Blood Sucking Shuriken

Masters of Martial Arts film review by Wmpyr

2012-02-22T14:02:00.000-08:00

I found this film on Youtube.

It is a classic Kung Fu flick that reminds me a bit of Bruce Lee's first film The Big Boss AKA Fists of Fury, but with a better story. Yes the story is actually better here.

The main character Go-Chan is played by the actor that gets defeated by John Saxon in Enter the Dragon. He was also in Return of the Dragon AKA Way of the Dragon, another Bruce Lee classic.

This actor is a suave looking guy that doesn't look like a fighter, but he does his fight scenes well. Unlike most martial arts films you don't see him go through a training sequence.

So Go-Chan is a martial arts expert who starts off in the film with a challenge match that goes wrong. He kills his opponent with a back hand palm strike to the nose. Go-Chan's dad kicks him out of the house and tells him to never misuse martial arts again. Our mild mannered reluctant hero is now wandering about when he encounters a thief who is portrayed as a good man forced into bad things. The thief dies and Go-Chan decides to carry his burdens, he travels to the family to bring the news and begins work in a new town to support the family.

His employers are corrupt and have henchmen who bully people. They are plotting to win a local martial arts tournament by dirty means. They hire a Japanese fighter Hashimoto to represent them, which at this time having foreigners on your side is considered a very bad thing to do.
The main villain is played by a convincing actor, although it would have been nice to have made him a bit more unique or colorful, but I give him props because he is able to hold his role just by his acting and looks.

Now Go-Chan is a reluctant hero who doesn't want to fight anymore because he feels bad and is trying to honor is dad's words, but one thing I do not like about his personality, is that there is another good guy in this film who is more aware about what is going on with the villain's evil scheme and this guy has offered his friendship and even the solution to Go-Chan, but Go-Chan refuses to help, he's stuck in his own drama. You don't want to be blind towards a real friend. So this results in this good guy's death, and Go-Chan has to take matters into his own hands anyway.

Another thing I didn't care for was the way Go-Chan's love interest in the film reacts towards Go-Chan, she blames him for people's deaths. Really not cool since Go-Chan has been honorable to her and has financially helped support her.

I am also pretty sure Sammo Hung was in this as a goon leader.

All in all, this film is not bad, to me it has a lot of potential, but it definitely lacks anything colorful, seems a bit plain. A rewrite of this script would probably be really good since the core is pretty cool, you have a reluctant hero, a martial arts tournament, a cool possible team mate, and 4 main villains.

SKYLANDERS video game characters

2012-02-20T22:11:00.000-08:00

SKYLANDERS Spyro's Adventure

Here is a list of the ones I have so far (13) and my brief opinion on them.

Bash
This guy reminds me of a T-rex. He is the cute because he is dumb type.
His rolling capability makes up for his close range mace tail.

Chop Chop
I didn't care for his face, but I like everything else, plus he is undead, my favorite element. Starting off he doesn't seem that good, but he's one of those that seems to get much better as he levels up.

Dino-Rang
I like his Australian accent, since both of his attacks involve the boomerang, he seems a bit on the boring side, but he is practical in combat.

Eruptor
Obviously looks powerful, and plays like a mini Incredible Hulk type strong and powerful character. He looks pretty cool too.

Ghost Roaster
My favorite in the game. To me this is a silly version of Ghost Rider. I like his maniac laughing voice and his skull attack is effective and looks cool.

Gill Grunt
The character may not look that interesting but he plays well. I actually like him. To me this guy is everything the MOTU Merman wanted to be.

Hex
The coolest looking Skylander. Can easily become anyone's favorite.

Sonic Boom
I thought he was a bird, but now not sure what exactly he is. A griffon? His secondary attack spits out an egg, it hatches, and a mini Sonic Boom will go attack the enemy, now that is major awesome sauce!

Spyro
He doesn't hover as well as Hex. Character wise, he is a dragon, and dragons are cool, even though Cynder and Whirlwind look cooler, he is still a dragon!

Stealth Elf
Definitely one of the coolest looking, however starting off she is kind of weak. Level her up and it seems like she can become really enjoyable.

Trigger Happy
Because of his guns he is easy to use. Reminds me of a wacky version of Taz.

Wrecking Ball
He is some type of insect. I don't care for him much at the moment but maybe he will get much better as he levels up.

Zap
Reminds me of Nimrod from the TV show SURFACE. Plays very well starting off.

My Most Wanted List (from least to most)
Whirlwind
Warnado
Drobot
Stump Smash
Slam Bam
Terrafin
Lightning Rod

Wmpyr Fantasy Knife Design

2012-02-16T20:43:00.000-08:00

Delta Force Combat Knife 01

Trianbit = Triangular shaped karambit

This is my fantasy knife, because it is basically a combination of my 2 favorite knives, the KNIVES STI P001 tactical knife, Krudo Knives SNAG knife, with a bit of my own contribution sprinkled on.

-SNAG knife blade lever
-Karambit finger hole
-P001 finger hole
-Solid single piece pocket clip
-Triangle shaped impact tool

SKYRIM

2012-02-13T21:48:00.000-08:00

SKYRIM IMPROVEMENT IDEAS by Wmpyr

Okay I made a video a little while back on this very same subject but my opinions and ideas have changed since then, especially because I have gotten much further in the game.

1. Killing your follower really bites.
Having to constantly be careful not to kill your partner while trying to complete the task at hand is a pain in the rear. Definitely more realistic, but can really take the fun out of the game. My solution is to make it an option. Ability to hurt your partner and vice versa should have an on and off feature.

2. Money problems.
At higher levels it's really easy to accumulate so much money you don't know what to do with all of it. A casino type feature would be great! Oh but if we do that, we can lose money but also have the potential to increase our money even more, I know we can purchase a house, but let's take it a step further, build our own custom home, how about even build our own village like Riverwood? Also people I'm trying to sell to constantly run out of money, the entering and exiting stores is a big pain so can't there be an automatic bank where they can automatically borrow to buy from you, so the cash can come in via courier a few days later.

3. Interact with other live players.
I know this is a single player game. If players could have a special window where they can just sell each other items it would be priceless! It shouldn't be that hard of a feature to add.

4. Long Load time
I understand this is a giant game, so it's going to have long load times, I wish there was something useful we could do during the constant load times.
Here are some ideas.
Access the map, access inventory so you can equip or even store items.

5. Vampires and Werewolves
Needs to play like a selectable race, it doesn't have to be a race that is selectable from the get go but it needs to work with the game where the play can be done from early stages of the game all the way to the advanced stages of the game.

6. Fix the compass
This next suggestion is not that hard to do, sometimes the compass is difficult to see because the building, terrain, and other location symbols get in the way. Just put the compass below that and it would solve this problem.

REVENGE OF THE NINJA film review

2012-02-10T22:40:00.000-08:00

REVENGE OF THE NINJA
(1983)

What can I say? This film is my favorite ninja film of all time. It stars Sho Kosugi, real life martial artist, ninjitsu practitioner, expert in 9 different styles of martial arts, and a vast collection of 650 weapons, 120 of them are throwing stars. He does most if not all of his own stunts, and almost killed himself 4 times. Welcome to a trip down memory lane, let me take you back to a time where Sho was the king of ninja films, the golden age of ninja films.

The film starts off with some action right away, evil ninjas attacking Sho and his family. Sho with the support from Keith Vitali decides to move to America. Keith Vitali btw, is a columnist on Black Belt Magazine, and a US National Karate champion for 3 consecutive years.
Anyways we find out that Keith is an evil ninja, who uses Sho to transport drugs over to America by smuggling them inside fancy Japanese dolls that Sho is trying to sell.

Keith in the meantime goes to war with the local mob and has hypnotized a blonde bombshell named Cathy to keep an eye on Sho and spar with him wearing a red gi top and pantyhose. One of the memorable and humorous scene was with Grandmother, who has a fantastic fight scene with Keith who wears an awesome silver Hanya mask (Hanya is a Japanese female demon). Gotta love the acrobatic ninja Grandmother! Another scene to look for is the fight scene between Sho and a Native American henchman which kind of brings back memories of Storm Shadow versus Spirit from the 80s GIJOE cartoon! Tomahawk nuff said!!! Eventually Sho's real life son Kane gets kidnapped, and Sho brings out the weapons and outfit to save him. In the end there is a worthy final boss fight between Sho and Keith that will not disappoint, starts with some awesome Kuji-kiri (ninja finger weaving) and we get to see weapon vs weapon combat with various deceptive ninjitsu tactics as well.
What can I say the film is cheesy and great, they sure don't make them like this anymore, you will see Sho use a ninja star belt, don't forget the torture in a jacuzzi scene, and even a short appearance by Professor Toru Tanaka who was SUBZERO from The Running Man.

This film made me want to watch the other Sho Kosugi ninja films, and even though this was the best, I enjoyed the others very much, and became a Sho Kosugi fan!

Revenge of the Ninja review part 5/5

Revenge of the Ninja review part 4/5

Revenge of the Ninja review part 3/5

Revenge of the Ninja review Part 2/5

Revenge of the Ninja review part 1/5

Pray for Death starring Sho Kosugi

Rage of Honor starring Sho Kosugi

STAR STRIDER Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone

2012-02-05T23:16:00.000-08:00

STAR STRIDER
Fighting Fantasy 27
Game Book review by Wmpyr

I have a soft spot for Star Strider because it was given to me on my birthday by my aunt in England a very long time ago, since then I have read this game book many times and enjoy it to this day.

I have read some reviews by some experienced game book readers saying that this book doesn't play well. I can definitely see their point, Star Strider is hard, there are many instant deaths, difficult math problems to solve, choices that are hard to remember, and plenty of areas to get lost in, such as the dirty dark city and the maze.

Let me say something though, what makes this game book so enjoyable is not the game play aspect, but rather the story telling.

Like Snake Plissken from the film Escape from NY, you are an elite operative sent to rescue the President. The back drop however is a science fiction action that makes me think of films like Blade Runner and Freejack.

You are an elite Rogue Tracer called a Star Strider, you have all kinds of combat training, but your primary weapon is your Catchman handgun which shoots a liquid plastic, also if you get far enough in the game you will get to use a neutron sword which I imagine is something like a lightsaber.

Your enemy are a hi-tech humanoid race called the Gromulans. They use 2 types of weapons. A portable hologram device to mess with your brain, and a T-800 Terminator like powerful androids.

You will travel to a dirty dark city, enter a shady club, get into street fights, encounter gang members, infiltrate the Gromulan HQ, fight in a gladiator style arena, and navigate through an abstract maze.

To further set the mood, the lingo found in the book to me really does the trick. Reading about Zipcars and food cubes puts a smile on my face.

I have 2 other Fighting Fantasy game books but this one has always been my favorite because of the story.

GAME BOOKS

2012-02-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

I am a big fan of game books such as STAR STRIDER by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone. A game book is essentially a "choose your own adventure book" plus a little bit more, usually involving dice, pencil and paper.

GAME BOOK VS CYOA BOOK
The simplicity of a CYOA book appeals to me because you don't have to use a pencil and paper. I have seen some creative game books that have an illustration of 2 dices up in the corner of every page so that you don't need to have dices. But I do like how game books try to increase active interaction by more than just flipping pages, this can include taking notes, solving math problems, and picking up items. One of the most intensive game books I've ever played involved custom dice, red and blue 3-D code breaking, and items such as a flashlight, I no longer have this book and I believe it was from the Famous Five series. One last thing I have to say is that CYOA books are usually for the younger audiences, while game books are for the older kids, so most of the time the reading and subject matter of game books to me is more appealing.

FLIPPING PAGES
There are two types of page flipping. One that tells you to go to a particular page. The other is one that tells you to go to a numbered paragraph. To me the numbered paragraph is a faster more action packed read than the page based flipping. When writing my own game book I will prefer to choose the numbered paragraph method, but I need to make sure that the pages will still be numbered.

CHOICES
Whether it is a game book or a CYOA book, the reader is going to have to make decisions, if you want to do this, go to this page, if not then go to this other page. Personally I really don't like making choices based out of luck. So if the choices are made strictly off of should I go left or right, and there is no information to study to make an educated decision, to me this is luck based choice making. I understand that this is an easy way to increase the replay value because readers will not likely remember the answer. In such a case consequences with instant deaths should be avoided to make the game play less luck based.

SNAG LIFE

2012-01-11T00:22:00.000-08:00

The aggressive ridges on the ring and blade lever result in tearing of the skin when used for striking as a karambit impact tool in the closed position.

Modified karambit with a wicked blade!

All about the S-shape
Just imagine sinking the point into your enemy, right above their collarbone and then pressing up on the Thumb Support to try and rip out their collar bone.

This is an article for fun, for those of you that just can't get enough of the SNAG knife.
Just what is it about this fascinating knife that makes us want to learn more about it?

I like karambits so it was really easy for me to like the SNAG. However it is more than just a modified karambit to me. The folding thumb support is something I have never seen on a karambit and a very nice touch. The upswept blade really makes it different from the karambit, making it like a persian dagger. But there is more, it has aggressive ridges on the spine of the blade for catching limbs. If all this wasn't enough, it has a lever on the blade that was modeled after the classical straight razor, how cool is that? This lever is quite an ingenious design providing multiple benefits, such as ambidextrous thumb opening, kinetic opening where you hook off of the enemy's limbs, and as a striker in the closed position.

COBRA
When looking at the overall shape of the SNAG knife in the open position, it reminds me of a most scary knife... the knife made famous in the film "Cobra" starring Sylvester Stallone. The knife used by the evil Night Slasher is a very memorable blade. To me the SNAG is a like a more modern, legal, good guy version of this knife. The NS knife was a large fixed blade which would be illegal in many states just for the size alone. It featured a persian style blade that looked razor sharp. The SNAG is more compact and has a more exaggerated upswept blade that has a combo edge and ridges on the spine. The NS knife also had a menacing spiked knuckle duster style handle. The SNAG instead has a karambit style ring hole with aggressive ridges instead of spikes, which is basically a single knuckle style knuckle duster.

USAGE
As far as usage goes, to me the SNAG is a fantastic martial arts knife because it really does more to enhance fighting techniques compared to a regular knife. In the closed position one can just use it like a type of brass knuckles/fist load and just simply hammer away at the opponent until they are a pile of beaten meat. I personally would also use it to aid me in submission moves mostly on the ground, by enhancing the effectiveness of grappling moves such as the guillotine choke, kimura lock, americana lock, rear naked choke, and so on. The SNAG knife can also be used to cause a lot of pain by attacking weak points and sensitive areas, I can use this to manipulate my opponent by getting them off balance so that I can execute a take down much easier.

MONEY
Some people may find this knife expensive, but it is cheaper than a firearm and just as effective if not more so in certain specific situations. It is also a very unique knife with good quality. It is in between that of a mass production knife and a custom knife, when you look at it that way, the price makes more sense. Your getting an extremely practical and unique knife but it doesn't cost $500+ like a custom knife.

SNAG Live Blade Folder DEEP review by Wmpyr

2012-01-07T15:41:00.000-08:00

SNAG Live Blade Folder
Deep Review by Wmpyr

S.N.A.G.
(Specialized Nerve Assisting Grab)

The unique looking SNAG knife was designed by martial arts expert Louis Krudo.
The SNAG knife is a modified karambit that has a unique S shape.
The versatile S shape allows for tremendous leverage, it also makes the SNAG compatible to many martial arts techniques.

General stats:
9CrCo13MoV Stainless blade
Bead blast finished blade
Combo edge (plain & serrated)
Finger ring
Folding Thumb Support
Solid aluminum handle
Liner lock
4 way pocket clip

Length: 6.8"
Blade: 2.5"
Weight: 4.4 oz.

Non-lethal Impact Tool

In the closed position, the SNAG becomes a non lethal impact karambit. The aggressive jimping on the SNAG can be used for grip retention, gripping onto the enemy, and tearing skin open.
Since the SNAG can be used immediately as is in the closed position, there is no need to worry about deploying the blade as fast as possible.
That being said, the SNAG has a variety of methods to deploy the blade, some of which are lightning fast.
1. Using the Blade Lever to open the knife with your thumb somewhat like a conventional knife.
2. Kinetic Opening, which is hooking the blade lever off of an object such as enemy limbs to deploy the blade.
3. The blade lever can also be used to hook off of your pocket and other article of clothing for a quick opening!

Thumb Support

The thumb support is a clever folding ramp that I've never seen on any other knife before. The thumb support can enable more leverage when applying certain moves.
The solid one piece metal finger ring has aggressive jimping and a slightly protruding area specifically for striking with.

Upswept Blade

The SNAG blade is dual purpose. The edge side is a combo edge, and unlike most knives where the spine is inactive, on the SNAG, the spine side features aggressive jimping for hooking and controlling.

Characteristics of the SNAG blade:
1. Deploys Blade Offensively
Deploys the blade offensively because of the upswept tip. The point of the blade immediately faces outward towards your opponent as the blade is being deployed.

2. Large Cutting Surface
When punching with the SNAG, the cutting surface area is large.

3. Protects Fist
The unique shape of this knife ensures that your fist does not make contact with your target keeping it safer than normal knives.

4. Anti-Grab
The upswept blade allows for you to cut your attacker's arm if they grab a hold of your wrist, arm, or hand attempting to control or disarm your knife.

5. Stabs Well
Unlike most knives with curved blades, the SNAG can still stab very well.

6. Goes Around
Like most curved blades, you can go around a blocked target and hit it.

7. Slices Towards
Most knives slice objects by drawing the blade back towards you, imagine cutting a tomato. The circular blade on the SNAG slices by moving towards and past the target, like a wheel rotating forwards. This enables strong body mechanics when in the clinch/CQC.

CONCLUSION
Technically one can say that the SNAG is a Karambit and Kirpan hybrid.
The S shape knife is good for trapping, manipulating, and controlling your opponent as you cut them.
The SNAG knife is compatible to those who train in martial art styles that have joint locks, trapping, and fight in the clinch, such as Filipino MA, Kuk Sool Won, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Boxing, Ju-jitsu, and MMA. As a side note, the creator of the SNAG Louis Krudo has background in Kali and Arnis.
This multi-purpose self-defense weapon is a very versatile tactical knife, if you can appreciate the effectiveness of a karambit then you will like the SNAG knife.

visit the home of the SNAG here at www.KRUDOKNIVES.com

スナッグ・ライブブレード・フォールディング SNAG Live Blade Folder by KRUDO KNIVES

2012-01-05T10:16:00.001-08:00

SNAG Live Blade Folder by KRUDO KNIVES

スナッグ・ライブブレード・フォールディング
デザインbyルイス・クルード
SNAG LIVE BLADE FOLDER
ナイフREVIEW BY WMPYR

SNAGナイフはフィリピン武術の専門家ルイスKrudoによって開発された戦術的なナイフです。

一見するSNAGはアラジンが運ぶペルシャのナイフのように見えます。ユニークな形状にもかかわらず、これは歴史的または空想ナイフではありません。SNAGは私の考えでは、karambitの家族に属しているナイフです。

ほとんどのまともなサイズの折りたたみ式ナイフが閉位置で自己防衛のKubotanとして使用することができますが、SNAGはさらに凄い、閉位置では、非致死影響karambitのツールになります。SNAGにある積極的なjimpingは、ブラスナックルと同じレベルの効果的な力であります。
閉じている間有効であるSNAGはブレードを展開する速度を気にすることなくそのまますぐに使用できるので、非常に実戦的な論理である。

SNAGはまた、ブレードを展開する複数の方法を提供しています。単に通常の展開のために背骨のレバーに親指を使用することができます。また、ポケットを使用した超高速の展開のPocketオープニングも可能です。そして最終的には、自分自身や敵の手足を有利にフックするKineticオープニングも行うことができます。

開封後、S字型のナイフは一見非常にユニークです。ほとんどのブレードとは異なりSNAGは二重の目的を持っている刃を備えています。エッジは、突き出ている腹を提示し優れたスライス性能を持ちます。ブレードの背骨は、非常に湾曲し、トラッピングや制御するための積極的なjimpingを備えています。またほとんどの湾曲したブレードとは異なり、SNAGは、よく刺す能力を維持します。SNAGナイフのSの形状も、ストレートナイフよりも効果的な力点を提供します。

親指のサポートメカニズムは、あなたのナイフ戦闘テクニックにさらにレバレッジを提供するために、リング穴の隣に取り付けられているユニークなレバーです。

スプーンのクリップは、より強いグリップとグリップ変更を支援するための指インデントを持っています。

湾曲したボディ形状と、リングの穴から、SNAGはkarambitのように動作すること、Karambitナイフ機能も問題なく持っています。

(English Translation)
SNAG LIVE BLADE FOLDER
KNIFE REVIEW BY WMPYR

The SNAG knife is a tactical knife developed by Filipino martial arts expert Louis Krudo.

Upon first glance the SNAG looks like a persian knife Aladdin would carry. Despite the unique shape, this is not a historical or fantasy knife. The SNAG is a well thought out knife that in my opinion, belongs in the karambit family.

Most decent sized folding knives can be used as a self-defense palm stick in the closed position. The SNAG takes it once step further because in the closed position it becomes a non lethal impact karambit tool. The aggressive jimping on select areas of the knife make it an effective force multiplier giving brass knuckles a good competition.
Having a folding knife that is effective while closed is important for tactical reasons because this means that during a crisis, you can use it immediately without worrying about how fast you can deploy the blade.

The SNAG also features multiple ways of deploying the blade. You can simply use your thumb on the spine lever for a normal deployment. You can also pocket hook the knife open for a super fast deployment. And finally a kinetic opening hooking off of various objects such as your own limb or your enemy.

Once opened, the S shaped knife is very unique looking. Unlike most blades the SNAG features a blade that has dual purpose. The edge presents an extremely protruding belly for excellent slicing capability. The spine of the blade is highly curved and features aggressive jimping for trapping and controlling. The S shape of the knife also provides more leverage than a straight knife, while still maintaining the ability to stab well, unlike most curved blades.

The Thumb Support mechanism is a unique lever attached by the ring hole to provide even more leverage to your combat techniques.

The Spoon Clip has an indentation that provides a notch for your finger to aid in gripping and changing grips.

Karambit capabilities
Because of the curved body shape and ring hole, the SNAG is fully capable of operating like a karambit.

SNAG Versus 635

2012-01-05T09:53:00.000-08:00

Top: SNAG Controller Folder by KRUDO KNIVES
Bottom: NAVY 635 by SANRENMU

SNAG Controller Folder
VERSUS
NAVY 635

BACK STORY
When I purchased the 635, and put up a video on Youtube, I never had this many people ask me so many questions about a single knife.

Soon after I was contacted by Louis Krudo, the designer of the SNAG knife.

He informed me that the 635 was a poor quality knife that failed to meet his standards. He offered me a chance to review the real deal.

Nobody asked him to do it, but he took the challenge to compare his SNAG with the 635.

He is absolutely confident in the quality of his product, he was willing to bet that my viewers and I would agree with him.

DIFFERENCES
Small differences occur in the shape of the spine lever, super aggressive jimping, clip shape, most notably though is the absence of the Thumb Support device on the 635.
While the over all shape, size, and proportions are very close, there are some notable differences. Let's have a closer look, let the break down begin!

The 635 reminds me of the Lapu Lapu Corto knife because it utilizes G10 handle scales and a similar looking lock on the spine of the knife.
The SNAG on the other hand, has a solid metal handle, and utilizes a liner lock mechanism.

The 635 features a blue color handle with some fine texture you would expect from G10.
The SNAG features a brilliant anodized metallic blue-green color that has a nice sporty look. The handle is smooth but due to the arc shape handle and aggressive jimping found on various parts of the knife, a slippery grip is not an issue here.

The 635 has liners under the G10 and the ring hole is divided into two, and then linked by a black plastic ring.
The SNAG handle is made of two very solid aluminum parts, and the ring hole is made from one solid metal.

The 635 comes with two blades, one is a live blade and the other is the controller blade which doesn't have an edge or sharp point. Louis Krudo has informed me that this is not 440C steel that it claims to be and has not been heat treated correctly.
The SNAG comes with an extra pocket clip which is important if you want to change clip positions, two different clips are needed because of the curved handle. The blade is a controller meaning it has no edge or point. Unlike the 635, the SNAGs are color coded for instant recognition, meaning the black handle has the live blade and the blue handle is the controller.

CONCLUSION
In the end it is fact that the 635 uses the SNAG design but does not receive the creator Louis Krudo's approval. If we were talking about food, he is the meat inspector and in his eyes the 635 is a meat package that fails USDA requirements.
When I compare the quality between the two knives, if the 635 is like a VW Jetta, then the SNAG feels like a Ferrari Enzo. You know the saying, you get what you pay for.

Krudo Knives

2012-01-03T18:10:00.000-08:00

KRUDO KNIVES at
www.KRUDOKNIVES.com

Wmpyr is now a proud advocate of the SNAG knife by Krudo Knives!

Winter of 2011, Martial Arts expert, Louis Krudo head of Krudo Knives sent me a generous X-mas package!
The contents:

-GET SNAGGED silicone bracelet
-SNAG Controller Polymer Tool
-SNAGette + quick release key chain
-SNAG Controller + extra pocket clip
-SNAG Live Blade

SHOWDOWN!!! The original SNAG versus the 635 article!

Brief SNAG review in Japanese and English!!!

SNAG Live Blade Folder DEEP review by Wmpyr

Can't get enough? More SNAG Reading!

videos and more coming soon!

RAZOR HAWK KNIFE PROTOTYPE

2011-12-14T03:23:00.000-08:00

RAZOR HAWK
"Talon for the Streets"

RAZOR HAWK KNIFE PROTOTYPE
by Wmpyr
Copyright 2011

www.k4s.i8.com
youtube.com/wmpyr
knifebat@yahoo.com

Super unique multi tactic combiner knife.

Designed by a martial artist for self-defense.

Sleek modern design.

Extra aggressive Double-blade mode.

Pistol Bayonet shape.

Good for charging attacks.

A defensive "Weapon Catcher" mode.

Metal fan, there are many other possibilities!

Reverse grip AKA Ice pick grip

Compact, easy concealment.

Devil horns using a common hose clamp.

Techno Modern design

Roughly 6 inches in length.
Featuring a Tanto style blade, pistol-esque profile, finger guard, blade catcher, and multiple lanyard holes.

Wielding double weapons is common in the Filipino martial arts. So I designed a knife that is extra beneficial with two or more.

Thank you for your interest and support!

-Wmpyr

Team K4S

2011-11-22T21:41:00.001-08:00

Wmpyr has been traveling all over Texas!
Austin, Dallas, Denton, Houston, San Antonio, San Marcos, where to next?

Ray and Spencer
with Mallory and Katy
Cade "ICBM" and Alex "The Pit Viper"
with Randy, Chad, and Josh

Youtube user Eltofo24 from France sporting a homemade Wmpyr T-shirt. He has been training stick fighting and knife combat from the Wmpyr Youtube instructional videos.

A very detailed and cool looking Wmpyr logo illustration by Youtube user Unicron24

Click here to find out more about K4S!

Custom knife for Wmpyr! Bottle Opener Karambit made by Willy from Willy's Knives.
This is a custom knife featuring a blade edge and the Wmpyr logo engraved by Willy.

Also a big THANK YOU to a very talented martial artist and musician Ben Fox, who composed the Wmpyr Theme music!
www.youtube.com/karatefox

Special Discount

2011-11-18T10:45:00.001-08:00

SPECIAL DISCOUNT

$35 for partner you bring into class.

TOP TRUMPS HORROR cards

2011-10-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

Halloween is on the way!

What a perfect time to review this deluxe set!
For the "Four Horsemen" game scroll down lower to the blood-red fonts!

***REVIEW***
The cards are nice quality, they come with a really nice glow-in-the-dark case, I find that really cool because I just like things that illuminate in the dark for some reason!
I know when I was a kid I would end up damaging and even losing the cards, so it's really thoughtful of them to include a case.
There is a variation where the actual cards have some glow-in-the-dark on them, mine is just the case, which to me is just as cool but in a different way.
The art work is good, looks almost like a painting. And there are 6 different stats displayed so you can compare the cards to each other. There is even a short description which is some quick but sweet reading material that can instantly put you in the mood for horror.

STATS
1. FEAR FACTOR
2. KILLER INSTINCT
3. GUTS AND GORE
4. PHYSICAL POWER
5. BLACK MAGIC
6. HORROR HALL OF FAME

There are 30 cards, all of them are familiar characters from horror films and stories.
With these cards you can play a game of "War" with a tiny little twist thanks to the stats.
On their turn, a player calls out the stat of their choice before everyone reveals their card and the card with the higher number wins, taking the loser's cards. Calling out the stats give it slightly more variation and thinking involved.
Even with the modification, it's still an overly simple game geared more towards children.

The TOP TRUMPS cards were highly popular in the UK back in the day, with many types of various subject matters such as sports, super heroes, military jets, warships, super cars, wild life, Dr. Who, and tons more!

This is exactly the kind of toy that brings me back to nostalgia lane, because I could see myself as a kid just marveling at the art work and reading the descriptions over and over, comparing stats, memorizing the cards during a road trip. Kid's today just play their portable video games and probably would have a hard time understanding the splendor of this kind of item!

"THE FOUR HORSEMEN"
The Four Horsemen is a variation on the normal rules and it is a little bit more complex and allows for some more strategy.

The game has been play tested with 2 players only. It seems like it would be fine with 3 or 4.

Object of the game: Player with the highest sum of "Horror Hall of Fame" points wins.

First shuffle the deck really good.
Next, pass out 4 cards to each player. Players should not show their cards to other players.
Then players will take out 1 card from their hand and place in the middle to do TOPS TRUMPS HORROR style game of war. Round 1 is "Fear Factor". The rounds will go in order of the stats until they get to "Black Magic" which is the last round. You may make "Horror Hall of Fame" as your last round for a total of 6 rounds. If you want a longer game you can keep playing and start over again from "Fear Factor".
At the end simply add up the "Horror Hall of Fame" points in your hand and the player with the highest points wins. By going down the stats in order for each round, it makes the game play more predictable and less random. This allows for a more strategic play.

The winner of each round gets playing card from the other players, and trade with all the cards they won that round until they end up with four in their hand. Toss the rest under the pile.
At the start of each round players must always have 4 cards.
Players who lost their card will draw a new card from the deck.

***ADVANCED RULES***
Each player before the game, calls out a "Ten Card" which is usually their favorite card. During the game if you actually get your own "ten card", then only to you, that card is worth 10 Horror Hall of Fame points.

The cover card of the deck, can be used for the game. If you get the cover card, and you put it down during the war battle phase, then all the cards are returned to each player, and you chose a player from which you want to take a card of your choice from, you must discard the cover card to the bottom of the deck.

The advertisement card can also be used for the game as a wild card. If you get the advertisement card, then it simply doubles as a card already in your deck when counting up the Horror Hall of Fame points at the end of the game. You can also use the wild card for war.

FOUR HORSEMEN GAME

VIDEO REVIEW

CARD LIST
Banshee
Crazy Priest
Demon Doll
Dr. Jekyll
Dracula
El Diablo
Frankenstein's Monster
Ghost
Goblin
Grim Reaper

Killer Clown
Mad Axman
Mad Magician
Medusa
Minotaur
Phantom of the Opera
Quasimodo
Scarecrow
Skeleton Soldier
Sweeney Todd

The Alien
The Headless Horseman
The Mummy
The Robot
The Thing Under The Bed
The Yeti
Wicked Witch
Witch Doctor
Wolfman
Zombies

My 5 top favorite
5. Demon Doll
4. Killer Clown
3. The Alien
2. The Robot
1. Dracula

Not Included in mine
STT Loch Ness Monster (Glow-in-the-dark)

Cards not found in my set from the Glow-in-the-dark cards set.
Basilisk
Cerberus
Doppelgänger
Dracula's Slave
King Kong
Mad Butcher
Sphinx
Stone Age Ma
Swamp Creature
The Flaming Man

Cards I would have liked to seen
Carmilla
Cyclops
Dorian Gray
Dracula Bat Form
Dracula Myst Form
Dracula Wolf Form
Dracula's Daughter
Elizabeth Bathory
Evil Doll
Grendel
Grendel's Mother
Grey Alien
Kyonshee (Chinese Vampire)
Masked Butcher (Jason Vorhees)
Orochi
Spring-heeled Jack
The Black Knight
The Bride
Wolf Woman

ROBERT BUSSEY interview

2011-10-11T00:24:00.000-07:00

From my personal collection of NINJA magazines, Robert Bussey interview. Back when I was in college, I had a friend from Indonesia taking an Aikido class with me. He use to live in Nebraska, and he trained under Robert Bussey for one year. His ninjutsu background made it easier for him to learn Aikido. He showed me some RBWI moves and an instructional video tape starring Robert Bussey, which we enjoyed immensely. Ah the sweet memories!

NINJA magazine #19 March 1987

ROBERT BUSSEY
THE "BAD" BOY FROM NEBRASKA MAKES GOOD!
By Keith Jones

"Accomplished, versatile, provacative." "Dynamic!" "One of the greatest warrior technicians of our day." "I've never seen faster hands." "The man is simply awesome. He's got some of the best techniques I've ever seen." "His kicks are great. Great flexibility and extension. And speed. I wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of them." "He's bad, man. I mean, he's just baaaad!"
These and many other quotes just like them have been used time and again by those fortunate enough to have seen Robert Bussey work out, either in his dojos (one in Fremont, the other in Omaha Nebraska) or at one of the seminars he infrequently attends outside his own. He may be called "bad" by some, but it's said with affection and respect rather than derision. He is a hard-working, hard-training, God-loving man of the '80s who quietly and independently goes his own way. Because of his independence he often sparks controversy, but he eludes that issue as deftly as he demonstrates his taijutsu: with supreme confidence and exceptional ability. And as each of his endeavors succeed and more people become aware of him, more people seem to follow him.
NINJA: How did you first get involved in the martial arts and how old were you?
BUSSEY: I got started with five of my older brothers and sisters when I was about eleven years old. It was always something that I wanted to do as a child. In fact, my parents enrolled me because I got picked on quite a bit.
NINJA: You got picked on? Who picked fights with you?
BUSSEY: Class bullies. You know - bigger kids. Actually, I was a pretty small child for my age.
NINJA: Did you finally gain confidence in your abilities to defend yourself?
BUSSEY: Oh yes. In fact, nobody bothered me again all though grade school and high school except on a few isolated occasions.
NINJA: Could you detail for us what one or two of those occasions were and how you dealt with them?
BUSSEY: Gosh. I don't want to sound proud of the fact that I got into some fights. But when I look back on them now, I am happy to say that I always acted in self defense. I never once encouraged a fight with a dirty look or a smart remark like many people who look to prove something to themselves. I never had to prove anything to myself in that respect. My friend and I were once attacked in a railroad yard by four large individuals. When they attempted to me, I kicked one of them in the face - lifting him up off his feet and down onto the ground. I knocked the other three silly with a 2x6 board that was lying on the ground next to me. The whole thing was over in a matter of seconds.
NINJA: Can you tell us of any other instances when you used your martial arts as a youngster?
BUSSEY: In high school I had a reputation as a martial artist because I was teaching and giving demonstrations at that time. Most of the people in my home town respected me and didn't give me any problems. However, on one occasion, I was at a carnival in a near by town and was challenged by a huge football player/street fighter who had heard a rumor from someone that I was the toughest guy on the planet. He and nine of his buddies tracked me down and tried to encourage me to fight. I told him that I was not going to fight - that I hated fighting - and that I wasn't tough. I turned around and just walked away. Frightened that they might follow me, I decided to leave the carnival. The ten guys tracked me down before I could get to my car and surrounded me. When they moved in to beat me up, I tore into the big guy with a series of moves that left him looking like a mess. I guess it scared the others because they all took off running. Shortly thereafter, a few of them came back to carry the guy off to the hospital. I felt terrible about the whole thing. Later, the guy told me that he was sorry, that it was all his fault.
NINJA: You mentioned that you were teaching martial arts during your high school years. How old were you when you began instructing people?
BUSSEY: Let's see. I actually began teaching when I was fourteen but it wasn't until I was fifteen that my partner and I opened our first commercial storefront academy. Before that I worked at a gas station in order to save up enough money to help cover the initial costs of the business.
NINJA: Fifteen... That sounds pretty young. How old was your partner?
BUSSEY: He was about twenty-four I guess. I instructed all the adult men and he taught all the women and kids. James Rosenback is now the President of my Fremont Corporation. We're still together after all these years.
NINJA: Did you ever meet any resistance from any of the adult men because of your age?
BUSSEY: Believe it or not, many of my students thought I was older than my partner for some reason. But there were quite a few times that I had to put my skills and reputation on the line to defend my position as the owner and chief instructor. One time a student attempted to beat me up during a class. It was a ten-on-one sparring match against me - just having fun - taking it light and easy with very light contact. This one guy kept losing his temper and getting frustrated. Four or five times other students told him to calm down and relax or he was going to get hurt. I even stopped the match and told him to cool down. He had a real problem with my age and all that. Anyway, a little later in the match he spazzed out and went crazy on me. He jumped in, grabbed me, threw me down on the floor and started to punch my face in. Before the students could stop him, I struck him in the head and popped his eyeball partially out of its socket. My partner put it back in his head; and that student forever respected my skills and age. In fact, he studied with me for many years and became a black belt instructor.
NINJA: Tell us about your martial arts background.
BUSSEY: Well, I started out in Korean tae kwon do and studied under quite a few different people. I attained a third degree black belt in that art before I gave it up for ninjutsu. I trained here in the States and also in Korea.
NINJA: Besides ninjutsu, I understand that you also hold various degrees of black in hapkido and mookido as well as experience in other forms of the martial arts. Is that true?
BUSSEY: Yes.
NINJA: When did you begin ninjutsu training and why?
BUSSEY: When I was seventeen I met a Japanese foreign exchange student who invited me to come to Japan and live in his home as a guest. At that time I had seen a lot of politics in the martial arts circles, and I felt very limited. I had read as much as I could on ninjutsu, and had made up my mind to go after it. So, I saved my money from teaching and took off for Japan to find Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi when I was eighteen years old. Although my foreign exchange friend knew nothing about ninjutsu at that time, he helped me find Dr. Hatsumi, and translated during our conversation. I spent the next two months training under Toshiro Nagato, one of Hatsumi Sensei's top people. My friend was so impressed that he began training and eventually became a nidan in the art. During my first trip I practiced thirteen solid hours per day, trying to take in as much as I possibly could in a short time. At first the training was difficult because I couldn't loosen up. I tried to force all my my techniques, snapping every movement. But after long hours of training - and a real desire to learn - I was able to grasp the feeling and essence of ninjutsu.
NINJA: How many trips have you made to Japan since your first visit?
BUSSEY: I have traveled to Japan five times in the past six years. My last visit was in July of '85. I was chosen to be a personal student of Dr. Hatsumi, and I trained with him and many of his high level students. It was very interesting. I took one of my top students, Daniel Clark, with me.
NINJA: What was it like working with Dr. Hatsumi again?
BUSSEY: It was fun. He is an unusual person. We were able to spend quite a bit of time together talking about various issues and concepts of fighting. He was also very open to what I had to say about the Lord. At the end of the trip he promoted me again, which was encouraging - not in a sense of attaining rank or piece of paper, but in a sense of mutual respect for each other.
NINJA: In the past several years there has been much controversy surrounding the differences between you and other ninjutsu instructors in this country. Would you care to shed some light on this issue?
BUSSEY: Well, actually, I am not associated with anyone except myself and my people. I do not believe that any one man has a monopoly on ninjutsu in this country. It is up to the consumer to carefully choose the best instructor and dojo for them. There are all kinds of phony as well as legitimate ninja teachers out there; many of them don't have any real skill, and only play the game of being a ninja or warrior. I speak for my abilities and the abilities of my students. I cannot play pattycake with my taijutsu skills. It has to be real for me - and that's the way I train and teach.
NINJA: Tell us about your academies?
BUSSEY: This year marks our ten-year anniversary. The Lord has really blessed us in the past decade. The Omaha dojo has been a dream of mine for many, many years. We've got almost ten thousand and square feet of room, complete with Nautilus, saunas, whirlpool, traditional training equipment - the whole nine yards. It has fourteen-foot high mirrors that run the entire length of the dojo. It's beautiful. Ninjutsu is practiced six days a week - Monday through Saturday. We've got a lot of strong students. Guys come and train there from all over the country.
NINJA: Are most of your students from the Nebraska area?
BUSSEY: Yes. A majority of them are from the Omaha area. We have women and men from all different trades and backgrounds. For instance, we've got high school students, police officers, doctors, factory workers, military personel, children and so on. It's exciting.
NINJA: As a Christian, what are your views and beliefs toward the Eastern mystical aspects of the martial arts and ninjutsu?
BUSSEY: That's a great question and I could fill a book with the answer. I receive hundreds of letters from people who are just like me, Christians who want to develop skills in the martial arts and personal defense without all of the Eastern philosophy or mysticism. I used to study all kinds of mind control, energy channeling, meditation and so on. I used to think that there were many different ways to reach God. But after I received a personal relationship with Jesus and began to study the Bible, I soon realized that those techniques were not of God and that there is only one way. The techniques that I thought were bringing me peace were only an imitation and perversion of the true gifts and love that God has for His believers. God and the universe are not one in the same. God created the universe. You cannot search deep inside yourself to find God, you must invite Him in. Man has very little ability to change his ways - the Lord has the power to change the insides of a man and is the source of all authority. If you don't believe me, ask God. He will prove it to your heart and your mind. It's not a case of religion or dogma, it's a personal relationship with God - one-on-one. That's the way it is with me and millions of others. That's why I cannot compromise for any art, man or idol.
NINJA: Is your style in keeping with what was originally taught, or have you expanded or broadened its scope in any way?
BUSSEY: What I teach is not the same as what is taught in Japan. I approach the art in what I feel is a more realistic way. Although the techniques are fundamentally the same, I have expanded on its foundation to accommodate the attitudes and skills of the American martial artist. My approach has been criticized by a few folks, but that's okay - the proof is in the pudding. The controversy only makes people take a harder look at what I am doing. If people are given a choice and they see the difference, they will pick the best that they can get. That is one reason why my dojos and camps are such a success.
NINJA: What do you feel the future holds for ninjutsu?
BUSSEY: I do not practice fortune telling so I cannot say. But seriously, I feel that the ninja art is still growing out of its infancy stage. There are very few good people teaching in this country. As the art grows, we will need more and more qualified instructors to accommodate the interest. People write and call all the time asking if I have a teacher in their area. But we just don't have enough to go around, so we get them involved with one and two day seminars, or we get them into one of our dojos in Nebraska.
NINJA: How old are you now?
BUSSEY: I was twenty-five in August.
NINJA: You have accomplished more in your life so far than most do in a lifetime. You have appeared on the cover of magazines, authored a book and have built a successful business. What's next for you?
BUSSEY: Whatever the Lord has planned for me. I recently invested in a Christian Book Co. that is doing extremely well. I'm also working on a couple of new books. We'll just have to wait and see.
NINJA: Thanks for granting us this interview.
BUSSEY: Oh, thank you. God bless.

SHO KOSUGI interview

2011-10-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

From my personal collection of NINJA magazines, Sho Kosugi is the star of one of my favorite martial arts movie, Revenge of the Ninja. I'm happy to bring to you this interview from back in the day, a trip down memory lane! The golden age of ninjas in America!

NINJA magazine #20 April 1987

Sho Kosugi Interview by Mary Townsley

Sho Kosugi is the hottest thing going in ninja movies today. The thirty-nine year old martial artists has credits that include Enter the Ninja, Revenge of the Ninja, The Bad News Bears Go To Japan, The Master, and now Pray For Death. His latest film, Rage of Honor has just been completed but is still in the editing stages, so the public has not yet had access to it. Not too shabby for a person who began martial arts training because his sisters thought he was a "mama's boy" and needed to learn to be strong as well as strong-minded.
Sho was born in Tokyo in 1948. He began studying the martial arts at age five and now has mastered nine different arts. His home in Arcadia, California has one room devoted exclusively to his vast weapons collectionthat numbers over 650 at this time. There are 120 different throwing stars.
Starring in ninja movies isn't all fun and games according to Sho. "I almost kill myself four times during movies," he tells us when elaborating on working his own stunts. He doesn't work with stuntmen as a rule since he prefers to use local martial artists who are more than willing to "be in movies"! "Wherever I go I give opportunity to all martial artists because always they very humble and they work very, very hard. Pay not so good, but at least they get opportunity. They know how to take a fall and they know how to kick."
Sho came to the United States in 1969 to attend California State University at Los Angeles. He has a Bachelor degree in economics. Originally he planned to go into international trading, the import/export business. During his school years he opened a martial arts school and ran the import/export business on the side. As more and more students came to his school, however, the teaching occupied more of his time than the other business. He eventually expanded to two locations and seemed happy with the direction his life was going.
Sho's wife is Chinese. He taught her the martial arts for four years until she started raising his children (Kane is 11, Shane, 9 and Ayeeshi is 2 1/2). In 1981 Mike Stone wrote the script for Enter the Ninja and sold it to Cannon Films. He was supposed to star in the film but ran into difficulties with the producers who then brought in Franco Nero to star. Mike originally asked Sho to play a bit part in the movie. But the producers watched Sho on his first day of shooting, they were impressed with his natural ability as a ninja and increased his part. From there Sho Kosugi became synonymous with "Ninja".
Turning his schools over to his students was an easy task for Sho when the movie business became productive. "I had more than enough teaching," he states. "You contribute so much time to the person (student) and because he changes jobs (he) quits or feels he doesn't like it and quits. So all energy you spent with person...someone you created...you don't get the return. I don't get the mental satisfaction because I feel, 'This guys is very good I'm going to try and teach all my skill.' But suddenly he got to go away and there is nothing you can do.
"So now I teach my sons. Now I make them study because is it good for them. Just like when they're young you force them to do what's good for them. It's good self-disciline, self-control. They need martial arts in the United States. Children in private schools learn good manners, but children on street need to learn martial arts to learn good manners."
Sho's hobbies include reading, swimming, tennis, relaxing while watching movies and sports with his kids. He has competed in karate tournaments in the past in Tokyo, Seattle, San Diego and Mexico. His collection of over 600 trophies include winning the LA Open in 1972, 1973 and 1974.
Sho doesn't believe the average martial artist will have the same success he has had in the movies. "I was in the right place at right time with the right things I did," he says. "To be honest, it almost impossible for martial artist to get into movies as star now. I work so hard and it was no easy to get part to start with and they were looking for that part! I knew right things for ninja. Martial arts movies continue forever, but up and down. Ninja movies very hot and will continue a couple more years. I don't expect movie career to be forever. I have a limit to acting. Maybe I go to producing and directing.
"Ninja do espionage and assassination. Some ninja are good. If you work for government you good. If you work for individual you bad. Movies always exaggerated. It look very easy, but to get dynamic movement and dynamic tension on screen you have to do it almost for real. I break heels twice, dislocated shoulder three times. A one-and-half-hour movie takes about one year to make with location scouting, hiring, shooting and editing."
Sho's father is a retired fisherman who still lives in Japan. He is proud of his son and told him earlier in life, "Whatever you do, as long as you can take care of yourself and are happy, that's fine."
Sho has been on a relentless tour, promoting Pray for Death. In each city he works a grueling schedule teaching seminars at local martial arts schools, appearing on TV and radio and helping with community groups like Big Brothers and Sisters. His objectives is to promote his current movie, but he goes one step beyond to make friends with the people he meets and pass on some of the good manners he has learned through the martial arts. He is a considerate and thoughtful man who has earned the respect of martial artists and movie fans worldwide.
For those of you who would like to know more about Sho, his Sho Kosugi Fan Club is located at 1029 East Valley Blvd., San Gabriel, CA 91776

RAZOR HAWK

2011-09-29T19:20:00.000-07:00

"Talon for the streets"

Personal protection for modern urban warriors.

The RAZOR HAWK has three main functions.

1. Impact Weapon
2. Training Knife
3. Boxcutter

Hand made from a single solid piece of aluminum,
I'm not a mass producing factory, or some corporation, just an artist, no two will look exactly alike.

Price is thirty US dollars via Paypal.

$30.00 includes shipping and handling, no returns, all sales are final.
I am deeply sorry but will only do business in the USA for the moment.
To purchase Please Contact:
Knifebat@yahoo.com

EFFECTIVE
Light, easy to carry, and the pistol bayonet shape makes it a very versatile impact weapon.

TOP SECRET PROJECT
The RAZOR HAWK can venture to places where the gun and knife cannot.
Boxcutter on steroids, a monster Kubotan, a cool EDC.
There is simply nothing else like it in the market today!

The RAZOR HAWK is the missing link between a live knife and a training knife.
Made for CQC, great for pain compliance techniques.

The RAZOR HAWK has characteristics of a knife, Kubotan, baton, knuckleduster, pistol bayonet, boxcutter and Karambit.

This unique original design comes from many evolutions.

I remember the first time I saw a Gunstock War Club, a strong fascination took over, I thought it was very ingenious how the Native Americans basically made a gun shaped melee weapon. Having lived in Japan, I tend to like and appreciate small things. So I wanted to make a pistol shaped Kubotan.

Another important past project came from a training knife that I designed. I made a very cool training knife that is large enough to be used as a club. Razor blades can also be attached to this training knife fit for Frankenstein's monster.

Essentially the RAZOR HAWK is a combination of these past projects.

KILLER KARAMBIT

2011-09-09T03:56:00.000-07:00

KILLER KARAMBIT is an in-depth look at why this knife is so popular. By the time you finish reading this ebook, you will become a fan too! The fear inspiring shape commands respect. Understanding and practicing the Karambit will increase your knife fighting skills, even if you decide to use a different knife for self-defense.

faq

2011-09-07T00:03:00.000-07:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Which fixed blade do I recommend?
Any of the KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement knives.

Which karambit do I recommend?
The Smith & Wesson Urban Camo karambit is a good starting off karambit folding knife.

What is your martial arts background?
20 years in the martial arts. GM Remy Presas 2nd generation Arnis practitioner. Former Brazilian Jiu-jitsu competitor. Former MMA assistant coach for a local fight team.
Click here for more details

Which of your Youtube videos should I start with?
Many of my Youtube videos are organized here:
Click here for my free Online instructional videos!
Since I make so many videos I do fall behind on organizing them, so your best bet is to subscribe me on Youtube by creating an account which is all free, then you will be notified of my latest videos.
I recommend that you learn stick fighting first before knife combat, even if your primary interest is knife combat. The way I teach, sticks, knives, and empty hand is all integrated, so training in one will help the other. Start with the sticks, work your way to learning the Heaven 6 technique.

What is the best martial arts style?
To me all styles have their place. For example, if your athletic a combat sport would be good for you, but if your not then that could be too much starting off. My Dad said to me, if you have the desire to learn, you can learn from anyone, even someone who is not good, you can learn how not to do things from them. More important than style or facility, is the people involved, the teacher and students. And I don't mean accomplishments or credentials. True martial arts needs to be humbling, respectful, and make you a better person. These things are required in a good learning environment. If not you will end up with a close mind, even if you develop skill, and a close mind will cut short your true potential. Look for a respectful teacher that is nurturing, not a tyrant that throws their weight around. Those that are too critical of others have a negative attitude, stay away from these insecure people. Often times those that want to be worshiped will come praise you so be careful of these deceitful people.

What style do you teach?
I am the founder of my own style called K4S, KNIFE FOR STREET
Because I like every style I've previously trained in, it is a hybrid of many styles.
I modeled K4S to be a military combatives system for the street.
Since I have extensive training in FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) people often mistake me for a pure Kali or Escrima teacher, but my Stick Fighting comes from many sources. My grappling background is also a mixture from various styles, although I have extensive training in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
Click here for more info

How long should the sticks be?
Length is generally about 2 feet and 3 inches. If you train indoors, long sticks tend to hit and break things. For combat you want a heavy stick, but for training, you don't want it to be too heavy or it will be too distracting for skill development. If you want to develop strength and conditioning then a heavier stick is good.
Thickness is generally between the size of a penny and a Quarter.

I recommend burnt rattan sticks. Normally the sticks are made from Rattan, because Rattan shreds rather than chips, making it good for training because it is durable and safer. Burnt rattan is also more durable.

I believe that it is important for the student to handle a variety of stick sizes, and sticks made from various materials. The stick represents an improvised weapon, so the more different sticks you handle the more it will prepare you for improvised weapons usage.

What brand stick and training knife do I recommend?
I've used a large variety of sticks, and right now I am looking for a company that would like for me to test their sticks, training knives, and other training equipment so that I can give my honest review and recommendations.

What sword do I recommend?
All I have to say is, I recommend Cold Steel.

Which knife do I recommend?
I believe that a beginner should not start with an expensive knife. You need to practice carrying, test cutting, sharpening it, and throwing it. All of which you will not do well immediately starting. When you slowly upgrade to more quality and expensive knives you will also appreciate it more because you really know what the cheap ones are like. Also the cheap ones are more common, and it's good to know how to use them incase you encounter them in real life, and to know their limitations.

Eventually though you want to upgrade to a decent quality knife.
Watch knife review videos on Youtube and it should help you learn a lot. You have to do the research and know what's out in the market.

Do I need a training knife?
Training knives are an excellent investment. People who work with training knives will be more likely to become more skilled.
There are many types: Metal, wood/PVC, hard rubber, foam
Each one is good for a specific type of training.
The general idea is that the longer your training knife, the more similar it is to the stick, making the transition from stick to knife easier.
The better you get, the smaller your blade becomes, because it takes a ton of skill to make a small knife effective in combat.
I use various models of the Cold Steel training knives. They are especially good for in home training because they are likely not to damage things.

What style should I train in?
All martial art styles are good. It's really the people involved that make it good or bad. Instead of looking for a good style, you should look for a good teacher, good students, and learn how to be a good student yourself. If you can manage that, then you are going to benefit from any style. A bad student has a closed mind.

Is it possible to teach myself?
In this day in age, there are books, videos, and the internet, so I believe firmly that one can learn without stepping foot to a class. After all no matter what the subject, learning is about learning how to learn.

When is a good age to start?
If your a kid, you can definitely learn the techniques and become mega skilled. I've seen it, not as rare as you may think. But a kid with skills is still a kid with skills. In my eyes it's impossible for a kid to get a black belt. No matter how good he/she is, they are a junior black belt.
I began seriously training at junior high. Seemed like a good age. Before that is more like prep.
And I believe it is never too late to start. I had a workout buddy who began Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in his 50s, joined the most prestigious competition school in his area and earned his blue belt back when a blue belt was equivalent to a black belt in most other styles. For the record let me just say that before he suddenly picked up Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Boxing and Wrestling, the only sport he did was surfing many many years ago, and no he was just a lean guy average height, not physically exceptional.

Where did you learn Knife Combat?
My Knife Combat comes from a direct progression from my FMA skills as well as Aikido, Russian Martial Arts, and even some Ninjitsu. Over the course of several years I then formulated and tested out my knife skills out in the streets, security job, and my students to develop the knife program that I teach today. I cannot say that I've been in 20 real knife fights. In fact I have been in zero knife fights. Then how can I teach knife combat? This is because what I am teaching is really about developing superior body mechanics.

SURVIVAL TIN CAN

2011-08-26T18:24:00.000-07:00

Survival Tin Can from Lazy Lizard Outdoor Gear

My personal Survival Tin Can I received from SRJOBEN contains the following items.
Altoids size tin can
Ranger band x2
Micro Whistle
LED Light
Waterproof Peanut lighter
Folding 12 tpi Wood Saw
Jute twine
Birthday candles x3
Compass
Firestarters x2
Magnifying Lens
Duck tape
Mini sealable plastic bag
Sanrenmu Liner lock Folding knife

Just remember that if you do order a Survival Tin Can from him, the content of yours may not be exactly the same as mine. Please read the actual description of the item your buying.

I was blown away by how much stuff is contained in this Altoid sized tin can. This can easily be carried in my pocket or put in the automobile glove box. As someone who has been fascinated and interested in wilderness or urban survival, let me tell you I will be practicing making my own survival bag based on this little gem. After all practice makes perfect.

If you don't have time to research and practice making your own survival grab bag, then this tin can is for you!
If your new to this stuff looking for a good base to start from, then this tin can is for you!

In this day in age of hurricanes, riots, and other natural disasters that occur in the wilderness and urban areas it is only smart to have some level of preparation!
Get one today for yourself or for a loved one at Lazy Lizard Outdoor Gear ebay store!
Lazy Lizard Outdoor Gear
YOUTUBE.COM/SRJOBEN

BTW for those of you that are curious, I was taught years ago by a survival instructor how to make a match box sized survival kit. I think I remember 99% accurate of what he told me to put in.
Get a standard match box with the side that can be used to light a match, that is going to be your container. Now get a plastic sealable bag to put the match box in to water proof it.
Inside the match box, you should have matches with candle wax poured over the head to water proof them. I should probably mention now that this guy was a survival instructor that specialized in swamp terrain. Piece of chalk for indigestion. Razor blade for cutting choirs. Fishing hooks, safety pins and some string.
He may also have suggested some Aspirin, a needle, and candy or gum.

WP5 Combat Knife

2011-08-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

WP5 Combat Knife

STI KNIVES is simply my favorite brand of knives. They are more than just tactical weapons, they provide a unique style of combat.

The WP5 is heavily influenced by the P001 from STI KNIVES.
The WP5 in shape was inspired by the MP5 Submachine Gun.
The WP5 would be like the BG911 knife with the CRKT M16-13SFG in the front.

-Trigger Guard
-Karambit Hole
-Top side Pocket Clip
-Removable Folding Knife

The strength of the knife is that the blade can be deployed without compromising the grip in anyway.

I want other attachments available to the "Gun handle portion" such as fixed blades, Impact Tool and other folding knives.

Arnold Films

2011-08-17T23:41:00.000-07:00

What is your favorite Arnold film?

I just finished watching Total Recall, and thought it would be fun to bring this up!

4 Classic Arnold Films that I like:
Conan the Barbarian
Commando
Predator
Terminator

3 Unexpected Arnold Films that I like:
T3
I found this film to be like able if you don't take it seriously, which is a bummer because they put in a lot of money into it, making it a waste.

Conan the Destroyer
Unlike the first one is it campy? Yes, but they did a good job, for example just compare it to Red Sonja... this is better.

The Running Man
My favorite sci-fi flick with Arnold.

Knife Journal

2011-08-15T23:59:00.000-07:00

8-16-2011
The P001 is a very unique tactical folding knife. I really enjoy how it has so much more different grips and techniques compared to other knives. I especially enjoy using it in the Pistol Bayonet position. The TDZ7 is a plastic impact tool version of the P001, it can also double as a training knife although it still has an edge that is quite sharp. The BG911 is the compact version of the P001. And finally the Tai Sabaki is the EDC version of the P001. The P001 has characteristics of many weapons such as the Collapsable Baton, Pistol, Brass Knuckles, Knife, Yawara Stick, Tonfa, Tomahawk, and Sai.