dearnis.com
Master Black Belt
Well, the first Delaware WMAA camp has come to a close. I missed th elast due due to work (though I was able to sneak in and spend a few minutes this morning as things got underway...)
I spent way too much time off the mat dealing with the things that come up, but to give a quick overview...
Datu Hartman spent a fair amount of time reviewing material and emphasizing WMAA "official" versions as opposed to the myriad variations out and about. His focus was on the double-action abaniko (pick your spelling...), obstruction removal, and lock flow. In addition, Datu Hartman focused on tip control, sharp chambers, and picking the clearest path to the target. The material may have been 'basic' (read fundamental), but watching everyone's technique grow sharper and more focused through the sessions proved the importance if stressing basics.
My friend Rich Parsons continued the theme of basic but critical material with an emphasis on the six- and ten- count drills (also with some refinement by Datu Hartman). For those who don't Rich personally he is a truly fun arniasador to work with, and one of the most humble martial artists I have ever met.
Anding DeLeon, assisted by students TC and Noah, shared his insights on siniwalli and timing (unfortunately his sessions coinsided with me driving people to the train station and moving furniture, so I will leave the detailed commentary to others). I was fortunate enough to spend some time with our Texas guests. GM De Leon was a truly pleasant person, and I can't thank him enough for sharing his memories and stories of remy Presas.
Rick Manglinong once again combined a dynamite knowledge of double-stick application with a gift for teaching and refining footwork. It is always a pleasure to have Rick on the mat.
Also joining us for the weekend was Datu Bong Jornales. Suffice it to say Datu Bong introduced me to a new dimension of figure 8 movements... more on that when I have more time.
We had approximately 30 attend the camp, and I heard nothing but positives about the instructors and the instruction. I do want to especially thank my students from Delaware and from the University of Pennsylvania Club for their support and energy.
Much credit goes to co-host Sal Todaro. Sal took on many of the headaches of coordinating the camp whiel I dealt with my work and travel issues. Sal topped things off with the sumo tournament following our banquet. (more on that by others, I am sure.)
More to follow, but great job by all!!
Chad
I spent way too much time off the mat dealing with the things that come up, but to give a quick overview...
Datu Hartman spent a fair amount of time reviewing material and emphasizing WMAA "official" versions as opposed to the myriad variations out and about. His focus was on the double-action abaniko (pick your spelling...), obstruction removal, and lock flow. In addition, Datu Hartman focused on tip control, sharp chambers, and picking the clearest path to the target. The material may have been 'basic' (read fundamental), but watching everyone's technique grow sharper and more focused through the sessions proved the importance if stressing basics.
My friend Rich Parsons continued the theme of basic but critical material with an emphasis on the six- and ten- count drills (also with some refinement by Datu Hartman). For those who don't Rich personally he is a truly fun arniasador to work with, and one of the most humble martial artists I have ever met.
Anding DeLeon, assisted by students TC and Noah, shared his insights on siniwalli and timing (unfortunately his sessions coinsided with me driving people to the train station and moving furniture, so I will leave the detailed commentary to others). I was fortunate enough to spend some time with our Texas guests. GM De Leon was a truly pleasant person, and I can't thank him enough for sharing his memories and stories of remy Presas.
Rick Manglinong once again combined a dynamite knowledge of double-stick application with a gift for teaching and refining footwork. It is always a pleasure to have Rick on the mat.
Also joining us for the weekend was Datu Bong Jornales. Suffice it to say Datu Bong introduced me to a new dimension of figure 8 movements... more on that when I have more time.
We had approximately 30 attend the camp, and I heard nothing but positives about the instructors and the instruction. I do want to especially thank my students from Delaware and from the University of Pennsylvania Club for their support and energy.
Much credit goes to co-host Sal Todaro. Sal took on many of the headaches of coordinating the camp whiel I dealt with my work and travel issues. Sal topped things off with the sumo tournament following our banquet. (more on that by others, I am sure.)
More to follow, but great job by all!!
Chad
