Filipino Martial Culture/Mark V. Wiley

Joined
Dec 28, 2005
Messages
24
This guy thinks the Spanish sunk the BB Main with arty in Havana in 1898.
Is there truth to this book?
 
I cannot believe that no one has read this book and formed an opinion.
Thus, so it appears.
 
It's always interesting to read something about your "culture" that is written by someone who is not of your ethnicity.

I have a copy but have not re-read it in a long time. I think to judge the accuracy of a book, one also needs to be historically informed to form an opinion.

It seemed to be an o.k. read but don't rely on it as your only point of reference. I'm sure there are lot's of opinions but no one else seems to be taking the step forward to write anything better IMO.

I believe another theory on the Maine exploding was because the powder magazine was too close to the ship's boilers causing a build up of heat leading to the destruction. This I think came about after Wiley's book.

Until then, it was long thought that it was blown up by the Cubans when in fact, the United States and the few powerful capialists of the time were trying to find a way to capitalize on Spain's colonies and sugar interests.
 
I love that book! The Ilustrisimo section is insane. What a life he had R.I.P. Don't know the details on the sinking of said ship BUT, the words from the instructors mouths are all pretty sound. Angel Cabales R.I.P., Ben Luna Lema, Rey Galang, Edgar Sulite R.I.P., lots of great instructors....:thumbup:
 
Salaam to all, I read Mr. Wiley's book and found it to be average. The writing style is good but I am unsure on the validity of the claims made in the book. Of course everyone is entitled to there own view of matters at hand and Mr. Wiley is no different. It seems his version is much different than some others I have heard about and discussed with prominent members of the Philippine methodologies. Take care all.
 
That is true, there is always a difference in story when you speak to the subjects directly. Or if you speak to those "close" to them. One of the reasons why I don't get involved with "systems" anymore, too much politics. This guys not certified, that guys is certiifed. This guy payed lotsa money for his instructorship, blah, blah, he's a Guro, he's not a Guro, Grandmaster...etc.
 
RDT said:
That is true, there is always a difference in story when you speak to the subjects directly. Or if you speak to those "close" to them. One of the reasons why I don't get involved with "systems" anymore, too much politics. This guys not certified, that guys is certiifed. This guy payed lotsa money for his instructorship, blah, blah, he's a Guro, he's not a Guro, Grandmaster...etc.
So true...that is the reason I left the Pekititersia org. to much infighting to many Chiefs and it just seems that nobody is on the same page etc. IMHO a quagmire of red tape is nowhere for one to perfect his skills.
 
Yup! I studied Pekiti as well...someone was always talking. Same with other styles of Kali in the area. Who's style was derived from where, and why...blah, blah, blah. Same with the JKD people I have met in NYC at least...I did a little of that as well and heard the same thing all the time. Love both of the systems dearly but it no longer becomes fun or a learning endeavor if you are politick-ing. Same thing with the more traditional styles here as well. Wing Chun suffers that drama big time here. Ugh... I just don't care anymore and whoever can teach me something I feel is valuable is someone I wanna study with period.
 
RDT said:
Yup! I studied Pekiti as well...someone was always talking. Same with other styles of Kali in the area. Who's style was derived from where, and why...blah, blah, blah. Same with the JKD people I have met in NYC at least...I did a little of that as well and heard the same thing all the time. Love both of the systems dearly but it no longer becomes fun or a learning endeavor if you are politick-ing. Same thing with the more traditional styles here as well. Wing Chun suffers that drama big time here. Ugh... I just don't care anymore and whoever can teach me something I feel is valuable is someone I wanna study with period.
I agree RDT...to many supposed chiefs who were never ever Indians....It gets old real fast, and lets be honest if it becomes mundane and a bore why pursue it. I found other people who have a like minded, backyard approach as myself...my 3 students are of that ilk, a lets have fun and train mentality no, bowing, belts, politics and NO FRIGGIN BS..and unfortunately a lot out there is pure BS from the syllabus to the politics..good riddance
 
Amen bro! Way too much BS out there! As well, it's no fun...I didn't start studying different arts just to get involved in some soap opera ;)
 
I read this book and thought it was really good. Especially the part where the masters were interviewed. To me that was the most valuable info as a practioner. I enjoy hearing about the history as well but that section was a little dry. Still very important to know the roots.
 
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