NUDDA - LIFE EXPERIENCE

Rickson Gracie and Royler Gracie: a remarkable BJJ demonstration..

PRIDE FC 5 : Rickson and Royler do a Jiu-Jitsu demonstration in 1999 in front of the Japanese crowd.

                                    

    Commented by no other than Sebastiaan "Bas" Rutten-"El Guapo" (UFC/King of Pancrase  Champion) a great champion.

 ...one of the best demos that i grew up with.
F.I.

M.M.A. vs. M.A.

MMA vs MA (& the rest)

"The success rate in training depends on different factors such as effort, discipline tenacity and passion for the Art/s you choose. But I am beginning to succumb to the idea that some Arts and their “techniques” in that respect are indeed “superior” to others. For quite a while I have been trying to hold on to the idea that any Art is as good as the other. But I don’t believe that anymore. I guess I am wrong. But sometimes is “right to be wrong”.

Only a few years back any martial artist that went through a rigorous period of training could have managed to handle himself well against a typical pub brawler, regardless their MA background. Most times anyways.

Times have changed dramatically as Martial Arts have become a lot more appealing to a wider public (including brawlers) because of the MMA phenomenon. So these days is not uncommon to find a brawler well-trained in MMA.

So what does a brawler see in MMA that couldn’t find in the past? Brawlers are not exactly clever individuals (otherwise they wouldn’t be brawlers) so what they see is simply that MMA is great for learning how to beat people up. So they are all going to learn that now. Some of them might become better people in the process, but let’s be honest is not what they are there for in the first place.

It used to be like this for Boxing. The Boxing lodges and the noble art have always been full of “not so noble” characters. But the reality is that Boxing requires A LOT more diligent practice and effort than MMA. It doesn’t matter how tough you are. In a Boxing ring you either “Box” or you get BADLY hurt.

What I am saying here is simple. If I take your legs away and your clinches or take downs and anything else you would use “INSTINCTIVELY” in a “brawl “and I leave you there “BOXING” (NOT fighting) in a ring, you better know what you are doing. Also “brawlers” didn’t cope too well with the commitment required in Boxing and the majority would eventually leave. After learning how to trough a few good punches in the process maybe.

I am pretty sure it would be the same if they went to try a “Muay Thai” or Wrestling school. These are extremely effective arts, but just as Boxing they require time to master the skills to a good degree of execution.

MMA is different; within a matter of days you’ll be punching and kicking and throwing and all that, and guess what? It just feels so natural. At the end of the day is the only sport that can immediately bring you close to being in a brawl. So it’s not going to be completely unknown territory for a “brawler”is it? And if he’s tough and aggressive enough, he can (with a bit of luck) even impose himself over a more experienced , technical and gifted fighter. He might not WIN on the scoring cards, but he can give them trouble. Sure fact.

Am I talking about a perfect “nobody” against a top ranked fighter such as GSP? No of course not. I am talking about that “nobody” against a seasoned regular student in an MMA Gym even with a few bouts on his belt. So MMA is almost technical brawling isn’t it? Yes we could say that. Would it work in the street where there are NO RULES?

We don’t question the validity of what Boxing or Muay Thai OR Wrestling could bring to the table when it comes to effective self-defense. And if you have a good standard in all of those areas you will surely be able to look after your self. So we don’t go around wondering if MMA would work in the street. Anyone that does that is a fool.

And now I can almost hear someone “saying”, there are too many rules and limitations in the cage – “If I was in a real fight I would do this and I would do that (eye gouging – testicles strikes – pressure points – the death touch – la “Mano di Travertino”. You name it.

Oh I forgot biting, that is a big one. They even sell instructional videos on biting. Brilliant. Yeah I know, sure you would.

Let’s get back to reality now. MMA has that appeal of unquestionable “effectiveness” that Martial Arts never before managed to achieve by itself before being codified into the perfect “blend” for combat. And brawlers (as well as the rest of us normal people) are buying into it. I have. So should you.

Being the simple people they are, “brawlers” just want to fight and I don’t blame them. I still read many forums and articles concerning a realistic approach to “street defence”. They of course stress the fact that in the street there are no rules (see above paragraph) and they all seem to be big and have many angles and different visions about “the right frame of mind” or “Killer Instinct” to adopt in a fight.

I am sorry but that is not something you can learn or teach. Trying to get people to dip into their darker side is a bad idea. Is brain washing and is bad news. Especially because these are guys that will be out there “thinking” they are tough. They are not. You don’t want to mess around with the wrong people. They don’t have ANYTHING to loose and they will gladly take you in their fucked places where their brain lives any day of the week JUST FOR FUN. People with a normal upbringing shouldn’t look into that. Your mum and dad have worked so hard to get you into a civilized world and give you education and the prospect of a bright future. Hold to those values tight that’s my advice.

Only life can make you tough. And if you are leaving a “not tough life” you should feel blessed. You are one of the lucky ones.

But the good news is that; regardless your upbringings you can still learn how to fight. That is something you can learn without the need to be “tough”. So in that respect, keep it simple just as a “brawler”does. Just go there and learn how to fight because is what you need/want to do. Fighting can be taught. Toughness’ : “forget about it”.

In regards of what art you should learn, of course I would say learn NUDDA – but if you are not lucky enough to find us anywhere near the comforts of your own town, then look into something that will give you results pretty soon if fighting is what you want to learn.

I am sorry to disappoint many here but if you don’t have a solid core of “Boxing” – “Muay Thai” and “Grappling” you simply don’t stand any chances against anyone that has got it. Unless of course, you want to fool yourself and keep play the “Grass hopper” with Mr Miagi.

You see this is actually quite simple. You don’t say Boxing is shit: you say: “he’s shit at Boxing”.

You just don’t question the effectiveness of Boxing (Muay Thai or Wrestling for that matter). You might question the person skills in the Art but not the Art itself. So yes there are Arts that are superiors to others simply because they work ALL the time. Even against different Arts. All you need is to get decent at it.

But there are Arts that don’t work against other Arts. They only work against themselves. That is like trying to catch up with your mirror image: a waste of time if you ask me.

HOWEVER if you bring a solid core of MMA skills into the ART you practice, then you will see that Art flourishing and you will become better at it. Why? Well that is simply because you will analyse things from a brawler point of view and you will start to keep things a lot more into prospective. That is without having to get as stupid as the brawler is.

I teach sometimes MMA “practitioners” looking for new ideas that they can use in the cage. It is really refreshing training with them as they look trough things without ever “over analyzing”.

The principles in NUDDA are all FMA based. But you got to make those principles work when it matters. If you can then you know you are on the right track.

Some people ask me sometimes “why don’t you teach JKD” Antonio? (As a matter of fact I am a well-qualified JKD Instructor)- Which I reply – “JKD as a principle is bound to eternity. But I still don’t think Bruce would be training or teaching the same way he used to 40 years ago. That stuff is simply out of date. So I had to let go. And it feels so good”. But again this will be another Blog.

I simply can’t be doing or teaching what I have learned over 15years ago. Much has changed over the last 15 years and I truly feel like I have evolved as a martial artist and as a person. I have been constantly “outgrowing my trousers” and that is how it should be. If you feel comfortable in the same clothes for too long is because you are refusing to “grow”. It’s a choice.

But that brawler has also made his choice. To beat anyone up in style with his new acquired MMA skills. And if you are into FMA and you are now telling me that you would show him your blade because you ALWAYS carry a knife , than you are just as screwed up as that brawler is and I hope someday you will face justice and get introduced to a fine mental hospital.

Embrace the evolution of combat and it will add up value to any other Art you might be training.

I still concentrate and mostly train FMA (both weaponry and empty hands) and Silat but I don’t let them define my training. Neither had I let MMA do that.

Bring a healthy balance of both into your table, and it will feel just as a good balanced diet. You will feel complete.

Just remember: It has to work. No Ifs No Buts.

Until the next time

Train hard and hit even harder.."
Mastru Antonio Faedda

NUDDA SYLLABUS

NUDDA M.A.X.TRAINING™ is an Cross-training based system that analyses the gritty and nasty side of urban reality yet maintains a strong bond with the origins and traditions of the Arts. With his unique and creative methods, Antonio Faedda has pushed the boundaries of combat training by blending the very best of the ancient Arts and bringing them straight into the 21st Century.

In NUDDA M.A.X.TRAINING™ students are brought up in a centuries-long tradition of martial arts that allows them to hone their skills and transcend the here and now of effective self-defence to become virtuoso, well-rounded martial artists. The combined weapons and empty-hands training will enhance not only your strength and stamina, but also improve reactions and timing as well as your ability to flow and adapt without breaking the momentum of your actions. Your footwork and overall agility will drastically improve as well as giving you the extra edge that can determine whether or not you survive on the streets.

NUDDA M.A.X.TRAINING™ Syllabus

NUDDA- Filipino Boxing

The NUDDA expression of Filipino Boxing is as “to the point” as it can possibly get. Antonio Faedda has decoded an approach to the Filipino Boxing Arts that strips away all the unessentials and leaves you with the very essence of this beautiful yet devastating martial art.

There is a step-by-step process that will nurture you from the very beginning of your journey, teaching you solid skills that are there to last. We don’t make false promises and you will be required to train hard in order to make NUDDA M.A.X.TRAINING™ work when it matters. One thing we can promise you: once you have reached a reasonable standard it really works. NO Ifs, NO Buts!

You will understand combat dynamically and not just in a pre-set scenario. You will learn how to control “chaos” and become at one with it, after all there is “nothing” (NUDDA in Sardinian) more chaotic in nature than fighting itself.

NUDDA M.A.X.TRAINING™ Weaponry

Kaliradman

The word Kaliradman comes from the Malay, the original inhabitants of the Southeast Asian archipelago. It means more or less “skills/skilled in the art of sword fighting”. Before the arrival of the Spaniards in the Phillipines and before the inhabitants of the Philippines became “Filipinos”, Kaliradman was used for inter-tribal warfare.

The NUDDA M.A.X.TRAINING™ Kaliradman weaponry syllabus involves:

Double stick

The use of two weapons enhances dexterity, coordination, balance and agility. It teaches you how to utilize all 360 degrees of space. This part of the syllabus includes some very acrobatic moves with spectacular spins and jumps to confuse and surprise the opponent who may be attacking from all sorts of angles. Our expression of Kaliradman is all about being unpredictable and moving constantly. By training in this beautiful art you will acquire superb footwork and reactions.

Single stick

The Filipinos have made a science out of stick fighting. With hundreds of different systems and styles to choose from, you would never run out of learning material. But collecting techniques or badges won’t make you a proficient fighter. In line with our approach to training, we have structured an extremely efficient approach to stick fighting.

Igmat Baraw (The Knife)

To fully appreciate how lethal a blade can become in the hands of a skilled knife fighter, you will have to learn how to use it to its full deadly potential. Only then can you approach knife fighting with the right mind-set. Owing to its dangerous nature, this part of the syllabus is only taught to trusted students. It includes:

Long-range knife-fighting – Largo

Medium-range knife-fighting – Medio

Short-range knife-fighting – Corto

Empty hands vs knife

Dulo Dulo

The use of the Dulo Dulo (palm stick) takes on a completely new dimension in NUDDA M.A.X.TRAINING™ and teaches you how to strike from an empty-hand perspective from a variety of angles and positions that are extremely odd and difficult to counter. A Dulo Dulo can be easily replicated by any daily routine object, such as a pen, pencil or even a teaspoon. It is a valuable counter weapon in the unfortunate event of fa

BJJ AS A SCIENCE

"TO GET TO THE POSITION THAT ALLOWS YOU TO DO THE TRY WITHOUT THEM NOTICING, THAT IS ...THE TRICK OF MIND."
                                                                                   Braulio Estima

THE 16 LESSONS FROM LAST JIU-JITSU WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

 

1. Lesson from Gilberto Durinho

After hitting the woodwork so many times, the Atos lightweight won one of the thorniest divisions in Worlds history. The lesson: don’t be discouraged if you have your objective within grasp on so many occasions but it slips through your fingers. When it comes down to it, those attempts, which others erroneously call “frustrations”, will lead you to conquer something beyond a mere objective, but your greatest dream in life.

2. Lesson from Kron and Tanquinho

The two finalists (lightweight and featherweight) dropped down a weight group to achieve better career results. Take a close look to see whether you’re coming up short for want of a diet – or just a pre-tourney spell in the sauna.

3. Lesson from Gabrielle Garcia

One time, upon surmounting ultraheavyweight Luiz Felipe Big Mac, black belt Alexandre Souza taught: “You don’t chop down a mountain, you scale it.” If you’re one of Gabi Garcia’s opponent’s and you haven’t found a way of beating her yet, train and study more. Adopting the unbecoming tactic of berating and badmouthing the absolute champion is the attitude of someone who understands nothing of the spirit of Jiu-Jitsu, wherein great opponents shape our character and games.

4. Lesson from Tyler Brey

In Long Beach, the blue belt from Infinite Jiu-Jitsu proved how you don’t need a black belt to thrill a crowd. His legs rendered useless by a congenital spinal defect, Tyler parked his wheelchair at ringside and dove on in. “If you limit yourself, you’ll never get anywhere. I don’t have it all, but God gave me what I need to do what I want,” said the fresh-faced Californian. Stop whining about the difficulties and ask yourself how you can make a difference.

5. Lesson from Angélica Galvão

André’s wife took five years off from training to take care of her daughter. Even after spending so many years on the sidelines, she came back and became purple belt world champion. Find inspiration in her accomplishment; keep in shape and get back to training tomorrow, regardless of your reasons for having put Jiu-Jitsu on hold in the first place.

6. Lesson from Braga Neto

The Roberto Gordo pupil won the world championship in 2008, after which he had a run of poor results until capturing his second, this year in California. Persist, keep training and believing; after all, storms and fair weather are a normal part of any journey.

7. Lessons from the Mendes brothers

The first brothers crowned black belt world champions on the same year, they started out together and made it to the top together. Invite the ones you love to train with you. Jiu-Jitsu only strengthens the bonds – and helps with your objectives.

8. Lesson from Pé de Pano

Early in the year, Márcio Cruz told GRACIEMAG.com he would be making his return and pursuing a medal at the 2011 Worlds. Keeping his word, the black belt commonly known as Pé de Pano only hit a wall in an evenly-matched semifinal with Cavaca. If you truly believe in the promises you make, state them, share them with friends and even rivals. Hold yourself to them and make it happen.

9. Lesson from Hannette Quadros

Dare. If the move featuring on your opponent’s menu is a flying armbar, go for it, and rush to the crowd to celebrate.

10. Lesson from Letícia Ribeiro

Let stated that her pupil Bia Mesquita won’t let her stop competing. Iron forges iron, steel shapes steel. Teach your training partners everything you know so you’ll continue to evolve – and win along with them.

11. Lesson from Léo Nogueira

Winning the absolute gold medal at the Brazilian Nationals a few weeks prior was key in his success at the Worlds. Hiding your game may be effective, but testing it against the best is far more productive. Be prepared to face challenges the moment they surface.

12. Lesson from Cris Cyborg and Ben Henderson

Jiu-Jitsu may not be your only concern in life but it should be top of the list of the less important ones. Train, test yourself at all times, and you may just nab a bronze medal to show your friends at the UFC like Ben did, or a gold medal to show off around Strikforce like Cris did.

13. Lesson from Marcelo Garcia

Be wary of beaten old precepts like “It’s easy to make it to the top, what’s hard is staying there.” Plenty of superstars toiled doggedly in the lower belt divisions, facing all the challenges they could handle, stomped on their egos, and today they seem to win on “automatic pilot”. That’s the case of Marcelinho, who took on all the absolute had to offer at brown belt, developed an unbeatable game, and is now five-time middleweight world champion.

14. Lesson from Alexander Trans

So what if what you’ve been doing is hardly recognized in your country or not recognized at all? Fight, hone your skills, and strive to be the best in your country at what you do. With time, you may, for example, come from Denmark to become champion of the world in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu…

15. Lesson from Luanna Alzuguir

Cracked rib? Get the quick tapout, grab your gold medal, and go get it taken care of happier and more fulfilled.

16. Lesson from Rodolfo Vieira

Don’t let titles or glory change the way you see the world and do things. A short tale picked up on by the GRACIEMAG at the Worlds Blog: on opening day at the Worlds, Rodolfo got in a lengthy line like everyone else to collect the IBJJF T-shirt and copy of GRACIEMAG to which all 2,300 athletes signed up were entitled to. Getting near his turn, Rodolfo stuck a hand in his pocket and realized he didn’t have his IBJJF ID, promptly leaving the line and telling a friend: “Shoot, I didn’t bring my card; I’ll come back tomorrow. There’s no way to prove I’m signed up for the Worlds. “What are you talking about, you nut? You’re on the cover of the GRACIE you’re about to pick up; at the Pan!” Even so, Rodolfo stuck to the rules and left, returning the next day to pick up his magazine and T-shirt, happy as a lark.

* This article was originally printed in GRACIEMAG #172.)