Martial Arts Master Finds His Missing Piece of Perfection in Dux Ninjitsu

(Part 3)

By

John M. Guerriero

Freelance Writer

                In this article Master Cain allowed me to continue to detail his journey in martial arts and the perfection of self defense and martial science techniques and training. 

  Now you’re involved in a self-defense system called RAVEN. 

Q.      How did you get involved with RAVEN?

Many years ago Fernan Vargas the chief instructor and founder of RAVEN asked me to attend a SABER knife fighting seminar he was hosting in VA.  I went to the seminar and fell in love with the RAVEN Method. I have been with it ever since then. I have always had the philosophy if you want to be the best then train with the best. Fernan Vargas and the RAVEN Method is the best defensive tactics around.

Q.      Is RAVEN similar to Dux Ryu Ninjitsu?

In many ways they are, but the focus of RAVEN is different. In RAVEN we have to be aware of the continuum of force and the varying policies of the different law enforcement agencies.

Q.      Is RAVEN a mixture of techniques from other styles?

RAVEN is defensive tactics and is unique. That being said I am sure Fernan Vargas draws from martial arts and state defensive tactics systems. RAVEN is not a martial art so it is only concerned with what is the most effective for the law enforcement officer or the Guardian Angel to use in real time. 

Q.      According to your website RAVEN has become the official self-defense system of the Guardian Angels why RAVEN over Dux Ninjitsu?

Dux Ryu has never been presented to the Angels as far as I know, so it is not an issue of one method over the other. RAVEN was created by a Guardian Angel for the Guardian Angels. The founder Fernan Vargas still patrols with the Chicago chapter. Who better to design a Guardian Angels defensive tactics system then a current active angel?  Learning the martial arts takes years. The angels don’t have years to perfect a martial art. They need defensive tactics they can use hours after learning them. What the angels needed is a simple to learn and easy to apply method. Enter RAVEN.

Q.      So you actually are the head self defense instructor for the guardian angels.

Well I am one of the head instructors worldwide.  In my local chapter I am the lead RAVEN instructor, however I have a Snake Pit brother Tom Kirkland that also teaches our local chapter.

Q.      So you use both RAVEN and Dux Ninjitsu in training the Guardian Angels?

I have angels who train Dux Ryu with me. However the official training method of the angels is RAVEN. Most of the guys who patrol with the angels focus on the RAVEN Method. That being said Dux Ryu is the best martial science in the world and can only add to the effectiveness of their training if they would add Dux Ryu to it.

Q.      So the Guardian Angel patrols are a good way of actually testing the techniques in “real life scenarios”?

Yeah for sure. I always say if you want to know what works put the theory to the test were bone meets flesh. There is nothing in the world like walking in to a gang war with no weapons. I cannot describe it to you effectively unless you have been in war or something similar.

Q.      So do you train just the Richmond Chapter of the Guardian Angels or do you travel to train other chapters as well?

No like I said I am one of the world wide instructors. We have a small team of RAVEN instructors who are certified to teach the Guardian Angels method. I travel to different chapters to teach them the method. I consider it a dream come true to be a part of the team of RAVEN instructors who have the responsibility to train the Guardian Angels.

Q.      So how did the RAVEN system come to be the official system of the Angels?

The regional director Third Rail who is the number two man in charge next to the founder Curtis Sliwa had the opportunity to not only train in the RAVEN Method but to also use it on patrol. The RAVEN Method cut its teeth on the streets and subways of Chicago.

Q.      Being a globally known organization was there a rigorous testing and/or demonstrations needed?

It was tested on the streets in action with the angels.

Q.      I’m sure being named the official system of the Guardian Angels has helped propel RAVEN more into the mainstream with all the exposure?

Well no the Angels are a close net group of people, and the majority of the classes taught are not open to the public. RAVEN has had much success due to Fernan Vargas’s dedicated hard work and the other RAVEN instructors like me who have sacrificed their time blood sweat and tears to the group.

Q.      Other than the Guardian Angels organization is there any type underground fighting network that you train people for? 

Currently my focus is on reality based training, so I only train people for the harsh reality of the streets.

Q.      With the explosion in the world of mixed martial arts is Dux Ninjitsu and RAVEN as effective in the world off MMA as in the streets? Or do the rules and regulations choke out the effectiveness of the styles?

Dux Ryu has a MMA branch as one would guess due to Hanshi Dux’s former Kumite experience. RAVEN is in no way suited to be used in a sports environment. The rules do have a great deal to do with eliminating the tactics one would use in a street fight. That being said I will also say that a MMA fight is as close as we can get to real fighting legally.  At this point I do not train MMA fighters just because I have not found the right person to fill this position. If I was to train someone to fight the dedication would have to be there. They would have to live fighting, and frankly I have not found anyone with that kind of drive to be the fighter I would demand they be.

Q.      Do you currently have any plans of promoting MMA fighters?

My brother Billy Warlock who is the co/founder of the Snake pit trains fighters and I will lend a hand in his efforts. I have cornered for some of his fighters and will help out with skill sets when I am needed.

Q.      Do you currently train any MMA fighters?

 No

Q.      You have a private fight club called Snake Pit?  Tell me about it?

Snake Pit is a brotherhood of hard core martial artists, and hard core students who dedicate themselves to the philosophy of the Snake pit, Such as the 7 heavenly virtues, and the 7 rules of engagement.  The club is operated much like a motorcycle club with a president, vice president, sergeant at arms ect. We use the” Don’t tread on me” as our patch, not as a political statement but rather a statement of martial arts freedom. Give us liberty or give us death. If you see a Snake Pit brother at a seminar you will see him with his colors on and you will know you are seeing an authentic warrior not water down paper tiger. The Snake Pit brothers have each other’s backs till the end. It is a true club and we will fight for each other one for all and all for one.

Q.      How does one go about getting an invite to the club?

A Snake Pit brother has to sponsor a new prospect. Once the prospect is tested and determined to be of the highest caliber as far as morality, will, and strength of mind then the Snake Pit brotherhood will vote on the prospect to determine if they will become a full patch member.

Q.   Is the club open to all styles or do they have to train specifically in a certain style?

Each member of the Snake Pit is encouraged to seek out the arts or sports that best fit them. However the RAVEN Method is what all Snake Pit brothers have in common. We all train in the method and the rank structure is based on RAVEN courses.   

Please stay tuned for further interviews as Master Cain allows me to continue his journey in life and the martial arts and the organizations that he is associated with to help his local community and public in general through his training and seminars.