VADHA is an "internal" martial art; internal in the sense that the MIND and SPIRIT are held as equal, if not even more important, than the PHYSICAL.  The VADHA mental discipline allows the practitioner to tap into his mind's often hidden power, to achieve a  heightened state of consciousness, in which his mind becomes an ACTIVE ally and weapon.

A brief summation of VADHA's martial philosophy:  VADHA seeks to redirect an opponent's force of attack, or "arc of attack", rather than oppose the attack directly. In this way, VADHA's philosophy is similar to many of the traditional soft styles - Aikido and Tai Chi in particular.  However, VADHA employs potent offensive attacks.  In fact, the very name "VADHA" means "TO SLAY" in Sanskrit.

In modern times, the name of the style has been shortened somewhat from it's ancient form, which when translated meant, "TO SLAY WITH THE EMPTY HAND."  (Some translations read it as "To Slay with the poison hand".)  

Fit that on the back of  a t-shirt!

A Brief Personal History
I began my instruction in Vadha in 1985, under Maha Master Jack McCrave.
Our class was perfect. Lessons were taught in the Maha Master's garage, his lawn, his patio, or wherever it was suitable for the particular lesson. The Maha Master's sons, Jack, Rory, and Vincent, were in that class; as were his daughters, Sharon and Theresa. Other regular students included David Pillsbury, Reggie Bellamy, and Brian Wyka. The Maha Master encouraged other martial artists to take part as well, for his own students' benefit. It was common for black and brown belts from "hard" styles to take part in the classes. The Maha Master encouraged it - he had no reservations about putting his white belts (myself included) against experienced brown belts and black belts from other styles.
It was a fantastic time in my life and a great learning experience.  The lessons and the learning did not end there, however.  Even today, twenty-two years later, I am still working on my VADHA, and I know I've yet to reach my potential.  I've tried to incorporate the lessons I learned from the Maha Master in my own classes through the years.  My first "studio" was in my garage, just like the environment I learned in.  At times, our class overflowed into the driveway.  I have taught some excellent martial artists over the years, and am proud of each of my students.  VADHA is not an easy art to learn, much less to master.  I hold my students who've stuck it out to the end, ran the race, and earned the gold (the black belt), in the highest regard. 

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VADHA - a transliteration from Sanskrit meaning "To Slay".