The Jewel of the Philippines — Jendo Basics

From the tropical island of the Philippines comes a breath taking original martial arts called Jendo. The history and development of Jendo martial arts began like numerous other martial art founders. One mans desire to pursue a path of enlightenment. Grandmaster Jonathan Makiling Abaya was no exception. Grandmaster Abaya continuously researched and studied various martial arts principles, concepts and forms. Grandmaster Abaya formally trained in the art of Tsing Hua Ngo Cho Kong Fu and the Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance. Along with several different other types of Karate styles. This ultimately evolved into what is now known as Jendo.

1980’s saw the enthusiastic and frenzied effort of Grandmaster Abaya to introduce his art by establishing one association after another. Having formed his own association, Grandmaster Abaya met several setbacks in spreading Jendo. The main factor for resistance to its acceptance then was because Jendo was still a relatively new style in the popularity of the masses in the Philippines. In addition to this Karate and Judo at that time period was at its highest peak of popularity and success. Nevertheless he continued his determination to spread his non classical system of martial arts. Grandmaster Abaya opened his first formal school in 1980. Since that time Grandmaster Abaya has organized the Philippine Full Contact Self Defense Federation Inc. He was the recipient of the Hall of Fame Award 2002, Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame Award for propagating Filipino Martial Arts. He was also nominated two times in the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Jendo went from a dream to a reality. Jendo Martial Arts can now be found all across the Philippines and across the world, touching many lives in the process, because one man dared to live his dream.

The mere desire to learn certain techniques of defense or counter attack is not the only factor to think about in mastering the art of self defense. An individual, who wants to excel much in it, must understand the basic foundation of the art first. It is in the art’s philosophies, concepts and principles where the secret of its movements can be found. A way of thinking and attitude lies. Jendo concepts and principles where developed by Grandmaster Abaya and there he lays the foundation of Jendo Martial Arts. The Number one concept and principle is No Mindness. No Mindness is the ability to clear ones mind of all thoughts. It means that you must not think when you are in front of an opponent. Having to think what your opponent is going to do or think will be very hard to guess. An opponent is an arsenal of infinite and unlimited techniques and strategy. One must see your opponent look at him or her in their entirety. Look in their eyes and see them as they really exist. When they move you must let your actions be taken over by your mind body directed reflexes.

The next concept and principle is Non Interruption. Non Interruption is the ability to react in any situation like a triggered gun. It is the combination of mental and body defense reflex. The third concept and principle is the Theory of the Protective Shield. The art of self defense varies on the perspective and theories of its originator of the certain style or system. In Grandmaster Abaya’s Jendo Martial Arts he believes theoretically a person is protected by two shields or “Kalasag” which is the outer and inner shield. It is the basis of Jendo’s movements in attacking, blocking and countering. The lead hand represents the outer shield or the “Unang Kalasag” while the rear hand represents the inner shield or the “Ikalawang Kalasag”. The fourth concept and principle is the Jendo Spirit. Jendo Spirit refers to the courage and determination displayed in every movement. The fifth concept and principles is Self Confidence. In martial arts self confidence refers to self assurance. Self confidence is making the right decision at the right time and at the right situation the acceptance of what is happening around as is described in the “Tres Engergias”. A martial art practitioner who posses self confidence does not make sudden decisions. His decisions for the right assessment for the moment are always subject to change. The sixth concepts and principles is Humility. Humility is not just being without pride. Humility in martial arts cannot be translated as humbleness. If we translate humility like this we can address anybody who ascertains wealth, high position in any company. When they are pretending to be humble, but in reality are not worthy. How about those people who are worthy but did not have these accomplishments? In Jendo, humility is being humble not just because he has accomplished many great things in life. He is practicing humility because he is preparing for many unexpected encounters in life. He never loses sight of his own limitations or weaknesses as a human being. The seventh concept and principles is Economy of movements. Economy of movements in both attack and defense is the heart of Jendo. Blocking and countering should be delivered simultaneously. Basically any style that still practices the old system of blocking before countering is a slow style.

Jendo employs different fighting styles such as lightning like movements. Lightning like movements refers to the spontaneous sudden Movements of the body, like that of a coiled cobra. Jendo also incorporates the uses of many different types of weapons. Each student of Jendo learns the three basic fighting forms of Jendo which is the bangkaw, (Long Staff) basic and advanced stick fighting (Pang-Or) along with basic and advanced knife fighting.

I was blessed to have been trained under Grandmaster Abaya personally. I saw first hand the effectiveness of the Jendo Martial arts. As an instructor in the Filipino Martial Arts I am always asked why I should learn Jendo. My explanation is simply there are numerous martial arts schools out there with accomplished martial arts instructors who are willing to share their art but before deciding which style you should practice, you must first ask yourself what you are looking for. From there you should look into the schools that best fits your goals and lifestyle. I encourage them to look at the other schools then look into Jendo. Jendo may not be right for everyone but Jendo has something for everyone from the beginner to the advanced martial artist.