Asian Adventure

Monday, January 18, 2010

Art of Fighting: Hide-its the fight in the dog!

A Lesson in Perseverance, or Proof that Talent Means Nothing
By Antonio Graceffo

Robert M. Clyne, host of “The Art of Fighting,” made this incredible video about his friend and loosing fighter, Hide, who lives in Tokyo. Hearing what Robert has to say about Hide, I came off lucky in my appearances on The Art of Fighting.

“Hide is what most people consider a looser. He works as a dishwasher. He is not very handsome. The police don’t like him. He dropped out of school. He has almost never had a girlfriend. He doesn’t have cool clothes or tattoos. He’s not very athletic, and he’s actually a pretty skilless fighter.”

“But Hide has heart. That is something you can’t buy and you can’t fake.”

Robert Clyne on “The Art of Fighting”

Out of all the episodes of “Fight Japan” and “The Art of Fighting” I relate to the Hide character the most. For some reason, certain people are just dealt a lesser hand from the start. Things are always harder on these people. But whether you have innate talent or not, life is all about what you, yourself do with it.


Watch: The Art of Fighting: Hide-its the fight in the dog!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOAmz-7PHDM

When the chips are down and the deck is stacked against you, when you have nothing left, remember that there is always a chance. There is always an “if”, the most powerful word on the planet.

Fail the first one hundred times but come back and win the hundred-and-first.

“If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;”

“If,” by Rudyard Kipling

Dream and push through, make your dreams a reality, and you have won.
The winnings are tallied at the end of the fight, not at beginning of round one.

Talent is the same as capacity. It means that all thing being equal, the talented person should find it easier to succeed. It doesn’t mean that he will. The white belt who never quits eventually becomes the black belt. And it has NOTHING to do with talent. Countless people write to me on the internet and tell me how they believe themselves to be talented language learners, or that they have this or that innate advantage for learning foreign language. And they may have a greater capacity or a more probable rate of success, and yet NONE of them speak eight languages. The vast majority haven’t mastered even a single second-language.

Talent should just make the trip easier and shorter, but you still have to complete it, which is the point that most people fail to see and the point which separates a looser from a winner.

There are countless people with lots of talent standing in bread lines.

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan press on has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave."

 (John) Calvin Coolidge

And finally, no matter how badly you fail. No matter what advantages the other guy has, don’t let anyone take your dreams. Never stop dreaming. No one owns you, and no one has the right to dictate what happens in your head. You own your dreams.

Dream big, but then make your dreams a reality.

Dream a hundred dreams and complete two of them and you have doubled the success of the average person.

“All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible. This I did.”
T. E. Lawrence (from Seven Pillars) (also known as Lawrence of Arabia)


The Art of Fighting: Brooklyn Monk Parts ( 1 - 8 )
Watch it free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kleow4PEh_k


Robert Clyne, host and creator of “The Art of Fighting”, conducts an in depth interview with Antonio Graceffo, the Monk from Brooklyn. Beginning with his childhood in New York and tracing his family move to Tennessee. Antonio talks about his early years and how he first got into martial arts. In this extremely candid interview Antonio talks about his family and the events of his childhood which set the stage for his years of wandering and fighting in Asia.

Watch it free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kleow4PEh_k


Antonio Graceffo is a martial arts and adventure author living in Asia. He is the author of the book, “The Monk from Brooklyn” and the host of the web TV show, “Martial Arts Odyssey,” which traces his ongoing journey through Asia, learning martial arts in various countries.

See all of Antonio’s videos on his youtube channel, brooklynmonk1, send him a friend request or subscribe.
http://www.youtube.com/user/brooklynmonk1

His books are available on amazon.com
Contact him: Antonio@speakingadventure.com

His website is www.speakingadventure.com

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Tuesday, January 12, 2010

New video: Martial Arts Odyssey: MMA Saigon (Parts 1 - 4)

Martial Arts Odyssey: MMA Saigon (Part 1)

Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon), Antonio Graceffo trains at Vietnam’s first MMA and Muay Thai gym, K-1 Fight Factory. Instructor, David Minetti, the star of the recent Vietnamese action movie, “Bay Rong,” English title, “Clash.” The program at K-1 Fight Factory is incredible. Professional MMA fighters can train three times per day, once for conditioning, once for striking, and once for grappling. Antonio only trained half of one session and got tired.
Join Antonio Graceffo on facebook

Watch it for free on youtube.
Martial Arts Odyssey: MMA Saigon Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_lv760R724

Watch it for free on youtube.
Martial Arts Odyssey: MMA Saigon Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbXvdc5aVMQ

Watch it for free on youtube.
Martial Arts Odyssey: MMA Saigon Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U43HcikLHyg

Watch it for free on youtube.
Martial Arts Odyssey: MMA Saigon Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvC2ioVLcMY


Martial Arts Odyssey: MMA Saigon Part 2

David Minetti and his brother FX put Antonio througha rigorous MMA conditioning routine. The overall program; including conditioning, striking and grappling is the best one Antonio has found in Asia, so far. David explained to Antonio that while you may know how to box and do Muay Thai, you need to learn to do boxing and Muay Thai specifically for MMA. Fighting with no gloves on, you need to move your head out of the way every time, and you need to make every shot count.


Martial Arts Odyssey: MMA Saigon Part 3

Antonio Graceffo and David Minetti talk about the early days of MMA and how much the sport has evolved. David and Antonio spar and David painfully teaches Antonio lessons about keeping your chin down, your legs square and wide, and about moving out of the way.

Martial Arts Odyssey: MMA Saigon Part 4

At the K-1 Fight factory in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, David Minetti gets in the ring and smacks Antonio Graceffo around. David and his brother, FX Minetti demonstrate their amazing grappling skills.

Antonio Graceffo



Antonio Graceffo is a martial arts and adventure author living in Asia. He is the author of the book, “The Monk from Brooklyn” and the host of the web TV show, “Martial Arts Odyssey,” which traces his ongoing journey through Asia, learning martial arts in various countries.

See all of Antonio’s videos on his youtube channel, brooklynmonk2, send him a friend request or subscribe.
http://www.youtube.com/user/brooklynmonk1

His books are available on amazon.com
Contact him: Antonio@speakingadventure.com

His website is www.speakingadventure.com

This episode was edited by Antonio Graceffo and features the official Martial Arts Odyssey intro and outro by Andy To.

martial,arts,odyssey,Brooklyn,monk,brooklynmonk,Antonio,Graceffo,training,gym,Vietnam,Vietnamese,MMA,muay,thai,kick,boxing,kickboxing,Saigon,ho,chi,minh,city,David,Minetti,k1,fight,factory,bay,rong,clash,rebel,fx

Sunday, January 10, 2010

New video: Martial Arts Odyssey: MMA Saigon (Parts 1 - 4)
Martial Arts Odyssey: MMA Saigon (Part 1)

Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon), Antonio Graceffo trains at Vietnam’s first MMA and Muay Thai gym, K-1 Fight Factory. Instructor, David Minetti, the star of the recent Vietnamese action movie, “Bay Rong,” English title, “Clash.” The program at K-1 Fight Factory is incredible. Professional MMA fighters can train three times per day, once for conditioning, once for striking, and once for grappling. Antonio only trained half of one session and got tired.
Join Antonio Graceffo on facebook

Watch it for free on youtube.
Martial Arts Odyssey: MMA Saigon Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_lv760R724

Watch it for free on youtube.
Martial Arts Odyssey: MMA Saigon Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbXvdc5aVMQ

Watch it for free on youtube.
Martial Arts Odyssey: MMA Saigon Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U43HcikLHyg

Watch it for free on youtube.
Martial Arts Odyssey: MMA Saigon Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvC2ioVLcMY


Martial Arts Odyssey: MMA Saigon Part 2

David Minetti and his brother FX put Antonio througha rigorous MMA conditioning routine. The overall program; including conditioning, striking and grappling is the best one Antonio has found in Asia, so far. David explained to Antonio that while you may know how to box and do Muay Thai, you need to learn to do boxing and Muay Thai specifically for MMA. Fighting with no gloves on, you need to move your head out of the way every time, and you need to make every shot count.


Martial Arts Odyssey: MMA Saigon Part 3

Antonio Graceffo and David Minetti talk about the early days of MMA and how much the sport has evolved. David and Antonio spar and David painfully teaches Antonio lessons about keeping your chin down, your legs square and wide, and about moving out of the way.

Martial Arts Odyssey: MMA Saigon Part 4

At the K-1 Fight factory in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, David Minetti gets in the ring and smacks Antonio Graceffo around. David and his brother, FX Minetti demonstrate their amazing grappling skills.

Antonio Graceffo



Antonio Graceffo is a martial arts and adventure author living in Asia. He is the author of the book, “The Monk from Brooklyn” and the host of the web TV show, “Martial Arts Odyssey,” which traces his ongoing journey through Asia, learning martial arts in various countries.

See all of Antonio’s videos on his youtube channel, brooklynmonk2, send him a friend request or subscribe.
http://www.youtube.com/user/brooklynmonk1

His books are available on amazon.com
Contact him: Antonio@speakingadventure.com

His website is www.speakingadventure.com

This episode was edited by Antonio Graceffo and features the official Martial Arts Odyssey intro and outro by Andy To.

martial,arts,odyssey,Brooklyn,monk,brooklynmonk,Antonio,Graceffo,training,gym,Vietnam,Vietnamese,MMA,muay,thai,kick,boxing,kickboxing,Saigon,ho,chi,minh,city,David,Minetti,k1,fight,factory,bay,rong,clash,rebel,fx

Monday, December 28, 2009

The Art of Fighting: Brooklyn Monk Parts ( 1 - 8 )

The Art of Fighting: Brooklyn Monk 1

Robert Clyne, host and creator of “The Art of Fighting”, conducts an in depth interview with Antonio Graceffo, the Monk from Brooklyn. Beginning with his childhood in New York and tracing his family move to Tennessee. Antonio talks about his early years and how he first got into martial arts. In this extremely candid interview Antonio talks about his family and the events of his childhood which set the stage for his years of wandering and fighting.

The interview is at times both humorous and painful, as Antonio talks about his past, his family, and his early struggles to complete his education and make good on the promises made to his deceased mother and grandparents.

“As immigrant children, we have it drilled into our heads. We know that grandma and grandpa sacrificed so we could be born in this country.” By succeeding in life, we can justify their suffering and poverty.

H. David Collins, of the American School of Empty Hand Fighting (ASEF) in Blountville, Tennessee was Antonio’s first martial arts teacher, the man who taught Antonio to fight and set the stage for his future adventures. Antonio’s grandmother was his first language teacher, who developed Antonio’s love of foreign languages and helped cultivate his interest in other countries and cultures.

Down and out, kicked out of college, having no money, no job skills and seemingly no future, a random meeting with a man who had been shot in the leg pirates eventually turned Antonio’s life around. Through the merchant marines and some help from his siblings, he finished college, in Germany, and went on to a professional career.

After leaving a successful career in America, Antonio embarked on his martial arts odyssey, which, at the time of this writing, has been going for more than eight years.

“In retrospect, the signs were there. It was obvious I was going to do something like this. And I think both my grandmother and David Collins predicted it.”


Watch, The Art of Fighting: Brooklyn Monk Parts 1 – 8.
Watch it free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kleow4PEh_k

The Art of Fighting: Brooklyn Monk Part 2
Watch it free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t_zVi9IH0Q

The Art of Fighting: Brooklyn Monk Part 3
Watch it free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRODmkT6w5A

The Art of Fighting: Brooklyn Monk Part 4
Watch it free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkywKMP-cMk

The Art of Fighting: Brooklyn Monk Part 5
Watch it free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVAPb9FoR48

The Art of Fighting: Brooklyn Monk Part 6
Watch it free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxvX3nEhp_M

The Art of Fighting: Brooklyn Monk Part 7
Watch it free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEB8ikQ2y7k

The Art of Fighting: Brooklyn Monk Part 8
Watch it free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB3hSXAy3TI

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Brooklyn Monk: Pra Kru Ba The Muay Thai Monk

Pra Kru Ba is a Muay Thai monk who rides horses on the Burma border helping hill tribe people and orphans from the war in Burma. In 2003 he took in Antonio Graceffo, his first foreign student. He taught Antonio the Thai language, Muay Thai, and Thai Buddhism. In 2009, Antonio returned to the monastery to see his old teacher. Many things had changed at the monastery. In the intervening years, Kru Ba had grown from being a renegade forest monk, opposed in many established circles, to being a popular, iconic figure, who receives hundreds of visitors per day. But, the relationship between student and teacher hadn’t. Kru Ba was excited to hear about Antonio fights and travels. Antonio was please to have even a few minutes with one of his favorite teachers.


Join Antonio on facebook

Watch it for free on youtube.
Pra Kru Ba The Muay Thai Monk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR2aNVVC4Xw



Antonio Graceffo is a martial arts and adventure author living in Asia. He is the host “Martial Arts Odyssey,” a web TV show which traces his ongoing journey through Asia, learning martial arts in various countries.

His books are available on amazon.com
Contact him: Antonio@speakingadventure.com

Join him on facebook.com
His website is www.speakingadventure.com

This episode was edited by Antonio Garceffo and features the official Martial Arts Odyssey intro and outro by Andy To.

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Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Martial Arts Odyssey: Vo Co Truyen (Parts 1and 2)

Hanoi, Vietnam, Antonio Graceffo seeks out the original Vietnamese martial arts form, Vo Co Truyen. Vietnamese martial arts competitor, Le Trung Linh invites Antonio to Quan Thanh Temple, where Teacher Bui Dang Vang teaches him the fighting applications of Nam Hong Son, a local style of Vo Co Truyen.

Join Antonio Graceffo on facebook.com

Watch it for free on youtube.
Martial Arts Odyssey: Vo Co Truyen Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brElCuZaqGg

Martial Arts Odyssey: Vo Co Truyen Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHk1Vd22OZU


In Part 2:
Martial Arts Odyssey: Vo Co Truyen Part 2

Antonio Graceffo learns more of the Vo Co Truyen fighting applications with Teacher Bui Dang Van. Side kicks, face slaps, and groin strikes, Vo Co Truyen is very different from Muay Thai. Antonio meets Teacher Bui Dang Van’s first teacher and knocks forearms with a guy hanging around the temple.



Antonio Graceffo is a martial arts and adventure author living in Asia. He is the author of the book, “The Monk from Brooklyn” and the host of the web TV show, “Martial Arts Odyssey,” which traces his ongoing journey through Asia, learning martial arts in various countries.

See all of Antonio’s videos on his youtube channel, brooklynmonk2, send him a friend request or subscribe.
http://www.youtube.com/user/brooklynmonk1

His books are available on amazon.com
Contact him: Antonio@speakingadventure.com

His website is www.speakingadventure.com

This episode was edited by Antonio Graceffo and features the official Martial Arts Odyssey intro and outro by Andy To.

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Brooklyn Monk in Asia: Cham Muslims in Cambodia (Parts 1 and 2)

Antonio Graceffo has been writing about the Cham ethnic minority in Southeast Asia for years. Once the Kingdom of Champa ruled the Mekong Delta area, from Vietnam to Cambodia, and sacked the Khmer capitol. Eventually, Cambodian King Jayavarman VII defeated the Cham, whose kingdom soon went into decline. The Cham people were scattered throughout Southeast Asia. Today, many still live in Cham communities, speaking their Cham language, practicing their culture and the Islamic religion. Antonio has personally explored Cham communities in Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as a small Cham enclave in the Philippines.

Watch it fee on youtube
Brooklyn Monk in Asia: Cham Muslims in Cambodia (Part 1)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhi0n3qMbeo

Brooklyn Monk in Asia: Cham Muslims in Cambodia (Part 2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3Obajcrjgs

Brooklyn Monk in Asia: Cham Muslims in Cambodia (Part 2)


Antonio Graceffo meets with the Mullah of the local Mosque to get a more personalized look into the lives of Cambodia’s Cham minority and their relationship to the religion of Islam, as well as their relation to the outside world.


Antonio Graceffo is the author of the book, “The Monk from Brooklyn,” and is he host of the web TV show, “Martial Arts odyssey.”
Contact Antonio Graceffo on facebook.com
Send him email Antonio@speakingadvdenture.com

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Thursday, August 20, 2009

Martial Arts Odyssey: Tomoi Malaysia, Kru Jak (Parts 1 through 4 )




Kru Jak tells host, Antonio Graceffo, about his own martial arts origins. He talks about his first teacher, who taught him Muay Boran on the Malaysian/Thai border. He goes on to demonstrate how the Malaysian blade techniques can replicate the elbow strikes of Muay Thai Boran.

Tomoi, A Malaysian word for martial art including Muay Thai and weapons. Kru Jak a former professional Muay Thai fighter and a recognized Silat Master learned the ancient art of Muay Thai Boran, as well as Thai and Malaysian weapons. He believes the Boran techniques are best in the fighting ring. He also sees the parallel between armed and unarmed combat, as he applies many of the same concepts with a weapon as without.

Join Antonio Graceffo on facebook.com

Watch it for free on youtube.
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxvtRv50iY0

Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H32EFh7W9eU

Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU2swiMzPhU

Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n4XRFR2BZY

Antonio Graceffo is a martial arts and adventure author living in Asia. He is the author of the book, “The Monk from Brooklyn” and the host of the web TV show, “Martial Arts Odyssey,” which traces his ongoing journey through Asia, learning martial arts in various countries.

See all of Antonio’s videos on his youtube channel, brooklynmonk1, send him a friend request or subscribe.
http://www.youtube.com/user/brooklynmonk1

His books are available on amazon.com
Contact him: Antonio@speakingadventure.com

His website is www.speakingadventure.com

This episode was edited by Antonio Graceffo and features the official Martial Arts Odyssey intro and outro by Andy To.

martial,arts,odyssey,Brooklyn,monk,brooklynmonk,Antonio,Graceffo,guru,kru,jak,ottman,otman,muay,thai,boran,Malaysia,malay,Malaysian,islam,muslim,kung,fu,religion,religious,boxing,kickbox,kickboxing,cardio,fitness,selangor,silat,boran,silat,weapon,chaiya

Martial Arts Odyssey: Malaysia, Boxx Warriors (Parts 1 and 2)





Brooklyn Monk, Antonio Graceffo travels to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he trains Muay Thai at Boxx Warriors. Owner Kirsty Dzulkarnain explains how she based her program on the best training and fighting she found in Thailand. Her Thai husband, Saksit Chosipasert, a Muay Thai Champion, and now a military officer, was also instrumental in helping her start Boxx Warriors. No pushover, Kirsty runs the gyms three locations herself, recruiting the best trainers from Thailand. “If they don’t train the people well, I send them home, back to Thailand.” said Kirsty.

The training and teaching at Boxx Warriors was some of the best Muay Thai training, Antonio has ever had. “Gyms in Thailand are convenient because they are always open and there are so many teachers available to take you on the pads, but they often don’t teach or give actual instructions. The trainers at Boxx Warriors really helped me with proper foot placement and body mechanics.” Said Antonio.

Join Antonio Graceffo on facebook.com

Watch it for free on youtube.

Martial Arts Odyssey: Malaysia, Boxx Warriors (Part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4tOcStseo4

Martial Arts Odyssey: Malaysia, Boxx Warriors (Part 2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At86IRNL0Ho

Antonio Graceffo is a martial arts and adventure author living in Asia. He is the author of the book, “The Monk from Brooklyn” and the host of the web TV show, “Martial Arts Odyssey,” which traces his ongoing journey through Asia, learning martial arts in various countries.

See all of Antonio’s videos on his youtube channel, brooklynmonk1, send him a friend request or subscribe.
http://www.youtube.com/user/brooklynmonk1

His books are available on amazon.com
Contact him: Antonio@speakingadventure.com

His website is www.speakingadventure.com

This episode was edited by Antonio Graceffo and features the official Martial Arts Odyssey intro and outro by Andy To.

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Martial Arts Odyssey: Guru Azlan Silat (Parts 1 and 2)




Islamic Kung Fu in Malaysia

Brooklyn Monk, Antonio Graceffo heads to Malaysia to explore the martial arts of this fascinating peninsula. The population of Malaysia is composed largely of Chinese, Tamil, and Malay people, all of whom have their own distinct brands of martial art. Silat is the Malay art, but each guru teaches his or her own, unique brand of the arts. Some focused on grappling, some on knife fighting, some on meditation, others on striking.

This was Antonio’s first foray into Islamic martial arts, and he welcomed the opportunity to learn about the religion and culture and share it with the world.

In Kuala Lumpur, Guru Azlan Ghanie teaches an internal style of Silat which stresses an complete exercise program, similar to Tae Chi, which works all parts of the body, the joints and muscles, and includes breathing exercises. At higher levels, students work with the curved Malaysian blade, the Kris (Keris or Kuris). Azlan also teaches simple, effective self-defense techniques which require little or no energy. The art is extremely good for women and older people, but the health benefits are invaluable for anyone and everyone.


Join Antonio Graceffo on facebook.com

Watch it for free on youtube.
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtKdqKAlkQk

Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qRZwAnX7ZU

Antonio Graceffo is a martial arts and adventure author living in Asia. He is the author of the book, “The Monk from Brooklyn” and the host of the web TV show, “Martial Arts Odyssey,” which traces his ongoing journey through Asia, learning martial arts in various countries.

See all of Antonio’s videos on his youtube channel, brooklynmonk1, send him a friend request or subscribe.
http://www.youtube.com/user/brooklynmonk1

His books are available on amazon.com
Contact him: Antonio@speakingadventure.com

His website is www.speakingadventure.com

This episode was edited by Antonio Graceffo and features the official Martial Arts Odyssey intro and outro by Andy To.

martial,arts,odyssey,Brooklyn,monk,brooklynmonk,Antonio,Graceffo,guru,azlan,ghanie,silat,keris,kuris,kris,Malaysia,malay,Malaysian,islam,muslim,kung,fu

Martial Arts Odyssey: Muay Malaysia, Kru Jak




In Selangor, just outside of Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Kru Jak Othman has created a Muay Thai based fitness program that appeals to students and young professionals who want to get super fit while punching out their frustrations.

Kru Jak is a former professional Muay Thai fighter and a recognized Silat Master. He knows that most “normal” people don’t need to learn the hardcore fighting skills, so he gives them fitness training instead. Those who want to learn Silat and fighting can attend special classes.

Join Antonio Graceffo on facebook.com

Watch it for free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NF7z8nqsYI

Antonio Graceffo is a martial arts and adventure author living in Asia. He is the author of the book, “The Monk from Brooklyn” and the host of the web TV show, “Martial Arts Odyssey,” which traces his ongoing journey through Asia, learning martial arts in various countries.

See all of Antonio’s videos on his youtube channel, brooklynmonk1, send him a friend request or subscribe.
http://www.youtube.com/user/brooklynmonk1

His books are available on amazon.com
Contact him: Antonio@speakingadventure.com

His website is www.speakingadventure.com

This episode was edited by Antonio Graceffo and features the official Martial Arts Odyssey intro and outro by Andy To.

martial,arts,odyssey,Brooklyn,monk,brooklynmonk,Antonio,Graceffo,guru,kru,jak,ottman,otman,muay,thai,boran,Malaysia,malay,Malaysian,islam,muslim,kung,fu,religion,religious,boxing,kickbox,kickboxing,cardio,fitness,selangor,silat,boran

Monday, August 17, 2009

Muay Thai Chaiya



It’s nothing like Muay Thai
By Antonio Graceffo

I recently discovered Muay Thai Chaiya, which I train with Kru Lek. It is an ancient form of Muay Thai, a codified martial arts fighting system, which students learn step-by-step from the ground up.

NOT ANOTHER SHADE OF MUAY THAI

Muay Thai Chaiya has almost no similarity to modern, sport Muay Thai. In fact, it is so different, that nothing I have done in the past, not my boxing, not my kick boxing or Muay Thai can help me in the ring with a Muay Thai Chaiya fighter. The body mechanics and the movements are so different than any other martial art that they have to be learned from scratch.

Normally we think a fight is a battle of opponents, not arts, but in the case of Chaiya, it is the art that wins.

I was so taken by the art, that I have done the unimaginable; at the age of 42, and after having studied countless martial arts, around the world, with various teachers, I have submitted myself to a master, Kru Lek, and begun training, as a beginner in a fighting art. It pains my ego to be in a class of children and women and people with not even a tenth of my martial background, and to see that ALL of them are better at Chaiya than I am.

Most will learn Chaiya for the art and for exercise and culture, but the ones who fight, fight extremely well. Chaiya fighters aren’t trying to develop muscles, physical strength or even toughness. Instead, they are practicing their drills and movements over, and over again until they are automatic, perfect. As a rule, the best Muay Chaiya fighter will be the one who logged the most hours practicing Muay Chaiya. It is pretty straight forward, cross training won’t help at all. You learn Chaiya by practicing Chaiya.

Interestingly, you don’t learn kicking and punching by kicking and punching. You learn the steps and movements. You do them a million times, and then start to slowly learn kicking and punching. After about a month of training, I was finally allowed to kick the bag, but it was obvious that I wasn’t ready. So, I went back to doing the steps and exercises.

With the exception of having to harden your shins, they don’t require toughness because they just don’t get hit very much.

All of their movements are based on a rocking horse. Their torso pivots they strike in one direction which sets them up for a strike in the other direction. They don’t leap like Tony Jaa and Muay Boran, but they hop. At first, I thought the hopping was part of showboating and I wasn’t interested in learning it. Now I understand that hopping is a way of changing balance and direction instantly, with no loss of motion. Hopping makes the fighter unbelievably fast. Kick with the left foot, hop and at the same time kick with the right foot, hop, spin and kick backwards. All of the while, the torso is rocking, taking the face and body out of the range of the opponent’s strikes.

When you strike a Muay Chaiya fighter, the only targets in range are his shins and elbows, which you really don’t want to strike.

When I first arrived at the Muay Thai Chaiya school at Baan Chang Thai, with Kru Lek, I thought the regimented series of excerises tthey did every session were simply to build strength, stamina, and balance. After a month of sparring, I realized that every exercise has a practical application. In fighting the Muay Chaiya guys, I see the exercises. In each of their movements in both offense and defense, I can see the specific exercises we practiced in class.

I did two “Martial Arts Odyssey” episodes about Muay Chaiya. Then I worked with Robert Clyne, of “The Art of Fighting,” to do an episode on the art. Afterwards, we realized we hadn’t done the art justice. Now that I have been training with Kru Lek, I realize the depth of the art. We are currently working on a much deeper, longer documentary to attempt to explain what is so special about Muay Thai Chaiya.

Here are links to my show, Robert’s show, and to trailers for the movie “Muay Thai Chaiya” which feaures Kru Lek’s leading student, Prawit Kittichanthira (Tae), who also appears in Martial Arts Odyssey.


Muay Thai Chaiya All links

The Art of Fighting: Muay Chaiya Fundamentals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU9XpW8x-Ek

Martial Arts Odyssey: Muay Chaiya Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD_w0VsiMes

Martial Arts Odyssey: Muay Chaiya Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9mJxif18hQ


Muay Chaiya movie trailer: featuring my friend Prawit Kittichanthira (Tae) who I fight in my Chaiya videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tejWz439L4

Another trailer for the Muay Chaiya movie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spQyrzcOdng

Antonio Graceffo is a martial arts and adventure author living in Asia. He is the author of the book, “The Monk from Brooklyn” and the host of the web TV show, “Martial Arts Odyssey,” which traces his ongoing journey through Asia, learning martial arts in various countries.

See all of Antonio’s videos on his youtube channel, brooklynmonk1, send him a friend request or subscribe.
http://www.youtube.com/user/brooklynmonk1

His books are available on amazon.com
Contact him: Antonio@speakingadventure.com

His website is www.speakingadventure.com

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Martial Arts Odyssey: Tomoi Malaysia, Kru Jak (Parts 1 through 4 )




Kru Jak tells host, Antonio Graceffo, about his own martial arts origins. He talks about his first teacher, who taught him Muay Boran on the Malaysian/Thai border. He goes on to demonstrate how the Malaysian blade techniques can replicate the elbow strikes of Muay Thai Boran.

Tomoi, A Malaysian word for martial art including Muay Thai and weapons. Kru Jak a former professional Muay Thai fighter and a recognized Silat Master learned the ancient art of Muay Thai Boran, as well as Thai and Malaysian weapons. He believes the Boran techniques are best in the fighting ring. He also sees the parallel between armed and unarmed combat, as he applies many of the same concepts with a weapon as without.

Join Antonio Graceffo on facebook.com

Watch it for free on youtube.
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxvtRv50iY0

Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H32EFh7W9eU

Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU2swiMzPhU

Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n4XRFR2BZY

Antonio Graceffo is a martial arts and adventure author living in Asia. He is the author of the book, “The Monk from Brooklyn” and the host of the web TV show, “Martial Arts Odyssey,” which traces his ongoing journey through Asia, learning martial arts in various countries.

See all of Antonio’s videos on his youtube channel, brooklynmonk1, send him a friend request or subscribe.
http://www.youtube.com/user/brooklynmonk1

His books are available on amazon.com
Contact him: Antonio@speakingadventure.com

His website is www.speakingadventure.com

This episode was edited by Antonio Graceffo and features the official Martial Arts Odyssey intro and outro by Andy To.

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Martial Arts Odyssey: Silat “Because of God” (Parts 1 and 2)




Guru Dr. Zahalan Bin Man shares his Islamic martial art and his fascinating life philosophy of peace and gratitude with Brooklyn Monk, Antonio Graceffo. “We eat because of God. We drink because of God. We practice martial art because of God.” Guru Dr. Zahalan Bin Man wants people to remember how lucky they are that they can practice martial art, that they can walk, and speak, that they are not ill or suffering. He says that if we always remember to be grateful, we will be happier, healthier people.

In a Muslim community outside of Kuala Lumpur, in Selangor, Malaysia, Antonio explores a version of Silat, the many faced Malaysian martial art. Silat, as taught by Guru Dr. Zahalan Bin Man is a solid self-defense and combat martial art which uses a lot of stand up grappling. In Dr. Zahalan’s martial art, you never attack, but when your opponent attacks, you tie him up with his own limbs and kick him into submission.

Join Antonio Graceffo on facebook.com

Watch it for free on youtube.
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGLs-Xqj39Q

Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Doy_-kudvv8

Antonio Graceffo is a martial arts and adventure author living in Asia. He is the author of the book, “The Monk from Brooklyn” and the host of the web TV show, “Martial Arts Odyssey,” which traces his ongoing journey through Asia, learning martial arts in various countries.

See all of Antonio’s videos on his youtube channel, brooklynmonk1, send him a friend request or subscribe.
http://www.youtube.com/user/brooklynmonk1

His books are available on amazon.com
Contact him: Antonio@speakingadventure.com

His website is www.speakingadventure.com

This episode was edited by Antonio Graceffo and features the official Martial Arts Odyssey intro and outro by Andy To.

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