Jeet Kune Do and Kali Expert - Ruben Rodriguez

Jeet Kune Do and Kali Expert - Ruben Rodriguez

Ruben is an expert in Jeet Kune Do and Kali with over 40 years experience in martial arts and is considered by Paul Vunak as one of the top experts in street fighting in the U.S. counting also with extensive experience in Kickboxing and Grappling.

Tell us about becoming part of Paul Vunak's organization.

I had read about Paul and seen his advertisements on Black Belt magazine. I found him and his system very interesting. We came from similar backgrounds as far as martial arts is concerned. I trained with him a few times in the early nineties, then I became part of his organization in 2005.

Why do most Jeet Kune Do instructors also know Kali?

The JKD guys that train Kali are usually the JKD concept group that come from Dan Inosanto lineage, Guru Dan is a very skilled kalista. Kali is the best weapons system around and I think that is why JKD concepts students are attracted to Kali.

It seems many Jeet Kune Do experts have a reputation for speed. Is this due to the type of training or the style itself?

Some people are born fast. I also believe you can work on speed with certain types of training.

What are 3 techniques you use that are not found in most martial arts schools?

Three techniques we use in our system that stand out for us are destructions, guntings and of course our straight blast.

Destructions and guntings come from Kali. Destructions are usually done with the elbow or knees and used against punches and kicks that are thrown at us. A gunting is like destructing but it is done in a scissoring motion with both hands usually used to attack on coming punches. The straight blast is a series of straight hand vertical punches from wing chun.

Is it true that a person who has a black belt in martial arts has to register themselves at the police station? Also, are martial artists held at a higher level of restraint when it comes to self-defense by the justice system?

The registering of black belt hands is a myth, no state in our country requires us to register our hands.  I do believe that some courts expect martial artists to show more restraint and they are probably harder on someone who is skilled with his hands and feet.

What's the best way to leave a martial arts school without hurting anyone's feeling? Conversely, how does one ask someone to leave?

Jeet Kune Do and Kali Expert - Ruben Rodriguez

I think honesty is the best way to leave your current school. Sometimes feelings get hurt but that's the nature of our business. As far as asking people to leave, that’s always tough, but again I believe honesty will work out best.

What part does rest and relaxation play in training to become a martial arts expert?

Rest and relaxation are very important in a martial artist’s career. Just recently, I learned through my experiences how important rest is. I have always been very hardcore with my training, but now I make time for rest and relaxation. As a martial artist, I am always on high alert; always ready to defend myself or friends and family. I have found that Christian music has always calmed me down.

Progressive Scientific Fighting

What has been the greatest reward to you for dedicating so many years to martial arts?

My greatest reward from the martial arts is that I am able to make a living doing what I love, not many martial artist get to do this.

Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?

Thanks for the opportunity to do this interview. I hope Brandon's martial art career goes well, and know that he is welcome at my school anytime.

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