Asian Adventure

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

2009-08-20T08:23:00.001-07:00

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: Malaysia, Boxx Warriors (Parts 1 and 2)

2009-08-20T08:07:00.001-07:00

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)

2009-08-20T08:05:00.001-07:00

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.

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Martial Arts Odyssey: Muay Malaysia, Kru Jak

2009-08-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

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.

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Muay Thai Chaiya

2009-08-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

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 )

2009-08-17T10:49:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-17T10:42:00.001-07:00

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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Antonio Graceffo Featured on “The Art of Fighting: Muay Thai Chaiya Fundamentals”

2009-07-27T19:31:00.001-07:00

Living in Japan, Filmmaker Robert Clyne produced a show called “Fight Japan” for years. Now, he has moved his show to Thailand, where it is called “The Art of Fighting.” In this extremely well-produced episode, Robert meets up with Antonio Graceffo (the host of the web TV show, “Martial Arts Odyssey” to explore Muay Thai Chaiya, an ancient and extremely effective form of traditional Muay Thai, taught by Kru Lek.

Muay Thai Chaiya stresses strong defense, using elbows and forearms to wrap around, and protect the head. Defense can quickly convert to offense, however, when those elbows are used for vicious strikes and attacks. The Muay Thai Chaiya kick is something Antonio has never encountered before, as he struggles through a sparring session with one of Kru Lek’s leading students, Tae, a Thai movie star and professional fighter with a winning record. See Antonio get kicked repeatedly with the low, sneaky Chaiya kick, which cripples the legs and neutralizes even the strongest attack.

Watch it on youtube: The Art of Fighting: Muay Thai Chaiya Fundamentals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LXXlIcEpJo

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

Catch all of Robert Clyne’s “Fight Japan” videos on his youtube channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/fightjapanrc

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Antonio Graceffo on Inside Martial Arts TV

2009-07-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

Inside Martial Arts TV just did a documentary/interview with Antonio Graceffo, tracing his eight year journey through Asia, studying martial arts and languages, moving from country to country and studying with master after master. The Odyssey began in Taiwan, led to the Shaolin Temple, in China, and then on to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Lao, Burma, Korea, and the Philippines. Along the way, Mr. Graceffo published five books, wrote for major magazines, made several movies, appeared on TV and radio shows, and created youtube videos, documenting his travel.

The interview gives some insight into Antonio’s web TV show, “Martial Arts Odyssey,” which now comprises more than 60 episodes, shot in twenty or more locations across Asia.

http://www.insidemartialarts.tv/video1.php

“I think Inside Martial Arts did a great job on this video, as they do on all of their stuff. They were one of the only media ever to cover Burmese Katchin martial arts, and that’s how we became acquainted.” Said Mr. Graceffo, AKA The Brooklyn Monk.

Antonio went on to say, “They made this Antonio guy seem so cool, I really wanted to meet him. But then, I have been a huge fan of Antonio Graceffo for years. The video made me want to tune in to Inside Martial Arts TV all of the time and also read a bunch of Antonio’s books.”

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

Join Antonio Graceffo on facebook.com

Antonio,graceffo,martial,arts,odyssey,Brooklyn,monk,from,muay,bokator,lai,
tai,Thai,boxing,wrestling,mma,Taiwan.roc,cma,tma,mma

Martial Arts Odyssey: OLD SCHOOL Taiwan (Parts 1 and 2)

2009-04-30T08:37:00.000-07:00

In a small gym, in Tainan, Taiwan, Host Antonio Graceffo meets 62 year-old Chen Ging Hway a former champion of boxing and San Da (Chinese kickboxing). He teaches Antonio some old-school professional fighting and tells stories about the early days of Syo Bodji, free fighting, in Taiwan. Still active, Chen Ging Hway is an official in the Taiwanese Kudo association and trains Taiwanese fighters who go to competitions in Japan. Kudo is a new form of MMA from Japan which is sweeping Asia.

Join Antonio on facebook

Watch it for free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbCI0bbrh38

Martial Arts Odyssey: OLD SCHOOL Taiwan Part 2

Antonio helps train a young Taiwanese Tae Kwan Do practitioner who wants to fight San Da and MMA. Sixty-two year-old Chen Ging Hway a former champion of boxing and San Da (Chinese kickboxing) Teaches Antonio the painful wedge-hand strike that he used to use to lay his opponents out.

Join Antonio on facebook

Watch it for free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp2FZRx3SXo

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.

muay,thai,kick,boxing,kickboxing,martial,arts,odyssey,Brooklyn,monk,brooklynmonk,Antonio,Graceffo,china,Chinese,san,da,Taiwan,ROC,mixed,traditional,CMA,TMA,grappling,striking,clasic

Shan Medical Mission (Parts 1 and 2)

2009-04-18T19:11:00.001-07:00

“In Shanland: Medical Mission (Parts 1 and 2),” the latest video in the series In Shanland, shot in the war zone of Burma, by Antonio Garceffo is now available on youtube.com

Antonio Graceffo accompanies a volunteer medical mission on a visit to SSA headquarters in Loi Tailang, where they render much needed medical aid to the war orphans and abandoned children. Hear “Steve” an aid worker, with nearly twenty years of Burma experience explain the conflict. “What these children need most is the one thing no one can give them right now, freedom for their country.” Steve goes on to say, “I don’t believe it is wrong for them to fight for their country, to even kill for their country, but …even in the act of killing, you can be motivated by love.” Steve applies his life philosophy to the children of the conflict, “The most powerful force, historically is not hate, and it’s not brutality, which this regime is known for, it’s love.”

Watch it for free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO28ivXBD0Y

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.

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Martial Arts Odyssey: Master and Soldier

2009-04-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

Calling attention to the genocide with a martial arts video

Martial Arts Odyssey: Master and Soldier

In the war zone of Burma, Antonio Graceffo meets Mater Kawn Zanie, a legendary, undisputed master of Lai Tai, Shan Kung Fu, a soldier with decades of combat experience who often goes out on patrols armed only with Shan double swords, and no gun. The Shan have been fighting a defense war against genocide and oppression for more than forty years. Mater Kawn Zanie a veteran of countless battles said he training kept him alive.

Join Antonio on facebook

Watch it for free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dg_R65F3mxw

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.

martial,arts,odyssey,Brooklyn,monk,brooklynmonk,Antonio,Graceffo,shan,state,army,lai,tai,burma,Burmese,refugee,displaced,war,kung,fu,thai,Thailand,TMA,SSA.thai,shanland

Martial Arts Odyssey: Practical Fighting (SSA) Part 1

2009-04-15T05:02:00.001-07:00

A detailed explanation of the practical fighting program: Teaching basic hand-to-hand fighting skills to soldiers, Host Antonio Graceffo goes back into the war zone of Burma, with the Shan State Army, a rebel group, protecting the Shan people from genocide committed by the Burmese government. Practical fighting is a basic program of 18 strikes, beginning with the head, and working its way down, using each part of the body as a weapon. The system is very basic and easy for people to learn, even if they have no martial arts background at all.

Using martial arts to educate the world about the plight of the Shan people of Burma. A lot of fight fans don’t get very involved with international politics. Hopefully featuring the Kung Fu of the Shan people will help call attention to the genocide in Burma.

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

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.

martial,arts,odyssey,Brooklyn,monk,brooklynmonk,Antonio,Graceffo,shan,state,army,lai,tai,burma,Burmese,refugee,displaced,war,kung,fu,thai,Thailand,TMA,SSA.thai,shanland

In Shanland: At the Battle Front

2009-04-15T05:01:00.001-07:00

by Antonio Garceffo

Host, Antonio Gracefo, takes us to the front lines of the world’s longest running war. He explains the history of the conflict and how the genocide is being fueled by the drugs trade. He joins a patrol of Shan soldiers, sent out to prevent the SPDC from killing Shan families who are returning to their village after celebrating Shan children’s day. Meet two young war orphans, and a woman who had to abandon her four-year-old child when she fled her village. Now, nearly ten months pregnant, it seems her second child is afraid to be born.

Watch it for free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fiEUuqoWx4

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.

SSA,brooklyn,monk,brooklynmonk,Antonio,Graceffo,shan,state,army,tai,burma,Burmese,refugee,displaced,war,thai,Thailand,thai,shanland,junta,shanland,rebel

Martial Arts Odyssey: Military Fighting (SSA) Part 1

2009-04-10T23:36:00.000-07:00

Martial Arts Odyssey: Military Fighting (SSA) Part 1

Calling attention to the genocide with a martial arts video

Martial Arts Odyssey: Military Fighting (SSA) Part 1

Host Antonio Graceffo, in the war zone of Burma, teaches practical military hand-to-hand fighting techniques to the soldiers of the Shan State Army, a rebel group, protecting the Shan people from genocide committed by the Burmese government. Practical fighting is a basic program of 18 strikes, beginning with the head, and working its way down, using each part of the body as a weapon. The system is very basic and easy for people to learn, even if they have no martial arts background at all.

Using martial arts to educate the world about the plight of the Shan people of Burma. A lot of fight fans don’t get very involved with international politics. Hopefully featuring the Kung Fu of the Shan people will help call attention to the genocide in Burma.

Watch it for free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXO-jaiNbA4

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.

martial,arts,odyssey,Brooklyn,monk,brooklynmonk,Antonio,Graceffo,shan,state,army,lai,tai,burma,Burmese,refugee,displaced,war,kung,fu,thai,Thailand,TMA,SSA.thai,shanland

In Shanland: Grandfather With One Leg

2009-04-10T23:31:00.000-07:00

“In Shanland: Grandfather With One Leg,” the latest video in the series In Shanland, shot in the war zone of Burma, by Antonio Garceffo is now available on youtube.com

In this new episode, Antonio Graceffo interviews an aged Shan man who was captured by the Burmese SPDC forces, held and tortured for four years, and then released to a life of slave labor. The Burmese soldiers used him as a human mine detector and porter, forcing him to walk in front of them through the minefields. Eventually, his luck ran out. He stepped on a mine and his leg was blown off. He lay for six days, suffering in the jungle, where the Burmese soldiers left him. Eventually, he was found by a Shan State Army patrol, who took him to the SSA base at Loi Tailang, where he lives today, playing grandfather to the many refugee children.

Inside the war zone of Burma, under protection of the Shan State rebel army, Host, Antonio Graceffo interviews refugees, soldiers, civilians, all victims of the junta that rules Burma. The Shan are one of Burma’s many ethnic minorities being subjected to genocide at the hands of heir own government.

Watch it for free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-JVx8CcK_w

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.

SSA,brooklyn,monk,brooklynmonk,Antonio,Graceffo,shan,state,army,tai,burma,Burmese,refugee,displaced,war,thai,Thailand,thai,shanland,junta,shanland,rebel

Martial Arts Odyssey: Bokator Radio

2009-04-05T03:28:00.001-07:00

The art was almost lost in the Cambodian genocide, but it is making a comeback in Phnom Penh, thanks to the efforts of Grand Master San Kim Saen.

Martial Arts Odyssey: Bokator Radio
See it on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/user/brooklynmonk1

“Martial Arts Odyssey” host, Antonio Graceffo, was the first foreigner to ever train in or write about the Cambodian martial art, Khmer Bokator. Since his first story about the art appeared in “Black Belt Magazine,” five years ago, the art has been featured in various international TV shows and documentaries. Antonio’s own efforts to film the art and make it available to the world have been fraught with difficulties. The release of the full-length Bokator film he was involved in is two years behind schedule. The Six episodes of “Martial Arts Odyssey” he shot in Cambodia were done on a borrowed camera, in some strange HD format, which he has been unable to edit.

This compilation video was done from various Bokator clips, filmed over a period of five years, combined with audio provided by a radio interview Antonio did with DJ Julian of Love FM in Phnom Penh, during the filming of the movie, “Brooklyn Bokator.” Viewers will get a real treat as they will see the Antonio get fat, get fit, get fat, and get fit again, as the video clips were shot over a period of years.

Join Antonio on facebook

Watch it for free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1Yb5LTYSFg

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. Some of the video was shot by Tim Pek of Transparent Pictures, and it features a radio interview courtesy of DJ Julian and Love FM of Phnom Penh.

martial,arts,odyssey,Brooklyn,monk,brooklynmonk,
Antonio,Graceffo,bokator,boxcator,Derek,morris
Khmer,bradal,pradal,boxing,kickboxing,karma,black
Muay,Cambodian,san,kim,saen,tim,pek,transparent,pictures

Learning History and Culture Through Martial Arts

2009-04-03T19:27:00.001-07:00

David Calleja talks to Antonio Graceffo, host of web TV show, Martial Arts Odyssey, and leading kuntaw instructor Grandmaster Frank Ayocho. about the importance of history, culture and identity within lesser-known martial arts. It's all about discovery.

Read it on Foreign Policy Journal;

http://www.foreignpolicyjournal.com/articles/2009/04/03/calleja_martial-arts-odyssey.html

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Martial Arts Odyssey: Strength Training in Lao Part 1

2009-03-31T18:51:00.000-07:00

It’s the only weight-lifting gym in Laos, so it must be the best. Brooklyn Monk, Antonio Graceffo, learns about cross-training, using weights to build strength for fighting. In this episode, we see a training day in Lao, back and forth between the Muay Lao fighting stadium, and the weight lifting gym. Join Antonio Graceffo on facebook.com

Martial Arts Odyssey: Behind the Scenes at Martial Arts Odyssey

2009-03-30T22:28:00.000-07:00

A show about the show.
Watch it for free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1fVfH6iCzs

This is a look into the new web TV show, “Martial Arts Odyssey” hosted by Antonio Graceffo. In this short overview, Antonio explains how the show came about and what the basic premise is.

Host Antonio Graceffo has been living in various countries in Asia, studying martial arts, for nearly eight years. Along the way, he was writing articles and books about martial arts, available on amazon.com, now, equipped with a video camera, he has been retracing his steps, so you can meet the masters and see the various martial arts. The basic format of each show is that Antonio goes to some interesting location and trains with a unique master in an obscure or well known martial art. Episodes have been filmed in Burma, Lao, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines, Taiwan, and more. Some of the featured arts include: Bokator, Yaw Yan, Kuntaw, Lai Tai, Thieu Lam, Bradal Serey, MMA, Arnis, Muay Boran, Boxing, and Muay Thai.

The show is completely non-commercial. Whatever Antonio wants to shoot, he shoots. If you want to have your art or your school featured on “Martial Arts Odyssey,” just contact Antonio. Send him email or join him on facebook.

The episodes run for free so everyone can watch them. Antonio used to live in Brooklyn and work in Manhattan. “My show might be the only chance some people back home get to even see Asia. So, for ten minutes they can take an exotic holiday and maybe learn something about a foreign culture.” A lot of martial artists dream of coming to Asia to train. Antonio hopes that “Martial Arts Odyssey” can give them a small glimpse into their dream.

On practical note, Antonio hopes the show will inspire people to take chances in their lives and follow their dreams, whatever those dreams might be.

Join Antonio on facebook

Watch it for free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1fVfH6iCzs

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.

muay,thai,kick,boxing,kickboxing,martial,arts,odyssey,Brooklyn,monk,brooklynmonk,Antonio,Graceffo,china,Chinese,san,da,kung,fu,monkey,fist,Taiwan,ROC,MMA,mixed,traditional,CMA,TMA,grappling,striking,bokator,kuntaw,arnis,kali,lao,lai,tai,yaw.yan,thieu,lam,bradal,serey,pradal,khmer,boxkator,boxcator,Cambodia,cambodian

Martial Arts Odyssey: Shan Kung Fu

2009-03-30T22:26:00.001-07:00

Inside the war zone of Burma, under protection of the Shan State rebel army, Host, Antonio Graceffo is one of the first foreigners ever to experience Lai Tai or Shan Kung Fu. The Shan are one of Burma’s many ethnic minorities being subjected to genocide at the hands of heir own government. Meet young Master Kawn Wan, whose parents were murdered by the SPDC Burmese government army. Now, he lives on the Shan State Army base, teaching Lai Tai Kung Fu to the war orphans in the hopes of preserving the Shan culture. One of the Shan army lieutenants ominously told Antonio, “If the world doesn’t come to help us soon, your video will be the last record of our people.”
Join Antonio on facebook

Watch it for free on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1Yb5LTYSFg

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.

martial,arts,odyssey,Brooklyn,monk,brooklynmonk,Antonio,Graceffo,shan,state,army,lai,tai,burma,Burmese,refugee,displaced,war,kung,fu,thai,Thailand,TMA,SSA.thai

Martial Arts Odyssey: Behind the Scenes at Martial Arts Odyssey

2009-03-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

Martial Arts Web TV Show Inspires and Educates

2009-03-19T07:00:00.001-07:00

By David Calleja

Martial arts enthusiasts of all levels can now learn from the best trainers and
fighters in the industry by watching Martial Arts Odyssey on the internet.

Hosted and produced by Asian-based New Yorker Antonio Graceffo, Martial Arts Odyssey
has gained popularity by taking viewers into the heart of Asia, providing details of
fighting techniques across a range of disciplines. The show also emphasises the
importance of cardio and strength training.

Originally shot as a pilot in the Philippines two years ago, Martial Arts Odyssey
has expanded to cover a number of countries throughout Southeast Asia. There are now
over 20 episodes on the internet, with the promise of more to follow.

In addition to researching and filming martial and combat arts that are popular
amongst westerners, Martial Arts Odyssey places the spotlight on lesser known
fighting forms and others thought to have been extinct or are in danger of dying
out. Antonio discovered Bokator in Cambodia and Shan Lai Tai while in Burma’s
warzone with the rebel Shan State Army, and believes that he may have the only
footage of Master Kwan Wan to date performing this unknown art.

According to Antonio, the aim of the show is to encourage people to be the best they
can be through a combination of fitness, education and reaching goals in life. “I
hope to inspire them (people) to take a chance and go back to school, finish a
degree, start a business, change jobs, get a promotion, and (if possible), travel
and study martial arts and languages,” Antonio said.

With an extensive three decade career competing professionally in triathlons, boxing
and numerous martial arts (including the last eight years in Asia), Antonio
maintains a sharp focus and plans to extend Martial Arts Odyssey into Central Asia,
the Caribbean and Africa in the future.

You can subscribe to Antonio’s channel on YouTube and follow his trail around Asia
watch with Martial Arts Odyssey for free. The address is:
http://www.youtube.com/user/brooklynmonk1

Contact Antonio by emailing: Antonio@speakingadventure.com

Visit his website, Speaking Adventure, by typing: www.speakingadventure.com

Martial Arts Odyssey: Muay Surin Part 1

2009-03-18T18:40:00.001-07:00

Tracing the footsteps of martial arts legend Tony Jaa, Host Antonio Graceffo, travels to village where Jaa was born. He continues learning Muay Boran from Jaa’s first trainer, Adjan Sok Chai, and he explores the world of the Kuy tribe, Jaa’s people, who live with the elephants. Join Antonio on facebook

Watch it for free on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9KG5jKWolI

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

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 www.facebook.com

His website is www.speakingadventure.com

This was among the first episodes of “Martial Arts odyssey” edited by Antonio Graceffo. So, please excuse the quality, he is still learning. But, it still features the official Martial Arts Odyssey intro and outro by Andy To.

Muay,thai,boran,Antonio,graceffo,martial,arts,odyssey,surin,khmer,thailand,bokator,monk,Brooklyn,box,boxing,kick,kickboxing,jaa,sok,chai,tony,surin,boran,Jaa,tony,adjan,sok,chai,kuy,elephant,tribe,surin,khmer

Martial Arts Odyssey: Muay Surin Part 2

Footsteps of Tony Jaa

Antonio Graceffo

Adjan Sok Chai

Monks live and meditate deep in the jungle.

Monks make statues of the gods

Even dwellings are made to look like elephants.

The hammer fist can be used to keep from injuring your hand.

Hanuman presents the ring
sweeping the leg

End Part 1

Special thanks to Prah Sameth
And
Adjan Sok Chai

Antonio Graceffo

Contact Antonio
Antonio@speakingadventure.com

Join Antonio
on facebook.com

Get Antonio’s books
On
Amazon.com

See Antonio’s website
www.speakingadventure.com

Watch
Martial Arts Odyssey: Muay Surin Part 2

Hanuman techniques

New video series: My Bokator Story (Parts 1 through 8)

2009-03-13T19:36:00.001-07:00

My Bokator Story (Parts 1 through 8)

Searching for Traditional Khmer Martial arts

In this eight part documentary, Antonio Graceffo, the host of the web TV show, “Martial Arts Odyssey,” describes how his Asian martial arts adventure began in Taiwan, then lead to the Shaolin Temple, followed by Thailand’s last Muay Thai Temple, studying with Kru Bah and eventually took him to Cambodia, where he was the first westerner to study Bokator, traditional Khmer martial art, Bokator, with Grand Master San Kim Saen. Along the way, he also learned some Khmer traditional wrestling, and studied Bradal Serey and trained in professional boxing with Cambodia’s lead international trainer, Paddy Carson. The story is also mapped out in greater detail in his books, available on amazon.com

See all 8 parts on youtube.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mrdhn1GQlWE

Antonio asks you to join him on www.facebook.com

Antonio Graceffo is the author of five books, available on amazon.com. He is also the host of the web TV show, “Martial Arts Odyssey.” To see Antonio Graceffo’s Burma and martial arts videos, check youtube. His book, “The Monk from Brooklyn” and all of his books are available on amazon.com see al of his videos on his youtube channel brooklynmonk1 http://www.youtube.com/user/brooklynmonk1

Contact him; Antonio@speakingadventure.com

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