Archie62

Archie Turns 62 Years Old

In the Pacific Northwest, Master Isidro Archibeque is a figure larger than life. He has been actively teaching in Western Washington for as long as anyone can remember, and today, though in sunset years, he remains a figure larger than life. "Archie", as he prefers to be called is best know for his mastery of the Iron Hand. His feats have included driving nails through boards, breaking countless bricks, carrying a refrigerator up three flights of steps, penetrating sealed plastic soda bottles with his fingers, breaking rocks, bricks, boulders,...you get the picture! Once, to commemorate one of my promotions, he brought a 12"x12" piece of plywood, 1" inch thick (that's 9 layers of veneer!). It took two hits for him to do the break. I have never seen anyone else even attempt this.

If that were not enough, "Archie" is equally well known for his mastery of pressure points, joint locks, and fighting strategy. His art is a philosophy, requiring that each student return to nature, and develop a personal understanding and awareness of his or her integral package of instincts. His teaching is modeled on the psychology, behavior, and movement of animals...a return to the original inspirations for Martial Arts, as he would say. The name he has given to this philosophy is Gun-Fu, Animal Fighting Styles.

"Archie's" greatest fame came as a teacher to "teachers." Starting in the late 1970's, ranking Black Belts, and senior students from other styles began to seek "Archie" out, many choosing to stay and undergo an apprenticeship with this force of nature. Some of those persons are now recognized masters in their own styles, and freely acknowledge their debt to Master Archibeque.

This demonstration video was taken in May 1995. Master Archibeque had just turned 62 years old, and received an invitation to demonstrate his skills. The inimitable "Archie" took a bucket of rocks, a few of his students, and showed that even at retirement age, a martial artist can remain true to his nature. The edited demonstration is presented here in its entirety for your enjoyment.

Archie at 62 - Part 1 (May 1995)

Archie at 62 - Part 2 (May 1995)

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