L
Les Sipes
Guest
In prepareing for the honor of hosting the 1st Annual Pac. NW Reunion of Warriors, I am reflective in the fortunate position of welcoming some of the most prolific names in our art. It is new to me to be graced with names like Labounty, Sepulvida, White,
Conatser, Hebler, and I carry this as no small honor. These names as well as Dr. Crimi, Alan Henderson, and John Smith will guarantee a sweet learning experience for all attending. I am looking forward to meeting all of the Kenpo bro's and sisters coming.
However, I feel obligated to take pause for many of my students that will not be able to attend because of their military obligation.
These are intense times, and I would like to send a shout-out to the Kenpo people who are practicing for/ and on the the literal field of battle, and to refresh them for a second by telling them that they are being remembered and prayed for.
I recognize and acknowledge your sacrafice and thank you. Martial Artists of all styles should remember that our history demonstrates the need for freedom and the liberty we take for granted every day.
It wasn't that long ago that a teacher of a
fighting art would take a ranking student to a pupils home for a lesson. This students sole purpose was to watch the door to make sure government soldiers and guards didn't discover the
instruction which would result in arrest.
With this in mind, a gathering such as the April 5th Seattle seminars, or the AKKS camp in Las Vegas, would at one time, under another flag, would have been considered subversive activities, and would be dealt with harshly.
So, to Bonnie Maser in Camp Red Cloud, Korea, and Scott Overman in Ft. Strewart, GA. and Doug Leavengood in the Persian
Gulf, and to all the others. Heres to you from the ol' ex-Ranger.
We are proud of you, and our prayers and thoughts are with you.
We are the Land of the Free, BECAUSE of the Brave!!!
Conatser, Hebler, and I carry this as no small honor. These names as well as Dr. Crimi, Alan Henderson, and John Smith will guarantee a sweet learning experience for all attending. I am looking forward to meeting all of the Kenpo bro's and sisters coming.
However, I feel obligated to take pause for many of my students that will not be able to attend because of their military obligation.
These are intense times, and I would like to send a shout-out to the Kenpo people who are practicing for/ and on the the literal field of battle, and to refresh them for a second by telling them that they are being remembered and prayed for.
I recognize and acknowledge your sacrafice and thank you. Martial Artists of all styles should remember that our history demonstrates the need for freedom and the liberty we take for granted every day.
It wasn't that long ago that a teacher of a
fighting art would take a ranking student to a pupils home for a lesson. This students sole purpose was to watch the door to make sure government soldiers and guards didn't discover the
instruction which would result in arrest.
With this in mind, a gathering such as the April 5th Seattle seminars, or the AKKS camp in Las Vegas, would at one time, under another flag, would have been considered subversive activities, and would be dealt with harshly.
So, to Bonnie Maser in Camp Red Cloud, Korea, and Scott Overman in Ft. Strewart, GA. and Doug Leavengood in the Persian
Gulf, and to all the others. Heres to you from the ol' ex-Ranger.
We are proud of you, and our prayers and thoughts are with you.
We are the Land of the Free, BECAUSE of the Brave!!!