Tom Bisio began his study of the martial arts and Oriental medicine studying karate at age 14. A Black Belt in Isshin Kempo, he later went on to study Pekiti-Tirsia Kali under Leo T. Gaje and Old-Style Doce Pares Eskrima under the late Filemon "Momoy" Canete. Tom competed in full-contact Tournaments in New York's Chinatown and tied for first place as Co-Champion in the Senior Instructor Division at the 1st National Arnis Championships in Cebu, Philippines, in 1979.
In 1984 Tom began to study Chinese medicine and the internal styles of Chinese martial arts with Dr. Vince Black. Dr. Black is the founder of the North American Tang Shou Tao Association (NATSTA), a national organization whose goal is to promote and research traditional Chinese martial arts and Chinese medicine. During this period he also studied Kajukenbo, and obtained Dan rankings from Vince Black and the founder Adriano Emperado. As a representative, and later as President of the NATSTA, Tom took numerous trips to China and South East Asia where he studied both medicine and martial arts with many different masters including Li Gui Chong and Song Zhi Yong (Shan Xi Xing Yi Chuan), Zhang Hua Sen, Wong Shi Tong and Gao Ji Wu (Liang Style Ba Gua Zhang).
Tom has taught martial arts since 1978. During that time he apprenticed with Chinese herbalists and experts in acupuncture, Qi Gong, Chinese massage and bone-setting. He went on to become a licensed practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine.
Today Tom teaches Shanxi Xing Yi Chuan and Liang Style Ba Gua Zhang in NYC. He heads a busy clinic that specializes in trauma and sports injuries. Tom and his associate Frank Butler are the creators of Zheng Gu Tui Na, a system of orthopedic medicine, which they teach all over the country.
Tom is the author of A TOOTH FROM THE TIGER’S MOUTH: How to Treat Your Injuries With Powerful Healing Secrets of The Great Chinese Warriors (Simon & Schuster, October, 2004), THE ESSENTIALS OF BA GUA ZHANG (co-author w/ Gao Ji Wu), and ZHENG GU TUI NA: Chinese Medical Massage (co-author w Frank Butler).
Saturday, 3 Hour Intensive: BA GUA LINEAR FIGHTING MOVEMENTS
The 8 Linear Single Movement exercises are instrumental in developing and actualizing Liang Style Ba Gua Zhang fighting skills. Each movement is a linear expression of one of the eight circular palm changes, and each illustrates different expressions of power, offensive and defensive tactics, bridging, seizing and throwing. When combined these movements can produce endless spontaneous changes and the ability to seamlessly link techniques. Participants will learn these basic movements and be exposed to advanced methods of practicing them. Considerable time will be spent in exploring applications with a partner.
Saturday, 90 Minutes: Ba Tang Chuan (8 Styles Fist):
This foundational Ba Gua linear form is relatively simple to learn but contains some of the key techniques and principles of Ba Gua Zhang. It can be done as a solo form or as a counter-for-counter two person set containing hidden throws and locks. In this class, students will learn the form and two person set as well as get some insights into the throws hidden within the set.
OR
Sunday: San Miguel Eskrima: 3 hours
The Espada y Daga (Stick and dagger techniques) of the late Filemon “Momoy” Canete, one of the founders of the Doce Pares club, show the depth and sophistication of the Filipino martial arts. The class will cover the fundamental counters and how they blend into disarming techniques and counter-for-counter exercises. Equipment consists of a 31-33” stick and a wooden dagger or short wooden dowel 8-10 inches in length.
*Some equipment will be provided but to ensure your participation it is best to bring your own.*
