The "big news" is

The Seminar was held the weekend of June 8 - 9, at Vadha Black Belt Brian Wyka’s Inverness school.

Vadha Federation Black Belts in attendance were

Brian Wyka, host -

Michael Manning -

Vincent McCrave -

Michael Wyka -

Red Sash Jack McCrave -

and Maha Master JACK McCRAVE.

A large number of topics were covered at the Seminar. The highlights, at least to this editor, were:

These throws are incredibly powerful, sending grown men flying through the air with little effort.

The key to these throws, the absolute indispensable key, is a strong flow of internal energy.

Although Vadha has a wide variety of throws and take-downs, there are basically ten "Zen Throws", explained the Maha Master.

These ten throws cover every arc situation that may arise.

How do "Zen Throws" differ from a typical Vadha throw? Of course a Vadha practitioner should use strong flows of internal energy in all throws, take-downs, and techniques. In a "standard" Vadha throw, the primary movement comes from the body which is enhanced by flows of energy. However, in a "Zen Throw", the primary movement comes from the flow of energy.

As in last year’s seminar, Red Sash Jack McCrave demonstrated targeting.

Moving around his opponents, working their power point, the Red Sash launched punch after punch. It didn’t matter where he threw a punch - it landed, even if thrown four, five, even six times to the same spot. The punches came out in mid speed - the same speed you would use doing parry practice with a yellow belt.

Click on thumbnail for larger picture.

Red Sash Jack McCrave demonstrating techniques with black belt Michael Manning.

This impressive demonstration of internal energy shows the unique nature of Vadha. While many martial arts pay lip service to "internal power", Vadha is inseparable from it.

Attack - Defend sparring is very simple. One person attacks. The other person defends.

For the attacker, this type of sparring is an excellent opportunity to practice movement, feints, attack patterns, new techniques, and most importantly, internal techniques such as targeting, projection, and befuddlement.

And for the defender, it is a time to practice proper movement, defenses, and the internal techniques of encompassment, clash, draw, and enjoining.

Click on thumbnail for larger picture.

Brown belts - Jason Baker connecting with an inverted wheel kick vs Alfons Bemmel during Attack / Defend Sparring.

For the defender, proper movement is critical. Attack - Defend sparring is a good training tool for students who have a tendency to stand "toe to toe", exchanging blows.

One might think that the attacker would easily have his way during the match. This isn’t necessarily so.

When properly done, utilizing all of the tools available to him, a Vadha defender can often turn the tables on the attacker, blurring the lines between attacker and defender.

Red Sash Jack McCrave critiqued participants techniques, and tweaked each one to get the absolute most speed and power.

Lunge Punch - Spinning Inverted Wheel Kick - Hook - Back Hand Hammer Blow - Chops & Snake Strikes - and other techniques were taken apart and put back together again.

No one was exempt. From yellow belts to black belts. But everyone benefited.

Click on thumbnail for larger picture.

Yellow belt Caleb Alexander sparring with

Red Sash Michael Wyka.

With the Federation’s board in town for the seminar, a meeting was held to discuss pressing Federation business.

The meeting was held at the Maha Master’s Inverness home. Once again, Phyllis McCrave deserves a special mention and "thank you" for the excellent cakes and pies made available. It’s amazing we got any business taken care of with all the delicious refreshments provided.

A special "THANKS" to Heather Lemay, who captured the seminar on video tape for us.

The video is available to Federation members through Black Belt Brian Wyka. For information, give him a call at 352-344-5882.

Great news for Staten Island Vadha students! Vadha Federation sanctioned classes are now available.

Michael Manning has opened up Vadha classes in Staten Island.

Michael Manning received his black belt from the Maha Master. The Maha Master, and Red Sashes Jack McCrave and Michael Wyka administered the traditional test for Sumadhi - the burning. (Michael Passed).

Master Manning has trained extensively with the Maha Master and his eldest son, Red Sash Jack McCrave. He has attended and taught at all of the Vadha Federation’s annual seminars.

To sign up for Vadha classes in Staten Island, give him a call at

(917) 833-7424.

Black Belt Brian Wyka’s has scheduled a general grading at his Inverness Vadha school, for........

Click on thumbnail for larger picture.

Jack McCrave & Michael Wyka

sparring at Seminar 2002.

I’ve closed the PO Box usually used for Federation correspondence. Feel free to send your Federation inquiries, news articles, registrations, etc., to my home address at:

12028 S Elm Point

Floral City FL 34436

If you need martial art equipment, or specialty Vadha items, such as patches & T-shirts, call Brian Wyka at 352-344-5882 or Michael Manning at

(917) 833-7424.

(Note: You have to be a Federation member to purchase items using the VADHA logo, such as t-shirts and patches.)

In addition, both Michael & Brian offer great quality martial art equipment - uniforms, mats, bags, pads, etc.