The Filipino version of Kickboxing, many equate Yaw Yan with Muay Thai but the key difference lies in Yaw Yan's focus on delivering from long range while Muay Thai emphasizes on clinching. Similarities and differences with Muay Thai aside, Yaw Yan has a relatively young history being born in the 1970's with its first master Napoleon Fernandez who was originally a practitioner of Jiujitsu. The name Yaw Yan too has an interesting meaning as it is derived from a longer phrase which literally translates of 'Dance of Death'. As is with various forms of kickboxing around the world, virtually any part of the body that can be wielded as a weapon or for self defense is incorporated into Yaw Yan - palms, elbows, knuckles, knees, shins and feet. So it's not uncommon to see member of the Filipino police and even the Armed Forces in Master Akin's gym learning various forms of attack and self defense. In addition to using various parts of the body, Yaw Yan being a relatively young practice has evolved with the times, and also incorporates techniques that involve fighting with batons and knives, and even how to disarm opponents with guns at close range. In this two hour session with the masters of Yaw Yan in the Philippines, you will first being with a 10-15 minute warm session, followed by approximately an hour of learning the various techniques that are unique to Yaw Yan. Once you're familiar with the techniques then it's own to pad work where you will have a one-on-one session with the trainers for about 15 minutes. There will be occasional breaks in between for you to hydrate and catch your breath as this can be quite exhausting. To end of the lesson, if you wish and still have energy left, the master can also give you a crash course on how to disarm an opponent with a knife or handgun.