Sword Fighting: The Art of Combat and Philosophy

Maija studied sword with the enigmatic and reclusive sword master Maestro Sonny Umpad, and since his untimely death in 2006, has focused on teaching sword play as a way to understand tactics and strategy.

She has written 3 books on the subject - The Liar, the Cheat, and the Thief, The Hustler, and The Spy and the Rodeo Clown. She has also designed two knives, the Vaari and the Moikka, the former of which appears in the Livia Lone books written by Barry Eisler. She is a Finn who grew up in the UK and now lives in the USA, which probably explains why she enjoys silence and a nice cup of tea with her pecan pie.

In this conversation, Ed Calderon and Maija delve into the intricate world of martial arts, focusing on the teachings of Sonya Oompa and the philosophy behind sword fighting. They explore the evolution of martial arts, the importance of deception and strategy in combat, and the valuable life lessons learned through training.

The discussion emphasizes the need for adaptability, problem-solving, and the unique relationship between a practitioner and their weapon, highlighting how these elements contribute to personal growth and understanding in martial arts.

Maija and Ed explore the intricacies of martial arts, focusing on the balance between tradition and innovation, the importance of adaptability in combat, and the role of luck and deception. The evolution of Filipino martial arts, the significance of understanding movement and balance, and the necessity of training with diverse partners. The dialogue also delves into weapon philosophy, the art of teaching, and the importance of context in combat scenarios, ultimately emphasizing the need for hyper-awareness and social engineering as vital survival tools.