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Martial Arts/Questions
| Subject | Date Asked | Expert |
| Fear???!! | 1/31/2012 | Phillip A. Humphries |
| Q: i practice muay thai. i keep in top condition working out almost every day. im in better shape than ... A: Navid, You are certainly not alone, as what you describe is common. Everyone has a fear of ... | ||
| Fear???!! | 1/31/2012 | Rob Marks |
| Q: i practice muay thai. i keep in top condition working out almost every day. im in better shape than ... A: Sorry, for the delay. I have been experiencing some e mail issues. Anyhow, I normally don't address ... | ||
| Fear???!! | 1/31/2012 | Mike Casto |
| Q: i practice muay thai. i keep in top condition working out almost every day. im in better shape than ... A: I know this probably isn't what you want to hear but it's the truth (or, at least, the truth as I ... | ||
| Fear???!! | 1/31/2012 | Michael |
| Q: i practice muay thai. i keep in top condition working out almost every day. im in better shape than ... A: I believe this problem you have stems somewhere from your past. Everyone has a similar feeling to ... | ||
| Can martial arts help me in this regard? | 12/12/2011 | Mike Casto |
| Q: I have an undercurrent, subconscious fear of conflict with people in its diverse forms (verbal or ... A: Absolutely. There's a concept called "stress inoculation" which is that the more experience you ... | ||
| Teacher finds you | 10/27/2011 | Mike Casto |
| Q: What is your take on the statement that I've heard (and read) in martial arts circles "Your martial ... A: The thing about "non-compliant" training is that it's easy to spin your wheels. One of the things ... | ||
| Teacher finds you | 10/25/2011 | Mike Casto |
| Q: What is your take on the statement that I've heard (and read) in martial arts circles "Your martial ... A: I've definitely heard that statement - and a couple of variations :D One variation I like is, "When ... | ||
| Teacher finds you | 10/25/2011 | Dwight Woods |
| Q: Have you ever heard the statement "Your martial arts instructor will find you". (Or similar ... A: Danny, The version I'm aware of is, "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear." I believe ... | ||
| Martial arts in general | 10/16/2011 | Mike Casto |
| Q: I was woundering what form of martial arts would best suit a 5/9" 198lbs person who is mostly upper ... A: There are several that I might mention but unless they're in your area they won't help much (unless ... | ||
| Help | 10/1/2011 | George Petrotta |
| Q: How do you get it through the students head on how to do a Front Snap Kick and Sidekick, Roundhouse ... A: Sir, The first question you asked is answered thusly: Be an example to them. If you want them to ... | ||
| Help | 9/30/2011 | George Petrotta |
| Q: I do Taekwondo but the reason why I click on you for help we do some drills explain the reason and ... A: Sir, there are many reasons for doing what we do in the training sessions. 1. This is the way that ... | ||
| TKD or Hapkido | 9/11/2011 | George Petrotta |
| Q: for my 7year old boy. My concerns 1) self control & discipline and, not accumulate bad "Karma". 2) ... A: I am answering you from the East Coast of the USA. I am sure your 7 year old child is different then ... | ||
| Traditional fighting Hung Gar | 8/14/2011 | Peter Ziboce |
| Q: In kung fu they say all that you need to know is in the forms. In the forms when you face one ... A: Jaylyn, In kung fu, we should know more other than the forms. Forms are important, when we talk ... | ||
| ma technique | 7/4/2011 | Jeffrey-Peter Hauck |
| Q: Of course technique has broader meaning, and can also be used to describe for example a breathing ... A: David, That is a good question and I will try to answer it as plainly as possible to avoid ... | ||
| Combative System For Civilian | 6/17/2011 | Rob Marks |
| Q: I Am Currently Looking for a Straight, to the point, Combative System...I have no interest in Katas, ... A: Well it looks like you have your goals set, that is usually the biggest hurdle so, here we go... ... | ||
| Punch weight | 6/12/2011 | George Petrotta |
| Q: Sir I've been practising boxing but i can't improve my punch weight. Pleas let me know how to ... A: Sir, there are two ways I can look at your question. One, is the actual mass of your body being too ... | ||
| Punch weight | 6/12/2011 | Dwight Woods |
| Q: Sir i've been practising boxing for a while. But i can't improve my punch weight. Please tel me how ... A: Srinivas, I'm assuming that by "punch weight" you actually mean punch power. So I'm going to tell ... | ||
| How to improve the punch power | 5/10/2011 | George Petrotta |
| Q: my age is 20. i have been doing leg stretching for high kicks for 2yrs. i can kick high but im ... A: Punch speed is a simple matter of using relaxed muscles to garner more speed. To start with, put a ... | ||
| internatial championship martial arts in bradenton florida april 30 to may 1 of 2004 | 5/9/2011 | Michael |
| Q: International martial arts championship in bradenton florida, april 30 to mayo 1 2004 , I ... A: well that is quite difficult to do. Here is a contact that I found for the international martial ... | ||
| Seeking a particular type... | 5/8/2011 | Andy Fossett |
| Q: I currently have a lot of time on my hands and have been looking to start studying one of the ... A: It's great that you're finally able to take action on this interest and begin practice. One thing ... | ||
| Deciding Which Martial Art | 5/8/2011 | Michael |
| Q: I currently have a lot of time on my hands and have been looking to start studying one of the ... A: It sounds like Martial arts will do you well however finding the right one is difficult. It took me ... | ||
| Knife Fighting/Defense System | 3/15/2011 | Rob Marks |
| Q: The Appeal of Martial arts for me, is not the Ability to Impress Judges or Compete in the ring. I ... A: Again, I would recommend the two systems that i recommended previously (Hock CQC & Raven Tactical). ... | ||
| what to choose | 3/15/2011 | Michael |
| Q: I have a thought pondering in my mind whether to take judo or tai chi. I prefer purely self defence ... A: Truthfully I will tell you that tai chi can be the most deadly of arts but takes years to ... | ||
| Knife Fighting/Defense System | 3/14/2011 | Rob Marks |
| Q: The Appeal of Martial arts for me, is not the Ability to Impress Judges or Compete in the ring. I ... A: I see that we are like minded as I care not about competition either. If I look good doing a ... | ||
| please help me choose | 3/11/2011 | Phillip A. Humphries |
| Q: im 18 and really short (5'6 and 127 pounds) but very fast and have a very strong build. i like ... A: Navid, Both of the martial arts you mentioned are very good systems, nobody will argue that. Wing ... | ||
| please help me choose | 3/11/2011 | Andy Fossett |
| Q: im 18 and really short (5'6 and 127 pounds) but very fast and have a very strong build. i like ... A: Hey Navid. Both arts have advantages and disadvantages, but ultimately, you'll have to find a ... | ||
| how to react | 3/9/2011 | Jeffrey-Peter Hauck |
| Q: I have been practicing karate for about 12 yrs., I have a 2nd Dan in Okinawan Kempo Karate. I have a ... A: Unfortunately it sounds like another one of those situations where we have to travel through ... | ||
| help choosing | 3/3/2011 | Igor Klibanov |
| Q: I have found a Southern Mantis school where I've recently been training. If I may I'd like to ask a ... A: Hey Rick, Thanks a lot for getting in touch with me. I'm not familiar with the southern mantis ... | ||
| leg stretching | 2/19/2011 | Phillip A. Humphries |
| Q: my age is 20.i've been practicing kung fu for years but i can't do stretching proparly & im unable ... A: Srinu, You bring up a situation that impacts many martial arts practitioners, myself included. I ... | ||
| martial art | 2/12/2011 | George Petrotta |
| Q: Im intrested in martial art and would like to know wich martial arts teach mostly strike and ... A: It depends on what martial arts you have available in your section of your country. Muay Thai is a ... | ||
| Training for the Adrenaline Dump | 1/23/2011 | Rob Marks |
| Q: Besides tactical breathing, what are some good exercises to teach students on how to manage an ... A: Well, it sounds as if your on the right track thus far however; I would recommend that you make each ... | ||
| tae kwon do black belt | 1/23/2011 | George Petrotta |
| Q: in 1984 i achieved 1st degree black belt rank in Ouijongbu, Korea. how can i get a copy of my ... A: Sir, There are many Martial Arts organizations in Korea, it would be helpful to know which one you ... | ||
| Kuntao Silat In Los Angeles California | 12/30/2010 | Mike Casto |
| Q: Do you know of any Kuntao Silat teaches in Los Angeles California I know you mentioned Paul and ... A: Paul & Victor are in L.A. but they don't teach Kuntao Silat. One of Uncle Bill's guys, Ray Robles, ... | ||
| what is Serak | 12/29/2010 | Mike Casto |
| Q: Ive heard many terms of Silat affiliated with the De Thouars Family including kuntao and Pencak ... A: Personally, I really like the training I've had in the Serak family of systems. It suits my personal ... | ||
| what is Serak | 12/29/2010 | Mike Casto |
| Q: Ive heard many terms of Silat affiliated with the De Thouars Family including kuntao and Pencak ... A: Wow. Good questions. The fact that you even know the terms/names you know indicates more knowledge ... | ||
| How to get started? | 12/22/2010 | Phillip A. Humphries |
| Q: I'm currently 17 and I want to get into Martial arts. I came across a guy who is an actor and a real ... A: I am very familiar with Michael Jai White, who is a well-known and respected martial artist. He is ... | ||
| How to get started? | 12/22/2010 | Michael |
| Q: I'm currently 17 and I want to get into Martial arts. I came across a guy who is an actor and a real ... A: First I must say look at ur own accomplishments in the arts u choose never try to compete or become ... | ||
| How to get started? | 12/22/2010 | Mike Casto |
| Q: I'm currently 17 and I want to get into Martial arts. I came across a guy who is an actor and a real ... A: The only real answer is that you have to seek out instructors in these arts/systems and train. A ... | ||
| How to get started? | 12/22/2010 | Andy Fossett |
| Q: I'm currently 17 and I want to get into Martial arts. I came across a guy who is an actor and a real ... A: Cool. If you want to achieve what Michael White has done, then it's best to follow his path. Study ... | ||
| How to get started? | 12/22/2010 | Rob Marks |
| Q: I'm currently 17 and I want to get into Martial arts. I came across a guy who is an actor and a real ... A: This is really not my field of expertise (as if I'm an expert) but I will try to offer some input? ... | ||
Martial Arts
Answers by Expert:
Mike Casto
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
My primary area of "expertise" (for lack of a better term) is in Filipino and Indonesian martial arts. However, I've been involved in the martial arts since 1978, trained in several systems and been exposed to many, many others. I've also done a fair amount of reading about martial arts in general and about various systems. I can answer questions about Filipino and Indonesian martial arts and I can often answer questions about martial arts in general. Feel free to ask me any question about martial arts. Even if I don`t have an answer I can often point you in the right direction to find the answer.
Experience
I've been involved in martial arts since 1978. I started in Tae Kwon Do and, when my instructor quit teaching, I began training in Okinawan Goju-Ryu. In 1995 I was introduced to Filipino Kali/Arnis/Eskrima and Indonesian Pentjak Silat. I've been training primarily in them since 1995. I've taught private lessons, classes, seminars and workshops all over the United States, in Europe and in China. I have also trained with a wide variety of martial artists in different disciplines. Between hands-on exposure to various martial arts and reading about many others I have a very well-rounded knowledge of martial arts in general.
Publications
- A Pondering of Principles available on Amazon.com and other online book stores.
- November 2008 cover article for Tae Kwon Do Times
Education/Credentials
- Sikal: Lakan Dalawa/Guru Dua (2nd Level Instructor)
- Shen Chuan: 2nd Degree Black Belt and Certified Instructor
- Cacoy Doce Pares Eskrima/Eskrido: 7th Degree Black Belt
- Anjing Gembala Pencak Silat: Utama Guru (Chief Instructor)
Awards and Honors
- 2008 Doce Pares Hall of Fame Inductee for Exemplary Dedication to Doce Pares
- 2010 Doce Pares Hall of Fame Inductee for Outstanding Law Enforcement Instructor
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