The basic ones were: 1) What’s the difference between kali, arnis, and escrima? No one could tell or show it. For sure, Angel Cabales is the reason I became a writer, editor, and then publisher.Īfter this book, I had so many questions as FMA. This book, though not my best work, has gone through three editions. I knew I was on my way, and then wrote my first book: Filipino Martial Arts: Cabales Serrada Escrima. After a year, I was ready to rewrite the material for my late master, and sent two chapters to Black Belt Magazine, and they published them. Then I looked at the collection of martial arts books on my shelf and started noting what I liked and didn’t like about them. In between classes in college I would go to the library and read every book they had on writing, editing, printing, marketing books, etc. Then I decided to take it upon myself to learn how to do it. My first efforts were a disaster and seven publishers turned down the manuscript. It wasn’t until the Angel Cabales asked me to write a series of books on his serrada escrima system, that I felt obligated to try. So, I never thought of writing or publishing, but I did “wish” I could write books like Donn Draeger. MW: I was not good at writing or grammar in school. What first interested you to research Filipino martial arts in a historical context? Were you trying to fill a void in the art’s lineage and legacy for future practitioners to be better informed? Or was this a way for you to further your own training and knowledge? MAYTT: As a prolific writer, you have authored a plethora of books and articles on Eskrima and other martial arts styles and health subjects. Each of these experiences has provided unique exposure and developed in me different skill sets. Not to forget all the websites I’ve helped manage content for. After that, I worked for CFW Enterprises and Unique Publications, Agora Publishing, and The Catalyst Group Resources. Then in the mid-Nineties I worked as an editor for JAMA and then moved to Japan in 1995 to work as editor at Tuttle. MW: Back in 1991 I began writing for Black Belt Magazine, Karate-Kung-Fu Illustrated, Inside Kung-Fu, and others. How have you utilized and adapted your experiences in the publishing world, from Tuttle Publishing to the now-defunct Journal of Asian Martial Arts, for Tambuli Media? Did this prior experience prepare you for running your own media outlet? I mean, if the author isn’t proud of their own work, isn’t the biggest advocate for their work… Why should anyone else care? Without the author on board, there is no point publishing. The goal now has to be to partner with authors who have strong content and are willing to do the work of promotion, marketing, blogging, et cetera to help push sales. Unfortunately, some feel it is beneath them to promote their own work. These days there is not enough profit in these niche markets to do that. We’ve achieved both, but sales certainly have declined even in the past seven years we’ve been active.ĭecades ago, the publisher would handle all the marketing and promotions and set up interviews and book signings, etc. The Mission is to partner with the highest caliber subject-matter experts to bring you quality content that is in-depth, professional, actionable, and comprehensive in nature. The Vision is to see mind-body practices once again playing an integral role in the lives of people who pursue a journey of personal development through the transmission of traditional knowledge in modern times. MW: I had a vision and a mission for Tambuli. MAYTT: When Tambuli Media came together, what was the company’s initial goal for impacting the martial arts community? Seven years later, do you feel that goal was achieved, or has it changed a bit? MAYTT: What influenced or inspired you to begin Tambuli Media in 2013, especially in a time when physical book sales have been on the decline? Was it born out of a need to produce material you weren’t seeing and felt it would benefit the martial arts community? Mark Wiley training Eskrima. Mark Wiley: Thank you it’s great to be here! Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Thank you for taking the time to talk and welcome, Dr. Today, Wiley took some time to talk about Tambuli Media and the publishing house’s first feature film, Made in Chinatown. Additionally, he has spent many years in the martial arts, authoring fifteen books, including five on Filipino martial arts. Mark Wiley began Tambuli Media with the purpose of providing the public with mind-body practices, including martial arts.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |