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.

Be sure to visit Progressive Scientific Fighting and on Facebook.

Interview with Svitlana Zavialova - Wushu and Kickboxing Champion

Wushu

Svitlana Zavialova is a Wushu and Kickboxing Champion from the Ukraine. She is a successful model who has been featured on TV and Magazines. She is currently working on an upcoming movie premier as a lead actress. 

Why did you decide to pursue Wushu vs. other martial arts styles?

It wasn’t really something I had to decide. I was bewitched by this art/sport from the very first moment I saw it. I found it reflecting myself and answering all my questions about me.

What is it like being a foreigner in China and do they train you differently?

Well, it was and is very interesting but I’d say I live a happy life full of adventures and I am discovering something new every day. I’ve been living in China for 4 years by now. It feels like home, I have also met really good friends here.

Yes, the Chinese train in a different way. I cannot be sure about comparing it with how people train in the USA, as I am familiar more with the European type of training. The key point I found different in the Chinese way is they are focusing more on being relaxed rather than being tense. What was totally weird for me was when I do nan-quan, (southern fist.) Later, I understood what it is about and how to achieve the speed they have, I’m still learning about how to apply this principle easier and more often.

Tell us about you kickboxing history.

My kickboxing story starts from my home town Sevastopol, (Crimea, Ukraine.) I was going to start Wushu class, but as it occurred, it was a kickboxing place that called themselves Wushu. As it was the best option I had in those conditions, I went forward with it. Later, I was very lucky meeting a Chinese man, who performed Chinese medicine in the Ukraine. He was trained in traditional Wushu and I practiced with him for a while. At the age 17, I was invited to a Boxing club in another city. Competing for this club, I won most of the competitions I ever attended in kickboxing. Basically, as soon as, the opportunity to compete in Wushu appeared I moved to the capital and practiced and performed for the Ukrainian Wushu Federation.

You are currently training with the Chinese Opera? Can you tell us about the organization and what it teaches you?

Right now, I am looking more in a direction of film-making and made my first steps in this field. Training with the Chinese Opera in the Jilin and the Laoning province was very wonderful. This is quite an extraordinary event for a foreigner to train and perform with them. Chinese opera training includes, singing, acting, acrobatics, stage fighting and of course Wushu; also traditional lion dance and mask theater.

Concerning martial arts, what impresses you the most when you see someone else doing it and why?

Oh, interesting question. A while ago I admired only physical abilities, but now I’d say dedication, being focused, belief and passion. Also I appreciate people who do martial arts – respect to others, encouraging others, respect to older people. Important things that impress me is when people value friendship higher than competition.

Tell us about some of your psycho-physical programs you have invented?

As a psychologist, I was always into psycho-physiology and most of my research were about increasing the physical result by doing mental exercises. I started my research at the time of the Olympic Games in the 80’s (Moscow.) from methods the Soviet Union used to prepare their athletes. Later, I wrote a program that could be used in the rehabilitation process and by people with disabilities; a system of psycho-fitness exercises. It was published in the Ukraine.

What are you upcoming projects we can follow?

This is really exciting, my first feature film as lead actress, “My name is Tanyusha,” is in production at the moment. I’m also producing and directing a documentary and I will make an official announcement very soon. To read more about “My name is Tanyusha” click right here: driftingpictures.com/en/tanyusha.html and the 

Official FB page of Film: https://www.facebook.com/MyNameisTanyusha.

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

I’d like to encourage everyone to keep practicing and improving no matter in what conditions you are in right now. Trust yourself and value friendship!

Svitlana, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. We look forward to seeing your new movie. 

Ian Schaffa Interview. Ellite MMA fighter from Australia

Ian Schaffa Suplex

Ian Schaffa has earned a formidable reputation in Japan and Australia. His achievements include:

XFC World Champion, Austral-Asian Vale Tudo Champion, Bronze Medalist at the 1999 Australian National Greco-Roman Wrestling Championships, 2 x Kickboxing Champion, 2 x Full Contact Karate Champion, Ranked top 10 Australian Boxing, Ranked top 10 Australian Kickboxing. He holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a black belt in Kyokushin

BKO Kung Fu: As a profession fighter for 10 years, what tips would you give yourself when you first stated if you could go back in time?

Ian:  Don't listen to negative people.
         Believe in your ability. Practice.
         Dream big.

BKO: What's your best training technique to get better at blocking?

Ian: Have people come at you with different attacks and get used to it. Practice defending. 

BKO: Do you feel fighting against as many different styles as possible has given you unique insight? How so?

Ian: Having to train for different styles in a short period of time taught me to adapt very quickly and perform.

BKO: Where there anything that caught you off-guard when you started to fight in Japan? How did you adjust?

Ian: The Japanese culture caught me of guard. I wasn't used to alot of things. Japanese food, language, etiquette etc but i quickly learned.

BKO: We read about your drinking and fighting in the past? What would you tell someone who does this also?

Ian: If it's caused by personal issues, maybe see a professional to get those issues dealt with. Aim to change your focus. If you can successfully drink and have street fights, then you can use the same amount of energy succeeding in something a little more positive.

BKO: Did you run away from home when you were younger? What was that about?

Ian: Yes, I was a troubled teenager. I had personal issues that had to be dealt with. I held alot of anger and did not know how to deal with it. 

BKO: How did you overcome your anger issues?

Ian: I found something new to focus on and channel my anger through.

BKO: We understand you have a huge interest in helping others less fortunate. Are you currently working on any projects in this field? How can others help?

Ian: Yes I have been visiting a group of homeless people for the last couple of years. I make food and share it with them. They are very grateful. They make me happy. I am not asking for any help directly although if you do know of someone that is less fortunate that requires help please give.

BKO: What are you goals for the next 10 years?

Ian: My main goal for the next 10 years is to continue to grow my business. I want us to be the leading program in the Australian fitness industry.

BKO Kung Fu: We look forward to seeing this happen and wish you all the luck. 

Be sure to visit http://mmaxfit.com.au/ to find out more about Ian's fitness business. 

Interview with Guy Mezger

We are excited to bring you an email interview with Guy Mezger, winner of UFC 13 Light Heavyweight Tournament. He’s volunteered some of his precious time to answer some questions from my son Brandon. 

 Guy Mezger Highlights

Brandon: You have a background in Karate, Kickboxing and Boxing. Which of these did you find the most helpful in UFC fighting and why?

Guy: Actually my background was in wrestling first.  I wrestled as a kid thru college and started karate when I was 14.  I basically did karate & wrestling until I turned pro at age 20.  Wrestling is by far one of the main disciplines of MMA. You are not going to go far without wrestling training. Then I would say for me, boxing / kickboxing was the next important.  It’s kind of hard to say because I also trained & competed in Judo along w/ kickboxing.  Later I trained catch wrestling and Braziilain jujitsu. (I trained with some of the great catch wrestlers of Japan.)

Brandon: Who was the toughest opponent you ever beat? What was your strategy to defeat them? 

Guy: Beating the legendary Masa Funakai was my best win. My strategy for beating him was to out- smart him and out work him.  I, also, kept the fight standing; thanks to my superior wrestling ability. I also beat him up pretty badly with kicks and punches.  

Brandon: What is the difference between people training for the UFC vs. main stream martial arts classes?

Guy: Intensity level of pro fighters is the main difference and usually the UFC/pro fighters have more skills 

Brandon:  What was your training schedule like when you were preparing for a fight?

Guy: It was tough.  8:00 boxing/kickboxing training…12:00 or 1:00 was grappling…6:00 strength & conditioning 

Brandon: You run a very successful MMA school in Dallas called Guy Mezger's Combat Sport Club. What makes your school different than everyone else’s?

Guy: I have brought together the very best trainers from various displines.  My coaches are not just a judo coach or a kickboxing coach etc., they are the best judo coach or the best kickboxing coach.  I do my best to create an atmosphere of unity, intensity and leadership by example at all levels regardless if you are a pro or beginner.  

Brandon: Can you tell us who your number one mentor has been in your MMA career? What are 3 things you learned from him?

Guy: Billye Jack Jackson (my coach for over 15 yrs), 1) He taught me that good character was more important than winning (& all real winners had good character); 2) Hard work is not a talking point but any action point.  You are either willing to train like the champ or you are not.  The results speak for themselves. 3) Be grateful for the blessings you receive.

Brandon:  What was your mindset before your very first fight? How did you overcome any nervousness?

Guy:  For my first fight I was a wreck mentally & I am not sure if I ever really overcame being nervous.  I just went out there and took care of business.  I became more relaxed with each fight.  

Thank you for conduction this question and answer session with us Guy. You made a terrific impression on us by your quick response time and willingness to help with Brandon’s goals. We wish you good fortune with your future endeavors. 

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