Interview with Kevin Secours - Systema Expert

Systema

Kevin Secours B.Ed. is one of North America's foremost specialists in Russian Systema. Kevin was long renown for his concise grasp of Systema and his innovative approach to sharing his knowledge. He has published some of the first and most comprehensive articles on the subject. He has been featured in numerous DVD's including his own best-selling combat series, and taught Systema on 5 continents. In 2010, Kevin formed The International Combat Systema Association to more fully represent his continuing evolution and understanding of the Russian martial arts.

What makes Russian Systema different from Krav Maga?

Systema is often equated to Krav because they are both military hybrids but beyond that they do not have much in common. Krav focuses more on aggressiveness and is about moving forward. They prioritize sweeping 360 degree blocks and direct pressure and a small arsenal of simple high probability techniques. SYSTEMA by comparison advocates a lot of breath work to help keep a high degree of relative relaxation and emphasizes on biomechanical efficiency. It emphasizes yielding rather than pressure and adaptability rather than memorization. Epistemologically, it actually the polar opposite.

What is the difference between what you teach and what a pure Russian Systema school will teach? 

What I teach (combat SYSTEMA) is my interpretation. SYSTEMA is a hybrid that was created in the 1930's but various teachers relay their version as if it has achieved perfection. I believe that no one or one system has all the answers and the definition of a hybrid is that it is constantly evolving. Evolution is a process not an end result. It should never stop shifting and integrating. I have no interest in trying to be Russian. I am a westerner and this necessarily leads to a different interpretation. I have profound previous experience and I will not forsake this either. I would expect no less of any student that trains with me. I advocate cross training and individual realization.

You have expertise in Goshinbudo. Can you tell us about this style and what it's strengths and weaknesses are?

Goshinbudo literally means self defense. It is all about survival and fighting. There are various schools of goshinbudo in the world but they are generally based on jujitsu in some respect. Our approach is all about getting home alive. It is very strong in it's principles, and like everything that we teach. I modify and adapt it so I am always trying to plug up its weaknesses. The key for us is to pressure test and then to observe and accept what we discovered to make the necessary changes.

We are also very interested in your expertise in Five Animal Shaolin Chuanshu. Many people claim animal styles are strictly for Hollywood. What are you thoughts on this? Can they be used successfully in real life combat? Can they be successfully applied in real life combat?

I can't speak to whether or not five animal work is purely Hollywood or not. It certainly weighs heavily in marketing. There was some good material in it. I certainly still favour a lot of gouging which I was first introduced to there, but I was working as a doorman when I used to teach it and literally had one encounter one night wherein I realized I was never using the style in application and was always reverting to my jujitsu; so I came in the next day and told my crew I couldn't teach it any more in good conscience. We haven't really used it very much since that day; save for as a basis of comparison and important life experience. There are strong advocates out there who could speak to it's value far better than I could.

What was the last 3 things you learned with martial arts?

The last three things I learned with martial arts:

First being an observation I made about hip movement with firearms when working with a defensive tactics friend of mine--it was one of those things he was doing without realizing it, just torquing the hip as he moved his eyes. Very subtle but a light bulb went off.

Second, I had to work through a lower back pull recently during one of the most hectic schedules ever, and it taught me a lot about isolating my core and moving on what was essential.

Third, we had a situation with a homeless guy shooting up heroine in the stairwell of the downtown office building where my dojo was and I had to bounce him out. It was late, I was tired and wasn't expecting him naturally and after the fact I was quite ramped up and I used a variation of staggered breathing (inhaling in this case in 6 increments and exhaling in 6) afterwards to calm myself down and realized firsthand just how effective it was for me.

Those have been the big three from the last few weeks.

What inspires you to be better next year than you are today?

I am inspired by everything. My son is a huge factor because he is only four and I want to be alive and healthy as long as possible to share everything that I know firsthand. My students are another huge factor because I want to feed those that are hungry and lately I have been on a real mission to get a lot of info out. There is just so much bad instruction out there. That alone is motivating.

What is your favorite quote? Why does it apply specifically to your life?

My favourite quote is from Rumi--the first obligation of the teacher is to destroy the idol the student would make of them. I try constantly to advocate critical thinking and to get rid of fantasy and worship and wishful thinking in the dojo. Ego is a life waster. I just want honest sharing.

Here's a hypothetical situation. All government has broken down and it's chaos in the world. You are only able to have 3 weapons and no firearms. What would they be and why?

My apocalypse backpack is already packed-- cold steel karambit is the first go-to. It is my favorite for hand to hand. Great leverage and cutting capacity. It fits naturally with my fighting approach. Second would be a good quality Kuhkri. My ka-bar is in my bag right now. It doubles for an axe for bushcraft and can hack a path through anything and even throws well. Third would be my tomahawk. You can hook or smash or hack. I double it up with the karambit for optimal zombie mayhem. It deploys quickly, works well in close combat or at a distance, again can be thrown easily and is super durable and still effective if you forgot to pack a sharpening stone.

What new projects can we expect to see from you in the next 5 years?

The next five years will see a lot of growth in my online learning site www.combatprofessor.com. It will see the launch of a instructional DVD series with a major US provider. It will see continued stunt and choreography work in the entertainment industry as early as this year. It will see a reduction in travel and seminars with focus on home life. It will also see a lot more written material and hopefully a continued growth in my own training and teaching.

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

Final words would just be to trust your gut and to always choose teachers over styles. If something doesn't feel like the right fit, keep looking. You are the best expert on you. Don't be told otherwise.

Thank you Kevin. We really enjoyed reading about you and your journey.  Your advise is greatly appreciated by a number of our readers and we will continue to follow your progress and your journey.

See more at www.montrealsystema.com
http://www.youtube.com/systemacanada

Interview with Monty Hendrix

TaeKwonDo

Master Monty Hendrix is the Founder and Owner of Essential Martial Arts.  Master Hendrix is a published author and his column "The Essentials" is currently featured in each issue of the international martial arts magazine, "TaeKwonDo Times," (sold at Barnes and Noble).  Master Hendrix holds the rank of 7th Dan Black Belt in TaeKwonDo, 4th Degree Master in HapKiDo and is a Full Instructor in Contemporary Jeet Kune Do. He also has 10 years of experience in Philippine Martial Arts and several years actively training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/Submission grappling.

Which of your accomplishments means the most to you? Why?

I don't really think about life in terms of accomplishments as much as I enjoy the journey. I have a room full of major championships along with belts and certificates but I feel my greatest accomplishment is seeing a student make a personal improvement - on or off the mat - and then having them come back to me and say our martial arts program helped them make it possible. 

You hold a black belt or instructor level in numerous martial arts. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each? Which one do you recommend people start with?

All arts have strengths and weaknesses.  However, these strengths and weaknesses are different for each person.  I like the diversity of HapKiDo. I like the aggressive nature of Jeet Kune Do. I like the softness of Tai Chi. I like the extreme nature of the knife and stick and I like the simplicity and work out of traditional Taekwon-Do.  The weakness of any art is held within the personal limitations of the individual studying that art. 

When do you advocate for a child to fight back against a bully at school? Many schools have taken on the policy to suspend anyone participating in fighting even if it's self defense? 

When the other option is to be injured physically.  The rules are secondary if bodily harm becomes imminent. 

It seems systems like BJJ and Jeet June Do do not have forms. However, systems like Taekwondo feel they are instrumental? So, how important are forms if some awesome systems don't use them?

Forms are simply a set of combinations along with a method of solo training that is handed down from instructor to student in order to build: Technical ability along with physical fitness and mental discipline.  Nothing more and nothing less.  All legitimate fighting systems have combinations and solo training drills that build these attributes.  Some use formal "sets" and some use a hanging bag, while others simply use mat space.  It is up to the individual to find a system and training method that suits them physically and mentally.  

When we go to tournaments we see young kids with black belts. We also hear people speaking negatively about it. What is your take on young kids being awarded black belts?

I can not criticize how anyone trains their students. Each system has different emphasis. So, that system may or may not be appropriate or feasible for a young person to meet certain training goals and make milestone achievements.  I have styles such as HapKiDo, Knife Fighting, Jeet Kune Do and Tai Chi that children are not allowed to even participate.  In our Taekwon-Do program, an individual must be at least 16 years old to achieve a full ranking black belt. Below that age they can only earn a "junior" status black belt. I do this because I have no personal desire to train a child the same way we would train an adult.  Therefore the black belt designation must be different for us.  

Critics claim there is little or no punching in TKD. Is this so? 

There is little punching seen in Olympic style TKD sparring b/c of the rules.  However, I have seen many Olympic TKD stylist perform incredible feats of breaking with the hands. Additionally I have seen their forms and they have a full arsenal of hand techniques.  However, we only teach traditional Taekwon-Do.  The system we teach has many more hand techniques than kick techniques and hands and feet are both often and regularly used to score in sparring both to the body and to the head.  The confusion for non TKD stylist is that both branches of TKD teach powerful kicks as well as spinning and jumping kicks.  These kicks are very dynamic visually so I believe some people outside of the TKD community believe TKD must only be kicking b/c kicks are the hallmarks of the style.  I could see this being an innocent mistake.  

Why do we see so many Jeet Kune Do experts also specialize in Kali or a type of Philippine Martial Arts?

You see this a lot b/c both systems involve hand traps at close quarters. Also, JKD does not actually use weapons so FMA is a great way to learn the stick and knife for any stylist.  

What changes do you see happening in modern martial arts? What are  your thoughts on them?

I think you will see martial arts continuing to spread. Some people will continue to love the traditional arts. Some will love the self defense systems. Some will love the diverse and mixed systems while others will enjoy the systems that teach fitness and relaxation. With the Internet being such a large part of our lives now, I see more people becoming aware that there is a martial art out there for everyone.  As a result of that you will also see more martial arts schools opening up and probably closing down. Just because you love something doesn't mean everyone will love it. Just because you can "do" something doesn't mean you can teach it. So buyer beware.  

How to do you insure all 3 of your schools get enough personal attention?

We have a full staff of professional certified black belts at each location.

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

Train hard and enjoy the journey no matter what art or arts you train.  All arts have something to offer. Don't let anyone tell you differently.  I believe there is no BEST art but there might be a best art for YOU !  Just remember not to disrespect what is the best for someone else on your path of discovery.  

Thank you Master Hendrix for your valuable time and well thought out answers.

Interview with Anthony Pho - Martial Arts Expert, Actor and Stunt Man

Martial Arts Expert

Anthony Pho is an expert in multiple martial arts styles. He currently lives in France where he enjoys a successful career as an actor and stunt man in French Movies.  

Tell  us about your martial arts and acrobatic background.

I started martial arts when I was 13 with Vovinam Vietvodao for 5 years.  This is a very complete style considered as Vietnamese kung fu. Afterwards I studied Taekwondo. I’m a black belt and I have learned the basics of gymnastics. I also do tricking and I train more on weapons (single/double nunchuks, katana, bo staff, kamas). 

But since 2008, I started to learn screen fighting and falls. I was lucky to meet Olivier Schneider and Patrick Vo from  U-men stunts. They choreographed various movies including Fast and Furious 6, Taken and Safe House. Olivier and Patrick have been my teachers for a year and I have also had several years of training with my friend Manu Lanzi, who really helps me a lot. I can’t thank him enough for being my teacher.

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What do you think you would be doing if you did not have martial arts and acrobatic training?

I have a Masters degree in computer science. I could work as an engineer but I have been so lucky to land various jobs in the movie industry after I graduated.

How dangerous is being a stunt person? Is it as dangerous as it looks or is there an aspect of safety to it?

I don’t think it’s dangerous because you should know what you are able to do and NOT able to do. You have to train a lot to prepare your body and everyone has their specialities. 

If you don’t feel a stunt, don’t be upset to tell the stunt coordinator you don’t want to take the risk. There is nothing worse than making your stunt coordinator embarrassed because you got injured doing something you know you could not do.

You are padded most of the time, and you rehearse the stunt little by little, so most of the time, it is safe and the stunt coordinator is there to prevent any risks.

In your opinion, what is different between being an actor in France and being an actor in the United States? 

That really depends on your projects and yourself. To me, as an Asian actor in France, it’s very difficult to play a role that is different from that of an Asian character. There are not as many projects compared to the United States, but we often play the same type of roles; as an immigrant, a waiter, somebody in a Chinese mafia… But sometimes you have other kind of interesting propositions. But some American friends told me they have the similar roles as I do in France. I hope that will change one day so that we have a variety of roles to choose from.

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What do you feel defines a "successful" actor?

To me, a "successful" actor is somebody that can really choose to play want he wants to play and the projects he wants to be involved in. "Successful" is a kind of freedom for the actor.

What is something you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting out as an actor? 

During the different acting classes and movies I’ve done, the best advice I could give anyone is to let yourself go! You have to be free of your body, of your mind and concentrate on your character, your partners and your environment. You always have to be aware of everything, and accept what your partners give to you. If something unexpected happens and you are surprised, integrate it in your acting; that makes it more real and more interesting.

It’s easy to tell you this but you have to act, act and act to understand it.

What character have you played that you felt was most like you? Why?

I’ve just finished shooting a new TV show for France called " CHEFS" directed by Arnaud Malherbe about french food and culture. It’s weird because I have never really cooked. I played Woo, who is Korean. He came to France to learn the french food and culture. I could really relate to this character because he’s someone very nice, shy, always smiling and always trying to help others.  It was funny to play because you just have to learn the lines and be directed.

What is the most interesting role you have played?

A movie called "Shanghai Belleville" directed by Show Chun LEE (not released yet) where I had one of the main characters. I played Liwei, a Chinese immigrant who came to France with his little brother because their parents were killed for being smugglers. He tried to live in France, build a new life and he was confronted with many integration problems. It was very difficult because it was my first role in a movie and I did not have prior experience to draw from. The character had such a terrible experience in their life.  I really worked hard to learn the history of my character and his personality.  I have written a diary to try to know everything about him in order to construct the character, which in turn helps me to act.  I have also done a really hard diet to change the way I move because the character did not have the daily comfort in their life like I do.  Despite all this, I still think that this is the most interesting experience I have had. 

Do you have any hobbies outside acting, martial arts and acrobatics?

I really enjoy photography and I started to direct my own videos with cute stories involving my cousins aged of 6 to 9.

Anthony, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions and offer insight that helps our audience learn more about you. 

For more information on Anthony Pho, visit http://www.anthonypho.com/