Embarking on a martial arts journey often involves twists and turns, but for Sifu Jeramiah Giehl, it began in the raw environment of an inner-city hood. Unintentionally earning the reputation of a brawler, Sifu Jeramiah discovered an innate ability to navigate the turbulent world of street fights.
Inspiration struck when Sifu Jeramiah stumbled upon Bruce Lee's teachings in books and VHS tapes, particularly those by Ted Wong and Richard Bustillo. Intrigued and motivated, Sifu Jeramiah delved into a self-taught journey, integrating heavy bag and speed bag training into daily routines.
Wrestling emerged as Sifu Jeramiah's first formal martial art in high school. However, the focus on pinning shoulders to the ground felt inadequate. A serendipitous encounter with a Wrestling Coach well-versed in Sambo, Judo, and Catch Wrestling introduced a new dimension. Sifu Jeramiah learned the significance of reversals and the art of pressure testing.
Transitioning to Taekwondo (TKD), Sifu Jeramiah not only earned a black belt but actively contributed to teaching. Simultaneously, explorations into Aikido, Kendo, Eskrima, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) broadened Sifu Jeramiah's martial arts horizons. TKD instruction by Master Pat Burelson introduced grappling elements, laying the foundation for what was to come.
College brought Sifu Jeramiah into the world of Midnight Fights, an unregulated arena for martial artists. A transformative experience occurred when the lack of ground fighting relevance became evident in real-life altercations. The need to adapt training for multiple opponents and potential weapons shifted the focus away from grappling.
Desiring to reconnect with JKD, Sifu Jeramiah explored Krav Maga and incorporated JKD principles into training. Teaching TKD and Krav Maga at a private Jewish day school, Sifu Jeramiah continued to learn and evolve. Certification in various Krav Maga programs and Active Shooter training underscored the commitment to practical self-defense.
Returning to San Diego marked a turning point. Sifu Jeramiah seized opportunities to train with luminaries like Sifu Tim Tackett, Sifu Paul Vunak, Guro Dan Inosanto, and their esteemed students. Instructor certifications in JKD & FMA, JuJitsu, Krav Maga, and Jun Fan JKD Grappling Association, along with roles as a Coach and Israeli Krav Maga Instructor, solidified Sifu Jeramiah's expertise.
For the past decade, Sifu Jeramiah has led Cali Combat Systems, offering a unique blend of Jeet Kune Do, Kali-Silat, Submission Grappling, and Krav Maga. The journey from an inner-city brawler to a respected instructor with a diverse skill set is a testament to Sifu Jeramiah's dedication to continuous learning and adaptation.
Sifu Jeramiah's martial arts odyssey embodies the spirit of evolution and adaptability. From street brawler to a respected instructor with a diverse skill set, the journey reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and the transformative power of martial arts. As Sifu Jeramiah continues to shape the legacy of Cali Combat Systems, the story is far from over.
Comments