PAMA Newsletter - March 2010

- Student of the Month - Events - Recommended Book - Video Technique - Announcements - Dietary Supplement -

Student of the Month

- Will Minor -

Will Minor

When did you first start training at PAMA?

I first started training at PAMA when I was seven years old, in August 2003. So as of right now, I've been training at PAMA for about seven years.
What made you first interested in Martial Arts?

I became interested in Martial Arts when I watched Bruce Lee movies and other action films. My dad also introduced me to the idea about actually learning Martial Arts. At first, I was a little skeptical, but when he encouraged me to partake in a trial class at PAMA, I was hooked on the idea of learning self defense. From that point on, I decided to learn Martial Arts at PAMA.
What are some of the key things that Martial Arts has taught you?

Martial arts has taught me much more than just how to punch and kick. It has taught me how important it is to respect your superiors. I learned how respect and discipline are key, because of what they taught us in the children's class. Most newcomers, such as myself, would say "yeah" and "whatever" to our parents and instructors. Yet, the instructors encouraged us early on to say "Yes, sir. No, sir" in response to them. Also, I learned about how it helps to actually understand the origins of what techniques you are learning. For example, instead of just using English terms for the kickboxing moves, I learned about the Chinese terms as well. I believe that those terms helped reinforce the concepts and techniques for me even more. Martial Arts has taught me control, strength and the best ways to defend myself.
What are your favorite arts and why?

My favorite art would probably be Kali because it is more about finesse and precise movements and you don't really have to have strong strikes, as long as they're well placed. I also always wanted to learn how to use weapons such as swords. Another good thing about Kali is that most of the moves you perform with the sticks can be carried over to sword fighting. In addition to that, in the adult class we get to learn how to use daggers in combat as well! My second favorite art would probably be Jun Fan because it teaches you how to throw strong, swift hits and how to make them even more powerful.
You are in the Junior Assistants program, assisting in the Children's Class. What are the benefits that you see this will provide you and what benefits can you provide to the other students?

The Junior Assistants program gives me insight on ways to work with younger kids. Also it gives me a new perspective on Martial Arts because I can see how the younger children are learning. As an added bonus, it refreshes my memory on skills that I haven't done since I was in the children's class. I can benefit the other students by reinforcing their skills on the many different drills. I can help them even when the instructor is busy with someone else. My many years of experience allows me to answer their questions better and understand where they are coming from.
You recently transitioned to the Adult's Program. How do you think that the Children's program prepared you and how do you feel about your training now?

The Children's program greatly prepared me for the Adult's program in many ways. I came into the Adult's Program with knowledge of the Si Lim Dao, the salutation, and most basic Jun Fan and Kali techniques. Without the children's classes, I would've had a much harder time learning the basics in the Adult classes. I really enjoy the Adult's Program because I'm learning new techniques and also how to refine my basic ones. It is definitely a harder program than the children classes and is way more intense, but it keeps my skills sharper because they're pushed to their limits.
Anything else additional you would like to add?

I would like to add that this experience at PAMA has helped me in many aspects in my life. From the little kids class to the older children's class where I earned my black sash, and to finally the adult class, I have become a stronger, more disciplined, and confident individual. Thank you to all my instructors who have brought me to this point.

- PAMA's 2nd Annual Indonesian Pentjak Silat and Maphilindo Silat Seminar -

by Bernie Dudley

On Saturday, February 20, Guro Rick Tucci held PAMA's Second Annual Indonesian Pentjak Silat and Maphilindo Silat seminar. The seminar was held at PAMA and drew attendees from New York, Pennsylvania, and Northern New Jersey; providing those in attendance with over six hours of intense, detailed and dynamic instruction in Indonesian Pentjak Silat and Maphilindo Silat.

Guro Rick opens the seminar by explaining his Silat lineage and showing a sample of the weapons of Indonesia.