kuntawguro

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AMKAKuntaw/ this webpage is open to all Filipino Martial Arts stylists

I guess I'll get some flack for this, but, generally speaking, the guys who wear flashy uniforms usually are trying to draw attention to themselves. The ones you should watch out for are the unassuming guys. Wearing a uniform with stripes diagonally and multi paneled ones is just hollywood. The arts generally teach humility, modesty, and internal confidence. Wearing of off the wall uniforms to me is just gaudy and screaming " hey I don't know nothin but I sure look good!"

Recognizing a McDojo- first they offer a black belt program right off the bat. ( a beginner has no idea if this is what they want or if it is a style taht fits them) Once you sign the contract , you're stuck. Any instructor that can't touch his toes or throw above the waist kick should be suspect. If an instructor looks over weight and doesn't really participate in the class should be suspect. An instructor that says"we don't do competitions cause they are worthless", should be suspect. Any club that uses a Camoflage belt as an actual rank should be suspect. If you are pressured into buying a uniform and sparring gear within two weeks of starting , I'd be suspicious. If the instructor has all kinds of patches all over his uniform Master instructor, black belt team member, hash marks, should be suspect. Just my input.

In Kuntaw we have 24 different drills with sticks, going through the drills for a single set to the next set will definitely wear you down a bit , but it really builds up your wrists and your endurance.

Oh, I also forgot to mention that GM Carlito Lanada started to change his KUNTAW art in the 60's thinkiing that they would be invited and allowed to participate more in the Asian games. I come from the old school and have distanced myself from the karate like Kuntaw ng Pilipinas and have stayed with the more fluid dancelike Maharlika Kuntaw.

I have train both in Kuntaw, and in many forms of Silat they have similar cadences, stature, and movements. But, A Corvette has 4 tires so does a VW bug but they are different vehicles. Having trained in Malaysia, Philippines, and with many different instructors, I can safely say that Kuntaw has a base in Silat, Kali, and Buno.