MARTIALFORCE.COM

 

 

PRESENTS

 

 

AN INTERVIEW WITH

 

 

SANTOS SAI SILVA

 

 

SEPT / 2016

 

 

A few months ago I was contacted by Shihan Rick Senior in regards to someone he felt would be an interesting interview for Martialforce.com Online Martial Arts Magazine. He explained the reason for his thoughts and I was curious as to who this person was. I had booked Martial Artist straight through to the year 2017 so I didn’t have room for anyone to interview. I interviewed Rick Senior a while back and because of his honesty and integrity I looked to see if I could fit this person into a current issue. I contacted Rick Senior and advised him it was a greenlight on the interview. He gave me the person’s information and I contacted him. The person I’m speaking of is Master Santos Sai Silva. I called Silva and went through my usual investigative questions to learn about his background. In the middle of the conversation we were talking so much about theory, concept and technique that it became more of sharing moment with a fellow Martial Artist. From speaking to him I realized he knew chapter and verse about the realities of Martial Arts and street defense. Our conversation proved to be enlightening as his ideas were old school with a modern understanding of what is useful. At this time I want to introduce you to Master Santos Sai Silva and it is our hope that you enjoy a look at his Martial Arts journey and life.

 

Interviewed by Eddie Morales

 

 

Martialforce.com: Thank you for accepting this interview with Martialforce.com Online Magazine! My first question is; where did you grow up and what is your occupation?

 

SANTOS SAI SILVA: I grew up in the Bronx New York area. I am a plumber and a carpenter by trade but my life’s work is Martial Arts. I am currently teaching at the temple of combative motion in Tampa Florida.

 

Martialforce.com: How did you begin your training in the Martial Arts?

 

SANTOS SAI SILVA: I began in 1965 at the age of five in Chinatown New York in a system called Fu Jow Pai (black tiger system). The teachers name was Master Wai Hung. I was just a child so I don’t really remember much about my time there. I can’t say I was a real student or that I learned anything because my time there was short lived. My Mother Mary S Way was a seamstress. She used to leave me with my baby sitter who would take me with her to the school to learn Gung Fu. Since I did not speak the language it felt more like punishment. I was doing more cleaning and exercises than anything. At that young age I didn’t understand what that type of training was for. It wasn’t until many years later that I understood who the teacher Wai Hung was and how valuable his teachings might have been had I been able to stay at that school.

Unfortunately, the building that we lived in on Fox Street burned down. Life at that time was harrowing because of the gangs that ruled the streets. As a result of the fire and circumstances we moved to the Soundview projects in the Bronx in hope of a better life. This was an intense experience for a young man at the age of thirteen. Visualize a young kid who was small in stature and had no brother and no friends. All I had was a machete (Large Blade) that my father gave me and the will to survive. I had to learn to take care of myself. 

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: It sounds like you had a tough childhood which brings me to my next question.  Do you believe that Martial Arts is good training for children and if so, why?

 

SANTOS SAI SILVA: I do believe that martial arts training is good for children because it teaches them discipline, self-control as well as self-defense. It’s also an excellent way to keep the young people out of trouble. It teaches them to focus and works as a catalyst to be productive in society.

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: What are your thoughts on Kata (Pre-arranged movements)? Do you believe it’s a waste of time or is there a benefit to its practice?

 

SANTOS SAI SILVA: Kata is great for foundation balance and form. However in the 21st century everyone is prepared to use violence on a scale that has never been seen before. That being said, I believe training should be specific to the individual’s needs. In my opinion, while some considered kata to be the essence of Karate it should not be considered the essence of martial arts in general.

 

 

Sai Silva and Chris Mauras

 

Martialforce.com: Tell us about your teacher/s and what about them kept you going and wanting to continue learning?

 

    SANTOS SAI SILVA:

    Steven R Brown, Tae kwon do / Shotokan – he taught me discipline and taught me how to develop a strong mental posture.  He was also a very serious weapons expert as well as champion point fighter.

     Ruben Morales, yins Moy/katsu go kick boxing – in 1973 Bruce Lee era he was the closest thing to Bruce Lee in the Bronx. He opened my eyes to the reality of no wasted motion.

     Peter Khailf Williams, Chinese Goju – A great brother who introduced me to the Chinese Goju system and took me under his wing. He was an outstanding fighter.

    Reno Morales, Shinjitsuki – My martial arts father that taught me who is who would say to me, “be yourself kid.”

    David Morales, Tao Goju – This man introduced me to two of the greatest Tanka Ramos and Obosan Owen Watson.

    Shidoshi Miguel Rivera, Sung Lung Ryu – He is a direct disciple of Owen Watson and he was the first to recognize my system of Sil Ryu Sabaki. He gave me his blessing.

    Rick Senior, Combative Jujitsu - He believed that once he teaches you a technique it is no longer his, it becomes yours.

    Pedro Vangas, tang soo do - The most decorated veteran organized instructor that I ever met.

    Nestor Adames, Okinawa Kempo karate - Thanks to my dojo brother Hanshi Israel Perez for introducing me to his instructor. He awarded me the title of Kyoshi 7th dan.

    Willie Cintron, Tang Soo Jitsu.  I am proud to announce that Soke Cintron presented me with Grand Master in tang soo jitsu and acknowledge my system and nominated me the AFMA Hall of Fame.

These men were all my mentors and teachers. They are the reason that I teach the way of Bushido. Every instructor I’ve mentioned has taught me as much about life skills as they did Martial Arts.  Each one had their own unique way of expression which translated to skills that I now possess.

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: While the practice of martial arts is based on the empty hand, my question is. What are your thoughts on the practice of Kobudo, (Weaponry)?

 

SANTOS SAI SILVA: I am a dedicated practitioner of not only empty hand but weaponry as well. I am familiar with the following weapons: Tunfa, Bo staff, Karambit, Sai and many more.

  

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: While there are many methods and or schools of thought in regards to teaching, my next questions is. What can a student expect to learn from you on his or her first day of training?

 

SANTOS SAI SILVA: They will learn how to survive in a real situation. They will understand why it is important to undergo intense physical training in the early stages. They will learn the subtleties of footwork, evasion and striking. Those are the basics that I build on. Later in their training they will begin to see the foundation of which I call Sil Ryu Sabaki. Which means “Silva’s Way of evasion of combat.”

 

 

Martialforce.com: It sounds like you have a well-rounded method of instruction. Do you believe that there is such a thing as a best style of Martial Arts?

 

SANTOS SAI SILVA: Absolutely not, because all styles and systems have something to offer. If we maintain an open mind we can all learn from one another.

 

Martialforce.com: What are your thoughts on MMA? Do you believe that the development of Mixed Martial Arts Competition is good or bad as a whole?

 

SANTOS SAI SILVA: We have to thank Bruce lee the father of mixed martial arts for its introduction many years ago and the U.F.C for its presentation to the world. In my opinion, it is good as a whole as long as everyone is able to express themselves properly and show strength of technique and will. In the beginning of MMA in the early 1990’s, grapplers opened everyone’s eyes to the importance of being able to fight on the ground. What that did was forced the strikers to improve their game so now you see that grapplers can no longer just run in and take someone down. This is not only in the ring, cage or octagon but extends or lends itself to street defense, making a more well-rounded system of defense. MMA has pushed the envelope on the personal improvement level and has forever changed everyone’s view on training and combat in general. It is no longer about the style, it is now and forever about person.

 

Martialforce.com: What would you say are your greatest achievements in your life to date?

 

SANTOS SAI SILVA: I would have to say my greatest achievement to date would have to be founding and creating my own form of martial arts.  Another achievement and blessing was marrying Gloria “Lady Sabaki” Silva, my beautiful wife. She is not only my wife but co-founder of Sil Ryu Sabaki.

 

 

Martialforce.com: Your answer leads me to my next question. What motivated you to develop a system and can you tell us the idea behind it?

 

SANTOS SAI SILVA: That is an excellent question sir. A wise man once said “When you learn a technique, than you know one technique. When you learn a concept you learn and understand the core of countless or multiple techniques.” The system I developed and teach is a synthesis of all I have learned and found useful.

The teacher’s that where responsible for putting me on this path of combative motion all had special qualities. As a young man, I set out on the path with my focus on being a fighter. The almighty had another plan, however; through the unfortunate circumstance of losing part of my sight which in part lead me to the path of developing my own system through necessity. To recall the words of Bruce Lee, “Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.”

In answer to your question as I mentioned earlier, every art has something to offer.  What I did was take my experience and training in all that I have learned through the years and blended the concepts and techniques. I further refined it into a simple, effective and brutal system of defense. A system that I could pass on to any student that has a true desire or passion to learn.

 

 

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: Having practiced for many years what would you say is your incentive and or motivation to wake up every morning and practice and or teach Martial Arts?

 

SANTOS SAI SILVA: I wake up every morning with the blessing of god. To answer your question, it’s knowing that I can help at least one person, (man woman or child) to never become a victim of crime.  Martial science runs through my veins and it’s no longer something that I do but instead who I am.  I am blessed and honored to be able to teach people to defend themselves.

 

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: If you had a chance to go back and change anything in your life, what would that be and why?

 

SANTOS SAI SILVA: I guess my physical injury is the only thing that I would want to change. Besides that, I wouldn’t change anything else because everything that has happened to me has made me into the man that I am today. In regards to my injury. Many years ago as a young fighter in the underworld of full contact fighting, I lost my sight in one eye which ended my career as a fighter. I have no regrets because while it was unfortunate it was also a part of my evolution as a martial artist.

 

Martialforce.com: In general, do you think that the participation in Martial Arts is greater today or has lessened in the years?

 

SANTOS SAI SILVA: In my opinion, the Martial arts have evolved from the early days.  Today the mysticism has worn off. The myths and propaganda of the early years have been stripped away, however; Martial arts and the need for defense has grown and of course there is the other side of the coin where people practice for the mere love of the art.

 

Martialforce.com: We here at Martialforce want thank you for accepting this interview. Thank you for sharing your insight with our readers and we wish you continued success in any and all future endeavors. Do you have any final or closing words?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SANTOS SAI SILVA: First, I want to give special thanks to God for my health, wellbeing and the knowledge he allowed me to have. Furthermore, a heartfelt thank you goes to my family for their unwavering support throughout the years and my wife Gloria Silva. I would also like to extend a special thanks to the following individuals. Rick Senior, and you sir, Eddie Morales, thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts and ideas on Martialforce.

 

I want to also give a mention to a few people that have contributed to my journey. Pedro and Pablo Vangas, Willie Cintron, Gregory Davis, Israel Perez, Amauri Avalo, Ruben Morales and last but definitely not least, Vincent Kito Porter.

 

Special thanks also goes to the original brothers unique, Soke Dwayne A. Thomas, Grand Masters Malcom E. Livingston & Andre Brown for giving me their blessings in using the name “Brothers Unique”, and in making my dreams come true. Thank you all my brothers, I promise I will carry the torch forever, until the end....chi'en...!!! / osu !!!