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Sonny Umpad Article in Inside Kung Fu Magazine January 2009 Issue
By the little dojo | November 11, 2008
Chris Suboreau and Steven Magness both long time students and Gurus under Sonny Umpad have done a great job in discussing Sonny’s method of Visayan Eskrima Corto Cadena. They have gone back in history to show the developement of the method over the decades and showing light on the evolution that Sonny went through in the process. The artical is very worth reading wether you are a student of this method or any other as it give excellent advice through the life of the Sonny on how to stay open and learn past the level of master in the search of Mastery.
Sonny told me many times that he could live many lifetimes and never find all there was to learn through that one method let alone all methods. Sonny really embodied the concept of Begginers Mind which is what attracted me to him. It was obvious to anyone who saw him move or felt him move that he was a master, yet he constantly learned and refined. Jesse Glover said about Sonny that he was like Bruce Lee but with sticks in his hands.
Chris and Steve excellent job with the article and thank you for all the work that you are doing to preserve his legacy.
Topics: Sonny Umpad, Steve Smith, Bruce Lee, Jesse Glover |
November 13th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Thank you for the kind words,Steve.As Sonny used to say the art is endless.He did have a beginner’s mind and a sense of humility that serve as examples to all who knew him.
November 14th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Chris,
We are looking forward to having you come to the little dojo and teaching us more of this amazing method.
Steve
November 16th, 2008 at 3:06 am
We all miss Sonny !!!
He became a part of our school at the chinese boxing association switzerland. Sonny is still alive somehow, because people speak about Sonny and his visayan escrima. i am proud to say that i made Sonny better known here in europe. I haven’t seen the magazine about Sonny , but iam sure Chris launched his best for Sonny to give him credit.
pierre
December 17th, 2008 at 7:35 am
I hate that I could not meet him or train with him. From looking at videos, his style was so slick and unique.
CJ
December 18th, 2008 at 8:04 am
Dear all,
I came across the article in Borders last week.
It was well presented, informative and a good read for those of us who were unfortunate not to train with Sonny before his untimely death.
Regards,
Craig..
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I have studied the F.M.A. since 1982. The art of Master Sonny is one of a kind. It fills all the loose areas of all the rest. It is not for sport IT is for REAL.
December 24th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Craig and Mike thanks for your comments, Sonny was a great innovator and teacher. Steve and Chris did an excellent job telling part of his story. Those who had a chance to learn from him were very fortunate.