Motta Fighting Arts

Okay, just coming up for some air. I was watching a video today (as I am wont to do in this sheltered state) of a "Master" giving some sort of incoherent, illogical lecture about De Fondo. Somehow he managed to illegitimize the entire basic curriculum; making it sound as if he had some special knowledge about the system that basically made training in the fundamentals pointless. Uncle Leo was clear that the techniques he taught didn't have any special variants and that stu...dents should adhere to his curriculum, eschewing fancy flourishes or alternate techniques from other systems. Let's be crystal clear here...there are also NO secret techniques, no hidden scrolls of wisdom, no "advanced" curriculum withheld from all but the worthy in the Giron system. In fact, everything you need to know is taught to you in your first class through the warm up drills and deliveries. If you don't believe me, ask my students. De Fondo is a path, both inward and outward simultaneously. None of the techniques is "guaranteed" to work as this "master" promises. The truth is, they may not work. The technique is only as effective as the person executing it. Learning the techniques is a journey inward where you have to confront your willingness to put it all on the line. It is also a journey outward where the student aquires skills and techniques. But there are no guarantees in combat which is why we also teach the Bahala Na philosophy. What makes the Giron system and De Fondo in particular so special is how studying it helps you learn to both defend yourself decisively and accept the will of God at the same time. This Master is a false one. Don't be seduced by his rank and his false promises of special techniques or secret sauce. Stick to the basics, look for the truth within them and don't be a victim of someone who was promoted without qualifications and who is only trying to gild a Lilly. GLM

Hoping everyone is holding up okay. Looking forward to seeing friends and getting some play time in once this whole thing is over but I have no illusions about the severity of the situation. SARS-COV-2 has hit very close to home and we are praying daily for a positive outcome. I'll share details when it is all over. But this shit is no joke. Do your part. Stay home. This thing is a killer. Blessings to all, GLM

I have not posted anything in such a long time; mostly because I don't think anyone really cares all that much. I tend to ramble so I understand it's a chore to read my posts. I'll keep this one brief. I have two thoughts today. The first is that the art cannot and should not be commoditized. You can't purchase this art with money. The cost it extracts is your ego. In order to perform the art correctly, you have to give up. Seems like a paradox? Everything profound is... a paradox. Second, as you progress through the art, focus shifts from the extremities into the core. You can't do this from the start, unless you are extraordinary. Most people have to learn the ABC's of footwork, hand placement, body positioning, intention, etc. first. As they progress through the system, more and more focus is placed on what they are doing with their core, their structure. Lastly, I just want to say, anyone who wants to train or wants me to come out and help them, please let me know. I see so many practitioners of this art who need adjustment, just a half hour; that's all it takes. Give me a call. Have fun. Train hard. GLM

Happy Holidays everyone! We wrapped up 2019 today with a good workout; training 10's and 12's. Thanks Patt for braving the cold weather. As we say goodbye to the second decade of this millennium, I want to thank those few people who continue to support the school and help preserve our art: Janelle, whom we hope to see return from her East Coast sabbatical this year; Chris, our newest and possibly best read student; and my check/balance best friend Patt who continues to am...aze me and challenge me. I am so honored to have all of you as my students. Though I might like to have more students, I could not possibly ask for better. God willing, I will continue to teach each weekend in 2020 as I have for nearly two decades. As I walked past our fair weather training spot under the trees today, I noticed the grass is still sparse there. We have spent many years beating down the grass and I think it has submitted to our footwork. I hope some of you will join us this year so we can spread the art of escrima further and wider and we can broaden our patch of dead grass. Have a happy New Year! Challenge yourself in the coming months. Read more. Watch less TV. Remember our slogan: Sine Raison, Sine Honore Est (without reason, there is no honor). Also remember our most important motto, our battle cry "Bahala Na!"(God's Will). See you soon, we hope, GLM

Explorations in the force or torsion - Escapo and Deflect Soft.