The Ground Never Misses

"Lesser Known Tai Chi Lineages"

2016-10-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

My friend Michael DeMarco over at Via Media / Journal of Asian Martial Arts has honored me by not only including my article "Comprehensive Introduction to Sun Family Taiji Boxing Theory and Applications," in his latest anthology, but also graced the cover with my mug!
As you know the JAMA has since ceased being published, but Mike is keeping the flame alive by combining articles that share similar topics. Check it out soon (hitting the publishers this week).

Also a good opportunity to let folks know I am available for private lessons in everything from Taiji, to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, to self defense and Kali. Send me an email and we can set up a lesson.

RIP Chiyonofuji

2016-08-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

I love the sport, but it sure does take a toll on its wrestlers. A legend moved onto the great dohyo in the sky. One of the most impressive and dominant wrestlers of all time. Rest in Peace Chiyonofuji

Rest In Peace Muhammad Ali (1942-2016)

2016-06-04T09:21:00.001-07:00

I couldn't imagine a better ambassador to the next realm.

Thus far 2016 has proved to be an absolute abomination when it comes to loosing some of our greatest musicians, and now the greatest boxer ever to live has moved on to the next realm. Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, lost his battle to Parkinson's yesterday in a Phoenix, AZ. hospital.

I never saw him live, but my father was fortunate enough to see him fight as Cassius Clay back when he was climbing the ranks. Toledo Ohio was actually quite well known for its boxing with its proximity to Detroit, Chicago, and Cleveland. Imagine being fortunate enough to see Cassius in his prime!? How fortunate.

I have so much to say, yet I find myself speechless. My condolences to his family. I hope that he arranged to have his brain studied for Parkinson's research so we can find a cure for such a terrible disease.

Detroit Kali - A Study In Counters

2016-05-31T08:39:00.002-07:00

Apologies for a lengthy absence. I have had quite a busy life and have tried to refocus and prioritize my energy and time, and quite frankly a lot of it was removing myself from the electronic hum that is such a part of our lives now days! I am not sure how much I will be posting, but I can promise it will be the same quality you have come to expect (if anyone reads this blog any more).

Guru Jeff Davidson has released a couple new short clips on Kali counters. You will notice a couple of things...
Firstly Jones (gentleman wearing the baseball cap) ALWAYS has his weapon/empty hand in between him and his partner. An essential fundamental often sacrificed for power. His partner keeps his in front about 50% of the time.
Another key element I want to highlight is the control and gentleness of the entire drill. I have trained for years with "soft handed" Taiji "masters," in the "gentle art" of Judo, and the "flowing" art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and I have yet to meet an entire group (not just the teacher) with better control and more gentle of a touch whether it be a stick, knife, or hand. There is no need to go hard and beat the shit out of each other. As a matter of fact it is often counter productive to the learning process, but ego and machismo (especially in the FMA!!!) often win out leading the way to less technical practitioners and eventually teachers.

2016 NCAA Wrestling Tournament

2016-03-16T17:50:00.003-07:00

The luck o' the Irish is upon us as the NCAA Wrestling Tournament kicks off on St. Patty's Day in the Big Apple! Wishing all the wrestlers the best, but of course we here at the Ground Never Misses are dye in the wool Ohio State Fans; GO BUCKS!!!

It will be a tough mission to repeat as Team National Champs, but we have eight grapplers hitting the mats starting tomorrow on ESPNU that are going to give it 120%!

O-H.....

Book Review - "Lameco Eskrima: The Legacy of Edgar Sulite

2016-02-23T17:56:00.000-08:00

It is the hopes and desires of most martial arts instructors to leave a legacy of students to carry on the traditional arts they worked so hard to perfect. When a teacher such as Professor Edgar Sulite leaves this earth prematurely, the teachings of his students speaks to the strength of the lessons he left behind. I would have to imagine that Mr. Sulite is smiling down from above with his student David Gould who just published "Lameco Eskrima: The Legacy of Edgar Sulite" with Tambuli Media.

Ten chapters spanning 270 pages, Gould has put together quite an awesome text with a unique approach. Unlike so many authors out there that try to cover an entire system in one book or those that focus on solely the physical aspects of an art, Gould has written a wonderful recollection of his training with Sulite that focuses on the renown teachers influence throughout both the east and the west. Sulite's skills were surpassed solely by his willingness to share, his love and passion for the art makes his early passing all the more heartbreaking in 1997.

For those seeking a compendium of techniques and applications you may want to look elsewhere. Though techniques are well represented by a number of Sulite's inner core of private students (SOG members), this volume goes above and beyond pure physical movement. Gould lays out a history of how Lameco developed, Sulite's upbringing in the art, and the evolution of Lameco up through Edgar's untimely passing at just 40 years old.

Gould's book is a virtual who's who of the warriors of the Philippines, the early days of stick and knife fighting. The only criticism I have (and has been consistent with Tambuli's books) is the discipline of pictures. The flow is not always evident and quite often both participants are dressed in the same colors making it very difficult to discern whom is doing what. Outside of such a minor criticism I can hardly find a flaw with David Gould's excellent book.

This book is deserving of a place on your shelf, absolutely mandatory reading for Lameco students. Order your copy of "Lameco Escrima" by David Gould by clicking here. at a steal for only $29.95

Alberto Crane to Teach 50/Zero Guard in Seattle

2016-02-19T17:10:00.000-08:00

Our good friend and coach Alberto Crane will be teaching his 50/Zero Guard game here in Seattle, WA. March 4th 6-9pm. We apologize for the last minute seminar surprise, but Prof. Crane is in town on other business and we offered to arrange this as a way to help him spread word about his unique approach to attacking the leg and sweeping unsuspecting opponents.

Alberto Crane 50/Zero Guard Seminar

NW Jiu Jitsu Academy

942 N. 95th St.

Seattle, WA.

6-9pm

$50

Fourth degree Alberto Crane needs no introduction to any student of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu history. One of the very first Americans to travel to Brazil to train and compete, Crane studied under "Draculino" prior to Draculino moving to the US. A veteran of the UFC, Alberto continues to compete to this day always innovating and looking to deepen his grappling knowledge. Don't miss this great opportunity to train with BJJ history.

WAR Wonderboy!!

2016-02-04T18:29:00.001-08:00

The Ground Never Misses wants to send a shout out to Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson as he heads into his first main event with the UFC this weekend on UFC Fight Night FS1! This will be by far Wonderboy's toughest challenge to date in Johnny Hendricks.

Thompson surely has the upper hand in striking as his long reach enables him to stick and get out with powerful punches and traditional karate kicks that catch many MMA fighters off guard. Hendricks brings an amazing work ethic and conditioning protocol to the octagon where he will rely on his wrestling pedigree.

A win Saturday night puts Thompson into serious talks for title contention in the next year or so, but we get ahead of ourselves...

Kick ass and take names Wonderboy! Seattle is behind you!

"Fundamental Iron Skills" - Book Review

2016-01-18T17:02:00.001-08:00

Though we have yet to meet, Dale Dugas and I have known each other for years, perusing the same Chinese Martial Arts boards and sites. I have had many a great conversation, and a few heated debates with Dr. Dugas, and I am delighted to see him finally publish a text on his famous Iron Body techniques and formulas!

For many of us the allure of Chinese Martial Arts was often initially piqued by a demonstration of some sorts or another. Coupled with the poetic and mysterious history, Iron Body techniques were glorified in movies and pop culture yet remained elusive to many serious practitioners. A handful of books were printed through the 70's and 80's but quickly went out of print, and frankly they contained little substantive information. Many teachers consider Iron Body training as "secret" or for disciples only, therefore they were not so willing to publicly write all the details out in a public forum.

Fast forward three decades and the information age has changed everything, and some teachers have decided to teach many of yesterdays "secrets" in lieu of losing the legacy of their teachers and art. Dale Dugas has written a basic guideline of training not just Iron Palm but Iron Body as well. Over 150 packed pages describe all aspects of the training including qigong, liniment production and usage, Dugas goes through conditioning head to toe offering a step by step guide on this rare training. This book is certainly no replacement for a competent instructor but offers a great reference.

One of the most valuable aspects of this book is that Dugas shares two of his recipes for jow and Iron Palm Liniment! These are some of the most guarded secrets to many instructors but Dale shares two really quality and easy to make recipes.

All in all "Fundamental Iron Skills" is the most up to date and accessible text on the subject to date. This book will be of interest to Chinese Martial Art practitioners of all styles since Iron Skills were not unique to one system or group. Herbalists and healers will also find this a valuable reference as Iron Skills at the highest level are all about healing and nourishing the body, mind, and spirit.

Click here to purchase Dr. Dale Dugas' "Fundamental Iron Skills" by Tambuli Media.

Donald Cerrone and the Classless UFC/Reebok Fine

2016-01-12T21:03:00.000-08:00

Donald Cerrone suffered a tough loss to Rafael dos Janos in the octagon a few weeks back, and now the UFC along with their mistress Reebok, have fined the Cowboy for a uniform violation.
From Entimports:

You can see the flag on his right thigh.

“Absolutely I was fined for it, for wearing an old flag. Patriotically, that is not very cool, is it? Especially when they make a pair of green shorts for McGregor and I get fined for putting a small piece of an American flag on my shorts. It represents my grandma. That’s all besides the point. Just the fact that it was an American flag, just look at that fact. That alone is, you know, whether it’s superstitious or a gift from my grandma, it’s because I love the United States, it doesn’t matter. I understand the fine, sure, I’ll take a fine, but what they did to me was a lot more than a fine brother. I am not going to tell you the amount, because I don’t think that’s right. Let’s just say it was a lot, like a lot, a lot. I want to talk to Reebok and tell them that they can have the money, I am okay with that. But, let’s at least take that money and give it to a charity of your discretion. I don’t care who. Let’s make it a Wounded Warrior, or any military charity you want. Since it was a flag and I feel like it was patriotic, lets give it back to people that’s the reason I get to fight and walk around to be free every single day that they fight their lives for us. Let’s donate that to them, I’ll even double it. I’ll match the amount and give it. It’s not the fact that they took, it’s that it’s over the flag. The amount to me was crazy. A few grand? Sure, I would’ve taken that, but the amount they took was ludicrous, so. My thing to whoever took it, don’t give it back to me, let’s donate it to Wounded Warrior, or to a charity to women whose children were orphaned because their fathers were defending our country.”

Apparently the UFC has threatened Cerrone that if he does it again he will no longer be fighting for them:
"And then the part that really upset me is that they said if I do it again, I won’t be able to fight again," he told Ariel Helwani. "So, that kind of buckled me."

How many more reasons do we need for someone to step in and get some oversight on the UFC and their monopoly? The manipulation and control over the fighters is appalling. Sad that a company has taken the arts we love and cherish and sullied them for profit. Shame on us for shilling out our hard earned money to support the oppression.

Mike Sherman Schichi (7th Dan 七段)

2016-01-08T15:09:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take a moment to recognize an achievement very few people ever attain in martial arts, nor really in life. My first Karate teacher Sensei Mike Sherman has just been promoted to the rank of 7th dan (七段) after 46 ongoing years of non stop training, teaching, competing, judging, and sharing. For forty six years he has dedicated his time and energy to the martial arts and continues to be an inspiration and mentor to students of his in Toledo Ohio and throughout the Midwest.

"I started Tracy's Kenpo in the fall of 1970 and earned my Shodan (1st degree) in Aug. of 1974.....Just before the end of 2015 I was awarded my Schichi Dan (7th degree / 七段) Black Belt by Truman Irving and Gordon Franks !...Kenpo training / teaching 46 years with no let up !.....Martial Arts is a life long journey" - Mike Sherman

Congratulations Mr. Sherman! I am honored to be your student and friend.
Jake

Man Bun Advice from Toshiro Mifune

2016-01-02T09:32:00.000-08:00

Solid advice to start out the new year, especially in this town!

Outstanding Students

2015-12-31T15:57:00.003-08:00

As we mark one more lap around our brightest star, I wanted to take a moment and send a shout out to two of my most dedicated and loyal students, Bonnie 'Bonzai' Jang, and Elton 'El Roy' Pinto. It is a common argument as to which one of these two started with me first, but either way they both were introduced to the martial arts via my kickboxing program I used to teach at All Star Fitness downtown. From there they stuck with me and everything I taught them including Kali, BJJ, grappling and self defense. Both followed me to my group class at NWJJA and both have been consistent practitioners of the martial arts for the past 7+ years.

I wanted to take a moment and offer my respect. You will most likely never read of
these two conquering a UFC belt. I am not sure if either one has a desire to teach the next generation. But they have something that I see sadly missing in many martial arts school now days ... dedication and loyalty! I watch student after student bop around from dojo to dojo, freely throwing on a patch or sticker proclaiming their loyalty to THEIR precious tribe. That is until they find their NEXT precious tribe and jump ship. These folks neglect one of the martial arts' most important lessons of dedicating yourself to a teacher and a practice. I suppose the quantitative definition of "dedication" can be argued, but I do not mean the modern day equivalency of "dedicating" oneself to a job for a year, perhaps two (after that you overstayed your welcome at most modern tech firms!).

I wish you two all the best on your martial path. I hope you never have to use what I have taught you, but I also hope you will never forget my lessons. You have all my respect and gratitude, for you have taught me more then I could ever wish to impart upon you.

Cheers
Jake

RIP Lemmy

2015-12-28T21:09:00.001-08:00

To say I am bummed the fuck out would be the overstatement of the week! One of my first introductions to a genre called 'metal' was Motorhead. Loud. Fast. Hard. And most importantly ... unapologetic in everything he did, Lemmy was the front man and so much more. To be honest we are all blown away you stood strong for seven decades long!

Kick ass and take names wherever you are.

Kali - Silat Combat Pistol Class

2015-12-28T16:06:00.000-08:00

The integration of ballistic weapons (firearms) into FMA practice is something a lot of people talk about, but very few actually know. Fortunately groups such as Detroit Kali under the guidance of teachers like Jeff Davidson, and Guru Ungyo, do understand how to apply firearms into the myriad of combat scenarios for modern day self defense.

Join Guru Ungyo (20 year veteran Law Enforcement Officer, 10 years SWAT operator)as he will teach the following:

Grip and stance
Home Defense Tactics
Cover
Movement
Clearing Corners
Entering and Clearing Rooms
Close Quarter Scenarios
Carjacking Scenarios

January 30th 2016 in Detroit, MI. Click here for more information and to reserve your spot
.

Happy Holidays

2015-12-24T17:26:00.002-08:00

Please be safe and well while spending the holidays celebrating however it is you do... which I assume regardless of culture involves a battle axe!?

Arm Bar Soap Co.

2015-12-18T17:43:00.002-08:00

Speaking of perfect stocking stuffers... hygiene; the gift that keeps on giving and ensures one does not give anything to anybody they share the mat with! A shout out to our friend Chad Hospodar over at Arm Bar Soap Company.

The Arm Bar Soap Co. is a Cali based grassroots company started by one man with a vision of offering quality, all natural products made here in the United States. So consider such aspects when shopping the mega stores online and buying gifts made overseas.

Supporting a homegrown business AND purchasing a gift for a loved one is what the holidays are all about. What started as one guy with one bar of soap has turned into a number of soap varieties, clothing, and even training towels.

Internal Elixir Cultivation by Robert James Coons - Book Review

2015-12-18T17:17:00.003-08:00

The holiday crunch is upon us, with the New Year lingering just around the corner. Family, travel, finances, extra hours, cut hours... all this stress adds up quickly. Do you have a method to deal with it? Can you calm your mind, breath, and energy in frantic situations and remain centered? If not do you desire to? Daoist culture has been applying meditative techniques to everyday life for centuries, and Robert James Coons has written an easy to follow text demystifying the intricacies of the practice of internal elixir cultivation.

Though Daoist meditation and qigong is not a new subject matter to be written about, many of the texts are rather scholarly and dry. Without a specific Daoist philosophical background the reader is often lost in a nebulous haze of terms and theories. Even with the best texts their is little instruction on the actual meditative practice. Enter Coons... a student of Yang Hai, and a lifelong student of Chinese culture and language. Coons has written an easy to read and follow book weaving Daoist philosophy with meditative practices anyone can do regardless of physical condition, age, or gender. As a matter of fact all his practices can be slightly altered for those even incapacitated in bed.

Coons lays out a fundamental lesson on aspects of Daoist practice such as the dantian, Microcosmic Orbit, and Yin and Yang, before delving into more advanced practice methods for internal elixir cultivation. Daoist geeks such as myself will not be disappointed either as Coons weighs in with his translation of Lu Dongbin's 100 character ancestor stone. Lu was an important (arguably the most important) scholar during the Tang dynasty and offered the first guide to Daoist meditation. This poem is rarely translated and Coons offers a great breakdown of the treatise.

The celebration of little Baby Jesus day is exactly one week away and their is still time to get "Internal Elixir Cultivation" by Robert James Coons from Tambuli Media as it is a perfect 5.25" x 8" for stocking stuffing galore. So if you have a martial artist, qigong practitioner, or you yourself who is in need of meditation click here to order your copy today!

Congrats Ryan Hall Latest TUF Champ

2015-12-13T15:03:00.000-08:00

Why not??

Friday night the UFC crowned its newest TUF Champion with Ryan Hall taking a decisive victory over Artem Lobov. Hall is arguably the most decorated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor ever to grace the octagon, and I must admit that I am stoked to see what he has to offer now that he has cinched up his early striking apprehensions. Training under Ray Thompson has improved his striking , add that to an undeniable grappling phenom and you have what amounts to a ton of fun to watch in MMA. Unfortunately Hall could not showcase his skills 100% because his opponent Lobov forgot to show up and put up a fight.

Congrats Ryan Hall.

Hemant Rajcoomar is A Fake Posing As A Machado Blackbelt in Trinidad & Tobago

2015-12-09T18:54:00.000-08:00

I suppose it was inevitable that fakes would start to claim to be blackbelts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but it is becoming all too common place now days.
Thanks to Brandon Quick for getting ahold of RCJ Machado and asking about this "certificate." Apparently the asshat also known as Hemant Rajcoomar is running around the Caribbean islands of Trinidad & Tobago claiming to be a 3rd degree blackbelt under the Machado brothers. This claim is completely fictitious and it should be obvious that the certificate above was photo-shopped. Let it be know Hemant has NO rank within the organization.

If anyone on the islands runs across this douche-waffle please proceed to wrap him/her up snugly and choke the living piss out of! Thanks.

2015 World Sambo Championships Highlight

2015-12-07T06:59:00.002-08:00

Our friend Reilly Bodycomb compiled a great compilation of highlights from the 2015 World Sambo Championships that was held on Morocco over the past weekend. Excellent takedowns, sweeps, and throws demonstrated! I am so glad that traditional avenues for folk wrestling still are alive in other parts of the world and thriving. BJJ fever has taken over the west it seems and fewer and fewer academies are focused on the integral takedown / self defense aspects of grappling. Thankfully even locally we have an excellent source for Sambo in Aaron Fields, he calls his dojo Seatown Grappling.

Either way thanks to Reilly, and enjoy the throw bonanza:

Book Review: My Gratitude Journal by Kellie Bach

2015-11-25T19:36:00.002-08:00

Author Kellie Bach's multiple sclerosis diagnosis stirred a primal ripple from deep inside of her that manifested in "My Gratitude Journal" from Tambuli Media. A daily log that allows one to reflect and give thanks for moments, people, events, and really anything and everything that happens in life. Writing is often quite therapeutic even for those whom you would never assume would write down their thoughts or feelings.

A wonderful stocking stuffer, I can't think of a better gift to mention on this week of reflection and thanks. "My Gratitude Journal" is now available from Tambuli Media.

Combat Flip Flops

2015-11-25T19:16:00.000-08:00

Being a day late to throwing a big thank you out there for our Veterans on the 11th, I wanted to give a quick shout out to Combat Flip Flops. Based in Bellevue, WA. Combat Flip Flops offers not only the namesake sandals, but also sarongs, and hard to find shemagh.

Veteran owned. This company supports those in need on a local level by building and supporting factories run by women in Afghanistan where education is the goal. Think of these types of companies when shopping this holiday season. Make your dollar work a bit harder and better.

Unfortunately they do not offer manly sized footwear of 15+ or I would offer a review, but those dainty footed folk should check out their selection none the less.

Kali Blade Transitions with Guru Jeff Davidson

2015-11-05T06:43:00.000-08:00

To my students... this is what it is SUPPOSED to look like! Study. Learn. Apply.
Thank you Guru Jeff for sharing... look forward to training soon.

Bodywork and Sports Massage Therapist Kurt Dery at Athenaroma

2015-10-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take a moment to send a shout out to the best massage therapist in Washington state, and one of the best I have ever had work on me; Kurt Dery (LMT#MA00019958) at Athenaroma here in downtown Seattle. Kurt's understanding of Anatomy and Physiology is second to none which only enhances what seems to be an innate ability to find the SOURCE of your pain and eliminate it.

I know a number of local martial artists, MMA fighters, and other combat sports participants view this blog from time to time, and if you are in need of a massage or need some help rehabbing an injury to get you back in the fight quicker Kurt is your man.

You can book online or call: 206-919-3404 / 212 Belmont Ave E. Seattle, WA.