The Deadly Shopping Bag

 

(thank you for the inspiration Guro Maul)

In our martial arts journey, there are sometimes "a-ha moments" - where a new insight is suddenly uncovered or an enlightenment reached. These are the best times and, hopefully, we never reach a level where this no longer happens. I've been in the martial arts for nearly 44 years, and this still happens for me regularly. I'm grateful.

Some weeks ago I was lucky to attend a weekend seminar by Cikgu Maul Mornie, one of the most famous proponents of Bruneian Silat, Silat Suffian Bella Diri (SSBD), during his visit to Tokyo. It was perhaps the 4th or 5th time I have been fortunate enough to train with him, and I learn so much in every seminar. Not only is he a world-class martial artist, he exemplifies what it means to be an authentic and genuine teacher, always open and willing to share his knowledge and answer questions. I consider him a great example of the caliber of person high-quality martial arts training is supposed to produce.

In addition to working on the basic movements of SSBD including footwork and blocks/strikes, on day 2 we spent time training flexible weapons (scarf). In Kali Majapahit we also train flexible weapons as part of our Silat subsystem, however I can safely say I am not a master of them yet. Guro Maul's method of teaching helped me tremendously. Thanks to him not only did I get a great chance to practice the techniques themselves, but I also was able to reorganize how I remember and present the techniques when I myself teach them. It made not only my skill, but my instruction much, much better.

However, one of the highlights of the weekend for me was when Guro Maul began demonstrating the scarf techniques with --- yes, you guessed it --- a plastic shopping bag! My jaw dropped. I did not expect that at all. It was fantastic.

In Kali, we consider our environment constantly in the context of improvised weapons or weapons of opportunity. In fact, it is a trademark of the Filipino Martial Arts (Bourne movies, anyone?). Back in 1986 or so, I had already had the opportunity to train with Kosho-Ryu Hanshi Bruce Juchnik in Westmont, IL for a seminar where he had us doing martial arts techniques with items from a standard Sears Craftsman household toolbox such as hammers, screwdrivers, saws and wrenches. This was a complete eye-opener and I have never forgotten the experience. It showed me that almost anything in our environment can be used as a self defense tool.

Within the category of flexible weapons, we often include items like belts, cords, cables, ropes, lengths of chain/bicycle locks or sports towels. However, using a plastic shopping bag simply had not occurred to me. I realized I need to recalibrate my awareness.

The plastic shopping bag is cheap, readily available, and extremely effective both for disarms and chokes/strangles. Genius! Now I always keep one of these in my pocket when I go out, knowing it may one day save my life or the life of someone else.

  

The Body - a Kali Majapahit user manual

 

Kali Majapahit is a very rich martial arts system. At its core it is Filipino but, as the name suggests, it is a comprehensive system that reflects a variety of Southeast Asian influences. These multiple subsystems were brought together by the founders, Punong Guro Fred Evrard and Guro Lila Evrard, to showcase and highlight their experiences of travelling the world for several years and training with a wide variety of masters from different styles. These included not only Filipino martial arts, but those of Southern China, Indonesia/Malaysia, Thailand and even Japan. In this regard, Kali Majapahit exemplifies the belief of Sigung Bruce Lee, founder of Jeet Kune Do, to "absorb what is useful".

Currently, Kali Majapahit includes among its subsystems Hakka Kuntao, Tai Chi, Indonesian/Malaysian Silat, Muay Thai/Muay Boran, JKD and even elements of Aikido and Jiu Jitsu. Many of the KM guros cross-train in other systems like BJJ as well. Over the course of the curriculum students would be exposed to western boxing/wrestling, kickboxing (Filipino, Western and Savate) and see a variety of weapon-based applications from all of these systems as well.

Not only does this make Kali Majapahit rich and diverse, it allows for a body of knowledge that can remain fresh and interesting for decades and present many opportunities for deep dives and extensive research. In my case, I've been studying intensely for 16 years and every year I feel like I have even more left to explore and discover.

The beauty of these many diverse subsystems lies not only in their cultural or historical value, but also in what we learn when we practice their techniques. Each subsystem moves in a very different way. Thus, to do the techniques of Hakka Kuntao correctly requires us to present the body in a very unique way - different to that of Muay Thai or Silat. This is by design. Each subsystem offers a different perspective and context on motion and how to maximize the use of the body to create the appropriate results. Even within seemingly similar domains, such as kicking, for example, we learn that a front kick in Muay Thai looks very different from the front kick of silat or Hakka Kuntao. In each technical category: strikes, kicks, locks/throws, weapons, every subsystem understands them uniquely and requires us to explore, discover and master a different way of using the body for the techniques to be correct.

A great example of this are the "animal styles" in Shaolin Kung Fu (also found in some silat systems). The practitioner is expected to move in a human approximation of the way each particular animal would move. At a high level of mastery, the master personifies the animal not just in their physical movements but also in their mental attitudes and strategy. This develops a deep awareness of how to use the body effectively under a wide variety of circumstances.   

Guro Fred used to explain that when doing any one of the subsystems, we should look like an expert in that art alone. Our entire attitude should change when we change subsystems. When boxing, we should move like a professional boxer; when doing Tai Chi we should flow like a tai chi master, etcetera. In our early days, we spend a lot of time focused on just trying to learn the mechanics of each technique in each subsystem, without necessarily recognizing and accepting that we must completely change the way we move our bodies in order to do those techniques properly. This then causes us to really understand elements like weight shifting, footwork, stance, posture, body mechanics and how to generate power. Each subsystem correctly solves for this equation in a different way, and that affords us a lot to investigate. 

For example, in Filipino Kali, we do not cross the feet when we move. However, in silat, this is extremely common footwork. In Muay Thai, we may fight with a long guard position of the hands, however in western boxing this is generally not used. There are many, many such apparent contradictions among the various subsystems, but this is by design. Not only does it form the foundation for discovering how to use the body in a variety of different ways effectively, it also insures that we do not subscribe to any "absolutes" in our training, and allow for the possibility of adaption to each unique situation we encounter. All that we ask is that when doing a technique from a particular subsystem, try to move the body according to how that subsystem dictates.

I'm very grateful to have such a rich tapestry of knowledge in Kali Majapahit. Guro Fred and Guro Lila have given us a very comprehensive framework that we can spend decades understanding. One of the keys is to examine carefully the way each subsystem carries the body and uses it. Make this part of the practice. As a result, you will look (and feel) more authentic in your movement and uncover even more knowledge about your amazing body and how to use it.

Pugay Po

    

Baking (and martial arts)

 

today's baguette

Many people started baking during COVID, as a consequence of being unable to go out or enjoy their usual preferred entertainment. I was a bit late to it, beginning my journey soon after the pandemic. I've been working on it for a couple of years now and it is a pastime that calms me and gives me a feeling of control, especially when my professional and personal life rarely offer me that.

I realized that my baking journey has a lot in common with my martial arts journey.

Practice Makes Perfect

I've been working on the humble baguette for more than a year. I'm sure I've made more than 100 loaves in that time; some good, some not. That journey has led me to the loaf above, which is just what I wanted. I knew it would take a lot of repetition to get consistently good results and I was prepared to put in the time and energy to develop my skill.

Process and Technique Matter

Breadmaking is a process that humans have been doing for probably 20,000 years or more. During that time, new tools  (like my KitchenAid stand-mixer) have been invented but the process is still basically the same. A great loaf of bread can still be made with no electrical tools at all. The technique would vary, but the basic process does not. I find this tradition comforting. Sometimes I knead by hand just because I enjoy it. I can never be too good at the fundamentals.

Enjoy the Trial and Error

I continue to research breadmaking constantly, seeking out and subscribing to skillful bakers who post explanatory videos on social media. I watch them all the time and adapt what I see to my own kitchen, oven size and goals. I have tried adjustments to every single step of the process so that I could understand what part each step plays in the overall success of the outcome. I've adjusted the hydration, the rising/resting times, the gluten development, the shaping, the scoring, the oven temperature, oven hydration, and more. Every test has taught me more about what works... and why. I've made a lot of mistakes along the way, but I know that's part of the learning process and I don't worry too much about it. I eat all the loaves anyway even if they're not perfect.

Good baking requires a good understanding of the science involved --- physics and chemistry. Leavened breads are a great way to understand how the ratios of ingredients, temperature and time work together to make something delicious. I really love learning why it works, rather than just repeating the steps from memory.

Every Time Is Different

I never get bored of baking because every time it's a little different. The recipes are guidelines rather than absolutes, and on any given day my kitchen is hotter or cooler (or more or less humid). Proofing times are never exact and great bread depends on the look and feel at the time. Like driving a car, baking requires micro adjustments each time to achieve what appear to be consistent results. There is as much art as science in baking.

Patience is Key

I am not a very patient person. However, in baking I have no choice. Rushing any of the steps ruins the end result. Each specific step is important and, while I can be organized and efficient, I cannot eliminate any of the steps (I tested!) nor can I reduce the times without affecting the end result. I must trust the process. 

Simple is Best/Authenticity Counts

There are some very complicated bread recipes, some that require a lot of time and effort and result in very complex artisan bread. Sourdough, brioche, babka, croissants - all delicious - require a lot of skill to bake and are impressive. I like baking baguettes because they are very, very simple. The only five ingredients are: flour, water, sugar, salt and yeast. To me, a great baguette is every bit as delicious as any complex artisan loaf and baguette baking requires its own particular skills. I love the authenticity of a simple, perfect baguette.

Buying In Like a Pro

At the beginning, I only spent money on the ingredients and I made do with whatever I had on hand. As time went on, my commitment to baking as a hobby grew and ultimately I decided to invest in some proper tools for improving the result of my product. I began to see myself as a baker rather than just a person trying to bake. I became more serious about my learning journey and more willing to embrace this as potentially a hobby I would continue indefinitely. I don't want to automate the whole thing (no bread machine for me) since the act of baking, and the learning associated with it, is more my focus than the bread itself. If it were just about the bread, I'd buy good loaves at any of the excellent bakeries nearby. I love the feel of accomplishment baking gives me.

Part of a Global Community

Before I started baking, I had no idea how passionate people are about bread. There are literally hundreds of thousands of people around the world who enjoy it as much as I do. Most are better than I am, which offers me a great opportunity to learn and grow. We send recipes and photos and encourage each other to improve. We discuss techniques and tools and engage in (sometimes heated debates) about the aspects of baking we think are important. Some are professionals; some, like me, are hobbyists. All are welcome to share our mutual enjoyment of baking. Sometimes our languages differ, but we find a way to connect and communicate. It's lovely.

Without being patronizing or heavy-handed, it's plain to see that baking and martial arts have a lot in common. I could just as easily been writing a post about martial arts practice instead of baking. Likewise I could be writing about photography or music or creative writing or rock climbing or surfing.

I hope you will consider the above for your own interests and hobbies and never be afraid to start new ones. You may surprise yourself with newfound energy and excitement. That's worth it, right?

See you on the mats (or by the oven)