I thought this was an interesting story. A little history being made?    DT                                                                                Here are some snapshots, secretly taken from the hip, that show the fights in the mountains of the Philippines. On the pictures are fight scenes and in the background are Filipino people in traditional costume.  The tournament was part of a bigger event, which prime meaning was not the win of the individual. Each of the eight fighters represented their respective tribe and the fights were part of a ceremony with the goal of bringing the fighters and the tribes closer together. Apparently there was rivalry between the tribes that cost many lifes before.

The old men decided that to end this rivalry a special ceremony should be held and this ceremony should include fights, which should be carried out as short, high intensity fights with no rules, no protective gear. To resemble blade fights, sticks were used that had a nail sticking out a few millimetres on each side so that it was a relatively safe way of edged weapon fighting (as much as the phrase "relatively safe" can be applied to any way of edged weapon fighting). The old people were supervising the fights. The pictures I saw showed that it was a bloody affair; but when I met Danny he didn't show any visible scars. Maybe they used a good Himag? I will have to ask next time. According to Danny the ceremony was successful and the atmosphere between tribes and fighters after the fights was very good. I would have liked to eye witness this event, but some things are not possible....                    http://www.pekiti-tirsia.net/200406_Noheadgear.php?lang=en&soundsParam=on&file=200406_Noheadgear

Thom Beers is on fire!   Everything he touches seems to turn to gold.  Great choice Crafty!                                                     BTW, Sounds like Mr Beers is getting a fair deal from NBC according to this story.  DT                                                                                                                                                                                    
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By BILL CARTER
Published: December 3, 2007
NBC has made an ambitious deal, apparently the first of its kind, to buy a two-hour — or perhaps even three-hour — block of prime-time programming from outside producers, including Thom Beers, the creator of adventure documentary series like “Deadliest Catch” and “Ice Road Truckers.”

Under the plan, NBC has agreed to broadcast at least two new hours produced by Mr. Beers back to back on a single night, with many more hours possible. The terms guarantee Mr. Beers and his partners 30 hours of programs on NBC — three separate 10-episode series.

These 30 hours would come at a fraction of the cost of standard network scripted or reality programming, a factor that made the deal attractive to NBC.

The project is not related to the current strike by Hollywood writers but the background forces are somewhat similar as networks struggle to revise their financial formulas to face a future of diminishing ratings and growing uncertainties about how the Internet will figure in viewers’ choices. The programs, which are all documentary in style, would not have staff writers.

The principals in the arrangement are prominent television names, Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun, both former top network programmers, who created a production company that has what is known as a “first look” deal that gives NBC the first crack at buying their productions. Ms. Berman and Mr. Braun contracted with Mr. Beers to create the shows and then went to NBC to pitch the idea of filling an entire night — or at least two-thirds of it — with real-life action.

The idea for mounting a block of shows that would play together on a night started with conversations Ms. Berman and Mr. Braun had with NBC’s chief executive, Jeff Zucker, this year. The discussions centered on the way the broadcast networks have generally abandoned Saturday night, filling it with repeats because ratings on that night have been too low to sustain the high costs of original programs.

Ms. Berman and Mr. Braun suggested that a new form of lower-cost programming, perhaps as an entire three-hour block of shows. The producers were already fans of Mr. Beers’s shows. “It’s just about all I watch,” said Mr. Braun.

He declined to describe the specifics of the deal. But participants on both sides described its main elements, on condition that they not be identified because they had not been authorized to discuss specific terms. “It certainly has the potential to dramatically change the network economics of a given night,” Mr. Braun said.

In the past, networks have contracted with outside producers to assemble a slate of Saturday morning children’s programming— mostly cartoons— but networks have not commissioned outsiders previously to fill a block of prime-time programming.

The chief economic benefit of programs from Mr. Beers is that they are strikingly cheap to produce by network standards. Shows like “Ice Road Truckers” cost about well under $500,000 an hour, a modest figure next to a typical cost of about $3 million for an hourlong scripted network series. Conventional network reality shows are also much more expensive at $1.5 million to $2 million an hour. The producers will split ownership with NBC, giving the network control of domestic rights and the producers the international rights.

After contracting with Mr. Beers to produce the shows, Ms. Berman and Mr. Braun met with NBC executives and pitched a roster of 10 potential series. The participants in the deal said that the NBC executives most involved were the two co-chairmen of the network’s entertainment division, Ben Silverman and Marc Graboff, both of whom were described as enthusiastic supporters of the idea. Neither would comment on the deal yesterday.

The original plan was to place the shows on Saturday night, the participants said — perhaps under an overall title, like “Saturday Night on the Edge.” But NBC declined to commit to Saturday for the shows, seeking to retain discretion on when to broadcast them. So the program block may be shown on any night — and at the moment Saturday is not the choice, one participant said. The contract commits NBC to run the shows in at least a two-hour block, however.

NBC retained the right to cancel one or more of the linked shows if they perform below a certain ratings threshold; but it may not break up the block for any other reason — if it did, it would open the shows up to moving to another network, the participants said.

“Deadliest Catch,” which is shown on the Discovery Channel, and “Ice Road Truckers,” on the History Channel, have become among the most popular programs on cable television. The finale of “Ice Road Truckers” attracted close to 5 million viewers. Mr. Beers, a former producer at Turner Broadcasting and Paramount’s syndicated division, started his own company, Original Productions, in 1999, with a heavy emphasis on motorcycle shows and documentaries like “Plastic Surgery: Before and After” and “Ballroom Bootcamp.” The company’s signature hit was “Monster Garage,” in which a standard car was “monsterized” into another kind of machine.

The shows Mr. Beers and his partners are planning for NBC would not be ready to serve as fill-ins during the strike because they are unlikely to be seen until the third quarter of 2008. Mr. Beers uses real people in real situations in extreme locations like the Arctic. Shows set there have to be shot in warmer months, for example.

By the time the shows do get on the air, at least three of them will be finished shooting. Two will go on in the initial block with the third ready to replace any that might fall short in ratings, the participants said.

At the same time, NBC agreed to pay for several other ideas pitched by Mr. Beers to be turned into pilots. But these will be unlike any other pilots NBC makes, the participants in the deal said.

Instead of shooting hourlong pilot episodes, NBC plans to have Mr. Beers shoot 5- to 10-minute films on some topic that can then be tried out as reports on the network’s “Today” show or “Dateline” newsmagazine show.

Hey Justin,  I can't say I am qualified to answer your question completely but, I think it is safe to say that starting with the    (Power)  video would be your best bet.  You can train it pretty much without a partner and like Top Dog says " If you have power, you will always be a force to be reckoned with"     Good luck!      Dog Tom 

Tell me about it. I know!     But still , I couldn't imagine life without them.

Interesting note:  Discovery channel's show "The Truth About  Food"  aired an episode today where they proved that by just filling your mouth with high carbohydrate liquid solution then spitting it out (not swallowing) activates receptors in the brain through taste buds in the mouth, tricking the body into releasing stored energy and increasing stamina during extended activity. This test was compared to a group that swallowed high carb foods before and during activity and one other group that just drank water during same activity. In this test the group that spit but didn't swallow messured greater stamina levels than the two other groups. Carb eaters finished in a close second place and the water drinkers fared remarkably worse results comming in dead last. I guess this gives more merit to the old addage, "Man runs better on an empty stomach"      DT 

I like her style !     Congratulations Linda...     Dog Tom

Good luck to all the fighters tomorrow !        Dog Tom S.

Thought this should go here.  DT     

    Re: November 18, 2007 Dog Bros Gathering of the Pack
« Reply #35 on: November 04, 2007, 11:24:50 AM »   

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While we're trying to iron out the problems with our Photo Gallery Gints uploaded the June Gathering photos to the link below:

  http://www.gentlemensfightingclub.com/gallery/DBJun2007/slides/DBJune2007_DSC_3896_Web.html

 

I don't mean to cause problems with my indecision.  Fact is,  due to certain health problems I may not be in any condition to fight. I never know from day to day what my physical capabilities will be. Also my original plan was to just watch but, I feel I may give it a go if I feel up to it on that day. I think I will go on my 3 day stamina/energy diet prior to the gathering just in case.   DT

Sending fight reg.form tomorrow. I doubt I will fight this gathering but, I will register now just in case I change my mind at the last second.    DT

I have also decided to register for the fights. (tentatively)   If I can't resist, I will fight! Otherwise my plan was to just watch this go round. DT

I understand not fighting if you don't feel up to it but, it is a good Idea ( IMHO) to test yourself (within reason)  in extreme conditions when you are not at your peak performance. In real life you do not necessarily have the luxury of preparing for a physical altercation. With that in mind,  I would suggest fighting  under these conditions at least once. Who knows, you may discover something about yourself or maybe get an idea of what your limitations are under similar conditions in the future..                                                     Like DIRTY HARRY said  " A man's got to know his limitations"  DT

Hey Dan, I know how you feel.  My doctor just perscribed herbal cigarettes(as you put it) for my back and sciatica condition.  It can sure slow you down a bit and doesn't do much for ones motivation. Although, it sure tastes good!!   P.S. Forcing yourself to fight is a good way to test your metal especially if you have not trained  in some time.  D.T.

I feel many teachers, teach more structured techniques with the idea that it can be expanded upon later by the student.. Sort of a jumping off point in the right direction.  DT

Beside all the shortcomings of the show, It must have been very stressfull just being in such a foreign land with strange cultures and customs. I give them credit for forging through it all and risking life and limb in the name of adventure.  P.S. The guy who was thrown onto his head in the first show(I think) could have easily sustained serious injury. With that I feel there was a high level of danger.The fact that the tribesmen held back a little and welcomed them into the tribe afterward shows that it was done in the right spirit!    DT

Your like the energizer rabbit!  You keep going and going. 

Very interesting!     

This classic takes the cake when it comes to embarrassment.     DT                                              http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB6KtCHCwuI

Well,  I have officially moved out of the house for two day's now and, my wife is already asking me to come back and see if we can fix things between us.     The adventure continues ? 

 BTW.    No divorce court for this dog.. We went through a mediator and hashed things out quite painlessly.. We may not be the sharpest tools in the shed but, we realize that going to war with each other would be harmfull  to our 5.5 yr old daughter and our families.  In fact we still care and respect each other very much..The truth is sometimes people grow appart for whatever reasons and one must face that fact with the knowledge that it is a human condition. Life is good so why f***  it up!      DT

Hey Crafty,  I have been aware of the pizza, beer and spaghetti theory for many years.  It is an old long distance runners trick.  Lot's of carbs the day before the big run was the idea to give the body plenty of fuel and not deplete other energy sources the body would otherwise require,  Then just a month  or so before the last gathering, I read an article in a health magazine at my doctor's office telling of this three day diet to build up energy reserves to be used on the fourth day.  When I started reading this article it rang with familiarity.  At this point I felt this 3 day diet may be the the future high tech version of the pizza beer trick.  Another reason I feel this new version of the diet works better is the addition of the oat meal.  Studies have shown oatmeal helps the body burn energy more efficiently. I am not sure about the milk part of the diet but for me it is no matter because I usually drink about 3/4 of a gallon of milk every day anyway.    All I can say is, I tried it and it worked the way they said it would.  I will definitely use this method again next time I fight at a gathering or some other planned event that demands good stamina.  DT   P.S.  Maxx, Thank you for the kind words.

 My life has been flooded with so many responsibilities this last decade that, working out and training have almost become a thing of the past. I trained for a very short period before entering the last gathering just to try and work out a couple of moves and try to shake the the cobb webs of time. I stay fairly active in my every day life (kids) so that helps to maintain muscle and range of motion to some degree.  A degenerative L-5 vertabrae (vacume disc) in my spine and bone spur along with a fairly serious case of sciatica  does not make it any easier. :-     What helped me get through the last gathering was my tried and true energy diet.  It is not the healthiest diet though it is only followed for three days prior to the day of expected strenuous activity. (And it works)  Here it is.  Three days prior to actvity/event- All meals should consist of nothing but, plain cheese pizza, spaiggetti with some meet sauce, a small amount of fruit vegatables and nuts, whole milk, oatmeal, 12 to 24 ounces of beer each of the three days.  Eat normal to light meals the day of expected activity. I have found that this diet if followed to the letter, works like a charm.  I fought four fights at the last gathering and felt like I had plenty of energy to keep going if I wanted to. This diet produces lots of storeable energy and when your body starts to run out of gas, that is the very thing that triggers the release of all this stored energy. For example. I was very out of shape and my stamina for fighting was quite low this last gathering time. After my warm up knife fight I felt a little short of breath and my muscles were already feeling somewhat fatigued. As I was trying to gather myself I noticed, not only was I starting to recover, I was feeling a surge of energy that kept pumping through the rest of that day and well into the night. Thats how this quick energy/stamina diet works. It gives you the carbs and the ability to burn it efficiantly. The only draw back is  you usualy have to exaust yourself first to trigger the body to release all that stored energy. A short brisk work out will help kick it in ahead of time if you wish.  It is like a shot of nitrous oxide into the fuel system of a race car. If you use it to much it will have an ill effect. I only used it as a quick fix so  I could try to stay in the game.   Speaking of staying in the  game.  My wife just sent me back to the minor leagues (divorce)    and now I am motivated to start working out and try to stay in the game.      DT

Thom Beers is one cool dude!  I can see why he connects with the dogbrothers. ALSO:  Great plug for the National Geographic channel "DOGBROTHERS" documentary. Good stuff   DT              http://podcast.wjfk.com/wjfk2/637904.mp3

I have avoided many potentially dangerous encounters with the use of words rather than with fist's / weapons, I am proud to say.                                                     Never underestimate the power of word.  DT

That would be fantastic!  I hope it all works out for you.     Good luck.    DT

I rest my case!  I think your son is in good hands.   

I think your son will be more concerned about breaking your rules rather than the schools rules.  As long as he is clear how you feel about it I think he will be more able to decide for himself how to handle the situation. As far as what the correct decision is, I would say follow your gut feeling.   Also: Remember many kid's now a day's have poor value systems and small scuffles can escalate into a more dangerous situation. When I lived in Redding.California my step son had to change schools at age 14 due to death threats from a violent Asian gang.  Learning to talk your way out of trouble can be most valuable. Being agreable and non aggressive, kind of like a dog bowing down to the alpha male. Sometimes thats all it takes. (and a big gulp of pride)   Personally,  I teach my 5 yr old girl to kick ass when necessary and only when necessary. As previously mentioned, strong advocation sounds like a good way to go. Going into the school office and stirring things up a bit just might put the staff on higher alert to avoid a potentially ugly situation beetween parent and school.  You being a lawyer, I'm sure you are no stranger to stirring things up and convincing them to see things your way...   What ever happened to the good old day's when you get into a school yard fight and the teacher breaks it up, slaps you on the hand and sends you back to class and you might even start building a friendship with the the person you were fighting with.        DT

 You do cover all ranges very well Crafty !   I think what is even more impressive is that you make it look so easy.   DT

Hey Crafty,  Sorry for causing any confusion about the length of the fights.    I am looking forward to watching the gathering this November as a spectator. Sometimes this is the best way to focus on the progression of the fighters without the distraction of competing. BTW, any word on a location yet?   See you soon!   Dog Tom S.

Hey guys,  I have been working on different combos with the swing knife since stumbling on the idea of using it at the last gathering. Double swing knife is proving to be a strong combo but a little cumbersum.   Swing knife and standard knife(reverse grip) combo also works well against right handers so far. I am right handed so that is what I am basing my results on. Using a reverse grip with a standard knife in my left hand and swing-knife in my right hand works well with  some of the straight arm parries.    The reverse grip tends to naturally drag the knife edge across opponents forearm when certain parrie or push techniques are used.  Once I reach a higher level of coordination with my left hand,    espada y daga and other combos should mature and become much stronger. Garrot factor also comes into play with swing knife cord.    Hopefully one day I can put some of this stuff to the test at a Gathering of the pack !                         Dog Tom S.

When I first started reading this post I immediately began to think about the separation of church and state and had to question ,"what does that really mean" and how much weight does that carry legally or for that matter constitutionally. I'm not a devout religious person myself. Because of this  I  can decide what I feel is logical and not have to worry as much about contradictions crossing over to other belief systems set in my life. Some people may make the argument that without religion good morals and values can not be learned and sustained.  I for one would argue that family and community (Tribe) could provide the same morals and also cultivate good values. I'm not saying I don't believe in a higher power and if one wants to give it a name be it God, Allah or any other name I have no problem with that. If basic human respect for each other came first above all else what a wonderful world this could be!  As far as the senate incident is concerned, who's right and who's wrong will probably be decided with a swift dose of political correctness.  I did a quick search and thought this might shed some light on the subject.       (haven't finished reading yet myself)    Woof!  Dog Tom                                     http://www.jeremiahproject.com/culture/ch_state.html

From what I saw in the DB photo gallery on this site, it looks like he attended the training camp (Jul, 02)  before the gathering and did some demonstrations. Check photo gallery for pic's. He also attended the gathering?

WOOF!  C- Scotty Dog,  Glad to see you Dog's made it home safe.  I heard about the troubles at the airport in Glasgow and was relieved to see  your post saying you made it home OK.  It's a crazy world we live in today !   I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to fight each other.   I know you were looking forward to it as was I, still it was good to meet you guys and share a beer after the fights.  You dogs brought a good fight and a special flavor to this gathering and represented the Scotland Dog's with flying colors!  I hope you make it out here in the near future for another gathering.             Sticks Ahoy Mate!!!  Dog Tom

Congrats Meynard,  I believe you are correct about the levels of advancement.  I also believe it won't be long before you reach full Dog Brother status. Great fight BTW. (double nunchaku vs double sticks)          I haven't had that much fun in years. Great ground work also on your part.. Sorry about the headbutt with mask on (bad form)  I'm a little rusty and in the scuffle I hadn't noticed your mask had fallen off and I wasn't able to pull it all the way back in time.. Still you were able to finish the job  Grrrr.  It was great meeting you and your wife and I look forward to seeing you at future gatherings.     Dog Tom

She would be hard to forget! (great personality) Kitty Linda Matsumi showed great fighting spirit as did all the fighters. I regret not getting to speak with many of the fighters , especially all the female fighters because I find them to be so intriguing.(not in a weird way)  Thank you,  Dog Tom  (as of  6/24/07)

Still basking in the glow of  sundays gathering.  All the fighters truly shined and great friendships were made. Years from now when I think of good times from the past, this will no doubt be right at the top of my list!  Dog Brothers rocked the house !!!

I think one may reach the higher levels of martial arts without extreme contact with propper guidance.  I also believe it would take  substantially less time to reach the same skill levels when adding harder contact to your training. It is a personnel choice one must make. One thing is for sure, there is no easy road and one way or the other the price must be payed. To me that is a big part of the beauty and honesty of martial art.

I may have a bull whip fight set up toward the end of the day so I will probably pass on staff fight this go round.   BTW, Dog Hig  and I are planning a double nunchaku vs double sticks!  Also thinking: Swing knife vs stick?  

If that doesn't warm you up for a day of stick fighting, nothing will! 

Shock knifes are good as long as they stop the bulldozery of some of the fighters that like to clinch. Was looking forward to trying "swing knife" (maybe another time?)   It has been my experience that some people naturally go to a kicking defence/disarm when faced with a shock knife. The knowledge that a rubber shoe will spare them the discomfort of shock changes there game. Ye be warned!

Sounds like a very serious issue. I think photos with your friends is a must but  I think one would also take great care to make sure O/P gets good clean footage for N/G show.  It's not like they get a second take. At least this time around,  I feel  still photo quality should take a back seat to video quality. JMHO

I think Tom is right. The studio lights should provide good to moderate lighting for snap shots.                     P.S.  Note to lighting guy:  Don't be thrifty, turn on a 750 !! 

They look nice and spongy.

It would be reminiscent of a school yard fight! (except the pads and sticks) lol 

Just purchased "ASICS" brand  wrestling shoe from Sports Chalet in West Hills. The Burbank store quoted a price of $49.95    West Hills price $39.95.  Be sure to mention this if you purchase them from the Burbank (or other) store as I am sure they will match the price!   Shoe is black with white souls and white stripe on sides. It  has a  high top with fold down Velcro tung to cover the laces.  Big-5 sporting goods stores also carries them.  Looks like a well made shoe,  but cheep.            Tom

Hey Graeme, "SPORTS CHALET" sporting goods store is  5  minutes from fight location in the city of Burbank. Check map.  Locations:             http://maps.yahoo.com/dd_result.php?q1=2435+n+naomi+st+burbank+ca&q2=Burbank%2C+CA+91502&q3=&q4=&q5=  

I have experienced the same problem as you in the past! (foot abrasions)  Socks take  care of the problem although they can also be slippery!

   F.Y.I.    "Sports Chalet"  sporting goods store, carries "ASICS" brand wrestling style mat shoes for about $49.00

I was looking forward to wearing short pants and sandals.    It worked out well last time I fought at a gathering!  Not only did it keep with the theme of "REALITY"  (wearing every day clothing) it also kept me more honest when it came to defending against knee and foot attacks. I don't think I have ever worn mat shoes before? I will buy some and try them out.  Q: I assume wearing socks or going barefoot is OK?      Tom