Last week, Vanessa and James both completed their level requirements for their study of Pekiti Tirsia Kali.  Vanessa has worked diligently since she joined us a few months ago and did a great job with her level 1 (Yakan Isa) test.  James did well finishing his level 2 (Yakan Dalawa) material.  Keep up the great work!

Video: Alan and Eric warmup in a Kali class with Espada y Daga coordination drills.

Here is a short video of students practicing a Dumog technique in the Tuesday night class. I plan to post more from time to time just so those of you who missed class can see what we are up to. :)

Tactical Arts Academy students Jeanette Ladores and Eric Shimmel recently kicked some butt sparring at the the recent Second Annual Pekiti Tirsia Kali Asia Pacific Convention held in Calatagan, Batangas Province, Philippines.

The Texas Kali Association is having a gathering on February 12, 2012 for new and renewing members.  Come join us for some good training and a discussion of events and activities for 2012.  More details are available here

Here are a few takedowns from last week's Pencak Silat Mande Muda classes.  Zain, Scott, Adrianne, Bob and Eric are all working on an awesome mix of Harimau trips and takedowns.

We will be co-hosting a seminar with Guru Besar Rita Suwanda of Pencak Silat Mande Muda in Plano, Texas on April 21 and 22.  More details to come.

Skill Work:
10 Box Squats
5 1h KB Swings
10 1/2 rotation twists
15 sec headstand

WOD:

Skill Work:
10 Box Squats
5 1h KB Swings
10 1/2 rotation twists
15 sec headstand

WOD:

Skill Training:
10 Wall Drills
10 Vertical Jumps
15 KB Swings
15 sec L-Sit

WOD:

Skill Training:
10 Wall Drills
10 Vertical Jumps
15 KB Swings
15 sec L-Sit

WOD:  "Brenton"

Skill Training:
10 Wall Drills
10 Vertical Jumps
15 KB Swings
15 sec L-Sit

WOD:

Photo: John Hurth teaching us how to examine a track trap.

Many of you ask us during our CrossFit conditioning sessions, "How much more time?" or "How many more minutes?"

Well, now you will know.  I just ordered for you, the No Limits Programable Timer which can run intervals, countdowns, stopwatch times and more.  It has bright red, 4 inch tall digits.  You can't miss the time.  You will be able to pull your face off the floor after your last pushup and know exactly what your time is.

Our first few knives are nearing completion.  We are considering a couple of variations in the handle design.  One would have a simple handle end, the other would have filed grooves for striking. Any preferences?

This week the grinding has been done and the micarta scales are being prrepped to fit.  After a final aproval upon my return from the Philippines next week, we will finish our first run of blades. 

I am very please to announce that our first generation of Tactical Arts Academy Fighting Fixed Blade Knives are currently in the making with expert knifemaker Jeff Crowner.  A first run of 20 blades will be ready in April. 

If you have not seen the design yet, take a look at the final prototype.

For several years, the demand for the Defensive Tactics and Military Combatives offered through the professional curriculum of Pekiti Tirsia Kali has been skyrocketing.  Since the beginning, Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje has always stated his biggest problem is that we do not have enough qualified instructors.  Well, we are trying to change that on an ongoing basis.  On June 8-10, 2012 in Austin, Texas at the Tactical Arts Academy, Tuhon Rommel and I will be conducting a certification course for the first level of our Tactical Operator Survival Program - Instructor Certification Course. 

We are wrapping up the last week of our Impact Weapons training in the Defensive Tactics class.  See the video below of one of our drills.

"Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time which every day produces, and which most men throw away. "
- Charles Caleb Colton

Leslie and I decided to start sharing our Paleo dishes with you.  The first dish we would like to share is "Oregano Shrimp". 

The ingredients are shrimp, olive oil, lemon, fresh oregano, garlic, salt and pepper.