Pudao Seminar with Grandmaster Raul Ortiz
The pǔdāo (朴刀), sometimes referred to as “podao”, is often called a “horse cutter” in English because it was used by infantry to slice the legs of horses in battle. It could be used one-handed, two-handed, or bifurcated. The blade is similar to a saber but with a longer, thicker handle and a sharply clipped point. It was originally a farming tool that was weaponized by civilians. The full history of the weapon is unknown but some speculate that it became popular before and during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 CE), as a weapon against the Mongols and Jurchen, who were peerless in horse-mounted combat.
More info on the history of the podao here.
Grandmaster Ortiz is Shifu Eliot’s Shitaigong, or martial great grandfather. Grandmaster Ortiz teaches Mantis style Kung Fu in New York. He is an eighth generation, closed-door disciple and successor of the late Grand Master Lee Kam Wing of Hong Kong.
Grandmaster Ortiz has been inducted into 4 Martial Arts Hall of Fames:
World Professional Karate Organization
Christian Martial Arts Hall of Fame
United International Kung Fu Federation
Latin American Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
He has dedicated his life to the preservation of traditional Kung Fu and to passing his knowledge and benefits to all who have crossed his path.
Students should be familiar with the staff (and preferably have some experience with the saber) before doing this seminar.
$250/student.