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Seminar 2009Summer Camp 2009 Written by Master AngeloParticipants travelled from all over the country to attend the New Forest summer camp, and the guest of honour was GM Rene Tongson of the Philippines. The camp was help in the beautiful woodland setting of Brockenhurst, Hants, with the forest and herds of wild deer for the backdrop, breath taking, shame we couldn't order the British weather, which was true to form and just as we were setting up our tents it started to rain. Lucky we had seasoned campers like Master Pip (Ray Mears) Mahony and Master Barry (Bear Grylls) Chiverton and Dan, who had his tent and washing line up before we got there as did Steve, that's army training for you!!!Everyone soon mucked in and even the guys who booked hotel rooms helped to put up the tents (thanks guys, great spirit).Master Angelo and Master John were only allowed to hold the instructions up for people putting up the tents, don't think it was an important job, it just kept them from getting in the way!!!After the tents were put up and the camp was ready it was time for our first season, this was held in a gaint marquee. GM Rene Tongson was up first showing the Abaniko Tres Puntas system, the speed and grace of GM Rene is astounding. we started with basic movements as a lot of people had not done much stick work before, but GM had them moving through the drills like they were old hands and before long everyone was flowing and amazing themselves. GM has a wonderful knack of relaxing everyone and using everyone out of the crowd to demonstrate with him at the front, he always reminds me of a swan it looks effortless but you know the amount of work that went in to get to that level, since 1963!!! His sence of humour is priceless, his approachability showed over the weekend by going around the tents giving unplanned lessons to campers, a wonderful Grandmaster who is deeply loved and respected in the UK.After GM Rene, Master John gave his usual impressive take on hitting pressure points in a light way to devastating effects, showing that you don't have to use brutr forceto utilize pressure points for self defence.Master Angelo then ran through some basic points and everyones' favourite, the mental nerve going into strangulation.Training concluded, it was fish and chip time, GM Rene loves this British Classic.(Thanks to Claire for going out to get them for everyone.)After a good sleep we woke up on Saturday to a beautiful summers morning, the smell of sausages, eggs and bacon was all around the camp. We started training at 10am and Dan warmed us up with some mobility and stretching exercises which were very welcome to get us going for the day.GM Rene started the teaching and proceeded to increase the intensity of the drills started on the Friday night. Such is his manner and teaching style everyone was gliding through them.Next Master John was up showing how to buzz people using the pressure points with very little effort, watching everyones eyes rolling about showed how Master John lives by the principle of even with little force you are still able to get a good result, and thankfully he proceeded to show headache recovery and well being, which was very welcome. He also demonstrated that it's not all about hurting people, Kyusho-jitsu is much deeper than that, although he always says sorry after hitting people, we are not sure that we believe him!!!Master Barry took the floor giving an excellent display of Tai Jitsu, demonstrating the art of invisibility and hitting home the principle of you can't hit what you can't see. We did not let him go in the woods or we would never find him again and we needed him for teaching the next day. Master Barry is a fabulous martial artist and spent most of his time helping the kids on the course, such is the humbleness of his man, he is an example of a true martial artist and is admired by all of us.Master Pip was up next showing us through his Aikido, how strong non-aggression is, this he says, clearly demonstrated by his teacher who at 83 still throws men 20 stone plus around with little effort. Master Pip's teaching is always a revelation and has given us all an added dimension to our martail arts and a deeper understanding of ourselves.Knife combat came next and Master Angelo showed how easy and how many times you can be cut in a short space of time, we hope that all the people that took part are still able to have children!!! Movement and economy of motion was stressed and this had young Dan falling on to the knife time and time again.We had a frantastic days training and the friendly atmosphere throughout the sem to seminar was clear to see with everyone helping each other.After a good days training we were all loking forward to the BBQ, some liquid refreshment and a chance to catch up with friends (and to get to know new ones). A beautiful summers night, with a clear sky and stars shining, Steve brought the music but we said not many people like AGA DO, still bless him!!!The girls were fantastic, a big thanks to Lorraine, Jenny, Claire and Kelly who helped make the camp run smoothly, with all the hard work behind the scenes, we are all truly grateful.After what looks like we have started a tradition with 'Dans morning workout' Sundays training got under way. After a pressure point slot by Master Angelo and Master John, this time we invited guest instructors to take part and join in. First up was Adam Illidge from Rugeley how gave an excellent teaching on sticking hands and it was very warmly received from the seminar participants, Adam is a talented martial artist.Then came Bob (do you know who i am) Carruther. Bob is 'old school' Shotokan with 36 years plus to his credit, he does not mess about and gave a fine diplay of skill, straight to the point. What Bob leaves with everyone is his wonderful humour and sense of fun, a true gentlemen, we were lucky to have him at the seminar.Master Jamie was still suffering with back problems but with true courage took part in the seminar and did as much as he could. We wish him a speedy recovery as you could see his eagerness to get back to full training and our thoughts are with you.Two more mind blowing teaching slots from Master Pip and Master Barry was followed by GM Rene who, after doing all the advanced stuff and drills on the first day, went back to basics such as his unique teaching style. It was like having the main course after you have already eaten the pudding but it worked. He brought out the best in everyone in that relaxed way he has, it's a knack without even trying. A true Grandmaster who's help, support and teachings has made Classical Arnis and Abaniko Tres Puntas form very strong roots in the UK.Many thanks to everone who took part, our lives are all richer for sharing this experience. This website was created using MAGIX Website Maker You will need the current version of Adobe Flash Player to view it. Further information can be found at magix.info - the Multimedia Knowledge Community by MAGIX, the market leader for music, photo, and video software. |