We had just come back from a day of sightseeing after having taught a huge seminar in Milano, Italy.  My wife and I were preparing for a well deserved rest.  The phone in our room rang and I knew without picking it up what had happened.  It was nearly 10:00 at night.  We got the call that Grand Master Leo Giron had passed away.  Maria jumped into action and by 3:00 AM, we were booked on the next flight back to California.  Fortunately, we had already completed the seminar and so we bid a…

Continue

The more time I spend in the FMA community, the more fascinated I become with the phenomenon of myth and its effect on the arts; their propagation and their popularity.  Since 1982, I have participated in one capacity or another in the FMA community; as a neophyte student, as a dedicated follower and as a leader and instructor.  Throughout this time, I have gained a deepening understanding of the effect of mythology, story-telling and creative history on the arts as a whole and on the…

Continue

In a world where social media pages such as this one can distribute information at the speed of light, I grow increasingly concerned about what sorts of things I see posted.I remember distinctly speaking with Grand Master Leo one day and having him tell me "Be careful what you say or else someone will come along and shove that stick down your throat".  I also remember his intake interview and the feeling of being sized up, measured and judged about my character.  When you entered the basement… Continue

I am often asked what knife I carry and what the best knife for tactical use is.  I also see a lot of FMA practitioners show extreme loyalty to one or more of their precious, decorated $50 sticks.  There is a saying in our dialect of Italian that loosely translates as “the pasta I am eating right now is the best I ever had”.  In my family, we often quote this phrase when we want to say that we are happy with what we have and grateful for it.  I have practiced with old Wiffle Bats, broom…

Continue

We have all seen the movies and the videos of high flying, acrobatic athletes performing martial maneuvers that defy physics.  Although extremely entertaining, most of us know that astounding leaps and earth shattering kicks don’t really happen in the real world.  Likewise, extended weapon exchanges that go parry for parry and lay waste to the surrounding set usually are more fantasy than fact.  In reality, exchanges with weapons are fast, direct and simple.  Defenses against such attacks…

Continue