B through B

BACKHOLD WRESTLING

Backhold Wrestling can be seen all over Scotland and the north of England from May to October, at Highland and Border Games. The rules are simple, once the closed hold with the right hand under the opponent's left is taken, the referee shouts "hold" or "wrestle" to commence the bout. The first wrestler to touch the ground or break their hold loses.

The sport is thought to be one of the earliest and most basic martial art's and is depicted on crosses and standing stones dating from the 7th and 8th centuries.

Variations of Backhold exist in at least ten other European countries, including Iceland, Albania and Sardinia. Today the sport is organised into District, National and European Championships. The English Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling Association has since 1900 insisted that their competitions, open to any wrestler, are the World Championships.

On taking hold the wrestler stand up chest to chest, each placing their chin on their opponent's right shoulder and grasping them around the body, each placing their left arm above the right arm of their opponent.

When both wrestlers have got hold, the referee calls "hold" and the wrestlers. With the exemption of kicking, they are allowed to use every legitimate means to throw the other. If either party breaks their hold, they shall be declared the loser, if the other retains their grip both fall to the ground, the first person down loses.

BAJAWAH (TIDJU)

Odd style where person is guided from behind by a partner and attacks with arms, hands, elbows

BAK-SING CHOY LI FUT

A combination of two of China's most renowned martial arts styles: Choy-Li-Fut and northern Shaolin. Bak-sing was founded by Tam-Sam during the Ch'ing dynasty. Tam-Sam had learned the Hung-Sing style of Choy-Li-Fut. Hung-Sing had been a student of the founder of the style, Chan Heung, who had combined the three family systems of Chou, Li, and Fut into the Choy-Li-Fut system.

Master Ku, a kung-fu practitioner famous for his remarkable "iron palm" was challenged by Tam-Sam to fight. Ku accepted, but neither fighter could best the other. They became friends, and Tam-Sam merged his Choy-Li-Fut style with Ku's Shao-lin, christening it the bak-sing Choy-Li-Fut system.

Bak-sing places heavy emphasis on sparring, kicking and long arm movements. A wide horse stance is most often used and force is believed to come mostly from the waist and shoulders. Many techniques involve simultaneous blocking and punching, or blocking and kicking. Bak-sing techniques are graceful and the fluidity of the supple long-arm movements, combined with the speed and dexterity of the quick, short-hand techniques, give this style a very artistic appearance.

BAKBAKAN

Bakbakan Another "Martial Art" that was inspired by the need for a practical, effective combat style in the Philippines. In reality, there is nothing new about it; Bakbakan (Which means to fight or to maul), is nothing more than glorified brawling. However, a no-nonsense practicioner of this style will give even black belters nightmares. In a sense, it is much like Sarian.

Grandmaster Antonio "Tatang" Ilustrisimo is the revered head of the Kali Ilustrisimo system. It is this system that is the basis of Bakbakan's Kali system now referred to as Bakbakan Kali Ilustrisimo. This name change does not purport to take credit away from "Tatang" Ilustrisimo but to identify the system developed and structured by Bakbakan based on Grandmaster Ilustrisimo's concepts and strategy. It is these training methods and structure that differentiate the Bakbakan Kali Ilustrisimo practitioner from any other Kali Ilustrisimo claimant. The effectiveness of Bakbakan's system of training has been proven many times in many competitions both local and international.

Tulisan Knife-Fighting System, an off-shoot of the Bakbakan Kali Ilustrisimo system, is another of the arts practiced within Bakbakan that is fast growing in popularity. Based more on basic knife-fighting techniques and constant sparring rather than memorized pre-planned drills, Tulisan has proven its mettle in many sparring matches against knife-fighters from other systems.

Recognizing the need for ambidexterity and fluidity in the mastery of weapons, Bakbakan's research into the Philippine martial arts found its answer in the ancient system of Sinawali - a fighting style popular in the Central Luzon plains. Although not exclusively a double weapon system, Sinawali emphasizes double weapons training for obvious advantageous reasons.

Bakbakan's Sinawali Fighting System is a major stepping stone into the realm of Espada y Daga (Sword and Dagger). Once familiarity and ambidexterity has been achieved, it is a simple progression to switch from equal length weapons to short and long armaments. Research and development of Bakbakan's Sinawali system is credited to Rey Galang, with contributions from Antonio Diego and the late Edgar G. Sulite.

BALISONG

First, balisong is presented as a Filipino knife in most of the book on the subject. Balisong belongs to the practise of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA). That's true that the word & the culture of balisong has origins in Batangas, Philippines islands. Many legends exist about the fabulous use of balisong by Filipino warriors. One of them would have killed 29 opponents with his balisong (this legend is sometimes told to justify the balisong nickname "veintinueve"). But it is not sure that the concept of the balisong (a blade and two mobile half-handles) comes from the Philipines.

The oldest "balisong concept" knife I know is the Pied-Du-Roy, which has been dated before 1791. This knife is French, and can be seen in the Musée de la Coutellerie, in Thiers (centre of France -- with Laguiole, the most famous French "city of knives").

Collectors such as Chuck Gollnick managed to find "balisong concept" knives from European countries and estimated as made during the XIXth century.

In the Philippines, I have not heard of so old balisong. I may be wrong.

I hope that balisong lovers will manage to find older roots to understand the path of the "balisong concept" idea, from it's birth to Batangas.

BANDESH

Bandesh is an Indian martial art. In keeping with the Hindu belief in the sanctity of human life, it practices using weapons without killing. In Bandesh competition, the winner is the one who takes the weapon from the other.

BANDO (NABAN, THAING)

Bando is a martial art that comes from the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar (formerly Burma). It is also known as Thaing and may contain a subset of weapons skills called Banshei. Because of Myanmar's geographical proximity to Thailand, much of Bando's emptyhand techniques resemble those of Muay Thai kickboxing. The art was also influenced by fighting arts imported from nearby China. Bando emphasizes the use of knives but it uses foot and hand strikes, throws and joint locks, along with numerous other weapon techniques.

BANSHAY

A Burmese art, influenced by both Chinese and Indian Martial Arts. Banshay embraces the use of sword, spear and staff.

BARAQAH

A exceedingly rare style from Northern Africa, Baraqah is an Islamic discipline, derived largely from Sufi, one of the more mystical branches of the Moslem faith. It is not so much a fighting style as an expression of Islamic sacred science, designed to cultivate physical health and grace. As such, it is first and foremost a path to enlightenment; as with Tai Chi, the combative abilities it provides are secondary, though still quite effective in the hands of a master.

BARATERO

Spanish, name for the knife-fighting method of the gypsies, using 'la navajo' (folding knive), 'el cuchillo' (knive) and 'la tijera' (chisel ?). A spanish book on this method was published in 1849.

BATTO JUTSU

Cutting sword technique. A rapid version of iaido or iaijutsu, the art of quick draw and cut with a sword. The art was founded by Sekiguichi Yahoumen Uji Nari in 1550 A.D. The art existed in every major castle in Japan. During the Satsuma/Meiji government battle, most of the castle Sekiguichi Shihan Dai sided with the Satsuma, except for the Higo Castle Shihan Dai. When the Satsuma lost, the Meiji government banned the public teaching of SGR Batto Jutsu everywhere but at the Higo Castle area

BELADIRI

A personal protection art that emphasizes practicality, it is updated and refined at every opportunity. It has no 'sparring' applications and the principles can be very simple. Style is efficient, deadly and straight to the point. It's not intended for sport or playing around.

BELT WRESTLING

Most asians (and, partially, caucausian) kinds of wrestling are "belt wrestling" (i.e. wrestling with catching the belt) in moslem variant. Static catching by two hands or by one only (in this case another hand is free for catching above the belt), lifting and throwing... There are no ground fighting. Competitions took place on special yard - "maidan".

BENILAT

MEDAN Style of benilat; weapons are used in mass fighting.

SILAT BUAH Secondary form of Malaysian benilat, used in actual combat. Generally practiced in semi-seclusion, its moves are passed from master to disciple under a vow of secrecy, reminiscent of Chinese kung-fu. Various forms of silat buah can be found throughout the narrow peninsula of Malaysia, but the most popular forms arefist and finger attacking, grappling and gripping, and a spectacular style with high leaps and flying kicks.

TERELAK Style of benilat; breathing is stressed and great strength is required.

BERSILAT

Bersilat "to do fighting" is a Malaysian martial art thought to have been derived from the Indonesian martial art of Pentjak Silat in the fifteenth century. Each school of Bersilat has two branches: Silat Pulat, which is a dance-like art used for public display, such at festivals; and Silat Buah, which is the combat version of the art. Bersilat emphasizes leg techniques but other types of empty hand combat are used. It is secretive art that is handed down through families.

BETAWI

Betawi (Batavia)is an area on Western Java settled by Sundanese Sumatrans in the distant past. It is considered a very dangerous place. In addition to identifying the Sumatran origins of this Silat, it connotes the the study of the techniques of response to attacks from ambush, fighting multiple opponents- armed as they may come, vicious response to attack, and a preoccupation with personal freedom and responsibility to the community, the Family.

BINOT

Binot is a rare Indian martial art that employes wrestling technique. Style in which an unarmed person defends against an armed opponent. Some believe it to be the oldest of this type of combat. It is very difficult to learn and dangerous to practice.

BOXING

Boxing is often called the Western martial art, but it is more accurately identified as a martial sport. It probably originated in ancient Greece or Rome, as there is evidence that the Greek Pankration competitions included a boxing like event. The pugilistic sport then spread to most every Western country, and in the early 20th century it became a popular spectator sport. Boxing techniques have played an important role in the development of modern kickboxing, since they are often judged as being more effective than the hand techniques of the Asian martial arts. The techniques are now being added to the curriculum at many schools that teach eclectic martial arts.

BOJUTSU

Bojutsu is the art of the bo (long staff). Since a wood stick is less dangerous to practice with than with a steel blade, wood weapons were used in Japanese feudal military arts schools.

BOK PAI KUNG FU

Bok Pai, also known as the White Crane Style, is one of the major styles of Kung Fu. According to legend, a lama priest once witnessed a battle between a crane and an ape where the crane managed to win by using the agility of its long legs, huge wings, and pecking movements. It is one of the more aggressive martial arts. Training is rigorous, involving years of practicing uncomfortable stances, all desgned to imitate the fighting positions of the crane. Study of posture, balance and energy circulation are all important. There are many monasteries and martial arts schools as well as a large number of teachers available in Bok Pai.

A Bok pai master, entering combat, advances very slowly, prefering to meet the attacks of an opponent rather than rushing forward. Attacks can take the form of sweeping arm moves, rounded kicks and continuous turning movements. The form's man attack is the Crane Fist, a beak like formation of thumb and fingertips pointed together, striking iwth a forward-and-down pecking motion.

The philosophy of Bok Pai can be summed up in four words: sim, "to evade", jeet, "to intercept", chun, "to penetrate," and chon, "to destroy." As part of the training, all initiates are required to fight bouts on the Mui-Fa-Jeong, the "Plum Flower Stumps," which are a series of 36 pillars (like telephone poles) seperated from four to eight feet apart and driven into the ground. Combat actually takes place on the tops of the poles

BUHE BARILDAAN WRESTLING

Buryats have its own kind of wrestling - buhe barildaan ("wrestling of strong men"). Several clans have special kinds of martial arts. Most known is hara moriton ("black horsemen"), which include horseback riding, unarmed combat, using different tools (whip, lasso, belt etc). According to legends, this system was founded by legendary heroes - Azhirai Buhe and his assistant Haramtsagai-mergen. They were heads of military group, came to Baical lake from Mongolia on the black horses and protect local habitants from evil tribes. Similar methods are known from other siberian national minorities - for example, Tuvinians have kyuresh, karakyuresh, lamakyuresh etc.

BUKTI NEGARA

Literally "evidence of a continent" - The existence of the art is evidence that the greater continent of Serak exists. The mystical style of Pendekar Paul. It came to him, in a flash of enlightenment in a single night, as a full blown system, unlike anything seen before. Major aspects of the art center on the use of the fighting floor; positioning and angles of incidence, meridians of weakness and of power, the use of levers and fulcrums, mental preparedness-tenacity and ferocity. It is an art of great subtlety and sophistication.

BUL KYO MU SOOL

Bul Kyo Mu Sool are the unique skills developed by Korean Buddhist Monks. In his travels to spread his religion, the Monk Bodhid Dharma recognized that many hours of sitting in quiet meditation created a need for some form of exercise to maintain health. In addition, traveling was a hazard due to highwaymen and robbers. Monasteries the world over are the birthplace of many inventions, and it is widely believed that Bhodhid Dharma developed a series of exercises that form the basis of Bul Kyo Mul Sool. The famous Shaolin Monks are an example of his influence. Meditation, acupressure points, the study of animal fighting techniques, and special "KI" breathing techniques are among some of the influences our art has borrowed from Bul Kyo Mu Sool.

BUNO

Buno is a Tagalong word meaning wrestling it is an empty hand fighting system developed by the indigenous people of the Philippines Islands. There are literally hundreds of styles of Buno practiced throughout the Philippines.However, the Harimaw Buno formerly Harimaw Lumad (King Tiger Wrestling) style was particular to the Manyans, of Mindoro, Island and Infanta, Quezon in Luzoan Philippines. Harimaw Buno was the Preferred name by Gat Puno Abon "Garimot" Baet the founder and Grandmaster of the Harimaw Buno Federation.

Grandmaster Falipe "Garimot" Baet is the person responsible for bringing Harimaw Buno to the Laguna provinces. He studied Buno under his father's tutelage at the age of eight and continued his training in Calpran, Mindoro under two Mangyan Buno masters from 1946 through 1950.

The two masters were members of the Hannunu Mangyan tribe. Their style of Buno was regarded as a jewel of their culture and as such, was forbidden to outsiders. However, Grandmaster Jose "Uti" Baet would pave the way for his generations to come five years prior. Grandmaster Jose "Uti" Baet, father of Felipe, defeated the top two practitioners of Buno, brothers Guimo and Tino Lait, during the Harimaw Buno Competition in Umiray Infanta, Queson before the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in 1940. The superiority of his skill was such that the two brothers were defeated without injury. In their lifetine, it would prove to be their only defeat in over 20 years of active competition. Out of respect, the two brothers agreed to train his son, in secret if necessary.

At the age of 16, Felipe was directed by his father to seek out the two Mangyan brothers. The trip to Calapan, Mindoro would be a long one so Felipe gained the company of his best friend, Reuben "Ginto" Madrinan in his search for the Hannunu Mangyan tribe. His initial encounter with the Hannunu tribe proved to be less than encouraging. His request to study with them was rejected by the "Apo" (head tribesman) because he was an outsider. Fortunately, the lait brothers would come to know of his presence in the village and the identity of his father. Surreptitiously, they arranged for him to stay in the next village and train him as one of their own. Felipe underwent intense training with the two brothers for four years. He worked as a spear-fisherman at night and practiced Lumad (the Hannunu word for Buno) during the day in the hidden valley of the Mindoro Islands.

The training techniques employed were unusual by most standards, and demanding by any. He was made to perform the following tasks regularly until exhausted.

* Mud Training - For balance, mobility and endurance, the student is made to walk through stiff mud while on his knees.

* Water Training - For balance, endurance and perfection of breathing technique, a sack of rocks is tied to the student's body. He is then made to wrestle an inimpaired opponent in various levels of water: waist-high to overhead depending on the student's ability.

* Canoe Training - This type of training addressed balance, lower body strength and endurance. Two canoes are brought together in parallel fashion, but not tied of fixed in any way. The student is made to stand in the front, one foot in the prow of each canoe. As the vessels are propelled forward, the student must hold them together. Note: as may be expected, the rower in each boat makes no effort to ease the student's difficulties, often paddling to seperate the boats.

* Bamboo Training - This type of training addressed the use of proper stances and balance. Two wetted bamboo poles are straddled across a fast-moving river. The student is made to continuously cross the river on the poles, gripping with his toes,and using the proper footwork. Loss of balance results in a river ride that can easily carry a man more than a mile downstream before he can make shore. He then must return to the poles to try again.

* Tamaraw Training - Methods of off-balancing are emphasized in this type of training. The student is made to wrestle a pygmy carabao (indigenous to Mindoro isnland only) barehanded. The goal is to take the animal to the ground by any means.

* Log Training - Proper rolling and breathing technique are both emphasized in this drill. The student is presented with a wooden log approximately 6 feet long and 160 pounds in weight. He is then made to roll, holding the log pressed to his body, in water approximately knee-high in depth.

* Tree Climbing - The student is taught to climb trees very quickly and jump from heights greater than 12 feet. His ability to perform this exercise is continually challenged.

* Arnis (Weapons) Training - The student is made to learn, practice, and apply in combat the Doce Pares style of Arnis de Mano.

* Farming - Although unexpectedly common, a good days' work on the farm further tests the student's endurance and patience. It also re-enforces established footwork patterns which are just as useful on the farm as they are in combat.

The student's skills were periodically tested in a ritual manner. This usually involved the hunting of wild boar, deer or snakes without weapons. Performance during these tests was used to gauge the students level of achievement.

Buno, as a matter of course, is an empty hand practice. Although the knife, spear and bow and arrow play significant roles in hunting, the only true weapon of the Buno practitioner is the lubid. The lubid is a course twisted length of rope approximately four feet long, worn around the waist. Prior to his trip to Mindod, Felipe was educated in the use of his unique weapon by his father. The training focused on disarming, subduing, and controlling humans. His time in Mindoro focused on the hunting of animals. An animal was often brought down, restrained and kept barely alive using the lubid. Hunting forays often meant several days walk into the forests. From a practical point of view, carrying a live animal back to the village was easier than carrying a dead one and the freshness of the meat was preserved. Training primarily involved tying different kinds of knots, quickly and under duress.

With his training complete, Felipe became an undefeated Buno stylist in Calapan, Mindoro. His prowess as a master stick fighter was also established as he went undefeated in stick fighting competitions in the area. In 1950, he left Mindoro to return to his hometown in Paete, Laguna. This was, however, after overcoming a very strange occurrence during his stay with the Hannunu Tribe.

During his second year of training, it happened that a tribe woman became enamored of Felipe. In order to assure his presence, she cast a spell to prevent him from ever leaving. as time passed, Felipe confided in his friend Ginto that his eyes seemed to percieve an impenetrable barrier surrounding the area perimiter. Although aware of the magic at work, he could do nothing to counter it. When the time came to leave, he would require his friend's assistance to dominate the mental apparitions. Ginto would eventually lead felipe away with a blindfold securely fastened over his eyes under the cover of the night.

Upon his return to Paete, he encountered many challengers eager to see just how good the son of Grand Master Uti Baet had become. He easily defended all opponents. In a short time, he became the local champion of track and field events, Bunong Braso (arm wrestling) and Pinal Braso (finger wrestling). He would later join the Paete Arnis Club, a group of veteran stick fighters, and organize Arnis De Mano tournaments at every town fiesta. He remained an active stick fighter, maintaining an undefeated status in Laguna, Batanggas, Cavite, Rizal, Quezon, Bataan, and Mindoro. He was known throughout the provinces as "Hari ng Pitong Kabundukan" (King of the Seven Mountains).

In 1972, he began to instruct the Baranggay Police (village police) in stick fighting and Harimaw Buno techniques. He would later incorporate Buno as a part of Arnis De Mano hand applications. He believed that in order for Eskrima fighters to be complete, the theories and techniques of grappling, empty-hand and weapons combat must be mastered.

It should be noted, that for the most part, Felipe kept the core elements of his buno training a family secret thereby holding important elements of the system in reserve for his family's own protection.

BURMESE BOXING

Burmese boxing, head butts and throws were allowed but kicks to the groin and hair pulling were not

BUSHIDOKAN

Bushidokan is an eclectic art of recent origin, founded by Jim Harrison in the late 1960's. Harrison has studied Judo and Shorin-Ryu karate extensively. The Bushidokan Art is a combination of Okinawan karate, judo, and some JJ, with the primary emphasis on karate. The karate portion of Bushidokan's training is quite similar to Shotokan - definitely Okinawan in ancestry. Bushidokan is best suited for those interested in effective street self-defense, tournament fighting, and fairly rugged physical conditioning.

Beginning students learn seven basic stances, seven basic strikes (six linear, one circular), seven basic blocks (one of which is circular) and seven basic kicks. Many of the self-defenses taught incorporate techniniques not included in the "basic" seven, thus exposing the student to a greater variety. These include a number of throws, a few soft (redirecting) blocks, and several wrist/hand locks. Two basic self-defense strategies - a direct counter and an indirect counter - are taught for each type of attack. Sparring is introduced as students progress, but is always optional, and ranges from "no contact" to "full contact".

BUTORYU

Those viewing the Butoryu art for the first time are often heard to describe it as "that Chinese looking Karate style". Others say that it looks "kind of like Gongfu" (Guoshu). The truth is that is what it is. China the mother art, Okinawa the father... a marriage of Yin & Yang. The style taught at the Butokan is known formally as Butoryu Tsuruken - "Warrior/Scholar Style Crane-Fist". Te principles of Butoryu Tsuruken or Crane-Fist Boxing, forms the core of our study. Principles are the essence upon which the art is built and represent the essence of the Butoryu Tsuruken method.

Technique oriented martial arts are limited. However, Butoryu Crane-Fist technique embodies the concepts and principles at the heart of the art (Photo 1, left: Ron Goninan Shinshii demonstrating the "Tile Palm" of the Kokuokakuken Kata inside the Butokan Honbu).

Based primarily upon the teachings of Yabiku Takaya Sensei, Sifu Yap Leong, Feeding Crane-Fist Adviser Shifu Paul Wollos and Ron Goninan's own personal experiences, Butoryu Tsuruken strives for the essence of Tsuruken (Crane Boxing) via the paragon that is kata.