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Post by Vince on Dec 14, 2005 13:07:50 GMT -5
I just got the news that my friend and RMATA member Alex Cowdrey pa*sed away. When I get more news about his death, the funeral, etc, I will post them here. Alex was a great guy with a heart of gold who will be sincerely missed. He was born on 9/13/1959 and pa*sed away 12/13/05. He ran the Tigre' Martial Arts program for awhile in Echo Park California. He did this for free for the kids of the area, to give them a good alternative to drugs and gangs. I first met Alex around 1999 while training at the Inosanto Academy of martial arts. I would spend about 4 months a year training in LA. I also trained at Gokor's school, and I started taking Alex there with me. He loved it and got hooked. I hung out with Alex as much as possible when I was in LA. We would go to his house in Echo Park and do various kinds of training, from grappling to kickboxing to stickfighting. His sons would participate also, and Alex would also try to look at for any neighborhood kids by inviting them along. Alex was very humble and always gave credit to others. He was a Christian and even though he was very poor and had lots of problems in his life, he thanked God for what he did have. He was SO friendly and nice to everyone. He always smiled and greated everyone he know with a warm handshake and a hug. You just couldn't help but like the guy. He taught me a thing or two about how to treat people. Alex... you will be truly missed brother. I am looking forward to seeing you again in Heaven!! Vincent Fields (This Tiger image was the one that Alex used for his Tigre' Martial Arts Program, both on his website and on flyers.) Here is a picture of three friends taking a picture break from our work out; Dave, Alex in the middle, and me on the right (as you are looking at the pic). We were training in Dave's Garage at the time.
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Post by Vince on Dec 6, 2005 7:08:08 GMT -5
I would think that if you got your body fat % down to around 10% that you would then be in a good position to know which way to adjust your ideal weight. Otherwise you'll just be speculating. Probably somewhere near 180 I'd guess. Good luck with it Johnny.
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Post by Vince on Dec 5, 2005 3:56:08 GMT -5
Good question Johnny. I have always been a heavyweight and thus never had to worry about making weight issues, hopefully someone with some experience in this subject will answer.
I know my best weight personally is about 240 and I'm 6'4, but everyone has different builds.
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Post by Vince on Nov 13, 2005 23:41:39 GMT -5
Sounds great Mr Parnell, and I wish you the best of success with your endevors. What do you think about the suggestions given concerning your emblem?
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Post by Vince on Nov 9, 2005 16:23:15 GMT -5
Oops, sorry Mr Parnell and all. I was trying to increase the file size attachment limit for the forum and accidently messed up the initial post in this thread. The admin functions would not let me get it back to how it was!! It was showing the RMATA logo instead of Mr Parnell's logo, so I had to delete it.
Hopefully you can post it again, and have it linked to an website which shows your logo.
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Post by Vince on Nov 8, 2005 2:35:34 GMT -5
Mr Parnell,
My humble 2 cents worth of opinion is that I generally don't like anything that claims to be "World" this or that if it is not truly representative of the world. So the title "World Jiu-Jitsu Academy" doesnt sit well with me. It's not like there is 1 jiu-jitsu academy for the entire world... or even 1 governing jiu-jitsu organization for the whole world. Many schools or organizations seem to throw larger than life sounding words into their title, which I feel cheapens them. Maybe something like your last name or the city your school is located in, and then "Jiu-Jitsu Academy" or "self-defense academy" would be better? "Parnell's Jiu-Jitsu Academy... Benald Illinois" for example.
Also, it says "Sogo Goshin Do" near the bottom of it. I doubt that anyone will have any idea of what that means, or what is being offered an the academy in which that style is being taught. With 2 martial styles listed I'm guessing it will only add to the confusion.
Are people to think that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or Japanese Ju-Jitsu, or Sogo Goshin Do is being taught? I fear that most people will have no clue what type of academy this logo is representative of, other than to guess by looking at the picture of one guy throwing another guy with Kata Guruma (Shoulder wheel) from Judo (also a standing fireman's carry from wrestling).
I hope I have'nt been too harsh... just being honest and offering what I hope is constructive criticism. A logo means alot and isn't something that is usually changed later on down the road. One needs to put ALOT of thought into it.
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Post by Vince on Oct 5, 2005 16:09:39 GMT -5
Congrats JW!! Tell us all about the testing will ya?!
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Post by Vince on Jan 21, 2006 4:04:03 GMT -5
Hi Eric,
Nice post... very interesting in a real and scary way. It's good that you did something about it to test their intent instead of waiting till bedtime or something when they came in at ya'll unsuspected.
I saw a sign on a window in New Orleans (on TV) saying "LOOTERS SHOT". I thought that might be a good sign to hang up in a situation such as that.
Anyways, thanks for sharing this... it really got me thinking about survival issues when your world has been turned upside down.
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Post by Vince on Sept 1, 2005 0:27:52 GMT -5
lol, sounds fun and dangerous.
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Post by Vince on Aug 31, 2005 16:30:55 GMT -5
Interesting topic. I have seen store owners remain present while looting was going on, and it did nothing to stop the looters. I'd be tempted to remain there with a 22 short rifle loaded with salk rock bullets. They sting a good bit but don't cause too serious damage (dont hit the eyes). I don't know about the legalities of this, but it should run off any looter. Of course whether they return with a bigger gun or not is a different story.
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Post by Vince on Feb 2, 2006 1:49:11 GMT -5
I'm back from a nice trip. I got through the level 3 training with the Modern Army Combatives System. I also got to roll a bit today with UFC vet Kevin (cant rememer his last name... a big black guy who got KO'd by Paul Buenatello in a rescent UFC). He was a very nice guy.
I'm glad to see the Army is incorperating a system based on not only good techniques but realistic training.
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Post by Vince on Jan 25, 2006 17:00:00 GMT -5
Hey folks, I'll be off of the board for a little bit as I am leaving today for Fort Benning GA for some training to get certification in the Modern Army Combatives Program. I'll be back around Feb 2nd or 3rd.
The MACP is a good program since it is based on MMA techniques and lots of sparring and grappling. I'm really getting this training and certification to set myself up for a possible career teaching it. I'll be getting the level 3 certification this time, which will allow me to run the combatives program for a whole Army base, to run courses and to certify others in it. It's all about the paperwork if ya know what I mean.
See ya'll soon (sooner if I can get online down there!).
Vince
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Post by Vince on Apr 2, 2004 8:13:02 GMT -5
Thanks Michael,
We are working hard to have a top notch a*sociation based on the type of ideas that many of us have always looked for in a martial arts a*sociation. I'm happy to have you with us!
Vince
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Post by Vince on Jan 25, 2006 16:47:53 GMT -5
Hey Eric,
Maybe you should have him read this thread? If he could read it with an open mind he's certainly at least get a chance to see what others think of him. I know he might not be receptive, but it's worth a try. Maybe even just a nice sit down discussion with him about this stuff in private.
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Post by Vince on May 18, 2006 16:59:52 GMT -5
I hate how long the curriculum is taking to get finished... hang in there. This is something I want to be done right and I havent had the chance to get it finalized just how it should be. I don't expect it to be too much longer though, as things with work, training and school are getting on a more normal schedule for me.
If you ever want to come in and spend about 10 hours training over 2 or 2 1/2 days let me know. I do that often with guys who aren't local and just fly in for a crash course.
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Post by Vince on Mar 14, 2006 8:39:54 GMT -5
Hey Billy,
Thanks for the offer Billy. We don't use html to edit the rmata website so thanks anyway. We use yahoo sitebuilder, which is just like a point and click method of site building. Very simple.
The curriculum is very close to being finished, and I'll get it posted up on the site as soon as it is. There are several people evaluating it and small changes get made. Once it is released and then put on DVD it will be too late for changes.
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Post by Vince on Jan 20, 2006 0:55:45 GMT -5
Hi Lance,
Good question. So we don't get off topic here I will start another thread about my thesis on the "General Topics" board.
Vince
PS: Welcome to the forum!
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Post by Vince on Nov 10, 2005 18:37:53 GMT -5
Hey Rex,
I regret to say that I have just not had time to work on it, as I've been working like mad on my thesis and teaching daily. As soon as I get a lull in my schedule it wont take long at all to get the curriculum completely finished... as it is close to finished right now. I just want to make sure it is done with 100% of my effort with no shortcuts. Stay tuned and make sure you're ready to tackle the sparring portions of each level.
Vince
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Post by Vince on Oct 5, 2005 16:21:53 GMT -5
Hey Billy,
Not nagging at all... it should have been posted on the website already. As soon as it is I'll let everyone know via newsletter and the website will anounce it as well.
For now, just make sure your sparring requirements are taken care of. Make sure you can spar and grapple as many 3 minutes rounds as possible with every type of sparring that we do. Then when it comes time to get further rank the techniques will be the simple part.
I always love coming to San Antonio to train with the guys there, but now that Michael Young has moved to Austin I doubt anyone from the Kojukan academy will bring me back in. However all we need is enough interest and I'm there anytime!
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Post by Vince on Nov 9, 2004 16:25:50 GMT -5
Rex,
It is 99% done. There has been a lot of editing going on with it for some time. I am sorry for the delay. Things have been quite hectic around here with work, school, and making a leglock instructional DVD. Expect the curriculum to be all finished soon!
Vince
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Post by Vince on May 12, 2004 23:40:21 GMT -5
Bailey,
The exact date isnt set yet. It will be in Carbondale IL (centrally located in the country). It should be around October- November. The website will be updated when the date is set. We'll pick a weekend when a lot of people can make it.
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Post by Vince on May 12, 2004 15:26:21 GMT -5
Hey Bailey,
Good to hear from ya. I'm working on the curriculum and it's taking a lot of work. I'm getting input from several of the world's top martial artists to ensure well roundedness. It should be up on the web soon.
Hopefully we'll all get to meet/ hang out at the skills camp this fall.
Vince
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Post by Vince on May 12, 2004 15:23:20 GMT -5
Fred,
Great questions. When the curriculum is up I'll be sure and clarify those issues for everyone on the "Curriculum" page.
There is no time requirement between testings. When a student can satisfy the requirements of a given level they have that rank. This is part of our "no politics" policy. Different students will of course take different amounts of time to pa*s the requirements of a given level, which is fine. They can go at their own pace.
When you can demonstrate, teach, and perform each technique in a given level you've satisfied the technical portion. For the sparring requirements at each level you have to be able to do that many rounds of sparring per that level straight through. For example, at level 10 on one day you will do 10, 3-minute rounds of kickboxing sparring with a 1 minute break in between each round. If you can’t make it through all 10 rounds or if you need longer than 1-minute break then you’re not ready for that level. If you get knocked out then you will of course have to stop and you wont get that level. Say you get through all 10 rounds successfully then you have to do the same things on other days for the other types of sparring. When you've gone through all of the sparring types and successfully done 10 rounds of 3 minutes with a minute break between each round you've finished the sparring requirements. It doesn’t matter if you get submitted in the rounds... as long as you keep going and finish all of the rounds.
These sparring requirements ensure that a student at a certain level can actually fight; that their attributes are strong (endurance, strength, speed, timing, etc). To be able to finish the sparring requirements students will have to be sparring in all of the ranges of combat on a regular basis. If they are doing this they should have no problems with the sparring requirements.
When I test someone I don’t want to watch them do all of their sparring rounds of each type (that would take 60 rounds at level 10- too long). For example, say it was a level 10 test, I'd want to see them do 10 rounds and we'd mix up every sparring type. They would still be 3-minute rounds with a minute break per each round. I'm sure if a student could get through those sparring requirements then they would be able to do the same thing with the other sparring types of rounds.
When my students and I train sometimes we'll try to burn out just one sparring type and do around 20 rounds of kickboxing. Other times we'll rotate through each sparring type, doing a round of weapons sparring, a round of kickboxing, a round of boxing, a round of clinch striking, a round of clinch striking with takedowns, a round of submission grappling, a round of NHB sparring, and then repeating them all. The students that train this way have no problems when it comes time to pa*s the sparring requirements in a certain level, as they have already done the same thing many times.
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Post by Vince on May 9, 2004 23:32:11 GMT -5
Rex,
It should be up on the site soon. As soon as the curriculum is posted we'll get the first newsletter sent out to everyone. It's taking a bit longer than I expected to get it all written up. I'm including techniques, drills, and concepts from many people, styles and systems that cover the whole spectrum of all of the ranges of combat.
What you can certainly be working on is the sparring/ grappling requirements. They go beyond mere techniques and require developed attributes; otherwise you wont be able to complete them. Each level requires a number of rounds equal to it's level number. I'll cut and paste the level 5 sparring requirements below so you get an idea of what I mean;
Sparring Requirements (Each of the following requirements can be done on different days. All rounds are 3 minutes with one minute breaks between rounds) - 5 Rounds of boxing sparring. - 5 Rounds of kickboxing sparring. - 5 Rounds of takedowns & throws. - 5 Rounds of clinch sparring with takedowns. - 5 Rounds of submission grappling. - 5 Rounds of NHB Sparring
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Post by Vince on Mar 15, 2006 10:53:29 GMT -5
Very cool link... thanks!
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Post by Vince on Jun 24, 2005 22:38:43 GMT -5
Sue, Good question. I don't know the answer. You'd better be sure and find out 100% for sure before you sign up though, since you could be wasting your time by getting a so called degree from some of these online courses. Many of them try to advertise that they are accredited through some fancy sounding commission, when it's meaningless.
Good luck finding the answers... if you do please post them here. I bet it would only take a visit or a phone call to your local 4 year college to get your answer. Someone that is head over the admissions and records department would know.
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Post by Vince on Jan 23, 2006 7:22:49 GMT -5
Hi Fred,
I'm happy to help in any way possible. I'll check into it more, but right now the only thing I can suggest is to look at the "Info Center" box at the bottom of the main page. Within it check out the "50 most rescent posts" link. Thats what I do to see what I've missed. I can increase it up to 100 if necessary.... I already moved it from 20 to 50.
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Post by Vince on Apr 10, 2006 17:55:42 GMT -5
J Dub,
LOL, great story... I'm glad he threw a wimpy punch instead of knifing you when your head was turned!
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Post by Vince on Apr 8, 2008 17:50:36 GMT -5
No, sorry for the slow progress, I'll post it here when they are ready.
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Post by Vince on Sept 10, 2007 15:28:52 GMT -5
The curriculum has been stuck in limbo for awhile, as I've been waiting for some input from some world cla*s instructors who appear to be to busy to go through it and add their input. I wont keep waiting much longer guys!
There is no cost to see the curriculum, it will be posted on the site. The entire curriculum will be put on DVD format eventually, and they will be sold in the rmata.com store. Several guys already have a few ranks in it, but they are the guys who train with me in person and we cover the material in private lessons or in private sessions after seminars.
Here is an example of a level in the curriculum;
LEVEL 1 TRAINING EQUIPMENT NEEDED - 16ounce Boxing gloves - Boxing head gear - No Holds Barred Fighting gloves - Thick elbow pads - Thick knee pads - 1 Double Weave GI (Or a top that wont rip, like a hockey jersey) - Shin guards - Wrestling shoes - Mouthpiece - Groin Cup - Focus Mitts - Muay Thai Pads - Belly Pad - Heavy low kick shield - Heavy bag - 1 Rattan Kali stick - 1 Padded Kali Stick - 1 Rubber training dagger - Eye protection (Goggles or headgear with a face cage)
CONCEPTS - No egos, attitudes or politics - Absorb what is useful, discard the rest - Controlled violence only when necessary - Attributes before techniques - 3 levels of training: Technique learning/ drilling (repetition to muscle memory), using proper equipment to simulate reality, sparring/ grappling against resistance - Identify your strengths and weaknesses - Action/ Reaction demonstration - Ambidexterity - Courtesy sparring policy - Mixed Martial Arts, No Holds Barred Fighting, Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Muay Thai Kickboxing Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo, Catchwrestling. - In training tap quick and easy…DON’T HAVE AN EGO!! That’s how people get hurt. If someone won’t tap when they should, let them go and tell them about it. There’s no shame in tapping… let yourself get tapped often by those of lesser skill that yourself. - When you feel yourself get frustrated, relax. Remind yourself that this, like anything else, takes time and proper training. The “secret” to getting better is smart, hard work and plenty of it. Be patient and put in your training time regularly. - When grappling it is important to often simulate striking (knees, elbows, headbutts, etc). In a real situation someone most likely isn’t going to mount you and then look for a submission, they will want to knock you out with strikes! Train for the real thing.
WARM-UPS/ DRILLS/ EXERCISES - Big arm circles forward and backwards (for rotator cuffs) - Neck circles - Roll backs (for back & neck) - Standing, legs in a V, bend to one side, touch other toes… stretch… stay down and turn out… stretch up… turn further… stretch. - Butterfly stretches (for groin) - On back, big circles in and out with knees (for cartilage) - Sitting, left over right, turn back. Hug foot. Rotate foot in both directions. - Shadow Boxing - Offense/ Defense drill - Breakfalls - Rolling - Each side - Front - Backwards - Umpa's (Buck & roll) - Shrimping (Ebi’s)
FOOTWORK - Moving left and right - Moving forwards and backwards
STRIKING (All strikes in all levels are done on both sides with both the front and rear weapons)
- Eye jab - Ear slap (single and double)
Push kick - Front - Rear
Jab
Cross
Defense - Hands on temples, eyes up, drifting your body away from strikes. Tight Stance. - Shin destructions- Lift your same side leg to check kicks & rotate your body if necessary. Try to make your opponent “T- bone” your knee.
CLINCHING/ THROWS/ TAKEDOWNS
Entering to clinching - Modified Straight Blast
Low Clinch - Headwar - Low Clinch switching - Basic strikes (Always smashing when attached- Punch low, punch high, uppercut, elbow, knees high, knees low). - Bodylock (Double underhooks) - Over arm body lock
High Clinch - Headwar - High Clinch Switching; fighting to Plum Clinch - Basic Strikes (Always smashing when attached- Punch low, punch high, uppercut, elbow high, knees high, knees low- stomping with knees when in high clinch)
Plum clinch - Proper position
GRAPPLING (Demonstrate good form for all positions)
Bottom guard
Top guard
Bottom side-mount
Top side-mount
Bottom knee ride
Top knee ride
Bottom Mount
Top Mount
Bottom stacked
Top stacked
Bottom open guard
Top open guard
Bottom half guard
Top half guard
Bottom crunch
Top crunch
Bottom butterfly guard
Top butterfly guard
Bottom Scarf Hold
Top Scarf Hold
Bottom Modified Scarf Hold
Top Modified Scarf Hold
Bottom Headward Hold Down
Top Headward Hold Down
Bottom Turtle
Top Turtle
Rear Mount- Back
Rear Mount- Front
Arm Bar Resistance- top
Arm Bar Resistance- bottom
Leglocks
WEAPONS - Angles 1 through 5 - 1,2,3 strategy. Control. Distract. Disarm.
SPARRING REQUIREMENTS
(Each of the following can be done on different days. All rounds are 3 minutes) - 1 Round of kickboxing sparring (Unattached striking only) - 1 Round of takedowns & throws (Randori with and without a GI) - 1 Round of clinch sparring (Attached striking only) - 1 Round of submission grappling - 1 Round of NHB Sparring - 1 Round of NHB Sparring with a training knife or Kali stick
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