No comments about Carpentry 3.

5 comments about Filipino Martial Arts: Cabales Serrada Escrima.

1. This book is not worth wasting your money on. The techniques that are represented look OK to the untrained eye, but if you examine them closely, you will notice many mistakes. The techniques are sparse, one per angle. They are also demonstrated with poor posture and attack. To the novice, this book may appear to represent the art of Cabales Serrada Escrima, but it does not. More than half of the book is unrelated to the system of Serrada. This book does nothing to show the effectiveness of Cabales Serrada Escrima.



2. Mark Wiley is to be congratulated/encouraged for at least writing about this art of which there wasn't much info around. Mark does make some mistakes when he shows the basic counter routines, specially with the check hand sequence. In some photos every position is incorrect. The story about Guro Cabales and his anecdotes also is not really correct. Yet, I will keep the book as an important source of some information and a promising presentation. The next version is supposed to be out in coming months. Initially, in order to prepare for this story, Mark should have spent some time training in Stockton with Serrada's top Guros. He did not allow them to contribute to the book. This next version "Secrets of Cabales Serrada Eskrima" is supposed to ammend all mistakes.



3. Unfortunately the book can only be as good as the practitioner and this one is not that good. He underestimates his readers by simplifying the concepts and techniques of his art, generalizing cultural and spiritual aspects. (BTW, he doesn't really do any better in Filipino Martial Culture.) The stories that he relays about the lineage are haphazzard. He picks and chooses which legends/stories he wishes to believe and uses that argument to counter other stories to the point where he essentially calls Dizon's boyhood training partner a liar. This is just bad research and bad oral history. He is not arrogant enough to say "this is my training experience" outright, but he serves the injustice of claiming this is real "research," when it seems he's only stepped as far as his back door. He may be an instructor, but it doesn't mean he understands his art to its very depths.



4. Hello everyone. I hope this message gets to the write person. I was taking escrima serrada in San Francisco from IESA. They have since broke into two factions. I just don't know what the deal is since I've been gone so long. I was in New Jersey and stumbled on one of his books and all my memories of studying came back to me and I long to complete my training in escrima. Does anyone know of anyone teaching in NJ/NYC area? I do go back to the bay area once in awhile and if i must continue training there then I will start again. I am also looking for a master to train with in the Philippines if you know of anyone. Thanks very much for reading!



5. I'll preface this by saying I don't know ANYTHING about the politics behind Mr. Wiley and Mr. Cabales... I'll just stick to reviewing the book, thank you.
   
   This book attempts to be an brief overview on the basic history, concepts, and techniques of Cabales Serrada Escrima. Without knowing anything about Escrima as a whole, I'd say that it looked good to me.
   
   The first two chapters are on the overall history of escrima and the specific developement of CSE, suggesting that the system may have it's roots in India and noting that Spanish sword-and-dagger techniques had a significant influence on the overall style. The third chapter very briefly covers superstitions/ spiritual beliefs prevalent in the Phillipines and their relavence to CSE, though I'm sure entire volumes could be written on that subject. The fourth chapter, "Psychological Attributes", has a few paragraphs on awareness, motivation, imagery, and emotional control; while dealing specifically with escrima, I'm sure that they'd be useful to any martial artist. The following chapter covers some pretty intangible concepts, such as "innovation is your best teacher" and "mastery requires dedication", and seeks to bring together both the artistic and scientific qualities of escrima. Like the preceeding chapters, I just don't feel like this one was long enough.
   
   Chapter Six starts into the physical aspects of Escrima, covering the arsenal (both anatomical weapons and the blunt and edged weapons). Mr. Wiley explains that the system uses a slightly shorter stick than some other escrima systems, and that the anatomical weapons and movements should mirror the armed weapons and their tactics. Chapter Seven covers the foundation of the system, as far as movements and posturing. In this chapter, there is the usual mix of stance and salutation presented, but also footwork, fundamental distance concepts, basic ways of striking, and the use of the "alive" (non-weapon) hand.
   
   Starting with Chapter Eight, we are presented with the twelve basic attack angles (mostly with a single-stick, but also with stick-and-dagger), basic defenses against strikes along those angles, unarmed defenses (basic blocks, jointlocks, and "bodylocks" or takedowns), and disarms vs. the single-stick.
   
   My complaints? Not many. It's clearly a book simply on basics (one block for one angle, one disarm per angle, no empty-hand strikes illustrated), and I was disappointed there wasn't more to it. And far be it from me to criticise something I'm not particularly learned at, but we're not actually getting twelve "angles" here, as some of the attacks presented follow the same "flight paths" of others, or are simply stick-dagger combination strikes. The fact that the possition of the wrist in some of the strikes looks weak lends some credence to the suggestion that the author isn't an athority in the CSE system, but again, what do I know? And as I said, I don't think there was enough substance to the cultural, philosophical, and mental chapters to really do any system justice
   
   Overall, though, I'd say the book serves as a good intro to escrima and basic stickfighting. The pictures are clear and the writting, while not very detailed or in-depth, is understandible and easy to get through. I'm glad I spent money on it.

1 comments about Giron Escrima: Memories of a Bladed Warrior.

1. Well... First of all, I do not agree with the previous reviewer regarding the technical portion of the book. Namely, GM Somera did a good presentation of the system, though I would prefer more systematic approach to individual styles within the system, as it would give the reader better opportunity to gain some understanding of the underlying principles.
   However, I must admit that the textual body of he book is not as good as I hoped for. first of all, there is quite a bit of reocurring information, which hence becomes redundant, and the space could have been used to gives us more of new/different stuff. I was also surprised to see that the author chose to dedicate more attention to the history of filipino societies in USA, not necessarilly related to the escrima background of the late GM Giron, at least not in the extent I would like it to be. Sure, these things are important to know and it is nice to spread that information, but than again I would rather see it available publicly in the Internet, since we're talking cultural background here. The money I paid for the book was hard earned, and I would rather spend it on the more narrow scope of interests, in this case FMA.
   
   BTW, I do not know how to contact mazon department in charge of doing shipments, but when I choose to have my books shipped via regular mail, I really mean so, I DO NOT want them shipped via UPS, whose services are more expensive than the books themselves. This happened twice already, and I would really be gratefull if you people paid more attention in the future.

5 comments about Cebuano Eskrima: Beyond the Myth.

1. Cebuano Eskrima presents a much-needed dispassionate look at the historic martial arts of the Philippines. In a market flooded with semi-articulate attempts to glorify their authors' instructors, this work comprehensively looks at the concepts of eskrima/arnis/kali from a more academic perspective. It effectively dispels many of the folkloric myths that are typically passed on as gospel in these unabashedly phallic arts.
   The book also addresses the inevitable arguments of whether or not the Spainish influenced the knife and stick arts of the Philippine archipelago.
   Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of this otherwise scholarly labor is the lack of text editing evident throughtout the work. Words are missing from some sentences, and some are not sentences at all but merely phrases floating in a paragraph. Such problems are endemic to self-pulished books (Xlibris) and the two authors would be well-advised to seek a fresh set of eyes for their second edition (something we would really look forward to.)
   Nonetheless, Cebuano Eskrima offers a sober and clinical insight into arts that are way too often muddied buy the subjective perceptions of their practitioners. The authors have compiled a prodigious amount of research and distill it in a methodical and cohesive mannner. I wholly recommend this book for anyone who is just beginning to learn these arts and not yet tainted by the rampant "our system is the best" mentality so pervasive in eskrima.



2. It's well researched, and well written.
   
   And it's all about pointing fingers. I suggest that for the sake of the art, to NOT give this book to beginners. Instead of reading, they should be training.
   
   A good, entertaining read, but if you are more into "I told you so" than "redondo", then please, by all means, this is your banner behind which you may gather.
   
   I guess it was just a matter of time before politics and bickering began to eat at the Filipino martial arts too...



3. I am so glad I bought this book. Ever since I received it in the mail, I haven't put it down. I have a growing collection of eskrima books and this has to be one of my favorites. This is different than most of the others by not just regurgitating strike angles or techniques (which can get really boring - I own countless books like this and it can be a waste of money). The authors actually offer a compelling, insightful, and interesting opinion of where, when, how, and why eskrima was "born".
   Regardless, there will always be people who don't agree with the authors and continue to "bad mouth" their ideas and those who wish to further propagate the "kali" myth. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the FMA, they will not be disappointed. This isn't like the regurgitated material in other eskrima books and is highly informative. There is plenty of background information and history offered in this book relating to eskrima.
   If you're looking for a book full of techniques, though, you'd be better off buying any one of the countless other books on the subject out there(they are basically all the same).



4. I read the authors' articles in the Philippine Rapid Journal and thoroughly enjoyed ALL of them. They were academically stellar. When I bought this book though, I was really disappointed at the utter pettiness that ensued throughout the book. I actually agree with the main points given by the authors, but it's obvious they hate people who use the word 'kali' and the way they conceive of their concepts of Filipino Martial Arts historiography. At first there is somewhat a sense of academic objectivity . . and then it slips into tangential runs of anti- epithets that are for soapbox spewing - not for academic critique. I really wish the authors had stayed on task rather than gone into such childish things.
   
   And this is from a reader who AGREES with the most of the initial points of the book.



5. A book about arnis (or eskrima, as it is also called in the Philippines) written by Filipino researchers and martial artists who actually live in the Philippines and know what they are talking about, instead of just reproducing what they read in magazines like "Black Belt", "Inside Kung Fu", "Karaté Bushido", etc.
   They explain in detail the process of "invention of tradition" (as explained by Hobsbawm et al) by which a hypothetical Filipino martial art supposedly called "kali" was created in the USA. They also make a very strong argument for the mostly Spanish origin of the Filipino martial arts with the stick and the blade, comparing the technical rationale of eskrima against the technical repertoire of (very different) martial arts from neighbor Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia, and provide a clear justification for the fact that a big percentage of techniques have Spanish language names. A must for anyone interested in the Filipino martial arts or in the cultural history of the Philippines.

5 comments about The Secrets of Cabales Serrada Escrima (Secrets of Series).

1. For those of you that haven't heard of me, I have studied Serrada extensively in Stockton, California. I read the other reviews, and Master Khlid Khan, should not have complimented Mark Wiley. He did so to promote the book because he is in it. Guru Dennis Servaes, also in it and has trained with Grandmaster Vincent Angel Cabales and gave a review which tells it like it is. I would also advise against the purchase of books by Mark Wiley, or anything to do with Daren Tibon. Angel would not have authorized either book, and I cannot recommend either of wiley's books! Too much misinformation. I understand Daren is no longer recognized as a Master!



2. If the book had been a more technical treatment, that would have been great. It has that, but not enough. But even still, what it did have would have been ggggreat if, only if, Mark had not put in a bunch of sillyness.
   What is the sillyness you ask? It is the goofy stories. I couldn't stand his little asides about the Magical Angel. I am so weary of the the "super-master" stories that some martial artists find so appealing. Keep in mind that I am not criticising Master Cabeles in anyway at all. I am sure he was great. But I think we diminish the greatness of lives lived when we begin to exagerate the reality of them. Let us be in awe of the real, not the fabrication we can easily make up.
   At times Mark seems like a 4 year old who sees in his mentor superhuman quality. That can be endearing the hands of a capable writer, but that Mark Willey is not.



3. Despite the controversial and critical reviews of this book, I found it useful in learning about some of the history and background of grandmaster Cabales, and also the techniques of Cabales Escrima. I can't comment on the criticisms posted here on Wiley's book, as I'm not primarily an escrimador, being mainly a karate, kobudo, and iaido practitioner. However, I've trained in the Philippine stick arts too and I was just looking for a book that could provide some basic history on the art in addition to what I already knew.
   
   The first few chapters are a brief bio of master Cabales, from his boyhood in the Philippines to his eventual arrival in the states, and his opening up the first Escrima school in the U.S. It was interesting to read about master Cabales's early training experiences and his teacher, F. Dizon, the origins of the first Doce Pares organization (which Wiley claims precedes by over a hundred years the current organization under the Canete family), and other interesting bits of history. After many years of working odd jobs everywhere from the Tondo docks in Manila to Alaska, master Cabales finally settled in Stockton, where he stayed the rest his life, founded the first Escrima school, and saw his art spread from a small inland valley school in California to dozens of countries and thousands of students around the world.
   
   The following chapters are written by students and instructors who were close to master Cabales and who relate their training experiences with him, and the last half of the book is devoted to actual techniques. These show the basic strikes, blocks, disarms, and wrist and armlocks. I enjoyed these chapters too, although the problem with books on the martial arts these days is that you can get video tapes that are excellent on literally hundreds of martial arts which show the art far better than the static photos in books. I myself have dozens of tapes by a number of masters on various styles of Escrima and other Pacific Rim arts that are far better than the photos in any book. Nevertheless, since the book basically combines a brief history and biography of the master, a number of personal memoirs of the master, and a presentation of the basic technical aspects of the art, I didn't mind that too much.
   
   Now not only is Cabales Escrima well established in the U.S. but a number of other Pacific Rim arts as well, including Filipino and Indonesian Kuntao, other Filipino styles and arts such as Pekiti Tersia, Lameco Escrima, Kali Illustrisimo, Kaji Kali, Bakbakan Kali, Arnis, Panajakman, Panantukan, Sikaran, and a number of styles of Indonesian Pentjak-Silat, such as Serak or Sera, Tongkat, Cikalong, Cidepok, Mande Muda, Bukti-Negara, several styles of Cimande, Suci Hati, Perisai Diri, and some others I'm no doubt forgetting. I've studied Kali Ilustrisimo, Inayan Escrima, Ted LucayLucay's style of escrima, Serak Silat, and Wagi Kali Silat myself, and enjoy them very much although they're not my main focus as a martial artist, as I said. But I've certainly learned to appreciate the Philippine and Indonesian arts more, which are truly great martial arts themselves, and I think it's great they're finally getting the recognition they deserve, although it looks like the Escrima world has the same political problems as the rest of the martial arts.
   
   However the controversy surrounding this book plays out, it's amazing to consider that a once obscure art only about 20 years ago is now an international phenomenon with hundreds of instructors in the U.S. and many more overseas. Angel Cabales's Serrada Escrima has perhaps had the greatest influence of all and I hope his and the many other fine Filipino stick arts continue to grow and prosper.



4. This book is very helpful in that you get a deep understanding of the fascinating history of where the Cabales Serrada System comes from. You also get step-by-step outlines of many Serrada applications, which only gets better when you have a solid base knowledge of Escrima in general, and Serrada in particular. Mark Wiley brings Cabales Serrada into a new light with this book. The negative press? "Shine it"... you read the book for yourself, and you'll see for yourself! I myself study Serrada Escrima- actually mostly Inayan, from my uncle Mike who learned from my great-uncle Ray Subega, an early student of Inay's. The way I see it, the proof is in the pudding. Wiley has his diploma, who else here can boast that? I agree with Art Miraflor, it is a very GREAT book! Great job Wiley! I also read Wiley's Arnis book, and five stars on that one, too! For those who love to just soak it all in, this book has it! Wiley went to the farthest jungles of the Philippines to get instruction as well as mass info for that project, and well worth the price. I can't wait to read his other books on Filipino MArtial Arts!!!
   Peace & Blessings, ~John



5. So much for revealing the "secrets" of Cabales Escrima. Unfortunatly this book is quite the opposite. Wiley misquotes Angel on the back cover. Angel gave permission for a series of books on Cabales Serrada Escrima - Not just one book with all the good techniques left out. I'm sure the Grand Master would have been bitterly dissapointed with this effort by Wiley. The idea was to spread the knowledge of this fantastic system throughout the world in its entirety through a series of books - Not for an insecure person to greedily hoard the techniques for himself to reveal at seminars and private tuition.

5 comments about The Secrets of Giron Arnis Escrima (Secrets of the Martial Arts).

1. This book is bad for beginner and practically useless for a master. There is no comprehensive description of training complexes, footwork drills and other important details, which were completely omitted. It gives just an overview of the system in general, so the reader can have some vague feeling of what Giron escrima is.



2. I`ve bougth this book in order to support my own escrima training. As a rookie in escrima, it gives you the basic understandings in the escrima-fighting art of Grand Master Leo Giron. I think it`s not written with the intention to replace training under a qualified teacher. In my view it supports your training as a beginner in the art. What's more, it gives you a good overview including the origins. Escrima has to be practised to be learned.



3. I really liked this book. I know it was not as deep in technique and theory as many would have liked, but for the price it is a great introduction. I would like to see a more in-depth version, akin to Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do the text book, or something as nice as either of the new Gracie Books. I am still waiting for the Filipino book that gives real grasp to the newbie, but still has a lot for the experienced player. In short I am looking for some thing with the thought and grace of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Theory and PRactice, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Self-Defense, or maybe a book as comprehensive in its coverage as is Simco's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Master Text.
   Never the less it is still good to see old Giron, moving around and swinging a stick.
   Nice job.



4. This book told a lot about the background and philosophy, but didn't offer a lot of instruction. It was also hard to read and understand.



5. Grandmaster Leo Giron is one of a handful of key figures in the history of Filipino Martial Arts in America and this book preserves a snapshot of his teaching style and philosophy along with a visual record of how Giron himself performed fundamental techniques in his system. You will not learn Giron Arnis Escrima from this book alone, but I've found dozens of little bits of information in here that supplement the training I receive in my FMA class.
   
   This book is most valuable to the student or interested observer who wants to find out more about how a Master's philosophy of life colors his martial arts practice. This is bare-bones information -- less about 'secrets' as things that the master tries to hide from the public and more about 'secrets' that are subtle elements of the art that one only gets from observing someone who has achieved Giron's level of quiet competence in any situation. It's also one of the only records we have of this grandmaster's method and emphasis in his practice studio that was done while Leo Giron was still alive and teaching. It captures something that would otherwise be lost as his teaching is passed on and evolves from teacher to student.
   
   Somera is a competent and functional writer and the book is laid out in a logical manner. The photos don't show all that is going on in the techniques, but they do capture the most critical elements and are enough for a student to piece the techniques together with just a bit of qualified training and a patient and willing training partner.
   
   If you are interested in an engagingly written history of FMA in general then you would probably do better with one of Mark Wiley's books like Filipino Martial Culture (Martial Culture Series). If you are more interested in Leo Giron's life and how his combat experience in the Philipines during WWII helped to shape his art or details about the birth of American FMA in Stockton, CA during the '60s then you would be more interested in Somera's other book Giron Escrima: Memories of a Bladed Warrior, which covers Giron's life story in more depth and also talks about the cultural environment that led people like Giron and Cabales and LaCoste to open their schools. But none of these books offer a no-nonsense record of Giron's legacy of instruction the way that this book does.

5 comments about Filipino Martial Culture (Martial Culture Series).

1. I feel that this book is Mr. Wiley�s personal view on the Filipino Martial Arts. The history in this book is far from valid. The information is presented in a way to support his perception on the Filipino Martial Culture. Written history about the Philippines is distorted or deleted in order to provide the reader with an accurate perception of his fictional writings.

   Obviously, the author wants to destroy anything that supports Kali being a Pre-Hispanic art. Inducing the reader to believe it did not exist during Pre-Hispanic times. With this false foundation, the author can then steal what truly belongs to the Filipinos and say it originated from European Fencing methods. Therefore, transforming it into a European art. Sadly, giving credit to the colonizer who oppressed the Filipinos, denied them equal rights, while governing them with no progress for over 300 years. In reality, anybody who has seen Kali/Arnis/Eskrima and Fencing can see that they're two completely different arts. Filipino blades like the Kris and Kampilan do not resemble Spanish rapiers nor are they designed for their fighting methods. Filipinos carried these weapons even before Magellan arrived according to Magellan's historian, Antonio Pigfetta.

   While reading this book I felt very upset. This book tarnished the history of countless Filipino warriors who preserved, developed and passed the Filipino arts down to us. Their history is being portrayed and altered by an author�s personal perception. With this book, their true history is erased like words on a notepad. They are then filled in with bias views, in a book that claims to be �scholarly.�

   I hope that the reader keeps an open mind while reading this book. Seek out other sources on this topic as well. This way the reader can broaden their perspective and not become limited to the information presented in Mr. Wiley�s book.




2. The only books which I can readily think of which approach this book in depth and scope are those by Donn Draeger.

   Kudos to Wiley for producing such an interesting sourcebook which presents the contemporary mosaic of Filipino martial culture with a thoroughness rarely seen in the world of martial arts writing.




3. Mark Wiley's thorough examination of the ancient and modern Filipino martial culture is ground breaking, exemplary, and extremely well researched (there are 175 books referenced in the bibliography). My wife is Filipino so I've had a long time fascination with the martial culture of that archipelago, but had difficulty finding English-language texts to study prior to discovering this outstanding work. This book covers all aspects of those arts. It is well written and very informative, covering the martial history of the Philippines, the ethos and worldview of the Filipino warrior, structure, rites, and symbols of the indigenous martial arts, typology of weapons, and more. Eighteen masters of the Filipino arts are interviewed, covering arnis, escrima, kali, and a variety of lesser-known arts (e.g., hagibis, sikaran, sagasa, and kuntaw lima-lima). There are some great pictures as well. In 1521 Filipino natives killed the famous explorer Magellan. Learn about the fighting spirit, weapons, and tactics of these fierce warriors, ancient and modern.
   
   Lawrence Kane
   Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction



4. Actually I am not sure how many words for coconut there are in the Phillipines. With all the languages, dialects and sub-dialects in the PI there must be at least 88. Where am I leading too? If you read around the web you will find some respectable criticisms concerning this book and Mark Wiley, maybe even Wileys ancestry. Mostly this is concerned with the "origin" theories for the Filipino Martial Arts. I think some slack could be given here as, you guessed it, "there are 88 words for coconut in the PI!" Much of the history in the early and mid ages concerning the PI(Phillipine Islands) was oral history, the chain of which has long since died out. Anyways, when looking through the internet and bookstores at all the flakey-bakey, wavey gravey type books out there dealing with Martial Arts in general I have to say this book is a refreshing and educated effort. The first half of the book deals with the physical spiritual and mental aspects of the FMA. There is a history and a close look at the role played in the Independence of the PI by escrimadors, Kalistas and Arnisadors. I found the real strength of the book to lie in the interviews with the Masters at the end of the book. I also find it very telling that many of the martial arts today which have little if any relevance in the street as self defence, hold as their heroes poets, bhuddist priests and assorted high minded ilk. Nothing wrong with this butwhereas in the FMA the heroes are cops, security guards, humble soldiers and in some cases out and out streetfighters, who were ready to accept a challenge at a moments notice and fight any and all who dared to question their skill with the hands, stick or knife. Their skills and legacy come to us today in most cases without the ritual and high philosophical thought as baggage as some of the previously hinted at Martial Arts do. This leaves us today with a very effective and unique martial art. As some people say, Kali is complete, but never Finished, so too should the reader be aware that this book offers one of literally hundreds of explanations as to the origins and what constitues FMA. In light of the criticism levelled against it, in fairness it should also be noted that before this book was written, there were only a handful of books covering this knotty topic. Since Guro Mark Wileys effort has been published and raised such a stink, other such books have made their appearance and voiced their credentials and thoughts to the world. At the time it was easily the best researched and most educated attempt at it's subject matter. It is easy to see that for many in this field of study it was a spur to publish more writings. While I do not agree with all of the ideas and concepts espoused in this book, as an FMA instructor and avid martilist I must say I encourage my students to read this book. You could do much much worse time investments in martial arts books.



5. If you've ever wondered about the Pinoy warrior, this is a good starting point. Wiley's writing isn't the best and the book has numerous grammatical errors. You will find this piece interesting and it will point you in the right direction if you desire more details. I rated this 5 stars because it's a must addition to any martial artist's library. Buy it and judge for yourself. I don't consider spending $20 on any book as a waste.

3 comments about Arnis Self-Defense: Stick, Blade, and Empty-Hand Combat Techniques of the Philippines.

1. Arnis is a Philipino system that is primarily based around the use of weapons such as the stick, the knife, and the sword. This book is an excellent primer, scratching the surface of many aspects of Kombatan, a system of Arnis developed by Ernesto Presas. The book beggins with several historical chapters that cover such topics as the name for Philipino martial arts ("kali" is apparently not widely accepted in the PI), some cultural information of the Philipino people, and how the system of Kombatan developed. Though this section is informative, I can't help but sense that there's a bias in the writting. Following that, we get to the technical aspect of Kombatan. The system seems to borrow from the Japanese Judo and Karate systems, especially in their stance, striking, and throwing techniques. Shotokan practitioners will find the stances very familiar. Single-stick work is given the most emphasis, with striking angles and gripping techniques being covered pretty well, as well as footwork. Knifework is covered next, and many of the strikes and counters are analogous to the stickwork. There's also a very good section on how to grip a knife without a cross-guard, an important distinction to make so that one doesn't injure oneself. The book finishes up with empty-hand work which, as noted, bears some resemblance to Japanese martial arts systems, and with some advice on training, weapons selection, and self-defense. One of the possitives about this book was that it often gave examples of impropper technique, which could aid students in understanding what they may be doing wrong. Overall, an above-average book that gives a broad overview of a deep system. Not a bad purchase for those new to Philipino systems, or for those interested in some weapons-based self-defense fundamentals.



2. This is a fine book with a load of history on the FMA. I believe it has given me some bits and pieces that I had not got any ware else (in type,or video)This book "is" worth the cost. Knowledge is one thing (being able to use it is another).
   
   Semper Fi. Mike Tabor (PKS) Charlotte, MI.



3. I was hoping that this book would be a change from most of the Arnis/Escrima/Kali books that have multiplied over the last couple of decades, but no, there really isn't anything unique here. Everything here is covered in just about any FMA book out. This is NOT a bad book at all. It's just not something that is going to further anything for anyone with a knowledge of solo baston style fighting. The angles of attack and defense are there, grip, some defensive techniques, etc. The author puts a little bit of empty hand techniques in which I liked. He mentions other styles, including dulo dulo, which involves two small palm sticks with both ends pointed and it would have been nice to show just a little more.If you are looking for a book that is easy to follow, has solid fundamentals,and has a strong focus on single stick skill, this might be what you want. If you have these skills (or a book that details intermediate to advanced skills) skip it.

4 comments about Classic Arnis.

1. I really didn't understand what I was buying when i ordered this book....but I'm so glad I did. This is the first written record of Arnis in the philippines, that can only be found in the Philippine national archives; originally in archaeic Tagalog that modern Filipinos can't understand. Rey Galang just brought all this wonderful mystery to the modern world. Believe there are no sticks here..this is all blade, all the time! Now I can really see what the old folks were talking about! The best part is the Classic Espada y Daga...not stick and knife. Sword and Dagger! Been looking arond for a real good book on Espada y daga this is it! Plus the extra Sinawali techniques...thank you Rey Galang I will be waiting for your next book...please don't stop writing.
   
   one word: QUALITY



2. This book is a surprise; it is all double blade work. Lots of information. On the down side, sorry but the Tagalog names are distracting. The pictures are too small; it's hard to pick up at times what each blade is doing. BUT......big but..... there is more good stuff packed in this book that in a good 90% of other books on the subject. Get it and get really good reading glasses : )



3. This is another excellent book by Rey Galang. I also received it in two business days. This is a must for any afficianado of the FMA (filipino martial arts). Just like his other books, Mr. Galang does a great job writing about and showing the techniques. This book is mainly about espada y daga, however, it also touches upon sinawali. I highly recommend this book (along with his others-Masters of the Blade, Warrior Arts of the Phillipines, and Complete Sinawali)to anyone wanting to learn more about eskrima, arnis, kali. One can use this book as a reference or actually use and practice the techniques shown.



4. Pathetic,pity I`m so far of in South Africa I wish I could send this book back for a full refund???

5 comments about The Secrets of Kalis Ilustrisimo: The Filipino Fighting Art Explained (Tuttle Martial Arts).

1. The book is OK as an introductory overview. The first guy who made a review was mistaken because despite all the videos and books circulated by authentic arnis/eskrima masters, they were never meant to impart more than a little peek into the art. For sure, they never meant to teach through books or videos, hence don't be surprised if this book is just 200 or so pages.
   
   It's true that the Kalis Ilustrisimo masters learned by watching and videotaping Tatang Ilustrisimo. Most westerners like the first guy assume that arnis/eskrima has to be taught like a course or school subject. Sorry, but wrong. Arnis/eskrima is often self-learned in the Philippines by watching and training a few times with a few masters on sporadic instances. What makes them different from the much-looked down upon "seminar student" in the USA is that in the Philippines, you back up your training with LIVE and REAL sparring. Whereas in the US, they just attend seminars and collect certificates, videotapes, and photographs but don't spar w/o armor. Some masters and grandmasters here in the Philippines learned by just watching others practice or teach, and by imitating the moves and making them their own, AND THEN proving these techniques in sparring.
   
   The students of Tatang didn't split up. Sagasa is not a school of Kali Ilustrisimo practitioners; it's a kickboxing style taught WITHIN and AS AN INTRINSIC PART OF Bakbakan International. Although not all Ilustrisimo practitioners are members of Bakbakan, they all interact together to this day since they all know each other personally.
   
   Lastly, just because the late GM Villabrille was a great fighter, DOES NOT mean that he's incapable of telling tall tales. It is a very Filipino trait to tell tall tales especially in the FMA world where one-upmanship is the name of the game. The Filipino penchant for tall tales can be seen in the review posted by the Hawaiian first guy for this book, in which he describes the country of his ancestors' origins (I assume he's Filipino in ethnic descent due to his name and exposure to FMA, as well as his Hawaiian location) as NOTHING MORE THAN A COLLECTION OF GHETTOES. Exaggerated, isn't it? As I write this I am in the 52nd floor of an intelligent skyscraper in Manila.
   
   It's safe to say that ALL the masters exaggerated their stories of achievement. The notion that GM Villabrille invented the word "kali" has enough basis although that notion isn't final as proven yet. The exaggerations come from the fact that they are all Filipinos, that they were recalling the stories from old memory hence getting some details mixed up or exaggerated, and that there was a language and conceptual barrier considering that 99% of FMA grandmasters who made FMA famous in the West were unschooled and practically illiterate. That's why the only jobs they got were not U.S.-educated "pensionados" but rather Hawaiian and Californian fruit pickers and harvesters.
   
   All in all the book is great as an introduction and overview, and let's not begrudge the book's good traits just because we were hoping to learn Kalis Ilustrisimo from the book's contents. No, siree. If you want to learn Ilustrisimo, get yourself an AUTHENTIC teacher and train. Use the book only as reference and as a sort of primer on the style. Do not treat it as an instruction manual.



2. This is an interesting book. As Grandmaster Ben Largusa taught me long ago, all of the styles from the Philippines have something worthwhile to offer. I have also read Mark Wiley's books. Quoting older Filipino practitioners and passing it off as scholarly research is a dubious practice at best. It is ironic that most of the people who comment on the late Grandmaster Villabrille have never met, talked to, nor practiced under him or his disciples. I have trained with Grandmaster Ben Largusa, Professor Greg Lontayao and Professors Allen and Mario Magdangal...all who had direct access to the legend himself. I have spend countless hours learning from and interviewing Grandmaster Largusa, Villabrille's direct descendant. The Grandmaster and I are writing a book on Villabrille. Mark Wiley has absolutely no idea what he's talking about when it comes to Grandmaster Villabrille and should leave him, respectfully and in perpetuity, out of his conversations. Take the time to experience and endure the rigors of this very traditional Kali system before venturing into territory of which you have no knowledge. Most people don't have the tenacity and fortitude to study the Villabrille system, and I suspect that's why it is so much easier to simple "talk" about it (and him). Villabrille learned the rudiments from his Uncle. The remainder he learned from the Princess Josefina and combat, making use of his own natural gifts. Put in proper perspective, it's to ok to add this book to your martial arts library. Again, they all have something to offer.
   Guro Ron Smith



3. Previous reviewers have engaged in somewhat of "who's dady is the strongest" discussion, but that has nothing to say about this book. Now, I found the book very good in achieving the intended goal, i.e. giving an excellent presentation and explanation of the subject covered. My objection is that while it is nice to see applications of the same technique with different weapons, in some places the transfer is rather obvious, and I believe that that space could have been used better, maybe to show responses to some other types of attacks. Still, I have to note once more, thte book is very valuable to anyone interested in learning about FMA as it is, so I recommend it sincerely.



4. A good book that gives a peek into the Kalis Ilustrisimo system. It would be impossible to show the finesse and level of efficiency and effectiveness of this system other than experiencing it under a qualified instructor. The level of development of this Art is impossible to capture in still photography, the finer (and most important) aspects are literally "lost in print". Still, this is very useful to the beginner wanting to get a glimpse, though for further study I would recommend training under Tony Diego.



5. A very effective style - my only wish is that there were more about he Ilustrisimo style.