If you're a fan of Steven Seagal, perhaps you'll notice how catatonic (err, emotionless!) he is when fighting with his enemies. His face is unmoving and so bereft of reaction, but the movement of his arms is fast but calculated, graceful but deadly. That, an aikido master told me, is what combat aikido is about.

A few nights back, someone invited me to a combat aikido class as an observer. I'm impressed. The kabayans who I saw practicing that night all emanate discipline, and on their sweaty faces is an aura of control and strength.

These kabayans all belong to PHIMACA Black Belt Alumni Association (PBBAA) under the umbrella of Philippine Martial Arts Combat Aikido (PHIMACA).

They can be seen in various places -- in a warehouse's empty space in Dammam's Industrial City, or in a rented room in Al Khadisiyah, or sometimes, in the rooftop of a building in Khalid Street, shouting hisss! and whosss! while practicing. (I was told it's the same as a karateka haik! or when a judoka shouts hu or ha!).

Combat Aikido, according to PBBAA's current president Rolando Jamila, is primarily designed to cope with any form of assault in the streets and is a good form of self-defense. That's why it is not surprising to know that in Riyadh, there are female members of PHIMACA. I heard that it's a plus point for nurses applying for jobs in the US and Europe to acquire self-defense training course certificates. Plus it's also an advantage for them so they can easily ward off male hustlers in the hospitals. Hehe.

Roland Jamila, the PBBAA President, and his young instructor Ibrahim at 14.

PHIMACA started in SAudi Arabian in 1997. Currently, they have more than 4,000 active members in the whole of Saudi Arabia. In Alkhobar alone, there are more than 10 chapters of PHIMACA with around 10 to 15 members each. Riyadh has the most number of chapters which, according to Jamila, run to around 35.

Jamila said: When observing combat aikido in action, one can clearly see that the movements closely mirror the motions of someone wielding a sword or similar object incorporated with punching moves. And akin to judo, although not as commonly practiced, kick moves also exist in aikido. Why? Because mistimed kicks and loss of balance can often cause serious injury during practices.

If someone holds a knife to your kneck or if someone strangles you, Jamila asked me, what will you do?

I just stared at him blankly. Embarrasingly, I said: Give up and give in...? He laughed. He said the tendency of victims in an strangulation is to free the neck from the attacker's hand. This is incorrect because the more will the attacker grip you. The best thing to do, he said, is to raise both your hands and position it like how Mr Clean does. (He actually didn't say that but that's the nearest thing I can call that motion).

True, when he showed me the motion, I the strangler, readily let go of my grip and -- although I didn't tell him -- the bones above my wrist hurt after that simple exhibition.

During their session, I met Ibrahim Estoesta, their youngest member at 14. Ibrahim is in second year high school at Philippine School of Dammam, and is due to be promoted as Certified Instructor this month of July. Ain't it cool?!

He narrated: 'Gusto ko po kasi talagang matuto ng martial arts kaya po ako sumali. My parents fully support this.' He said the training taught him self-control and self-discipline, and I think it is evidenced by his performance that night.

Ibrahim standing as instructor to one of the green belters.

PBBAA has many projects in line, according to Jamila. They have currently instituted a benefit schemes for all black belted members who suffer disabilities or death. Jamila said: 'Our funds are still low at this time, but we are also eyeing to develop many projects to support our members.' One of their plans is to provide scholarships to deserving children in the Philippines. 'Gusto nga rin naming magbigay ng educational benefits sa mga mahihirap naming ka-miyembro,' Jamila added.
With the kind of discipline that the group has, and with such noble a purpose, I believe they will surely achieve their dreams.

Here are the other photos I took that night.

They are not just sparring partners; they also regard each other as brothers.

Throughout the three-hour session done thrice a week, these aikido trainees learn speed, timing and balance, as well as self-discipline and concentration.

Used carpets at their feet and surrounded by junked appliances, kabayans are only mindful of one thing: to learn the art and technique of combat aikido.

More photos can be found in Flickr.

If you're based in Alkhobar or Dammam and is interested in joining their group, please get hold of Jamila at 0502-903685, or visit their Facebook account.