Informative Issue No. 129 2014

2014

The Instructors Overall Look at What Went On The Peaceful Warrior Camp So Intense and So Rich Filled with Great Martial Art Training A Path Between Self-Protection and Self-Perfection Intense in Many Ways An Unexpected 3rd Dan! A Gathering of Martial Arts Practitioners Pool Practice

Each issue features practitioners of martial arts and other internal arts, other features include historical, theo-retical and technical articles; reflections, Filipino martial arts, healing arts, the culture of the Philippines and other related subjects. The authors, publisher and owner of this online magazine are not responsible for any injury, which may result from the instructions contained in this online magazine. Before embarking on any of the physical activates described in the magazine, the reader should consult his or her physician for advice regarding their individual suitability for per-forming such activity. The ideas and opinions expressed in the FMA Informative online magazine are those of the authors or instruc-tors being interviewed and are not necessarily the views of the publisher, editor or owner of the FMA Informative. The articles are the property of the authors that wrote them and cannot be used without the permission of the author. The FMA Informative is for the promulgation and promotion of the Filipino martial arts and the Culture of the Philippines. NO issue can be printed and Sold for Monies, without the express permission of the Owner and Publisher of the FMA Informative.

www.kali-majapahit.com

Kali Majapahit Punong Guro Fred Evrard 43 Carpenter St. #02-01 Singapore 059922 (65) 6534-5254 Email - contact@kali-majapahit.com

The FMA Informative wants to thank Punong Guro Fred Evrard for sending us the pictures and writing the in-troduction that gives an overall look at Bali Camp 2014 and also the practitioners that submitted their comments about the Bali Camp 2014. Instead of the usual issue which tells what went on at an event, the FMA Informative thought that it would be very good as in the FMA Informative issue Bali camp 2013 to have some of the practitioners that attended the camp once again tell their thoughts on their experience at the event. As you read this issue you will find that Punong Guro Fred Evrard Founder of Kali Majapahit and the coordinator of the Bali Camp and the instructors that taught at the camp made Bali Camp 2014 an experience that would not be forgotten.

About Kali Majapahit: It is a synthesis of several Filipino martial arts, and some other fighting arts from the ancient Majapahit area in Southeast Asia. Kali Majapahit, concepts are woven together into a complete and very effective system. Any improve-ment in one aspect of the art will accelerate progression in the others.

www.kalidemano.com

InstructorsPunong Guro Fred Evrard started training in Martial Arts at the age of 6, some 35 years ago. Fred is the founder and Head-Instructor of Kali Majapahit. He owns 14 Black Belts and Instructor certificates in 14 different styles, and is a specialist of Southeast Asian Martial Arts. In year 2003, following a lifetime dedicated to the Martial Arts, Fred and his wife Lila, left their home in Tahiti for a 4-year Martial Arts & traditional medicines trip around the world . Fred is a Peak Performance , psychology and life-skills coach, trained in the Tony Robbins system . He gives international conferences on Vegetarian/Vegan Nutrition, Posture correction , Breathing, Psychology, life-style, and also on Bud-dhism and Asian philosophy.

Sifu James Nener has been practicing martial arts his entire life and is a specialist of Internal Chinese Martial Arts such as Taiji Quan (ancient style) , Bagua Zhang , Qi Gong and even Chinese medicine. James is also an expert in Kempo, Pencak Silat, Ashtanga Yoga and meditation. His knowledge in inner arts does not stop him from being extremly effici-ant in combat, being him self a police officer... James has been studying Asian philosophies for a long time and is a fantastic speaker when it comes to Hinduism , Buddhism and Asian spirituality in general. His knowledge in Health and wellness is phenomenal , and he knows all there is to know about vegetarian and vegan nutrition.

Pangulong Guro Claes Johansson is specialised in the Southeast Asian Martial Arts and is the founder and Head Instructor of Kali De Mano. His martial arts teachings are now foremost focussed in his style of Kali de Mano, his expression of Pencak Silat and Ringside (Southeast Asian boxing) . Claes martial arts teachings heavily includes elements of personal development train-ing in both hands-on and esoteric forms - such as peak performance strategies and spiritual teachings . Kali De Mano is my style and expression of the arts . I believe in a genuine training that gives solid techniques , associative skills and understanding - creating possibilities when moving into advanced aspects of performing. Power and strength are necessary in the arts, but flow will give us the quality and opportunity to push ourselves and our limits, allowing us to grow - to react, adapt, find new ways - within the arts - within Kali de Mano. - Claes Johansson

Katalungan Guro Lila Evrard started Martial Arts under her father at the age of 6, and never stop training ever since . In year 2003 , following a lifetime dedicated to the Martial Arts, Lila and her husband Fred, left her home in Tahiti for a 4-year Mar-tial Arts & traditional medicines trip around the world. 4 years without going home, sleeping in dojos , in temples , or directly at their instructors place ; train ing all over the world with Masters of several Martial Arts, monks and healers. They have lived and trained in China, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Tibet, Philippines, Lebanon, USA, Hawaii, Tahiti, France, Ger-many, Canada, and more; searching for knowledge and sharing it, teaching seminars all over the world. Lila Evrard is not only Full Instructor in Filipino Martial Arts and Filipino boxing, but also a specialist of Southeast Asian martial arts, a personal fitness trainer and Tahitian Dance Instructor.

2014 Bali Camp was simply amazing, with its world-class martial arts sessions from sunrise to sunset and life-changing con-ferences on personal development, peak-performance, spirituality and asian philosophies! Where else do you learn about stick-fighting and Yoga at sunrise, knife disarms and karam-bit in the morning, Kali, Silat, Panuntukan in the middle of the day, Pencak Silat and combat Taiji in the afternoon and Buddhist and taoist advanced concepts in the evening (concepts such as karma, yin-yang, wuji and emptiness, the 5 elements, meditation, pra-na-yama, reincarnation, compara-tive studies on western and asian philosophies)s, all in 1 camp? All this over good and healthy food, friendship and laughter... Well... BALI CAMP! This year was so special. The energy was at its peak. We had classes and training in 4 main arts:

Kali De mano, Kali Majapahit, Pencak Silat (Harimau, Cimende, Bukti Negara), and Chinese inter-nal arts (Taiji Quand and Bagua Zhang). This year in Bali, 3 of our students were ranked from 1st dan to 3rd dan, and let me tell you, those guys rocked! Within our sessions, we trained in Advanced Serrada (solo baston, espada y daga, emp-ty hands Vs stick applications and mano y mano applications), Panuntukan tactics, advanced Sikaran (kicks combinations and flying kicks), Kadena De Mano, Single and double sticks, Trankada (locks and counter locks), Dumog (Filipino wrestling), Advanced knife strategies, double karambit, knife and karambit, and much more... The conferences were at an extremely high level, with all speakers trained in Tony Robbins peak-performance method, but also all advanced in a traditional

spiritual or philosophical path such as Tibetan Buddhism, Chinese Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, and most important, students with lots of deep and amazing questions that allowed us to stay late at nights teaching, sharing, questioning, growing We also had nice teachings and conversations about nutrition, posture correction, breathing, stress management, positive thinking and much much more. And dont let me start on our sister camp, that many of our kali ladies joined as well, the Tahiti Dance Fit camp, with whom we shared the morning sessions and the evening conferences, while splitting during martial arts or dance classes. The ladies were awesome! One of Kali Majapahit core values sentence has also become the Bali Camps: Grow Yourself, Built others, Educate people!

Overall Look at What Went On at Bali Camp 2014

The Peaceful Warrior Camp John Honeyman, Kali Majapahit Representative and Lead Instructor in Japan

Those words summarize why we all were there, in Bali, mystical Island of the Gods and a major center of influence for Southeast Asian Martial Arts. We all want to better un-derstand the context of martial arts in our journey of self-discovery

and personal development, and this 6-day intensive is a great way to immerse ourselves in both the practical and the spiritual. We have come from all over the world. Martial artists of all levels from Sweden, Switzer-land, Japan, Singapore, France,

Germany all trying to be the best we can be. We have come to one of the most beautiful places on Earth to live the dream; to escape our day-to-day and dive as deep as we can into our passion. We want to be Peaceful Warriors. The resort is 5-star, right

on the beach in Nusa Dua, the most exclusive and luxurious part of Bali. The buffet features a wide variety of healthy options for us, and the rooms are beautiful and well-appointed. There are plunge-pools everywhere, and traditional Balinese architecture is open-plan and accessible. Staff are every-where, always smiling, and really seem to respect that we are there to study their cultural heritage of Silat, among other things. This is truly paradise.

classes. You can feel how much they care about us as people. We start just before dawn down on the white sand beach. The sun is just starting to come up over the horizon, and the sea sparkles orange, pink and blue. Its hard to sleep since we are all ner-vous with anticipation. Guro Claes Johansson is there to start the day with stickfighting. The drills are fast and powerful, and challenge our focus even be-fore we are fully awake. Our feet shuffle through the sand as we work together to follow the drills. Depending on the day we have another hour or two with our sticks/empty hands or conditioning/yoga before we even eat breakfast. Mid-Morning we have another two hours of training in Kali or Pencak Silat with Guro Fred Evrard and his senior instructors. We move from beginner drills on foot-work into advanced chains of techniques, counters, and flow drills that push us to the limit. By lunchtime we are sweating and our muscles are burning. A quick splash in the pool on the way to the lunch buffet is really refreshing.

Our three teachers repre-sent much in common between Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Indone-sian traditions, and have spent col-lectively nearly 100 years studying these subjects. All are peak perfor-mance and personal development coaches as well as world-class martial artists. They represent the goals we seek and live them every day. In their rich experience we have access to expertise in several styles of Filipino Kali (Kali Ma-japahit, Kali De Mano), Pencak Silat (Bukti Negara, Cimande, Harimau, Seni Silat Titipenang, Pencak Silat Concept), Bagua Zhang, Yang Style Tai Chi, Wing Chun, Jeet Kune Do, Ashtanga Yoga, Parkour and much, much, more. Individually, these teachers are highly sought after on the sem-inar circuit; collectively it would be hard to find more knowledge and experience in any single camp anywhere. Beyond this, each one is accessible and approachable, and we have many spontaneous conversations over mealtimes or by the pool. Every class is present-ed for us with a loving spirit to teach us and help us grow. Before the week is over, they know us all by name and have spent time one-on-one with each of us during the

There is some free time after lunch until mid-afternoon and we are back into our training again, this time with Sifu James Nener. Two hours of intense Bagua Zhang offer a stark contrast to Kali flows. Both styles seek to exploit the centerline, but Bagua Zhang has intricate footwork and a deep, lowered center.

Some of us have never seen the real thing before, and are

surprised at the powerful movements. We move in spirals in and around our partners, everywhere at once. Sifu James Nener makes it look effortless, but we struggle to keep up. Again and again he tells us relax, no tension. Go LOWER. By dinnertime we feel exhausted, having packed seemingly a month of training into a single day.

Nothing is off-limits, and we are free to leverage their many years of wisdom and get the most from every session. Afterward, many of us continue talking by the pool or down at the beach, listening to the gentle waves rolling as we discuss among each other. We sleep the sleep of the satisfied, exhausted and happy, waiting for the next day. The camp is an intensive week of immersion training. At the end, we take away not just some very cool new tech-

niques and drills, or some deeper understanding of martial philos-ophy and health, but also new friendships that we will treasure forever. The Peaceful Warrior path is meant to be shared - shared by our teachers to us, shared with each other, and then finally shared by us with everyone we meet every day thereafter. We become the change. You can, too. See you at the next camp!

In the evenings we have personal development conferences taught by Guro Claes, Guro Fred, and Sifu James in rotation. These peaceful warrior talks offer us the chance to better understand health, nutri-tion, posture, breathing, but also span topics from Taosim and Bud-dhism to practical tools for using these philosophies to achieve more happiness and better performance at home and at work. Each session has a short lecture, followed by in-tense question and answer from us.

So Intense and So Rich Lee Yee Han

The Bali camp has changed me so much. It was so intense and so rich, it isnt possible to come away from it unaffected! Ive been doing martial arts at Kali Majapahit with Guros Fred and Lila for 6 years. And for the last year, my commitment in the school had been waning. It wasnt that the school had any less to offer - in fact, the more deeply one goes into the curriculum, the more in-teresting it gets - but I had become distracted by other commitments. I looked to the Bali camp as a re-ig-nition of my interest in martial arts.

But it was so much more. From the camp, we saw stunning individual testimonials to how martial arts can touch and change who you are. I saw stu-dents like Maeva and Kim who had never done martial arts before blossom in wonder with their first hit of the sticks. I saw myself grow in understanding of human nature through simple classes on martial instruction. I not only found again my love of martial arts, but also dis-covered a richer depth. Of course

we learned how to kick some seri-ous ass. Every class was exciting, every class had something new to offer. If you missed just one class you would really regret not knowing the really cool stuff that the others had just learnt! We used all kinds of weapons - short sticks; longer sticks; karambit; sarong; empty hands; knife; Kuntao; a few at once We covered distances - largo, medio, quarto We did various footwork Filipino mar-tial arts triangle, boxing, South Chinese martial arts Too many to relate here. In 7 days of non-stop training, it felt like we cov-ered every possible variation in the field of martial arts studies. Everyone, at every level, from beginners to advanced, took so much away from the elegantly balanced teaching. All 3 instruc-tors had such diverse martial experience and wisdoms to offer; yet they showed us that there are common truths, and taught these truths to us in their own martial languages. The meditation sessions beautifully complemented our training. Every day, we performed

breatTestimonial for Bali Camp 2014hing exercises that centred us as human beings, reconnecting with our own deepest selves. We discovered the deep and ancient arts of meditation in movement, of the total focus and emptiness that comes to the warrior when he is fully into the martial art. We were all living so intensely every second of every day. Rushing to classes; luxuriating in the supremely wide spread of gourmet fare at every single buffet meal; going for more classes, and at the end of the day, after we had maxed out our physical learning, going for conferences with intense teachings and profound reflections. Then waking before the dawn and doing it all over again. It was just amazing. Through the daily confer-ences, and through leading and living the example in their own lives, the instructors reminded us that being a warrior isnt just about being able to punch someone. They reminded us of the art of mar-tial arts, of the depth and philoso-phy behind the practice. That being a warrior means fighting the good

fight, every day, hour and minute. Within yourself; and if against others, without ego, with empathy.

Filled with Great Martial Art Training Jakob

The Bali camp is filled with great martial art training. The level of the instructors is very high and all of them have a deep under-standing of different martial arts which does give the training an exta edge. The training was very well adapt so both experienced martial artist and beginners got a lot out of the training. All the instructors also gave very nice and interesting conferences about health, philoso-phy, spirituality and life in general. All of the instructors are are great educators and have a great abality to teach many different things. The conferences where connected to the martial art train-ing and vice and versa which made the whole experience very peda-gogic and easy to follow. All the participants are amazing persons, partially becouse the clubs apparently have a nice atmosphere and great culture when

it comes to training and how to act in Life and behave with other peo-ple. Of course the intructors has a big part of that nice atmosphere which appeard in the camp be-cause they have a big part of wich culture the clubs are tinged of. We should not forget about the Tahitian dance group which re-ally had a part of making the camp very special. Very nice people and interesting people to talk to came from the Tahitian dance group. They gave Another perspective to the camp. All the information and

the atmosphere in the Bali Camp 2014 gave prequeisites of making a determinant change in Life. That is a fact. For me the Bali camp have started a personal change which is very crucial. It started a process which is very dynamic and con-tinues long after the camp. All the information and conclusions which I got is always following me and is alive in my Daily Life and really influence me. The conclusion is: Amaz-ing people (students and instruc-tors alike), high level and intense martial arts training, with a deep

southeast asian touch, life chang-ing conferences, good and healthy food What else can we ask for?

A Path Between Self-Protection and Self-Perfection Rose - Singapore

The much anticipated event of the year where world class mar-tial artists from around the world gather together with a common goal To touch and change peoples lives one person at the time The camp started with a welcoming smiles and hugs from the participants, common faces and new ones, the friendship and connection that we built during the previous bali camp was still on fire even though distance and time and months of not seeing each other separated us..... It was then fol-lowed by a short briefing from the Guros of whats gonna happen for the whole week.....and finally Bali Camp 2014 has officially started. The menu every day and morning are full of different ac-tivities....It starts with solo baston training on the beach at sunrise, followed by a heartfelt and mean-ingful meditation with an auspi-cious appearance of rainbow each

time we had a morning session.. On the other days we have the morning conditioning to help us in mobility and movement with Yoga to compliment afterwards.... Afternoon trainings are full of excitement as well, Kali, Silat, panuntukan, bagua, combat taiji, flying kicks, dirty wing chun and most of all the take downs/throwing training in the pool The evening conferences topic are packed with teachings about Buddhism and Taoism learning more about karma, wuji, detachment and emptiness.Other conferences challenged each one of us to stand in front of every one sharing one of their personal secret and something to be proud of stories and topics about Health and Wellness The night training that involved Fili-pino Battle field role playing, in which two tribes battling to protect their flag from being conquered is

full of adrenaline and excitement, using foam sticks for safety. All these in one camp and to top it all up, Bali Camp 2014 added a little spice by inviting Tahiti Dance Fitness team to join the camp...where dancers joined us in morn-ing trainings and conferences.... Our Bali Camp could not be complete without surprises.......The 3rd dan testing of Guro Guil-laume, 2nd dan for Seb and 1st dan for Alison it was a display of world class martial arts. superb. After this years Bali Camp, I am going back to Singapore with excess baggage... but not of things, of memories that are imprinted in my heart and soul because, Bali Camp to me is about discovering the PATH between Self-Protection and Self-Perfection.... And I am looking forward to next years Bali Camp.....!

We went to Bali as uncer-tain humans, looking for change. We left with the seeds of being a

warrior planted in us.

Intense in Many Ways: Training, Conversations, People, Food, Climate, Nature Sebel - Germany

A little bit of rain comes down fresh and just in time. Since sun rises at the Beach of Nusa Dua temperature goes up just like the sticks of my training partner. As he strikes down, I block redirect and counter and try to perform as precise as the teacher Guro Claes Johansson while realizing two rainbows in the sky right behind him. I am tired, muscles hurt and I try to concentrate. Environment is too beautiful to stick to the exercise. No problem, Guro Fred Evrard is here to teach us how to focus with meditation after a tight solo baston session.

Welcome to Balicamp 2014. Its intense in many ways, training, conversations, people, food, climate, nature Bali is just beautiful and the schedule for the camp is amazing, trying to serve a bal-anced offer with all the different aspects of the martial arts, com-

binig internal and external styles, med-itation and combat, yoga and self-defense, breathing and fighting, talking and striking. But in the end of the day its the people who make it special. Its the conversations with the students and the knowledge of the teachers that make me

think and smile. Wow, these guys have so much to offer. Both, the teachers and the students. They gave me so many new ideas and impressions, experienced with the body and the mind. It was the first time for me watching Sifu James Nener move and teach and I dont think that

I have to know lots about Bagua, Yoga, Silat and Tai Chi to realize that this guy is special. He made us sweat, sough and think and left us astonished during training as well as during conferences talking about philosophie and spirituality. Meet him during breakfast or at the pool of the gorgeous five star resort Sofitel and you get to know a grounded friendly talkative guy with a smile on his face. How can I use the princi-ples and concepts of combat in dai-ly life was the question of Guro Claes Johansson, as we listened to his conferences after dinner un-der a clear sky full of stars. In the morning he made us block, strike and cut ... in the evening he gave us ideas how to use martial arts to solve problems and develop as a

person. He appears massive in many ways. Training and talking with Fred Evrard was no suprise as he is always surprising. When he moves and shares knowledge about FMA, nutrition, health and personal development you will find yourself astonished how this Guro makes you find new ways for training and thinking. Talking about thinking, here is a challenge out of Guro Fred Evrards conference for you. 7 days no nega-tive thoughts. Do it. Sounds like too much of spirituality and con-ferences? Dont worry. Besides hours of Kali, Silat and Panuntukan MG Ben has you in the morning for parcour and conditioning to make you beg for the meditation class after. Im back home in Germany for jetlagged three days now and I feel fueled with positive energie for prob-ably a very long upcoming time. Tons of new techniques and ideas for my regualr training in the art of Kali Ma-japahit wait in my mind and my camera to work on until I will meet my friends and techers from Bali Camp again. Hopefuly very soon. Thanks to everybody who attended on this fantastic martial art taining camp, especially to those who made it happen.

An Unexpected 3rd Dan! Guillaume - Singapore

My name is Guillaume Ive been living in Singapore and Ive been training in Kali Majapahit system for over 8 years now, under the guidance of Guro Fred Evrard. I was so excited to join the Bali Camp this year, that I decided to bring my wife and 2 kids along. I previously participated in the camp in 2010 and 2011 and had to

skip 2012 and 2013 for working reasons. I expected some-thing similar to what I knew, with instructors I did not really know do-ing stuff I did not really do. And curiosity and excitement where defi-nitely at the rendez vous for this 2014 Bali Camp! All started with a bad twist of fate at the embarkation in Singapore. My wifes passport was not within the 6-month valid-ity period required by Indonesian immigration laws, and therefore we had to decide rapidly that she would stay with our 6 months old son in Singapore, and that I would go with our 2 years old daughter The goodbyes were a heart-break-

ing moment, but hey, spend a full week in a 5* hotel in Bali, practic-ing martial art and bonding with my daughter, it could definitely be worse! So we arrive in Bali, spend the night, and at 7am met with all the participants (around 30 this year) on the Beachfront for the morning conditioning exercises. My sleepyhead daughter in the stroller, my head not really less

sleepy than hers, and here is Guro Fred giving the very first morn-ing speech for the Bali Camp and announcing that Alison, Sebel and Myself will be tested for our next black belt level.Gosh this one did wake me up! 100% focus, and a massive What the Hell going loudly through my mind! Ok, I did not expect that at all But lets embrace the challenge! It means that any lazy swimming pool / tanning sessions or easy idling options are immedi-ately dismissed from the upcom-ing week schedule. Its gonna be training and training for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the next 3 days. And thats exactly what happened, with the help of all my martial artists brothers and sisters, I went through every single train-ing with my daughter being taking care of by the group, to the extend of their patience. Monday was the last test-ing day for us. It started at 7am and finished later in the evening around 6.30pmA long day! Wa-ter, breathing, focus! I felt like be-ing observed and gauged through the microscope lenses and it brings the stress a level up. After a good 6 hour train-ing, skills demonstration within the range of weapons we use (Empty Hands, Stick, Double Stick, Knife, Double Knife, Karambit, Espada y Daga, Silat and kickboxing), class skills teaching (I chose to give a Daga) and a few well-deserved Swimming pool breaks, we manage whatsoever to reach the 6pm group demonstration, with my 2 other fellow tested brother and sister. Here we go, 30

martial arts practitioners seating in a circle to witness the last part of our testing, the demo; 5 teach-ers in front of us sitting still and expecting the best of us. Its not the first time I do demos or exhibitions, but when it comes to yourself being assessed for what you can or cant do, the exercise takes a much spicier fla-vor. But things are working fairly well with my 2 fellow exhibitors and styles and weapons and sweat are growing in intensity and speed by the minute. I can feel a sort of brotherly love that is driving the 3 of us in a beautiful harmony. The ego has no place here right now, we are doing things for the others, we are being the best partner we can for each other, and we push our guts for the people looking at us from the edge of the circle A real benevolent act of service to the others And it felt so good!!! Time flies, and here we are, panting, sweating and smiling lining up facing our instructors, ready to receive our recognition in our Filipino martial arts style of Kali Majapahit. The moment is in-tense, and there are electric sparks in the air, everyone is excited. Guro Fred calls our name and state our new titles and ranks and I feel proud, so proud. Eight years ago, how could

I ever imagine, dedicating so much time and energy to a martial art system, how could I have fore-seen myself achieving a 3rd Dan Black Belt? I have to say humbly that Ive grown profoundly fond of my school, my system and my students, and that everything Ive done in the past or currently do, is and has never been for the rank notoriety or any micro-fame that I could have within our micro-com-munity. We do things because they matter, we do things because we care, we do things because it makes us better men and women and overall we do things because of love. Kali makes me a better person each day; A better man that I was yesterday and exponential-ly better that I was 8 years ago.

No super power, just dedication, focus and love. Thats all there is to understand; All there is to live for is passion and love, the rest is a background that we can change at will, lets not spend time on the background, be the best actor you can in the best live you can imag-ine for yourself and the persons you love. During this camp, I met with 2 other great Kings of Heart (the game was rigged somehow), one is Guro Claes Johansson from Sweden and Founder of Kali de Mano and the other is Sifu James Nener from France, Founder of

La Voie du Tao and instructor of internal arts such as Bagua Zhang, Taiji Quan, Ashtan-ga Yoga, ect). I know that my fellow writers will spend quite some time talking about them as they are incredible martial arts instructors, but even much better life instruc-tors, so I will make it short Ive only spent 6 days with those 2 kings, but it felt like weve known

each other for a lifetime... I wont say much more about them, but I know that the bonds we forged during this camp, are meant for life, see you soon!

Bali Camp - A Gathering of Martial Arts Practitioners Alison Ang

Bali Camp - a gathering of mar-tial arts practitioners; world-class workshops lead by renowned Masters of their art started as an idea but has since evolved into one of the best martial arts camps the world has to offer. The fourth edition of Bali Camp was hosted at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, a luxury resort that combines French ele-gance and flair with warm Balinese hospitality and culture, featuring plush amenities and high-tech fittings. Meal times were always a treat at the resorts interactive buffet restaurant, which offered a wide array of cuisines and live cooking stations. Bali Camp promises not only to improve our skills as mar-tial artists, but also challenge us to take control of our lives; to take responsibility for our health, our mental and emotional states, and our spiritual being. Every morning, set against the backdrop of the gorgeous Balinese sunrise, we begin our day training on the beach. The rhythmic clacking of our sticks is accompanied by the wonder-ful sounds of birds chirping and waves crashing against the nearby rocks. Apart from Kali, Silat, Tai Ji Quan Ba Gua Zhang, Kick-boxing, Mobility Exercises, and Physical Conditioning, the camp also included morning meditation, yoga, and in the evenings Personal Development talks, and discus-sions on Spirituality, Buddhist and Taoist concepts, and comparative studies on Western and Eastern Philosophies, which completely opened up our minds.

The mind is like a parachute. It works best when its open. H.H, Tenzin Gyatso, the Four-teenth Dalai Lama On top of the phenomenal teach-ing that we received, and the amazing friendships shared, this years Bali Camp turned out to be even more special for me. Exactly a year after I received my Kasama rank, I was to be tested for my Kadua Guro (Black Belt First Dan). This was only an-nounced on Day 2, which came as a complete surprise to me, or I should say us as Kadua Guro Sebel Breidecker was being tested for his Madunong Guro (Black Belt Second Dan), and Madunong Guro Guillaume Foucaud for his Katulong Guro (Black Belt Third Dan). My testing started on the spot with a written examination. Day 3. Under the blazing Bali sun, we were taken aside and tested on every single sub-system weve learned over the past years, every double sticks drill, the plethora of stick and knife disarms, knife against stick, knife against knife, empty hands again weap-ons, flows, and every other exercise you can think of, we did. In the midst of the test, we were each chal-lenged to individually conduct a 30-minute

class on the fly. By the end of the afternoon I was physically exhaust-ed, and mentally close to breaking point. The last 30 minutes of the testing was conducted in the presence of everyone at the camp. Inspired and fueled by the en-couragement of everyone present, we sparred against one another, demonstrating our skill, creativity and ability to handle pressure. The 30 minutes went by in a flurry of weapons disarms and takedowns. With almost nothing left in the

tank, we heard the magic word, BREAK. And that was it. The graduation ceremo-ny began with a short speech by Guro Fred, and then he called out our names one at a time. When I received my Black Belt from the man who has taught me so much, I was overcome with relief, joy and gratitude. At the end of the graduation ceremony, as the hugs and congratulatory words poured in, tears started to flow. I am so humbled and grateful for the expe-rience. I could never have done it without the support of all present, my training partners these last few years, those cheering for me back in Singapore, and my Guros. Every year, Bali Camp showers us with many special

moments. The laughter we share; the sweat; the rough and tumble; the tears; all come togeth-er to make up the Bali Camp experience. And ultimately this is what martial arts is all about; martial arts isnt about the weap-on disarms or the stick fighting; it isnt about the beautiful flow or the fancy takedowns; martial arts is about dedication, commitment and most of all friendship. For those who have had the

privilege of attending Bali Camp will know that the effects last not for a day, a week or a month; the effects of Bali Camp stays with you; it changes you. Bali Camp is a milestone in our journey that we look forward to year after year.

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School Submission The schools listed teach Filipino martial arts, either as the main curriculum or an added curriculum. If you have a school that teaches Filipino martial arts, or you are an instructor that teaches, but does not have a school, list the school or style so individuals who wish to experience, learn and gain knowledge have the opportunity.

Be Professional; keep your contact information current. - Click Here

Event Submission Submit your event whether - Seminar, Workshop, Training Camp, tournament, or Gathering - Click Here

Advertisement Submission Advertising in the FMA Informative Website is FREE. An Ad in the FMA Informative can create Business. Your Advertisement for Filipino martial arts fo-rums, blogs etc, can be included in the FMA Informative. Advertisment is for the Filipino Martial Arts and the Philippines.

To submit Forums Click Here. To submit advertisement for products and/or Services Click Here

Article Submission Finished manuscripts should be accompanied by color or black and white photographs. Though we take care of materials, we can not be responsible for manuscripts/photographs and accept no liability for same. Every photograph or graphic must be accompanied by a caption Carefully key photos to caption information with a letter or number. We reserve the right to use any photo(s) as cover material or additional compensation. We also re-serve the right to edit material and to crop photographs.

We reserve the right to use articles or parts of articles that are given and approved from time to time as needed to promote the Filipino martial arts and the Culture of the Philippines. Physical manuscripts should be typed in black, double spaced, and set to 1-1/2 margins (right and left). Emailed manuscripts should be typed in Ariel or Times Roman, on programs such as Notepad, Wordpad, Microsoft Word, Word Perfect and can be sent as an attachment. Photo(s) can be sent as a .jpg, .gif, .bmp, or .tiff - to submit material for either the FMA Informative Newspaper or an Issue Click Here We welcome your article, ideas and suggestions, and look forward to working with you in the future.