Iranian expert imparts knowledge to group of Pinoy martial artists
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 10 Jun 2013
The country?s practitioners of a popular Iranian brand of Martial Arts known as TOA, received an added boost of knowledge and appreciation of their discipline when an acknowledged authority of the sport visited the group last month.
The World Union of TOA Associations (WUTA) based in Iran sent TOA Master, Dr. Hossein Joulai to Manila to conduct classes to officials and members of WUTA-Philippines.
TOA which means TO (you) A (come) is a Persian brand of martial arts that is divided into four styles according to WUTA-Philippines President, Rolando Catoy.
?It is divided into four - MAYANA or semi-freestyle sparring like kyukoshinkai (karate), GILMA or submission, DOCHOB or the use of double sticks and TOA MA or combination of GILMA and MAYANA,? said Catoy.
?It is like MMA (mixed martial arts) but standing submission is not allowed, only in lying position. Knees and elbows are not allowed to the face. Punching, using the knees and elbows are also not allowed while on the ground, only submission is acceptable,? added Catoy.
The first part of the seminar was held on May 19, 2013 at the Cherry Blossoms Hotel in Ermita, Manila and the last part was held a week after on May 25th at the WUTA-Philippines Gym, also in Manila.
Toa demo (top) and WUTA Philippine officers (above).
Dr. Hossein Joulai is a long-standing WUTA judge, a 5th Dan black belt holder in Kickboxing and Kung Fu, and a trainer and coach of Wushu and Kickboxing in Iran and Russia. He also holds a doctorate degree in Economics and Physical Education.
The seminars that were conducted By Joulai were enthusiastically received by the group which is composed of members that come from various sectors of the society. They include journalists, members of the police corps, athletes and MMA practioners.
TOA is now being practiced by 60 member countries worldwide including the Philippines.
The 1st World TOA Championships which was participated by forty counties was held last November 2011 in Shiraz, Iran where the Philippines was represented by Catoy.
You can reach the author at rrmaze24@aol.com and on Twitter @Freemazon910.
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