Upcoming Event
February 2012
Whipping Willow Association's
Spring Gathering
More information Coming Soon!
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November 26, 2011
Great Grandmaster Al Novak passes on
I am saddened to once again share some most unfortunate news. Great Grandmaster Al Novak passed on after being involved in an automobile accident yesterday. GGM Novak was an incredible inspiration and will be deeply missed. I feel very privileged indeed to have met him on a few occasions and to have had the pleasure of shaking the mans hand (which was stronger than you can imagine!). I can not do him any justice by recounting his accomplishments, so I urge all of you to take the time and read up on this treasure of the Martial Arts for yourself.
November 6, 2011
Our beloved Great Grandmaster Ming Lum has passed on
I am saddened to say that Great Grandmaster Ming Lum passed on late last night in San Francisco. He was an incredible man and example of a true master. Humble, kind, honorable, skillful are just a few words commonly used to describe him. I am very grateful that I, along with my Whipping Willow family were able to celebrate his 85th birthday with him in San Francisco just two weeks ago as well as spend time in his home with his family. Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. I am forever humbled by his character and forever inspired by his example. Thank you for all of your time, knowledge and spirit. You will be forever missed.
May 29, 2011
Passing of a Legend - Professor Wally Jay
This week we are sad to announce that, Professor Wally Jay, Founder of Small Circle Jiu Jitsu has passed away after suffering a stroke days earlier. Professor Jay's insights and dedication to his teachings are something we can all admire and strive for. He was an innovator and true example of a Master. Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and students of Professor Wally Jay.
from www.smallcirclejiujitsu.com
"Our Great Grandmaster and Founder Professor Wally Jay, one of the last great martial artists, has passed on peacefully at 2:20 am California time in Redwood City Kaiser Hospital. Prof Jay experienced a stroke on Tuesday May 24th and on Saturday as per his previous wishes was removed from life support. He survived another 12 hours and had family and friends with him. The Jay Family extends their gratitude to those that were there to lend support and to those that had him in their prayers.
The Jay Family after discussion have decided that to honour his wishes, Prof Leon Jay should continue the seminar in Long Island and Small Circle Jujitsu Camp in Indiana, Wed. June the 1st and 3rd 4th and 5th respectively. He will then continue to California to be with family to make arrangements for the funeral.
We will post more information as needed and have also asked long time loyal family friend, Norm Johnson to post on facebook.
Thank you for your prayers and well wishes,
The Jay Family "
March 22, 2011
Tu'umamao "Tino" Tuiolosega passes on
Services will be held in Santa Cruz on Friday, for Tu'umamao "Tino" Tuiolosega, Grandmaster and Founder of the Polynesian Art of Self Defense, Limalama, who died at the age of 79 in Santa Cruz with his family at his bedside on March 22, 2011. Born in
American Samoa on July 2, 1931 to his Royal Highness Tu'umamao Tuiolosega from the Island of Olosega and Saposapoaluga Feagaimaleata Poumele Tuiolosega.
Tino was a devoted husband and father who loved his family and traveled all over the world and leaves his legacy in the thousands of students and teachers who have benefited from his knowledge and passion of his art.
He was an accomplished guitarist and an avid reader and writer but his family will forever remember his devotion to his daily reading of the Bible.
"Papa" as he was affectionately known, was a pioneer and legend in the Martial Arts world who dedicated his art to God and based it on Christian principles.
He attended the University of Hawaii and moved to the Los Angeles area in the early 1950's where he began to build his school in the teaching of Limalama and later at the age of 48 he earned his law degree from Irvine University of Law. He proudly served in the US Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict and during that period was a champion boxer winning several boxing titles.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Adele Tuiolosega Radicchi of Santa Cruz and his children, Arlette "Cookie" Kaleopa, Nelson Tuiolosega, Rudolph Tuiolosega, Eric Tuiolosega, Myron Tuiolosega, Kaipo Tuiolosega, Kimberlee Tuiolosega, Michael Wilson, Sapoaluga Toki, Ilina Suliafu, Joseph Tuiolosega-Radicchi, their beloved spouses, and a legacy of 37 Grandchildren and 30 Great Grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Claire Puanani Nelson Tuiolosega. He is also survived by his sisters Maave Jamias, Toeaga Gansit, Malologa Balete, Flowerpot Salas, Tolise Palaita, Ulata Tanya Saui'a, Gafa Poumele, Taumaloto Tuiolosega and beloved brother, Trevor Tuiolosega, as well as many other loving family members and relatives including his mother-in-law Nuni Radicchi, who lovingly called him Lui.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, April 1, 2011, at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel in Santa Cruz, beginning at 12 p.m. Friends may pay their respects at a viewing to be held on Friday from 9 a.m. until the service begins. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery (2271 7th Ave.) in Santa Cruz.
September 25, 2010
Great training at the 2010 West Coast FMA Congregation!
Thank you to Gigie Alunday for putting on another amazing Filipino Martial Arts event! Workshops from Grandmaster Nene Gaabucayan of NNG Balintawak, Grandmaster Felix Roiles of Pakamut and Tuhon Ray Dionaldo of Filipino Combat Systems and demo’s from instructors of Pikiti Tirsa, H2O FMA, KST, Astig Combatives and many more made this event a truly great experience. Special, special thanks to the Alunday family for AMAZING Filipino food! Gigie continues to show why she was 2009 FMA Woman of the year! We are all looking forward to next year’s events!
September 11, 2010
Conditioning and fundamentals at this year’s Fall Gathering
Thank you to Sijo Alferos, Sigung Ron Willis, Sifu Darryl Jones, Sifu Hovig Menakian and Sifu Michael Tom for sharing their time and knowledge on conditioning and martial science. We all had a blast at the Gathering and can’t wait for December!
August 21, 2010
Phil Won!!!
We all are very proud and excited and can’t wait to see and hear more from, Phil in the future!
Congrats again!
July 8, 2010
Congratulations Phil!
Phil has lent his talents to film and television series’ such as, Glee, NCIS, Angeles & Demons and Star Trek to name a few. You can read more about, Phil and his work on his website and blog.
http://www.palmeraudio.net/index.html
http://palmeraudio.blogspot.com
August 27-28, 2010
Sijo Alferos visits Missoula Kenpo for a 2-day Qi-Gong & Corto Mano seminar
Where do I begin? This past weekend I was fortunate enough to accompany Sijo Alferos to Missoula, MT to assist and attend his 2-day seminar at Sibok Chris Crews’ Kenpo school. We arrived Thursday night and were picked up by our most gracious host’s, Sibok Chris Crews and Sifu Pattie Crews. After a good night’s sleep we made our way to Sibok’s school the following afternoon. Sijo then gave Sibok Chris, Sifu Pattie, Sifu Dan Morlock, Sifu Scott and myself plenty of things to work on until the students came in that evening.
Friday night was our lesson in Nai Gong, Phase 1, Level 1. With such a large group and so many unfamiliar with the internal arts, it was a huge surprise not only how open everyone was to the lesson but how well they did and how amazing the energy in the room was. For nearly 6 hours we learned about discovering and controlling our Qi through Nai Gong. By the end of the night, the room was electric and everyone in high spirits. BUT! it was time to head home for a good night’s rest for tomorrow’s lesson.
The morning began with Sijo, Sifu Dan and myself working with a small but very special group of children. They were a true highlight of our trip and we had so much fun taking them through some basic Qi Gong exercises and combat drills. Each of them displayed a great deal of enthusiasm and willingness to learn, which seems to be a staple at the school. This is a testament to Sibok Chris, Sifu Pattie, Sifu Dan and all of the instructors at Missoula Kenpo. We would like to recognize, Jaret, Amber, Chris, Dean and Noah for sharing their time with us. Keep training and reaching for your goals!
Thank you to Sijo and everyone in Montana for making last weekend one of the best training experiences of my journey. I can’t wait to see you all again!
“Montana's Qigong 2010 class. The teachers of the future. Great work by all, the energy was over the top, I was so proud to teach each of you, I wish each of you a Qigong journey full of rewards.
Sijo Antwione Alferos
President/Founder
Whipping Willow Association”
July 31, 2010
Gigie Alunday brings another fantastic FMA tournament to Eagle Rock!
The day began with a workshop from Tuhon Ray Dionaldo of FCS Kali. Eager practitioner’s of all backgrounds paired up to learn one of FCS’s various blade templates from one of today’s most prominent masters. Once the workshop concluded, the kid’s Bladesport, stick fighting and mixed weapons divisions got started. As always, the kid’s showed their love and dedication by fighting hard and displaying great maturity and sportsmanship. After Guro Gigie Alunday, Guro Roger Agbulos and Guro Victor Gendrano Jr. finished with the kid’s, they got the adults going. Men and women of all systems competed against one another while always remembering to have fun and that we are all family no matter what system we come from. This is always the message of Guro Alunday’s events, to bring the FMA community together through an exchange of knowledge and skill.
Congratulations to, Kevin Chao of UCS for competing in all Adult Intermediate Bladesport divisions. Keep up the great work, Kevin! I unfortunately didn’t have a chance to compete this year but I’ll be back next year!
June 19, 2010
Amazing time at the Summer Gathering!
Thank you to Sijo, Alferos and all of the Whipping Willow Family for making this year’s Summer Gathering a great success. Covering topics on, bolo & kerambit from Sijo Antwione Alferos, gun disarms from Sifu Pat Salantri and Bladesport fighting tactics from Guro Gigie Alunday, there was enough information to keep us all busy throughout the day. Every event fills my notebooks more and more and I can’t wait to see what the next Gathering brings!
June 12, 2010
Guro Roger’s Awesome Seminar!
I would just like to say thank you to Guro Roger for a great time at his seminar this past weekend in Northridge! We covered everything from stick, blade, empty hand and even got to see a demonstration of Aikido by the school owners. It was great training with so many friends and meeting all the fantastic participants who attended. Can’t wait til the next one, Kuya!
April 24-25, 2010
2010 San Diego Grand Internationals!!!
Congratulations to Megan and Kevin who competed in the Adult Novice Single and Double Blade Sparring divisions this past Sunday in San Diego. I was happy with their fights and thrilled that they both took a medal home! I’m proud of you both. Props also goes out to Andrew of FCS Cali for getting out there and competing in Bout Fighting on Saturday and Adult Novice Blade and Stick on Sunday. You’re showing so much improvement little bro, keep it up! Also, a huge thumb’s up to all of the kids who competed in Bladesport on Sunday! You are all getting so good and are so much fun to watch!
Finally thanks go out to all of the guys who I had the privilege to blade-fight with on Sunday! I had a blast and learned a lot!!!
2010 San Diego Grand Internationals Blade Fighting Results:
Adult - Novice - Single Blade: |
Kids - Single Blade:
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Adult - Novice - Double Blade:
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Kids - Double Blade:
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Adult - Advanced - Single Blade:
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Teens - Single Blade:
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Adult - Advanced - Double Blade:
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Teens - Double Blade:
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Adult - Advanced - Tactical Blade:
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March 06, 2010
UCS/FCS Cali with FCS Japan!
I would like to send a big thank you to Nozawa-san and all of my FCS Japan brothers for letting me train with them while I was in Japan this month. They are doing a great job out there and Nozawa-san is a fantastic representative for FCS as well as being a very gracious host. I was very excited to go over our 4-count and basic punyo-mano break-ins as well-as gain some new perspective and insight into these drills. Thank you again for allowing me to sit-in and an EXTRA BIG thank you for the great conversations and laughs over dinner and drinks afterwards. When you make it out to LA, it’s on us! ;-)
January 31, 2010
2010 FCS Winter Gathering
It was a true pleasure and honor to meet and touch hands with so many fantastic martial artists from over the country and world. I would like to give an extra big thanks to Tuhon Ray, Manang Gigie, Manong Rich, Lakan Guro Pipo, Ka-Jose, Dr. Simeon, Dr. Ron and Stoney for their time, patience and hospitality.
January 14, 2010
HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY, UCS!!!
First of all, thank you and congratulations on sticking it out with me for a whole year! You guys take all my abuse and keep showing up for class, ready to work. You have improved so much not only physically but mentally as well, growing stronger, smarter and more determined each week. Don’t let it go to your head though, there is still a ton to do. :) On a personal note; I have learned so much about teaching and running solid classes, which means you are all pushing me to be better everyday. You have also kept me honest in my own abilities and what I need to work on, so thank you again!
We have gone through quite a few of changes as well, from class members, to structure, to curriculum but it has all been completely natural and positive and I am extremely excited for what this next year will push us to accomplish. Let’s continue to stay focused and seek out greater challenges as individuals and as a family.
Stay honest, stay healthy and stay happy!
- Grahm
December 4-6, 2009
Whipping Willow Association Winter Gathering
I had the privilege to attend and be a part of this years Winter Gathering and truly don’t have the words to accurately describe the feeling. The event itself was incredible, with Masters and Grand Masters from various disciplines coming together to share and train without ever the mention of rank or title. This is something I never knew existed and will always remember throughout my journey. Sijo Alferos truly has created something unique, exciting and important.
To be a part of the wonderful training was more than enough but to be witness and share the energy in the room on Saturday night as Master Bill Owens was honored with the rank and title of, “Sijo” of his system, Blossom Fist. Followed by Sigung Antwione Alferos receiving the recognition of, “Sijo” of the Whipping Willow family. Then getting to see, Gigie Alunday and Rich Verdejo honored with the award of, “Torch Bearer” “Future Leaders of the Martial Arts” for all of their hard-work was a great feeling. Congratulations to Sifu Sandy Amason and Sibok Tom Georgion on their promotions as well.
Lastly, I would like to thank Sijo Alferos for presenting me with a certificate recognizing my 3rd degree black belt. This was a tremendous honor that I don’t take lightly and will always cherish and respect. Thank you Sijo. Also, thank you to all of the incredible masters who witnessed and supported my recognition.
Thank you to all of the instructors and people involved with the Winter Gathering!
November 14, 2009
Mark and Linda get their Level 1!
Having seen their improvement over this last year has been very exciting for me and I look forward to putting the rest of you through the same torture! It is with great pride that I welcome them into their new and much deserved rank. Congratulations!
Click here for pics from their test!
September 2009
Gigie Alunday makes 2009 FMA Woman of the Year!
Gigie has been a great instructor and friend to me for the last couple years now. Her knowledge, skill and attitude are qualities I strive for everyday as a student and instructor of the Martial Arts.
Gigie is at the forefront of the Filipino Martial Arts. She truly loves and respects the arts and gives back by bringing families and systems of all backgrounds together and holding the best tournaments, gatherings and seminars throughout the year.
To read about Gigie in this Special Issue of FMA Digest, click HERE!
August 8, 2009
Festival Ng Mga Kapatid II
Thank you to all of the amazing coordinators, instructors and competitors who made the 2nd annual Festival Ng Mga Kapatid such a fantastic event to attend and compete at! I was very excited to be able to attend workshops from Grandmaster Felix Roiles, Guro Felix Valencia and Tuhon Ray Dionaldo as well as blade, stick and mixed weapons fight with so many talented fighters. I placed 3rd in Single Blade and 2nd in Live Stick. Congrats and thank you to Mark and Phil of UCS on their first tournament competition in Bladesport!!! They both did very well and learned a lot. Cant wait for next year!!!
July 19, 2009
FCS KALI CALI CREW Survives Level 1 Test
from http://www.dbqproducts.com/
Some of the ideas were derived from Gigie and Rich’s personal experience and influenced by stories of what Tuhon Ray had experienced. After the schedule was made, Gigie discussed the agenda with Tuhon Ray. He simply gave the thumbs up and said, “They’ll have a test unlike any test they’ve had before”.
Here’s the rundown of what went on Sunday, July 19, 2009.
With all the participants present and accounted for, and injury/death waivers signed, Ruff, Kris, Grahm, and Edwin were shown the agenda for the first time. This was the time for them to refuse or back out of testing. Just as we have come to expect from our crew, they all agreed to continue. Lucky them!
It was a sweltering Sunday, July 19, 2009, and the temperature gauge was reading well about 106 F. Keep in mind that the outdoor test venue is right in the middle of the San Gabriel Valley. FCS Cali had their first test and it took a grueling 3 ½ hours to complete! It started with a demonstration of the Mano/Mano form. Nothing different and it seemed normal, but that’s where the comparison to a traditional test ends! “Ok, everyone, put on your gear!”, Gigie shouted. With full Eskrima vest and headgear on, the temperature rose to approximately 110 F. Doing live application of the contradas for almost an hour at full speed. With the feeder moving around, it looked more like a sparring match. So far so good, everyone was still standing.
Thinking we were nice, they were ordered to jump into the pool to cool off. However, there was a catch, they had to be in full sweats (pants and sweatshirt) and give us 8 laps. Think it’s easy? After swinging the stick for almost an hour, try swimming without going under water wearing clothing that gets heavier as it absorbs water. Keep in mind, their head must stay above the water. They all finished the laps only to give us the 12 count power strikes on the tires and it must be approved by Rich before they could rest.
With their arms feeling like Jell-O, the next obstacle was called “Stick 1 in Rosie”. Trying to control a projectile in their condition was harder than expected. The group was not allowed to continue until all 4 participants completed this task or any obstacle. Again, everyone was standing in the blazing sun.
Not wanting to be cruel, next up was something basic. The guys had to show us some stick transitions and a disarm of their choice. Not knowing what the feeder/receiver had planned, this showed us how well they can feed and bait the other person. Same goes for the knife tapping. With a quick warm up of the basic 4 quadrants, and the hubad, they quickly went into the 3 round burst which the feeder gets in any 3 cuts and any the receiver has corresponding 3 chances to pass. They seemed comfortable at this part of the test, but that changed at the next obstacle.
The version of underwater CQC (Close Quarter Combat) was basically the 3 round burst fully submerged in 12 ft of water. Pressure was on for the feeder as they expelled more energy and air trying to get their cuts. Escape seemed a bit easier, but not by much if feeder gets a hold of you and keeps you down for the cuts.
The bravery badge goes to FCS Cali Ruff Prepuse. Having a near drowning experience in a flood as a child, Ruff had a hard time jumping into the center of the pool. Even though this is just a simulated attack underwater, the phobia of his past experience became fresh again. With the support of his FCS brothers, Ruff completed a modified version of this obstacle and was still fully submerged in the water.
The last exam was purely for our entertainment. Though using a latigo is not in any part of the level 1 curriculum, not only did they have to crack the whip, but also had to hit a target. Hoping to see someone crack themselves or each other, the joke was on us. Not only did they crack the whips, they all hit a target within their first 3 tries. Since no one cracked themselves with the whip, Rich thought for sure he’d get a good laugh with the final task. That task was to hold a Styrofoam target as FCS Instructor Gigie tore it down to size with a latigo ng caballo (carriage whip). Again a bitter sweet end! Everyone stood bravely as Gigie’s accuracy was dead on. Some continued to hold the target until it was smaller than a business card!
“I don’t say this often, but I was very pleased by everyone’s performance. I can truly say Gi has a kick ass group. You ready, here we go. I’m proud of all of you’z! Don’t get used to it, cuz there’s still work to do!” - FCS Kali Cali Instructor, Rich Verdejo
“You guys so ROCK!! I’m so proud of all of you and for all the hard work you’ve put into your art. Mg Rich put you through the ringer and you all came through relatively unscathed. We took you out of your element and comfort zones, and you all performed great! Mad props, guys! Keep up the great work and get ready for the continuing madness” - FCS Kali Cali Instructor, Gigie Alunday
WELCOME TO LEVEL 2 – FCS Kali Cali Crew
- Edwin Abo (also of Pakamut)
- Grahm Baker (also of UCS)
- Kris Paragas (also of Pakamut)
- Ruff Prepuse
July 12, 2009
Phils' Exhausting Level 1 Test
Thank you to all who came to support and participate. Special thank you to Guro Alain Rono for coming in to support/participate and sit on the board during the exam (Alain has been Phils instructor for many years).
Click here to see pics from Phil’s test!
June 28, 2009
Sherman Tank Rolls On
Click here for pics from Mark’s test!
June 14, 2009
Joint Mobility Fun!
Thank you for making our first Joint Mobility & Stretching Clinic a great success. I hope everyone learned a lot and took home some great exercises! We worked through our entire body and covered nearly every individual joint, starting with our neck and ending with our toes. Everyone who attended had a great time and felt fantastic by the time we were finished.
Hope to see you all at the next one!
May 25, 2009
Jordan gets the cover!
We are very proud to congratulate our own Jordan Warrick on his cover photo in this months issue of SCENE, Cal State Northridge’s monthly student magazine. In addition to training in UCS, Jordan also trains Parkour. Congrats J!
May 17, 2009
Megan's Brutal Yellow Belt Test
Congratulations to our own, Megan Thompson on her amazing performance at her Yellow Belt test today. Megan not only did an incredible job physically demonstrating the concepts of UCS but her mental focus and verbal explanations were spot on!This was no easy day! Megan performed at full intensity for nearly two hours in conditioning, boxing and kickboxing drills, improv self-defense, stand-up sparring and Jiu Jitsu. Her great attitude, high energy and clear understanding and application of the material is why it is with great pride and privilege that she was promoted to the rank of Yellow Belt. Megan is also the first promotion in the UCS family. Congratulations Megan!
Click here to see pics from Megan’s test!
March 1, 2009
BladeSport Blade Fighting at Compete Internationals
from http://www.dbqproducts.com/
Once again the stage attracted onlookers as two blade fighters faced off. At the end of 2 minutes or 5 points, one competitor was hailed the winner of the match. The defeated competitor walked off the stage with a body full of chalk marks as evidence of the match that simulated cuts received. However, the winner didn’t walk off completely clean either. As in a true blade confrontation, the competitors prove that when it comes to a blade confrontation, expect to cut and be cut.
The kids division started off the day with the ongoing “sibling” rivalry between Jessica Guerrero and Ryan. The two have followed us through our tournaments since its inception. The competitive rivalry began at BladeSport’s inaugural tournament at the San Diego Grand Internationals 2008. It was a very close fight with both competitors exhibiting their growth in the sport and incorporating defensive bobs, weaves, checks and attacks. This time, Ryan takes the win and leaves the record at 2-2, for now. Can’t wait for the next event at the San Diego Grand Internationals 2009 to see who will take the lead!
Next on the stage was the adult division. Congratulations to Elheferios “Larry the Greek” for sweeping all 3 divisions; single blade, double blade, and tactical blade. Closely behind him was Grahm “The Grahm” Baker who also swept 2nd place in all divisions. “The Grahm” was also awarded the “Best Technique of the Day” with a very clean check to “Larry the Greek’s” blade hand followed immediately by a thrust into the chest. Taking 3rd place in single blade was Rich “Ruff” Prepuse. Leo “The One Legged Boxer” was awarded 3rd in the double blade and tactical blade divisions.
Congratulations to all participants and we look forward to seeing you all at the next tournament, Disneyland Martial Arts Festival on March 28, 2009. Go to our EVENTS page to view the complete BladeSport tournament schedule.
January, 2009
Greetings,
Thanks for joining us on the launch of our new site! Please enjoy yourself as you browse around. I will be uploading new videos, photos and products very soon, so check back frequently as I am ALWAYS adding new content. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me anytime.
Grahm
UCS