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Transcript of Real kung fu magazine_April
Real Kung Fu Magazine
Editor in Chief – Michelle Marquez
Creative Director – Lupe Huerta
C.E.O. – Jim Muse Furtado
Senior Staff Writer – Cecelia Railey
Writer – Marisa Marquez
Administrative Assistant – Roseanne Najera
Assistant – Christina Railey
Graphics – Michelle Marquez
Interns
Mia Marquez
Grace Marquez
Samantha Edwards
Contact us!
Copyright © 2014 Real Kung Fu Magazine All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this e-magazine or portions thereof in any form. No part
of this e-magazine may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the express consent of the publisher; except where permitted by law.
Letter from the Editor
Welcome to the second issue of Real Kung Fu Magazine!
In this issue we are featuring The Northern Style of the Praying
Mantis and we’ll be focusing on the History of this Martial Art. This
is a very ancient and complex style and not many teach this today,
so we are very pleased that Grand Master Jim Muse Furtado
agreed to do several demonstrations for us.
We also have Grand Master Ed James who shares his origin story, I
always find it fascinating to hear how one begins their Martial Art
journey, and he was kind enough to share his unique story with us!
We have two demonstrations performed by Grand Master James
and his student, 1st Degree Black Belt Angelo Cruz. They are a
step by step performance of Tang Soo Do’s intense fighting style.
This Martial Art takes dedication to train and has rewarding
benefits.
Faiz Mashood has returned for this second issue and demonstrates
several key moves from the Martial Art; Tai Shing Pek Kwar! He is a
very talented Martial Artist who has studied this art and has
accomplished great results which you will see in the demo!
We are also excited to have in this issue a wonderful woman who
some of you may know as ‘Kung Fu Grandma,’ Master Sandra
Kamar Kreitz Luna, she has a unique background, one that hails
from Belly dance and Master Sandra shares with us how she
transferred from Belly dancing into Martial Arts!
There are also two rounds of Martial Art battles which are
performed by Willie Lawson who is a Brown Belt in Tai Shing Pek
Kwar and Blue Belt Matthew Gutierrez!
So take a moment and enjoy this second issue of Real Kung Fu
Magazine!
--Editor Michelle Marquez
Welcome to
REAL KUNG FU MAGAZINE!
The purpose of this magazine is for enjoyment,
enlightenment and educational. We welcome anyone who
wishes to submit photographs and articles about their
schools, teachers and students, as we would like to
highlight those who have made achievements in Martial
Arts!
So please take a moment and enjoy the April Quarter issue
of
Real Kung Fu Magazine!
We reserve the right to edit all articles and photos received.
Journey
the
Kung Fu
Grandma
Sandra Kamar Kreitz Luna
My incredible journey in Gung Fu did not begin in my
younger years as most. I began my journey in 1995. My Granddaughter, Tamara,
was already training with Grand Master Muse Furtado. Her other Grandmother
had been taking her to train and could no longer take her. It was then that I
volunteered to take
Tamara. I sat there every
week, twice and
sometimes three times, in
a chair in the back of the
school while she trained.
Sometimes Tamara
would get special
attention as the only
student there for that time
slot. I was so impressed
with Grand Master's
knowledge and the
amount of attention he
paid to her.
It was a few years later
that two more of my
Grandchildren, Drew and
Robyn also started training. Master Sandra with her sword!
After not even a year of taking Tamara to train, I volunteered to
help Grand Master Furtado with choreography, props and costuming for his
yearly school production of A Childrens’ Nutcracker. Several years later I helped
Grand Master by designing and constructing most of the costuming, collecting
and making props for his new production of Peter Pan; The Story.
As you may have guessed, my passion was and is Performing Arts, dancing,
Fashion and Costume Design. Little did I know that Gung Fu would join the list
and has since become a true passion and way of life.
It will always be my
pleasure to assist Grand
Master with any of his
Performing Art endeavors
and to assist him with the
yearly promotions and
awards banquets along with
anything else to help make
the running of the school
easier.
One day I asked Sir where
he got the Kung Fu Sashes
for the promotions, he said
he had them made for the
school. I told him I could
make these for him and he
agreed to let me try.
So now for the past several years, I make every Black Belt Sash and added the
black or white fringe to the lower ranking sashes. Now affectionately known as
Kung Fu Grandma, my journey was just beginning.
With a background in Belly dance, Ballet, Flamenco and Performing
Arts, I was fascinated immediately by the grace, movement and power of this
Martial Art called Gung Fu. In a way, it was almost like dance choreography.
Belly dance became a big part of my life in my late 20s.
Before we got married, my husband taught me how to dance while we were in
College, but after we got married he did not want to dance anymore. Frustrated, I
had to find a dance form that I could do alone. Belly dance? Yes!!! I could design
and make my own costumes and had no need for a partner.
In the late 70s, there where
no DVDs, CDs or Internet to
learn this dance called Belly
dance, so, I bought a
paperback book about Belly
dancing at the local K- Mart
and a record from a local
record store. Two months
later, I had taught myself a
few moves, created my first
costume and was invited to
dance for the Elementary
School PTA Talent Show.
The rest is History! I have
participated in Southern
California’s first major Belly
dance Competition in Long
Beach, California. I
accumulated three First
Runner Up Trophies, three
People’s Choice Trophies
and three Halame
Congeniality Trophies from
the Belly Dancer of the Year
Competition held every year
at the Long Beach
Convention Center. After 38
years and no breaks, I am
still Belly dancing.
Meanwhile, I was still sitting in the waiting area of United School of
Martial Arts watching my growing Granddaughter train never thinking that a 55
year old Grandmother could do this. Grand Master Furtado invited me to join the
Friday night Yoga Class. I loved it! Never did I get such a great stretch and attain
a more flexible body than I did in this class. Even with15 years of Ballet it had
nothing on Taoist Yoga. About six months later, Grand Master invited me to start
the beginning Gung Fu class. I said that I was too old. He assured me that I was
not too old and that he would not let me get hurt. We would see!
This should have been easy for someone with a dance background. It was not
easy but I loved it and hungered for more. Gung Fu has been my best friend and
a way of life. I dreamed Gung Fu suddenly waking up in the middle of the night
and going over a form in my mind. I had to work harder because remembering all
this new and wonderful information was not easy for me. I knew Grandmaster
was getting impatient with me but he never showed it. He would always
encourage us to practice slow and easy and practice often. It has now been more
than twelve years since I took my first Gung Fu Class. I am now a Fifth Degree
Black Belt and my fellow students must now call me Master Sandra I never
thought I could ever make it this far. I never could have done so without the great
knowledge and encouragement I have so humbly received from Grandmaster
Jim Muse Furtado. I cannot thank him enough for what he has done for my three
Grandchildren and me! Because of him, I have been recognized in three USA
Martial Arts Halls of Fame Awards. I am still working hard on being a United
School of Martial Arts Kung Fu Academy Golden Warrior. I have been so blessed
and am thankful to God for my incredible journey. Yes, Gung Fu is Gung Fu:
Hard Work and Not Childs Play.
But if you work hard no matter your age, you too can make it a part of your way
of life as well. Peace!
Grand Master Ed James
8th Degree Black Belt
Inducted into 8 Martial Arts Hall of
Fames! Long Beach Tang Soo Do Academy
The Origins of
A Grand Master
By Senior Staff Writer – Cecelia Railey
Photos by Lupe Huerta
Random acts of violence are horrible, and rightly
condemned by all civilized members of society. No Matter how angry, or
frustrated, those emotions can be re-directed into positive, life-affirming
actions depending on societal influences.
This story – which is true – can be told about three remarkable men: Grand
Master Edward James, a Martial Artist who teaches a form of Martial Arts
called Tang Soo Do right here in Long Beach. His students are very fortunate
to have such a learned, skilled man for a teacher. Than there’s his father, a
Korean military man named Bennie James, and his teacher, Master Sang Kyu
Shin, who helped a young man regain his balance and zest for life.
Grand Master James first began training in Martial Arts, at age 21. While he
acknowledges that training can begin for Martial Arts at a considerably
younger age – 6 to 10 – he himself was brutally introduced to the world of self-
defense because of a horrible act of violence.
Grand Master James as a young man, liked outdoor sports: baseball,
swimming, and other outside activities – as any other young man. He can
recall in great detail the day he was attacked on a beautiful Sunday in Detroit,
by a vicious gang of street thugs. He realized he couldn’t defend himself
against the gang of attackers, so he did the best thing he could: he hollered
and screamed, and protected his head. He was on the ground when his shouts
attracted the attention of firemen in a nearby fire station, who swarmed to his
side and in doing so saved his life.
But from that
point on, a
change came
over Grand
Master James:
After the attack,
he grew
distrustful of
groups, and
then of
individuals. He
withdrew into
his home,
becoming less
social. This
effect is not
unknown among
those returning
from battle, but
it was hard to
deal with.
Paranoia can set
in, and a feeling
of helplessness.
For a year,
Grand Master
James
recovered from
his attack, but
the attackers
took away from
him a most
valuable
possession: His
love of activities.
Grand Master Ed James at his school in Long Beach, CA
Grand Master James’s father, Bennie James, a Korean military man, did not
like to see the change that had come over his son. He set about to encourage
Edward to regain an interest in life, and took him to investigate a self-defense
(judo) school in the neighborhood. It was the 1960s, Bennie located a judo
school operating out of a local YMCA and he made an appointment for his son.
What Grand Master James saw when he went to the Y was a group of teens
dressed in white, light uniforms, with different colored belts and he was also
exposed, at this same time to Karate, which was fairly new in the 1960s, and
not popularly known as a discipline outside Martial Arts circles. He noticed
differences in the classes, one of which was the outfits. Karate uniforms were
lighter and promoted ease of movement, while the Judo uniforms were thick
and quilted. When he asked about why the judo uniforms were so thick, he
was told it was because of the judo throws: landing on surfaces, the padding
helped to minimize bruising. Faced with the choice of Judo or Karate, young
James decided on Karate as a source of study. Judo was an art, but Karate
helped more with group fighting. He signed up August 18, 1964, for Karate.
Odd to say, but one of the reasons Grand Master James decided on Karate
over the (at the time) more publicized Judo discipline was cosmetic: He liked
the uniform, and the multiple kicking styles.
Ask Grand Master James today, and he’ll tell you that signing up for that class
was the best move he ever made. Grand Master James is knowledgeable
about the history of Martial Arts. There were originally four major styles of
Karate in the US in the 60’s: Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Okinawan, which
is another Japanese style. Grand Master James decided to study (and teach)
Tong Su Dong Moo To Quon, ‘Way of the China Hand.’
Grand Master Sang Kyu Shin taught James. This man was a great influence, as
a teacher and as a father figure. Master Shin de-emphasized negative traits,
such as egotistical behavior and bullying, and emphasized loyalty, integrity,
discipline and of course self-defense. He went out of his way to ensure that
Grand Master James could learn a discipline which was not regularly taught
outside of Asian countries.
Grand Master Edward James is able to influence children to be their best,
thanks to the loving support of his father, Bennie James, and the teachings of
his other father, Grand Master Shin. Congratulations to these three for being a
positive influence on their students, and being truly deserving of their titles,
“Master” and “Father.”
The Art of
Tang Soo Do
Grand Master Ed James and his student 1st Degree Black Belt Angelo Cruz demonstrate Tang Soo Do!
Photos by Lupe Huerta Step #1 Grand Master James Prepares for an attack!
Step #2 Grand Master James Defends by raising his left harm blocking the attack and places his right to protect his core.
Step #3 With a swift Block downward
Grand Master prepares for a strike to the neck in Step #4.
#3
#4
A sharp strike to the neck in step #5 and an elbow hit to the spine in step #6 ends this match.
#5
#6
In this attack Grand Master Ed James is attacked with a knife and in several quick
moves he has his attacker unarmed!
#1 The attacker lunges with a knife. With a grab onto the Wrist Grand Master prepares For the next Move!
Step #2 Grand Master Steps in And disables the Wrist with a Quick and decisive Move!
Step #3 Grand Master grabs the knife
And uses it on his attacker!
Step #4 Grand
Master James transitions and aims the knife!
Step #5
Grand Master embeds the knife into the spine!
Northern Praying
Mantis…
Also known as ‘Praying
Mantis Fist’
Photos by Ana Montgomery
Demo performed by Jim Muse Furtado
Northern Praying Mantis, ‘praying mantis fist’ is a style of
Chinese Martial Arts, sometimes called Shandong
Praying Mantis after its province of origin, and named
after the Praying Mantis, an insect whose aggressiveness
inspired the style.
It was created by Wang Lang, he was an unshaven monk of the
Henan Shaolin Temple. Wang Lang was a native of Shangdong
Province; he came from a wealthy family and studied the Martial
Arts in his youth. He entered the Shaolin Monastery around 350-
400 years ago.
Wang Lang witnessed a
fight between a
Praying Mantis
and a Cicada.
Lang was
fascinated by
the
aggressiveness,
speed and
strength of the
apparently
overmatched
Mantis. Wang
Lang took the
Mantis back to
his living
quarters for
further study;
he used a reed
to prod the
Mantis and
carefully
studied its
movements.
Wang would
then imitate these actions and over time the system slowly evolved.
He compiled these movements into the:
12 key words Verbal Formula,
the 8 Rigid Hand Patterns
the 12 Flexible Hand Patterns
the 8 Vulnerable
and 8 lethal points of attack
He incorporated into the new
style the best techniques
from the other seventeen
styles which he had
previously studied. He then
blended the footwork of the
Monkey with the hand
movements of the Mantis thus
assuring both Speed of the
hand and feet.
This Kung Fu style offers a
complete syllabus of skills in
long range kicking, middle
range hand techniques,
trapping skills, pressure
point/pressure strikes, iron
palm training, joint locks,
throws and skills capable of
neutralizing ground grappling attacks.
Its fighting style involves the use of whip like/circular motions to
deflect direct attacks, which it follows up with precise attacks to
the opponent’s vital spots. One of the most distinctive features of
the Northern Praying Mantis is the ‘Praying Mantis Hook’ a hook
made of one to three fingers directing force in a whip like manner.
The hook may be used to divert force (blocking), adhere to an
opponent’s limb, or attack critical spots (eyes or acupuncture
points). The ‘Praying Mantis Hook’ is also part of some of the
distinctive typical guarding positions of the style.
Northern Praying Mantis is especially known for its speed and
continuous attacks. Wrist/arm techniques are emphasized, as well
and knee and elbow strikes. Another prominent feature of the style
is its complex footwork, borrowed from Monkey Kung Fu.
What makes this style so effective are based on balance,
coordination, and body efficiently. This waist-torque method of
generating power does not require as much physical strength to
have powerful techniques. This method offers quite efficient
movement and aerobically does not require as much physical
exertion and with its shorter movements it also consists of
extremely fast techniques.
Praying Mantis uses a more flexible approach by using a guiding
set of concepts and principles rather than a specific set of
confining rules making it adaptable to any fighting environment.
Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu teachers have with each
successive generation, added to the development of the system
without altering the original concepts that make it such an efficient
fighting art. As social conditions have changed so has the training
emphasis. Today the emphasis is more on modern day street
practicality.
There are several styles of Northern Praying Mantis, the best
known are:
Seven Star Praying Mantis Boxing, this style was
created in the late 1890’s. It takes its name from the star
constellation the Big Dipper, the inside meaning being ‘the
disciples of this style should spread all over the world’. It has
as part of its syllabus, health enhancing breathing exercises
called (in Cantonese) Law Hon Gong, or The Monk’s Strength,
acquired from the Shaolin Temple. These chi gong-styled
breathing exercises have meditative, health enhancing,
strength building, and martial training aspects to them. It’s
considered by many as the hardest of the Praying Mantis
styles, however it still utilizes soft-hard principles and is
classified as a soft-hard style.
Plum Blossom Praying Mantis Boxing is the oldest
among all Northern Praying Mantis styles, tracing its lineage
to the 1700’s.
Taiji Praying Mantis Boxing, today this style is
represented by two distinct lineages. This style is practiced
in Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam and North America.
Taiji Plum Blossom Praying Mantis Boxing, this
style is, historically, a combination of two different lineages
of Mantis: Taiji Mantis and Plum Blossom Mantis. This style is
well-known for its large two-handed sword and for being
somewhat ‘softer’ than Seven Star Praying Mantis.
Six Harmony Praying Mantis Boxing, known as the
‘softest’ or most ‘internal’ of the Praying Mantis styles. This
style has a very different curriculum, with unique routines not
found in other Praying Mantis styles.
Eight Step Praying Mantis Boxing, this style was
originally conceived by Jiang Hua Long and was further
refined by his principle disciple of the style Fen Huanyi.
Other rarer styles, but deserve a mention include:
Shiny Board Praying Mantis Boxing Long Fist Praying
Mantis Boxing Throwing Hand Praying Mantis Boxing
Secret Gate Praying Mantis Boxing
The Art of Tai Shing Pek Kwar
Demo by Faiz Mashood
Photos by Lupe Huerta
This stance is a
Pek Kwar Low Block
A Short Form
Monkey Salute
(Notice the back leg,
the knee is not locked)
Twisting Stance
Chop/Block Axe Fist
Cross Legged Stance
Double Upper Cut
The Art of Defense! Demos Round 1 & 2 are Performed by Willie Lawson
(Brown Belt) & Matthew Gutierrez (Blue Belt)
With his Right hand Gutierrez grabs Lawson’s wrist in
this move.
Gutierrez attempts to strike Lawson in the torso and
Lawson blocks the move. (Note Gutierrez still has his
hand on Lawson’s wrist.)
Lawson jumps out into a low cat stance and breaks
free of the hold on his wrist bringing his left arm up
in a guard position.
Stepping into a quick Bow Stance, Lawson does a
Right Twisting Punch into the Solar Plexus
ending this round.
Here we have a wrist grab! This time Lawson is
attacking Gutierrez!
Gutierrez Hooks the hand with a Wrist Grab!
Gutierrez prepares for an Axe Fist Chop!
Performs the Axe Fist Chop which Breaks the Elbow!
After completing the Elbow Break Gutierrez does a
Left Side Punch to the Floating Ribs!
A move that completes Round 2!
Ask Grand Master
Jim Muse Furtado
A question!
In this section we welcome readers to submit questions to Grand Master
Furtado at [email protected] or you can ask us on our Facebook page!
Grand Master will try and answer your questions! (Please note your names and info will remain private)
Question: Grand Master, the basic forms used in the Tae Kwon do and Kwon Bop and the renamed style of Suh do Kwan (Peaceful mind way) where do they originally come from? Is it from the Kwons or from China? Answer: The original basic Forms or Patterns as they are also called are from the original nine Kwans (schools) of Korea, they are based on the Japanese/Okinawan styles of Karate. As well as the Chinese Kung-Fu Arts, however, many have created their own ways, names and systems over the years and also changed a lot of the original Forms around and gave them their own flare. Question: Do you know the first form of Southerly Praying Mantis? Answer: According to the History on the Southern Praying Mantis the forms taught are as follows:
Sarm Bo Gin
Sarm Bo YIl Sou
Sarm Kung Bic Kuiel
Sarm Bo Pai Tarn
Sarm Bo Pin Kuiel
Tong Long Bow Sim Sou Tong Long Won Sou