Thoughts of a well balanced martial artist vol i

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Thoughts of a Well Balanced Martial Artist
Thoughts of a
Well Balanced Martial Artist
Calasanz Martial Arts and Philosophy
Volume I
August 2012 - June 2013
www.calasanz.com • www.calasanzdancearts.blogspot.com

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1 - Calasanz on the birth and development of his system............................................................. 5
2 - Today we celebrate one of our long time students, Kim Leonard........................................... 7
3 - Calasanz Is and Was.................................................................................................................... 8
4 - Calasanz the Guru and Why our System Produces Superior Results................................... 9
5 - A Quick Commentary............................................................................................................... ..10
6 - A Message to the Haters............................................................................................................ 11
7 - Wing Chun discourse on HARD and SOFT Energies............................................................. 11
8 - Physical Arts: Superior Results................................................................................................. .13
9 - The concept, design, and purpose behind Calasanz’ Interdojo and Videos...................... 14
10 - Becoming Bruce Lee and Purposeful Practice................................................................... 16
11 - Challengers Welcome - Part 1................................................................................................ 17
12 - Anecdote on Calasanz and Dennis White............................................................................. 18
13 - Challengers Welcome Part 2................................................................................................... 19
14 - Obsession................................................................................................................................. 20
15 - A Martial Artist’s Revenge : A True Story............................................................................... 23
16 - Foundation................................................................................................................................ 25
17 - From the Inside, Out................................................................................................................. 26
18 - Don’t Go to the Ground........................................................................................................... 27
19 - What is Martial Arts?................................................................................................................ 28
20 - Presentness Through Life and Kung Fu................................................................................. 29
21 - Combining the Three Aspects................................................................................................ 31
22 - What the F*&! is so Great About Calasanz?......................................................................... 32
23 - Don’t Lose It!............................................................................................................................. 33
24 - A Calasanz Short...................................................................................................................... 35
25 - 10 Respects at Calasanz Physical Arts and Dojo.................................................................. 35
25 - Flashy Wing Chun.................................................................................................................... 37
27 - In CaseYou Were Wondering................................................................................................. 38
28 - Expressive and Beautiful......................................................................................................... 39
29 - The Biggest Dummy : The Traditional Dummy Explained.................................................. 39
30 - Simplicity of Boxing Revealed................................................................................................. 41
31 - Remembering Our Students - A Tribute............................................................................... 42
32 - Calasanz’ School Places #1 in Martial Arts Tournament..................................................... 44
33 - Real Martial Arts for Real People........................................................................................... 45
34 - Calasanz Goes On About Jennifer Lee.................................................................................. 46
35 - Coaching 3 Lady Martial Artists............................................................................................. 48
36 - Behind the Scenes - Saturday Night Fight............................................................................. 49
37 - Closing the Gap....................................................................................................................... 51
38 - Calasanz Splits in Two lifting 125lbs on Each Leg............................................................... 54
39 - Calasanz Takes a Hit : “Be Alert While Training“................................................................. 57
40 - On Being and Being Well Balanced..................................................................................... 58

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ThoughTs of a Wa Wa ell Bell Bell alanced Malanced Malanced arTarTar ial arTrTr isT
Written by Calasanz and Alan Wedell,
inspired by Calasanz

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1
Calasanz on the birth
and development of
his system
Aug 24, 2012
The birth of my system I must say coincides withThe birth of my system I must say coincides withTmy very birth. From the day I was born I‘ve known
the natural workings of the human body. How it
works, how to optimize. Even when I was a child in
karate class, I would hide my movements from my
instructor because I didn‘t want to get in trouble.
Throughout my years I‘ve learned to apply theThroughout my years I‘ve learned to apply the
knowledge I was born with regarding the functional
movements of the body to real fighting situations
andhavealsodevelopeditintoaphysicalsystemfor
naturally improving the body. The system is called
Physical Art. It utilizes natural holistic movements
and is aimed at the long term development and
maintenance of the human body over a lifetime.
This is not a “get ripped“ program. It is not a
superficial body building regimen. It is Physical
Art. It is making your body into a walking
masterpiece. Welcome to Calasanz Physical Art.masterpiece. Welcome to Calasanz Physical Art.
Over my lifetime I have spent every day dedicatedOver my lifetime I have spent every day dedicated
to martial arts. Somehow I knew from the timeto martial arts. Somehow I knew from the time
I was a child that this was my calling. The firstI was a child that this was my calling. The first
martial arts school I attended was a Karate School.martial arts school I attended was a Karate School.
Upon visiting this school I noticed that there were aUpon visiting this school I noticed that there were a
lot of punches landing between the two contenders,lot of punches landing between the two contenders,
too many. For me fighting is not trading blowstoo many. For me fighting is not trading blows
and determining the winner by he who has theand determining the winner by he who has the
best physique. A real fighter will defend againstbest physique. A real fighter will defend against
an attack and then try to connect with the target.an attack and then try to connect with the target.
While the karate approach may be a good way toWhile the karate approach may be a good way to
condition the body to take a punch, it is not realcondition the body to take a punch, it is not real
fighting.
Real fighting is common-sensible.Real fighting is common-sensible.
First, be aware that your body performs best whenFirst, be aware that your body performs best when
it is in perfect working order. To have a brokenit is in perfect working order. To have a broken
arm in a fight is a great disadvantage when fightingarm in a fight is a great disadvantage when fighting
a two armed man. Protecting the physical body isa two armed man. Protecting the physical body is
of primary importance in a fight. It is essential.of primary importance in a fight. It is essential.
Foundational. Your body being in perfect workingFoundational. Your body being in perfect working
order gives you the best chance of survival. This
is achieved by blocking or evading successfully.
Essentially, a good defense is imperative.
The next element of real fighting is to be able to
disable or eliminate the threat to your physical
body as quickly as possible. This is achieved
through Wing Chun. Common sensibly the body
that remains fully functional for longer and acts
most efficiently and effectively is bound to prevail.
Now we come to size. Size is something a lot of
people deem to be a good judge of strength and
even fighting ability. Often times people will fear
an opponent due to sheer size. Let us consider
now, two rifles aimed towards two watermelons.
Place in front of one, 10 inches of marshmallows.
Place in front of the other 1 inch of steel. Which
watermelon would you stand behind if the triggers
were flicked? Size doesn‘t seem to matter much
now. While it should be taken into consideration,
it is not always of great import, and this is no
different when it comes to fighting. Similarly the
size of the man matters not, but it is his mettle, his
character, what he is actually capable of that holds
greater bearing.

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It has been proven again and again in the real
world, as well as in boxing, and other martial
sports. Frequently a larger opponent with an
incredible physique is set against a smaller man
who‘s physique is comparatively lacking. While
the larger man seems more formidable, this is
merely in appearance. It has been seen repeatedly
that a contender inferior in stature can easily be
victorious with superior technique. A phenomenal
physique can only give someone an advantage up
to a point. If technique is lacking and a contender‘s
offense is unwieldy, it is easy for a proficient
fighter to penetrate and take advantage of an
opponents untrained flailing, capitalize on exposed
vulnerabilities, and dismantle his opponent. It is
important to realize that just because you have
the biggest body it
does not mean that
you are capable of
functionallyusingthat
body to be effective in
a fight. Street fighters,
for example, believe
they are good fighters
based on the fact that
they are aggressive
and willing to fight.
However, when a
street fighter squares
off with someone
who is a trained and
an accomplished
practitioner of the art it is clear within seconds
that their overly aggressive approach does not
work. I experienced this first hand in the early
80‘s when street fighters would challenge me and
my students constantly. No doubt in an attempt to
debunk me personally and the system I have come
to develop. In time I would infact, place a sign on
the door welcoming challengers. I remember two
gentlemen distinctly, Jay and Kenny.
I met these two gentlemen in Norwalk in 1987
after attending the same gym for a time called
George‘s Gym. Jay, at this point, was considered
the biggest body builder in CT. He also did not
like me very much when I started going to that
gym and everybody wondered how long I would
stay there given his disposition. Kenny, now, was
known at this time as the “Terror of Norwalk“.
Everybody knew him either from getting in trouble
or simply knowing of his preceding reputation of
beating young guys. George‘s Gym at this time
had, without a doubt, some of the toughest street
fighters coming through there, not to mention
some volatile body builders as well. I remember
telling somebody, “I need one week here before
everybody is training under me.“ And it was just
exactly that which ended up happening.
After demonstrating to Jay my power, speed,
endurance, and grounding, based purely on martial
arts skill, Jay signed with me immediately for a
month of private training. I remember, also, Jay
being at the
gym pressing
1500 to 2000
pounds with
his legs using
a machine.
One day I put
Jay to the test
and asked
him to pick
up his leg and
push against
my stomach.
Jay could not
even do so
much as make
me budge, and in less than a second I was showing
Jay a new way under my system. There was a
difference of understanding between our two
mindsets. In his mind, and in that of much of the
Western world, to push iron and pack muscle onto
his frame was the ideal. This is achieved through
monotonous movement and mechanical repetition
creating tight, inflexible muscle.
In my mind natural, flexible, long muscle built
through physical art is what brings the ideal into
fruition. This is achieved through exercising
motions that naturally accommodate the anatomy
of the human body and develop real strength by
engaging the entire body as a whole. Synchronizing
breath and motion into pure, fluid, natural,

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transformative moments of life itself. To this day
he remains a faithful convert.
Kenny, on the other hand is a bit of a different
story. He is 6‘ 5“ and always made his mark on his
opponents. As we continued to spend time in the
same building his frustration with me continued to
fester and grow. He eventually took the liberty to
inviteeverymemberofthegymtocomeandseehow
easily he would defeat me. The terror of Norwalk
once more coming against an opponent to validate
his status in front of everyone; his ego eager for all
to gather and see for its own satisfaction. Only this
time he did not know who he was up against, me,
Calasanz. On that day, the fight was over almost
as soon as it began. We touched fists, and from
that moment sympathy ceased to exist. The fight,that moment sympathy ceased to exist. The fight,
it had to be stopped in less than 10 seconds after ait had to be stopped in less than 10 seconds after a
single blow. I had placed the heal of my foot intosingle blow. I had placed the heal of my foot into
Kenny‘s hips, and after taking the shot Kenny‘sKenny‘s hips, and after taking the shot Kenny‘s
gait was knocked off its axis and he would notgait was knocked off its axis and he would not
walk properly for a time afterwards. The kick waswalk properly for a time afterwards. The kick was
powerful enough to nearly dislocate Kenny‘s hipspowerful enough to nearly dislocate Kenny‘s hips
and caused stop to his offense immediately. I can‘tand caused stop to his offense immediately. I can‘t
remember if he ever came back.remember if he ever came back.
After that day I ended up training many of theseAfter that day I ended up training many of these
street fighters, and I trained them for free. Overstreet fighters, and I trained them for free. Over
time they would go to competitions and competetime they would go to competitions and compete
in my stead. Within three years the name Calasanzin my stead. Within three years the name Calasanz
was recognized all over the United States andwas recognized all over the United States and
even internationally. Fighters under my systemeven internationally. Fighters under my system
were making significant impressions every wherewere making significant impressions every where
they went spreading the name, Calasanz. Onethey went spreading the name, Calasanz. One
competition in particular stands out in my mind,competition in particular stands out in my mind,
one involving KYOKUSHINKAI where two ofone involving KYOKUSHINKAI where two of
my students won. Each of them competing withinmy students won. Each of them competing within
their own brackets and finishing on top.their own brackets and finishing on top.
Looking closer now at the KYOKUSHINKAILooking closer now at the KYOKUSHINKAI
practice itself, it is a brutal form of martial artspractice itself, it is a brutal form of martial arts
popularized in the 1980‘s. When competing,
full force kicks are thrown towards opponents‘
heads or anywhere else for that matter and no
protective gear is used. Punches are allowed but
are only directed towards the chest. Often times
in a KYOKUSHINKAI tournament there will be
a great number of knock downs and knock outs
from head kicks. The kick being the most powerful
weapon an unarmed fighter possesses, you can
imagine the danger in combating someone trained
in this practice. My students competed with full
confidence and continued to win the tournament
in their respective brackets. Again, keep in mind
that at this time KYOKOSHINKAI was a very
popular martial art with a multitude of dedicated
practitioners making it vital for a competitor to
practice as more than just a hobby. In such brutal
competition one must really have their wits about
them else he may get knocked out, or even killed,
very quickly. My students showed their talents.
Both of them victorious under my coaching and
Physical Arts Body Development system. 4
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Today we celebrate
one of our long
time students, Kim
Leonard
Aug 31, 2012
She came here with minimal martial arts
experience and knowledge. As Calasanz says,
she was like a little frog. Through her time here
she progressed rapidly and very far in her martial
arts career. In training she learned several katasarts career. In training she learned several katas
(forms) and improved her body beyond what any
gym might have done for her through Physical Art.
The time spent together with her was fruitful,
meaningful, and very productive. In a few short
months she progressed through to a green belt,
as seen in this video. We show you only short

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segments of her 30 minute test which was truly a
challenge and would be a trying half hour for even
top athletes.
Notice her during the kata, stomping and grunting.
This is a major expenditure of energy and she
powered through the katas emphatically and
energetically the whole way. WOW!
She got through it seemingly with ease and was
still ready to train after the entire ordeal. Thanks
again Kim for your time spent here, you will
never be forgotten!never be forgotten! 44
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Calasanz
Is andWas
Sept 24, 2012
Even in the early years of my life I understood
who Bruce Lee was. He was a very talented mar-
tial artist who trained for the real world and at the
same time he was a natural and excellent actor. He
trained martial arts around his life and more; he
trained martial arts as the way of life. At one point
I heard people saying that he could not fight his
way out of a paper bag because he would not com-
pete. And while it is true that he was not a compet-
itor, it is not because he did not know how to fight.
Since day one I‘ve always understood that the best,
bright, smart and intelligent martial artists are not
the ones in the ring. A true martial artist is too
smart to be taking those sorts of punches because
they understand how this will effect their brain lat-
er on. They are smart enough to put foresight to
use and thinking about life in a broader sense; rec-
ognizing that there is more to life than what hap-
pens between the ropes. Fighters, they don‘t think
about those things, so don‘t let yourself be fooled.
Those good, excellent martial artists like Bruce
Lee are fully capable of fighting but are mentally
cognizant of the avoidable long term effects that
will be seriously crippling later in life.
Since day one my idea was to fight the competitor,
the champion, that is what I have done. I don‘t go
into the specifics on this topic here, but if you‘d
like to hear about the champions that fell before
me and the stories behind it look for “Calasanz A
Lifetime of Lessons“. This will give you a deeper
understanding of how I think and who I am.
I train to win against the competitor, anybody canI train to win against the competitor, anybody can
be a fighter but not everybody can be a competitorbe a fighter but not everybody can be a competitor
in the ring. Many people don‘t want to be aroundin the ring. Many people don‘t want to be around
Calasanz, especially if they are very good. Why?Calasanz, especially if they are very good. Why?
Very simple, they have an ego and they believeVery simple, they have an ego and they believe
that they are best, then they get close to Calasanzthat they are best, then they get close to Calasanz
and they feel that they have a lot of work to do, soand they feel that they have a lot of work to do, so
many of those who come will stay for awhile butmany of those who come will stay for awhile but
will then leave because they want to be themselves,will then leave because they want to be themselves,
they don‘t want the truth. For example, I gave athey don‘t want the truth. For example, I gave a
lesson to a talented martial artist. He thought helesson to a talented martial artist. He thought he
was the best and he trained with the best but hewas the best and he trained with the best but he
forgot the philosophy and techniques of buildingforgot the philosophy and techniques of building
a tough shin. I put him to fight with a student ofa tough shin. I put him to fight with a student of
mine, who was not in great shape mind you, andmine, who was not in great shape mind you, and
my student brought him to his knees with just onemy student brought him to his knees with just one
kick.
Calasanz was born with a gift. Some people sayCalasanz was born with a gift. Some people say
he is a natural. Anybody can be a natural, but nothe is a natural. Anybody can be a natural, but not
anybody can have it since birth. Calasanz has it,anybody can have it since birth. Calasanz has it,
he‘s always had it. 4

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4
Calasanz the Guru
andWhy our System
Produces Superior
Results
October 2, 2012
Throughout the ages certain gurus have broughtThroughout the ages certain gurus have broughtTwisdoms with them to this planet to share with the
people for the betterment of mankind. To name a
few, the famous Indian guru, Ghandi. The ancient
Chinese Guru Confucius. The great guru Nanak.
The Dalai Lama and many more throughout theThe Dalai Lama and many more throughout the
history of man.
These people in their time created great shifts
in thought and being with the gifts and insights
they‘ve brought with them to such a magnitude
that their impacts still reverberate today and con-
tinue to influence the world around. People such as
these crop up rarely in the human population and
can come from any country or culture
Calasanz is one of these people in the modern age.
He has brought with him a vast knowledge of the
development of the human body and created a
name on this world in the realm of martial arts as a
perfect venue to demonstrate the fruits of his sys-
tem and through a lifetime of dedication to exten-
sive training in a multitude of martial systems. The
system he has created and revealed to mankind is
dedicated to the cultivation and ideal development
of the human body for growth, improvement, and
progress towards perfection within a lifetime for
an individual‘s health and general well-being.
The Calasanz System has made its way to this
planet through the cosmos and appeared here inplanet through the cosmos and appeared here in
the United States thanks to Calasanz Martinez. Hethe United States thanks to Calasanz Martinez. He
has spent his entire life developing and refininghas spent his entire life developing and refining
his personal system of human development. Thishis personal system of human development. This
system has created some of the biggest names insystem has created some of the biggest names in
Martial Sports since the 1980‘s and has outlastedMartial Sports since the 1980‘s and has outlasted
myriad schools and even more schools of thoughtmyriad schools and even more schools of thought
over the past decades which can be read about inover the past decades which can be read about in
Calasanz:
www.calasanz.com/A-Lifetime-of-Lessons.pdf
The uniqueness of the Calasanz system is unThe uniqueness of the Calasanz system is un-
matched and the superiority of it over all othersmatched and the superiority of it over all others
has been clear since its origin and the reason ishas been clear since its origin and the reason is
simple. The Calasanz system is universal. The Casimple. The Calasanz system is universal. The Ca-
lasanz system is all encompassing. It takes everylasanz system is all encompassing. It takes every-
thing into account, the physical body as well asthing into account, the physical body as well as
the mental aspects of the human brain, and it dethe mental aspects of the human brain, and it de-
velops these different aspects slowly, and properlyvelops these different aspects slowly, and properly
towards perfection over time.towards perfection over time.
The Calasanz System incorporates strength trainThe Calasanz System incorporates strength train-
ing, most notably core strength, and flexibilitying, most notably core strength, and flexibility
training which is stressed as a cornerstone of phystraining which is stressed as a cornerstone of phys-
ical fitness and aptitude. To be able to place yourical fitness and aptitude. To be able to place your
legs, arms, hands, and feet in more physical spaces
*automatically* gives you and your body more ca-
pabilities and affords you more options inside the
ring, and outside during anything you participate
in physically. All of the movements and exercis-
es within the system are designed to use the body
correctly according to the body‘s anatomical con-
struction and body mechanics. By studying and
practicing this system you will greatly enhance
your bodily awareness and develop body coordi-
nation to a highly advanced degree that no other
system can match, and whats more, it will develop
these faster than anything else.
But this system is not just physical. Although the
physical realm is one way in which the system is
expressed, can be seen, and duplicated the system
encourages and cultivates human spiritual and
mental development throughout the process. As
your body develops and improves in its abilities so
too will your mind open to new levels of conscious-
ness and thought. For example, as your flexibility
increases you will be able to place a kick some-
where that was previously not within your range

10
of motion. The simple knowledge of this option
will change not only your ability to take down an
opponent but how your mind thinks about how to
take down an opponent, and this in turn will open
more and more ideas of how to deal with physical
confrontation.
The beauty of this system is its simplicity. Often
times people who are new to the system pass it
off because it seems too easy. What is happening
here is that subconsciously they already under-
stand the system without realizing it. This is why
many people have come and gone. They think thatmany people have come and gone. They think that
they are not being taught anything. Usually this isthey are not being taught anything. Usually this is
because they are already smart enough and do notbecause they are already smart enough and do not
need to be taught, being that the entire system isneed to be taught, being that the entire system is
based on common sense. It is logical. For these, itbased on common sense. It is logical. For these, it
is not a matter of learning, it is simply a matter ofis not a matter of learning, it is simply a matter of
persistence; to actually put in the necessary workpersistence; to actually put in the necessary work
to attain their perfect form and many do not posto attain their perfect form and many do not pos-
sess the necessary strength of will to achieve this.sess the necessary strength of will to achieve this.
However, for many it is not until this is pointed outHowever, for many it is not until this is pointed out
or transformed into language through an explanaor transformed into language through an explana-
tion that this common reaction is illuminated.tion that this common reaction is illuminated.
On the other hand some people are in need ofOn the other hand some people are in need of
extensive instruction to learn and understand theextensive instruction to learn and understand the
system. Generally these people become some ofsystem. Generally these people become some of
the best students and teachers within the Calasanzthe best students and teachers within the Calasanz
system and family.
Most people, however, recognize the beauty andMost people, however, recognize the beauty and
simplicity of the Calasanz system and become stusimplicity of the Calasanz system and become stu-
dents within to see how far they can take it anddents within to see how far they can take it and
just how far we can help them to progress towardsjust how far we can help them to progress towards
their individual goals and ultimately, perfection. Ittheir individual goals and ultimately, perfection. It
should be said now that, for the average person,should be said now that, for the average person,
what is attainable through our system is only aswhat is attainable through our system is only as
limited as the student‘s desire to progress and their
inner self-dedication as a practitioner towards their
own personal development.
We are not talking about a get-ripped quick pro-
gram, although by following this system you will
indeed see fantastic results quickly if the proper
time and effort are applied. We are talking about
a system to follow for the long term that will give
you a body you didn‘t think was attainable. But
don‘t take our word for it. Go to our website, read
some of our testimonials. Go to youtube, watch
some of our videos. You will see for yourself the
bodies that Calasanz has created and the ability he
himself has achieved through his own body devel-
opment system.
It is this system that we now share with you and
with the world.
Happy Practicing! 4
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A Quick
Commentary
October 11, 2012
Here we share a comment recently received
by DrRGRiveraScientist. He himself has a great
channel with wonderful eye-opening, mind-open-
ing and relevant blurbs.
We thank him for his support and compliment him
for really hitting the nail on the head with this one!!
Thanks Again Doc!
DrRGRiveraScientist
(www.youtube.com/user/DrRGRiveraScientist)
posted a comment on your channel:
“The Kinematics of your movements are unique
because few have found them. You, however,
have found the unrecognized and ignored nat-
ural levers of our design and are using them as
they were designed to function. Beautiful!” 4

11
isTThoughTs of a Wa Wa ell Bell Bell alanced Malanced Malanced arTarTar ial arTrTr is
6
A Message to the
Haters
October 22, 2012
In this short discourse I will outline why it is that
In this short discourse I will outline why it is that
some people do not accept Calasanz as the most
well-rounded Master of Martial Arts that he is.
There is a certain mystery that surrounds Calasanz;
as one of his close students I can personally attest
to that. As with anything that we do not under-
stand, there comes a natural fear of it and imme-
diately a barrier is raised up against that which isdiately a barrier is raised up against that which isdiately a barrier is raised up against that which isdiately a barrier is raised up against that which is
misunderstood, or simply not comprehended at all.misunderstood, or simply not comprehended at all.
This is not uncommon, and again it is in fact 100%This is not uncommon, and again it is in fact 100%
natural. We as humans fear what we don’t undernatural. We as humans fear what we don’t under-
stand. We as humans fear what we don’t comprestand. We as humans fear what we don’t compre-
hend. And the logical progression from there ishend. And the logical progression from there is
to attack that which we fear, to eradicate it, thatto attack that which we fear, to eradicate it, that
we might remain comfortable in our present realwe might remain comfortable in our present real-
ity without interference from the ground-breakingity without interference from the ground-breaking
“unknown”. A great example of this can be seen in“unknown”. A great example of this can be seen in
the history of the Catholic Church’s condemnationthe history of the Catholic Church’s condemnation
of Copernicus and other notable Mathematiciansof Copernicus and other notable Mathematicians
and scientists of the same era.and scientists of the same era.
People such as these were (as we say today) “aheadPeople such as these were (as we say today) “ahead
of their time”. In reality they were right on time,of their time”. In reality they were right on time,
but brought something to light that the world wasbut brought something to light that the world was
not yet ready for.
As people attack and question his backgroundAs people attack and question his background
(which is extensive ex: he was taught Gojo Ryu by(which is extensive ex: he was taught Gojo Ryu by
Gameyoshi Sakamoto, and Wing Chun by Moyat)Gameyoshi Sakamoto, and Wing Chun by Moyat)
they seem to forget the skill and ability they arethey seem to forget the skill and ability they are
seeing right before their very eyes. Also take heedseeing right before their very eyes. Also take heed
that Martial Arts is what he does, it is the only
thing he does. For him it is not a hobby or past
time. It is his life’s dedication. He has spent histime. It is his life’s dedication. He has spent his
entire life practicing, teaching, and redeentire life practicing, teaching, and redefining the
world of Martial Arts.world of Martial Arts.
Those who badmouth or talk as if they know betThose who badmouth or talk as if they know bet-
ter have not spent the hours, days, weeks, months,ter have not spent the hours, days, weeks, months,
years that Calasanz has spent honing, reyears that Calasanz has spent honing, refining, and
developing. Most of these people have had onedeveloping. Most of these people have had one
teacher and as such are single minded due to theirteacher and as such are single minded due to their
lack of experience. They have not yet opened theirlack of experience. They have not yet opened their
minds to the Universe that is Martial Arts and areminds to the Universe that is Martial Arts and are
scared of taking in new perspectives. This is not toscared of taking in new perspectives. This is not to
say that there is anything wrong, it is a simple lacksay that there is anything wrong, it is a simple lack
of development.of development.
As Descartes said,As Descartes said, first you must admit you know
nothing, only then can knowledge come forth andnothing, only then can knowledge come forth and
only then can true learning begin. Instead, bringonly then can true learning begin. Instead, bring
now what you have in your cup and let it becomenow what you have in your cup and let it become
more full. Close your eyes and take a fresh look atmore full. Close your eyes and take a fresh look at
Calasanz. 4
7
Wing Chun
discourse on HARD
and SOFT Energies
November 12, 2012
Today we will explore the concepts of being both
soft and hard within martial arts.
A great deal of people have heard of the technique
of being soft and then becoming hard just at the
point of impact. To be perfectly clear the technique
involves being loose through most of the motion
and then tensing the muscles just as contact is
made, just as the punch lands. Followed there af-made, just as the punch lands. Followed there af-made, just as the punch lands. Followed there af

12
ter by an immediate relaxing of the tension with-
in so as not to be ‘frozen’ by the flexing of your
muscles. It is important to note, however, that it
takes a dedicated amount of time and training in
order to execute this technique successfully. It is
an acquired technique. Acquired meaning its not
something an amateur can learn in an afternoon.
As Bruce Lee exploded into cinema and onto the
silver screen everyone wanted to learn things like
the ‘touch of death’, soft and hard applications in
a real environment, among other advanced tech-
niques. They assumed that these were things that
could be transmitted to the desiring pupil in a few
short minutes if the teacher was worth his weight
in salt.
So, many people would ask instructors, “Can you
demonstrate the death touch just like Bruce Lee?”
and the instructors that were real martial artists
would say that they have not practiced that tech-
nique yet, or that they had not yet attained that
level. Others would respond in the affirmative and
attempt to demonstrate the technique even if it
meant permanent embarrassment. Many amateurs
would get hurt attempting to train these advanced
techniques without the knowledge or experience
to be aware of what they were actually doing. They
would end up hurting themselves and quitting or
find out just how much training is necessary to at-
tain the skill they see in films and pulled back from
accomplishing these martial arts achievements. It
is often forgotten that Bruce Lee did not spend his
time watching Bruce Lee movies to achieve his
level of skill, he trained year, after year, after year
to attain his talents and abilities.
It takes time to learn the difference between soft
and hard. Perhaps we can help to expedite the pro-
cess through word. Soft does not mean floppy and
limp; it is better described as present. Hardness is
almost equivocal to tension.
For example, one can have a closed hand up by the
face in a ready fighting stance. The hand is in front
of the face ready to strike, it is present. This is soft.
Hard would mean that the hand in the same posi-

13
tion is gripping and clenched tightly as if life detion is gripping and clenched tightly as if life de-
pended on it. Having a hard hand here would onlypended on it. Having a hard hand here would only
hinder the muscles’ flexibility, as well as the mo-exibility, as well as the mo-
bility of the muscles around it (such as the forearm,bility of the muscles around it (such as the forearm,
elbow and even up to the shoulder) and limit itselbow and even up to the shoulder) and limit its
reactive capabilities through the radiating naturereactive capabilities through the radiating nature
of the flex. (Also, keep in mind if the hard handex. (Also, keep in mind if the hard hand
his knocked back into you, you will essentially behis knocked back into you, you will essentially be
injuring your own hand with your own head.)injuring your own hand with your own head.)
Sometimes it takes longer for someone even justSometimes it takes longer for someone even just
to understand how to be soft and relaxed. Manyto understand how to be soft and relaxed. Many
people come into a martial arts academy or schoolpeople come into a martial arts academy or school
full of tension without even knowing it. Commonfull of tension without even knowing it. Common
among newer martial arts students, it is thoughtamong newer martial arts students, it is thought
that to execute a technique with speed and powthat to execute a technique with speed and pow-
er is the measure of skill when in reality it is theer is the measure of skill when in reality it is the
person who executes with greater control and preperson who executes with greater control and pre-
cision that truly knows what he is doing and whycision that truly knows what he is doing and why
he is training.
While fast, strong movements are appealing to theWhile fast, strong movements are appealing to the
eye , they are meaningless without true control.eye , they are meaningless without true control.
Better to practice a punch perfectly 10 times andBetter to practice a punch perfectly 10 times and
take 1 minute for each punch than to do 10 sloppy
punches in 1 second.
With control comes power, with accuracy comes
speed. Speed is always available to the user, but
keep in mind it is to be able to utilize this speed
with precision that is going to finish the fight. To
be fast and erratic is one of the easiest ways to get
countered and knocked the ***k out.
Thinking of softness like a net, or a cloth, it is ca-
pable of reacting, catching and flowing, yet still
must maintain its structure without collapsing.
Hardness is like a piece of metal in its solid state.
It will absorb and take damage, but is apt to dent or
simply break altogether.
This is why one is never more important than the
other. It is the interplay; the ability to adapt be-
tween the two, and the wisdom of knowing what is
more suitable and when that denotes a true master.
4
8
Physical Arts:
Superior Results
November 29, 2012
As you watch our Physical Arts System its logicAs you watch our Physical Arts System its logicAis readily visible and is often captured, but not al-
ways consciously. Often times while watching the
performed exercises or movements people are dis-
tracted by the powerful breathing they hear coming
from Calasanz and cannot get past it. These are
simple minded people without imagination who
do not recognize the simple beauty and logical ef-do not recognize the simple beauty and logical ef-do not recognize the simple beauty and logical ef
fectiveness of the movements themselves. Notice
the movements. Notice their fluidity. Notice their
synchronicity. Notice thesynchronicity. Notice the flexibility. Notice theexibility. Notice the
ability. Look at the anatomical correctness and
the perfect balance and control of the entire body
necessary, from start to finish, to perform them
correctly and perfectly. The body is completely
in synch with itself throughout the exercises as
should the breathing be to boot.
Take a look at this video for example. The entire
body goes into each movement starting from a
neutral but active position. Then each movement
goes into a structurally sound stance with the legs
and extends the arms fully from the inside out to
maximize gains and to keep the focus of the exer-
cise centralized on the core to increase true power
and results.
Listen now, young grasshopper, and read as we ex-
plicate why this is important and superior to tradi-
tional weights exercises and machines.
First and foremost, all exercises within the system
the core is activated, this generates and develops
true power which will radiate to the rest of your
body through natural pathways. Second, by enter-

14
ing into a wider horse stance you are engaging the
lower body into the movement to work the legs.
This stance change works an individual’s coordi-
nation and gets the upper and lower body work-
ing together in-synch to generate more power and
maximize energy use and effifimaximize energy use and effimaximize energy use and ef ciency. Also, whileciency. Also, while
different movements go in different directionsdifferent movements go in different directions
each movement on its own requires the entire bodyeach movement on its own requires the entire body
to participate and gets everything working togethto participate and gets everything working togeth-
er to perform the movement instead of isolating aer to perform the movement instead of isolating a
single muscle or muscle group to the benesingle muscle or muscle group to the benefit of one
small particularity.
Physical Arts is what makes our system uniquePhysical Arts is what makes our system unique
and what puts us a step up from any other workoutand what puts us a step up from any other workout
program out there. The martial arts backgroundprogram out there. The martial arts background
of the system makes sure that the movements areof the system makes sure that the movements are
effieffief cient, effective, productive, and useful towardscient, effective, productive, and useful towards
improving strength AND flexibility at the sameexibility at the same
time. The movements can even be perceived astime. The movements can even be perceived as
fighting techniques with weighted resistance, soghting techniques with weighted resistance, so
even in performing the lifts and exercises you areeven in performing the lifts and exercises you are
not only developing strength andnot only developing strength and flexibility, but
also perfecting an anatomically strong and properalso perfecting an anatomically strong and proper
punch or kick.
Within the Physical Arts system the importanceWithin the Physical Arts system the importance
of breath synchronization along with the bodyof breath synchronization along with the body
movements is emphasized. If you perform thesemovements is emphasized. If you perform these
exercises and do not release the breath they are notexercises and do not release the breath they are not
being performed correctly. In the realm of yoga
breathing properly is more important than the
asanas (poses) themselves. In fact someone simply
sitting in a chair with good posture and breathing
properly is practicing better than one who is going
through the poses without conscious awareness
and control of their breath. Breathe deeply into
the lower abdomen and allow the lungs to fill from
the bottom up; it will greatly increase the oxygen
input to the blood stream to produce greater results
and increased focus. Release the breath naturally,
do not fight to hold the breath or strain by holding
onto an air column. If the breath does not feel nat-
ural it is not in synch with the movement or with
the body.
The Physical Arts System is designed to get all
components of the body working together. This is
not something that comes quickly and takes time
and practice to develop; but now with a bit of ex-
plication the learning curve is exponentially im-
proved if you put the information into practice and
experientially witness it and develop yourself. 4
9
The concept,
design, and purpose
behind Calasanz‘
Interdojo andVideos
December 7, 2012
Subliminal input softens the mind. The way an-
cient martial arts used transmitted was very differ-
ent from how we pass along our talents, skill sets
(and “secrets”) today. In the past the students were
told by the grand master to follow the movements.told by the grand master to follow the movements.
He would demonstrate the movement a few times
and then put the students to practice it for sever-
al hours. This was not only practical seeing as in
order to punch better you must practice punching,
but was also a ‘test’ of each individual. As the
master would walk around or watch from around
the facility he would notice who was dedicated and
disciplined and who was lazy or became bored and
started goofing around.
As the students progressed (or didn’t) the master
would give the students who were ready the next
movements and left those who hadn’t mastered the
techniques yet with only the same lesson. Today
we are not holding back on anybody.
Simply following the master would help the stu-
dents understand the techniques better by giving

15
them an experienced and developed visualization
of the technique. This visualization is absorbed
in the student’s mind while following and is then
reinforced significantly when practiced in solace
or practiced at all. Following the lesson and prac-
tice the dedicated student might even be patient
enough to sit, listen and receive focused instruc-
tion from the teacher afterwards.
The idea behind the Calasanz’interdojo and DVDs
is based on watching a movement or technique 3 to
10 times BEFORE being taught. You don’t have
to be interested in learning the specific motion de-
picted, but is watched just to see a movement to
allow your brain to process and understand human
movement. This softens the mind and relaxes the
brain to better understand movement itself and af-
terwards when the master teaches you, your under-
standing will be enhanced and deeper in compar-
ison.
Immediately an experienced instructor makes an
assessment of how slow or fast you can learn. He
will determine if you are ready to be taught or only
ready to follow the movements. You usually see
this done in the practice of Kung Fu, especially by
the monks participating at Shaolin schools. But,
you don’t have to be as dedicated to martial arts
as they are to learn in the same way. You can still
learn by watching or following. Anyone can learn
in the traditional way without having to be a monk.
People learn both ways, traditionally and non-tra-
ditionally and we recognize that fact and entertain
both paths of learning.
Imagine a master or teacher that wants to teach
you the first 5 movements of a kata or form with-
out you ever having watched it or having followed
him. This might take you 2 eternities to learn
without a demonstration or visual aid.
Imagine now that you watch a video clip of the
first 5 movements 10 times or simply follow your
teacher 10 times. Now you have at least a general
idea of the movements and the flow of the form.
With this “leg-up” some learn the first 5 move-
ments in as little as 10 minutes, what a time saver!
The difference is what we call softening the mind
and relaxing the brain to capture, memorize, learn,
and understand something more deeply and in a
shorter amount of time. This is the skill, idea and
concept behind the Calasanz System videos.
Notice also that there is almost no talking within
the Calasanz videos. The intent is for the viewer
to follow the movements, not listen to words. It is
much harder to synthesize words into meaningful
movement than it is to capture a movement visu-
ally to reproduce it. It is a much longer and more
complicated process to teach someone through
words as it is not only necessary to be said and
heard, it must also be interpreted correctly to pro-
duce the desired results. However, a short talking
lesson can greatly augment a visual one to help the
student make sense of the movement and its pur-
pose.
For example, when you read a book you can of-
ten reiterate the essence of the book’s meaning but
recounting every specific detail is quite difficult.
When it comes to physical exercise the process is
much the same. The videos are designed to give
the viewer an idea of the general essence of the
movements so they have a grander picture of what
it is they are aspiring to. After watching and gain-
ing this larger perspective of what is being taught
the instructor comes in to fill out the details. This
way of learning develops a student’s understanding
right away and helps them progress much faster
than the traditional way of study which usually in-
volves seemingly endless repetition and (until the
last movements are taught) an incomplete picture.
There are easily two types of intelligence. When
it comes to Physical Art, the smarter you are in
regards to book study the slower you will learn
movements that require physical ability. This is
the dichotomy between mentally gifted and phys-
ically gifted minds or people. That is not to say
that a bright person cannot be taught, it just means
that there is a steeper learning curve for those with
mental prowess when it comes to understanding
physical movement. This idea is being exposed
all the time. Those who are book smart, are very
capable of understanding and completing ideas,
concepts and mental processes. However, it is of-

16
ThoughTs of a Wa Wa ell Bell Bell alanced Malanced Malanced arTarTar ial arTrTr isTThoughTs of a Wa Wa ell Bell Bell alanced Malanced Malanced arTarTar ial arTrTr isT
ten diffiten diffiten dif cult for them to understand or assimilatecult for them to understand or assimilate
things in the same way when it comes to physicalthings in the same way when it comes to physical
action. (The opposite holds for those who fall on(The opposite holds for those who fall on
the other side of the spectrum. They may be ablethe other side of the spectrum. They may be able
to perform physical actions easily butto perform physical actions easily but find it diffind it diffind it dif -
cult to entertain the abstract.)
The visuals provided on www.interdojo.com andThe visuals provided on www.interdojo.com and
by Calasanz’DVDs are designed to bridge the gap.by Calasanz’DVDs are designed to bridge the gap.
They are designed to soften the mind to give theThey are designed to soften the mind to give the
viewer full perspective of the movements and techviewer full perspective of the movements and tech-
niques to reduce learning time and enhance his orniques to reduce learning time and enhance his or
her understanding regardless of their natural disher understanding regardless of their natural dis-
position towards a more mental or a more physicalposition towards a more mental or a more physical
prowess.
This tells you the entire story of what CalasanzThis tells you the entire story of what Calasanz
brings with the interdojo.
Again and again you can watch his videos, it doesAgain and again you can watch his videos, it does
not have to be a professionallynot have to be a professionally filmed video or for-
mula video. It can be any video, even a home mademula video. It can be any video, even a home made
video. We intentionally avoid words and verbagevideo. We intentionally avoid words and verbage
within many of the videos to allow the viewer to
fully capture the movements in focused isolation.
The goal is to soften the mind first, because then it
will give a better understanding of what is being
taught to enhance the learning process. Calasanz’
advice is that before and even during downtime af-advice is that before and even during downtime af-advice is that before and even during downtime af
ter a workout, while you are resting, watch a DVD
or video, or even just have it on in the background
to relax the mind and absorb. 4
10
Becoming
Bruce Lee and
Purposeful Practice
December 12, 2012
Before we go on we want that you understand
the beauty in martial arts. There is a certain beau-
ty that comes with being a Bruce Lee or a Mu-
hammad Ali or a dancer whose movement inspires.
Calasanz believes it is in the movement of these
wonders that inspires us. It all comes from know-
ing yourself and understanding why it is that you
are being
so watched by an audience. It is because move-
ments produced with such confidence and syn-
chronization are captivating to those observers.
The sheer balance, and control of a human body
demonstrates its capabilities, potential and beauty.
This is something that attracts the eye and is diffiThis is something that attracts the eye and is diffiThis is something that attracts the eye and is dif -
cult to ignore.
Beauty in martial arts does not come from know-
ing thousands of techniques or their potential ef-ing thousands of techniques or their potential ef-ing thousands of techniques or their potential ef
fectiveness. It arises from the controlled and prop-
er execution of these techniques. In practice it is
most helpful to observe yourself in the mirror, it
allows you to see yourself and correct your move-
ments to make them more and more beautiful.
Mindless execution and repetition does not pro-
duce true development. It is the calculated, disci-
plined and deliberate execution of techniques and
movements that allows for a real improvement in
proficiency. Observing one’s movements visually
gives the user something so they might critically
asses and evaluate their own standing in order to
make developmental corrections.

17
Practice your moves, but not mindlessly. Correct
them with the purpose of making them prettier and
prettier, striving to make them so. As you look inprettier, striving to make them so. As you look in
the mirror and watch yourself, you will know howthe mirror and watch yourself, you will know how
they look. If the body looks contorted, writhingthey look. If the body looks contorted, writhing
and out of line, a correction is necessary. If theand out of line, a correction is necessary. If the
body looks poised, stable, balanced and strong thebody looks poised, stable, balanced and strong the
movement is beautiful and correct. You will knowmovement is beautiful and correct. You will know
this yourself.
At any moment that you let anybody control thatAt any moment that you let anybody control that
for you, that is when the knowledge and beauty offor you, that is when the knowledge and beauty of
what you are doing will be lost. When you come towhat you are doing will be lost. When you come to
study the Calasanz system think of learning somestudy the Calasanz system think of learning some-
thing that you can take home with you. It bringsthing that you can take home with you. It brings
you to the point of not just understanding the techyou to the point of not just understanding the tech-
niques and exercises of any martial system, butniques and exercises of any martial system, but
more importantly to the point of understandingmore importantly to the point of understanding
your own body. By reaching this level of underyour own body. By reaching this level of under-
standing you can train the exercises and techstanding you can train the exercises and tech-
niques to look good and beautiful doing them. Inniques to look good and beautiful doing them. In
understanding your body in this way anything youunderstanding your body in this way anything you
participate in in daily life will be improved.participate in in daily life will be improved.
Train to elongate your muscle. Work out with theTrain to elongate your muscle. Work out with the
purpose of developing a nice posture. All of thesepurpose of developing a nice posture. All of these
things can be improved under the Calasanz systhings can be improved under the Calasanz sys-
tem and training Physical Arts. The techniques are
applied to more than just American Boxing, Kick-
boxing, Karate, Kung Fu or other martial systems.
They are applicable to universal movement, gener-
al motion, everyday action.
When you train to become a competitor things
change within the mind. Your view is to train hard
and hurt people. Looking at Muhammad Ali or
Bruce Lee their movement looks so natural and
beautiful, the harming of their opponents is almost
a secondary component. The fruits of their train-
ing are apparent. In the ring they are as graceful
as ballroom dancers. They are killers but still look
good.
Sometimes you must be born with that, but if you
are not so endowed training is where you gain it.
First you must gain posture, coordination, tech-
nique, rhythm, balance, and control. After acquir-
ing these you can develop flexibility, strength, sen-
sitivity and power at alarming rates to become a
Bruce Lee, to become a Muhammed Ali. You will
know yourself, you will be yourself. 4
11
Challengers
Welcome - Part 1
January 6, 2013
Calasanz Physical Arts and Martial Arts Center
in Norwalk has been teaching and training some
of the best Martial Artists in the world since the
1970’s.
People come to challenge the master when they
cannot even defeat his students. The clock strikes
high noon while the best fighters in the area walk
through the door unannounced.
Here is the story behind Darrel Dash and Dennis
White.
www.youtu.be/y0NfcUg6abM
Daryl Dash, in the white shirt with flat-top, was the
first Black Belt under Calasanz. He was known
at this time for having the fastest head movement
and his devastating countering ability, known as

18
the master of counter. Calasanz himself admits
that if he was not 100% when working and moving
around with Daryl he would have been in trouble.
Dennis White, in the full gi and beard, had an ex-
tensive Martial Arts background fighting people in
schools all around the country. For example, he
had a 7th degree black belt in Judo but that is really
only scratching the surface of his training. This
day he came with his Master and fellow students
to the Calasanz center unannounced.
This group, from Stamford, made their living and
their name by going to other schools, challenging
them and converting students after showcasing
their skills. They were great fighters to be able to
do that. On this day at the Calasanz center they
would be disappointed after their efforts.
Calasanz, without fore-warning, of their arrival
had only his students in attendance to enter the fray
while most of his best students were not present at
the time. Still, having faith in his system and his
students he put them to fight.
Enjoy the fight, comment and like! 4
12
Anecdote on
Calasanz and
DennisWhite
January 14, 2013
This footage is taken of the man Dennis WhiteThis footage is taken of the man Dennis WhiteTand Calasanz. The footage takes place after stu-
dents from Calasanz School and students from
another martial arts center went head to head.
Calasanz shown here with Dennis is trying to get
a small shot of footage with Dennis so it can be
used in a commercial. Dennis as you can see is
seemingly scared to throw a real kick and towards
the end quits from being toe to toe with Calasanz,
even just for show.
www.youtu.be/kgDxwdrW4SA
So the story goes that about 6 years before this day
Dennis as an accomplished martial artist and re-
spected fighter had come to Calasanz for a fight and
stepped into the ring with Calasanz. After a short
time Dennis went for a leg sweep nearly felling
Calasanz. Calasanz regained his footing and lost
it. He approached Dennis in passionate fury andit. He approached Dennis in passionate fury and
contacted Dennis with several strikes but withoutcontacted Dennis with several strikes but without
fully connecting them through his opponent so asfully connecting them through his opponent so as
not to hurt him. All Dennis could do was utter thenot to hurt him. All Dennis could do was utter the
words, “Please don’t kill me.”words, “Please don’t kill me.”
This is why Dennis seems apprehensive whenThis is why Dennis seems apprehensive when
working with Calasanz.working with Calasanz. 4

19
13
Challengers
Welcome - Part 2
January 14, 2013
Calasanz was and continues to be the biggest
name in martial arts in the surrounding area of
Norwalk Connecticut, not to mention his name’s
international renown. People after seeing his skill
would often talk, “Wow, he’s even better than
Bruce Lee!” With a reputation such as that it was
repeatedly required of Calasanz to uphold such a
high acclaim. In fact, until recently there was al-
ways a sign on the door welcoming challengers to
walk in.
Often times the meanest, ‘baddest’ punks in town
would walk in with inflated egos and idealistic con-
ceptions of themselves and of how their one punch
would end the fight in seconds, only to find them-
selves realistically confined to roles reversed. Oth-
er times more skilled and practiced martial artists
with a bone to pick would enter through the doors
with their inflated egos and idealistic conceptions
of themselves and of how their superior technique
would end the fight in seconds, again, only to find
themselves realistically confined to roles reversed.
We are reminded especially of the story depicting
Calasanz’ fight against Kenny at George’s Gym.
Today however we have unearthed, from the piles
and piles of tapes, a video never seen before of
footage taken when an entire school came to make
good on the sign’s promise. We look now at Roger
Mayers, one of Calasanz most honest, loyal and
recognized students.
In his time he was one of the best and fastest point
fighters. Roger is a guy with great defense, great
reflexes, and a great heart. He went up against peo-
ple nobody wanted tople nobody wanted to fight, like Raul Ortiz, and he
won tournaments so large he would go home withwon tournaments so large he would go home with
trophies as tall as 6 feet. His nickname, “Flash”trophies as tall as 6 feet. His nickname, “Flash”
fully characterizes the reaction people had whenfully characterizes the reaction people had when
watching him fight. To see him moving around inght. To see him moving around in
a fight is like watching a Bruce Lee, and every-ght is like watching a Bruce Lee, and every-
one who trained with him knew that if you touchedone who trained with him knew that if you touched
him he would make you pay for it. He moved sohim he would make you pay for it. He moved so
fast people could barely see him attack. One offast people could barely see him attack. One of
Roger’s best moments was when he competed in aRoger’s best moments was when he competed in a
kyokushinkai tournament and ended up takingkyokushinkai tournament and ended up taking first
place, his fellow student is in the background hereplace, his fellow student is in the background here
and took 2nd place.and took 2nd place.
In these videos Roger “Flash” MayersIn these videos Roger “Flash” Mayers fights Den-
nis White.
Roger v. Dennis White:Roger v. Dennis White:
www.youtu.be/ic2nX5tk5Eg
As you watch the fights you will notice Roger land-
ing many kicks to the hips of his opponents. After
the rounds of fighting and sparring the schools
meant to go out to lunch but the opponents were
having trouble walking from taking these blows
to the hips and unfortunately could not join us for
the meal. But after all was said and done their aim
of usurping Calasanz position and proving him a
fraud was once again denied despite their best ef-fraud was once again denied despite their best ef-fraud was once again denied despite their best ef
forts.

20
Roger v. Michael - Round 1:
www.youtu.be/STQS0X8vFVs
Roger v. Michael - Round 2:
www.youtu.be/UhjqQo2ff54
Roger v. Michael - Round 3:Roger v. Michael - Round 3:
www.youtu.be/sJtmvz0Eue8
All the STRIKES!
www.youtu.be/lDbkNyeUCiY
The sign has since weathered and was taken down
after the school remained unopposed for such an
extended spell. But the stories of those who came
to challenge still remain within our walls and are
testament to the resilience and truth about Cala-
sanz and his system. 4
14
Obsession
January 27, 2013
Obsession is something that affects everyone in
its own way. Some people become obsessed with
gambling, others with sports, others with “what-
have-you”. Calasanz’ obsession is Martial Art.
His obsession began when he was still a boy on a
farm in the Dominican Republic. His father took
him to see the wildly famous Bruce Lee film, “En-
ter the Dragon”. From that moment on he knew
his life’s purpose and he began dreaming of going
to America to become a Bruce Lee, to become the
world’s most well balanced martial artist.

21
His dream would begin to actualize in the early
1980’s when he finally made it to this country, the
United States of America. Now he had some work
to do. While he will tell you that he was born with
the gift of knowing martial art and especially un-
derstanding Wing Chun he also knew that in order
to become well balanced he would have to learn
a variety of styles and given its ‘pot-luck’ nature
there was no better place to do that than in Amer-
ica. He took a very logical approach. He would
pick some novel systems to learn to achieve his
ends, study them and practice them down to their
root.
While we examine and get into his course of study
its important to know that his study of each partic-
ular style is not cut and dry. Language will, un-
fortunately, limit the way in which I can convey,
and the ways in which you can comprehend his
progression of training but it is important to re-
member he as a living human was and is doing so
much more than what can be exposed here through
prose. That is to say that as the topic changes
schools or instructors, remember that his study
and practice of previous styles or systems did not
end. In fact even today he continues to develop his
skill of styles previously studied while adding the
knowledge and training of newly learned systems,
never throwing away what was obtained in years
passed. Still to this day he continues to develop,
involve and evolve aspects of each of the styles
he has trained within his system because as any
real martial artist will tell you, you are never done
developing.
He began his training in the Dominican Republic
at a myriad of schools training disciplines includ-
ing Karate and Taekwondo. The first school he at-
tended within the U.S., however, was under Moyat
in New York City to improve and perfect his Wing
Chun. After one year with Moyat in Chinatown
he moved on. Years later Moyat would come to
Calasanz’ dojo for a seminar to promote Calasanz
and instruct some of his more advanced students.
On his endeavor to become the most well balanced
martial artist in the world he undertook the study
of Cheng Chuang (translates to “Long Fist”). He
studied this system with Angel Rodriguez under a
Chinese master with only one English name, Hen-
ry, in New York City for 6 years, all the while im-
proving his Wing Chun and developing aspects of
body control through dance classes and gymnas-
tics. Cheng Chuang remains a large influence on
his art and teaching style emphasizing extension
and flexibility for greater range and a more capa-
ble body.
Each day he trained and learned he became aware
that he could not satisfy his obsession. He grew
hungrier and hungrier. His appetite for martial arts
would grow faster than he could take it in.
As he kept learning, practicing, and developing
he would augment his previous Hapkido and Tae-
kwondo training in the Dominican Republic with

22
lessons under Master Lee in Darien, Connecticut.
He would also attend Gleason’s Gym in New York
City regularly to soak in what he could of boxing.
I say soak in because at Gleason’s Gym he could
not step into the ring. He was already making vid-
eos and doing the incredible and those who attend-
ed Gleason’s thought he was crazy. They would
not even put him to spar.
As time passed he integrated all of these styles,
taking Bruce Lee’s ancient aphorism to heart, to
take what is useful and disregard what is useless.
And like Bruce Lee, Calasanz understood the im-
portance of dance. He took up dance classes in
several different styles including ballet, jazz, tap,
modeling jazz and modeling ballet. And, while
dancing is not necessarily martial art, martial art
is most definitely dancing. Dancing, as another
practice of bodily control and presentation, gave
Calasanz another perspective and allowed him to
grow as a martial artist in ways strictly martial
systems had not. This opened the mind and gave
him another leg to stand on so to speak to be more
well-balanced and more well-rounded as a martial
artist.
His obsession had led him deep within the mar-
tial arts world and even outside of it altogether.
He would learn a lot by taking a step outside that
realm and looking in through a different lens. As
he continued training his learned martial systems
he would again branch out, this time into the world
of gymnastics. He would train under Darko, a
Russian instructor in Westport at the time. Darko
is noted as being baffled at Calasanz’ ability and
workout routines.
The people surrounding and training Calasanz
were more often than not confused by him. They
could not comprehend what he was doing, and
more, how he was doing it. His obsession drove
him to extremes so far from so-called “normal”
that many, including those at Gleason’s Gym, dis-
missed him as crazy. But this is exactly what hap-
pens to someone with an obsession so advanced
and a desire so deep. In anything he trained he
would always want to know the meaning of the
technique or movement. He wouldn’t stop. For
those on the outside looking in it is difficult to un-
derstand a person obsessed and their actions be-
cause they simply do not share the same motiva-
tions and desires. Simply, they do not have the
same obsession.
Surrendering to an obsession and to then pursue it
with such vigor and passion does not come without
a price. As Calasanz trained doing rigorous activ-
ity for unhealthy and extended periods of time, his
body paid a price. He had successfully destroyed
the joints in his body through over-training. His
obsession had become a destructive force and
over time a lesson would be learned. Even with
the world’s best body development system in his
hands, the pitfall of excess showed its face.
He would be the first to learn the perils of pushing

23
one’s self within his system while in the end it is
better that it happened this way; that the creator
should carry the burden of pushing his system too
far.
It is, however, exactly that, his obsession, and
his relentless feeding of that obsession which
spring-boarded Calasanz as a martial artist above
and beyond all those around him including his
instructors. His inability to be satisfied, his unre-
lenting hunger to be the best, most well balanced
martial artist in the world, and his determination
and strength of will to do what was necessary to
achieve that goal has led him in this lifetime to the
fulfillment of that self same goal.
This is Calasanz, the Most Well Balanced Martial
Artist in the World
www.youtu.be/1wW9yzgNhDs 4
15
A Martial Artist‘s Re-
venge :ATrue Story
February 4, 2013
Revenge is an emotional reaction that is hardRevenge is an emotional reaction that is hardRfor the offended to resist feeling. At times lead-
ing to extreme and unnatural action. We have all
felt wronged and wished for righteous retribution
and know that something burns within until it is
quelled with appropriate recompense. Calasanz
recounts one of his experiences with revenge and
how it changed him as a person and as a martial
artist.artist.
This story taken from an audio recording with Ca-
lasanz talking about his experience:
By the time I decided to return to learning Hap-
kido and Taekwondo I was a very powerful guy,
very strong. But even with all my power I was still

24
not the fastest guy. After a few lessons with Mas-
ter Lee in Darien I ended up sparring with fellow
student Gary. As we moved around no one in the
building could have predicted the sort of kick that
he was going to put on me. He delivered a hook
kick with everything he had, to this day, still one
of the strongest kicks I’ve encountered, and he got
me.
I mean he really got me.
After that kick had been delivered I was ready to
fight. Especially as a younger man with little pa-
tience. When I was an adolescent in the Domin-
ican Republic I was known for two things. They
would say, “Don’t hit him if you want to win.
Don’t sweep him if you want to win.” I was ready
to fight, but immediately after it landed Master
Lee came from the office and stopped us. He must
have heard the kick land on me all the way in the
back. I was furious.
After my encounter, with Gary, class ended and I
left. It was a Saturday on a holiday weekend, with
plenty of time on my hands I would spend the next
3 days training intensely. I started kicking and I
didn’t stop. Saturday and Sunday, all day kick-
ing. Sunday night, all night kicking. Monday, all
day kicking, I didn’t stop until Tuesday morning
at 5 o’clock in the morning when I had to go to
work. In those three days I had trained my kick to
be as fast as anyone’s. I kicked over 10,000 times
with 2 1/2 pound ankle weights on both of my legs.
My kick after those three days became lightning
fast and brutally strong. I wanted to be ready for
Gary. Months later chiropractors would tell me
my joints had all been destroyed and I’m certain
that this was a contributing factor to that, accord-
ingly I wouldn’t recommend this intense training
to any of my students now, but I was crazy and I
was angry.
The next 4 weekends I spent going to the Tae-
kwondo school just to go, just to have a chance to
get even. Saturday at 1 o’clock I would go. Later
in class the students would be sparring but as soon
as it came to be my turn the instructor would end
it saying, “Okay, class is over, everybody bow.”
Next week I would go, Saturday at 1 o’clock and
the same thing. For 4 weeks in a row I would go
for a chance to face Gary once more to get my re-
venge. Never would I get the chance.
But I had proven a point. I was so out of control
and so focused that Gary did not want to fight with
me, and even the instructors were reluctant to pit
us against one another. Gary and I never squared
off again, and never did that fight happen. Every
time I went to my Taekwondo school after taking
that kick I went to make sure that I could get even,
but instead a respect between us grew. I was like
a monster, a behemoth. My body and my ability
were so beyond that we couldn’t fight. We had to
become good friends. Gary would actually be the
one to give me the name “super power” while I
would end up being the one to inspire him to take
ballet. We remain on good terms to this day. 4

25
16
Foundation
February 10, 2013
The concept behind the training program at CaThe concept behind the training program at CaT -
lasanz Physical Art is to build from the bottom up.
Our system is unique. It is designed to first train
the body to protect with a solid defense and then to
perform the 4 most basic striking techniques with-
in any martial system with better coordination and
with more power than any other martial system,
(right and left punch, right and left kick). We train
these techniques to the highest degree through
Physical Art exercises.
Learning the basics well will open everything else
up more readily and will create a solid founda-
tion from which a student can develop any other
technique. A new student learning boxing, for
example, is taught a good jab, then right combo
(while being told to keep his hands up 1000 times).
By learning to execute this combination well the
student will have spent time practicing and will
physically and experientially learn much about his
body mechanics and punch mechanics through his
practice to deliver a more powerful, stronger andpractice to deliver a more powerful, stronger and
more precise punch. As the student develops thesemore precise punch. As the student develops these
skills through practice it becomes easier and easierskills through practice it becomes easier and easier
for them to learn new punches, such as an uppercutfor them to learn new punches, such as an uppercut
or a hook to the body.or a hook to the body.
If we took the same student, for example, andIf we took the same student, for example, and
taught him 30 different punches on thetaught him 30 different punches on the first day
there would be no growth, no development, andthere would be no growth, no development, and
no technique. Everything would look like a mess.no technique. Everything would look like a mess.
The student would not be able to perform any one
of the punches with any competence, but might get
a big head.
So we stress the basics. We make sure the stu-
dent is ready for more before he is taught the next
technique, movement or exercise. As the body be-
comes more in-tune and self aware through martial
practice one’s techniques begin to look more beau-
tiful, land with more power, and place with greater
precision. The brain too will begin to understand

26
the essence of what the body is doing and they
will become harmonious, working together with
rhythm in perfect time. It’s like that great philos-
opher always said, you must first learn the notes
before you can play a symphony.
Build the foundation before the obelisk.
4
17
From the Inside, Out
February 15, 2013
Agood strike is generated from the core, andAgood strike is generated from the core, andAradiates outward to and through the extremities.
While the limbs are the delivery mechanisms and
structures making physical contact, it is within the
core and torso that the energy going into a strike
originates. We emphasize the core in all of our
exercises because we know this to be true.
One of Bruce Lee’s training techniques, especially
http://youtu.be/XSxXGBJqWE4
for beginners, is to train the body to throw an el-
bow to the bag by shifting the feet and rotating the
hips and torso. (The arm should remain relaxed
through the twist and the elbow should land at ap-
proximately shoulder height.) By learning to do
this well you will better understand the power me-
chanics of the body and how to produce a power-
ful strike from the torso rather than aful strike from the torso rather than a flailing one
from the elbow or shoulder. After mastering thisfrom the elbow or shoulder. After mastering this
the student will further their sphere of inthe student will further their sphere of influence
outward training the farther reaching strike, theoutward training the farther reaching strike, the
punch. All-the-while in keeping with the powerpunch. All-the-while in keeping with the power
body mechanic learned through practicing the elbody mechanic learned through practicing the el-
bow strike technique.bow strike technique.
Realize now, by training from the inside out youRealize now, by training from the inside out you
and your body will better understand where theand your body will better understand where the
long strikes come from, how they develop throughlong strikes come from, how they develop through
the entire technique motion, and how to produce athe entire technique motion, and how to produce a
more anatomically correct and structurally soundmore anatomically correct and structurally sound
long-strike.
Take another look at our PhysicalArts exercises. ItTake another look at our PhysicalArts exercises. It
is clear that the motions involved are going fromis clear that the motions involved are going from
close proximity to full extension. This makesclose proximity to full extension. This makes
sense so as to ‘grease the groove’ and implant intosense so as to ‘grease the groove’ and implant into
a student’s muscle memory the full range of moa student’s muscle memory the full range of mo-
tion of a strike. Within each movement is a striketion of a strike. Within each movement is a strike
at all ranges along the spectrum from immediatelyat all ranges along the spectrum from immediately

27
close to completely extended. This not only trains
the anatomy to be aware of its own presence natu-
rally, but with added weight resistance it strength-
ens the muscle along the entire trajectory of the
strike while increasing flexibility and most impor-
tantly activating the core. 4
18
Don‘t Go to the
Ground
February 20, 2013
Alot of systems like to take advantage ofAlot of systems like to take advantage ofA fight-
ing on the ground these days, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
and MMA for example. While it is important for
competitors to have a significant ground game, on
the street it is the last thing you want to do for sev-
eral reasons.
First, you will only be able to engage a single op-
ponent with most of these techniques. If it is a
one on one fight in a cage, this is incredibly use-
ful and effective, however, when the possibility
of any number of people in a crowd joining the
scufflscufflscuf e looms, it suddenly loses much of its val-
ue. As your legs and body are tied up pinning and
controlling the first perpetrator there are fewer and
fewer resources to deal with a possible second or
third aggressor.
Second, should the fight go to the ground mobility
is reduced almost to nil. While standing you still
have two legs to run on if the situation calls forhave two legs to run on if the situation calls for
flight. If you are occupied on the ground, on theight. If you are occupied on the ground, on the
other hand, it exponentially increases the difother hand, it exponentially increases the diffiother hand, it exponentially increases the diffiother hand, it exponentially increases the dif culty
of escaping a low percentage survival situation.of escaping a low percentage survival situation.
Here at Calasanz Physical Art weHere at Calasanz Physical Art we find that learning
to fight well standing, one transitions toght well standing, one transitions to fighting
on the ground easily. Even without the fancy techon the ground easily. Even without the fancy tech-
niques a good standingniques a good standing fighter can be very effec-
tive on the ground. If you can throw a good punchtive on the ground. If you can throw a good punch
standing you can throw it better on the ground andstanding you can throw it better on the ground and
the reasoning is simple, there are fewer variablesthe reasoning is simple, there are fewer variables
to go into your punch on the ground. Your balanceto go into your punch on the ground. Your balance
is taken care of automatically, you do not have to
worry about footwork, and your opponent is going
to be within striking distance with little to no eva-
sion options.
“Don’t go to the ground, if you go to the ground
you are going to fight.” - Calasanz
As a trained standing fighter you know how to
fight, if you are on the ground you still know how
to fight, its simply a different venue. Natural-
ly, you will perform better in a particular a venue
with specialized training but even without special-
ized ground training you can still perform on the
ground. Your natural instincts and training will co-
agulate symbiotically and spontaneously when the

28
venue changes. Learn to fight standing first. The
rest will come naturally. 4
19
What is Martial Arts?
February 28, 2013
So.. What is it? Let us explore the topic in more
detail so our readers [thanks guys :D ] might get
a deeper understanding of what we are discussing
here.
Martial Art is not something that can be defined
with any absolute certainty, but here we will at-
tempt such an impossible feat. Martial Art. It is
an art form that is never stagnant, always moving
and as long as one lives one is always a participant
within it. A musician, for example, plays a piece
from beginning to end. A painter applies pigment
to canvas to create a painting to a conclusion. A
writer thoughtfully scribes a story from beginning,
to middle, from middle, to end. Martial Art, in
contrast, is in constant practice. Even if one is not
training traditionally or even “training” at all, one
is constantly in the act of producing their Martial
Masterpiece simply by their propagation of life.
Every act we engage ourselves in is a stroke of the
brush, a crescendo, a poem. Understand, this is
not said to downplay artists of other mediums, but
to point out that musicians, painters, writers, art-
ists of all kinds, and all people in general are intrin-
sically practitioners of Martial Art. In a sentence,
Martial Art is Life.
Now, something interesting happens when we
open the topic to the three aspects. We speak of
the Mental, Spiritual, and Physical (Mind, Spirit
and Body respectively). Let us discuss each indi-
vidually.
The Physical aspect of Martial Arts demands much
respect as it is the realm in which bodies interact
and the realm in which bodily injury occurs. Weand the realm in which bodily injury occurs. We
look now at fighters. Fighters are people withoutghters. Fighters are people without
fear of physical harm or even those who harbor afear of physical harm or even those who harbor a
love of it. Fighters are dedicated to the mastery of
the physical domain and set out to build their bod-
ies to compete. They train to take punishment and
to unleash it upon their opponents. It is the most
visible and easily altered realm. Also, realize now

29
that the physical realm is controlled through thethat the physical realm is controlled through the
mental and spiritual aspects of the user as each ofmental and spiritual aspects of the user as each of
these three aspects are interconnected and act onthese three aspects are interconnected and act on
one another through symbiotic relationships. (Aone another through symbiotic relationships. (A
topic that deserves much further discussion, but istopic that deserves much further discussion, but is
best reserved for a composition where it can be thebest reserved for a composition where it can be the
center of focus).
The Mental aspect is the side of analyzing aThe Mental aspect is the side of analyzing a
movement or a technique. It is the quiet pondermovement or a technique. It is the quiet ponder-
ing and conscious deliberation over the physicaling and conscious deliberation over the physical
movements. The samurai, for example, beforemovements. The samurai, for example, before
they would practice would go through athey would practice would go through a fight se-
quence or exercise, sitting quietly, executing itquence or exercise, sitting quietly, executing it
purely mentally first before even picking up therst before even picking up the
sword. This is as important as physical practicesword. This is as important as physical practice
as it allows the user to critically and creatively exas it allows the user to critically and creatively ex-
periment with the technique or exercise prior to itsperiment with the technique or exercise prior to its
execution, the fudging of which may end up beingexecution, the fudging of which may end up being
physically harmful if not performed well. Don’t bephysically harmful if not performed well. Don’t be
fooled though, physical practice and mental analfooled though, physical practice and mental anal-
ysis can occur simultaneously and in fact shouldysis can occur simultaneously and in fact should
be exercised both in tandem and independently.be exercised both in tandem and independently.
This sort of ‘cross-training’ is critical to becomingThis sort of ‘cross-training’ is critical to becoming
well-rounded.
The Spiritual aspect is the understanding of pur-
pose. Mindless training without understanding
will no doubt produce a physical result, but in the
end is properly brutish and nonsensicle as it is not
conducive to wholesome constructive develop-
ment, but instead actuates ignorant stasis. This
understanding is not easily attained however. The
user will naturally have some sense of purpose to
begin with and his understanding will deepen ever
deeper through continued physical practice, men-
tal analysis and meditation, unending.
Martial Arts is the dedication to these three aspects
and most importantly the wisdom to balance them
harmoniously. 4
What Presentness
Through Life and
Kung Fu
March 9, 2013
When it comes to training the body for the longWhen it comes to training the body for the longWterm, for the dedication to a prolonged life and
for real longevity we are, in the end, talking about
Kung Fu proper.
As a term that is thrown around in Western cul-
ture, often mentioned only in passing and almost
never actually discussed or explored in any real
depth, as if a joke or a farce, “Kung Fu” is verydepth, as if a joke or a farce, “Kung Fu” is very
much a part of every day life and is an important
practice for those living in those areas where Kung
Fu was birthed and developed. As life continues
so too Kung Fu continues to develop along with
it, independent of geographical location. Do note,
however, that the expression of Kung Fu in differ-
ent geographical locations differs vastly from one
place to the next and does not necessarily involve
the complicated forms or movement sequences
often brought to mind upon the utterance of the
words “Kung Fu” (note: the existence and practice
of said forms classically denotes a highly devel-
oped but still changing expression of Kung Fu).
For example, eating is Kung Fu, training is Kung
Fu, sleeping is Kung Fu. If you are breathing, if
you are living you are in fact doing Kung Fu.
So, if we can agree that Kung Fu is synonymous
with life it is also understood that any action tak-
en which delays the Reaper’s inevitable scythe is
good Kung Fu, and any action which quickens the
dark and final blow is directly at odds with the nat-
ural inertia of existence. The good practitioner has
a harmonious aptitude and a complete understand-
20

30
ing, even without the understanding of every par-
ticular. The good practitioner visualizes his life’s
path knowing that his present action affects his
course directly. It is difficult to consistently keep
this vision front and center in sight and in mind,
especially with the ever multiplying measure of
external stimuli in today’s world.
The good practitioner can develop and hone his
ability to keep this vision at the forefront through
meditation and more specifically control of the
breath. It’s amazing that even the most minuscule
lapse of judgment; the most concise, fleeting mo-
ment can cause a resounding deviation from the
envisioned path. Situations where this is the case
might be called “accidents”. A mental consistency
of awareness and a grounded recognition of real-
ity must be maintained to a certain degree at all
times to curb the likelihood of “accidents”actualiz-
ing themselves. Reducing their possibility is best
done by avoidance of the prerequisite conditions
necessary for the accident to occur and using fore-
sight to recognize those conditions.
As we live there is a perpetual culmination of cir-
cumstances occurring at every moment in a con-
stant fleeting genesis and it is here, within the
moment, where lies the potential for all that is
present to affect (for better or worse) the immedi-
ate circumstances towards a future reality. Again,
the potential there lies, in the moment, for us to
bend our reality to a new extreme, or more like-
ly to a new moderate circumstance as time passes.
Whether an extreme will actualize itself or not is
uncertain, and the likelihood of a situation’s devel-
opment into an extreme reality a priori (meaning
before the entrance of any empirical information)
can properly be modeled by the mathematicians
bell curve. As we are great effectors of our own
circumstance we must remain focused and reso-
lute to ensure that as long as we are in control we
do not breach over into an extreme displacement
unless absolutely necessary. But, if a breach of ex-
treme does occur either by “accident” or through
willful, deliberate action we must do our best to
maintain control using our wisdom and intuition to
characteristically proceed with magnanimity and
honest virtue to reestablish equilibrium.
So we bring it back now to the topic at hand which
is longevity. Physical development is something
that is also perpetual throughout a lifetime until
death, so it is important that one understands how
to develop safely and without injury as injury is
properly a physical regression, which is the oppo-
site of the desired outcome of development, pro-
gression. So please! Don’t get hurt! Our Phys-
ical Arts Exercises with the anatomical logicality
of its holistic movements all centered on the core
are the most simple and most effective exercises to
promote longevity and real, internal power. These
exercises, when performed correctly and safely
(meaning not with excessive weight) promote co-
ordination, dexterity, power, proficiency and skill
simply through their execution. With this system
the physical realm can be mastered in record time
leaving the mental and spiritual realms ready to be
conquered.
A Master of Kung Fu lives longer through dedicat-
ed physical training, spiritual serenity, and mental
patience all contributing to a stressless life and ev-
er-present mind. 4

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