New seminar Dvd

Felix Valencia June 2008 Dublin Seminar Dvd

In the summer of 2008 Felix Valencia made his first visit to Ireland. This 107 minute dvd covers the material that was taught. Empty Hand v Empty Hand, Striking, Grappling, Empty Hand v Knife, Empty Hand v Stick, Disarms, Take Downs, Body Mechanics, Footwork, and Sarong.

To order this dvd contact guruliam@hotmail.com costs €35 including world wide posting. Students who attended the seminar can buy the Dvd for €25. Paypal Accepted

Calling all Instructors

Would you like to offer any of these two unique combat warrior systems "Cimande" or "Valencia Eskrima" to your students? These system can offer you, new insight, direction and endless training opportunities, either as a add on to what you already offering your students, or to be taught in their own right. These two unlimited warrior systems cover all areas of empty hands (Grappling/ Striking/ Groundfighting) techniques( Locks, Throws, Elbows, Kicks, Knees etc..)
and Weapon Skills either blade or Stick. All clubs Instructors will be offer a chance to go on the Silat Instructor Learning Accerlated Training (S.I.L.A.T.) Programme with opportunites to become a Representative for your area or even International Director. Interested?? Than call
00353 87 9956569 (087 9956569 within Ireland) or email guruliam@hotmail.com for more details.

New Instructor

Many congratulations to Guru Baharau Paul Byrne who successfully pass his Instructor Grading on Sunday 20th July in Blanchardstown. Paul has been a very dedicated student, who has shown over the years dedication, hard work and great skill. Other people on the day who pass their gradings

Ular Sawa (Snake Mannerisn)
Kathleen McCabe
Jonathan woolbridge
Christopher O'Connor
Patrick Koeberl

Harimau (Tiger Mannerism)
Sion Marc Simpson (UK)

Bela Diri (Self Defence Phase 1)
Keith Lawless
Trevor Bacon
Brian Dunne
Conor Mulvey
Stephen Fortune

Guru Felix Valencia Knife Sparring

Guru Felix Valencia Knife sparring in Germany a week after his Irish Seminar. Video clips of his Irish seminar will be uploaded shortly. http://youtube.com/watch?v=_tgyMY21KEI

Training in Combat Silat

There are a number of ways to train in Combat Silat. These depends on your location, time available to learn, dedication and willingness to learn. We do not give weekend instructor certificates, or over the internet ! You will have to actually train, no exceptions! To understand and develop you will need to train regularly in one of the formats below. This is a unique combat system and you need to spend real time in an alive environment to understand how this system works.

1) Sign up to a class.
All the classes offer an Introductory trial, where you can join up for a 8 classes to experience the training . The cost for this is €80. At the end of the trial you can decided if this something you want to continue to train in and get a greater development of yourself. Details of the locations of schools can be found on this site, or by contacting Guru Liam 087 9956569 / e mail guruliam@hotmail.com

2) Personal Training
You can arrange and book some Personal Training. This format of training allows you to get a much personal deeper understanding of the art. You would learn quicker than a normal class as the training would be develop around your personal needs. Cost for this training is €60 for 1 hour lesson (Block book of 6 lessons €300) You may share the lesson with another student for no extra cost.

3)Attend a Seminar / Workshop
You can experience the art by attending any of the Seminars / Workshop that are available. Have a look at the event section and book yourself a place at any event coming up. Seminars / Workshops are great way to experience in deep detail, areas of training, and give you a good opportunity to get a taste of what training in silat is all about. If you like to be kept up to date on future event email guruliam@hotmail.com

4) Host your own Workshop / Training Group
If you are already run a Martial Arts Club or have a group of friends who would be interested in learning Combat Silat or Valencia Lameco Eskrima, you can host your own workshop or set up a training group in your location.

There are two formats a) You organise Workshops for your club or location, this way you get to experience what Combat Silat or Valencia Lameco Eskrima is all about. b) After the first workshop (if you wish) you can set up a "Apprentice Training Group" for your area. You the organiser of these workshops, will get the opportunity to train on the "Combat Silat Intensive Instructor Programme". You can also have the opportunity to become an Official Representative for your area or even a International Director for your country, depending on availability.

Combat Silat returns to Dublin City Center

Combat Silat has restarted again at Fitness Dock Gym on Camden Street. This excellent modern enviroment in central Dublin, close to public transport will give people access to training in Silat. The first course which comm on Sat 17th May for 5 weeks will be an intro and will cover various elements of training, that cross over between Silat and Kali in relation to empty hands training (striking/ grappling) and weapons training (Cane / Knife). The next course will start on Sat 12th July and there be 16 places available on the course, which will fill up shortly so if you like to take part and experience Combat Silat and Kali, get in touch with us ~ 087 9956569 to secure your place !

www.thefitnessdock.ie - Link to the gym- details of locations, and facilities.

Combat Knife Workshop

Guru Liam McDonald
SUNDAY 25h MAY 12.30PM – 4.30PM
COST £35
VENUE : SEVEN TOWERS LEISURE CENTER
BALLYMENA CO. ANTRIM

TOPIC: KNIFE DEFENCES
●Knife Defence from a Stalement /Counters / Timing
●Knife Disarms / Angles / Footwork
●Short Range Techniques
●High Speed Takedowns
●Long range Techniques
●Ground Struggles / Ground Control
●Basic Do’s and Don’t of Knife Defence

To book a place at this unique workshop !
Contact Robert Scott 07710957970
or Liam McDonald 0035387 9956569 / email guruliam@hotmail.com or check www.silateurope.com

Felix Valencia comes to Ireland

Felix Valencia knife and Kali Master 1st Irish Seminar

Sat 21st June / Sun 22nd June - Dublin

Felix Valencia will be making his first visit to Ireland in June. The event hosted by Combat Silat International and Guru Liam Mc Donald. Felix Valencia was Edgar Suilte top student, and was nickname the "Brawler" due to combat attitude towards training and sparring, inside the training arena and on the streets of the Philippines. Due to the sudden Death Of Edgar, Felix has been developing his skills not only in Lameco eskrima but spent 5 years studying under Dan Insanto and Herman Suwanda of Mande Muda. He spent two years in Thailand learning Muay Thai and was undefeated in the ring, during that time. Along with this Felix also spent time learning Hawaiian Lua (a warrior traditional art the island blending grappling / striking and weapon training), boxing and shooto wrestling. Felix also takes parts in a number of Dogbrothers events both stick and knife. Felix has remain undefeated in area of knife sparring. Combining all of these arts has led Felix to develop a deep understanding of what works in all combat areas. On the saturday there will be a two hour section on combat stick applications.

The main focus of Felix seminar is to focus on knife defense, this is due to the fact that a blade attack is usually the choosen weapon, that most attacker use. Felix main goal is to simulate real life knife attacks, taking control of the situation and how to react tactically. He will teach the breakdown of the knife, and what to look for in a real knife fight, where a suspect may hide a weapon and improvised a weapon such as a pen, handkercief or belt. An over view of what Felix will be covering at the seminar.

Close Range:

• Introduction of ground control
• Ground against the knife
• Take downs
• Arrest and control
• Escalation of force
• Sparring on the ground

Medium Range:
• Kick and punch with the knife
• Riding the arm
• Blocking, Passing and Trapping
• Introduction to weapon retention
• Introduction to 21 foot and 5 foot rule

Long Range:• Knife to knife sparring
• Footwork
• Angles of attack
• Thrusting
• Lunges and Flinch
• Hand evasion
• Postures (positive and negative)
• Knife vs. sticks (sparring)
• Knife vs. knife (sparring)
• Two against one (sparring)

Over the past decade Felix has been in huge demand in America and has taught a number of various Secruity Agencies, and Martial Arts Associations, With
this first trip to Ireland, it wont be long before his popularity in Europe will increase. Some of the groups that Felix has taught has included

● F.B.I
● C.I.A
● S.W.A.T
• Los Angeles Police Department
• Santa Barbara Sheriff Training Bureau
• Toledo, Ohio Police Academy
• Austin, Texas Police Academy
• Oklahoma City DT (police)
• Arizona Highway Patrol (DTS)
• U.S. Marshals (Honolulu, Hawaii
• CSTI-California Specialized Training Institute
• Governors Office of Emergency Services
• National Guards of California
• Gidding, Texas Police
• Halo
• CQB-Close Quarters Battle
• Krav Maga
• Gunsite Knife Symposium
• Blackwater
• Front Sight
• House of Champions
• Former Instructor of Cold Steel Knives
• Current Instructor of Trident Knives
• Inductee into the Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2000)

Felix will be teaching at Firhouse Sports and Leisure Center, Dublin 24. Sat 21st / Sun 22nd June 11am to 4pm both days. Cost is Advance €70 one day €100 both days. Payment at the door €85 for one day €125 both days.

Special Rate ~ Offer for Instructors for Martial Arts / Security / Self Defence /Armed Forces

Tel Liam 087 9956569 for details

This seminar is open to all , and you don't have to have experience in Fililipino Martial Arts to get the full benefit of what Felix teaches. If you like to attend contact Liam Mc Donald, e mail guruliam@hotmail.com, or tel 01 4620828 or 087 9956569 or visit www.silateurope.com

Pendekar Sanders Returns to Ireland

Pendekar Sanders return for 10th Anniversary Silat Seminar - Dublin 2008

A decade ago in May 1998 Pendekar Sanders made his first visit to Ireland to the small village of Kilrea in Co. Derry where he conducted two weekend seminars, now 10 short years later, Cimande Silat has become established in Ireland and Europe, through the dedicated work of its instructors and students. Once again Pendekar Sanders inspired and taught the advance weaponry of the Indonesian Keris and the exotic Cabang (Trident blade). Over the two days the attendees of the seminar were taught various combat aspects of each weapon including, striking, parring, disarming, body mechanics, footwork and lots more.

INDONESIAN SILAT
Get Fitter and Healthier in Fun exciting way !.
Learn how to defend yourself, with a complete combat system,
which develops your natural talents and abilities !
Exercise programme for Physical, Mental & Spiritual Health !
Learn how to De stress and Relax the Body !
Opportunity to meet new people !

Adult Beginners classes now Available
●Firhouse Sports Center Monday & Wednesday 7.30pm
●Lucan Sports Center Tuesday 8pm
●Walkinstown – Sheldon Park Leisure Club, Thursday 8pm
●City Center – Fitness Dock Gym, Camden Street Saturdays10am
●Blanchardstown Village, Church Avenue, Sunday 12pm

Intro Course of 8 classes - €80 (Max 20 per Class)
Contact Liam 01 4620828 / 087 9956569
For more info: http://www.silateurope.com/
Personal Training / Workshops also available

Autumn Training Camp '07

This year Autumn Training Camp was held in Ballymena Seven Towers Leisure Center. The event was hosted by Guru Robert Scott. Saturday started off with some Stick training, where students learnt, fundalmental blocks and disarming. After a short break students began to train knife disarms. To finish off the training students had the opportunity to do some full contact stick fighting, which brought some interesting results. One of the main things students learnt over the weekend from stick like any other form of combat "Good Footwork" its essential !
in combining what you're are learning and to apply it.


Sunday morning and afte a good Ulster breakfast we move into Knife training, working on more advance footwork and disarming. Than we move on to sinawalli (double sticks) standard grip and reverse grip.

New Kids Class Sept 08

Due to the high demand, and high numbers of new students for the Summer Term we are expanding to a second night for our Kids Class at Firhouse Sports Center. The second additional class will be in Firhouse 6.30pm - 7.30pm and will commence from Sept 08

Combat Silat International

Combat Silat International is the name given to the Association, which I formed, to promote and develop the styles of combat that I teach. I wanted people to know, from the start that, this was a very functioning combat system from the very beginning of training ! Our focus is to promote the combat principles of Silat. Over the years, the style we teach has reach out to various countries (UK, Finland, France, Spain) so we decided that to help to run this ever expanding network of like minded people, we would need to have an Association, somewhere for people to find info on training, classes, teachers etc... and so Combat Silat International was born.

As you can see on our logo we have Celtic symbols, this is represent our European Celtic heritage, as we have develop our style of Silat to deal with physical aggression from a European view point. We are a Western European version of Silat. The four animals on the logo represent the 4 main styles / ranges of Combat we use to develop our fighting abilities.

Harimau (Tiger) Ground Fighting / Wresting, Ular (Snake) Close Range / Knife and Stick , Monjet (Monkey) mid range style using alot of elbow- knee techniques, it also gives us our staff training. Blakok (Crane) Long range / Kicking/ Punching. It also has a unique combat Sword style. Bringing all these combat attributes together we merge with the human body to create Raja Naga (Dragon) which is unique way of training for each and every single student.

Weapon Training consists of the following - Pisau (Knife), Kermabit (Tiger Claw Blade), Keris, Pendang (Sword), Kunjang, Cabang (Trident Blade), Golok, Trumbu (Staff), Kanching (Pocket Stick) Cane.

Unlimited Unarmed Combat System consists of the following - Striking (Kicking / Punching / Knees / Elbows ) Locking, Sweeps, Trapping, Grappling, Groundfighting, Throws etc..

The goal of our training is to develop the natural talent, abilities and skills of each student, in an alive modern enviroment, equiping you with the best training and mindset.

Hello and Welcome

Hi.
Welcome to my first blog entry. So I suppose I should start by introducing myself. Well as you can see by my blog name I'm Guru Liam mmmhh.. a Guru? Well in the term we use that for, is in relation to the Warrior Art that I do, it's call Pencak Silat and its a Malay Warrior Art. The Guru is the name give to teachers of this art form, and it really means "Guide" for this is what we do, we guide people through difference combat experiences they will have, not only Physical Combat Training, but also corresponding Internal and Spiritiual training . Silat is much more than just standing in front of a bag thumping it. No.. Silat is an artform that develops you in so many ways. Over the next few weeks we will discuss more of that.

I became interested in Silat way back in the 80's when I came a cross an article by a Jak Othman, a Malaysian Teachers, at the time I was training in Karate, but the minute I saw Silat, I felt this is something I want to do. From there, my travels have taken me to Jeet Kune Do, Eskrima, Boxing, Grappling and back to Silat. I also now study Self Defence and Awareness. Some of the teachers that I host seminars in Ireland for or train under are Jak Othman, Glenn Lobo, Bob Breen, Rik Young, Terry Barnett, Krause Brothers, Pat O' Malley, John Harvey, Jude Tucker, Krishna Godhania, Richard De Bordes and my current teacher William Sanders. I've been bless having many great teachers to learn from in the past.

In Eskrima in 1995 I won a European Bronze Medal and taught and train 3 European Gold Medalist. I was the first person on the Island of Ireland to coach an Irish Team and develop them to second place in the European Championships. For the past 10 Years I've been studying
Pukulan Cimande Pusaka which was develop by my teacher Pendekar Sanders. I've have found it to be, one of the most complete Martial Arts been taught anywhere in the World today, and it also cool, need I say more.

So here we are the end of my first blog, with a huge journey in front of us, that I hope we all share.