Art
How these grandmasters help Albertans discover the art of the blade – CBC.ca
Karate, kung fu, ninjutsu, taekwondo: there is no shortage of martial arts on display in modern action films, usually associated with Japan or China.
But there are other forms from other countries — ones you’ve probably seen on the big screen and just didn’t realize it.
They have their own methods, their own history and their own practitioners right here in Alberta. One of those is the Filipino martial arts.
History of Filipino martial arts
There are dozens of different styles of Filipino martial arts that have been developed over centuries on the roughly 2,000 inhabited islands that make up the country.
“The art was developed through wars between tribes,” says Norman Suanico.
- Watch some demonstrations in the video above. All of the sparring video was taken before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Suanico, who was born in the Philippines but now calls Red Deer home, is a grandmaster of the Kali Ilustrisimo style. He’s one of three grandmasters in Alberta.
“Originally, it was secretive,” said Suanico.
He says the different styles continued to evolve after the Spanish arrived in the Philippines and the colonial period began in the 1500s, incorporating techniques from other martial arts along the way.
The Kali Ilustrisimo technique Suanico teaches involves blade fighting.
Suanico says this particular martial art hasn’t gained the acclaim of some others, because of its historical grassroots instruction methods.
“It was not commercialized. It was not taught in a gym,” said Suanico, “If you want to learn it, you go to the master and you have a private lesson.”
That’s what happened to Gilbert LaFantaisie.
Not a member of the Filipino community himself, LaFantaisie was a practitioner of karate. He discovered Filipino martial arts when a grandmaster showed up to his karate studio and showed him some of the techniques.
“What the heck did you just do? Cause I want to learn this!” LaFantaisie recalls saying.
He has since gone on to become a grandmaster himself, teaching Filipino martial arts out of his studio, Black Dragon Martial Arts in Red Deer.
‘The way of the blade’
“Our striking, our grappling, our footwork — everything comes from the blade,” said LaFantaisie.
A quiver of swords, daggers and wooden sticks fill an entire wall at his gym, each with their own unique purpose.
Now that Filipino martial arts have become more recreational, sparring fighters typically use wooden sticks and batons. But LaFantaisie says things can still get bloody.
“We train with no wraps, no protective gear. We want to make sure we condition our body.”
Using a short, dull, practice dagger, Suanico makes a series of quick motions.
“With a knife, our first target is the nearest target: the hand or the wrist. We call that defanging the snake, by cutting his weapon hand.”
It’s these deliberate, decisive movements that make Filipino martial arts a popular choice for Hollywood choreographers.
Filipino martial arts in film
- Watch the video below to see Filipino martial arts in movies.
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The Jason Bourne films, Captain America and the James Bond film Quantum of Solace are just a few examples of movies that have incorporated traditional Filipino martial arts techniques.
LaFantaisie references one intense fight scene in The Bourne Identity in which Matt Damon’s character fights, armed with only a pen.
“The way he was trapping and attacking with the pen, it was just the stabbing. Short and make it simple. Make it count.”
Filipino martial arts were actually incorporated in film decades ago, when Bruce Lee started introducing some of the moves into his films. Despite that, and more recent examples of Kali in film, LaFantaisie says it has remained lesser known than, say, karate.
“Cobra Kai came out so people are more like, “Oh, let’s try karate again.” I mean, in my day, I think it was in the ’80s when the ninja movies came out, everybody wanted to do ninjutsu. Everybody was a ninja.”
LaFantaisie thinks interest in Filipino martial arts is growing.
“It’s not as big as karate. I’m hoping one day it will be, but it’s growing.”
One of the growth areas is within the Filipino community itself.
“I was surprised at the beginning when I started doing this because I thought, ‘God, all the Filipinos would be doing this, right?'” said LaFantaisie.
“But now they’re starting to notice how really important it is.”
Suanico says of a martial art that was traditionally kept secret that it will grow if it is advertised more.
Art
Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Island art community, a local art dealer has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. Calvin Lucyshyn, the former operator of the now-closed Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay, faces the charge after police seized hundreds of artworks, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, from various storage sites in the Greater Victoria area.
Alleged Fraud Scheme
Police allege that Lucyshyn had been taking valuable art from members of the public under the guise of appraising or consigning the pieces for sale, only to cut off all communication with the owners. This investigation began in April 2022, when police received a complaint from an individual who had provided four paintings to Lucyshyn, including three works by renowned British Columbia artist Emily Carr, and had not received any updates on their sale.
Further investigation by the Saanich Police Department revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Detectives found other alleged victims who had similar experiences with Winchester Galleries, leading police to execute search warrants at three separate storage locations across Greater Victoria.
Massive Seizure of Artworks
In what has become one of the largest art fraud investigations in recent Canadian history, authorities seized approximately 1,100 pieces of art, including more than 600 pieces from a storage site in Saanich, over 300 in Langford, and more than 100 in Oak Bay. Some of the more valuable pieces, according to police, were estimated to be worth $85,000 each.
Lucyshyn was arrested on April 21, 2022, but was later released from custody. In May 2024, a fraud charge was formally laid against him.
Artwork Returned, but Some Remain Unclaimed
In a statement released on Monday, the Saanich Police Department confirmed that 1,050 of the seized artworks have been returned to their rightful owners. However, several pieces remain unclaimed, and police continue their efforts to track down the owners of these works.
Court Proceedings Ongoing
The criminal charge against Lucyshyn has not yet been tested in court, and he has publicly stated his intention to defend himself against any pending allegations. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10, 2024.
Impact on the Local Art Community
The news of Lucyshyn’s alleged fraud has deeply affected Vancouver Island’s art community, particularly collectors, galleries, and artists who may have been impacted by the gallery’s operations. With high-value pieces from artists like Emily Carr involved, the case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist in art transactions.
For many art collectors, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for fraud in the art world, particularly when it comes to dealing with private galleries and dealers. The seizure of such a vast collection of artworks has also led to questions about the management and oversight of valuable art pieces, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the industry.
As the case continues to unfold in court, it will likely serve as a cautionary tale for collectors and galleries alike, highlighting the need for due diligence in the sale and appraisal of high-value artworks.
While much of the seized artwork has been returned, the full scale of the alleged fraud is still being unraveled. Lucyshyn’s upcoming court appearances will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the wider art world, as it navigates the fallout from one of Canada’s most significant art fraud cases in recent memory.
Art collectors and individuals who believe they may have been affected by this case are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department to inquire about any unclaimed pieces. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for anyone involved in high-value art transactions to work with reputable dealers and to keep thorough documentation of all transactions.
As with any investment, whether in art or other ventures, it is crucial to be cautious and informed. Art fraud can devastate personal collections and finances, but by taking steps to verify authenticity, provenance, and the reputation of dealers, collectors can help safeguard their valuable pieces.
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
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