really nervous about the whole event. Fighting at the gathering is a totally different thing, its not a competition it's about testing yourself well at least for me. I'm not saying it is better than the tournament you can test your conditioning and competiveness at a tournament but you are judged and that makes me uneasy, lol.
So anyway I wake up feeling excited and ready to go early Saturday morning. The only troubling thoughts were due to my Jeep making some funny sounds starting the night before. I popped the hood checked the serpentine belt, "felt tight." Looked over everything and couldn't find the source so I figured I would work on the car another day and concentrate on the tournament. So about a block away from the FILCOM the car makes a shrrrrak sound, I was like wtf?? Then I noticed the steering was hard to turn and then I knew what the problem was it was the serpetine belt, luckily I was only a block away. So I pull into the parking lot park the car, pop the hood and see that the belt was shredded. Part of me was relieved because I knew it was something simple and easy fixable.
After looking under the hood I met up with the guys made my rounds of speaking with DogZilla, Peregrine, Joe, Mark, Professor Lee from the Tobosa System and others then made my way to weigh in. Im not even going to tell you what I weigh, lol. :P After figuring out when everything was going to I called my girl and mother of Tai (yep the name changed) to come to the FILCOM center right after her appt with the doctor so I can head to the auto parts store and run some errands so I can get back and relax. After all the running around I get back to the car and get ready to put on the belt when I noticed that something else was wrong. The pulley is what actually broke, I was like WTF (again) but again the problem was fixable, luckily there was a NAPA right down the street they had the part and it was on sale. YAY! I finally get the car fixed and dont have to worry about anything but competing.
I bet you thought I would have more information about the tournament didnt you?? LOL.
I get in and watch the some of the Solo Baston competition, those guys are quick and agile. Eventually the time comes for the "Live Stick" which the event is before "Live stick Ultimate Warrior." The difference between the two is with "Live stick Ultimate Warrior" you can punch, kick, knee but there are some rules, it's kinda like a Dog Brother gathering but with certain limitations, Im not complaining. It was a lot of fun! So before the end of the Solo Baston (padded stick) I headed back to the staging area to relax and get into the mood. If you read some of my earlier blogs you read that I didn't really watch the fight at the gathering and I didnt really didnt watch the fights prior to my match, I watched bits and pieces but I just went in the back and did my own thing while helping Joe (another one of the Hawaiian Dog Brother Clan) get ready for his match, he ended up taking first. Eventually it came to our turn, Peregrine decided to step up to another weight class and we now had 3 people fighting in the heavy weight division of the "Live stick Ultimate Warrior." Originally it was just DogZilla and me in the heavyweight division. As we were waiting out turn, DogZilla and I joked about how we just paid alot of money to fight each other - we do that every Saturday in the park, FOR FREE! lol. Either way I figure it is good and we wanted to support Hawaii FMA and hopefully we introduced the Hawaiian Clan of the Dog Brothers to some people who never really knew about us.
Finally our turn arrives, before our we pulled card on of us would have a "by" we debated who would take the by, I was nervous about the whole thing and figured I would lose so I fought Peregrine first, we call Peregrine the machine because the guy never runs out of energy, he's like the freakin energizer bunny.
They call our names, Peregrine and I step out onto the mats and it's time to begin. Master Ty was the ref, he went through the usual, obey my commands and keep it "clean." We bow to the judges, bow to the ref, bow to each other and then it was time to rock and roll. Peregrine and I circle and we start swinging, we maintained good distance and threw down for two solid minutes. Then it was time for the second round, again we showed good technique, punched, kicked and beat each other for another two solid minute, no clinch no ref to stop the fight. At the end of the match they read the scores, and to my suprise - I WON. Yeah I was really surprised but I still had to fight DogZilla. DogZilla people!!! Do you know who that is?? One of the orginal Dog Brothers man! If you dont know then go to www.dogbrothers.com and look for the clip "Dogzilla's first day"
Luckily I didnt have to fight back to back because I was freaken tired, let me rephrase that I was "MOTHERFREAKIN TIRED," Keoni from the Pedoy School of Derobio had to fight his last fight and he kicked ass people!!
So now it was our time to fight, still tired and legs of lead I trodded out there and gave the rest of my energy to the match with DogZilla. I got hit pretty good with DogZilla but I landed some good hits, kicks and punches. Ultimately I didn't have enough energy to win the match. In the end it was a good fight, I suprised alot of people but to me it was just another Saturday of Stick fighting but with judges.
It was great tournament, it was awesome to meet everybody and I look forward to next years and Im going to prepare for next years much better and I may even try a carrenza or I might get a wild hair and try all the events! Now that would be something!
Last but not least congrats to Maestro Keoni from the Pedoy School of Escrima, he won the "Ultimate Warrior" which is quite an accomplishment it consists of taking first in all events Carenza, Solo Baston, Live Stick and Ultimate Warrior Live Stick. Thats a lot of fighting people! He kicked some major butt. All the competitors gave it their all and made the event a lot of fun.
Thanks to all who attended, Ill see you guys next saturday at the park
A clip from one of my matches.
Match 1
04 December 2008
More inspiration...
This is a great article by Mike Mahler
Perfect timing too, close to the end of year when people start thinking about New Year's Resolutions. Due to current situations at work and the possibility of being laid off Ive got some projects that I would really like to start moving forward on.
Will You Let a “Knife” prevent You from Conquering Your Goal?
Perfect timing too, close to the end of year when people start thinking about New Year's Resolutions. Due to current situations at work and the possibility of being laid off Ive got some projects that I would really like to start moving forward on.
Will You Let a “Knife” prevent You from Conquering Your Goal?
24 November 2008
There is no tomorrow!
While watching Rocky III today I was reminded by a great blog entry by Tom Furman of Physical Strategies, please check it out. Although it applies and is inspiring on many different levels. Maybe it will inspire you to follow through on something you have been procrastinating on before it is too late. New Years resolutions are right around the corner!
There is no tomorrow!
http://physicalstrategies.blogspot.com/2007/01/there-is-no-tomorrow.html
There is no tomorrow!
http://physicalstrategies.blogspot.com/2007/01/there-is-no-tomorrow.html
22 November 2008
WATER AND STEEL EAST 2009
Just got an email from Kelly Worden in regards to 2 day camp in Virgina Beach:
The 1st annual WATER AND STEEL EAST 2009 will be hosting Kelly S. Worden, Natural Spirit International, on January 9-10 11th 2009 in Virginia Beach, Va.
As a keynote instructor Kelly S. Worden is an amazing instructor that brings out the best in every attendee. His personal approach to crossing hands with every participant makes his events life changing experiences. He actually guarantees it, possibly the only seminar instructor who offers his “Money back Guarantee!”
In his words, “If I can’t improve your skill sets or defensive efficiency I’ll give you your money back, no shit!” Who else offers that guarantee?
Well, right now that seems like a pretty special opportunity, check this added bonus out…
Ever heard of Gary O’Neal? Gary spent 33 years of service in the U.S. Army which included Special Forces, Army Rangers, First Aviation Brigade, and First Field Force. Gary O’Neal led missions in Special Reconnaissance, P.O.W. Rescue, Flight Operations, and many other Classified Operations Worldwide. Although he would never say it, in truth, “Gary O’Neal is a true Military Legend!”
At the request of Kelly S. Worden, Gary O’Neal will be attending Water and Steel East 2009 and also sharing an in-depth Historical Military and Lifestyle Lecture Saturday Evening!
This alone is a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear personal accounts of Gary’s life and his association with the late Michael Echanis.
So I am thinking it is a good idea to reserve your spot on the training floor and experience this dynamically unique seminar opportunity!
Kelly and Gary met years ago at the Soldier of Fortune Convention in Las Vegas Nevada and have maintained a close personal relationship all those years. To learn more about Gary O’Neal check out his website @
http://www.oldwarriorcompany.com/
DATES: January 9 -10 -11th, 2009
LOCATION: The Ramada Inn on The Beach, 6th & Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451, telephone # 800.888.4111 or 757.425.7800 website: http://www.virginiabeachramada.com/
COST: $169.00 for both days, pay by December 15th, 2009 and pay only $149.00
LODGING: Seminar special at the Ramada Inn $49.00 per night for ocean front rooms. Make reservations early asking for special seminar rate “Water and Steel East 2009”.
Registration: Gary Mah at: garymah3@cox.net to reserve your place at the seminar. The seminar is limited to 50 students so please sign-up early. To pre-pay early, mail checks to:
Gary Mah
2956 Buccaneer Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.
Only reregistered attendees will be allowed to attend this seminar. There will not be any door registration unless prior arrangements have been made.
Kelly S. Worden's background is quite diverse with 35+ years of Boxing, Modern Arnis Kickboxing, JKD, Non Classical Gung Fu, Sombo, Small Circle JuJitsu, these systems and others form the basis into his own teaching curriculum and method called Natural Spirit International (NSI). Simply put, NSI has been Americanized for realistic function and practical use.
Kelly S. Worden's “WORTAC CQD” Close Quarter Defense Program has been extremely well received through the U.S. Army 1st. Special Forces at Ft. Lewis Washington. Other programs include the USAF 62nd Combat Controllers at McCord AFB under the guidance of Col. Michael Vrosh, and countless seminars throughout North America. Worden’s “WORTAC CQD” Close Quarter Defense Program is currently being implemented into the Saskatchewan Police College in Regina, Saskatchewan Canada.
The “WORTAC CQD” Close Quarter Defense Program Kelly S. Worden instructs covers Stick or ASP Baton, Short Staff, Knife, Machete, Improvised weapons, Trapping, Throws, Locks, Non-lethal control, Counter-Grappling, and Kickboxing strategies.
Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major Lawrence Jordan, was selected by former U.S. Army Special Forces Commanding General Frank Toney Jr. to evaluate the vast majority of Special Forces units on their existing CQC programs, Worden's name was at the top of the list.
The “WORTAC CQD” Close Quarter Defense Program also employs a self defense tool Kelly Worden designed years ago called the Impact Kerambit and is now produced in an even more covert model the Travel Wrench and more recently the Saf-T-Wrench.
Kelly’s instructional material he will be sharing at Water and Steel East 2009 embraces concepts of cross referencing skill development from improvised impact weapons into knife and empty hand tactics. The “WORTAC CQD” Close Quarter Defense method guides individuals into the realm of “Self- Realization” to implement almost any object into a weapon for self protection, escalating or de-escalate the level of force needed depending on the situation. This is a life saving system not a life taking system!
The “WORTAC CQD” Close Quarter Defense Program you will learn breaks down the cultural barriers of different arts into a curriculum that is amazingly direct, quick, and easy to assimilate. You can expect the seminar to include close quarter striking and blade work, controls, locks, throws, kicking, foot trapping, positional control through re-directional manipulation etc. Tactics that connect the principles into offensive, defensive, evasion, distance and positional control as it relates to individual or multiple attacker strategies.
Kelly S. Worden's teaching method develops and compliments each individuals personal attributes, it is High Speed Refinement at it’s very best!
He is a worldwide recognized instructor, equipment innovator, radio talk show host, writer, and former weapon's editor for Full Contact and Fighting Knives magazines. Worden has produced over 25 internationally acclaimed instructional video programs and designed knives manufactured by Crawford Knives, Bud Nealy, Timberline, TOPS, Al Mar, and his latest model by Ontario Knife Company, the Special Forces Machete.
On a personal note directly from Kelly, "I pride myself on developing leaders and teachers not followers of a cultural style or agenda based strategy that dictates or advocates one method of training to be superior to another. It is the individual and not the style that distinguishes validity in martial combat and personal protection."
Paladin Press just released Kelly’s training DVD called:
URBAN KNIFE WARFARE Edged-Weapon Combat for Military Personnel and Defense-Minded Civilians
Also the Newest Paladin Press Release 21 Century Knife Combat 3 DVD Set
We think you will enjoy Kelly’s insider information on modern knife warfare.
We invite you to attend the 2009 Water and Steel East and learn the leading edge skills of blade mastery from the best of the best.
Some of the topics that Kelly will be covering will be:
WORTAC Defensive Tactics – Essential 24 Defensive Strike Set- Extreme Foot trapping and Base Disruptions
Double Stick – Single Stick – Empty Hand - Lock Flow
Tactical Knife -Travel Wrench and the new Saf-T-Wrench Key-Tote
For more information or personal inquiries;
Contact Kelly S. Worden @
kellysworden@comcast.net
253-678-7658
The 1st annual WATER AND STEEL EAST 2009 will be hosting Kelly S. Worden, Natural Spirit International, on January 9-10 11th 2009 in Virginia Beach, Va.
As a keynote instructor Kelly S. Worden is an amazing instructor that brings out the best in every attendee. His personal approach to crossing hands with every participant makes his events life changing experiences. He actually guarantees it, possibly the only seminar instructor who offers his “Money back Guarantee!”
In his words, “If I can’t improve your skill sets or defensive efficiency I’ll give you your money back, no shit!” Who else offers that guarantee?
Well, right now that seems like a pretty special opportunity, check this added bonus out…
Ever heard of Gary O’Neal? Gary spent 33 years of service in the U.S. Army which included Special Forces, Army Rangers, First Aviation Brigade, and First Field Force. Gary O’Neal led missions in Special Reconnaissance, P.O.W. Rescue, Flight Operations, and many other Classified Operations Worldwide. Although he would never say it, in truth, “Gary O’Neal is a true Military Legend!”
At the request of Kelly S. Worden, Gary O’Neal will be attending Water and Steel East 2009 and also sharing an in-depth Historical Military and Lifestyle Lecture Saturday Evening!
This alone is a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear personal accounts of Gary’s life and his association with the late Michael Echanis.
So I am thinking it is a good idea to reserve your spot on the training floor and experience this dynamically unique seminar opportunity!
Kelly and Gary met years ago at the Soldier of Fortune Convention in Las Vegas Nevada and have maintained a close personal relationship all those years. To learn more about Gary O’Neal check out his website @
http://www.oldwarriorcompany.com/
DATES: January 9 -10 -11th, 2009
LOCATION: The Ramada Inn on The Beach, 6th & Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451, telephone # 800.888.4111 or 757.425.7800 website: http://www.virginiabeachramada.com/
COST: $169.00 for both days, pay by December 15th, 2009 and pay only $149.00
LODGING: Seminar special at the Ramada Inn $49.00 per night for ocean front rooms. Make reservations early asking for special seminar rate “Water and Steel East 2009”.
Registration: Gary Mah at: garymah3@cox.net to reserve your place at the seminar. The seminar is limited to 50 students so please sign-up early. To pre-pay early, mail checks to:
Gary Mah
2956 Buccaneer Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.
Only reregistered attendees will be allowed to attend this seminar. There will not be any door registration unless prior arrangements have been made.
Kelly S. Worden's background is quite diverse with 35+ years of Boxing, Modern Arnis Kickboxing, JKD, Non Classical Gung Fu, Sombo, Small Circle JuJitsu, these systems and others form the basis into his own teaching curriculum and method called Natural Spirit International (NSI). Simply put, NSI has been Americanized for realistic function and practical use.
Kelly S. Worden's “WORTAC CQD” Close Quarter Defense Program has been extremely well received through the U.S. Army 1st. Special Forces at Ft. Lewis Washington. Other programs include the USAF 62nd Combat Controllers at McCord AFB under the guidance of Col. Michael Vrosh, and countless seminars throughout North America. Worden’s “WORTAC CQD” Close Quarter Defense Program is currently being implemented into the Saskatchewan Police College in Regina, Saskatchewan Canada.
The “WORTAC CQD” Close Quarter Defense Program Kelly S. Worden instructs covers Stick or ASP Baton, Short Staff, Knife, Machete, Improvised weapons, Trapping, Throws, Locks, Non-lethal control, Counter-Grappling, and Kickboxing strategies.
Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major Lawrence Jordan, was selected by former U.S. Army Special Forces Commanding General Frank Toney Jr. to evaluate the vast majority of Special Forces units on their existing CQC programs, Worden's name was at the top of the list.
The “WORTAC CQD” Close Quarter Defense Program also employs a self defense tool Kelly Worden designed years ago called the Impact Kerambit and is now produced in an even more covert model the Travel Wrench and more recently the Saf-T-Wrench.
Kelly’s instructional material he will be sharing at Water and Steel East 2009 embraces concepts of cross referencing skill development from improvised impact weapons into knife and empty hand tactics. The “WORTAC CQD” Close Quarter Defense method guides individuals into the realm of “Self- Realization” to implement almost any object into a weapon for self protection, escalating or de-escalate the level of force needed depending on the situation. This is a life saving system not a life taking system!
The “WORTAC CQD” Close Quarter Defense Program you will learn breaks down the cultural barriers of different arts into a curriculum that is amazingly direct, quick, and easy to assimilate. You can expect the seminar to include close quarter striking and blade work, controls, locks, throws, kicking, foot trapping, positional control through re-directional manipulation etc. Tactics that connect the principles into offensive, defensive, evasion, distance and positional control as it relates to individual or multiple attacker strategies.
Kelly S. Worden's teaching method develops and compliments each individuals personal attributes, it is High Speed Refinement at it’s very best!
He is a worldwide recognized instructor, equipment innovator, radio talk show host, writer, and former weapon's editor for Full Contact and Fighting Knives magazines. Worden has produced over 25 internationally acclaimed instructional video programs and designed knives manufactured by Crawford Knives, Bud Nealy, Timberline, TOPS, Al Mar, and his latest model by Ontario Knife Company, the Special Forces Machete.
On a personal note directly from Kelly, "I pride myself on developing leaders and teachers not followers of a cultural style or agenda based strategy that dictates or advocates one method of training to be superior to another. It is the individual and not the style that distinguishes validity in martial combat and personal protection."
Paladin Press just released Kelly’s training DVD called:
URBAN KNIFE WARFARE Edged-Weapon Combat for Military Personnel and Defense-Minded Civilians
Also the Newest Paladin Press Release 21 Century Knife Combat 3 DVD Set
We think you will enjoy Kelly’s insider information on modern knife warfare.
We invite you to attend the 2009 Water and Steel East and learn the leading edge skills of blade mastery from the best of the best.
Some of the topics that Kelly will be covering will be:
WORTAC Defensive Tactics – Essential 24 Defensive Strike Set- Extreme Foot trapping and Base Disruptions
Double Stick – Single Stick – Empty Hand - Lock Flow
Tactical Knife -Travel Wrench and the new Saf-T-Wrench Key-Tote
For more information or personal inquiries;
Contact Kelly S. Worden @
kellysworden@comcast.net
253-678-7658
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