Welcome to the Structural Self Defense Club!

New Classes starting soon!

2012-01-13T19:02:00.000-08:00

There will be new Group classes available.

Evening Classes held Mon/Thurs from 7:30pm - 8:30pm

Class sizes are limited to 6 students maximum for best learning experience.

Contact Michael Banaag for to enroll: structuralselfdefense@gmail.com

October Ron Ogi Seminar

2011-10-16T22:54:00.000-07:00

In 2-weeks, Coach Ron Ogi will be running his Lock-Flow seminar at the Fitness Dojo in Auburn, WA.

Seminar will be from Noon - 4pm on both Saturday the 29th, & Sunday the 30th.

Cost is $80 for the 2-day event, or $45 for one day.

Newest YouTube footage

2011-10-16T22:49:00.001-07:00

Here is footage to give anyone an overview type look of what it is that we train on in our club.

This is also, my way to say Thank you to Sijo DeMile, & Coach Ogi for the time they spent with me to help me get where I currently am today. I hope that I will be at a higher skill even a year from now.

1-month to Sijo DeMile seminar!

2011-07-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that on August 19, 20 & 21 Sijo DeMile will be at The Fitness Dojo in Auburn, WA for a mini-intensive seminar.

Fri & Saturday will both be 8-hours long (with a 1-hour lunch break) starting at 9am, going till 6pm.

Sunday will also start at 9am, but will only be 4-hours long.

Cost is $500 for this event. Contact us, or contact sijo@wingchundo.com to register for this event!

Hope to see you there!

Spring Mountain Retreat 2011

2011-06-22T00:39:00.000-07:00

Just recently I had the honor and privilege to attend the annual Spring Mountain Retreat that Master Steve Smith of Fook Yeung Chuan hosted in North Eastern Oregon; which is mostly reserved for those who train with him, or who are close colleagues.

What a FUN event!

First off, Steve is an amazing Martial Artist both in skill and how he carries himself. And it was carried over by the many participants there. Never hav

e I been to a Martial Arts event that had NO ONE with an ego! For someone (myself) who was pretty much an "outsider" participating in this event, and having people so willing to help me learn was greatly appreciated! It was also great to see them all so welcoming to my family who came along for the trip.

As for the training...REALLY good stuff! Though I was overwhelmed because a.) Due to unforeseen circumstances I showed up almost 6hrs late on day 1, and b.) I've never had this much in-depth training in this stuff before. But I tell you that this stuff has a LOT of depth to it! It is an art definitely worth training in, with intelligent concepts and approaches supporting every action. I greatly appreciated how effortless it is to do the things that I was shown. I was so blown away, with that there were moments that I thought, "it can't be this easy!" But yet the proof was in the results that I was getting doing the techniques

to another, or being the one on the receiving end. It is something that can only truly be appreciated by experiencing it first hand; something I'm familiar with when it comes to the techniques that we teach in our own club. It's something I would definitely like to pursue learning more of to the point that I can use it myself.

Now Steve Smith is a great teacher. He made sure I got a chance to directly interact with him to make sure I was at least starting to understand what I was b

eing shown. This took place 99.9% of the time! He answered every question I had without dodging it, or beating around the bush. And looking back, you could see how everything came together by the end of the weekend; which is something I greatly appreciated as it gave value to EVERYTHING we had been shown. It also showed how much thought he put into the weekend's curriculum by being organized instead of throwing out random things to impress the participants. Finally, the lesson that really struck a cord with me was how wonderful the human body is, and how much we are so potentially capable of if we put the time into developing the areas that we don't normally focus on.

This weekend was also dedicated to the memories of Sensei David Harris (who happened to be my college teacher in my favorite class: Visual Thinking), and Sensei Sid Woodcock, who suddenly passed away a week before the event. Steve would bring up where what we were working on, was influenced by either of these great unknown martial artists, and it really showed the depth of what these men had worked on throughout their lives. I definitely feel privileged to had the opportunity to experience this all.

A big THANK YOU to Master Steve Smith, and everyone trai

ning in or associated with The Little Dojo for making this an event that I truly enjoyed, and hope to be able to participate in as often as possible! I met so

me great people, and made some great friends at the same time! Looking forward to next time!

If you ever get a chance to participate in Steve's Retreats...Don't miss out!

On a side note: the location of the Retreat was a beautiful camp area including some rustic style cabins, of which one of them housed my family and I. It was a great place that really helped one "get away" from the monotony of everyday life, as well as get in touch & in tune with nature. It was also great that with the weather being sunny, it was the warmest sunny this Seattlite had experienced since August of last year; which was long overdue for us! And being the first time for me, since I was a kid, traveling through Eastern Washington, and 1st time ever to Northeastern Oregon, the journey was just as beautiful as the destination! Also the owners of the camp ground area were just great people!

The Passing of a Great & a Legend

2011-06-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

It is with our deepest regret to announce that Professor Wally Jay, founder of Small Circle Jujitsu, has passed away this past weekend. He was 93. Prof. Jay was a Amazing Martial Artist, not just in his abilities with the stuff he taught, but in his example of what a Martial Artist's character should be. This is proof in the fact that many Martial Artists befriended and admired him, and they were not all Jujitsu practitioners either. He was well known for his kindness, and generosity, and overall good nature. You ask many of what they thought of Prof. Jay, and though you will hear how great he was as an artist, the first thing you usually hear is the way he touched peoples lives. What an awesome example to live up to!

Professor Wally Jay's connection to us is 3 fold. First Prof. Jay was friends with our teacher Sijo DeMile's teacher, Bruce Lee.

Second, Professor Jay became friends with my senior & friend, Sigung/Coach Ron Ogi in Hawaii back in the 80's. Coach Ogi was teaching Prof. Jay's nephew at the time, and through the nephew, Professor Jay became highly impressed with Coach Ogi. From there he invited Coach Ogi to seminars, and to accompany him to other events, and the two developed a close bond that would evolve into a strong friendship. Coach Ogi became Prof. Jay's student and one of his highest skilled instructors in Small Circle.

Finally, through Coach Ogi, Sijo DeMile became friends with Professor Wally Jay. Both Sijo & Coach would accompany Prof. Jay to several of Professor's legendary Camp Danzan Ryu events, as well as participate in the Birthday Conventions that Coach Ogi organized and hosted in Prof. Jay's honor. Learning the Floating Punch from Sijo DeMile, Professor also became Sijo's most legendary students. And through the mutual sharing of techniques and information, they too developed a close relationship.

Our condolences goes out to the students, family and friends of Prof. Jay. May his legacy of sharing and being kind to others, developing friendships outside of styles, as well as his example of Martial Arts character live on!

For Perspective

2011-04-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

It's always interesting to decipher peoples thoughts on "martial arts", & self-defense. Most of the people around me who don't train in martial arts or self-defense that I know or work with say, "I can defend myelf"; "man if that guy messed with me, I'd just kick his @$$ and %^$# him up". Unfortunately, the thought process behind this follows only one thing this is UNREALISTIC:

Getting into a fight is NOT always of YOUR choice!

When it IS YOUR CHOICE:

When an opponent squares up to you, and you decide to not walk away

When you put yourself in a position both literally, and by going somewhere where you know getting into a fight is likely to happen. Instead of going there, you have a choice of going somewhere where you and your friends can ALL enjoy themselves.

When it IS NOT YOUR CHOICE:

(special thanks to my friend, Adam Chan of Pragmatic Martial Arts in Vancouver, B.C. for putting this together)

What you saw there, is what Martial Arts and Self-defense should be offering you. If you can't solve these problems...then you can't have the attitude that you can defend yourlself so easily. Life is full of choices, and events that you don't get to choose. Allow yourself the ability to deal with both the choices, and the sudden surprises you don't get a choice in partaking in.

New York Trip/Seminar - Spanish Harlem 2011

2011-02-10T09:02:00.000-08:00

(Sifu Richard Garcia & myself)

My recent trip & seminar in New York was fantastic! Richard Garcia & Stan Koehler are not just great hosts, but wonderful people to be around, surrounded by wonderful friends, family & students! I always live by the attitude that you can learn from those you teach just as much as they can learn from you. But boy I never expected to learn quite so much in such a short amount of time, and to be so inspired!

I arrived in NYC Friday afternoon, greeted by Stan who right away gave me the New York experience taking me on trains and subways to East Harlem where I would be staying and teaching. I knew it could get crowded, but it really hit me when we entered an elevator that would comfortably fit four all of a sudden be filled with 6 to 8 people! Talk about violation of not just Threat Zone, but just space period. Following that, we had a nice walk to the house and then the dojo. It was great learning about facts and history of the area, as well as tasting some great food! One of the facts that I found interesting is that for such a big city, New York, and especially in East Harlem, doesn't have very many Martial Arts or Self-defense schools in the area. I was also troubled to hear of the violence that takes place a lot with the youth, more so than the images we see on TV happening to adults. The good news is that with people like Sifu Garcia and Stan Koehler, some of these kids are finding opportunities and help towards achieving the goals and dreams that they have, or never really put serious thought into thinking they could achieve because of their environment. One of the great people I met, Jonathan, put it well when he said, that he's learned that we shape our world with our words, so he tries to shape it in a way that helps him from being frustrated, or angry. Such Wisdom in application! Another great fact and new word I learned was gentrification.

You can look it up in a dictionary for a better definition, but it's basically where the middle-class & upper class come in and build newer buildings to move into areas like The Projects, displacing the poor people who were originally living in that area.
The worst part, as I learned from Diego (another great person, and good student), is that a lot of the store front buildings have the 2nd floors and up completely empty. And there is enough potential living space to house a lot of the homeless found on the streets of New York! Unbelievable.

The seminar itself went really well. It's very difficult to give people an overview of our entire method in two short days. So I showed as much as I could for the learning curve that was there, while at the same time leave everyone with information that they could train and build on. That way if I, or any other instructor goes over to visit, there can be growth for those who continuously come to each seminar to improve their abilities. We spent a lot of time on our Pre-fight/negotiation stance, the Threat Zone, and numerous footwork drills (especially dealing with ambush attacks and being pushed/pulled/grabbed by one person while defending against another...which the few kids that participated really liked as it was something they wished they knew during those moments they were "jumped" by attackers in the past) and the Powerline. Sunday involved more trapping techniques - Blindline & Double traps, closing the gap to get there, Basic Blow Aways, even defense against someone trying to tackle them to end up grappling, and ending with Slap Sparring.

I'm happy overall with what was accomplished, but I'm really happy with the results that took place Saturday. It shows that the newer way of presenting our long standing footwork variations can be picked up easily and combined really well. However, I don't want to take away from Sifu Garcia, who has been trying to work with his students to the best of his ability with the information he remembers from the 1-week Sijo intensive seminar he participated in, in August. Once again, his sincerity to get better and want to learn is so impressive and appreciated, and seen with his students who carry the focus and open mindedness that their teacher portrays often. It was nice to also see people who don't train with Sifu Garcia who are basically coming in new, with past experience in either traditional Wing Chun, Jeet Kune Do, or other styles, really put forth the effort to learn and try what I was teaching without trying to come in with the typical egotistical martial arts attitude where they still try to completely disregard whats being taught and do what they want to do. Everyone really tried to get it, and I was happy to see that energy. It's always greatly appreciated. You always hear people say they enjoy what we do and really liked it; I just hope they take whatever it is they enjoyed and actually try to incorporate it to what they do, and train it.

I unfortunately had apparently a sprained ankle during the seminar (as it was difficult walking around), and one of Stan's clients, Kevin who does a type of accupressure, message therapy graciously helped me by working on my ankle. I really wish I had the opportunity to say thank you again, but did not. And if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have been able to finish off the rest of the seminar with the ability that I did. Turns out, too, that I have more reason to be thankful for his help, not just because he did so without any expectation in return, but also because he apparently works with high profile clients...celebrities even. So once again, I would like to say, Thank You Kevin!

Aside from the seminar though, as I mentioned earlier, I really learned a lot. Sifu Garcia's business partner, Stan Koehler teaches meditation to a lot of people in the inner city. But if you mention meditation to the people in that area, they think practicing meditation is a sign of weakness. That's why, in such intelligent fashion, Stan promotes what he offers not as meditation, but as Psychic Self-defense. Sounds cooler, and can be more appealing to those that think meditation is weakness. Thus allowing these people an opportunity to experience the benefits of meditation, as well as the communication skills that Stan teaches to reduce conflict and negative feelings that often occurs for those in all walks of life, let alone the inner city. Stan shared a few of these skills or focuses with me, and I'm eagerly practicing them within my family already to help with the relationships among parent/child, & significant other (or husband/wife) at home, and hopefully to see that spread in how my family (especially my kids) communicate with others outside of the family, too. Stan, was also gracious enough to lead me through my own meditation experience which was absolutely amazing! I thought I knew what meditation was before, but now I have a much better idea, and even greater appreciation for the benefits of meditation to both the mind and the body. Thus, now I'm practicing it daily to improve other aspects of my life. Thanks, Stan.

Finally, I just wanted to say that it was great meeting a lot of the people and getting to know them; especially Sifu Richard Garcia, his wife Alejandra, their kids and Sifu Garcia's mother. Richard, I consider you a friend and brother. Thanks for the great time! Alejandra thank you for hospitality! Thanks Stan & Jonathan for hosting the UFC get together Saturday night, and to Diego for hosting the Superbowl get together on Sunday! And also, I wanted to thank Mikey Miller, the 3rd Jr. Black Belt I gave years ago back in Shoreline, who now lives in New York. He helped out a lot in the seminar. And it was great spending time with him again before heading back home. Thank you for your friendship and being a little brother to me.

It was a pleasure meeting and interacting with them all. Hopefully I will see them all again in the future.
Couldn't have asked for a better 1st experience in the Big Apple!

(Some of the particpants that were able to stick around for the group picture

after the Sunday session)

2-Day New York City Seminar @ Garcia Gung-Fu Institute

2011-01-17T12:10:00.000-08:00

I will be teaching a Seminar at Sifu Richard Garcia's school in New York City on February 5th & 6th

Here's the details:

For 2 days only, Saturday/Sunday from 10am-4pm each day (with an hour lunch break)

Michael Banaag, representing James DeMile (an original student of Bruce Lee), will be at the Garcia Gung-Fu institute sharing James DeMile's interpretation of the concepts, principles, & techniques he learned from Bruce Lee in the late 50's & early 60's in Seattle.

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn:

- Dynamic Closing the Gap techniques
- The Powerline Punch
- Structured Sources of Power
- Structural Principles
- Adaptive Footwork
- Trapping
- Basic Closed Position Sticky Sparring

Cost for the entire event is only $75.00
(No videotaping allowed)

Contact structuralselfdefense@gmail.com to register!

Bring Headgear and goggles if possible

Underrated...not always appreciated

2011-01-14T09:07:00.000-08:00

When I first started posting, I thought to myself that I didn't want to make this blog too much about venting, but one thing that I need to get off my chest is that I don't necessarily think that Sijo DeMile is valued as much as he should be. There are numerous reasons that might be the case. But I think the one that tweeks me the most is that people who have never interacted with the man, have decided that they won't because of comments made by other instructors who may see Sijo as a threat, or as someone they need to downplay because they cannot articulate things as well as he does.

The shining characteristic that makes Sijo such a great instructor is that he can break down technique to make it conceptually & technically understandable for especially those students who want to know the details of how to make a technique work, because just copying isn't cutting it for those students, or they're just not physically or athletically gifted to get it.

The man's technique is physically amazing when you experience 1st hand. But the overall experience of interacting with him, is even more amazing when you leave realizing he's articulated to you the peices and steps you need to take to be able to do it like him, or more importantly, to the best of your ability so that you can get the same results against an opponent as him, and so that you don't have to leave saying, "God how does he do that?!", or with a impossible, defeatist attitude say, "I wish I could even somewhat move and effect my opponent like that". Instead you leave with "wow that stuff is great, and now I understand the steps I need to take so that I can KNOW how to do it without thought". Far too often though, most martial artists are into just getting beat down. And fall into the praising one man's ability based on how much he got completely shut down by him, or "beating the crap out of". Then resulting in the attitude and mindset to what I remember experiencing years ago when I met this other martial artist and all he did was talk about what his teacher could do. To me, who cares what your teacher can do, what can you do?!

One of the things that defines a good teacher is not how they do the technique, but how well they can get YOU to do the technique. Magic Johnson is considered one of the 50 greatest NBA basketball players to play the game, yet he couldn't coach the Lakers as well as he could play, or lead them as a player playing alongside the rest of the team. It's an example of how someone can be really great at something, but not a great teacher of that thing that they do so well.

Sijo DeMile can defend himself, and most importantly with little effort. And not only can he do that, but he's empowered a lot of people to be able to do the same, at different levels of skill. And what is so unique about how he teaches, is...

...that the potential for refinement is exponential; never cut off by a "glass ceiling". Letting you get

more and more refined so that you require less and less effort to get the results that you want!!!"

Example of this is what most people dub as a cheap parlor trick, or sideshow carnival act...in other words, the Floating Punch.

People get too caught up with this guy hitting a phone book and sending a guy flying or whatever, not realize that what the punch really is all about is that this is an example of refinement in being able to hit with minimal effort. If you can generate that much power moving your arm so little, imagine what you could do using those same principles and technique moving your arm with the added power of full range of motion, but yet with as little kinetic effort as it took to send the guy flying from a few inches. Again, the Floating Punch, 1" punch is not about hitting a guy with a phonebook, standing the way one does, and setting up the way one does to do it as a demonstration; when would you ever find yourself being able to do that on the street?! It's about the message it sends...about realizing that technique will allow you to use very little kinetic effort to get maximum results, and that that technique is achieved by constantly refining your abilities so you don't have to work as hard as a novice does when they're uncoordinated and clumsy with the unfamiliar that they are learning. And it's not just restricted to the Floating Punch. It's in everything the offers, how to Close the gap, how to trap, the footwork you can use...Everything. But like everyone's evolution it takes time, and understanding that to really know something you have to experience as it's gross motion as well as it's refined motion.

And that's the only downside to Sijo's method of teaching. Because he shares so much. Students tend to think they KNOW it all. They don't. They have an understanding, but they don't know it, because they can't do it since they don't SPEND THE TIME that they should. If they spent the time, and use the knowledge shared not only would they be able to KNOW it, they would also be able to constantly REFINE it! And have an added confidence because they can both DO it and understand the science behind it.

That is the message that Sijo tries to share. Self-defense should be applicable for everyone, the athletically gifted as well as those that are not so much, and that it can be refined so that you don't have to work hard.

If only more people would be willing to judge the man by experiencing him and what he teaches on their own, rather than take someone's word for it...more people would realize it. And more people wouldn't be continuing the attitude that perpetuates the prejudice that causes so many rifts in our world today.

Canada Seminar a Success!!!

2010-12-20T14:07:00.000-08:00

This past weekends December 18th seminar at the New Era Athletics Inc., K-1/Muay Thai facility in Richmond, British Columbia was a huge success!!!

Participants showed great open mindedness to the information I shared with them, especially regarding the Powerline Striking principles and nuances. As each component was being introduce, with a continuous emphasis on ease in effort, smiles and raised eyebrows in amazement would appear on all the participants faces. Two particular areas - the "Bridge" and the non-telegraphicness of the Powerline Strike, really caught everyones interest; as the small women were able to move the larger men as they walked them from one end of the facility to another all while the larger men were REALLY trying to resist and push back; and the motion of the Powerline strike caused a noticeable lag in reaction time by those comparing its motion to regular boxing & common punches.

Closing the Gap techniques gave everyone an idea of how to apply the Powerline strike in a real confrontation, as well as acted as a teaser to the possibility of trapping if the Powerline strike ran into an obstruction, or resistance.

It was great to see participants eager to try and really get the reference points down so that they could hopefully leave with a budding development in skill. And I really enjoyed the friendliness and comraderie shared by all.

Special Thanks goes out to Randy Mangalindan & Kru Judd Skinner who coordinated the event and gave me this opportunity to share our information with our neighbors up North. Randy really pulled through in getting this to all come together and continue the Ohana spirit of those whom I've trained with at the old Shoreline Club. And Kru Skinner was/is such a gracious and friendly host, who's a class act and great example of a leader for those looking to train in any form of the Martial Arts. It was also nice to experience how open minded and humble he is knowing he's met and trained with many Mixed Martial Art "Greats", like Bas Rutten, George St. Pierre, and Michael MacDonald (whom he's coached!).

Hopefully the event will also garner some interest in the Vancouver, B.C. area for those looking to learn what it is that we do under the DeMile lineage of self-defense training.

Thanks again to everyone who came and participated! It was a both an pleasure, and an Honor!

P.S. - Another special thanks goes out to my close friend, Bao Tran for providing transportation to and from the event.

Check it out! Sijo's new Blog site!

2010-12-20T14:04:00.000-08:00

Just recently, my instructor, Sijo DeMile and his wife went on a european trip/cruise. To read about his experiences, as well as to read his new blog check out:

www.sijodemile.blogspot.com

Upcoming Seminar

2010-12-06T22:26:00.001-08:00

On December 18th from 10am to 3pm, with a 1-hour break, Sifu Michael will be teaching a seminar at New Era Athletics Inc. in the Vancouver, B.C. area, coordinated & hosted by Randy Mangalindan & Kru Judd Skinner.

Sifu Michael will be covering Powerline Striking, Structured Sources of Power, and Closing the Gap Techiques.

Don't miss out this opportunity to experience the Structural Principles handed down to Sifu Michael from Sijo James DeMile & Sigung/Coach Ron Ogi.

Space is limited to 16 maximum participants

$40 for those who Pre-register before December 18th
$50 those who register at the door on the day of the event

Contact us at structuralselfdefense@gmail.com to enroll

Location:
New Era Athletics, Inc.
11871 HorseShoe Way
Suite 2109
Steveston/Richmond BC

Contact us to register for the seminar at structuralselfdefense@gmail.com

Condolences

2010-12-04T15:24:00.000-08:00

We at the Structural Self-defense Club, would like to send out our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Bruce Lee Student, Ted Wong, whom past away on November 24th after his battle with cancer.

Though we have not trained directly with Mr. Wong, to know that a fellow Bruce Lee student (his last to be exact), has passed away reminds us of the importance of interacting positively with others throughout life.

One of the best life lessons I learned from Ron Ogi, was that of the importance of showing love to others, and being a postive influence because, "no one will remember you for what you accomplished. They will remember you for how you cared for them."

As illustrated in several martial arts forums, Ted's legacy of being a nice guy was vast. He touched the hearts of many he taught, and interacted with, and he will be duely missed.

To the Wong family, and the students of Ted Wong, our thoughts, prayers, and energy are directed towards you at this time.

What I've learned from my teachers, and my training

2010-11-19T11:42:00.000-08:00

Not one thing is more important than another if it's part of the whole of who you are...

...the same goes for the following. They are not in any particular order, or order of importance.

- Breathing is essential. You don't breath, you die. If you're dead, you're not growing, evolving, or becoming better because you're not living. So Breath to live, & breath to grow

- Breathing connects the mind and body to work as one, so that the body can do what the mind intends...whatever you put your mind to within your abilities, you can do, & achieve.

- "Work with what you got, not with what you wish you had!" - Sijo DeMile

- Consciously breathing allows you to relax more, thus allowing you to be more aware of what's going on with you, and the world around you, by connecting your mind's focus to you, and thus inabling you to focus around you; increasing your awareness.

- When I was a kid, whatever followed "Once upon a time..." either grabbed my attention or didn't. The way you set-up, the way you start, sets the tone for everything else that follows, and how it unfolds. Before you act, make sure you're happy with the results that will logically follow how you start.

- Focus can make everything come into alignment so that the effort you put out doesn't have to be difficult or dramatic; making it all come together almost effortlessly.

- It doesn't matter what you know, or what you can do. If you don't believe in YOU, then it is all YOU-sless.

- Lingering on things too long makes you stuck in time, unevolving, incapable of adapting; Frozen. It's easier to hit, or be hit, if the target or you is "frozen". Keep moving

- Maintaining the core of who you are, your structure, doesn't mean you can't be adaptive, or learn to go with the flow. So long as you don't sacrifice the core of who you are, or "structure", you won't lose yourself when you go with the flow.

- For every situation, there's always more than one way to respond, in fact there's always at least 2 ways. So before you settle for one way to react, don't settle because it's the first thing you came up with and therefore you're easily comfortable with it; you may find a more productive, efficient, or practical alternative that isn't something you're comfortable with, but well worth the effort to make that reaction a habit. Don't forget, to explore all options, and really give each option a shot at being experienced

- Sometimes to improve your chances of getting the results you want, you can't wait for things to come to you, you gotta throw yourself out there.

- If they give, you accept. If they take, you deliver.

- "Energy is Universal". - Ron Ogi

- Don't limit yourself, use all of you.

- Meeting strength & aggressive attitude with equal energy is foolish. Compliment that energy, or attitude by redirecting, or moving out of it's way.

- Listen to your gut, your instincts. If it has to do with your safety, you are most likely right.

- Just because it feels like it's strong because you feel yourself using all of your effort, doesn't mean you'll get the maximum results. Sometimes less is more, creating maximum results, with minimal effort.

- The more attention I've given, the more rewards I've received in return.

-Every house has a foundation. That foundation allows for a framework. A framework that can be arranged in numerous possible arrangements and will support walls, windows, doors, and a roof in just as many ways. Principles are the foundation that gives you the freedom for creativity, and individuality. Before one can be creative, ample amount of time must be spent on creating the foundation. Don't use a foundation for an outhouse to build your mansion.

- Without goals, you won't have direction to focus your efforts. The Journey is important, but so is keeping in mind your goal, where you're going; otherwise you're just enjoying walking in place and facing different directions.

- Dabbling in many things is fun, it's living life. But at least be close to a master of one, rather than the proverbial Jack.

- Discrimination is limiting, why should the weak, unathletic, and elderly be discriminated against when it comes to self-defense? Aren't they the ones who need it the most?! Self-defense should be unlimiting

- Patience is important. The body must be ready before it can be taught more. The Mind must be "mature" enough to be able to see the big picture.

- By focusing on the center, the core of it all, you will not be distracted with what's on the outside, which can be a facade. In actuality you can see the beginning and the cause for what makes up the actions that eventually lead to that facade, and deal with it appropriately.

- You can be a master of yourself. Don't let any negative suggestions, especially from yourself, tell you otherwise.

- The loud ones who speak as if they know, don't really know. And the quiet ones who only speak when necessary, or asked, do know

- We have been raised by culture and media to think life has to be difficult. If you're going to work towards something, work towards making things refined, efficient, and gradually easier, not exponentially harder.

- What good is what you do now, if it only works for now. In a moment, Now will become then.

- What matters most, is how you effect others. No one cares about what awards you've won, what accomplishments and failures you've accumulated over the years. At their death beds, people don't think about sports champions, famous people, or how much stuff you've aquired; they think about their loved ones and those that have personally made a positive effect on them.

- Legacy, is how you interact, not a hand me down of family heirlooms or certificates.

To Sijo James DeMile, Irene DeMile, Ron Ogi, Lonnie Williams, my family and all those i've interacted with classmate/student/friends...Thank you for what you've taught me; you are all my teachers.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Week of fun experiences by Sifu Michael Banaag

2010-10-19T16:21:00.001-07:00

This past week was a great educational opportunity for myself through gaining the chance to interact with some well known martial artists and instructors, as well as spending time with family.

It all started out last Saturday the 9th when I attended Master Steve Smith's seminar at the Element 5 Fitness center in Kirkland, WA. In an event with a great turnout of 50 participants, Steve got an opportunity to show the blending of Fook Yeung Chuan with what he learned from his other teacher/friend, Jesse Glover - Founder of Jesse Glover's Non-Classical Gung-Fu & the 1st student of Bruce Lee. In attendance were some other well known martial artists including Datu Kelly Worden, Kelly Yeun and Jesse Glover himself. I am still blown away by the friendly commaraderie that Steve shares and embodies with everyone around him, as well as how fluid his movement is and how effortless the techniques are. In my own opinion, in the past, Judo seemed to be the thing to learn if you wanted to learn how to throw. But I have never experienced throwing so effortless as what Steve teaches with Fook Yeung Chuan. I am really appreciative that he was willing to take the time to help me learn the techniques.

Later that day we all had the surprising pleasure of Jesse Glover teaching the last two hours of the seminar. Though I had been to one other Jesse seminar, for myself personally, this seminar was special in so much as I had the opportunity to touch hands with him, and then also train with several of his students; Sean, Tom, Vince, Wallace, Mike and Wes; as well as meet two of his other friendly students Paul and Laura. It was a great experience! I also am really appreciative that Jesse took the time to watch me train the techniques he taught, and help me attempt to execute the techniques even somewhat decently. In a crowd of 50 other participants to get the attention that I received is always nice, and something I promote everyone to actively try and receive when they go to seminars as large as this.

There is absolutely nothing else that beats the learning experience when you not only get to hear and see what these teachers are doing, but also get to feel it as well. And it doesn't even have to be competitive. Just the opportunity to touch hands is something everyone should actively try to do at every seminar they attend. That way there's no miscommunication or anything lost in translation. I'm often surprised with how much a majority of participants in most seminars don't ask to feel the technique being done on themselves. Now if the teacher is a jerk, as some others can be, I would understand the unwillingness to "feel it". But if they are respectable guys like Sijo, Ron Ogi, Steve Smith, and Jesse Glover, you should ask to feel it. And not do so with a challenging attitude, because then you won't like the outcome, or won't get the opportunity. But come in open mindedly, and you'll definitely learn something.

I just want to say thanks again, to Steve and Jesse for giving me an enjoyable & educational learning experience.

Following this event my family and I made our trek down to Sijo's home in the southern portion of the Pacific Northwest to spend a few days with him and his wife at their home. Stopping by Tumwater Falls, we had a great opportunity to see nature in the middle of suburbia and have some good family time. It was a nice teaser for the nice country feel of where Sijo now lives and enjoys his retirement. There we not only enjoyed more family time, but also I received a chance to refine my technique both in training, and the developmental techniques that Sijo has incorporated into our training that allows for accelerated learning, and better confidence. As Sijo puts it, it's training in Defensive Tactics on both a physical and a psychological/emotional level.

Overall it was great learning experience and I'm happy to be back home to get back to training, and growing!

2 spots remain!

2010-09-22T15:40:00.001-07:00

There are 2 more spots left for the fall quarter (or the rest of the 2010 year) of training at the Structural Self-defense Club.

In the first three months you'll learn: breathing exercises to reduce tension & promote relaxation that can be beneficial for explosive technique; distance awareness; Powerline Striking, footwork, and defense against ambush attacks. The techniques you learn, will help you defend against the "average joe" type of aggressor - someone who isn't skilled in fighting, may be strong & intimidating, and just so happens to pick a fight with you.

Contact Sifu Michael for more information on how you can join.

structuralselfdefense@gmail.com

Knowledge takes time

2010-09-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

When it comes to physical endeavors, what is the difference between information and knowledge?

The best kind of training for self-defense, is one that will allow the student to just react in a situation, rather than think it through. Great instructors always talk about this response as, "neuromuscular imprinting".

The problem when teaching people can come from trying to balance information and spending the time to make that information knowledge. It's a problem only because the wrong kind of student will just take in a large amount of information, dabble in it, and think that that's enough to make the technique work; only to be surprised to find that when the time comes for the technique to really be called upon against a higher level skill...they can't do it. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you approach the wrong kind of student with offering not as much information, but just constant repetition, that wrong kind of student can get bored and no longer want to continue their training to reach their full potential; to refine the technique to it's sharpest expression that he or she can do. Why? Because it can take a little longer to get it especially for the student who is not a natural martial artists, or even capable of having smooth physical coordination. And let's face it, the ones who really need training in self-defense, are the ones who are awkward, and NOT natural martial artists.

So what's the solution? I believe that it's a blend of information, and constant repetition. You can't give too much information at once. Just enough to give the student a direction, a purpose. Then, let them feel it. Feel it as a motion, then feel it (at least attempting) in semi-application. And once they have that motion, that feeling down, you add another piece of information to help them refine that motion. And sometimes that information comes in the form of just feeling how it's supposed to be done. Which is why it's important to interact directly with the instructor. Never be afraid to ask him what it feels like. Closed mouth never gets fed.

But a teacher/student relationship is a two-way street in so much as the student must be patient & dedicated, so also the teacher must be patient & dedicated, and a goal for skill has to be more important than just an acquisition of information & belt rank. Progression is better measured in what you can do, not with how much you've been exposed to. Because let's face it, in any type of altercation what the driving force is, is "feeling", emotions; thinking goes out the window. So think only during learning to have a direction, a basic understanding. But feel to make that understanding a reality; a personal experience that becomes your own knowledge. Something that is "neurologically imprinted". Something you just do.

Information must be turned into knowledge by gaining experience, gaining a feel & understanding for it, and being able to actually do it! But this takes time, takes training, takes sweat, takes dedication.

As the great quote associated to Bruce Lee goes, "Knowing is not enough, you must Apply. Willing is not enough, you must Do."

Knowledge takes time! Be patient, be dedicated, and knowledge will come.

Steve Smith Seminar

2010-09-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

October 9th & 10th in the Seattle area!

From 10am to 4pm

Master Steve Smith, Inheritor of Fook Yeung Chuan & student of Jesse Glover, will be teaching a Fook Yeung Chuan/Non-Classical Gung-Fu seminar. Information will cover Non-Classical Gung-Fu sticking, Sticking throught to Chin Na grappling, Effortless Throws, Fook Yeung Chuan whole body sticking, balance stealing, counter grappling, knife counter knife, multiple attackers.

Location to be announced.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from a great teacher!

Cost is $100 for 1 day, or $150 total for both days.

Fall Quarter

2010-08-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

We are now accepting new students for the Fall Quarter in both the Basic Self-defense Program, and Premier Training Program. Space is limited, so Contact us now to set-up an appointment, and enroll. For more information on these programs visit the "Classes" page

You can reach Sifu Michael at

structuralselfdefense@gmail.com

or by phone at

(206) 979-7411

Growth, Inspiration, Friends, & Fun! (Updated with Pictures)

2010-08-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

Mid-August was a great time for growth for members of our club, and participants of Seminars that our organization held throughout North America.

First off, Sibok Rocco Ambrose had a good turn out and seminar in Winnipeg, Canada thanks to host and Instructor-in-Training Brett MacNeil.

Then, Sigung/Coach Ron Ogi had another great seminar at Portland Small Circle Jujitsu. Students got to experience how to flow from trapping to joint locks, and on the final day got a taste of how principles of trapping can help one in their grappling/ground work training.
Student, Mark Snow, saw this seminar as a great beginning for what would be a long training week for him and others at Sijo's Intensive seminar in Auburn, WA.

Sijo's seminar went REALLY well! Some of the Instructors (Sigung/Coach Ogi, Sibok Rocco, Sifu Ken DeMile, Sifu Pete Jay, Sifu Lonnie, and myself), and Instructors-in-Training (Anthony Morgan & John Mackenzie) got an opportunity to touch hands, and train with one another. Later, we would assist Sijo in interacting with the participants of the seminar who came from Canada, San Diego, New York, London, and from the Pacific Northwest, as well as our own club. These participants really got a great overview of what we have to offer, and how they can apply the principles and techniques into their own repetoire of self-defense; some coming in with backgrounds as Jeet Kune Do instructors, the Police force with Defensive Tactics experience, and Traditional Wing Chun.

Being exposed to everything from footwork, to Closing the Gap, to Chi Sao, to Trapping and to the Floating Punch, all participants really enjoyed the level of detail offered with the training. They also enjoyed how this level of detail in instruction helped make this seminar more than just mimicry and sweat inducing; instead becoming training with purpose to help start the participants on their journey to make the information, principles and techniques, truly "their own" - fitting their body type, personal tendencies, and physical abilities. Thus, allowing everyone to have the opportunity to go home and both remember what they did, and how to improve on it, and again, make it part of their own repetoire.

It was a great experience, and many voiced how inspiring it was to see the other "family members" of our organization, and interact with them as well as touch and feel the energy of Sijo DeMile himself! It was great to see old friends, as well as meet and make new friends. Hopefully, someday we'll all get a chance to interact with each other again.

Sifu Michael visit Sibok Rocco & The Ambrose Academy of Wing Chun Do Gung-fu

2010-07-04T19:36:00.000-07:00

On July 1st, Sifu Michael had an opportunity to visit Sibok Rocco, Liz, and the rest of the Ambrose Academy of Wing Chun Do Gung-Fu in Livonia, MI near Detroit.

"I had a really great time! Sibok, Liz, (Instructor-in-Training) Jeff Maletz & his daughter Haley, and David Ambrose welcomed me in my afternoon arrival to a great chinese restaurant that they frequent. I got a chance to really get to know the Ambrose family and the Maletz family before classes started later on that evening.

They are really welcoming and great people! I was very impressed to hear of David's work in getting into stuntwork for film, and hearing that Jeff has started taking up Barefoot running; something I apparently got him curious in since I've been doing it since April of 09 (and it was cool to hear that one of the students that I unfortunately didn't get to meet, also wears Vibram Five Fingers for training...I wore my Brown/Walnut Classics for this visit).

And it was great to get to know both Sibok Roc and Liz in areas other than just the martial arts and the business of the industry.

Later on I got to meet a student of theirs who though he said it was an honor to meet me...I really think it was more of an honor to meet him! His name is Dom (I can't remember his last name). To me he is an inspiration because he is someone I hope to be like in the future. At soon to be 80 years old he is actively training in WCD, salsa dances, and does plenty of other activities and carries himself with a sense of youth that would make one really question of he's going to be 80! Just a great guy, and proof that age has nothing to do with ones ability to do self-defense. Too many times I hear people tell me 'I'm too old to train in any type of self-defense or martial arts', but LOOK at Dom...he's proving that that's not true...You're never too old, or too young!

I also had an opportunity to watch Sibok Roc's advanced kids class and see some really focused young individuals training well. Following that I got to train and touch hands with Sibok's advanced class and meet one of the two first Women Black Belt of Wing Chun Do, Donna Smith.

I also got to meet her husband, and Instructor-in-Training/Black Belt, Paul Smith. Both really great people who have the wonderful joy of knowing they're whole family is better prepared than most for self-defense because their kids were all in the advanced class that I watched earlier, also ranking in Jr. Black Belt, and Jr. Brown Belts!
I also have to mention that it was great to meet all the students I've already met through Facebook and train and touch hands with them and give any advice I could to help them with whatever they wanted me to help them with. It was both a pleasure and an honor.

Hopefully I'll be able to make more trips out there, and hopefully longer ones in the future! The Ambrose Academy is lead by the great leadership of both Sibok Rocco & Liz Ambrose, and it shows in the fabulous community that they have there! That energy alone is cause enough for them being deserving of the award in the past and hopefully in the future of "Nickelodeon's Parents Pick Award for Best family martial arts school in the Detroit, MI area."

Thanks for having me, and welcoming me Ambrose Academy!"

- Sifu Michael

Sibok Rocco had this to say about Sifu Michael's visit:

"Michael, your generosity as an instructor and secondary and willingness to share your knowledge excited and inspired my students. I was watching a mature instructor, no fear, no ego, ocmpletely open, willing to share and grow. I look forward to your next visit. WCD is in good hands on the West Coast.

Your visit inspired so many people. Imagine how my students felt when they touched hands with such a skillfull and insightful WCD Instructor AND he actually lives 2,000 miles away. It was like finding a long lost brother. They loved you. You represent and have showed them the next level of Wing Chun Do in which they now aspire to achive. Thank You."

Seminars, Seminars, Seminars!!!

2010-07-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

August is going to be quite the month for anyone interested in learning from the very talented Instructors of the Wing Chun Do/DeMile Defensive Tactics family!!!

Sibok Rocco Ambrose Winnipeg Seminar

Sunday August 8th, 2010

Noon to 4pm

Located at the University of Winnipeg Duckworth Centre Auxiliary Gym

Sibok Rocco will be teaching concepts of Wing Chun Do Gung-fu, the Floating Punch, and Wing Chun Do Chi Sao.

For more info contact Brett MacNeil at macneilwcd@hotmail.com or 204-223-2121

Sigung/Coach Ron Ogi Portland, OR Seminar

August 13th - 15th

Located at Portland Small Circle Jujitsu Dojo

For more info contact host Sensei Stan Miller: sensei@portlandjujitsu.com or (503) 281-9060

Sijo DeMile 1-week Intensive Seminar

From August 16th to 20th

9am to 4pm (with 1-hour lunch break)

Located at the Cardio Self-defense club's headquarters at Auburn Gold's Gym in Washington state.

Open to the Public!!! This will be Sijo DeMile's last intensive seminar. It will be a 2-part seminar with participants getting the chance to learn directly from him as the 1st part, and the 2nd part being a type of "instructor summit" for Instructors from all over to come together to train together and give the participants a chance to meet them. Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity!!!

Cost is $1,000.00

To register contact Sijo DeMile at sijo@wingchundo.com

Exciting Summer News!!!

2010-06-14T22:19:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday wishes went out and go out to Sijo DeMile on June 6th!

No Classes will be held from June 28th to July 7th. Regular Group lessons will resume starting the week of July 12th.

Sifu Michael will be visiting the Ambrose Academy of Wing Chun Do on July 1st to visit with Sibok Rocco and his students. It will be Sifu's first time visiting the Ambrose Academy! Should be lots of fun seeing the other members of the DeMile lineage!

Keep visiting out site to keep a look out for a special events in August!...

..Sigung/Coach Ron Ogi will be teaching a seminar at the Portland Small Circle Jujitsu Club August 13, 14, & 15. Don't miss out on learning from one of Sijo DeMile's original students, and a direct student of Professor Wally Jay, founder of Small Circle Jujitsu!!! more details to come!...

...Sijo DeMile will be holding a 1-week training course August 16th - 20th in Seattle, Monday thru Friday, with 6-hour training/lessons each day! It will also be somewhat of a "instructors summit" for all the instructors across the country and globe who are active and non-active to come together to train. Sigung Ron Ogi, Sibok Rocco Ambrose, Sifu Michael, Sifu Ken DeMile and Sifu Pete Jay have been confirmed to attend so far. Should be a blast. This 1-week course is NOT restricted to instructors only anyone interested in an opportunity to learn & train under Sijo DeMile should not miss out on this opportunity! More details to come, but if you're interested let us know!

Adam Chan's upcoming Instructional Video

2010-06-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a preview clip of an upcoming instructional DVD from Sifu's friend, Adam Chan (from the Vancouver, B.C. area) that will be coming out soon. Enjoy!

Footage of Sibok Rocco Ambrose teaching at Ambrose Academy

2010-05-20T15:53:00.000-07:00

Sibok Rocco Ambrose, of Livonia, Michigan who was named inheritor of Wing Chun Do Gung-Fu by Sijo DeMile, is seen here teaching a concept of perimeter control to his students.

Sibok recently awarded Black Belts to 7 of his students late last year. He has been running a public studio for 15+ years teaching both Adults and Children as well as future instructors of Wing Chun Do Gung-fu.

Hopefully someday we'll have an opportunity for all those in Wing Chun Do and DeMile Defensive Tactics, to come together again to build a connection and train with one another.

In the meantime, here's a chance for my students and those of us here on the Westcoast to see what's going on in the Midwest.

Enjoy!

Some New Footage

2010-05-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

Here's some new Training footage:

First up is our Negotiation exercise. A lot of self-defense programs, and martial artists can easily over look the importance of the pre-fight. Because of this a self-defense/martial arts practitioner that has no training in dealing with the pre-fight can become "trigger happy" which can work against them in a court of law.

In what you're about to see it's important that the student learns how to verbalize to diffuse the situation so that he 1.) let's the opponent know both verbally (by telling the aggressor to not come any closer) and physically (through the body language of stepping back) that he is not interested in fighting, and 2.) that he be aware of how close the aggressor is coming. The first point of importance will help in a court of law especially with witnesses as time and time again, it's been proven that several different witnesses will give you different accounts. So if you're saying you don't want to fight, and saying to the guy, in your own way, that you don't want him to come any closer you're giving the guy fair warning and expressing the importance of how much you don't want to fight. By stepping back, if a witness cannot hear what you're saying, the witness can at least see that you're body language shows you are not interested in fighting and helping aid your argument for self-defense.

Distance awareness will be a good gauge to make sure you know that he's committed to actually attacking you, and when to deploy your defense.

The next footage shows some of the more intermediate and advance things we do with Closing the gap and trapping both from a far away camera angle and up close. Always being concerned for the students growth, Sifu Michael (in red) is having the student move slower, taking his time, so that it gives the brain the opportunity to process the information so that he can execute the right response for him. In this case the information is the counter that Sifu Michael is giving as he plays the role of the opponent/aggressor:

Class schedule

2010-03-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

Class Schedule

Adults Evening Classes

Mon/Thurs

6pm-7:15pm (CLASS FULL!)

*NEW* 7:30-8:30pm (6 maximum students allowed)

COMING SOON

Adult Afternoon Classes & Children's Classes (stay tuned for more details)

Here is an overview of all the things we train on in our club:

As a private club we only accept applicants with a desire to better their knowledge and skills in self-defense with a willingness to help others in a positive, supportive manner. In other words, students who carry the typical macho, "tough-guy" martial arts attitude, who are only looking to show off their superiority over their peers will NOT be accepted. Confidence is based not only on physically being able to do what you've learned, but the understanding that you gain during the process. With that said, I welcome and encourage students to actively and intelligently question what they are learning, but any challenge with malicious intent, especially towards your peers who are trying to develop their own abilities, will result in an automatic expulsion, with no re-admittance, and full refund for the month paid. It is my hope, that this club consists of people who are friendly, caring, respectful people who just so happen to be able to defend themselves really well!

If this sounds like something that interests you, or you'd like more information contact Sifu Michael via... email: structuralselfdefense@gmail.com

About Us

2010-03-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

The Structural Self-defense Club was founded by Head Instructor Michael Banaag. It was created to provide a positive learning environment for its members and allow them to feel progression, a sense of community, a chance to be active, reduce their stress, and develop a long lasting skill.

In this Club learning environment is of the upmost importance. Group Classes are kept to a size of 6 maximum, and private lessons are readily offered. Our current membership consists of average, everyday people of varying sizes and ages (our current oldest in his mid-50's), who help each other grow and learn. Egos do not exist in this club, and those with big a ego are not admitted. Those who develop an ego are expelled. We look at our training as an obvious opportunity to learn practical self-defense that really works, but especially as an avenue to learn more about ourselves, and evolve in our own personal development.

Why is the Club called "STRUCTURAL" self-defense? It's not a name of our "style", it is a reference to what's important to the way we approach self-defense training. The information is taught in a step-by-step STRUCture that allows for progression towards developing a naTURAL ability to defend oneself. Our training is also about using a structure of principles and techniques that can become natural for you to do. The main information provided in this program comes from a Gung-Fu method created by Banaag's main instructor, James DeMile - an original student and training partner of Bruce Lee.

Contact Us

2010-03-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

To schedule an Interview, Intro Lesson, Private Lesson(s), or for more info
contact Sifu Michael at:

structuralselfdefense@gmail.com
or
by phone at (206) 979-7411

Great thoughts on the training experience

2010-03-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

The saying goes that the highest form of flattery is immitation. I'd rather not try to immitate though because it's really said best here in this link of the latest blog entry by Master Instructor Steve Smith of the Little Dojo and Fook Yeung Chuan. I think it gives great insight into the experience, and what martial arts/self-defense training is really all about.

http://www.thelittledojo.com/archives/in-search-of-it/392.htm

Enjoy!

Mountain Retreat

2010-03-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

Good friend, and Master Instructor Steve Smith will be hosting his Annual Fall Mountain Retreat September 17th through the 19th. Master Instructor Steve Smith is the Inheritor of Fook Yeung Chuan, and is also a student of Jesse Glover (Bruce Lee's 1st student, and Sijo DeMile's training partner and senior). He is one of the nicest and most skillful instructors I've ever met, both in his ability of executing technique, as well as teaching it. Don't miss out on this opportunity to train with him!

For more information visit www.thelittledojo.com or contact Master Instructor Smith at stevesmith@thelittledojo.com

Instructor Sifu Banaag footage

2010-02-19T17:16:00.000-08:00

Warm-ups

Semi-applied Scenario training

A glimpse of what we do

2010-01-26T08:38:00.000-08:00

Here's a glimpse of what we do, as you see me as the attacker (in blue) and my friend executing our method. He's still working on things. I think it's fair in giving you an idea of what it is that I can help you achieve.

I'll be posting a few more videos soon.

Regarding the Instructor

2009-12-22T23:18:00.001-08:00

Michael Banaag (pictured on the right in red with James DeMile), has been a direct student of James DeMile since the age of 13. DeMile is an original student of Bruce Lee as well as the founder of DeMile Defensive Tactics & Wing Chun Do Gung-Fu.

Mr. Banaag is the youngest student that Sijo (founder) DeMile has personally awarded the rank of Black Belt to in his adult program at the age of 17, and at the age of 19 became the youngest student personally certified by Sijo DeMile to become an instructor, receiving the title of "Sifu".

With over a decade of teaching experience Sifu Banaag has assisted both Sijo DeMile and Sigung(senior instructor)/Coach Ronald Ogi, one of DeMile's original students & 6th degree Black Belt in Small Circle Jujitsu, in seminars & training camps throughout the country. Sifu Banaag has also assisted in training and preparing the next generation of instructors of both Wing Chun Do Gung-Fu and DeMile Defensive Tactics. He continues to train and evolve his understanding and skill through interaction with both Sijo DeMile and Sigung/Coach Ronald Ogi.

He has appeared with Sijo DeMile in the internationally published Black Belt Magazine, as well as in DeMile's book Bruce Lee's 1-3 inch Power Punch. He is also a certified Basics Level instructor in Special Forces Combatives.

Ron Ogi, James DeMile, & Michael Banaag

"I have been teaching martial arts for over 45 years and I can say without reservation that Sifu Michael Banaag is an outstanding student and instructor. He is exceptionaly articulate and perceptive in the concepts and principles of Wing Chun Do. He has written me his thoughts on different applications of applied trapping and they show a unique insight in the science of trapping. His constant efforts to improve his teaching skills, not only in communicating with the student, but also in refining his own abilities shows his total commitment to becoming the best teacher possible. His sincere concern for each student's progress and his determination to make sure they each develop a practical skill makes me very proud to be his instructor and beyond his excellent martial arts skills he is a person I am pleased to call a friend."

- Sijo James DeMile
an Original student of Bruce Lee
Founder of DeMile Defensive Tactics
& Wing Chun Do Gung-Fu

--------

"I had the opportunity to watch Sifu Banaag teach for the first time at the Wing Chun Do International Convention 2001 in Hawaii as a rookie instructor. Since that time, he has put in diligent training and effort in his growth as a martial artists and teacher which allowed him to blossom as a fine, mature human being. Watching him get better in skill level of his gung fu has me excited to see the evolution of his growth. I know without a doubt that those who train and learn from Sifu Michael Banaag will be under the guidance of an excellent martial arts instructor."

- Sigung/Coach Ron Ogi
an Original student of Sijo DeMile
direct student of Professor Wally Jay of Small Circle Jujitsu

--------

"I highly recommend checking out training with Michael at Structural Self-defense. He is a gifted teacher and life long student. In choosing a school I learned early that we tend to take on some of the characteristics of our teachers, he is the kind of person I would want to train with or have my own family learn from."

- Master Steve Smith

Inheritor of Fook Yeung Chuan

Chief instructor at The Little Dojo

--------

"Sifu Michael Banaag is an excellent teacher who truly cares about his students. His stuff gears towards real world conflicts. Above all, he is really open-minded and is always ready to learn and evolve farther. We need more teachers like him in the martial arts community!"

Adam Chan

Pragmatic Martial Arts

Student Testimonials

" Really good teachers can be hard to come by. Too often we encounter the 'the subject matter expert' cast in the role of teacher and the students' squirming inside is matched only by the instructor's own unease. I've been very lucky and encountered a few really good teachers - among coaches, college instructors, graduate school profs, musicians and corporate trainers - and one of the very best I have been honored to call my teacher is Sifu Michael.

In all the martial arts I have dabbled in, Sifu Michael is hands down, the best teacher I have ever experienced. He has a gift for teaching the skills he has cultivated, and he is a gift for those of us seeking to learn the arts of self-defense.

The qualities that I most appreciate and feel make him most effective are his patience, articulation, and encouragement of dialogue. Questions are not tolerated, they are WELCOMED! Sifu doesn't have the patience for you to learn his communication style, he has the patience to discover the communication style that works for you.

The hallmark of a natural and exceptional teacher is the ability to provide numerous analogies and metaphors to explain a given concept. Sifu explains everything. And he always finds a way to say it in terms that work for you, individually.

Sifu is dedicated to sharing his knowledge, passing on his craft, and developing his students. His command is carried with an easy, personable bearing. His exacting nature is encouraging rather than demanding. His high standards are a testament to his goal of helping each student achieve his or her unique potential."

- Mark Snow
Student
Past experience in Boxing, Judo, Aikido, Hung-gar,
Tai Chi & an eclectic "Five Animal" Kung-Fu