Formal Acknowledgment of Punong-Guro

By brandon | Published: August 16, 2009

On August 15th I was awarded a certificate of recognition and title of Punong Guro/Founder of the Mandala Mandirigma system during the 2009 Warrior Arts Conference by long time friend and colleague, Grandmaster Darrell Sarjeant, and the Silent Warrior Arts Association.


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2009 Rank Promotions

By brandon | Published: August 16, 2009

I am pleased to announce that this year’s Warrior Arts Conference in Oklahoma City was a great success. The material covered was very complete, and dealt with multiple ranges of combat ending with some internal arts practice for energy cultivation and injury recovery. Students were tested for two and a half days on their knowledge and practice of the system and it’s various components, fighting spirit and courage, leadership skills, teamwork, and most importantly their work ethic.

Afterwards there was a traditional promotion ceremony that incorporated both Afrikan and Indonesian influences, and gave honor to the ancestral lineage of masters who have come before in these disciplines thus connecting the circle. Professor Darrell Sarjeant and I promoted 3 students to Ading Guro and 2 students to Tagapagsanay (trainer) in the Silent Warrior Arts Association. Now it is up to them to begin developing students and propagating the arts.

Professor Brandon JordanIMG_2713

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Warrior Arts Conference Report 1

By brandon | Published: August 16, 2009

This is day two of the annual Warrior Arts Conference in Oklahoma City, OK. Students from around the state have stopped by and participated in this event along with Instructor testing for members of the Silent Warrior Arts Association. I am pleased to say that everyone has thoroughly enjoyed themselves and is learning a great deal of material not normally covered in class. Today’s session was 8 hours in length with a 1 hour break in between for lunch. The desire for training and pushing oneself hasn’t let up one bit despite the challenges of working out in 90 plus degree weather.

So far we have covered knife tapping, double knife tapping utilizing 45 and 90 degree complimentary angles for footwork, sinawali w/applications, stick-boxing, empty hand entries, and espada y daga. We opened up this mornings training with some West Afrikan drumming using the poly rhythms to bring out fighting attribute, invoke the warrior spirit, and bless the training area. Within minutes the sweat was pouring and everyone was feeling charged for the days events. Professor Darrell Sarjeant started the day with a devastating array of flow drills, knife disarms, knife templates, and counter for counter work directly out of the sayaws. Building in this theme I proceeded to share double stick vs double stick flows and half-beats as well as double stick combat entries from Mandala Mandirigma.

All in all it has been a great weekend so far and tomorrow promises to be even more challenging as more empty hand material and complementary footwork patterns to bring it all together. Make sure to check back often for new photos and videos to be added in the next few days and weeks of this great event.

Professor Brandon

IMG_2123

IMG_2580 Darrel and Robbie

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2009 Warrior Arts Conference Begins Today!

By brandon | Published: August 14, 2009

2009 Warrior Arts Conference

The Silent Warrior Academy of Self-Defense and Brandon Jordan’s Warrior Arts have come together to host the 2009 Warrior Arts Conference! The event is being held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma from August 14-16. The training will include over 20 hours of physical instruction and lecture as well as hands on healing methods from Traditional Chinese Medicine theory.

This conference will be taught by Professor Darrell Sarjeant, founder of the Silent Warrior Art system. He has studied over 30 years with such notables as Grandmaster Ron Van Clief, Soke Lil’ John Davis, Dr. Moses Powell, Maha Guru Cliff Stewart, Ahati Kilindi Iyi, Punong Guro John Bain and others to create this unique art. His studies have included Jujitsu, Silat, Arnis, Kali-Silat, Kuntaw, and Combat Boxing. Currently, he presides as the President of the Silent Warrior Academy of Self-Defense.

Also teaching this year is guest instructor Professor Brandon Jordan, who has been studying for 25 years and also has a graduate diploma in Traditional Chinese manual therapy. He is founder of the Mandala Mandirigma system, developed and inspired by his studies with such notables as Lao Shr Wayne Welsh, Master Dan Medina, Guru George Morin, Maha Guru Cliff Stewart, and others. His studies have included Derobio, KunTao Silat, Kilat Pukulan Silat, Filipino Kali, Bagua and Hsing Yi. He teaches in Miami, FL.

Martial artists of all levels of experience are certain to come away with a deeper appreciation and enhanced approach to their existing martial arts practice, and make new friends and associates along the way. The 55 years of combined experience presented by Professors Darrell Sarjeant and Brandon Jordan makes this is the Midwestern event of the year you don’t want to miss!

This event is open to all schools, styles, and systems to attend. For any questions contact silentwaracademy@gmail.com, or brandon@brandon-jordan.com.

Regards,

Silent Warrior Academy of Self-Defense and Brandon Jordan’s Warrior Arts
www.silentwarriorarts.com
http://brandon-jordan.com

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Promoting, Preserving, and Evolving the Arts

By admin | Published: August 7, 2009

I am sharing a discussion from FMA Talk last month regarding the practice of an old bladed Filipino martial art style I learned years ago called Derobio. Lately there have been many inquiries about this old art ranging from where one can find instruction to the various systems teaching it in whole or part throughout the country today.

For those of you unfamiliar with this method I will provide a brief explanation of the art. The Derobio style has it’s root movements based upon the principle of passing or redirecting an attack either with the weapon or empty-handed, and from there it includes force-to-force defenses. Many styles utilize this strategy at a later more advanced stage of practice. One of the hallmarks of this art is it’s use of bone breaking counter-locks both with or without the weapon that is employed at the weapons grappling range.

This is a quote Tuhon Chaz Siangco, the great grandson of the founder, an authority on the art.

FMA Talk:

07-21-2009 05:34 PM

RHC Chaz Siangco

“Just for clarity: Pedoy’s School of Escrima is the origin of Derobio. Founded by GGM Braulio Pedoy in 1961 in which was succeeded by Batikan Eduardo Pedoy (his only bloodline heir) and later passed on to Grandmaster Tyrone Takahashi (grandson of GGM Pedoy). GM Tyrone holds the lineage of GGM Pedoy and heads the organization today as the Main Branch of the Pedoy’s School of Escrima system. http://www.pedoysescrima.com

Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima is the collective progression of the Siangco family’s vision of their teachings of Derobio and their cumlmination of martial art experience. Chris Siangco former Master Chief 6th Level Red instructor under Batikan and GM Ty, husband of Gail Takahashi (granddaughter of GGM Pedoy), along with his sons former 5th Level Red Regional High Chiefs Christian and Chaz headed the San Diego Branch of the Pedoy’s School of Escrima from 1991 – 2008. In 2008, the Siangco family parted ways with GM Ty and Chaz Siangco now heads their PDE organization headquarted in San Diego with branches in Maui, Las Vegas and Northern California. http://www.pdeskrima.com

Majapai Derobio Escrima is the expression of Master Dan Medina and his influences of the Filipino Martial Arts throughout his lifetime. Master Dan first established his school in New Mexico in the 90’s and later moved to Florida in which he now teaches. http://www.medina-escrima.com

Mandala Mandirigma system founded by Professor Brandon Jordan, a long time student under Master Dan Medina. Here Brandon teaches his expression of Derobio along with his vast knowledge of the spiritual arts.
http://www.brandon-jordan.com

Ola’a-Nalo Eskrima founded by Master Ron Englund in 2005. After GGM Pedoy passed away in 1992, Ron operated the Honolulu Branch of the Pedoy School of Escrima from 1994-2004. In 1995 he was awarded a certificate of appreciation for “outstanding performance in operating the McCully Branch of the Pedoy School of Escrima.” This was a special presentation from then ranked Master Eduardo Pedoy. In 2004 he was awarded a Sr. Masters Certificate Red Level 6 by Batikan Eduardo Pedoy. http://www.olaa-naloeskrima.com

These systems all have their roots from GGM Pedoy and have moved on from the Pedoy’s School of Escrima to continue their perpetuation of GGM Pedoy’s legacy with their own vision. Whether their parting ways was that of politics or other, our main goal is to see that GGM Pedoy’s teachings continue on and never fade away. Many systems have come and gone, many masters have died and have taken their arts with them. Our collective motivation is to see that Derobio never finds this fate. These are the main systems teaching Derobio today”.

The Mandala Mandirigma system headed by myself is currently located in Miami, FL with satellite groups practicing our particular method in several states. For more information check the “About the System” link.

Professor Brandon Jordan

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Stick Sparring for the Fun of It!

By brandon | Published: August 4, 2009

This month I am starting with a clip of a great teacher that I personally admire, Senior Grandmaster and living legend Cacoy Cañete. For those of you new to Filipino Martial Arts, GM Cacoy is the oldest and most senior of all living Doce Pares Eskrima Masters and Grandmasters. Like many long time practitioners he has refined and distilled his personal method into a style that he calls Eskrido.

Wikipedia has this to say about his Eskrima method, “Eskrido, a version of Doce Pares, is a Filipino martial art that is a combination of Doce Pares, Aikido, and Judo, with lesser influences from other Japanese systems. It features standard eskrima stick techniques mixed with Jujutsu-style locks and throws that utilize the stick. The stickwork shows a strong sword influence, and indeed the sword, knife, and other Filipino weapons are also taught. It was founded by Ciriaco “Cacoy” Cañete, who continues to teach it in the Philippines and in seminars across the world. The martial art was established in 1951. Cañete is considered as the highest ranking practitioner in both Doce Pares Eskrima and Eskrido”.

One of the things that stood out most to me in this video was the sheer amount of laughter and fun both he and his student were having while sparring and training together. Too often one finds that egos and tempers become flared during these kinds of exchanges, and it can become more a game of who is better than whom rather than an opportunity for shared growth and learning. It is the rare teacher that can instruct and demonstrate such a combative practice and at the same time thoroughly enjoy themselves, and have the students enjoy their training as well. In my personal opinion the hallmark of a true master of an art is one who can not only show and transmit his own knowledge but likewise can guide the student though this process in a way that makes learning challenging, informative, and fun.

Laughter not only makes learning and retention easier but it also minimizes the pain that is experienced during these exchanges and speeds up the healing process from bruises which is inherent to training. Many times this crucial part of training is overlooked by both teachers and students alike. The video posted below is not only a great example of light-hearted yet serious training, but more importantly a healthy teacher/student relationship. To this day Manong Cacoy is still teaching/demonstrating his art and sharing his contagious laughter…

Many individuals enter some type of martial arts or self-defense training for the benefits of self protection, getting into shape, boosting self-confidence, discipline and so forth. For many years it can be very serious as the student is striving to learn and memorize various techniques and practicing under challenging conditions each week in class. One thing I would like to encourage everyone in their training especially at the beginning stages is to enjoy yourself, train diligently and with a serious nature; however don’t forget to laugh and have fun with your classmates and instructors. Look for this kind of environment when seeking an instructor. Take your time when looking for a teacher, have a look at the students and their interaction with not only each other and the instructor, but just as important is how well you fit in.

If you can find this at the onset of your training, you may find that the martial arts can open doors and broaden your experiences in ways you may not have considered before.

Professor Brandon Jordan

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Training Guidelines

By brandon | Published: June 30, 2009

In order to assist beginning or experienced students and practitioners alike, I am listing 8 tips that I share with my own students in order to enhance their training experience at our school.

1. Safety first. Always remember to train responsibly with your training partner. You are responsible for your partner’s safety and they are responsible for yours. Train only at a level of intensity that allows both you and your partner to remain safe at all times. Remember, everyone should leave class in the same condition they came.

2. Train slowly. Until you and your partner are familiar with the material being shown, always train slowly. Training the wrong habits in a rushed fashion often leads to greater time unlearning them and relearning the correct habits.

3. Awareness. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Take a moment to make mental note of where you are. This aids with developing the warrior’s mindset.

4. Competition. This is not a competition but rather a shared learning experience. Set realistic goals. Be patient with yourself and your partner. No one becomes an expert overnight. Repetition is the key to progress while strong basics create the foundation for continued growth.

5. Respect. Respect your partner and yourself at all times.

6. Empty your cup. There is a Zen Proverb often used by martial arts instructors which states that a student must first empty their cup before they can learn. We simply say, “bring an empty cup”. There is no reason to discard previous knowledge attained in another art, just be mindful that you are not here to practice another art. By bringing an “empty cup” so to speak you will have several cups of quality tea to enjoy without wasting a single drop.

7. Sharing. Inquisitive open-minded cross-comparisons leads to positive growth. Critical closed-minded comparisons create roadblocks to learning. The late Dr. Moses Powell often said, “each one teach one.” This applies to students and teachers alike. When an environment of shared exploration is present the learning curve goes up considerably.

8. Have fun. While you are in class you are present to not only train and learn, but of equal importance is to enjoy yourself and your time with your classmates.

The guidelines listed above are merely a starting point for practice, so much more can be said on this topic. One of the things I like to tell students as they train with me is to look at this as a long-term investment in themselves. I have observed that many times beginners start off with a great deal of enthusiasm and drive, however as the months go by this can begin to taper off, and at times this is due to some of the guidelines listed here being forgotten or overlooked. My students have found that being reminded of these guidelines has deepened their practice and prompted them even further along in meeting their training goals.

As an instructor it is my responsibility to see to it that my students get the most out of their training with me. I have experienced that when the occasional student has had to leave due to a change of career, family obligations or various other reasons; their return was not only due to their positive experiences in our school, but more importantly I credit this to the fact that these guidelines were actively encouraged. Not only have my students benefited from this but I have personally found this to be of great assistance to my own continued training throughout the years.

Professor Brandon Jordan

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10 Principles of Warriorship

By brandon | Published: June 29, 2009

I am beginning this weeks blog with a summary of notes I have taken over the years based upon the insights of teachers I have had the privilege of studying with from various philosophical traditions. Many individuals have found that the ideas contained here can be found or expressed in one form or another throughout many warrior traditions globally. I have compiled 10 principles that have been shared with me in hopes that it may be of benefit to all who follow a related path of warriorship. My goal in this particular posting is to stimulate thought and share ideas into what this means to all of us as practitioners. I hope you find the concepts shared here as interesting and thought provoking as I have.

Principles of Warrior Training

1. Selflessness : This is could be considered a noble form of warriorship based on loyalty and service. Often these individuals can be found working in some sort of capacity such as Military, Law enforcement, Firemen and various others forms of service. They may even be a part of a larger group identity, where the precepts and code are what forms the structure of their lives. In some cases the precepts and code means more than their lives. These individuals can often have a heightened sense of duty or service.

2. Loyalty: The path beyond preference. Finding your spirit beyond preferential judgment of your teacher. Or finding ones’ self beyond the duality of preference. Ones growth expansion can be expressed through their relationship to their teacher or mentor. If no teacher is present then one might just be loyal to the personal code they follow. An example of this can be found in the tale of ‘The 47 Ronin’.

3. Self-control: The path to spontaneous freedom. If one is aware during this process, it will teach you sensitivity through repetitive training that oftentimes can only be achieved through repression. Here one finds spontaneity, and is open and porous to nature, and their environment. An example of this can be found in one of the Dragon style Kung Fu axioms that states, ‘Control self. Let others be.’

4. Cultivating Gentleness: The path to sensitivity. Sensitivity being connection to self, and others. To be a warrior is to be unarmored. Practicing gentleness of speech, and conduct. Internally this may be expressed as sensitivity to all of nature. This is an example of Yin cultivation. Many warriors of the past and even the present day have sought this through the practice of painting, calligraphy, poetry, flower arrangement, healing arts, etc…

5. Detachment: The path to wisdom. The mind and its related emotions are often clouded by attachments, and are clarified by detachment. This can be found when the heart/mind is clear. What is being referred to here is detachment from preferences, not people. We want to be affected, but not necessarily controlled.

6. Fearlessness: The path to full freshness of each moment. Fear constricts the channels and can have an adverse affect upon our health. Many of the worlds various traditions teach one to overcome the fear of death by welcoming it. Fear and clinging can be a poison to one who is on the warrior’s path.

7.Impeccability: The way beyond sleep or dullness. Being ‘on point’. This teaches consistency, and grace. A sense of second attention on activity or an awareness of activity that is occurring. This is different than mental rigidity.

8. Cultivating our spirit: This is an expression of our inner nature. Can be experienced through regular practice of meditation or cultivation. In essence finding something that gives one a sense of connection. In addition to the obvious self-defense benefits; the martial arts can and often is used by others as a method of self-cultivation.

9. Dedication: The path of commitment. Action without wavering. Or clarity within clarity, and clarity within confusion.

10. Honor : The path to developing essential dignity. Being honorable in your doings. These are expressions of our essence nature.

How can we can we apply these principles today? I leave that to you and your personal observations.

Professor Brandon Jordan

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Training Considerations

By brandon | Published: June 28, 2009
A collection of training weapons used in an Es...
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In my years as a martial arts instructor I have had the opportunity to meet students and practitioners of many different disciplines and backgrounds. Some with several years of training, and many without any previous experience at all. Yet one of the common questions I hear when working with them is this in how to train more efficiently.

The answer that I have come to and in turn teach to my own students is based upon “view and practice”. Before one begins practice one first needs to have the “view”. Or in other words an individual needs to determine what their goal of practice is. For example if one is interested in MMA or competitive fighting in the ring, then they would need to engage in practices that would allow them to meet that goal, such as weight training, cardio, body weight training, plyometrics, circuit training, ground grappling training i.e Brazilian jujitsu or wrestling, stand up fighting; such as kickboxing and boxing, nutrition, sparring and much more. All of which are good practices in of themselves and will prepare a person for that.

On the other hand if one is interested in training for self defense on the street then some of the practices would include the training mentioned above but not be limited to such, and might also incorporate forms training, multiple attacker scenarios, environmental awareness, emotional stress conditioning, and weapons training as statistics have shown that 90% of attacks that take place on the street involve a weapon of some sort. Also one would learn about which vital targets are best to strike; this is important because on the street there are no referees and no rules if and when the potential threat escalates. If one is training for self defense then one has more protection options available.

Both views presented here are equally good and have their respective place. Many individuals have become confused when considering the two, thinking that martial arts schools teaching karate, Filipino and Indonesian martial arts, judo, and other disciplines are less realistic because they are not solely focusing on creating fighters but rather on teaching self-defense for street situations. What people often overlook for example is that arts such as Filipino kali or eskrima are some of the oldest forms of MMA in existence, or as I like to say ,”the original form of MMA”. Martial art forms from Southeast Asia have been adapting and borrowing concepts from every culture that have migrated to those parts of the world, and have used these arts in protection of life. Whenever something useful was found from another culture they added it to their existing practice after “field testing” these concepts for effectiveness. When warranted they modified the techniques until it fit. Much like todays younger art of MMA.

In closing, when looking for a school to train or when considering the next step to further your own existing practice it is important to establish your view and then build subsequent practices to support your “view” or training goals. This will not only accelerate your progress but also make your continued practice over the years far more enjoyable and healthy. The concept of view and practice isn’t limited to just martial arts. One can apply this to just about anything of consideration. What is your view and practice?

Professor Brandon Jordan

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New Videos Posted

By brandon | Published: June 26, 2009

This is a short blog posting to inform everyone that I have added several videos to the website. The video included below is of me doing a short carenza or free flow expression of practice. To see more videos click the link above.

Professor Brandon Jordan



Carenza, free flowing movement

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  • Welcome!

  • Mandala Mandirigma is a balanced, three-dimensional martial science inspired from the fighting traditions of the Philippines and Indonesia. While stemming from the individual nations, Mandala Mandirigma was conceptualized in the United States. A student of our system will experience training in weapons, stand-up fighting, ground grappling, healing arts and much more.

    With over 25 years of practice and experience Professor Jordan has developed an evolved martial art practice that is challenging and rewarding to learn. Mandala Mandirigma stems from and teaches arts such as Majapai Derobio, KunTao, Arnis 63 Generals, Sikaran, Silat, BaGua and self-healing, while still expressing a unique distinction from the parent arts.

    Mandala Mandirigma has received official sanctioning and recognition, awarding Professor Jordan with the title of Punong Guro/Founder, at a comparatively young age, bringing a fresh new approach to an ancient art.