Filipino Combat Systems: An Introduction to An Ancient Art For Modern Times [Paperback]

Mark Edward Cody (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 7, 2005

Filipino Combat Systems chronicles the creation, evolution and core concepts of one of the fastest growing martial arts in the world. It overcomes the shortcomings inherent in martial art instruction manuals by focusing not on technique, but on the strategy and philosophy of movement behind the technique. Written by a first generation student under the authority and supervision of the system's Founder and Grand Master, this work is an excellent introduction to the system. FCS is one of the most practical combat oriented martial systems in existence, bridging the gap between the ancient fighting arts and the modern world.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mark Edward Cody began training in the Martial Arts in 1981. The Way of the Warrior led him to a lifetime study of the mental, spiritual and physical aspects of the fighting arts. In 1998 he became a 5th Degree Black Belt in Wado Ryu Karate/Jujutsu and a FCS Guro. In 2000 he published Bushido, his examination of warrior philosophy from a Christian perspective. Cody is an expert in many martial disciplines including Kenjutsu. For 15 years he operated one of Central Florida's largest martial art/tactical firearm studios. A lifelong friend, and first generation student of the FCS founder, Cody is uniquely qualified to write the first book about Filipino Combat Systems.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (March 7, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1420823337
• ISBN-13: 978-1420823332
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,005,604 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Introduction to the Core Concepts of the Tribal Arts of the Filipino Combat Systems, September 3, 2006

By 

Michael Chesbro (Rainier, Washington USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Filipino Combat Systems: An Introduction to An Ancient Art For Modern Times (Paperback)

Filipino Combat Systems (FCS) by Mark Edward Cody begins with a preface written by Guro Ray Dionaldo where he describes FCS as a "Tribal Art" as opposed to a martial art or martial science. He explains that "tribal arts" have the mindset that they are training family members, and lack the political hierarchy found in more traditional "martial arts".

The core text of Filipino Combat Systems offers a great deal of information for warriors, written by someone who obviously as a true warrior's mindset. The book begins with a description of the birth, history and origins of the Filipino Combat Systems.

Several core concepts of the Filipino Combat Systems and basic martial concepts are demonstrated. This includes flowing drills, quadrants, and combat distances, and much more. We are also introduced to weapons, including single and double sticks, the karambit, the kris, and the modern expandable baton.

We are also presented with a review of Musashi's strategies from the `Book of Five Rings'. We are also presented with the author's idea of the basics of self-defense, discussing awareness and preparedness, including:

> Be aware of all avenues of escape, cover and concealment

> Look for potential improvised weapons within your environment

> Attempt to stay informed about criminal activity and other dangers in your area.

> Be aware of defensive options and the pros and cons of each:

* Firearms

* Other weapons: Tear gas, knives, impact weapons, and stun guns

* Martial arts training... and more

> Take security measures to make yourself more difficult to victimize.

And perhaps most importantly:

>Be aware that your safety is YOUR responsibility. Do not depend on others to protect you.

Filipino Combat Systems is very well illustrated with numerous photographs and contains well-written, informative text offering insight for those who follow the way of the warrior.

Highly recommended!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars missed potential, January 18, 2007

By 

Dragan Milojevic (Serbia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Filipino Combat Systems: An Introduction to An Ancient Art For Modern Times (Paperback)

When I ordred this book, I expected lot more after seeing the contents in the preview. First of all, I do not like Ray Dionaldo being signed as a co-author...I mean being interviewed in the book does not exactly make one an author, even if the book is on the system he has created.

Now, the principles and concepts featured are very well chosen nad valuable, but the presentation could have been much better. I mean, the "fortune cookie" type advice gets kinda irritating after a while, no matter the "wisdom" it caries.

Finally, with all due respect to author's background in karate, and its influence on is understanding and interpretation of FMA, there could have been less stuff directly referring to karate/bushido/zen...as in essence it has very little to do with FMA. After all, that is why Mr. Cody has authored another book on that subject.

Also, I have no ide whatsoever why have some reviewers described the book as "ultimate" knife fighting resource, as it is clearly not. For that, go to Rey Galang's "Masters of the Blade", or several other books, for that matter.

On the good side, the book does have a sort of familiar atmosphere to it, which is very nice, and I liked the dictionary section quite a bit, and it is technically very well done.

The bottom line is, it is not a bad book, but if your interest is FMA in particular, you should look elsewhere, as this one should not be on your priority list, though it makes an interesting read in certain points.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quick look at Filipino Combat Systems, March 16, 2005

By 

Fernando N. Perez "BOOK BUYER" (FLORIDA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Filipino Combat Systems: An Introduction to An Ancient Art For Modern Times (Paperback)

Filipino Combat Systems seems to be, on the surface, an overview of the Filipino martial arts. But, it is much more simply because it was written with what I believe to be the WARRIORS point of view. Grand Master Dionaldo is on of the most sought after masters for seminars in the world. He is considered one of the best if not the best knife instructor in the world. The book includes the Kerambit, the Sarong and the expandable Baton. I have over twenty years experience in the martial arts and I tell you buy this book while you can.