The Vadha Federation
P.O. Box 190
Floral City, FL 34436
www.vadha.net
FEDERATION NEWS
It has been a busy Spring for
The Federation and it’s members. The Federation continues to get stronger, following it’s mandate to “... promote and safeguard the integrity of the rare internal martial art, VADHA.”
From the Constitution of the Vadha Federation.
NOTE ON NAMES
Throughout this newsletter, reference will be made to Vadha’s two highest ranked Masters, the Mayha Master Jack McCrave and red sash sixth degree master Jack McCrave. To avoid confusion, the Mayha Master will be referred to by his title, whereas his son will be referred to as Master McCrave or red sash Jack McCrave.
VADHA INSTRUCTOR EARNS ADVANCEMENT.
Brian M. Wyka was graded for advancement Tuesday, May 23, 2000, at his training hall in Inverness. The grading was conducted by fifth degree red sash Michael H. Wyka.
"This grading was actually the culmination of a six month series of tests that Brian has been undergoing under my instruction and supervision," Master Michael Wyka explained. "I tested Brian in Vadha weapons, attacks and defenses, take-downs, throws, control holds, breakfalls, and especially in sparring and Punap. He successfully passed this arduous grading and I proudly elevated him to second degree black belt."
The grading was long and exhausting, conducted in the 90 + degree Florida afternoon. The first half was testing on the Vadha basics - the knowledge a 1st degree Vadha black belt should possess.
The second half of the grading was much more intense, and consisted of Punap tests, extensive sparring, take-downs and throws, and other aspects of 2nd degree black belt knowledge.
"Brian exhibited a very good working knowledge of the Punap weapons of projection, and targeting, and his attack patterns are clicking as though they're second nature," Master Michael Wyka added. "In his teaching, he is strictly ‘by the book.’ His students can be assured that what they are getting is pure Vadha.”
Assisting Master Michael Wyka in the grading were assistant instructors Matt Carnevale and Matt Deshais.
Master Brian Wyka began studying Vadha under the Mayha Master in 1985. He earned his brown belt under Master Michael Wyka's instruction in June of 1993. Thirteen months later, in September of 1994, Master Brian Wyka passed the traditional test for Sumadhi, the Burning, administered by the Mayha Master, and earned his 1st degree black belt. He is one of four Vadha instructors in Citrus County, Florida, and maintains a busy class schedule.
ON A RELATED NOTE.
The moratorium on new black belt gradings has not been rescinded and is still in effect.
The recent grading of Master Brian M. Wyka was not affected by the moratorium, which only applies to new black belt gradings.
In any event, ALL black belt level gradings, must receive the sanction of the Federation before the grading. Whenever possible, at least two Federation instructors should be present for the grading. This requirement can only be waived by the Mayha Master or red sash Jack McCrave.
Please note, for new black belt gradings, a Federation examiner should be present to administer the traditional test for Sumadhi.
The moratorium on new black belt gradings will be on the agenda at the next Federation Board Meeting.
NOVICE LEVEL
VADHA CLASSES
As mentioned above, Master Brian Wyka maintains regular classes in Inverness, FL.
Also, Master Michael Manning continues to teach traditional Vadha in Staten Island.
Novice level students interested in taking lessons in traditional Vadha can contact either of these instructors in full confidence that they will receive instruction in traditional Vadha, as it was received by Omah Kellie and passed down to the current Mayha Master, Jack McCrave.
If you are having trouble contacting them, feel free to send your correspondence to the Vadha Federation. We will forward your correspondence to the instructor you indicate.
CONGRATULATIONS
A sincere congratulations to Master Jack McCrave, who celebrated the birth of his first child on May 9. Jack and his wife, Teresa, are the very proud parents of little baby Hannah Claire McCrave.
May God’s good angels keep watch over you, little one.
VADHA IN CYBER SPACE
Master Brian Wyka has done an excellent job of setting up the Vadha Federation’s web site at http://www.vadha.net.
VADHA.NET is an excellent resource for all Federation members and those interested in Vadha. On the site, inquirers can check to see if a particular instructor is sanctioned by the Federation to teach traditional Vadha.
In addition, all the Vadha news that's fit to download is kept on the site, as well as archive copies of past Federation newsletters.
All Federation members are encouraged to send articles of interest (gradings, class schedules, accomplishments, etc.) to Master Brian Wyka to be posted on the Federation web-site.
He can be reached by mail at the Federation address, or through the VADHA.NET web-site via electronic mail.
Master Brian Wyka also maintains a personal web-site at VADHA.COM, for news pertaining to his own classes. On VADHA.COM, he has an excellent on-line catalog of martial art supplies. Give it a look.
VADHA.ORG is also owned by the Federation, but is currently undeveloped. We’ll keep you posted.
MASTER LEVEL GRADING REQUIREMENTS CODIFIED
The Federation has codified the requirements for master level grading.
For years, master level gradings have been conducted using general guidelines set forth by the Mayha Master. Using these guidelines as a starting point, and staying faithful to them red sash masters Jack McCrave and Michael Wyka have completed the requirements for each black belt level through third degree.
Masters Wyka and McCrave are currently working on the more difficult task of codifying the requirements for fourth through sixth degree instructor.
The new requirements were used at Master Brian Wyka’s recent grading.
All future master level gradings, including new black belt gradings, will use these master level grading requirements.
In this way, the Federation is further ensuring that all instructors wearing the Vadha symbol will truly represent the body of knowledge safeguarded by the Federation.
FROM “THE VADHA CODE”
An excerpt from Chapter Two - The Basic Principles of Vadha, THE VADHA CODE:
“A seventh maxim is that all techniques be thrown in a
manner conducive to the flow of inner energy. This inner energy is stifled by rigid techniques. Only through the full extension seen in such Vadha techniques as the LUNGE PUNCH, WHEEL KICK, and SIDE KICK, can the flow of energy begun in our minds through Punap reach it's fullest potential.
As an example of this extension, it can be readily seen how the Vadha WHEEL KICK differs from a Karate roundhouse kick. The Vadha practitioner's base leg pivots 180 degrees instead of just 90 degrees; his body drops along a smooth line rather than remaining rigidly upright; and he looks over his shoulder at his target instead of looking across or in front of his shoulder. This graceful motion provides an excellent conduit for the flow of inner energy, with no abrupt, rigid angles or movements.”
CLOSING THOUGHTS by Master Michael H. Wyka
LEARNING.
If you’re a novice, the way of learning is clear to you. Attend class regularly. Practice. And receive the instruction your teacher gives you in an open manner conducive to learning.
But if you’re a black belt, the way to learning is not always so clear.
Black belts have to be on guard against developing a “king of the hill” mentality.
This is particularly important for those black belts who run their own classes.
Quite simply, if you are not open to learning, and therefore do not learn, how can you ever progress in the art?
Vadha black belts are a unique fraternity. Yet although we all share the black belt, we are not all equal.
Those with less skill should seek out instruction from a Vadha master with more skill and knowledge to improve.
I have always been amazed at how few Vadha artists have sought out the Mayha Master or his son, Jack, for instruction. These two gentlemen possess the highest level of skill and knowledge in Vadha of anyone - ANYONE, in the Western Hemisphere.
But I should not be amazed. It’s the “king of the hill” mentality. And it should be guarded against.
Speaking for myself, I have to be on guard against this feeling of being the “top cheese”. I have very little contact with more experienced Vadha black belts and so I am usually in an “instructing” mode.
This came to light to me recently on a visit to Jack and Teresa and little Hannah at their home in Tallahassee.
The visit was primarily social, but as is usually the case when black belts get together, their is always time for training.
Jack and I started training and I quickly realized I was in my “instructor” mode. If I wanted to learn, if I wanted to take advantage of Jack’s greater experience and skill, I would have to become a student again.
I did just that. I became a student and openly listened to his teaching. I learned so much in just a few short hours.... I felt that exuberance I had once felt as a white belt, when every class held a new wonder.
Many Vadha black belts have opportunities to learn from the Mayha Master and Master Jack McCrave, yet do not avail themselves of them. When Master McCrave was last at your class, did you come as a student, to learn pure Vadha, or as a critic, to defend your errors and your own way of things?
My point is this: When you have a chance to learn from a higher belt, take it. Become a student again. Open yourself to new learning. You may find a small nuance to improve a technique, or improvements to your Punap. But you will learn nothing, if you do not become a student again.
REGISTRATION
Registration with The Vadha Federation is required of all Vadha Instructors and Assistant Instructors of Grade Seven or above. Consult the Vadha Code or VADHA.NET for information regarding registration and other requirements.
VADHA NEWS
Do you have something in mind for the next Vadha Federation newsletter?
Please send your submissions to the address on page one. If you want your original returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Training tips, school news, gradings, personal news (births, weddings, etc.), and guest editorials are all welcome for submission.