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Martial Arts Topics / "The Experience of the Staff"
« on: July 23, 2024, 04:54:10 AM »
Something I wrote many years ago:
==========================
THE EXPERIENCE OF THE STAFF (r)
by Punong Guro “Crafty Dog” Marc Denny
--------------
"This is this. It’s a Big Stick. Not a sword, not magic wand, it’s a Big Stick—probably the first weapon, the first tool that we picked up when we fell out of the trees."
Allow me to begin with a small story. My very good friend Michael DogZilla Tibbitts is (retired now-- Marc) a federal prison guard who is responsible for running a large kitchen staffed by inmates—an intensely weapon rich environment to say the least full of people with nothing to do for the next 20 years. One day he came in one day and described to me a big institutional type mop. “How would you fight with this?” he asked.
("What happened at work today Mike?"
Well there was this heroin dealer and a gangbanger , , ,)
"This may be the only thing I may have to move me through a room full of men and out the door when they are looking to kill me or make me pregnant or both.”
It bothered me to say that I didn’t have a good answer to his question. Thus began a trail that has been fruitful for me.
Due to its tribal combat origins, one of the premises of the FMA is that the odds will be uneven. The phrase “moving through a room full of men” has stayed in my head ever since then, perhaps because it is the modern American equivalent of the origins of the FMA? I cannot say, but this phrase is a touchstone in my path.
And to go with that premise is one of the key promises of the Filipino Martial Arts -- that the training will enable one to improvise with what one finds in the environment in moment of need. And often that something will be of a size, weight and nature that it requires two hands to handle—a big stick. Good skills in this area keep the promise of the FMA of being able to fight one against many. The surge of interest in NHB (i.e. No Holds Barred a.k.a. Vale Tudo -- this must have been written in the early days of the UFC) this past few years is great, but the one-on-one tactics and techniques of young tattooed testosterone troglodytes dressed for the beach in honorable one-on-one combat on a padded surface may not address the problems of a prison guard trying to get home to his family that night or of citizen trying to deal with a mugging attack while walking past an empty lot or abandoned building in the Bronx. However, the ability to handle a mop or a 2x4 or length of pipe may do just that.
FIT, FUN & FUNCTIONAL
In Dog Brothers Martial Arts we express an important concept with the alliteration “The Three Fs: Fit, Fun, and Functional”. The idea is that to be an effective martial artist one must be healthy and fit. To do the training, it must be fun-- it must be satisfying and enjoyable else it will not be done for long, let alone for life. And to have motive, it needs to be functional. Seen in this light, the staff can offer wonderful training. The triangle of the three Fs yields good results in all areas for the length of one’s life, not just the youth of the young competitive male.
FIT
The training of the staff develops good body alignment, a healthy spine and a supple waist capable of generating good power with weapons, arms, or legs.
A teacher of mine makes a very interesting point about the origin of certain elements of yoga. His research has led him to consider the possibility that the self-help exercises of the infantry in the army of Alexander the Great of Greece that were done with their spears became the basis of a lot of the yoga positions.
The hypothesis is an interesting one. The image is of a 325 BC foot soldier, setting off on foot for a couple of years of conquest with only what he can carry. Imagine: he does not have a horse; he must carry his weapons and armor, his clothing for all weather, his first aid supplies, water and so forth; he must be able to march for distance for days on end and then be ready to fight. From this experience self-help and self-healing wisdoms were developed. Indeed, it is curious to note that the philosophically pacific practice of yoga has a whole series of postures known as “The Warrior Poses” which are identical to that of one of the series of spear assisted poses of the army of Alexander the Great.
Modern life is very destructive of the health of the waist, lower back and hips. When one takes these spear poses with a staff a deeper understanding of the intended alignment of the yoga postures is triggered—the straight line of the staff informs the body of true alignment and cleanses the body of the twists and blockages brought about by a life of desk chairs, car seats, sofas, and toilets. This is one part of the fitness element of staff. The body is ready to receive the martial training.
With the back and hips as well as the shoulders aligned and opened the body is ready for serious power work-- the development of the torque of the spine, lower back and hips. This staff work also promotes rotational strength of the shoulder girdle as well as the ability to project power (through weapon, arm or leg) from the waist. Many martial arts call for good waist power and the power training with the staff is a good way to develop this important attribute.
FUN:
The specifics of staff training will be left for another day. The idea is that the cultivation of technical skills should be done safely and enjoyably.
FUNCTIONALITY: THE WEAPON
A: The Weapon itself:
One of the promises of the Filipino Martial Arts is of being able to pick up what one finds in the environment and get busy. Speaking frankly, when a martial art expands beyond its homeland there is always the danger of valuable elements being left behind or not taking root due to arriving on shores infertile to particular elements. In the Philippines the staff is part of many systems, yet here in the United States the truth is that many FMA practitioners only train with one handed sticks, either singly or doubly—and often the training is almost exclusively with light sticks.
Training exclusively with light one handed sticks presents certain limitations. For example, the snappy motions of a light stick might not apply with a short length of telephone cable. And the environment will often offer weapons that are of a weight and length that require two hands. When the hands are next to each other, like with a baseball bat, it is usually called “dos manos” (from the Spanish for “two hands”). This is the Big Stick. As the weapon becomes long enough to require that the hands some or all of the time have a space between them, we consider it to be a Staff. The sharper the point, the more the qualities of Spear enter in the equation.
Within the category of staff, we organize it in terms of idioms of movement. A “light staff” (e.g. a four to five foot rattan staff) will have different idiom of movement than a similar length of two by four. The two by four does not readily allow for the hands to slide around in order to adjust the hold according to the exigencies of the moment. It is harder for the wrists to “turn over” than with a round staff. A pipe might yet have another idiom of movement than either of these. A staff six foot or more will probably be moved differently than a four foot one. And a mop/broom/rake will be handled differently yet.
B: The Testing:
Since my vision of the Dog Brothers back in 1988, the Dog Brothers have been about honesty with oneself. When it came to staff, I confess to more fear than usual. After investigation by the early UFC as a potential special event, our stickfights had been turned down by it as “just too extreme” (see a copy of the letter on our website), I knew of my injuries from over 10 years of stickfighting, and yet here I was looking to fight with and against a yet more powerful and dangerous weapon. I was already 46. Was this a bridge too far?
Part of the process of stepping out on the field of a stick fight is to be honest with oneself about what can happen and accept it anyway. “Bahala Na.” To step out on the field in ignorance or in denial of the potential consequences is not bravery; it is stupidity. Delusion when it comes to one’s skills leads to damage to one’s body. The intensity of the crucible of the fight produces honesty with the self.
The better one’s skills, understanding, preparation and spirit, the deeper one can go into the transformational experience of the fight. There are few things that will put you in the present as when you get a stick buzzing by your head. In that moment, you decide just which self it is you really wish to defend, and realize which selves are false. It is a very interesting moment.
I reflected and decided I wanted this Experience.
In order to prepare myself to fight with a four-foot staff at the next “Gathering of the Back” (which is our semi-annual event) I went to my teacher, Guro Dan Inosanto and asked for help. He went to his cabinet, and got out some WEKAF headgear (this is the type used in tournaments) and two padded five-foot staffs from the rack. “Lets spar” he said. “Hit me as best you can.” And hit him I did, , , , about one for every 12. Same result the next time too. To be taken apart by a great teacher is a profound experience with its own honesty. “This is this,” says the staff as it whacks you in the head, and again as it cracks you in the hand. No time for theory. No time for words. The mind goes silent. Pet ideas, theories, tricks, techniques all must ruthlessly be screened by the filter of “WHACK!” My students noticed a difference in my staff sparring immediately and in my staff fights I got what I came for. What more can one ask?
FUNTIONALITY: THE STREET
The movements of one against many are different from those of one on one with the same weapon or against a different weapon. With the understanding of the weapon that comes from fighting with it and against it, we can return to the training and with honesty and genuine comprehension train to prepare for the days that may come.
Woof,
Punong Guro "Crafty Dog" Marc Denny
==========================
THE EXPERIENCE OF THE STAFF (r)
by Punong Guro “Crafty Dog” Marc Denny
--------------
"This is this. It’s a Big Stick. Not a sword, not magic wand, it’s a Big Stick—probably the first weapon, the first tool that we picked up when we fell out of the trees."
Allow me to begin with a small story. My very good friend Michael DogZilla Tibbitts is (retired now-- Marc) a federal prison guard who is responsible for running a large kitchen staffed by inmates—an intensely weapon rich environment to say the least full of people with nothing to do for the next 20 years. One day he came in one day and described to me a big institutional type mop. “How would you fight with this?” he asked.
("What happened at work today Mike?"
Well there was this heroin dealer and a gangbanger , , ,)
"This may be the only thing I may have to move me through a room full of men and out the door when they are looking to kill me or make me pregnant or both.”
It bothered me to say that I didn’t have a good answer to his question. Thus began a trail that has been fruitful for me.
Due to its tribal combat origins, one of the premises of the FMA is that the odds will be uneven. The phrase “moving through a room full of men” has stayed in my head ever since then, perhaps because it is the modern American equivalent of the origins of the FMA? I cannot say, but this phrase is a touchstone in my path.
And to go with that premise is one of the key promises of the Filipino Martial Arts -- that the training will enable one to improvise with what one finds in the environment in moment of need. And often that something will be of a size, weight and nature that it requires two hands to handle—a big stick. Good skills in this area keep the promise of the FMA of being able to fight one against many. The surge of interest in NHB (i.e. No Holds Barred a.k.a. Vale Tudo -- this must have been written in the early days of the UFC) this past few years is great, but the one-on-one tactics and techniques of young tattooed testosterone troglodytes dressed for the beach in honorable one-on-one combat on a padded surface may not address the problems of a prison guard trying to get home to his family that night or of citizen trying to deal with a mugging attack while walking past an empty lot or abandoned building in the Bronx. However, the ability to handle a mop or a 2x4 or length of pipe may do just that.
FIT, FUN & FUNCTIONAL
In Dog Brothers Martial Arts we express an important concept with the alliteration “The Three Fs: Fit, Fun, and Functional”. The idea is that to be an effective martial artist one must be healthy and fit. To do the training, it must be fun-- it must be satisfying and enjoyable else it will not be done for long, let alone for life. And to have motive, it needs to be functional. Seen in this light, the staff can offer wonderful training. The triangle of the three Fs yields good results in all areas for the length of one’s life, not just the youth of the young competitive male.
FIT
The training of the staff develops good body alignment, a healthy spine and a supple waist capable of generating good power with weapons, arms, or legs.
A teacher of mine makes a very interesting point about the origin of certain elements of yoga. His research has led him to consider the possibility that the self-help exercises of the infantry in the army of Alexander the Great of Greece that were done with their spears became the basis of a lot of the yoga positions.
The hypothesis is an interesting one. The image is of a 325 BC foot soldier, setting off on foot for a couple of years of conquest with only what he can carry. Imagine: he does not have a horse; he must carry his weapons and armor, his clothing for all weather, his first aid supplies, water and so forth; he must be able to march for distance for days on end and then be ready to fight. From this experience self-help and self-healing wisdoms were developed. Indeed, it is curious to note that the philosophically pacific practice of yoga has a whole series of postures known as “The Warrior Poses” which are identical to that of one of the series of spear assisted poses of the army of Alexander the Great.
Modern life is very destructive of the health of the waist, lower back and hips. When one takes these spear poses with a staff a deeper understanding of the intended alignment of the yoga postures is triggered—the straight line of the staff informs the body of true alignment and cleanses the body of the twists and blockages brought about by a life of desk chairs, car seats, sofas, and toilets. This is one part of the fitness element of staff. The body is ready to receive the martial training.
With the back and hips as well as the shoulders aligned and opened the body is ready for serious power work-- the development of the torque of the spine, lower back and hips. This staff work also promotes rotational strength of the shoulder girdle as well as the ability to project power (through weapon, arm or leg) from the waist. Many martial arts call for good waist power and the power training with the staff is a good way to develop this important attribute.
FUN:
The specifics of staff training will be left for another day. The idea is that the cultivation of technical skills should be done safely and enjoyably.
FUNCTIONALITY: THE WEAPON
A: The Weapon itself:
One of the promises of the Filipino Martial Arts is of being able to pick up what one finds in the environment and get busy. Speaking frankly, when a martial art expands beyond its homeland there is always the danger of valuable elements being left behind or not taking root due to arriving on shores infertile to particular elements. In the Philippines the staff is part of many systems, yet here in the United States the truth is that many FMA practitioners only train with one handed sticks, either singly or doubly—and often the training is almost exclusively with light sticks.
Training exclusively with light one handed sticks presents certain limitations. For example, the snappy motions of a light stick might not apply with a short length of telephone cable. And the environment will often offer weapons that are of a weight and length that require two hands. When the hands are next to each other, like with a baseball bat, it is usually called “dos manos” (from the Spanish for “two hands”). This is the Big Stick. As the weapon becomes long enough to require that the hands some or all of the time have a space between them, we consider it to be a Staff. The sharper the point, the more the qualities of Spear enter in the equation.
Within the category of staff, we organize it in terms of idioms of movement. A “light staff” (e.g. a four to five foot rattan staff) will have different idiom of movement than a similar length of two by four. The two by four does not readily allow for the hands to slide around in order to adjust the hold according to the exigencies of the moment. It is harder for the wrists to “turn over” than with a round staff. A pipe might yet have another idiom of movement than either of these. A staff six foot or more will probably be moved differently than a four foot one. And a mop/broom/rake will be handled differently yet.
B: The Testing:
Since my vision of the Dog Brothers back in 1988, the Dog Brothers have been about honesty with oneself. When it came to staff, I confess to more fear than usual. After investigation by the early UFC as a potential special event, our stickfights had been turned down by it as “just too extreme” (see a copy of the letter on our website), I knew of my injuries from over 10 years of stickfighting, and yet here I was looking to fight with and against a yet more powerful and dangerous weapon. I was already 46. Was this a bridge too far?
Part of the process of stepping out on the field of a stick fight is to be honest with oneself about what can happen and accept it anyway. “Bahala Na.” To step out on the field in ignorance or in denial of the potential consequences is not bravery; it is stupidity. Delusion when it comes to one’s skills leads to damage to one’s body. The intensity of the crucible of the fight produces honesty with the self.
The better one’s skills, understanding, preparation and spirit, the deeper one can go into the transformational experience of the fight. There are few things that will put you in the present as when you get a stick buzzing by your head. In that moment, you decide just which self it is you really wish to defend, and realize which selves are false. It is a very interesting moment.
I reflected and decided I wanted this Experience.
In order to prepare myself to fight with a four-foot staff at the next “Gathering of the Back” (which is our semi-annual event) I went to my teacher, Guro Dan Inosanto and asked for help. He went to his cabinet, and got out some WEKAF headgear (this is the type used in tournaments) and two padded five-foot staffs from the rack. “Lets spar” he said. “Hit me as best you can.” And hit him I did, , , , about one for every 12. Same result the next time too. To be taken apart by a great teacher is a profound experience with its own honesty. “This is this,” says the staff as it whacks you in the head, and again as it cracks you in the hand. No time for theory. No time for words. The mind goes silent. Pet ideas, theories, tricks, techniques all must ruthlessly be screened by the filter of “WHACK!” My students noticed a difference in my staff sparring immediately and in my staff fights I got what I came for. What more can one ask?
FUNTIONALITY: THE STREET
The movements of one against many are different from those of one on one with the same weapon or against a different weapon. With the understanding of the weapon that comes from fighting with it and against it, we can return to the training and with honesty and genuine comprehension train to prepare for the days that may come.
Woof,
Punong Guro "Crafty Dog" Marc Denny
6
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Fire Hydrant: Howls from Crafty Dog, Rules of the Road, etc
« on: July 07, 2024, 12:21:26 PM »
Woof All:
As you can see this has been something of a place holder forum. Our primary activities are through the Dog Brothers Martial Arts Association -- sign up at www.dogbrothers.com and Dog Brothers Martial Arts Facebook.
Crafty Dog/Marc
As you can see this has been something of a place holder forum. Our primary activities are through the Dog Brothers Martial Arts Association -- sign up at www.dogbrothers.com and Dog Brothers Martial Arts Facebook.
Crafty Dog/Marc
7
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Annual DBMA Camp May 31-June 2 in State College, PA:
« on: June 06, 2024, 07:15:39 PM »
We had an awesome time!
For me the Camp was a wonderful experience.
With DBMA's three areas (DB Real Contact Stick Fighting, Kali Tudo, Die Less Often) choosing the curriculum and the right co-instructors is a subtle thing.
This year I decided to focus exclusively on "Die Less Often" so as to enable a deeper immersion into the material.
To this end as one of my co-instructors I chose DBMA Guro Splinter Dog Antone Haley. Within the Dog Brother tribe there is great respect for his RCSFg skills. As a national Tactical Games champion he tests his firearms skills at the highest level short of the two way range. As a street LEO in San Francisco Antone has substantial experience arresting seriously recalcitrant people and as the Defensive Tactics instructor for the SF PD substantial experience in teaching others how to do what he does.
For my other co-instructor I chose the legendary Original Dog Brother and my very good friend of 40 years Michael DogZilla Tibbitts Ex-US Marine and 33 years of deep work in US federal prisons. As you can see in the DB videos he is a really big and strong man. Sometimes the really big and strong have a hard time understanding what it is like to live in a world where one is not really big and strong, but in Mike's case his prison experience includes dealing with plenty of people who are bigger and stronger than him-- all in the context of prison weaponry.
Antone and Mike had a riff going about Antone apprehends them and Mike incarcerates them.
For me some of the best moments of a DBMA Camp come from the stories over dinner at the Pho Restaurant.
Last year it was Wolf Dog Randall Gregory regaling us with stories of war over three continents.
This year the stories included Antone being assaulted by a pot of beans and a large dildo by a naked oiled up man with a vibrating cock ring over his erection who after being cuffed deliberately defecated over himself and did his best to flick the poop at the officers as they carried him away.
Dogzilla's stories cannot be shared here, but one of them began with "Remember that big prisoner in 'Green Mile'? Well, this guy was that big and naked and covered with soap. After we surged into his cell I got behind him and my head was only halfway up his back." The story proceeded from there.
Their instruction was first rate-- with Mike sharing towards the end of the Camp some of the dark developments in prison knife since Don Pentecost's underground classic "Put 'em down, take 'em out-- knife fighting secrets from Folsom Prison". (BTW though it is out of print, it is available to members of the DBMA Assn)
In my teaching one of the central themes was using stick fighting power strikes in the context of 'monkey dance' interactions. Upon that foundation we moved to using them and certain knife-based movements in the context of increasing our violence against knife attacks.
Our Camps are also a wonderful opportunity for me to size up how students are progressing in the DBMA System.
In that context, DBMA Group Leader Jay Colligan brought a large contingent of his students and seeing what he has imparted to them makes promoting him to instructor and easy call.
Indeed, I have jumped him two levels, to Yellow Tag Instructor. Those who have been around me for a while know that this is not uncommon. Many of the people who train with me over time through the Association and its online classes do not get the in person time necessary for me to assess the reality of how they are doing- so when I do get to see how they are doing I promote accordingly.
Also jumped two levels is DBMA Group Leader Ken LaFleur, also to Yellow Tag Instructor. Though not at the Camp, Ken was at the seminar hosted by Maul Dog Carlos Flores I did recently in Chicago and I noted quality movement and work on his part.
For the Camp, he primed me to keep an eye on his student Holden Caufield Seeing Holden and moving with him tells me what I need to know to promote both Ken and Holden. In Holden's case it is also a two step promotion-- he is now a Yellow Tag practitioner in DBMA.
I love doing our annual DBMA Camps, for me they are wonderful opportunities to share and to grow.
As always they are held at State College, PA at the school of DBMA Guro Guard Dog Ryan Grühn and his partner Elise Pone Elise is a pro MMA and Muay Thai Champion (if I have it correctly she fights soon for the big title). Ryan is a _____ level black belt under Erik Paulson and teaches very strong amateur boxing and Muay Thai programs (do I state this correctly Ryan?)
Their school is a wonderful facility and an ideal place for us to hold our Camp. It is big and clean, with quality bathrooms and showers, and attendees have the option of sleeping on the mats. Several of our attendees arrive the day before so they can jump in the BJJ class the night before.
Anyway, there it is. As I sit in the altered space that comes after a big effort, no doubt I have forgotten to mention some people and some things (feel free to remind me btw) but I am blessed to share the DBMA mission "To Walk as Warriors for All Our Days".
16,073
For me the Camp was a wonderful experience.
With DBMA's three areas (DB Real Contact Stick Fighting, Kali Tudo, Die Less Often) choosing the curriculum and the right co-instructors is a subtle thing.
This year I decided to focus exclusively on "Die Less Often" so as to enable a deeper immersion into the material.
To this end as one of my co-instructors I chose DBMA Guro Splinter Dog Antone Haley. Within the Dog Brother tribe there is great respect for his RCSFg skills. As a national Tactical Games champion he tests his firearms skills at the highest level short of the two way range. As a street LEO in San Francisco Antone has substantial experience arresting seriously recalcitrant people and as the Defensive Tactics instructor for the SF PD substantial experience in teaching others how to do what he does.
For my other co-instructor I chose the legendary Original Dog Brother and my very good friend of 40 years Michael DogZilla Tibbitts Ex-US Marine and 33 years of deep work in US federal prisons. As you can see in the DB videos he is a really big and strong man. Sometimes the really big and strong have a hard time understanding what it is like to live in a world where one is not really big and strong, but in Mike's case his prison experience includes dealing with plenty of people who are bigger and stronger than him-- all in the context of prison weaponry.
Antone and Mike had a riff going about Antone apprehends them and Mike incarcerates them.
For me some of the best moments of a DBMA Camp come from the stories over dinner at the Pho Restaurant.
Last year it was Wolf Dog Randall Gregory regaling us with stories of war over three continents.
This year the stories included Antone being assaulted by a pot of beans and a large dildo by a naked oiled up man with a vibrating cock ring over his erection who after being cuffed deliberately defecated over himself and did his best to flick the poop at the officers as they carried him away.
Dogzilla's stories cannot be shared here, but one of them began with "Remember that big prisoner in 'Green Mile'? Well, this guy was that big and naked and covered with soap. After we surged into his cell I got behind him and my head was only halfway up his back." The story proceeded from there.
Their instruction was first rate-- with Mike sharing towards the end of the Camp some of the dark developments in prison knife since Don Pentecost's underground classic "Put 'em down, take 'em out-- knife fighting secrets from Folsom Prison". (BTW though it is out of print, it is available to members of the DBMA Assn)
In my teaching one of the central themes was using stick fighting power strikes in the context of 'monkey dance' interactions. Upon that foundation we moved to using them and certain knife-based movements in the context of increasing our violence against knife attacks.
Our Camps are also a wonderful opportunity for me to size up how students are progressing in the DBMA System.
In that context, DBMA Group Leader Jay Colligan brought a large contingent of his students and seeing what he has imparted to them makes promoting him to instructor and easy call.
Indeed, I have jumped him two levels, to Yellow Tag Instructor. Those who have been around me for a while know that this is not uncommon. Many of the people who train with me over time through the Association and its online classes do not get the in person time necessary for me to assess the reality of how they are doing- so when I do get to see how they are doing I promote accordingly.
Also jumped two levels is DBMA Group Leader Ken LaFleur, also to Yellow Tag Instructor. Though not at the Camp, Ken was at the seminar hosted by Maul Dog Carlos Flores I did recently in Chicago and I noted quality movement and work on his part.
For the Camp, he primed me to keep an eye on his student Holden Caufield Seeing Holden and moving with him tells me what I need to know to promote both Ken and Holden. In Holden's case it is also a two step promotion-- he is now a Yellow Tag practitioner in DBMA.
I love doing our annual DBMA Camps, for me they are wonderful opportunities to share and to grow.
As always they are held at State College, PA at the school of DBMA Guro Guard Dog Ryan Grühn and his partner Elise Pone Elise is a pro MMA and Muay Thai Champion (if I have it correctly she fights soon for the big title). Ryan is a _____ level black belt under Erik Paulson and teaches very strong amateur boxing and Muay Thai programs (do I state this correctly Ryan?)
Their school is a wonderful facility and an ideal place for us to hold our Camp. It is big and clean, with quality bathrooms and showers, and attendees have the option of sleeping on the mats. Several of our attendees arrive the day before so they can jump in the BJJ class the night before.
Anyway, there it is. As I sit in the altered space that comes after a big effort, no doubt I have forgotten to mention some people and some things (feel free to remind me btw) but I am blessed to share the DBMA mission "To Walk as Warriors for All Our Days".
16,073
8
Martial Arts Topics / Extensive discussion
« on: May 27, 2024, 05:33:50 AM »
In Italian but settings allow for English subtitles.
I am about 1/3 of the way into. Actually it is rather good.
Spoiler Alert!!!
, , ,
, , ,
, , ,
It backs Kali as a legit indigenous term.
https://youtu.be/eDJFplj1cqY?si=j3907n9hsqVA7pNs
I am about 1/3 of the way into. Actually it is rather good.
Spoiler Alert!!!
, , ,
, , ,
, , ,
It backs Kali as a legit indigenous term.
https://youtu.be/eDJFplj1cqY?si=j3907n9hsqVA7pNs
9
Espanol Discussion / Entrevista a Kuma Dog
« on: May 08, 2024, 02:09:54 PM »
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1154855245930061&set=a.737709544311302
https://www.elbudoka.es/blocks/entrevista-a-kuma-dog/
- - - - - - -
Ivan Kuma Dog Reboli tiene 46 años de edad y fue el primer italiano en ganarse el título de Dog Brother en 2007. Su periplo marcial comenzó con el Judo y continuó con el Kungfu, entrenando incluso en Shaolin y en la Universidad de Beijing. Luego, en la búsqueda de su camino marcial, estudió JKD, Kali, Silat y practicó StickFighting bajo las reglas de la WEKAF, convirtiéndose en instructor de esta modalidad y participando en diversos campeonatos en Italia, resto de Europa y en el mundial celebrado en Filipinas con la selección de su país.
Su adhesión a los Dog Brothers ha sido un hito fundamental en su carrera marcial hasta el punto de, como él dice, haberle permitido construir un camino de vida a partir de ahí. Recientemente, en Febrero de este año, visitó España para impartir un taller de formación invitado por el colectivo Stick Fighting Open Lab, un dinámico colectivo con sede en Bilbao que está despuntado con su trabajo y labor de difusión del StickFighting en nuestro país. Pues bien, aprovechando la ocasión, tuvimos la oportunidad de charlar con él y de esa conversación salió la entrevista que compartimos a continuación:
.
Empecemos con una pregunta sencilla y frívola. ¿Por qué el apodo de Kuma Dog?
Bueno… ¡Adoptar el nombre de Kuma Dog fue algo así como recoger la antorcha! Comencé a trabajar el sistema de los Dog Brothers debido a un incidente que se produjo mientras entrenaba con un amigo muy querido para el campeonato mundial WEKAF. Ese incidente condujo a mi amigo a explorar métodos alternativos de combate armado y fue así como conocí a los Dog Brothers. Entrenar de continuo con él hizo que desarrollásemos la actitud correcta hacia el combate. Cuando tuve que elegir un nombre, en 2006, no sabía cuál elegir. Benjamin sugirió Mastiff Dog (perro mastín) pero no encajaba con mi carácter. Y mi amigo me propuso usar Kuma. Él quería haberlo usado pero la edad le estaba alcanzando y no tenía claro si podría emplearlo algún día. Así que decidí aceptarlo para, de esa forma, permitirle continuar luchando a través de mí. Este el origen del apodo Perro Oso.
.
Creo que cuando uno lleva tiempo en esto de las artes marciales se empieza a dar cuenta de que no es cuestión de sistemas o técnicas sino de principios universales al combate. Si se analizan diferentes artes marciales y se va más allá de la superficie, uno puede encontrar similitudes incluso entre sistemas de culturas muy diferentes. ¿Está usted de acuerdo con esto? En caso afirmativo, ¿Qué principios universales cree que serían esos?
Estoy completamente de acuerdo. Efectivamente, el concepto de artes marciales trasciende sobre sistemas o técnicas específicas, debiendo en cambio enfatizar principios universales de combate. Cuando se analizan en profundidad distintas artes marciales surgen similitudes incluso entre entornos culturales muy diferentes. Algunos principios universales son los siguientes:
.
1. Sentido de la distancia apropiada y de la oportunidad. Esto es algo fundamental para la ejecución exitosa de las técnicas.
2. Equilibrio y desplazamientos. Ser capaz de mantener una base sólida y saber desplazarse adecuadamente es crucial para la estabilidad y movilidad en combate.
3. Economía de movimiento. El uso eficiente de la energía y el movimiento es un principio universalmente compartido que enfatiza la supresión de acciones innecesarias.
4. Mecánica corporal. Utilizar la mecánica natural del cuerpo humano para generar potencia y palanca es otro tema común en las artes marciales.
5. Conciencia y concentración. Desarrollar la conciencia en el momento presente y el entorno, así como mantener la concentración en el oponente son cruciales para tener éxito en combate.
6. Adaptabilidad. La capacidad de adaptarse a circunstancias cambiantes y las diferentes tácticas de los oponentes es otra competencia requerida universalmente.
7. Mentalidad y Disciplina. Los aspectos mentales o psicológicos constituyen variables fundamentales que influyen en el éxito de un artista marcial. Disciplina, perseverancia y mantener el enfoque son esenciales.
.
Reconociendo y comprendiendo estos principios universales, los artistas marciales pueden mejorar su desempeño en general, independientemente del estilo específico que practiquen. Sin embargo, existen ciertas diferencias que tienen su raíz en los motivos por los que se decide estudiar un arte marcial o un deporte de combate.
En nuestra sociedad, las artes marciales constituyen fundamentalmente una herramienta de expresión o de recreo para el ocio. E incluso hay diferencias entre instructores. Mientras que algunos nunca han peleado, otros tienen toda una vida de experiencia de combate. E incluso aquí podemos distinguir entre lo que son simples duelos amistosos o deportivos y las confrontaciones en el mundo real.
.
Mas allá de lo anterior, es evidente que cada luchador tiene su estilo de pelea. ¿Cuál es el estilo de pelea de Kuma Dog?
Es una cuestión compleja. Ciertamente, mi estilo ha ido evolucionando con el tiempo, influenciado por las experiencias durante los distintos combates y los objetivos que he ido estableciendo en estos 20 años.
Uno de mis alumnos dice que se parece al juego del Whack a Mole. Se debe a que en los últimos años me he centrado mucho en el ataque para ser lo más efectivo posible. Al ser zurdo me costó bastante lograr esa efectividad y, ciertamente, el análisis, la estrategia y la técnica han sido indispensables para ello, especialmente desde el punto de vista psicológico. Los aspectos más difíciles de construir, al menos para mí, están relacionados con las características intrínsecas de la persona que practica este tipo de combate.
Respecto a mi sistema de enseñanza, me gusta enormemente personalizar la manera de pelear de cada uno de mis alumnos, de manera similar a como un sastre confeccionaría un traje a medida, en base a sus inclinaciones y experiencias. Desde luego, es imprescindible construir unos sólidos fundamentos técnicos. Es una buena forma, en mi opinión, de reducir la tensión en combate. Ten en cuenta que en un Gathering no dispones de mucha información acerca de la persona contra la que vas a pelear o sobre cómo se comportará tu mente durante ese desafío, así que una adecuada preparación técnica y la estrategia correcta son cruciales para la seguridad en uno mismo y gestionar el miedo y la reacción ante lo inesperado.
.
Dentro de las DBMA parece que tenemos ya dos ramas, la norteamericana y la europea. ¿Qué es lo que las diferencia realmente? ¿Vamos a terminar encontrando una dicotomía como la existente, por ejemplo, entre el Dutch Muay Thai y el Muy Thai?
He luchado en ambos colectivos y no he apreciado diferencias significativas en la manera de pelear. El hecho de que los líderes se muevan entre Europa y América permite el intercambio fluido de ideas e información, facilitado también por Internet. A través de los diferentes sitios web oficiales se pueden observar diferentes realidades.
A título personal, sí que puedo decir que en los Gatherings existen algunas diferencias. En EE.UU. hay mayor uso de cuchillos ocultos y el nivel de agresión es más alto, probablemente porque el número de participantes es más grande y entre ellos hay soldados y ex-militares. Sería fantástico incrementar el intercambio de información, especialmente entre los distintos grupos, para que el sistema continúe evolucionando.
.
Vamos a hablar un poco de la preparación de un luchador de palos. Pero vamos a ir más allá de la preparación física, sobre lo que podríamos encontrar mucho material por ahí, y vamos a centrarnos en la parte psicológica. ¿Cómo cree usted que debe prepararse psicológicamente un luchador de palos? Un Gathering puede ser una experiencia muy estresante y eso afecta al rendimiento…
La faceta psicológica es crucial. Un Gathering comienza desde el día en que decides participar y, partir de ahí, transcurre por varias etapas. Recuerdo mi primer Gathering tras volver del campeonato mundial WEKAF. Un buen amigo me regaló un CD, todavía en uso en ese momento, que contenía todos los incidentes ocurridos en los Dog Brothers. Ese vídeo cambió mi perspectiva, oscilando entre el deseo de ganar y el de salir ileso y volver a casa con todos los huesos intactos.
Así pues, todo comienza con la intención inicial de sobrevivir, y continúa con la aceptación de lo que vas haciendo durante tu entrenamiento hasta que te sientes listo para pelear. Personalmente, utilizo estrategias de preparación extraídas de la psicología deportiva para construir la mentalidad adecuada. Otro aspecto importante es pasar un tiempo a solas antes de empezar, para autoevaluarse y encontrar la determinación y agresividad necesarias para el combate. Y éstas son cosas que debes aprender a encender y apagar; en otras palabras, debes controlarlas. Vivir en estado de agresión permanente durante meses sería agotador.
Un Gathering permite conocerse a uno mismo, y si aspectos de tu vida anterior no están en orden, como la salud, la familia y el trabajo, no puedes dedicarte con serenidad a este desafiante viaje personal que lo cuestiona todo, y con la incertidumbre acerca de cómo se han preparado los demás. La estrategia y la transparencia personal sobre las condiciones en las que uno se encuentra, son un punto de partida importante. En términos del cronograma, hubo una intensa fase preparatoria inicial que duró nueve meses, luego se redujo a 6, y actualmente tengo un límite de tres meses para prepararme mentalmente de cara al enfrentamiento.
Por supuesto, también es importante pensar en los instantes posteriores al Gathering. Al fin y al cabo, es un momento de violencia que hay que gestionar de manera racional y consciente para evitar abandonarse a él.
.
Usted compitió en combate con palos bajo el formato de la World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation e incluso llegó a formar parte de la selección nacional de su país para participar en el campeonato mundial en Filipinas. Ese formato tiene muchas limitaciones con relación al de los Dog Brothers. Por ejemplo, no se admiten golpes bajos de rodilla, no se pueden emplear puñetazos, patadas o rodillas, ni golpear cuando se mantiene agarrado el palo del oponente, etc. ¿Cómo recuerda su experiencia de aquella época bajo su perspectiva actual?
Lo recuerdo como una experiencia positiva, especialmente el viaje a Filipinas. Ciertamente son dos escenarios completamente diferentes en cuanto a las habilidades requeridas y los riesgos intrínsecos. No obstante, resultó muy educativo en cuanto al aprendizaje sobre el uso del palo y la gestión de distancias, aunque fue mucho menos intensa si la comparamos con la experiencia en los Dog Brothers. Si bien fue agradable participar como atleta en un campeonato mundial representando a mi país, no resultó un camino plenamente satisfactorio para mí. Fue una travesía de seis años durante la que aprendí mucho sobre el trabajo duro y en equipo, y sobre la decepción, pero también acerca de la victoria y la mentalidad competitiva. Sin embargo, todo quedo ahí. En cambio, con los Dog Brothers realicé un auténtico viaje interno para aprender a gestionarme a mí mismo y a mis emociones; un camino más acorde con mis objetivos.
.
En línea con la pregunta anterior, personalmente considero que muchos sistemas marciales han experimentado un grave proceso de dilución cuando se ha pretendido encajarlos en un molde deportivo. ¿Y usted? ¿Qué opina de que se pretenda convertir a las artes marciales en un deporte?
No considero un error desarrollar un deporte a partir de un arte marcial. Esto no implica diluir su valor, sino todo lo contrario. Si consideramos las artes marciales tradicionales, todas tienen un componente tradicional, como las formas, y otro de combate, a menudo deportivo. Este último, lejos de diluir, simplifica, aunque esté codificado con reglas específicas De acuerdo con esto, habrá elementos que funcionen en el deporte y permanezcan ahí, y otros que se mantendrán en las artes marciales por mera tradición, bien porque han perdido su significado o porque ya no se encuentran en el contexto correcto.
En mi opinión, son dos caras de la misma moneda que permiten continuar el camino a lo largo de toda una vida. Habrá quien practique un arte marcial sin propinar siquiera un puñetazo porque le hace sentir bien y le ayuda a gestionar su vida de manera más eficaz. Y otros, por contra, sólo pueden encontrar ese equilibrio a través del combate. Para mí, ambos enfoques son válidos. Las artes marciales o los deportes sirven principalmente para conocerse a uno mismo y gestionar las dificultades del día a día. Si todo se redujera a la defensa personal o al ring, no tendría mucho sentido. Permiten construir un camino de vida.
.
¿Cree usted que las artes marciales que buscan la “Verdad del Combate” están en peligro de extinción? Después de todo, su base de practicantes es pequeña y los instructores más insignes o relevantes se van haciendo mayores, sin garantías de que haya un relevo.
No creo que estén en riesgo de extinción, siempre y cuando llegue a existir una buena difusión. Ciertamente, será necesario construir nuevos caminos para las generaciones futuras. Cuando se habla de la “Verdad del Combate”, si lo consideramos en términos bélicos, todas las artes marciales están fuera del mercado.
Las artes marciales sirven para infundir confianza a la hora de manejar ciertas situaciones; en caso contrario, podría ser necesario modificarlas o profundizar en ellas. No creo que el combate real tenga nada que ver con la defensa personal o cualquier otra cosa; para mí, es una cuestión de prevención.
El nuestro es un deporte de combate de alto impacto, tan peligroso como las MMA. Ahora bien, ¿hay reglas en los Dog Brothers? Claro que sí. Está el sentido común, que es la regla más importante. Confiamos nuestra vida a los demás y ellos hacen lo mismo. Esto es fundamental para ser aceptado por el grupo. Aunque hay diferentes clanes, sólo hay una bandera.
Y no es cierto que no haya habido un relevo generacional en Dog Brothers; el problema radica en la falta de comunicación entre los distintos grupos y la transferencia de información. Hay muchos instructores válidos además de los fundadores, pero no todos se publicitan o hacen de ello una profesión.
Para dilucidar si un instructor es válido, resulta fundamental saber con quién ha estudiado y si ha tenido contacto con los fundadores del sistema. Es esencial comprender su espíritu y las técnicas básicas, aunque esto se aplica a cualquier disciplina. Estudiar con quienes fundaron un sistema o profundizaron en sus conocimientos durante mucho tiempo podría conducir a un nivel más alto que buscar respuestas por uno mismo.
Para mí, hay dos caminos: un viaje personal que puede detenerse en la construcción de un sistema de combate propio, u otro como instructor donde uno aprende de muchos para ser capaz de personalizar la enseñanza a cada alumno. Depende de nosotros los docentes difundir y hacer avanzar este sistema. Yo también estoy envejeciendo, y construir una escuela donde se practique DBMA y tener jóvenes entrenando, y tal vez alguien peleando en Gatherings, será el objetivo para los próximos años.
.
¿Cómo le influyó su paso por la Escuela de Inosanto y cuál es el enfoque allí del sparring con armas? Muchos DogBrothers salieron de allí y su impacto en las DBMA es más que evidente.
Entrené en la Academia Inosanto durante un par de años lo que me dio la oportunidad de conectar con muchos profesionales de las artes marciales, además de entrenar con Marc Denny. Ciertamente me proporcionó el método de investigación y el sentido práctico para abordar el combate con armas. Son muchos los artistas marciales que acuden a la Academia porque es un auténtico punto de referencia en la comunidad de las artes marciales. Estudiar allí fue una experiencia genial.
.
¿Trabajó con armas durante sus años de Kungfu? ¿Qué opina de la concepción del combate armado del sistema que practicó, a la luz de su experiencia actual en este ámbito?
La verdad es que en el Kungfu estudié principalmente formas de mano vacía y Sanda. Introduje las armas por mi cuenta en las formas que practicaba, usando espadas o palos largos y siendo un juego más que otra cosa pero me resultó natural integrarlas. Más tarde, estudiando otro sistema, también llegamos a usar palos largos, pero mi profesor no estaba muy versado en su uso…
https://www.elbudoka.es/blocks/entrevista-a-kuma-dog/
- - - - - - -
Ivan Kuma Dog Reboli tiene 46 años de edad y fue el primer italiano en ganarse el título de Dog Brother en 2007. Su periplo marcial comenzó con el Judo y continuó con el Kungfu, entrenando incluso en Shaolin y en la Universidad de Beijing. Luego, en la búsqueda de su camino marcial, estudió JKD, Kali, Silat y practicó StickFighting bajo las reglas de la WEKAF, convirtiéndose en instructor de esta modalidad y participando en diversos campeonatos en Italia, resto de Europa y en el mundial celebrado en Filipinas con la selección de su país.
Su adhesión a los Dog Brothers ha sido un hito fundamental en su carrera marcial hasta el punto de, como él dice, haberle permitido construir un camino de vida a partir de ahí. Recientemente, en Febrero de este año, visitó España para impartir un taller de formación invitado por el colectivo Stick Fighting Open Lab, un dinámico colectivo con sede en Bilbao que está despuntado con su trabajo y labor de difusión del StickFighting en nuestro país. Pues bien, aprovechando la ocasión, tuvimos la oportunidad de charlar con él y de esa conversación salió la entrevista que compartimos a continuación:
.
Empecemos con una pregunta sencilla y frívola. ¿Por qué el apodo de Kuma Dog?
Bueno… ¡Adoptar el nombre de Kuma Dog fue algo así como recoger la antorcha! Comencé a trabajar el sistema de los Dog Brothers debido a un incidente que se produjo mientras entrenaba con un amigo muy querido para el campeonato mundial WEKAF. Ese incidente condujo a mi amigo a explorar métodos alternativos de combate armado y fue así como conocí a los Dog Brothers. Entrenar de continuo con él hizo que desarrollásemos la actitud correcta hacia el combate. Cuando tuve que elegir un nombre, en 2006, no sabía cuál elegir. Benjamin sugirió Mastiff Dog (perro mastín) pero no encajaba con mi carácter. Y mi amigo me propuso usar Kuma. Él quería haberlo usado pero la edad le estaba alcanzando y no tenía claro si podría emplearlo algún día. Así que decidí aceptarlo para, de esa forma, permitirle continuar luchando a través de mí. Este el origen del apodo Perro Oso.
.
Creo que cuando uno lleva tiempo en esto de las artes marciales se empieza a dar cuenta de que no es cuestión de sistemas o técnicas sino de principios universales al combate. Si se analizan diferentes artes marciales y se va más allá de la superficie, uno puede encontrar similitudes incluso entre sistemas de culturas muy diferentes. ¿Está usted de acuerdo con esto? En caso afirmativo, ¿Qué principios universales cree que serían esos?
Estoy completamente de acuerdo. Efectivamente, el concepto de artes marciales trasciende sobre sistemas o técnicas específicas, debiendo en cambio enfatizar principios universales de combate. Cuando se analizan en profundidad distintas artes marciales surgen similitudes incluso entre entornos culturales muy diferentes. Algunos principios universales son los siguientes:
.
1. Sentido de la distancia apropiada y de la oportunidad. Esto es algo fundamental para la ejecución exitosa de las técnicas.
2. Equilibrio y desplazamientos. Ser capaz de mantener una base sólida y saber desplazarse adecuadamente es crucial para la estabilidad y movilidad en combate.
3. Economía de movimiento. El uso eficiente de la energía y el movimiento es un principio universalmente compartido que enfatiza la supresión de acciones innecesarias.
4. Mecánica corporal. Utilizar la mecánica natural del cuerpo humano para generar potencia y palanca es otro tema común en las artes marciales.
5. Conciencia y concentración. Desarrollar la conciencia en el momento presente y el entorno, así como mantener la concentración en el oponente son cruciales para tener éxito en combate.
6. Adaptabilidad. La capacidad de adaptarse a circunstancias cambiantes y las diferentes tácticas de los oponentes es otra competencia requerida universalmente.
7. Mentalidad y Disciplina. Los aspectos mentales o psicológicos constituyen variables fundamentales que influyen en el éxito de un artista marcial. Disciplina, perseverancia y mantener el enfoque son esenciales.
.
Reconociendo y comprendiendo estos principios universales, los artistas marciales pueden mejorar su desempeño en general, independientemente del estilo específico que practiquen. Sin embargo, existen ciertas diferencias que tienen su raíz en los motivos por los que se decide estudiar un arte marcial o un deporte de combate.
En nuestra sociedad, las artes marciales constituyen fundamentalmente una herramienta de expresión o de recreo para el ocio. E incluso hay diferencias entre instructores. Mientras que algunos nunca han peleado, otros tienen toda una vida de experiencia de combate. E incluso aquí podemos distinguir entre lo que son simples duelos amistosos o deportivos y las confrontaciones en el mundo real.
.
Mas allá de lo anterior, es evidente que cada luchador tiene su estilo de pelea. ¿Cuál es el estilo de pelea de Kuma Dog?
Es una cuestión compleja. Ciertamente, mi estilo ha ido evolucionando con el tiempo, influenciado por las experiencias durante los distintos combates y los objetivos que he ido estableciendo en estos 20 años.
Uno de mis alumnos dice que se parece al juego del Whack a Mole. Se debe a que en los últimos años me he centrado mucho en el ataque para ser lo más efectivo posible. Al ser zurdo me costó bastante lograr esa efectividad y, ciertamente, el análisis, la estrategia y la técnica han sido indispensables para ello, especialmente desde el punto de vista psicológico. Los aspectos más difíciles de construir, al menos para mí, están relacionados con las características intrínsecas de la persona que practica este tipo de combate.
Respecto a mi sistema de enseñanza, me gusta enormemente personalizar la manera de pelear de cada uno de mis alumnos, de manera similar a como un sastre confeccionaría un traje a medida, en base a sus inclinaciones y experiencias. Desde luego, es imprescindible construir unos sólidos fundamentos técnicos. Es una buena forma, en mi opinión, de reducir la tensión en combate. Ten en cuenta que en un Gathering no dispones de mucha información acerca de la persona contra la que vas a pelear o sobre cómo se comportará tu mente durante ese desafío, así que una adecuada preparación técnica y la estrategia correcta son cruciales para la seguridad en uno mismo y gestionar el miedo y la reacción ante lo inesperado.
.
Dentro de las DBMA parece que tenemos ya dos ramas, la norteamericana y la europea. ¿Qué es lo que las diferencia realmente? ¿Vamos a terminar encontrando una dicotomía como la existente, por ejemplo, entre el Dutch Muay Thai y el Muy Thai?
He luchado en ambos colectivos y no he apreciado diferencias significativas en la manera de pelear. El hecho de que los líderes se muevan entre Europa y América permite el intercambio fluido de ideas e información, facilitado también por Internet. A través de los diferentes sitios web oficiales se pueden observar diferentes realidades.
A título personal, sí que puedo decir que en los Gatherings existen algunas diferencias. En EE.UU. hay mayor uso de cuchillos ocultos y el nivel de agresión es más alto, probablemente porque el número de participantes es más grande y entre ellos hay soldados y ex-militares. Sería fantástico incrementar el intercambio de información, especialmente entre los distintos grupos, para que el sistema continúe evolucionando.
.
Vamos a hablar un poco de la preparación de un luchador de palos. Pero vamos a ir más allá de la preparación física, sobre lo que podríamos encontrar mucho material por ahí, y vamos a centrarnos en la parte psicológica. ¿Cómo cree usted que debe prepararse psicológicamente un luchador de palos? Un Gathering puede ser una experiencia muy estresante y eso afecta al rendimiento…
La faceta psicológica es crucial. Un Gathering comienza desde el día en que decides participar y, partir de ahí, transcurre por varias etapas. Recuerdo mi primer Gathering tras volver del campeonato mundial WEKAF. Un buen amigo me regaló un CD, todavía en uso en ese momento, que contenía todos los incidentes ocurridos en los Dog Brothers. Ese vídeo cambió mi perspectiva, oscilando entre el deseo de ganar y el de salir ileso y volver a casa con todos los huesos intactos.
Así pues, todo comienza con la intención inicial de sobrevivir, y continúa con la aceptación de lo que vas haciendo durante tu entrenamiento hasta que te sientes listo para pelear. Personalmente, utilizo estrategias de preparación extraídas de la psicología deportiva para construir la mentalidad adecuada. Otro aspecto importante es pasar un tiempo a solas antes de empezar, para autoevaluarse y encontrar la determinación y agresividad necesarias para el combate. Y éstas son cosas que debes aprender a encender y apagar; en otras palabras, debes controlarlas. Vivir en estado de agresión permanente durante meses sería agotador.
Un Gathering permite conocerse a uno mismo, y si aspectos de tu vida anterior no están en orden, como la salud, la familia y el trabajo, no puedes dedicarte con serenidad a este desafiante viaje personal que lo cuestiona todo, y con la incertidumbre acerca de cómo se han preparado los demás. La estrategia y la transparencia personal sobre las condiciones en las que uno se encuentra, son un punto de partida importante. En términos del cronograma, hubo una intensa fase preparatoria inicial que duró nueve meses, luego se redujo a 6, y actualmente tengo un límite de tres meses para prepararme mentalmente de cara al enfrentamiento.
Por supuesto, también es importante pensar en los instantes posteriores al Gathering. Al fin y al cabo, es un momento de violencia que hay que gestionar de manera racional y consciente para evitar abandonarse a él.
.
Usted compitió en combate con palos bajo el formato de la World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation e incluso llegó a formar parte de la selección nacional de su país para participar en el campeonato mundial en Filipinas. Ese formato tiene muchas limitaciones con relación al de los Dog Brothers. Por ejemplo, no se admiten golpes bajos de rodilla, no se pueden emplear puñetazos, patadas o rodillas, ni golpear cuando se mantiene agarrado el palo del oponente, etc. ¿Cómo recuerda su experiencia de aquella época bajo su perspectiva actual?
Lo recuerdo como una experiencia positiva, especialmente el viaje a Filipinas. Ciertamente son dos escenarios completamente diferentes en cuanto a las habilidades requeridas y los riesgos intrínsecos. No obstante, resultó muy educativo en cuanto al aprendizaje sobre el uso del palo y la gestión de distancias, aunque fue mucho menos intensa si la comparamos con la experiencia en los Dog Brothers. Si bien fue agradable participar como atleta en un campeonato mundial representando a mi país, no resultó un camino plenamente satisfactorio para mí. Fue una travesía de seis años durante la que aprendí mucho sobre el trabajo duro y en equipo, y sobre la decepción, pero también acerca de la victoria y la mentalidad competitiva. Sin embargo, todo quedo ahí. En cambio, con los Dog Brothers realicé un auténtico viaje interno para aprender a gestionarme a mí mismo y a mis emociones; un camino más acorde con mis objetivos.
.
En línea con la pregunta anterior, personalmente considero que muchos sistemas marciales han experimentado un grave proceso de dilución cuando se ha pretendido encajarlos en un molde deportivo. ¿Y usted? ¿Qué opina de que se pretenda convertir a las artes marciales en un deporte?
No considero un error desarrollar un deporte a partir de un arte marcial. Esto no implica diluir su valor, sino todo lo contrario. Si consideramos las artes marciales tradicionales, todas tienen un componente tradicional, como las formas, y otro de combate, a menudo deportivo. Este último, lejos de diluir, simplifica, aunque esté codificado con reglas específicas De acuerdo con esto, habrá elementos que funcionen en el deporte y permanezcan ahí, y otros que se mantendrán en las artes marciales por mera tradición, bien porque han perdido su significado o porque ya no se encuentran en el contexto correcto.
En mi opinión, son dos caras de la misma moneda que permiten continuar el camino a lo largo de toda una vida. Habrá quien practique un arte marcial sin propinar siquiera un puñetazo porque le hace sentir bien y le ayuda a gestionar su vida de manera más eficaz. Y otros, por contra, sólo pueden encontrar ese equilibrio a través del combate. Para mí, ambos enfoques son válidos. Las artes marciales o los deportes sirven principalmente para conocerse a uno mismo y gestionar las dificultades del día a día. Si todo se redujera a la defensa personal o al ring, no tendría mucho sentido. Permiten construir un camino de vida.
.
¿Cree usted que las artes marciales que buscan la “Verdad del Combate” están en peligro de extinción? Después de todo, su base de practicantes es pequeña y los instructores más insignes o relevantes se van haciendo mayores, sin garantías de que haya un relevo.
No creo que estén en riesgo de extinción, siempre y cuando llegue a existir una buena difusión. Ciertamente, será necesario construir nuevos caminos para las generaciones futuras. Cuando se habla de la “Verdad del Combate”, si lo consideramos en términos bélicos, todas las artes marciales están fuera del mercado.
Las artes marciales sirven para infundir confianza a la hora de manejar ciertas situaciones; en caso contrario, podría ser necesario modificarlas o profundizar en ellas. No creo que el combate real tenga nada que ver con la defensa personal o cualquier otra cosa; para mí, es una cuestión de prevención.
El nuestro es un deporte de combate de alto impacto, tan peligroso como las MMA. Ahora bien, ¿hay reglas en los Dog Brothers? Claro que sí. Está el sentido común, que es la regla más importante. Confiamos nuestra vida a los demás y ellos hacen lo mismo. Esto es fundamental para ser aceptado por el grupo. Aunque hay diferentes clanes, sólo hay una bandera.
Y no es cierto que no haya habido un relevo generacional en Dog Brothers; el problema radica en la falta de comunicación entre los distintos grupos y la transferencia de información. Hay muchos instructores válidos además de los fundadores, pero no todos se publicitan o hacen de ello una profesión.
Para dilucidar si un instructor es válido, resulta fundamental saber con quién ha estudiado y si ha tenido contacto con los fundadores del sistema. Es esencial comprender su espíritu y las técnicas básicas, aunque esto se aplica a cualquier disciplina. Estudiar con quienes fundaron un sistema o profundizaron en sus conocimientos durante mucho tiempo podría conducir a un nivel más alto que buscar respuestas por uno mismo.
Para mí, hay dos caminos: un viaje personal que puede detenerse en la construcción de un sistema de combate propio, u otro como instructor donde uno aprende de muchos para ser capaz de personalizar la enseñanza a cada alumno. Depende de nosotros los docentes difundir y hacer avanzar este sistema. Yo también estoy envejeciendo, y construir una escuela donde se practique DBMA y tener jóvenes entrenando, y tal vez alguien peleando en Gatherings, será el objetivo para los próximos años.
.
¿Cómo le influyó su paso por la Escuela de Inosanto y cuál es el enfoque allí del sparring con armas? Muchos DogBrothers salieron de allí y su impacto en las DBMA es más que evidente.
Entrené en la Academia Inosanto durante un par de años lo que me dio la oportunidad de conectar con muchos profesionales de las artes marciales, además de entrenar con Marc Denny. Ciertamente me proporcionó el método de investigación y el sentido práctico para abordar el combate con armas. Son muchos los artistas marciales que acuden a la Academia porque es un auténtico punto de referencia en la comunidad de las artes marciales. Estudiar allí fue una experiencia genial.
.
¿Trabajó con armas durante sus años de Kungfu? ¿Qué opina de la concepción del combate armado del sistema que practicó, a la luz de su experiencia actual en este ámbito?
La verdad es que en el Kungfu estudié principalmente formas de mano vacía y Sanda. Introduje las armas por mi cuenta en las formas que practicaba, usando espadas o palos largos y siendo un juego más que otra cosa pero me resultó natural integrarlas. Más tarde, estudiando otro sistema, también llegamos a usar palos largos, pero mi profesor no estaba muy versado en su uso…
10
Martial Arts Topics / Annual DBMA Camp May 31-June 2 in State College, PA:
« on: April 27, 2024, 12:47:38 PM »
This year's theme: Die Less Often
https://vimeo.com/932085537/734c3e855d?share=copy&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1xeTmbDI09EyiGhBSvauSBRHy5-Te82nLvCjE3M2uwNzZr-jsVOMIiOhU_aem_AbJpfG7E27XOCB3La8C5YG9Vum9blQtQYweAa1DnwPdw4eMT6ZckZk9hO0lEFwKPbeQ0cEXwwn4mIdgxjZiuvDrS
Top Dog will be attending on Days 2-3!
Sign up at www.dogbrothers.com !!!
https://vimeo.com/932085537/734c3e855d?share=copy&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1xeTmbDI09EyiGhBSvauSBRHy5-Te82nLvCjE3M2uwNzZr-jsVOMIiOhU_aem_AbJpfG7E27XOCB3La8C5YG9Vum9blQtQYweAa1DnwPdw4eMT6ZckZk9hO0lEFwKPbeQ0cEXwwn4mIdgxjZiuvDrS
Top Dog will be attending on Days 2-3!
Sign up at www.dogbrothers.com !!!
13
Espanol Discussion / Re: DBMA en Mexico y Espana
« on: November 10, 2023, 05:04:07 AM »
Para que se sepa:
Hay clases online en espanol para los miembros the la Dog Brothers Martial Arts Association
www.dogbrothers.com
Hay clases online en espanol para los miembros the la Dog Brothers Martial Arts Association
www.dogbrothers.com
17
Espanol Discussion / Reportaje: PG Crafty en Mexico con Dog Mauricio
« on: June 26, 2023, 01:30:33 PM »
Guau!
Mi reportaje sobre mi seminario en la Ciudad de México, 29-30 Abril, patrocinado por Dog Mauricio Sánchez tardó varias semanas debido a un "road trip" pero al fin aquí lo tienen.
Como se ve aquí, Mauricio ha estado conmigo muchos años. Si no me equivoco, ¡Llevamos 20 años! ¿Durante estos años he hecho muchos seminarios para él, 10? 11? ¡Quién sabe!
También él ha viajado a Los Angeles para pelear varias veces en el Dog Brothers Gathering of the Pack y ha sido aceptado como miembro de la Tribu Dog Brothers.
En mayo yo presenté otro seminario. En estos momentos un instructor puede ver claramente los resultados de la enseñanza, desde la última vez-- y en el movimiento de los estudiantes y en sus preguntas, yo vi claramente la calidad del trabajo que Mauricio ha hecho desde mi última vez en Mexico con él.
Cubrimos varias materias, incluyendo DBMA's sistema de cuchillo "Chupacabra"-- lo cual, debido a los niveles de criminalidad en la calle fue de mucho interés. ¡La gente me preguntó en el seminario de dónde provenía el nombre “Chupacabra”--! parece que también es un nombre puesto al ex-presidente Salinas de Gortari por su "riqueza inexplicable"!
Para los estudiantes de nivel, hubo un tercer día de entrenamiento más profundo. Yo quedé muy contento con lo que vi y por lo cual he otorgado el nivel de "Red Tag" a Mauricio como instructor en DBMA. !Bien hecho! !Caminando como guerreros por todos nuestros días! Punong Guro Marc “Crafty Dog” Denny
He aquí unos videos de Mauricio: Ayudándome ensenar DBMA en español: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wky3_GlIenQ&t=82s
Se le puede ver aquí luchando en "Dog Brothers Gathering of the Pack" (r) https://dogbrothers.com/dog-brothers-gathering-of-the.../...
Este fue el día que Mauricio organizaba para mi una visita a un penal de máxima seguridad, en el estado de Mexico: https://dogbrothers.com/guro-crafty-in-mexico/
De ese día varias veces yo entrenaba a un grupo de custodios con la ayuda de Mauricio.
"!La Aventura continúa!"
Punong Guro Crafty Dog Marc Denny
6673
Mi reportaje sobre mi seminario en la Ciudad de México, 29-30 Abril, patrocinado por Dog Mauricio Sánchez tardó varias semanas debido a un "road trip" pero al fin aquí lo tienen.
Como se ve aquí, Mauricio ha estado conmigo muchos años. Si no me equivoco, ¡Llevamos 20 años! ¿Durante estos años he hecho muchos seminarios para él, 10? 11? ¡Quién sabe!
También él ha viajado a Los Angeles para pelear varias veces en el Dog Brothers Gathering of the Pack y ha sido aceptado como miembro de la Tribu Dog Brothers.
En mayo yo presenté otro seminario. En estos momentos un instructor puede ver claramente los resultados de la enseñanza, desde la última vez-- y en el movimiento de los estudiantes y en sus preguntas, yo vi claramente la calidad del trabajo que Mauricio ha hecho desde mi última vez en Mexico con él.
Cubrimos varias materias, incluyendo DBMA's sistema de cuchillo "Chupacabra"-- lo cual, debido a los niveles de criminalidad en la calle fue de mucho interés. ¡La gente me preguntó en el seminario de dónde provenía el nombre “Chupacabra”--! parece que también es un nombre puesto al ex-presidente Salinas de Gortari por su "riqueza inexplicable"!
Para los estudiantes de nivel, hubo un tercer día de entrenamiento más profundo. Yo quedé muy contento con lo que vi y por lo cual he otorgado el nivel de "Red Tag" a Mauricio como instructor en DBMA. !Bien hecho! !Caminando como guerreros por todos nuestros días! Punong Guro Marc “Crafty Dog” Denny
He aquí unos videos de Mauricio: Ayudándome ensenar DBMA en español: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wky3_GlIenQ&t=82s
Se le puede ver aquí luchando en "Dog Brothers Gathering of the Pack" (r) https://dogbrothers.com/dog-brothers-gathering-of-the.../...
Este fue el día que Mauricio organizaba para mi una visita a un penal de máxima seguridad, en el estado de Mexico: https://dogbrothers.com/guro-crafty-in-mexico/
De ese día varias veces yo entrenaba a un grupo de custodios con la ayuda de Mauricio.
"!La Aventura continúa!"
Punong Guro Crafty Dog Marc Denny
6673
21
Espanol Discussion / Juego del Garrote Canario-A Maestro Paquito Santana
« on: April 24, 2023, 05:45:48 AM »25
Martial Arts Topics / SEAL Jocko on the DBs
« on: April 04, 2023, 05:52:42 AM »
See 1:10:30
https://jockopodcast.com/2017/11/15/100-with-tim-ferriss-musashi-and-how-warrior-way-relates-to-life/?fbclid=IwAR2B_LtgtNGf1JXWGMneg5KtFglIGmKfyD1eP1aUcOThJs7OPdHqRTOQEnM
BTW, the "Stinky Stick" fight is me
https://jockopodcast.com/2017/11/15/100-with-tim-ferriss-musashi-and-how-warrior-way-relates-to-life/?fbclid=IwAR2B_LtgtNGf1JXWGMneg5KtFglIGmKfyD1eP1aUcOThJs7OPdHqRTOQEnM
BTW, the "Stinky Stick" fight is me
26
Espanol Discussion / US-China space race en Latino America
« on: March 23, 2023, 07:13:59 PM »
March 22, 2023
View On Website
Open as PDF
Latin America in the US-China Space Race
Partnerships and strategic locations are in high demand.
By: Allison Fedirka
Next week, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his science and technology minister will be in China to negotiate the construction of a new satellite. They want the satellite for climate observation and to monitor deforestation in the Amazon. Brazil and China have more than two decades of history working together on satellites, but this potential project takes place in a very different geopolitical context than past dealings. Space has emerged as a serious battleground in the U.S.-China rivalry, and Washington is sensitive to any Latin American space collaborations involving Beijing. Anxious about security risks in its own hemisphere, the U.S. has only recently emphasized space cooperation with its southern neighbors.
Situational Awareness
Space is a critical domain for national defense. Businesses and militaries worldwide depend on satellites for information and communications. A few countries – the United States, China, Russia, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany and, arguably, India – boast robust space programs with military applications. Historically, the Americans are the dominant player in space, but thanks to massive public investment the Chinese are quickly catching up. For the rest, partnerships are essential to overcome the immense technical and financial challenges.
First, a primer. The space domain includes terrestrial, orbital and link segments. Fixed, secure ground locations are required to monitor space activity and communicate with hardware in orbit. Ground stations support telemetry, tracking and command of satellite and spacecraft operations. However, ground stations can’t communicate with satellites when large objects – the Earth, for example – get in the way. Instead, states need a global network to maintain space situational awareness. This includes the detection and tracking of launched and orbital objects, threat assessments, and data integration and exploitation. Situational awareness enables warfighters to predict the future location of space objects and the overall operational environment. The broader the satellite and observation network, the more complete the coverage. Therefore, interstate cooperation is critical, and it presents opportunities for regions like Latin America to accrue the funding and expertise to develop their own space capabilities.
Information Mobility for Space Operations
(click to enlarge)
National space programs in Latin America are more than 60 years old, but funding has always been a problem. Prior to the pandemic, the U.S. government allocated $22.7 billion to space programs, while Brazil, Argentina and Mexico together spent roughly $100 million. Until fairly recently, space was not a priority in the region. China’s emergence in the sector, combined with the falling cost of launching a satellite, helped change this. Vast borders are ripe for smuggling, while remote areas are difficult to monitor for illegal mining or deforestation. Satellites would boost governments’ abilities to secure their borders and enforce the law within them.
China was quick to develop space partnerships in the Western Hemisphere. Determined to become a leading space power, Beijing targeted middle-income countries for partnerships and leveraged its technology and expertise through commercial agreements. Moreover, ground stations close to the equator provide more robust satellite coverage, making South America even more attractive. Today, China operates or can access a series of space observation centers across South America.
Chinese Satellite Ground Stations in Latin America
(click to enlarge)
Beijing’s growing footprint in the Latin American space sector triggered alarm in Washington. The U.S. worries that China could use the proximity of its space facilities to spy on U.S. communications. There is hardly any daylight between civilian or commercial space research and military applications, especially in the Chinese case. (For example, GPS is useful whether you are trying to pinpoint a local restaurant or armed insurgents.) Latin American governments have few problems with this, given their own interest in the technology’s contributions to national security. For instance, Brazil’s national defense strategy promotes heavy use of satellites to monitor the border. Although its satellite negotiations with China will center on deforestation, the areas of interest significantly overlap with Brazil’s military interests.
Washington Joins the Race
The U.S. strategy for countering China’s ambitions for space in Latin America started to take shape last year. Last summer, U.S. Southern Command and the Space Force’s Space Training and Readiness Command hosted their first Latin America Space Doctrine Conference, intended to incorporate space into the U.S. security cooperation framework for the region. Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Uruguay attended. A second conference in January 2023 attracted 11 Latin American countries. Washington hopes to convince Latin American states to adopt U.S. standards and procedures so that they can share information – and shut China out. It has highlighted the immediate payoffs of cooperation, such as access to information to counter illegal logging, mining and fishing, as well as crop monitoring. Eventually, the U.S. says it wants to conduct large-scale space-based exercises with Latin American militaries, which China has never done.
Alignments in much of the region are practically settled. Venezuela and Bolivia are firmly in China’s camp, while traditional U.S. security allies Colombia, Chile and Peru are sticking with Washington. The current focus of the U.S.-Chinese competition for space partnerships is the southernmost part of South America. The Southern Cone countries, along with Mexico, have the most advanced space programs, and their alignments will shape security in the Antarctic region. A presence there is important to keep the Strait of Magellan and the Drake Passage free and clear for navigation.
By far the most prized relationship is with Brazil, the Latin American country with the most advanced space program. Brazil is well positioned to monitor most of the South Atlantic and hosts the Alcantara Space Center, the closest launching base to the equator. Five years ago, the U.S. and Brazil signed an agreement to share information about known space objects, including Brazilian satellites. They also discussed a deal to permit the U.S. to launch satellites from Alcantara. Some of the Space Force’s first international outreach efforts in 2020 involved discussions with Brazil about opportunities to collaborate. Not to be outdone, China has leveraged its decades-old relationship with Brazil in satellite development and launches as well as telecommunications.
After Brazil, Chile was the next Latin American country that U.S. Southern Command engaged in direct space talks. China leases some facilities at the Santiago Satellite Station in Chile, but the station’s operator, the Swedish Space Corp., has said it will not renew the contracts. The U.S. will probably fill the void. Meanwhile, Argentina hosts China’s most important space observation facility in the region. The secretive Espacio Lejano station in Neuquen is owned and operated by China; even the Argentine government’s access is restricted. The intelligence community assumes China conducts both scientific and military activity there.
Mexico is the exception to the U.S.-China competition for space partnerships. Mexico is too close to the U.S. to form a strong partnership with China, but space is too sensitive for Mexico to depend on the United States. Therefore, Mexico has advocated the creation of a Latin American and Caribbean space agency. A regional grouping to pool resources makes sense for Mexico – and many countries have signed on – but funding and the huge technological disparities between members remain obstacles. Mexico will likely have to give the U.S. major concessions to secure a partnership, or accept that it will trail its regional peers
92065
View On Website
Open as PDF
Latin America in the US-China Space Race
Partnerships and strategic locations are in high demand.
By: Allison Fedirka
Next week, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his science and technology minister will be in China to negotiate the construction of a new satellite. They want the satellite for climate observation and to monitor deforestation in the Amazon. Brazil and China have more than two decades of history working together on satellites, but this potential project takes place in a very different geopolitical context than past dealings. Space has emerged as a serious battleground in the U.S.-China rivalry, and Washington is sensitive to any Latin American space collaborations involving Beijing. Anxious about security risks in its own hemisphere, the U.S. has only recently emphasized space cooperation with its southern neighbors.
Situational Awareness
Space is a critical domain for national defense. Businesses and militaries worldwide depend on satellites for information and communications. A few countries – the United States, China, Russia, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany and, arguably, India – boast robust space programs with military applications. Historically, the Americans are the dominant player in space, but thanks to massive public investment the Chinese are quickly catching up. For the rest, partnerships are essential to overcome the immense technical and financial challenges.
First, a primer. The space domain includes terrestrial, orbital and link segments. Fixed, secure ground locations are required to monitor space activity and communicate with hardware in orbit. Ground stations support telemetry, tracking and command of satellite and spacecraft operations. However, ground stations can’t communicate with satellites when large objects – the Earth, for example – get in the way. Instead, states need a global network to maintain space situational awareness. This includes the detection and tracking of launched and orbital objects, threat assessments, and data integration and exploitation. Situational awareness enables warfighters to predict the future location of space objects and the overall operational environment. The broader the satellite and observation network, the more complete the coverage. Therefore, interstate cooperation is critical, and it presents opportunities for regions like Latin America to accrue the funding and expertise to develop their own space capabilities.
Information Mobility for Space Operations
(click to enlarge)
National space programs in Latin America are more than 60 years old, but funding has always been a problem. Prior to the pandemic, the U.S. government allocated $22.7 billion to space programs, while Brazil, Argentina and Mexico together spent roughly $100 million. Until fairly recently, space was not a priority in the region. China’s emergence in the sector, combined with the falling cost of launching a satellite, helped change this. Vast borders are ripe for smuggling, while remote areas are difficult to monitor for illegal mining or deforestation. Satellites would boost governments’ abilities to secure their borders and enforce the law within them.
China was quick to develop space partnerships in the Western Hemisphere. Determined to become a leading space power, Beijing targeted middle-income countries for partnerships and leveraged its technology and expertise through commercial agreements. Moreover, ground stations close to the equator provide more robust satellite coverage, making South America even more attractive. Today, China operates or can access a series of space observation centers across South America.
Chinese Satellite Ground Stations in Latin America
(click to enlarge)
Beijing’s growing footprint in the Latin American space sector triggered alarm in Washington. The U.S. worries that China could use the proximity of its space facilities to spy on U.S. communications. There is hardly any daylight between civilian or commercial space research and military applications, especially in the Chinese case. (For example, GPS is useful whether you are trying to pinpoint a local restaurant or armed insurgents.) Latin American governments have few problems with this, given their own interest in the technology’s contributions to national security. For instance, Brazil’s national defense strategy promotes heavy use of satellites to monitor the border. Although its satellite negotiations with China will center on deforestation, the areas of interest significantly overlap with Brazil’s military interests.
Washington Joins the Race
The U.S. strategy for countering China’s ambitions for space in Latin America started to take shape last year. Last summer, U.S. Southern Command and the Space Force’s Space Training and Readiness Command hosted their first Latin America Space Doctrine Conference, intended to incorporate space into the U.S. security cooperation framework for the region. Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Uruguay attended. A second conference in January 2023 attracted 11 Latin American countries. Washington hopes to convince Latin American states to adopt U.S. standards and procedures so that they can share information – and shut China out. It has highlighted the immediate payoffs of cooperation, such as access to information to counter illegal logging, mining and fishing, as well as crop monitoring. Eventually, the U.S. says it wants to conduct large-scale space-based exercises with Latin American militaries, which China has never done.
Alignments in much of the region are practically settled. Venezuela and Bolivia are firmly in China’s camp, while traditional U.S. security allies Colombia, Chile and Peru are sticking with Washington. The current focus of the U.S.-Chinese competition for space partnerships is the southernmost part of South America. The Southern Cone countries, along with Mexico, have the most advanced space programs, and their alignments will shape security in the Antarctic region. A presence there is important to keep the Strait of Magellan and the Drake Passage free and clear for navigation.
By far the most prized relationship is with Brazil, the Latin American country with the most advanced space program. Brazil is well positioned to monitor most of the South Atlantic and hosts the Alcantara Space Center, the closest launching base to the equator. Five years ago, the U.S. and Brazil signed an agreement to share information about known space objects, including Brazilian satellites. They also discussed a deal to permit the U.S. to launch satellites from Alcantara. Some of the Space Force’s first international outreach efforts in 2020 involved discussions with Brazil about opportunities to collaborate. Not to be outdone, China has leveraged its decades-old relationship with Brazil in satellite development and launches as well as telecommunications.
After Brazil, Chile was the next Latin American country that U.S. Southern Command engaged in direct space talks. China leases some facilities at the Santiago Satellite Station in Chile, but the station’s operator, the Swedish Space Corp., has said it will not renew the contracts. The U.S. will probably fill the void. Meanwhile, Argentina hosts China’s most important space observation facility in the region. The secretive Espacio Lejano station in Neuquen is owned and operated by China; even the Argentine government’s access is restricted. The intelligence community assumes China conducts both scientific and military activity there.
Mexico is the exception to the U.S.-China competition for space partnerships. Mexico is too close to the U.S. to form a strong partnership with China, but space is too sensitive for Mexico to depend on the United States. Therefore, Mexico has advocated the creation of a Latin American and Caribbean space agency. A regional grouping to pool resources makes sense for Mexico – and many countries have signed on – but funding and the huge technological disparities between members remain obstacles. Mexico will likely have to give the U.S. major concessions to secure a partnership, or accept that it will trail its regional peers
92065
27
Espanol Discussion / Stratfor: What the Matamoros kidnapping says about Cartel Violence in Mexico
« on: March 22, 2023, 06:27:58 PM »
What the Matamoros Kidnapping Says About the State of Cartel Violence in Mexico
undefined and Latin America Analyst at RANE
Carmen Colosi
Latin America Analyst at RANE, Stratfor
undefined and Global Security analyst with RANE
Caroline Hammer
Global Security analyst with RANE, Stratfor
12 MIN READMar 21, 2023 | 21:21 GMT
The recent armed attack on four U.S. citizens in the Mexican border city of Matamoros, Tamaulipas state, illustrated well-documented security risks in Mexico's many crime hotspots, where gang and cartel violence disrupts daily life and hinders business operations. But while the demonstrated risks are nothing new, much about the incident was out of the ordinary, including the abnormal targeting of American civilians, the subsequent calls by U.S. Republicans for military intervention, and the cartel's highly out-of-character note apologizing for the whole affair. The oddities of the incident and the response to it by the cartel, as well as the Mexican and U.S. governments, confirm and expand on long-standing security, political and logistical risks from organized crime in Mexico.
The Attack
On Friday, March 3, the four American citizens entered Matamoros from Brownsville, Texas, in order to receive cosmetic surgery. A few hours after crossing the border, armed gunmen in trucks shot at their vehicle while they drove through the city, leading to a crash, after which the gunmen forced them out of their vehicle and into one of their trucks. During the incident, a stray bullet killed a Mexican woman at the scene of the initial attack. In a video of the attack that subsequently circulated on social media, three of the Americans appeared unconscious. Over the next few days, word of the kidnapping spread in U.S. media and the FBI announced a $50,000 reward for the return of the victims. Mexican authorities discovered two of the victims alive and two dead on March 7 in a cabin southeast of Matamoros. On March 8, the Mexican government deployed 200 members of the army and 100 members of the National Guard to Matamoros to strengthen security in the border region. Based on the location of the incident, it was clear that the Gulf Cartel — once one of Mexico's most powerful criminal groups — was likely behind the attack. This appeared to be confirmed on March 9, when five men were left beaten and tied up in the street, along with a narco banner apologizing for the attacks signed ''the Scorpions,'' a faction of the Gulf Cartel. The banner claimed the men were the perpetrators of the attack and that the attack was a mistake ''caused by lack of discipline.''
The Cartel's Response
Mexican cartels are widely understood to not want to target U.S. citizens or tourists from other countries, except in circumstances where they're involved in drug trafficking. While the response to the murder or kidnapping of Mexican citizens or migrants from poor countries would barely make national Mexican news, security risks to Americans (and other, usually Western, foreigners) create an outsized backlash that cartels view as simply bad for business and thus not worth it. This was acutely demonstrated by the response to the Matamoros attack and kidnapping; the level of media coverage, the FBI reward and the hundreds of newly-deployed Mexican troops all make cartel operations more difficult and threaten their ability to make money.
The Gulf Cartel faction's apology note — an uncharacteristic action for a group with a penchant for extreme violence — also demonstrates the Scorpions leaders' immediate recognition that their people made a mistake. Criminal groups elsewhere in Mexico have similarly learned this lesson, with massive security deployments to Baja California Sur state in 2017 and Quintana Roo state in 2021 and 2022 following violence in tourist areas that killed and injured foreigners. Cartels know the Mexican government will devote ample resources to ensure the safety of foreigners and particularly tourists, and they'd prefer to avoid such encroachment into their territory.
Intentions aside, the attack and murder of two Americans in Matamoros was not the first incident that illustrates that mistakes can and do occur. In January 2020, gunmen likely belonging to the Northeast Cartel in Ciudad Mier, another border town in the Tamaulipas state, attacked an American family and killed their 13-year-old child. The attack may have occurred because the perpetrators believed the family's SUV resembled the SUVs used by rival cartels. Mexican cartels vary in size and structure, but while all are hierarchical, they tend to also be decentralized, providing lower-ranking members the leeway to launch rash attacks to gain their leadership's approval, in retaliation for violence by rivals, or for personal financial gain. When cartel attacks on foreign tourists do occur, they are most likely cases of mistaken identity in which cartels think the victims belong to a rival cartel, making such incidents far more likely in areas experiencing intense inter-cartel territorial struggles (Tamaulipas among them).
The Matamoros attack additionally shows how U.S. citizens and other foreigners who look like they may be locals or migrants may be at greater risk. Matamoros, like other Mexican cities and towns located near U.S. border crossings, has seen its population of migrants from other parts of the Americas surge over the last decade. In recent years, people escaping the poor security and economic conditions in Haiti have made up an increasing portion of Matamoros' migrant community. In February, NGOs estimated a total of 1,000 Haitian migrants were in Matamoros. Cartels and smaller local gangs commonly target migrants for kidnapping for ransom, human trafficking, or to recruit (and sometimes outright force) them into their criminal enterprises, including drug trafficking.
The four Americans who were targeted in the recent attack were Black and it is possible the cartel members racially profiled them, believing they were migrants or Haitian traffickers encroaching on the Scorpion's territory (as Mexican and U.S. authorities reportedly theorized). The possibility that the gunmen racially profiled the Americans prior to the attack has already fueled fear among the city's migrants, leading 100 Haitian asylum-seekers to flee one of Matamoros' camps following the attack. Hispanic and Latino U.S. citizens have long faced similar risks in Mexico, and the Matamoros attack demonstrates that Black tourists and business travelers may be similarly at greater risk of a mistaken identity attack in Mexico's high-violence regions, especially those with large Haitian migrant populations.
The Mexican Government's Response
The Mexican government's quick reaction to the kidnapping illustrates the trend of Mexican authorities conducting a highly public and elevated security response when U.S. citizens or other tourists are victims of violent crime, given the importance of tourism to the Mexican economy. Tourism accounted for just over 7% of Mexico's total GDP in 2021 as the country attracted over 31 million visitors that year. The Mexican government will likely continue to prioritize sending security forces to areas where tourism serves as the lifeblood of the local economy (like Quintana Roo, Baja California and Baja California Sur) in an effort to maintain the image of low criminal activity in these popular tourist destinations, despite Mexico's overall high rate of violent crime.
But the kidnapping of the four U.S. citizens is unlikely to change Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's overall approach to containing cartel violence in his country. The Lopez Obrador administration has never clearly outlined a security strategy since taking office in December 2018. But the president's catchphrase of approaching cartels with ''hugs, not bullets'' has reflected his government's broadly non-interventionist approach to cartels' presence. As such, Mexico's security forces rarely seek to proactively combat cartel influence, opting instead to simply keep violent crime statistics down in tourist areas and major cities. This strategy relies heavily on the use of a militarized policing force created under his presidency called the National Guard, which has absorbed units and officers from the Federal Police, Military Police and Naval Police. The Lopez Obrador government will almost certainly continue to utilize the National Guard to attempt to curb migration patterns, protect critical infrastructure and ensure increased safety in tourist destinations. But these areas of emphasis will likely continue to leave certain areas vulnerable to the influence of cartels — especially in states where rival cartels are fighting for control over territory, which include Tamaulipas (where the four U.S. citizens were kidnapped), Michoacan, Mexico State and Guerrero.
The Lopez Obrador administration's reaction to the Matamoros attack will also raise the risk of protests in Mexico by showcasing the government's continued failure to address security threats facing Mexican citizens. Many Mexicans have already expressed anger on social media over their government's swift response to the kidnapping of U.S. citizens, which stands in stark contrast to the historically slow or nonexistent response to the daily kidnappings of Mexican citizens. According to data compiled by the Mexico-based Alto Al Secuestro (Association to Stop Kidnapping), there were 5,256 reported kidnappings in Mexico between December 2018 and January 2023 — an average of four per day. But Mexican authorities rarely respond to these kidnappings in a proactive manner unless U.S. citizens and other foreigners are involved.
Activists have previously organized mass protests over kidnappings in the country — most prominently in response to the kidnapping of 43 student teachers in Guerrero state in 2014, which saw some demonstrations turn violent. Against this backdrop, incidents that highlight the disparity in security reactions for foreigners and locals — like the Matamoros kidnapping — raise the risk of renewing such protests by reminding Mexican citizens of their government's apparent disregard for their safety.
The U.S. Government's Response
The United States remains highly unlikely to directly intervene in the fight against cartels in Mexico, despite Republican lawmakers' increased calls for such action following the Matamoros incident. In recent weeks, certain members of the Republican Party have used the kidnappings to criticize the Mexican government's record on security, with some — including Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) — going so far as to propose legislation that would allow the U.S. military to intervene in Mexico. The draft bill would seek to designate nine of the most powerful Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations, thus allowing U.S. armed forces to be dispatched to Mexico. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also suggested labeling Mexican cartels as terrorist entities, though his administration never followed through on the effort. While the legislation is currently being debated by the House Foreign Affairs Committee, it is highly unlikely to be passed as it has been criticized by Democrats and some Republicans for proposing to interfere with another country's security policy. But even on the off-chance that the bill is ratified, Lopez Obrador has indicated that his government would not cooperate with any U.S. armed forces sent to his country to contain cartel violence, stating such a deployment would ''breach Mexico's sovereignty.''
But while the United States is unlikely to respond at the federal level, U.S. state governments could make regulatory changes in an effort to push Mexico to increase security efforts. Similar violent events against U.S. citizens could spur U.S. authorities to implement increased border security measures in an effort to prevent cartel violence from spilling across the border. Such measures would most likely come from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who previously implemented inspections along his state's border with Mexico in response to a surge in illegal border crossings in April 2022. The measures imposed by the Texan state government slowed cross-border traffic to a crawl and angered truckers, who formed a blockade at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge that nearly stopped traffic in both directions for three days. Economists estimated that delays from the inspections, which were only in place for less than two weeks (from April 6 to April 15), led the U.S. economy to lose an estimated $8.97 billion, with Texas alone losing $4.23 billion, as fruits and vegetables rotted in trucks. The re-implementation of such measures would risk similar logistical and financial challenges.
The United States will also likely continue to release periodic statements to further warn citizens about the dangers of traveling to Mexico. In the aftermath of the U.S. citizens' deaths in Matamoros, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico released a statement warning the thousands of U.S. students expected to visit the country in the coming weeks for spring break to exercise caution and to avoid visiting Mexican states designated ''Do Not Travel'' on the U.S. State Department's website. The advisory is the latest in the U.S. diplomatic push to educate American citizens about the dangers of traveling in Mexico. Such statements will continue to appear in the future, particularly in reaction to U.S. citizens falling victim to violent crime.
Sticking to the Script
In Mexico's criminal landscape, there is little room for a change of course. Cartel members must always fight for their survival, lest risk being assassinated by rival criminals or arrested by authorities. The Mexican government must balance between enforcing security to keep high-priority areas safe (like economically-important tourism destinations), while still granting cartels enough leeway to stave off a larger backlash. And the U.S. government must respond verbally to threats to its citizens and provide whatever direct security assistance to Mexico that its southern neighbor will accept. Barring massive (and unlikely) changes to the economic and/or political environments in the United States and Mexico, or to the U.S. market for illegal drugs, the parties involved will be confined to these roles. Both countries' 2024 general elections provide potential wildcards in the form of opposition candidates. But for all their bluster, any new president in either country will almost certainly return to the standard script amid economic, security and political pressures.
Cartel violence is a slow-moving tragedy — Mexico's personal forever war. Organized crime bleeds the Mexican economy and contributes to poverty, even as new manufacturing facilities and tech startups improve conditions for few. Incidents like the attack on the four Americans in Matamoros, while horrific, are sadly the norm for locals in much of the country. And that grim reality is unlikely to change anytime soon. With no serious, existential threat from domestic security forces, cartels and smaller gangs will continue to threaten the lives and livelihoods of locals, foreigners and businesses alike, requiring constant vigilance as crime rates forever fluctuate between ''acceptable'' and ''catastrophic.''
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undefined and Latin America Analyst at RANE
Carmen Colosi
Latin America Analyst at RANE, Stratfor
undefined and Global Security analyst with RANE
Caroline Hammer
Global Security analyst with RANE, Stratfor
12 MIN READMar 21, 2023 | 21:21 GMT
The recent armed attack on four U.S. citizens in the Mexican border city of Matamoros, Tamaulipas state, illustrated well-documented security risks in Mexico's many crime hotspots, where gang and cartel violence disrupts daily life and hinders business operations. But while the demonstrated risks are nothing new, much about the incident was out of the ordinary, including the abnormal targeting of American civilians, the subsequent calls by U.S. Republicans for military intervention, and the cartel's highly out-of-character note apologizing for the whole affair. The oddities of the incident and the response to it by the cartel, as well as the Mexican and U.S. governments, confirm and expand on long-standing security, political and logistical risks from organized crime in Mexico.
The Attack
On Friday, March 3, the four American citizens entered Matamoros from Brownsville, Texas, in order to receive cosmetic surgery. A few hours after crossing the border, armed gunmen in trucks shot at their vehicle while they drove through the city, leading to a crash, after which the gunmen forced them out of their vehicle and into one of their trucks. During the incident, a stray bullet killed a Mexican woman at the scene of the initial attack. In a video of the attack that subsequently circulated on social media, three of the Americans appeared unconscious. Over the next few days, word of the kidnapping spread in U.S. media and the FBI announced a $50,000 reward for the return of the victims. Mexican authorities discovered two of the victims alive and two dead on March 7 in a cabin southeast of Matamoros. On March 8, the Mexican government deployed 200 members of the army and 100 members of the National Guard to Matamoros to strengthen security in the border region. Based on the location of the incident, it was clear that the Gulf Cartel — once one of Mexico's most powerful criminal groups — was likely behind the attack. This appeared to be confirmed on March 9, when five men were left beaten and tied up in the street, along with a narco banner apologizing for the attacks signed ''the Scorpions,'' a faction of the Gulf Cartel. The banner claimed the men were the perpetrators of the attack and that the attack was a mistake ''caused by lack of discipline.''
The Cartel's Response
Mexican cartels are widely understood to not want to target U.S. citizens or tourists from other countries, except in circumstances where they're involved in drug trafficking. While the response to the murder or kidnapping of Mexican citizens or migrants from poor countries would barely make national Mexican news, security risks to Americans (and other, usually Western, foreigners) create an outsized backlash that cartels view as simply bad for business and thus not worth it. This was acutely demonstrated by the response to the Matamoros attack and kidnapping; the level of media coverage, the FBI reward and the hundreds of newly-deployed Mexican troops all make cartel operations more difficult and threaten their ability to make money.
The Gulf Cartel faction's apology note — an uncharacteristic action for a group with a penchant for extreme violence — also demonstrates the Scorpions leaders' immediate recognition that their people made a mistake. Criminal groups elsewhere in Mexico have similarly learned this lesson, with massive security deployments to Baja California Sur state in 2017 and Quintana Roo state in 2021 and 2022 following violence in tourist areas that killed and injured foreigners. Cartels know the Mexican government will devote ample resources to ensure the safety of foreigners and particularly tourists, and they'd prefer to avoid such encroachment into their territory.
Intentions aside, the attack and murder of two Americans in Matamoros was not the first incident that illustrates that mistakes can and do occur. In January 2020, gunmen likely belonging to the Northeast Cartel in Ciudad Mier, another border town in the Tamaulipas state, attacked an American family and killed their 13-year-old child. The attack may have occurred because the perpetrators believed the family's SUV resembled the SUVs used by rival cartels. Mexican cartels vary in size and structure, but while all are hierarchical, they tend to also be decentralized, providing lower-ranking members the leeway to launch rash attacks to gain their leadership's approval, in retaliation for violence by rivals, or for personal financial gain. When cartel attacks on foreign tourists do occur, they are most likely cases of mistaken identity in which cartels think the victims belong to a rival cartel, making such incidents far more likely in areas experiencing intense inter-cartel territorial struggles (Tamaulipas among them).
The Matamoros attack additionally shows how U.S. citizens and other foreigners who look like they may be locals or migrants may be at greater risk. Matamoros, like other Mexican cities and towns located near U.S. border crossings, has seen its population of migrants from other parts of the Americas surge over the last decade. In recent years, people escaping the poor security and economic conditions in Haiti have made up an increasing portion of Matamoros' migrant community. In February, NGOs estimated a total of 1,000 Haitian migrants were in Matamoros. Cartels and smaller local gangs commonly target migrants for kidnapping for ransom, human trafficking, or to recruit (and sometimes outright force) them into their criminal enterprises, including drug trafficking.
The four Americans who were targeted in the recent attack were Black and it is possible the cartel members racially profiled them, believing they were migrants or Haitian traffickers encroaching on the Scorpion's territory (as Mexican and U.S. authorities reportedly theorized). The possibility that the gunmen racially profiled the Americans prior to the attack has already fueled fear among the city's migrants, leading 100 Haitian asylum-seekers to flee one of Matamoros' camps following the attack. Hispanic and Latino U.S. citizens have long faced similar risks in Mexico, and the Matamoros attack demonstrates that Black tourists and business travelers may be similarly at greater risk of a mistaken identity attack in Mexico's high-violence regions, especially those with large Haitian migrant populations.
The Mexican Government's Response
The Mexican government's quick reaction to the kidnapping illustrates the trend of Mexican authorities conducting a highly public and elevated security response when U.S. citizens or other tourists are victims of violent crime, given the importance of tourism to the Mexican economy. Tourism accounted for just over 7% of Mexico's total GDP in 2021 as the country attracted over 31 million visitors that year. The Mexican government will likely continue to prioritize sending security forces to areas where tourism serves as the lifeblood of the local economy (like Quintana Roo, Baja California and Baja California Sur) in an effort to maintain the image of low criminal activity in these popular tourist destinations, despite Mexico's overall high rate of violent crime.
But the kidnapping of the four U.S. citizens is unlikely to change Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's overall approach to containing cartel violence in his country. The Lopez Obrador administration has never clearly outlined a security strategy since taking office in December 2018. But the president's catchphrase of approaching cartels with ''hugs, not bullets'' has reflected his government's broadly non-interventionist approach to cartels' presence. As such, Mexico's security forces rarely seek to proactively combat cartel influence, opting instead to simply keep violent crime statistics down in tourist areas and major cities. This strategy relies heavily on the use of a militarized policing force created under his presidency called the National Guard, which has absorbed units and officers from the Federal Police, Military Police and Naval Police. The Lopez Obrador government will almost certainly continue to utilize the National Guard to attempt to curb migration patterns, protect critical infrastructure and ensure increased safety in tourist destinations. But these areas of emphasis will likely continue to leave certain areas vulnerable to the influence of cartels — especially in states where rival cartels are fighting for control over territory, which include Tamaulipas (where the four U.S. citizens were kidnapped), Michoacan, Mexico State and Guerrero.
The Lopez Obrador administration's reaction to the Matamoros attack will also raise the risk of protests in Mexico by showcasing the government's continued failure to address security threats facing Mexican citizens. Many Mexicans have already expressed anger on social media over their government's swift response to the kidnapping of U.S. citizens, which stands in stark contrast to the historically slow or nonexistent response to the daily kidnappings of Mexican citizens. According to data compiled by the Mexico-based Alto Al Secuestro (Association to Stop Kidnapping), there were 5,256 reported kidnappings in Mexico between December 2018 and January 2023 — an average of four per day. But Mexican authorities rarely respond to these kidnappings in a proactive manner unless U.S. citizens and other foreigners are involved.
Activists have previously organized mass protests over kidnappings in the country — most prominently in response to the kidnapping of 43 student teachers in Guerrero state in 2014, which saw some demonstrations turn violent. Against this backdrop, incidents that highlight the disparity in security reactions for foreigners and locals — like the Matamoros kidnapping — raise the risk of renewing such protests by reminding Mexican citizens of their government's apparent disregard for their safety.
The U.S. Government's Response
The United States remains highly unlikely to directly intervene in the fight against cartels in Mexico, despite Republican lawmakers' increased calls for such action following the Matamoros incident. In recent weeks, certain members of the Republican Party have used the kidnappings to criticize the Mexican government's record on security, with some — including Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) — going so far as to propose legislation that would allow the U.S. military to intervene in Mexico. The draft bill would seek to designate nine of the most powerful Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations, thus allowing U.S. armed forces to be dispatched to Mexico. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also suggested labeling Mexican cartels as terrorist entities, though his administration never followed through on the effort. While the legislation is currently being debated by the House Foreign Affairs Committee, it is highly unlikely to be passed as it has been criticized by Democrats and some Republicans for proposing to interfere with another country's security policy. But even on the off-chance that the bill is ratified, Lopez Obrador has indicated that his government would not cooperate with any U.S. armed forces sent to his country to contain cartel violence, stating such a deployment would ''breach Mexico's sovereignty.''
But while the United States is unlikely to respond at the federal level, U.S. state governments could make regulatory changes in an effort to push Mexico to increase security efforts. Similar violent events against U.S. citizens could spur U.S. authorities to implement increased border security measures in an effort to prevent cartel violence from spilling across the border. Such measures would most likely come from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who previously implemented inspections along his state's border with Mexico in response to a surge in illegal border crossings in April 2022. The measures imposed by the Texan state government slowed cross-border traffic to a crawl and angered truckers, who formed a blockade at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge that nearly stopped traffic in both directions for three days. Economists estimated that delays from the inspections, which were only in place for less than two weeks (from April 6 to April 15), led the U.S. economy to lose an estimated $8.97 billion, with Texas alone losing $4.23 billion, as fruits and vegetables rotted in trucks. The re-implementation of such measures would risk similar logistical and financial challenges.
The United States will also likely continue to release periodic statements to further warn citizens about the dangers of traveling to Mexico. In the aftermath of the U.S. citizens' deaths in Matamoros, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico released a statement warning the thousands of U.S. students expected to visit the country in the coming weeks for spring break to exercise caution and to avoid visiting Mexican states designated ''Do Not Travel'' on the U.S. State Department's website. The advisory is the latest in the U.S. diplomatic push to educate American citizens about the dangers of traveling in Mexico. Such statements will continue to appear in the future, particularly in reaction to U.S. citizens falling victim to violent crime.
Sticking to the Script
In Mexico's criminal landscape, there is little room for a change of course. Cartel members must always fight for their survival, lest risk being assassinated by rival criminals or arrested by authorities. The Mexican government must balance between enforcing security to keep high-priority areas safe (like economically-important tourism destinations), while still granting cartels enough leeway to stave off a larger backlash. And the U.S. government must respond verbally to threats to its citizens and provide whatever direct security assistance to Mexico that its southern neighbor will accept. Barring massive (and unlikely) changes to the economic and/or political environments in the United States and Mexico, or to the U.S. market for illegal drugs, the parties involved will be confined to these roles. Both countries' 2024 general elections provide potential wildcards in the form of opposition candidates. But for all their bluster, any new president in either country will almost certainly return to the standard script amid economic, security and political pressures.
Cartel violence is a slow-moving tragedy — Mexico's personal forever war. Organized crime bleeds the Mexican economy and contributes to poverty, even as new manufacturing facilities and tech startups improve conditions for few. Incidents like the attack on the four Americans in Matamoros, while horrific, are sadly the norm for locals in much of the country. And that grim reality is unlikely to change anytime soon. With no serious, existential threat from domestic security forces, cartels and smaller gangs will continue to threaten the lives and livelihoods of locals, foreigners and businesses alike, requiring constant vigilance as crime rates forever fluctuate between ''acceptable'' and ''catastrophic.''
531266
28
Espanol Discussion / RANE: US-Mexico Chips
« on: February 08, 2023, 04:30:45 PM »
February 8, 2023
View On Website
Open as PDF
Mexico Will Benefit From Washington’s Chip Focus
The U.S. wants to build a North American semiconductor supply chain.
By: Allison Fedirka
The United States is prioritizing the creation of a regional semiconductor production chain to give itself alternatives to Asian firms, especially those with ties to China. Even for the country that invented the semiconductor, this is a massive task. The manufacture of cutting-edge chips is incredibly expensive and complicated, and just a few companies around the world are dominant. If the U.S. is going to succeed in its chips drive, it will need to involve Mexico.
Chip Race
Today, semiconductors are used in everything from consumer goods (computers, cellphones, automobiles, etc.) to military equipment and communication satellites. But despite the ubiquity of chips in modern technology, the manufacturing equipment for more than three-quarters of the global chip supply comes from just five companies. Three of these firms (Applied Materials, Lam Research Corp. and KLA Corp.) are in the United States, and the other two are in U.S. allies: the Netherlands’ ASML and Japan’s Tokyo Electron. ASML holds a monopoly on the machinery needed to make the most advanced semiconductors.
The U.S. is determined to defend and extend this advantage over China. In 2022, Washington passed the CHIPS and Science Act, which allotted $52.7 billion for the research, development and manufacturing of microchips. It also passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which supports the manufacture of electric vehicles and relevant chips in North America. Internationally, the U.S. in late January convinced Japan and the Netherlands to work with it on restricting semiconductor technology sales to China. This builds on a 2019 agreement that banned ASML from exporting its most advanced machinery to China. The latest agreement expands these restrictions, although details have not been released. The U.S. is likely trying to strike a balance between pressuring China and not spurring Beijing to accelerate development of domestic capabilities.
Over time, Washington wants to reduce its own reliance on foreign firms, particularly those tied to China as well as companies like ASML. According to the Semiconductor Industry Association, from 1990 to 2021, the U.S. share of global semiconductor manufacturing capacity fell to 12 percent from 37 percent. Most of it is now in Asia. The U.S. is now trying to coax chipmakers into moving to North America. Major players like GlobalFoundries, Intel, Samsung Foundry, TSMC and Texas Instruments are building new semiconductor production facilities in the United States, especially New York, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. Washington is mainly focused on the automotive sector, where the U.S. is highly integrated with Canada and Mexico. This sector plays a major role in driving the U.S. and Mexican economies. The three countries agreed to develop a joint chipmaking initiative, including coordinating supply chains and investments. They also want to work together to map critical minerals.
Typical Global Semiconductor Production Pattern
(click to enlarge)
Mexico’s Advantages
About 40 percent of U.S. semiconductor plants are in states along its southern border, a significant opportunity for Mexico. Likewise, many of Mexico’s manufacturing hubs, especially for high-end manufacturing and automobiles, are in northern border states. Mexico’s foreign minister estimates that a quarter or more of imports from Asia could be replaced by North American production, boosted by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement.
Nearshoring Opportunities in Latin America
(click to enlarge)
The Mexican government has already begun laying the diplomatic groundwork to support its chip ambitions. At the beginning of the year – prior to the U.S.-Japan-Netherlands agreement – Japan’s foreign minister was in Mexico discussing trade and semiconductors. Later in January, a Dutch delegation along with U.S. officials visited the northwestern Mexican state of Baja California for talks on investment opportunities, with a focus on agro-industry, electric vehicles, semiconductors, supply chains and energy.
Talks are also underway between the Mexican government and the business community. Firms like Intel, Skyworks Solutions, Texas Instruments and Infineon Technologies are already operating in Mexico and working on chip R&D and test manufacturing. Conversations with Taiwanese chipmakers like TSMC are ongoing. Foxconn, the world’s biggest contract electronics manufacturer, already established a headquarters in Mexico in order to be closer to clients (mostly in the electronic vehicles sector) in North America. Mexico is also working with the Inter-American Development Bank to identify semiconductor opportunities, and with the National College of Professional Technical Education to produce more skilled workers to serve in chip manufacturing. Finally, Mexican industry and higher education institutions have partnered with Arizona State University to boost the production of semiconductors in North America through training and increased production capacity in northwest border states.
FDI Inflows to Mexico
(click to enlarge)
Some in Mexico hope that Washington’s semiconductor drive will help develop the country's southern region. This would help the government solve one of its biggest challenges, but the initiative is no quick fix. Currently, Mexico’s chip industry is limited to lower-skill roles like assembly, testing and packaging – ideal starting points for the development of more skilled, formal work in Mexico’s underdeveloped south. Moreover, chipmaking uses large amounts of water, which is more plentiful in southern Mexico. But although the south is close to the narrow Isthmus of Tehuantepec, giving exporters quick access to the Atlantic and Pacific, its transportation (and energy) infrastructure is poor. Existing Mexican industrial complexes, particularly for automobiles, are farther north, in Guadalajara, Nuevo Leon, Baja California, Aguascalientes and Chihuahua. Semiconductor manufacturing will probably stay close to these clusters to leverage existing infrastructure and shorter distances to the United States.
Rules and Rivals
While Mexico is on paper a promising location for chipmakers, there are several challenges it must address to play a major role in the U.S. semiconductor manufacturing chain. First, the U.S. and Mexico are at odds over the government’s management of the electricity sector. A stable and secure electricity supply is critical for chipmaking, but future investments in the Mexican electricity network are in jeopardy because of these disputes, which adds risk for manufacturers. Similarly, U.S. companies have taken issue with Mexico’s labor laws. This recurring point of contention generally occurs at the company or plant level and cannot be ruled out. Foreign firms also want Mexico to alter its regulations and incentives to make itself a better business environment for semiconductor manufacturing.
However, the main threat to U.S.-Mexican cooperation is increasing Chinese investment in Mexico. The U.S. will expect Mexico to restrict Chinese firms from entering the Mexican segments of the North American chip supply chain. This is a major reason Washington wants much closer coordination with Mexico City on strategic goods. It is also why the U.S. is starting with less sophisticated chips used in things like cars rather than high-end products related to defense. The U.S. can leverage its relationships with Japan and South Korea – which already relocated some manufacturing to Mexico – to encourage non-Chinese investment in the country. And of course, the U.S. can threaten to restrict investment, trade, remittances, etc. to its southern neighbor to drive its point home.
None of Mexico’s challenges are insurmountable. And the U.S. interest in becoming self-sufficient in semiconductor production, as well as the importance of the auto industry to the U.S. economy, means the U.S. will be very willing to work with Mexico to find solutions.
527558
View On Website
Open as PDF
Mexico Will Benefit From Washington’s Chip Focus
The U.S. wants to build a North American semiconductor supply chain.
By: Allison Fedirka
The United States is prioritizing the creation of a regional semiconductor production chain to give itself alternatives to Asian firms, especially those with ties to China. Even for the country that invented the semiconductor, this is a massive task. The manufacture of cutting-edge chips is incredibly expensive and complicated, and just a few companies around the world are dominant. If the U.S. is going to succeed in its chips drive, it will need to involve Mexico.
Chip Race
Today, semiconductors are used in everything from consumer goods (computers, cellphones, automobiles, etc.) to military equipment and communication satellites. But despite the ubiquity of chips in modern technology, the manufacturing equipment for more than three-quarters of the global chip supply comes from just five companies. Three of these firms (Applied Materials, Lam Research Corp. and KLA Corp.) are in the United States, and the other two are in U.S. allies: the Netherlands’ ASML and Japan’s Tokyo Electron. ASML holds a monopoly on the machinery needed to make the most advanced semiconductors.
The U.S. is determined to defend and extend this advantage over China. In 2022, Washington passed the CHIPS and Science Act, which allotted $52.7 billion for the research, development and manufacturing of microchips. It also passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which supports the manufacture of electric vehicles and relevant chips in North America. Internationally, the U.S. in late January convinced Japan and the Netherlands to work with it on restricting semiconductor technology sales to China. This builds on a 2019 agreement that banned ASML from exporting its most advanced machinery to China. The latest agreement expands these restrictions, although details have not been released. The U.S. is likely trying to strike a balance between pressuring China and not spurring Beijing to accelerate development of domestic capabilities.
Over time, Washington wants to reduce its own reliance on foreign firms, particularly those tied to China as well as companies like ASML. According to the Semiconductor Industry Association, from 1990 to 2021, the U.S. share of global semiconductor manufacturing capacity fell to 12 percent from 37 percent. Most of it is now in Asia. The U.S. is now trying to coax chipmakers into moving to North America. Major players like GlobalFoundries, Intel, Samsung Foundry, TSMC and Texas Instruments are building new semiconductor production facilities in the United States, especially New York, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. Washington is mainly focused on the automotive sector, where the U.S. is highly integrated with Canada and Mexico. This sector plays a major role in driving the U.S. and Mexican economies. The three countries agreed to develop a joint chipmaking initiative, including coordinating supply chains and investments. They also want to work together to map critical minerals.
Typical Global Semiconductor Production Pattern
(click to enlarge)
Mexico’s Advantages
About 40 percent of U.S. semiconductor plants are in states along its southern border, a significant opportunity for Mexico. Likewise, many of Mexico’s manufacturing hubs, especially for high-end manufacturing and automobiles, are in northern border states. Mexico’s foreign minister estimates that a quarter or more of imports from Asia could be replaced by North American production, boosted by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement.
Nearshoring Opportunities in Latin America
(click to enlarge)
The Mexican government has already begun laying the diplomatic groundwork to support its chip ambitions. At the beginning of the year – prior to the U.S.-Japan-Netherlands agreement – Japan’s foreign minister was in Mexico discussing trade and semiconductors. Later in January, a Dutch delegation along with U.S. officials visited the northwestern Mexican state of Baja California for talks on investment opportunities, with a focus on agro-industry, electric vehicles, semiconductors, supply chains and energy.
Talks are also underway between the Mexican government and the business community. Firms like Intel, Skyworks Solutions, Texas Instruments and Infineon Technologies are already operating in Mexico and working on chip R&D and test manufacturing. Conversations with Taiwanese chipmakers like TSMC are ongoing. Foxconn, the world’s biggest contract electronics manufacturer, already established a headquarters in Mexico in order to be closer to clients (mostly in the electronic vehicles sector) in North America. Mexico is also working with the Inter-American Development Bank to identify semiconductor opportunities, and with the National College of Professional Technical Education to produce more skilled workers to serve in chip manufacturing. Finally, Mexican industry and higher education institutions have partnered with Arizona State University to boost the production of semiconductors in North America through training and increased production capacity in northwest border states.
FDI Inflows to Mexico
(click to enlarge)
Some in Mexico hope that Washington’s semiconductor drive will help develop the country's southern region. This would help the government solve one of its biggest challenges, but the initiative is no quick fix. Currently, Mexico’s chip industry is limited to lower-skill roles like assembly, testing and packaging – ideal starting points for the development of more skilled, formal work in Mexico’s underdeveloped south. Moreover, chipmaking uses large amounts of water, which is more plentiful in southern Mexico. But although the south is close to the narrow Isthmus of Tehuantepec, giving exporters quick access to the Atlantic and Pacific, its transportation (and energy) infrastructure is poor. Existing Mexican industrial complexes, particularly for automobiles, are farther north, in Guadalajara, Nuevo Leon, Baja California, Aguascalientes and Chihuahua. Semiconductor manufacturing will probably stay close to these clusters to leverage existing infrastructure and shorter distances to the United States.
Rules and Rivals
While Mexico is on paper a promising location for chipmakers, there are several challenges it must address to play a major role in the U.S. semiconductor manufacturing chain. First, the U.S. and Mexico are at odds over the government’s management of the electricity sector. A stable and secure electricity supply is critical for chipmaking, but future investments in the Mexican electricity network are in jeopardy because of these disputes, which adds risk for manufacturers. Similarly, U.S. companies have taken issue with Mexico’s labor laws. This recurring point of contention generally occurs at the company or plant level and cannot be ruled out. Foreign firms also want Mexico to alter its regulations and incentives to make itself a better business environment for semiconductor manufacturing.
However, the main threat to U.S.-Mexican cooperation is increasing Chinese investment in Mexico. The U.S. will expect Mexico to restrict Chinese firms from entering the Mexican segments of the North American chip supply chain. This is a major reason Washington wants much closer coordination with Mexico City on strategic goods. It is also why the U.S. is starting with less sophisticated chips used in things like cars rather than high-end products related to defense. The U.S. can leverage its relationships with Japan and South Korea – which already relocated some manufacturing to Mexico – to encourage non-Chinese investment in the country. And of course, the U.S. can threaten to restrict investment, trade, remittances, etc. to its southern neighbor to drive its point home.
None of Mexico’s challenges are insurmountable. And the U.S. interest in becoming self-sufficient in semiconductor production, as well as the importance of the auto industry to the U.S. economy, means the U.S. will be very willing to work with Mexico to find solutions.
527558
30
Martial Arts Topics / Daughter repeatedly rams her mother's rapist with her car
« on: January 29, 2023, 07:31:22 PM »32
Martial Arts Topics / Re: PG Crafty on board at the Combat University
« on: January 22, 2023, 07:14:18 AM »
My first class is this coming Sunday with more in the coming months. See www.37PSR.com
33
Martial Arts Topics / Re: the titles of the teachers in the fillipino martial arts ("Kali")
« on: January 22, 2023, 07:13:14 AM »
ttt
34
Espanol Discussion / CJNG only cartel to have its own AR-15 factory
« on: January 21, 2023, 03:03:29 PM »37
Espanol Discussion / Prison break in Ciudad Juarez
« on: January 05, 2023, 11:46:55 AM »
https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/juarez-prison-head-focus-of-probe-manhunt-underway-for-fugitives/?utm_source=MND%20mail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MNT&pnespid=tbR8CScXOKhCxaTR_z7tCoOepQytDod9dLntm_5ttkxmbnE.snSN_jY5PQQi8CBPFVJRsyrF
Ciudad Juárez prison head focus of probe as authorities search for fugitives
The head of Cereso No. 3 prison in Ciudad Juárez, Alejandro Alvarado Téllez, center, is now under investigation for allegedly allowing multiple prohibited items into the prison under his charge. (Photo: State of Chihuahua)
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The director of the Cereso No. 3 prison in Ciudad Juárez was fired on Tuesday, following a prison raid that left 19 people dead and allowed at least 27 prisoners to escape.
According to a statement by the Chihuahua Attorney General’s Office, former director Alejandro Alvarado Téllez and several other prison staff members are under investigation for the events leading up to the jailbreak.
Authorities are investigating whether they failed in their duties to maintain security or even allowed prohibited objects to enter the prison.
The raid occurred on the morning of Jan. 1 after gunmen attacked the penal institution, seeking to free a leader of the local Mexicles gang, Ernesto Alfredo Pinon de la Cruz, alias “El Neto.” Nineteen people were killed in the gun battle, including 10 guards. At least 27 prisoners escaped, including the gang leader and his lieutenant.
Prisoners being transferred out of Cereso No. 3 in Juarez, Chihuahua
In the aftermath of the raid, hundreds of prisoners are being transferred out of Cereso No. 3 to other prisons around the country. (Photo: Cuartoscuro)
When federal authorities regained control of the prison, they found that El Neto had been staying in a “VIP zone” within the center, with access to drugs and money.
On Tuesday, the Defense Ministry (Sedena) announced that it had deployed 200 military personnel to Ciudad Juárez to reinforce security. The additional troops will join the hunt for the fugitive prisoners, alongside over 900 members of the army and National Guard already in the city.
At least five criminals who escaped in the breakout have been captured, along with weapons, drugs and cash. Meanwhile, seven people have died in clashes during the manhunt, including two police officers. Five criminals armed with tactical weaponry were killed in a police chase after firing on search units.
In addition, one fugitive was caught on security cameras attempting to cross the United States border into El Paso, Texas.
Chihuahua Governor Maru Campos listening to updates on authorities' attempts to track down fugitive prisoners after a prison break in Juarez
Chihuahua Governor Maru Campos, center, listening to updates on authorities’ attempts to track down fugitive prisoners. (Photo: Gov. of Chihuahua)
“After the sighting, the authorities of El Paso, Texas, were informed with the relevant information, and immediately a joint search operation was implemented on both sides of the border,” the state government said.
191 prisoners from the Cereso have been transferred to other federal prisons around the country. They had been charged with crimes including murder, kidnapping, rape and organized crime activity.
“This operation concluded safely and successfully; with these movements, the state government was supported in guaranteeing the governability of the center after the events of Jan. 1,” read a statement by the Defense Ministry (Sedena).
According to the Chihuahua Attorney General’s Office, the transfer of “El Neto” and 179 other prisoners from the Cereso has been under consideration since a previous escape attempt on Aug. 11. The request was on hold pending an analysis of capacity in other centers.
Ernesto Alfredo Piñon de la Cruz, alias “El Neto"
Ernesto Alfredo Piñon de la Cruz, alias “El Neto” lived like a king in Cereso No. 3, authorities say, with access to drugs and money. He’s been involved in organized crime since starting his own gang while still a teen and becoming a regional leader in the Juárez Cartel at age 18. (Photo: social media)
They added that “El Neto,” who has been jailed since 2009, was initially held in another prison but has fought a long legal battle to be transferred and then kept in the Cereso. From the prison, he allegedly coordinated numerous violent attacks by the Mexicles gang, one of the most powerful criminal cells in Ciudad Juárez.
With reports from Animal Político, Reuters and Excelsior
Ciudad Juárez prison head focus of probe as authorities search for fugitives
The head of Cereso No. 3 prison in Ciudad Juárez, Alejandro Alvarado Téllez, center, is now under investigation for allegedly allowing multiple prohibited items into the prison under his charge. (Photo: State of Chihuahua)
0
SHARE
The director of the Cereso No. 3 prison in Ciudad Juárez was fired on Tuesday, following a prison raid that left 19 people dead and allowed at least 27 prisoners to escape.
According to a statement by the Chihuahua Attorney General’s Office, former director Alejandro Alvarado Téllez and several other prison staff members are under investigation for the events leading up to the jailbreak.
Authorities are investigating whether they failed in their duties to maintain security or even allowed prohibited objects to enter the prison.
The raid occurred on the morning of Jan. 1 after gunmen attacked the penal institution, seeking to free a leader of the local Mexicles gang, Ernesto Alfredo Pinon de la Cruz, alias “El Neto.” Nineteen people were killed in the gun battle, including 10 guards. At least 27 prisoners escaped, including the gang leader and his lieutenant.
Prisoners being transferred out of Cereso No. 3 in Juarez, Chihuahua
In the aftermath of the raid, hundreds of prisoners are being transferred out of Cereso No. 3 to other prisons around the country. (Photo: Cuartoscuro)
When federal authorities regained control of the prison, they found that El Neto had been staying in a “VIP zone” within the center, with access to drugs and money.
On Tuesday, the Defense Ministry (Sedena) announced that it had deployed 200 military personnel to Ciudad Juárez to reinforce security. The additional troops will join the hunt for the fugitive prisoners, alongside over 900 members of the army and National Guard already in the city.
At least five criminals who escaped in the breakout have been captured, along with weapons, drugs and cash. Meanwhile, seven people have died in clashes during the manhunt, including two police officers. Five criminals armed with tactical weaponry were killed in a police chase after firing on search units.
In addition, one fugitive was caught on security cameras attempting to cross the United States border into El Paso, Texas.
Chihuahua Governor Maru Campos listening to updates on authorities' attempts to track down fugitive prisoners after a prison break in Juarez
Chihuahua Governor Maru Campos, center, listening to updates on authorities’ attempts to track down fugitive prisoners. (Photo: Gov. of Chihuahua)
“After the sighting, the authorities of El Paso, Texas, were informed with the relevant information, and immediately a joint search operation was implemented on both sides of the border,” the state government said.
191 prisoners from the Cereso have been transferred to other federal prisons around the country. They had been charged with crimes including murder, kidnapping, rape and organized crime activity.
“This operation concluded safely and successfully; with these movements, the state government was supported in guaranteeing the governability of the center after the events of Jan. 1,” read a statement by the Defense Ministry (Sedena).
According to the Chihuahua Attorney General’s Office, the transfer of “El Neto” and 179 other prisoners from the Cereso has been under consideration since a previous escape attempt on Aug. 11. The request was on hold pending an analysis of capacity in other centers.
Ernesto Alfredo Piñon de la Cruz, alias “El Neto"
Ernesto Alfredo Piñon de la Cruz, alias “El Neto” lived like a king in Cereso No. 3, authorities say, with access to drugs and money. He’s been involved in organized crime since starting his own gang while still a teen and becoming a regional leader in the Juárez Cartel at age 18. (Photo: social media)
They added that “El Neto,” who has been jailed since 2009, was initially held in another prison but has fought a long legal battle to be transferred and then kept in the Cereso. From the prison, he allegedly coordinated numerous violent attacks by the Mexicles gang, one of the most powerful criminal cells in Ciudad Juárez.
With reports from Animal Político, Reuters and Excelsior
38
Espanol Discussion / Zapatistas en Chiapas
« on: December 31, 2022, 08:52:11 PM »
In fighting globalism, the Zapatistas brought the world to Chiapas
Leigh Thelmadatter
Leigh Thelmadatter
December 31, 2022
0
EZLN sign in Chiapas, Mexico
When talks with the federal government failed, the EZLN focused on carving out autonomous territory, (Photo: Hajor/Wikimedia Commons)
For those of us 50 and older, it seems like yesterday — the masked, charismatic Subcomandante Marcos taking the world by storm to demand justice for a jungle people threatened by globalization and “the new world order.”
He and the Ejército Zapatista de Liberación Nacional (EZLN) made their dramatic appearance on January 1, 1994, the day the North American Free Trade Agreement went into effect. The treaty had been decried by many, but this armed insurgency cut through all that.
EZLN didn’t just pop up out of nowhere. Chiapas has had a long and sometimes violent history of conflict. The Zapatistas, named after the Mexican Revolution general Emiliano Zapata, organized in 1983 after decades of failure to resolve economic, political and cultural issues.
But they remained obscure until they took over seven towns by force, including San Cristóbal de la Casas, making a declaration there that got Mexico’s and the world’s attention.
Subcomandante Marcos
Subcomandante Marcos, with trademark baclava and pipe, was the leader and spokesman for the EZLN. (José Villa at VillaPhotography/Creative Commons)
Actual fighting with federal forces only lasted two weeks.
The Zapatistas had impeccable timing: the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) had severely weakened (and would officially fall six years later). And instead of limiting their actions to petitioning the Mexican political system, the EZLN reached out internationally via contacts and the Internet.
To people outside Mexico, it made for a great underdog story. And as word spread, foreign journalists flocked to Chiapas, giving them nearly glowing coverage.
This forced the Mexican government to sign the San Andrés Peace Accords in 1996, but it balked in 2001 when the Zapatistas marched to Mexico City to have it formally put into law. Instead, the congress passed a watered-down version, and the Zapatistas broke all talks with them.
EZLN Comandanta Ramona
The EZLN’s gender egalitarianism and female leaders like Comandanta Ramona attracted much international support. (Photo: Heriberto Rodríguez/Creative Commons)
Instead, they focused on creating an “autonomous zone” with the support of certain areas of Chiapas and the international leftist community. Their success with foreign organizations is somewhat unusual and comes not only because EZLN fights for indigenous rights and against capitalism and globalism, but also because their organization is a mix of traditional and modern sensibilities, which inspired organizers to allow women a more visible role in their movement.
However, it is ironic that an anti-globalism movement would have decades-long ties with foreign organizations. It has been vital to their survival. International organizations provide donations and outlets for selling products like coffee in a way they say provides an alternative to globalism that does not abuse native peoples.
The connection to the world outside Mexico has influenced Zapatista priorities, causing them to adopt stances on issues as varied as gender identity, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, COVID policies, rail lines in Norwegian Sami territory and Mexico’s Maya Train project.
The effectiveness of the autonomous strategy locally is debatable. It has meant developing local solutions for needs such as healthcare and education. However, Chiapas, including Zapatista territory, remains extremely impoverished.
Map of territory claimed by various Zapatista groups
Map of territory claimed by various Zapatista groups. (Graphic: Hxltdq/Creative Commons)
Traditional farming practices are not enough to live on, and migration out to other parts of Mexico and to the United States has been significant in the past couple of decades. Illegal logging, especially in the Lacandon Rainforest, has led to severe environmental degradation, says local activist Eric Eberman of the Colibri-Tz’unun Reserve.
The lack of federal troops has made the zone attractive to both human and drug smugglers.
The irony does not stop with the fact of international contacts.
Subcomandante Marcos might have been the best tourism spokesman the state ever had. While some tourism and foreign residents had been in Chiapas prior to 1994, the news coverage brought the curious and the idealistic, not only to experience the native cultures, but with the hope of engaging someone in a black Zapatista balaclava as well.
San Cristobal de las Casas
Miguel Hidalgo street in present-day San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, full of foreign tourists (Photo: Protoplasmakid/Creative Commons)
For a time, there were so people arriving many that this tourism took on the name zapaturismo. As late as 2009, markets were filled with Zapatista-themed merchandise. At this point, it has all but disappeared.
Zapatourism hasn’t completely disappeared, but it is certainly not a matter of driving up to one of the communities to say hello. Some tourism offices in San Cristóbal might give you information about entering Zapatista territory but will tell you that doing so is at your own risk.
There is some indication that some Zapatistas are becoming more open to the idea of visitors again, such as the community of Oventic; however, I would recommend contacting an organization that works with the Zapatistas to find out what may or may not be possible through their contacts.
The memory of the uprising has faded since the movement mostly shuns the press, but tourism continues to grow in Chiapas, especially in San Cristóbal. In the past 30 years or so, the city has transformed from a small, isolated town to a cosmopolitan center welcoming hundreds of thousands of travelers each year. It also hosts a significant and growing number of foreign residents.
Cafe Rebelde coffee brand
Promotional photograph for coffee advertised in 2017 as “grown on Zapatista lands by Zapatista hands” and distributed worldwide. The brand is still for sale, and distributor Essential Trading Coop says a fraction of sales still go to a nonprofit organizing community projects in the Zapatistas’ autonomous communities.
The tourism has led to a now fairly large community of resident foreigners. Researcher Gustavo Sánchez Espinosa of the Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Superiores en Antropología Social (CIESAS) calls them “lifestyle migrants.”
These are people with incomes in dollars euros, etc., who come to Chiapas looking for some kind of change in their life. They look to live in an exotic locale, but over time, also look for certain amenities from back home — and businesses spring up to accommodate those needs. Mestizo Mexicans call them “neo-hippies;” local indigenous people call them alemantik or gringotik.
The majority of these settle in and around the historic center because of its majestic colonial architecture. But today, this area is now a jumble of the native and the foreign, with streets filled with European-style cafes, organic merchandise stores with streets filled with indigenous women selling handcrafts and other goods, along with people with huge backpacks and neo-hippie clothes and hair. Such residents separate themselves from other migrants, from places like Central America and other parts of Chiapas, attracted to the city for economic reasons.
In a way, the division revives the original purpose of the historic center, which began as a fort, then became an enclave for the colonial Spanish, with the poor and indigenous on the periphery.
It is highly unlikely that Marcos or any of the other leaders imagined that their stand against the outside world would instead bring the world to their doorstep.
Leigh Thelmadatter arrived in Mexico 18 years ago and fell in love with the land and the culture in particular its handcrafts and art. She is the author of Mexican Cartonería: Paper, Paste and Fiesta (Schiffer 2019). Her culture column appears regularly on Mexico News Daily.
Leigh Thelmadatter
Leigh Thelmadatter
December 31, 2022
0
EZLN sign in Chiapas, Mexico
When talks with the federal government failed, the EZLN focused on carving out autonomous territory, (Photo: Hajor/Wikimedia Commons)
For those of us 50 and older, it seems like yesterday — the masked, charismatic Subcomandante Marcos taking the world by storm to demand justice for a jungle people threatened by globalization and “the new world order.”
He and the Ejército Zapatista de Liberación Nacional (EZLN) made their dramatic appearance on January 1, 1994, the day the North American Free Trade Agreement went into effect. The treaty had been decried by many, but this armed insurgency cut through all that.
EZLN didn’t just pop up out of nowhere. Chiapas has had a long and sometimes violent history of conflict. The Zapatistas, named after the Mexican Revolution general Emiliano Zapata, organized in 1983 after decades of failure to resolve economic, political and cultural issues.
But they remained obscure until they took over seven towns by force, including San Cristóbal de la Casas, making a declaration there that got Mexico’s and the world’s attention.
Subcomandante Marcos
Subcomandante Marcos, with trademark baclava and pipe, was the leader and spokesman for the EZLN. (José Villa at VillaPhotography/Creative Commons)
Actual fighting with federal forces only lasted two weeks.
The Zapatistas had impeccable timing: the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) had severely weakened (and would officially fall six years later). And instead of limiting their actions to petitioning the Mexican political system, the EZLN reached out internationally via contacts and the Internet.
To people outside Mexico, it made for a great underdog story. And as word spread, foreign journalists flocked to Chiapas, giving them nearly glowing coverage.
This forced the Mexican government to sign the San Andrés Peace Accords in 1996, but it balked in 2001 when the Zapatistas marched to Mexico City to have it formally put into law. Instead, the congress passed a watered-down version, and the Zapatistas broke all talks with them.
EZLN Comandanta Ramona
The EZLN’s gender egalitarianism and female leaders like Comandanta Ramona attracted much international support. (Photo: Heriberto Rodríguez/Creative Commons)
Instead, they focused on creating an “autonomous zone” with the support of certain areas of Chiapas and the international leftist community. Their success with foreign organizations is somewhat unusual and comes not only because EZLN fights for indigenous rights and against capitalism and globalism, but also because their organization is a mix of traditional and modern sensibilities, which inspired organizers to allow women a more visible role in their movement.
However, it is ironic that an anti-globalism movement would have decades-long ties with foreign organizations. It has been vital to their survival. International organizations provide donations and outlets for selling products like coffee in a way they say provides an alternative to globalism that does not abuse native peoples.
The connection to the world outside Mexico has influenced Zapatista priorities, causing them to adopt stances on issues as varied as gender identity, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, COVID policies, rail lines in Norwegian Sami territory and Mexico’s Maya Train project.
The effectiveness of the autonomous strategy locally is debatable. It has meant developing local solutions for needs such as healthcare and education. However, Chiapas, including Zapatista territory, remains extremely impoverished.
Map of territory claimed by various Zapatista groups
Map of territory claimed by various Zapatista groups. (Graphic: Hxltdq/Creative Commons)
Traditional farming practices are not enough to live on, and migration out to other parts of Mexico and to the United States has been significant in the past couple of decades. Illegal logging, especially in the Lacandon Rainforest, has led to severe environmental degradation, says local activist Eric Eberman of the Colibri-Tz’unun Reserve.
The lack of federal troops has made the zone attractive to both human and drug smugglers.
The irony does not stop with the fact of international contacts.
Subcomandante Marcos might have been the best tourism spokesman the state ever had. While some tourism and foreign residents had been in Chiapas prior to 1994, the news coverage brought the curious and the idealistic, not only to experience the native cultures, but with the hope of engaging someone in a black Zapatista balaclava as well.
San Cristobal de las Casas
Miguel Hidalgo street in present-day San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, full of foreign tourists (Photo: Protoplasmakid/Creative Commons)
For a time, there were so people arriving many that this tourism took on the name zapaturismo. As late as 2009, markets were filled with Zapatista-themed merchandise. At this point, it has all but disappeared.
Zapatourism hasn’t completely disappeared, but it is certainly not a matter of driving up to one of the communities to say hello. Some tourism offices in San Cristóbal might give you information about entering Zapatista territory but will tell you that doing so is at your own risk.
There is some indication that some Zapatistas are becoming more open to the idea of visitors again, such as the community of Oventic; however, I would recommend contacting an organization that works with the Zapatistas to find out what may or may not be possible through their contacts.
The memory of the uprising has faded since the movement mostly shuns the press, but tourism continues to grow in Chiapas, especially in San Cristóbal. In the past 30 years or so, the city has transformed from a small, isolated town to a cosmopolitan center welcoming hundreds of thousands of travelers each year. It also hosts a significant and growing number of foreign residents.
Cafe Rebelde coffee brand
Promotional photograph for coffee advertised in 2017 as “grown on Zapatista lands by Zapatista hands” and distributed worldwide. The brand is still for sale, and distributor Essential Trading Coop says a fraction of sales still go to a nonprofit organizing community projects in the Zapatistas’ autonomous communities.
The tourism has led to a now fairly large community of resident foreigners. Researcher Gustavo Sánchez Espinosa of the Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Superiores en Antropología Social (CIESAS) calls them “lifestyle migrants.”
These are people with incomes in dollars euros, etc., who come to Chiapas looking for some kind of change in their life. They look to live in an exotic locale, but over time, also look for certain amenities from back home — and businesses spring up to accommodate those needs. Mestizo Mexicans call them “neo-hippies;” local indigenous people call them alemantik or gringotik.
The majority of these settle in and around the historic center because of its majestic colonial architecture. But today, this area is now a jumble of the native and the foreign, with streets filled with European-style cafes, organic merchandise stores with streets filled with indigenous women selling handcrafts and other goods, along with people with huge backpacks and neo-hippie clothes and hair. Such residents separate themselves from other migrants, from places like Central America and other parts of Chiapas, attracted to the city for economic reasons.
In a way, the division revives the original purpose of the historic center, which began as a fort, then became an enclave for the colonial Spanish, with the poor and indigenous on the periphery.
It is highly unlikely that Marcos or any of the other leaders imagined that their stand against the outside world would instead bring the world to their doorstep.
Leigh Thelmadatter arrived in Mexico 18 years ago and fell in love with the land and the culture in particular its handcrafts and art. She is the author of Mexican Cartonería: Paper, Paste and Fiesta (Schiffer 2019). Her culture column appears regularly on Mexico News Daily.
43
Espanol Discussion / Guro Lonely en Espana
« on: November 02, 2022, 03:14:34 PM »
https://www.elbudoka.es/blocks/los-dog-brothers-aullan-con-fuerza-en-espana/?fbclid=IwAR3v_OjFLSr5FndJbRe0UboetGH72l6yXAE4gRdR2RyE6EHAjy5_MX2P_0Q
Nº 69 (Nov-Dic 22) > Los Dog Brothers aúllan con fuerza en España
Los Dog Brothers aúllan con fuerza en España
Entrevista a Guro Benjamin Lonely Dog Rittiner
Por Joan “Atura Dog” Cornudella
Representante de DBMA en Cataluña
.
Tal y como informamos en su día, del 26 al 30 de Septiembre se celebró en La Isla, un precioso pueblo del concejo asturiano de Colunga, unas jornadas de convivencia y entrenamiento a cargo de Guro Benjamin “Lonely Dog” Rittiner y Kru Rene “Growling Dog” Cocolo, auténticas autoridades a nivel mundial del Stickfighting y el Krabi Krabong respectivamente.
.
Esas jornadas constituyen uno de los eventos principales del calendario de actividades que DOG BROTHERS ESPAÑA organiza anualmente bajo el liderazgo de Fraggle Dog, y constituyen una oportunidad inmejorable para disfrutar de las enseñanzas y sentido del humor de Lonely Dog.
.
Durante esos días tuvimos la oportunidad de charlar con él y fruto de esas conversaciones es la entrevista que ofrecemos a continuación.
.
¿Cómo comenzaste en las artes marciales? Fuera del mundo de las artes marciales, ¿has practicado algún deporte?
No, no he practicado ningún deporte con asiduidad. Además, no era muy bueno en ellos. Pero a los diez años comencé con las artes marciales japonesas: Karate, Judo, Kenjutsu… y más tarde me embarqué en el boxeo, donde disputé una docena de peleas amateur.
.
¿Cuándo descubriste el stickfight?
En 1992, tras un seminario celebrado en Luxemburgo. Al día siguiente, un instructor de otro estilo me mostró algo de kali de la rama de Inosanto. Sólo la simple y clásica rutina de Sinawali, “cielo seis”, en un saco pesado; y me dejó alucinado. Desde ese preciso momento quise estudiar Artes Marciales Filipinas.
.
La cuna de los Dog Brothers son los Estados Unidos, pero usted lleva trabajando en Europa muchos años. ¿Hay algo que diferencia a DBMA en Europa de las que se practican en ese país? ¿Hemos evolucionado de manera independiente hasta poder decir que tenemos un sello propio en nuestro continente?
Bueno, esta pregunta es difícil de responder. En Estados Unidos las DBMA fueron influenciadas por muchas personas y estilos. Pero al ser el primero y único en Europa tuve que encontrar mi propio camino, el cual a su vez influyó mucho en el resto. Como allí muchos peleadores son grandes y fuertes y combaten ejerciendo una gran presión hacia adelante, tuve que desarrollar una forma de pelear inteligente y de gran movilidad. Así que al principio la gente copiaba mi estilo. Pero hoy en día las cosas han cambiado un poco ya que ahora podemos encontrar estilos de lucha muy diferentes en Europa.
.
Tú comenzaste a aprender DBMA con cintas VHS y cuando llegaste por primera vez a USA el propio Marc Denny se mostró sorprendido de la profundidad de los conocimientos qué adquiriste de esa forma ¿Qué opinas del auge que ha tenido en los últimos años la enseñanza on-line de las artes marciales, impulsada por la pandemia?
La verdad es que no es que quisiera aprender de vídeos, pero era lo único que había. No es fácil aprender de esa manera. Es mejor entrenar con alguien pero en ese momento se podía encontrar muy poco de A.M.F. en Suiza y no me quedó más remedio que estudiar con vídeos. Afortunadamente, tengo talento para aprender de ellos.
Hoy en día se puede encontrar una gran cantidad de información por ahí, en vídeos e internet. Y, desde luego, la pandemia impulsó el aprendizaje virtual. Pero creo que la gente puede volverse perezosa al aprender de esa forma y convertirse en algo similar a jugar un videojuego. Crees que puedes replicar los movimientos que has visto en la vida real, pero no es tan fácil… Resulta mucho más sencillo y eficiente entrenar con un instructor, cara a cara. Es necesario sentir para aprender.
.
Jornadas de convivencia y entrenamiento con los DBMA
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Marc Denny afirma que DBMA es “un sistema de muchos estilos” y, desde luego, no se puede decir que sea un sistema tradicional en el sentido que normalmente se emplea este término en la comunidad marcial. Sin embargo, sí que se puede decir que a lo largo de los años han adquirido una idiosincrasia e identidad propias. ¿Cuál crees que es su esencia? ¿Cuáles han sido los elementos que han perdurado desde su origen y que se mantendrán en el futuro?
DBMA es de hecho un sistema de muchos estilos y para mí su filosofía es idéntica a la del Jeet Kune Do. El estudiante tiene que terminar encontrando al cabo del tiempo su propio estilo, a diferencia de las artes marciales tradicionales que empujan a sus estudiantes hacia una forma determinada de moverse y pensar.
Así, en primer lugar el estudiante debe aprender los conceptos básicos de mi variación de las DBMA; no hay nada malo en adoptar un estilo al principio. Pero luego es importante que el individuo encuentre el suyo propio.
.
En los últimos años, los Dog Brothers han experimentado un renacer en España gracias al trabajo de Fraggle Dog. ¿Cuál crees que es el nivel actual en nuestro país?
Me gusta el trabajo que está haciendo Fraggle Dog y su estilo, que es juguetón. El nombre de Fraggle Dog le viene al pelo. No se toma a sí mismo demasiado en serio, y eso me encanta. Definitivamente, encontró su propio estilo.
Veo que los grupos en España trabajan bien juntos y se complementan entre sí. Van acudiendo cada vez más personas y espero ansioso ver su desarrollo durante los próximos años.
.
En línea con la anterior pregunta y teniendo en cuenta que usted es el líder de los Dog Brothers en Europa, ¿Cuál es tu proyecto de futuro para los Dog Brothers en España? ¿Qué objetivos os habéis planteado tú y Fraggle Dog para un horizonte de tres o incluso cinco años?
Normalmente no trabajo con un plan u objetivo para el desarrollo las de DBMA. Simplemente tengo mucha pasión por lo que hago y procuro contagiarla a mucha gente. Es decisión de Fraggle Dog hacia dónde irá el grupo. Veo su entusiasmo y estoy convencido de que irá en la dirección correcta.
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¿Cómo explicarías en pocas palabras a un practicante de artes marciales tradicionales o incluso a un absoluto neófito qué son los Dog Brothers qué es lo que hacen?
Pues diría que lo que hacemos es MMA con palos.
.
¿Hay algún otro arte marcial qué te gustaría practicar en el futuro?
Definitivamente tengo que practicar más Grappling y Stick Grappling. Y también estoy interesado en aprender algo de HEMA.
.
Los Dog Brothers son pioneros en el combate con armas a pleno contacto, “RCSF”. Parece que en los últimos tiempos hay una obsesión por el realismo en el entrenamiento. ¿Hasta qué punto crees que es posible entrenar de manera realista sin comprometer seriamente la integridad física del artista marcial? ¿Merece la pena sobrepasar ciertos límites?
No estoy seguro de si hemos sido realmente pioneros. Supongo que seguramente alguien debió trabajar antes que nosotros Real Contact Stick Fighting…
¿Qué significa “realismo”? Lo que hago yo no es una pelea real. El contacto es real, sí. Y el dolor también es real. Eso seguro. Pero en los Dog Brothers peleo con amigos, no con enemigos. Por lo tanto, no tengo experiencia en peleas “reales”.
Es verdad que lo que hacemos es peligroso y no es para todo el mundo. No obstante, cualquiera puede aprender de la experiencia que tenemos en “RCSF” sin arriesgar su salud. El conocimiento también se puede adquirir sin riesgo de sufrir graves lesiones.
Pero también creo que uno puede aprender y prepararse de forma bastante segura para pelear en un Gathering. Hay una manera de navegar por nuestra locura.
.
Existe la teoría de que muchas técnicas recogidas en el repertorio de las A.M.F. son movimientos que surgieron espontáneamente en el campo de batalla y que, a medida que avanzaban por su efectividad en ese momento especifico, comenzaron a ser entrenadas regularmente. Sin embargo, algunos son muy críticos con la validez de muchas técnicas ¿Crees qué es una cuestión de técnicas o de cómo se entrenan las técnicas?
Definitivamente es más importante cómo se entrenan las técnicas. He podido constatar cómo técnicas aparentemente “estúpidas” funcionaron durante una pelea porque su entrenamiento fue inteligente. Y vi buenas técnicas que no funcionaron debido a cómo fueron practicadas. Soy muy cauteloso a la hora de criticar un arte marcial específico. Muy a menudo, se trata de cómo se entrena una técnica y de si los practicantes creen en ella.
Sin embargo, a mí me gusta seguir un enfoque científico. Es decir, primero planteo una hipótesis: una técnica, una estrategia, etc., y luego la pongo en práctica en combate. Pero, además, también tiene que ser replicada por otras personas. Sólo entonces puede considerarse que esa técnica o estrategia es válida.
.
Tú pasaste bastante tiempo en U.S.A. aprendiendo directamente de Marc Denny ¿Cuál es el mejor recuerdo que tienes de tu estancia allí? ¿Y el peor recuerdo?
Tengo muchos recuerdos fantásticos, la mayoría de ellos de mis peleas en Gatherings. La adrenalina, el estrés, el miedo, la intensidad hace que esos recuerdos sean inolvidables. En mis primeros Gatherings no hablaba inglés, pero había mucha comunicación de corazón a corazón…
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Es evidente que existe un riesgo en RCSF ¿Cómo lo gestionas? ¿Algún marco común?
La pelea es caos. Puedes intentar controlar ese caos o fluir con él de la misma forma que un surfista cabalga una ola. Mi enfoque es encontrar formas de controlarlo….
Comparte esto:
Nº 69 (Nov-Dic 22) > Los Dog Brothers aúllan con fuerza en España
Los Dog Brothers aúllan con fuerza en España
Entrevista a Guro Benjamin Lonely Dog Rittiner
Por Joan “Atura Dog” Cornudella
Representante de DBMA en Cataluña
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Tal y como informamos en su día, del 26 al 30 de Septiembre se celebró en La Isla, un precioso pueblo del concejo asturiano de Colunga, unas jornadas de convivencia y entrenamiento a cargo de Guro Benjamin “Lonely Dog” Rittiner y Kru Rene “Growling Dog” Cocolo, auténticas autoridades a nivel mundial del Stickfighting y el Krabi Krabong respectivamente.
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Esas jornadas constituyen uno de los eventos principales del calendario de actividades que DOG BROTHERS ESPAÑA organiza anualmente bajo el liderazgo de Fraggle Dog, y constituyen una oportunidad inmejorable para disfrutar de las enseñanzas y sentido del humor de Lonely Dog.
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Durante esos días tuvimos la oportunidad de charlar con él y fruto de esas conversaciones es la entrevista que ofrecemos a continuación.
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¿Cómo comenzaste en las artes marciales? Fuera del mundo de las artes marciales, ¿has practicado algún deporte?
No, no he practicado ningún deporte con asiduidad. Además, no era muy bueno en ellos. Pero a los diez años comencé con las artes marciales japonesas: Karate, Judo, Kenjutsu… y más tarde me embarqué en el boxeo, donde disputé una docena de peleas amateur.
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¿Cuándo descubriste el stickfight?
En 1992, tras un seminario celebrado en Luxemburgo. Al día siguiente, un instructor de otro estilo me mostró algo de kali de la rama de Inosanto. Sólo la simple y clásica rutina de Sinawali, “cielo seis”, en un saco pesado; y me dejó alucinado. Desde ese preciso momento quise estudiar Artes Marciales Filipinas.
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La cuna de los Dog Brothers son los Estados Unidos, pero usted lleva trabajando en Europa muchos años. ¿Hay algo que diferencia a DBMA en Europa de las que se practican en ese país? ¿Hemos evolucionado de manera independiente hasta poder decir que tenemos un sello propio en nuestro continente?
Bueno, esta pregunta es difícil de responder. En Estados Unidos las DBMA fueron influenciadas por muchas personas y estilos. Pero al ser el primero y único en Europa tuve que encontrar mi propio camino, el cual a su vez influyó mucho en el resto. Como allí muchos peleadores son grandes y fuertes y combaten ejerciendo una gran presión hacia adelante, tuve que desarrollar una forma de pelear inteligente y de gran movilidad. Así que al principio la gente copiaba mi estilo. Pero hoy en día las cosas han cambiado un poco ya que ahora podemos encontrar estilos de lucha muy diferentes en Europa.
.
Tú comenzaste a aprender DBMA con cintas VHS y cuando llegaste por primera vez a USA el propio Marc Denny se mostró sorprendido de la profundidad de los conocimientos qué adquiriste de esa forma ¿Qué opinas del auge que ha tenido en los últimos años la enseñanza on-line de las artes marciales, impulsada por la pandemia?
La verdad es que no es que quisiera aprender de vídeos, pero era lo único que había. No es fácil aprender de esa manera. Es mejor entrenar con alguien pero en ese momento se podía encontrar muy poco de A.M.F. en Suiza y no me quedó más remedio que estudiar con vídeos. Afortunadamente, tengo talento para aprender de ellos.
Hoy en día se puede encontrar una gran cantidad de información por ahí, en vídeos e internet. Y, desde luego, la pandemia impulsó el aprendizaje virtual. Pero creo que la gente puede volverse perezosa al aprender de esa forma y convertirse en algo similar a jugar un videojuego. Crees que puedes replicar los movimientos que has visto en la vida real, pero no es tan fácil… Resulta mucho más sencillo y eficiente entrenar con un instructor, cara a cara. Es necesario sentir para aprender.
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Jornadas de convivencia y entrenamiento con los DBMA
.
Marc Denny afirma que DBMA es “un sistema de muchos estilos” y, desde luego, no se puede decir que sea un sistema tradicional en el sentido que normalmente se emplea este término en la comunidad marcial. Sin embargo, sí que se puede decir que a lo largo de los años han adquirido una idiosincrasia e identidad propias. ¿Cuál crees que es su esencia? ¿Cuáles han sido los elementos que han perdurado desde su origen y que se mantendrán en el futuro?
DBMA es de hecho un sistema de muchos estilos y para mí su filosofía es idéntica a la del Jeet Kune Do. El estudiante tiene que terminar encontrando al cabo del tiempo su propio estilo, a diferencia de las artes marciales tradicionales que empujan a sus estudiantes hacia una forma determinada de moverse y pensar.
Así, en primer lugar el estudiante debe aprender los conceptos básicos de mi variación de las DBMA; no hay nada malo en adoptar un estilo al principio. Pero luego es importante que el individuo encuentre el suyo propio.
.
En los últimos años, los Dog Brothers han experimentado un renacer en España gracias al trabajo de Fraggle Dog. ¿Cuál crees que es el nivel actual en nuestro país?
Me gusta el trabajo que está haciendo Fraggle Dog y su estilo, que es juguetón. El nombre de Fraggle Dog le viene al pelo. No se toma a sí mismo demasiado en serio, y eso me encanta. Definitivamente, encontró su propio estilo.
Veo que los grupos en España trabajan bien juntos y se complementan entre sí. Van acudiendo cada vez más personas y espero ansioso ver su desarrollo durante los próximos años.
.
En línea con la anterior pregunta y teniendo en cuenta que usted es el líder de los Dog Brothers en Europa, ¿Cuál es tu proyecto de futuro para los Dog Brothers en España? ¿Qué objetivos os habéis planteado tú y Fraggle Dog para un horizonte de tres o incluso cinco años?
Normalmente no trabajo con un plan u objetivo para el desarrollo las de DBMA. Simplemente tengo mucha pasión por lo que hago y procuro contagiarla a mucha gente. Es decisión de Fraggle Dog hacia dónde irá el grupo. Veo su entusiasmo y estoy convencido de que irá en la dirección correcta.
.
¿Cómo explicarías en pocas palabras a un practicante de artes marciales tradicionales o incluso a un absoluto neófito qué son los Dog Brothers qué es lo que hacen?
Pues diría que lo que hacemos es MMA con palos.
.
¿Hay algún otro arte marcial qué te gustaría practicar en el futuro?
Definitivamente tengo que practicar más Grappling y Stick Grappling. Y también estoy interesado en aprender algo de HEMA.
.
Los Dog Brothers son pioneros en el combate con armas a pleno contacto, “RCSF”. Parece que en los últimos tiempos hay una obsesión por el realismo en el entrenamiento. ¿Hasta qué punto crees que es posible entrenar de manera realista sin comprometer seriamente la integridad física del artista marcial? ¿Merece la pena sobrepasar ciertos límites?
No estoy seguro de si hemos sido realmente pioneros. Supongo que seguramente alguien debió trabajar antes que nosotros Real Contact Stick Fighting…
¿Qué significa “realismo”? Lo que hago yo no es una pelea real. El contacto es real, sí. Y el dolor también es real. Eso seguro. Pero en los Dog Brothers peleo con amigos, no con enemigos. Por lo tanto, no tengo experiencia en peleas “reales”.
Es verdad que lo que hacemos es peligroso y no es para todo el mundo. No obstante, cualquiera puede aprender de la experiencia que tenemos en “RCSF” sin arriesgar su salud. El conocimiento también se puede adquirir sin riesgo de sufrir graves lesiones.
Pero también creo que uno puede aprender y prepararse de forma bastante segura para pelear en un Gathering. Hay una manera de navegar por nuestra locura.
.
Existe la teoría de que muchas técnicas recogidas en el repertorio de las A.M.F. son movimientos que surgieron espontáneamente en el campo de batalla y que, a medida que avanzaban por su efectividad en ese momento especifico, comenzaron a ser entrenadas regularmente. Sin embargo, algunos son muy críticos con la validez de muchas técnicas ¿Crees qué es una cuestión de técnicas o de cómo se entrenan las técnicas?
Definitivamente es más importante cómo se entrenan las técnicas. He podido constatar cómo técnicas aparentemente “estúpidas” funcionaron durante una pelea porque su entrenamiento fue inteligente. Y vi buenas técnicas que no funcionaron debido a cómo fueron practicadas. Soy muy cauteloso a la hora de criticar un arte marcial específico. Muy a menudo, se trata de cómo se entrena una técnica y de si los practicantes creen en ella.
Sin embargo, a mí me gusta seguir un enfoque científico. Es decir, primero planteo una hipótesis: una técnica, una estrategia, etc., y luego la pongo en práctica en combate. Pero, además, también tiene que ser replicada por otras personas. Sólo entonces puede considerarse que esa técnica o estrategia es válida.
.
Tú pasaste bastante tiempo en U.S.A. aprendiendo directamente de Marc Denny ¿Cuál es el mejor recuerdo que tienes de tu estancia allí? ¿Y el peor recuerdo?
Tengo muchos recuerdos fantásticos, la mayoría de ellos de mis peleas en Gatherings. La adrenalina, el estrés, el miedo, la intensidad hace que esos recuerdos sean inolvidables. En mis primeros Gatherings no hablaba inglés, pero había mucha comunicación de corazón a corazón…
.
Es evidente que existe un riesgo en RCSF ¿Cómo lo gestionas? ¿Algún marco común?
La pelea es caos. Puedes intentar controlar ese caos o fluir con él de la misma forma que un surfista cabalga una ola. Mi enfoque es encontrar formas de controlarlo….
Comparte esto:
48
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Dog Brothers Receiving Kind Words
« on: October 12, 2022, 08:05:02 PM »
Maybe some things here. Of course, there is also the UFC letter.
https://dogbrothers.com/phpBB2/index.php?topic=66.0
https://dogbrothers.com/phpBB2/index.php?topic=66.0
50
Martial Arts Topics / Re: Zapata's Howl
« on: September 27, 2022, 01:41:21 PM »
I went to the National Akita Dog Show in Virginia Beach last week. It would seem the time for my third Akita approaches.