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THE BOLO: Volumes One & Two - As Viewed By Bram Frank
by Bram Frank

Use the link below to purchase this DVD set.
http://jadededgeproductions.com/e-commerce-solutions-catalog.html

In this DVD series, Master at Arms Bram Frank will introduce you to the bolo. The bolo is a tool used by the Bolo Battalion in the Philippines. You will learn some basic history of the bolo in this DVD series as well as techniques that will translate to Modern Arnis training with the stick. In this DVD, Bram Frank has chosen to give his view of the bolo as it relates directly to Modern Arnis as taught by Professor Remy Presas. Professor Presas often referred to Bram as "the man with the knife." As a student of Modern Arnis on any level, this series will introduce you to the blade art and make you appreciate Modern Arnis even more.

Personal DVD Review:
What Bram does is go straight to the roots, historically and technically, of Modern Arnis. Many of the actions Prof. Presas made which, on the surface, students didn't get or failed to make sense of, are explained in this series. Much of Modern Arnis is based on the blade work of his grandfather and uncle and this is what you see. Bram shows the Presas family bolos and his trainers are made according to specs. An interesting note is that he makes the distinction between agricultural bolos and jungle fighting bolos. His bolo is in the second catagory.

DVD #1 goes into the history and relevence of the blade to todays Modern Arnis. Bram and Amy demonstrate basics of the blade and what happens to areas you cut. There's a bit of functional anatomy lessons in there.

DVD #2 goes into Anyos 1-4 with a blade viewpoint and then variations off of the bolo techniques. What I like most about this DVD set is that with Bram going over the important points (and differences) of blade work, one can use the data as starting points to continue your own research. This is vitally important to anyone who has only done stick work (which comprises the bulk of Modern Arnis players in the US). This is a missing piece of the pie for those with mostly cane orientation in the FMA.

Yours,
Dan Anderson

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Review by Rich Curren:
Well, I just finished watching DVD 1 of the 2 DVD Presas Bolo Set by Master Bram Frank. So far it is really good stuff. Part 1 explains the CONCEPTS behind the use of the bolo and its relationship to the techniques taught by Grandmaster Remy A. Presas using the stick. There is alot of stuff there that I was always aware of because I listened and thought about what the Professor taught as well as practiced, but there are also gems there which I had not considered. Master Frank is an Arnis scientist. He puts forth his theories in ordered fashion, presents evidence to back his thesis and provides examples of his proofs to verify his findings. He also does not shove his opinions down your throat but presents you with options to consider. Very well done indeed.

The video is shot very clearly and with good angles and lighting which make the techniques easy to follow. Sound quality is nice and clear except for the occasional mike burst which comes with the belt mike package Master Frank uses with the motions he is demonstrating.

Master Frank covers trainers and training safety with the blade, the Presas bolo history, modified 12 angles of attack for blade work, modified striking targets with edged tools in mind, upward vs. downward cutting, flat vs. edge blocking and parrying, defenses against angles one and two and a variety of common Modern Arnis disarms, disarm motions and disarm concepts which most if not all Modern Arnis practicioners will recognize.

Running time on the first DVD is about 50 minutes and it is packed with good information in that time.

Volume 2 is actually longer than 1 and contains the performance, explanation and partial translation of all 4 Modern Arnis Weapon Anyos (forms/solo exercises). Never again will I refer to them as stick forms as that is an incomplete description. With the bolo, they really make a lot more sense to me. Master Bram also presents a 5th weapon anyo of his own invention which will be an excellent addition to any Modern Arnis practicioner's repetoire.

Each anyo is clearly explained from the front and the side and footwork, technique, and cutting/targeting information is related where appropriate.

Camera work and sound is excellent as in Volume 1.

Master Bram continues with an explanation of the concepts, differences, uses, and follow throughs of the umbrella and roof blocks with the bolo in mind.

I have to say that this very inexpensive for the value ($59 USD) DVD set has caused me to re-examine my Modern Arnis has taught me and to look at some techniques in a much different light. I can't recommend these DVDs highly enough and I personally believe that they should be a must for any Modern Arnis practicioner who wishes to understand the full scope of what Professor Remy A. Presas presented with Modern Arnis.

Rich Curren