shinbukai

FILIPINO ELUSIVE WARRIOR

Sunday September 28th saw Sensei Jason Gwerder, Ryan Hooson, Ivan Tapia and myself in the enviable position of attending a seminar on Filipino knife and stick fighting in Brisbane with Hanshi Tino Ceberano (8th Dan Goju Kai Karate). For almost 5 hours we were introduced to the fundamentals of this ancient Filipino martial art. Starting with simple arm and wrist limbering exercises we then moved onto the basics. Learning the blocks, strikes and twirling of the sticks was a workout in itself. Once we had a good grasp of the basic techniques then was added stepping, turning, switching combined and practiced.

Hanshi Ceberano then demonstrated Kata by combining what we had learned so far. For me as a kata enthusiast this was definitely a highlight of the day. After a short break we were taken through partner drills first empty handed then using the sticks which earned quite a few of the participants some cracked knuckles. Once a rhythm was established the sticks blurred and a staccato not unlike a drum roll sounded throughout the hall.

After repeating and practising everything we had learnt we moved onto knife work. The basics were very similar to the sticks but the self defence aspect was very much the same to what I had learnt from Sosai, but it was good to have it reinforced. Again we moved into partner drills very much the same as the stick drills but a little slower and with a bit more care.

Whilst the seminar was kept to the basic techniques it was an extremely enjoyable learning experience. I am sure that all those who participated will agree that that if given the opportunity they will happily attend again.

If you get the opportunity to attend seminars of different arts, consult with your instructor to ensure of its suitability and the credibility of its instructor, attend with an open mind ready to immerse yourself in the knowledge they have to share.