From August of 2008, we initiated the first formal curriculum of the Waya-an Self-defense Method. Waaya-an is an off-shoot of the Kinaadman Combatives System which was more on combatives and threat neutralization for professionals. We felt that there was a need for a set of instructions for ordinary civilians with an awareness of the legal implications of street violence and conflict.
Based on the Kinaadman Combatives concept of using as much natural movement and economy of motion, we designed a curriculum that has no techniques to memorize except drills to bring out the natural reaction and response preference of students. Most important of which is mental toughness and problem-solving.
Our initial class comprised of underprivileged kids prone to abuse and violence. We believed that these are the individuals who need most to learn our system of self-defense and self-actualization. Out of the 37 students who started the training in August, 14 completed the Basic Course and graduated on December 14, 2008. One special student, Sr. Alem Coching, is already under advance tuition and is a candidate for instructorship.
This year, 2009, we hope to continue teaching street kids and those who need empowerment. Those who graduated from the Basic Course will go on to study the first advance level. The second advance level would be for apprentice intructors and the third and last level would be for instructorship. Muscle jocks need not apply.
