Annual Spring Gathering in Michigan

[ksmaguro]

The Annual Spring Gathering of the Tribes


Brought to you by
The League of Non-Aligned Martial Artists
Hosted by
Innovative Martial Arts



When: Weekend of May 25 - 28th
(Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday)

Where: Innovative Martial Arts
2400 Grand River NE
Grand Rapids, Mi 49525
Contact: Chuck Pippin
Phone: 616-364-0019
Email: triharmony@comcast.net
Web: www.innovativemartialarts.com (http://www.innovativemartialarts.com/)

Cost: $50 Per Person (RSVP as soon as you can please, Space is LIMITED)

Itinerary:
Friday: Evening “get to know ya”
Saturday: Work out 9am - 5pm...Pot Luck Feast to follow
Sunday: Martial Arts and Healing , Silat Zulfikari Workshop, etc.
Monday: Holiday! Stay and get more training...or just hang out!

What will the weekend consist of?A variety of empty hand, blade, and stick/staff work as expressed through Pencak Silat, San Yun Do, Scientific Fighting Congress, Maharlika Kuntaw (Tausug version taught by Guru Buzz Smith), and other martial arts.
Instructors include Guru Mushtaq Ali, Sensei’s Chuck Pippin and Don Young, Guru Buzz Smith, and other Guests...


(Please Note:
These events are more fun that is legally allow in some States, so please check you local regulations)

[Brian R. VanCise]

Sounds like a great line up Jay!http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

[CoryKS]

Grand Rapids, my home town! Should be a lot of fun.

[tellner]

I missed the last one but won't miss this one. It's fantastic, especially if the "special guests" are who I think they're going to be.

[ksmaguro]

I am desperately trying to figure a way to ge to this one. The Fall Gathering was a good time as usual, but I would like to meet some of the famed "special guests." Put a face and a handshake with those I only know on the net, y'know?

[ksmaguro]

WOO-HOO!
I'm in!

[Carol]

Sounds like a great time! :) :)

[kuntawguro]

OMG! They have me listed- looks like i will HAVE to go! It is a great time.

[ksmaguro]

You did great before, Buzz, I think you can manage it! ;-)
Looking forward to hanging out with you (and everyone else) again.

Carol-
c'mon over, I have been going to Chuck's place at least once a year for (OMG) at least 5 years and they are always a great gig!

[Carol]

You did great before, Buzz, I think you can manage it! ;-)
Looking forward to hanging out with you (and everyone else) again.

Carol-
c'mon over, I have been going to Chuck's place at least once a year for (OMG) at least 5 years and they are always a great gig!

Thanks so much for the kind offer! Unfortunately I drew the short straw at work and am on-call Memorial Day weekend which means I can't do much traveling. :(

I hope you have a fantastic time though! Hope to make an event in the not-too distant future.

[ksmaguro]

Hope to make an event in the not-too distant future.
Well, there is the Pencak Silat Pertempuran Keluarga in August ( http://www.combat-silat.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15 ), that is another excellent gathering! Too bad you are on call! There will be the Fall Gathering of the Tribes in Michigan I am sure.

[Bill Bednarick]

I'm in!

Talked to Mushtaq earlier this week.

And bring yer trade goods, I'm bringing mine. ;)

[ksmaguro]

And bring yer trade goods, I'm bringing mine.
Do you mean the Balur? ;-)

[Bill Bednarick]

Do you mean the Balur? ;-)

Sure...

You bring the fix-em ups I'll bring the bust-em ups.;)

[tellner]

Huh. I'm bringing Balur, too.

[Bill Bednarick]

Todd,

Did you see the post I made in the piper thread about bringing some saps to this?

Not the 2 legged kind, the bonecracking lights out kind.;)

[ksmaguro]

You bring the fix-em ups I'll bring the bust-em ups.
keen.


Huh. I'm bringing Balur, too.
It's a balur bath party!


Did you see the post I made in the piper thread about bringing some saps to this? Not the 2 legged kind, the bonecracking lights out kind.
Interest peaked! Have any pics on your site?

[Brian R. VanCise]

keen.


It's a balur bath party!


Interest peaked! Have any pics on your site?

Hey Jay,

I believe these are what Bill is talking about. (or a variation)

http://www.combativecustoms.com/impact.aspx

[ksmaguro]

Thanks for the link Brian.

[Bill Bednarick]

Yup, that's the general idea.

I'll have a bunch of one offs and oddities true custom stuff.
And a few live blades, probably some trainers too.

[Brian R. VanCise]

Jay if you have never seen Bill's work you are in for a real treat! http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

[tellner]

Bill,

I haven't been to the Piper Forum in a few days. It sounds like we'll be needing all that Balur :) I'll be bringing a few toys, too - slungshots, life preservers, maybe a couple "Bosun's Pals" if I can get the five-part crowned star knot right.

[ksmaguro]

Jay if you have never seen Bill's work you are in for a real treat!
I have seen some on a visit to Chucks last fall and on his website previously. Me likey.


I'll be bringing a few toys, too - slungshots, life preservers, maybe a couple "Bosun's Pals" if I can get the five-part crowned star knot right.
Man, I hope I have a job by then. Those are tempting items to have around to get familiar with....

[tellner]

Be really REALLY careful with them. Weighted flexible weapons are a great way to hurt yourself when you're starting out. Y'know. I think I'm going to bring along a few cork-loaded or rope-loaded ones for practice. The weight will be different, but it will be a little less dangerous to learn :eek:

[ksmaguro]

cork-loaded
rope-loaded
KEEN! (no The Tick emoticon)

[kuntawguro]

Anybody who lives within 6 hours of this gathering is missing out on a great weekend if they don't avail themselves. I have learned quite a lot of info from the people attending these functions. Hopefully i have helped them as well in their search.
Buzz

[ksmaguro]

Anybody who lives within 6 hours of this gathering is missing out on a great weekend if they don't avail themselves.
Heck! If you read this, you should come regardless of where from! Book a flight now!

[tellner]

What they said. You'll also have the chance to see the host test for his fourth degree black belt in front of a jury of his peers, none of whom practice his system. Hanging Judge Mushtaq Ali Al-Ansari presiding :)

[ksmaguro]

You'll also have the chance to see the host test for his fourth degree black belt in front of a jury of his peers, none of whom practice his system. Hanging Judge Mushtaq Ali Al-Ansari presiding

NICE! We'll work up an appetite for the Pot Luck™!

[chuckfu]

Hello all,

My name is Chuck Pippin. I have been studying the Arts for about 17 years now... and have loved every bit of it.

I know some of you from previous Gatherings and look forward to seeing this May!

I'm very excited about this one...I think this will be the best one yet.

I love learning from all of you...and love the lack of politics!

Chuck

[ksmaguro]

My name is Chuck Pippin.
All together now, Hi Chuck!

[chuckfu]

Hi Jay...

You think you might be able to drag Tony along this time? Or is he gonna be doing the Dad thing...?

[ksmaguro]

I just had him here for dinner this evening and I believe he will be doing the dad thing.
I could start planting some seeds, however.....(insert evil laugh)....I will mention it to his wife. mmmwwwhhhaaaaa!

[kuntawguro]

Glad to see you could join us here Chuck- I am looking forward to another bonfire and mosquito bash

[Terry Trahan]

Hello everyone, just thought I'd stop by and drop a greeting. I have studied some Silat Zulfikari through Guru Mushtaq for a little while.
Looks like I'm going to make the Gathering this time as well.

See ya'll then.

[kuntawguro]

Hello everyone, just thought I'd stop by and drop a greeting. I have studied some Silat Zulfikari through Guru Mushtaq for a little while.
Looks like I'm going to make the Gathering this time as well.

See ya'll then.
That's great terry

[tellner]

Good to see you here, Terry! It looks like the whole wrecking crew will be in Michigan.

[ksmaguro]

Hello everyone, just thought I'd stop by and drop a greeting. I have studied some Silat Zulfikari through Guru Mushtaq for a little while.
Looks like I'm going to make the Gathering this time as well.

See ya'll then.

Awesome! This will be a great time!

[kuntawguro]

and the list grows

[Bill Bednarick]

Great to hear you're going to make it Terry!

I had asked Mushtaq if you were coming this time.

I'll have some objects de' art at the gathering you may want to see.
Stuff like this.

http://www.lokiland.org/images/saps/JRfront.jpg

[Terry Trahan]

I'll definately be there, and looking forward to meeting and seeing everyone.
Bill, I think I might UPS a package up there with some toys to show
to you, and anyone else who is interested.
Those barong trainers on your site are cool as hell looking, BTW.
Take care all!

[Terry Trahan]

Bill,
Are you going to bring some trainers and stuff with you as well?

[Bill Bednarick]

Terry, yes I'll have some trainers and stuff with me.

Don't know how I missed your reply.

See you and everyone else this weekend!

[tellner]

I'm really sorry to say I won't be there (fever of 103+ hasn't completely broken yet). Have fun, everybody!

[Brian R. VanCise]

Get well Tellner!

[ksmaguro]

I'm really sorry to say I won't be there (fever of 103+ hasn't completely broken yet). Have fun, everybody!
what!?!
Man, I am really sorry to hear that. Do take care of yourself. It won't be the same.

[tellner]

Thanks for the good wishes. I'll really miss seeing you guys. But there's always the Fall Gathering...

[kuntawguro]

I, for one, had a great time this last weekend. Met a lot of new faces and had a few insights given to me by those in the know.

[ksmaguro]

I, for one, had a great time this last weekend. Met a lot of new faces and had a few insights given to me by those in the know.
As did I! I can't wait until my next visit! I look forward to seeing everyone again.

[kuntawguro]

I was very humbled when Mushdaq called me one of the elders- total surprise.

[kuntawguro]

The weather didn't hamper or put out the fires of knowledge this past weekeend at the Spring Gathering of The Tribes. People came from Iowa, Washington State, California, Indiana, and many other areas all in the name of learning , sharing, and comradery. Their was no sign of egos, no sign of competition, and no dissing of sstems/ styles/ attributes. A lot of knowledge was passed, friendships made, and stories swapped. ( we also had a lot of fun playing the games we play. Chuck and Don made their advancements, I was finally able to meet Grand Master Bobby Taboada, Guro Bobbe Edmonds, and was finally able to put a face to Terry Trahanns handle.Chuck was a gracious host and the mosquitos didn't eat me alive this time. I did miss the bonfire and being able to do some Silat with Guro Bobbe- I was giving an interview while his session ran. Tho I did get a bunch of comments from my students on the way home as to Bobbe's teaching skills and Keystone Cops humor- all were good and have mystudents talking still about it. Thank you Bobbe for the insights and sparking my students to learn more.
I cannot wait until the Fall Gathering. This time I hope to be in better physical condition. It sucks having your hands and legs swell without notice or warning. But, alas, I digress. A hearty thank you to those who made the trip and made the weekend enjoyable.

[tellner]

Grr. Snarl. Growl.

Just wait until next time. Damned fever...

Say, Buzz, I think I've come up with a solution to your weapons storage problem. Let's talk...

[kuntawguro]

weapons storage is a problem, but not as bad as the tons of trophies that are propagating in my basement as we speak

[Bill Bednarick]

weapons storage is a problem, but not as bad as the tons of trophies that are propagating in my basement as we speak

Weapons storage problems?

I'll fix that...

Next time I stop we'll just pile them in the back of my Jeep.
Or if that's too much, I'll just take the ones lurking under sofas and beds.:)

[Brian R. VanCise]

Weapons storage problems?

I'll fix that...

Next time I stop we'll just pile them in the back of my Jeep.
Or if that's too much, I'll just take the ones lurking under sofas and beds.:)


See Buzz problem fixed! http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon6.gif

Sounds like everyone had a great time at the gathering. http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

[kuntawguro]

yeah Brian - I tool all the good stuff- too bad you missed out

[Brian R. VanCise]

Yes it is to bad. I may though head down there sometime for some private training or to another gathering.

[tellner]

The trophies are more difficult, too big, too irregular. I'd suggest keeping the little plaques that say when and where. Melt the actual trophies down and pour a gigantic beer stein or statue of the Buddha Manju-Sri out of the metal :)

[kuntawguro]

The gathering was a blast - go here for an overview
http://tracelesswarrior.blogspot.com