Something that i've been wondering about. Is there a point in your training, say around about the GM level, that you stop learning from outside sources? Where do you stop incorporating and instead flesh out your system, maybe consider is "complete"? If you've inherited a system, cut and dry, well that's somewhat clear (or is it). What you've got is the system and you continue to refine it with your existing experiences.
But if you've eventually created your own system, when do you stop considering and using new external sources? When/or ever are you at the level where you no longer need to be influenced?
I've heard it said "Arnis - the art that never stops growing", just like the rattan plant.
But what if you take that plant and put it in a pot. Sure it will continue to grow. But if it isn't fertilized will it not eventually become weaker? How's that for mystikal prose Bobbe? (And no, this is definitely not directed AT Bobbe).
I really didn’t think this one was going to happen but it looks like we’ll be going to the 10th WEKAF World’s in Cebu, PI afterall. I was almost resigned to not going and some sponsorship just came our way. I would be fine without going. Hey it’s great to go but at the expense, ect I’m not that hung on it. I’ve been once and that was certainly a must do, once in a life thing. But I really wanted to take Cole. I remember being there in 2004 and thinking about it. He had just started training a few months prior and I thought how cool it would be to bring him in 4 years when it was there again. If you’ve been to a 3rd world country you understand. No pictures can really capture the experience and the feeling you leave with. It's not all negative, don’t get me wrong. But going to a 3rd world country (and not a vacation place like Jamaica which I refer to as 2nd world) has a way of reshuffling your priorities and your perspective on things. Cole is by no means privileged or covetous. Heck, he refuses to wear shirts that have any popular “in crowd” type labels. A simple hooded sweatshirt, a graphic T or even an old car show Tshirt is his preference. His tastes are already very simple and his needs not materialistic. He understands working for a purchase. But he is also at a pivotal age of 14 where an experience like this could really shape his world view. 2yrs from now could be too late. So I was really on a downer about not being able to give him that experience. If it were just me I would have thrown in the towel already. But I followed some of Mushtaq’s Sufi advice and it really seems to have worked out! And I've got a way better camera this time. Cole also spent some time with Cody (actually quite a bit) and Bobbe at the last Gathering, it’s already shown tremendous potential changes in him. They had a great affect and I really appreciate it.
Cody is the consumate professional coach and has done tremendous things for me over the past year.
Bobbe gave Cole some great stuff to work on and also the experience of what it feels like to really be on the other end of a stick from a highly skilled fighter who's been there. What’s even more exciting is, he really does have a very good chance to win a World Championship this time!!!
What am I looking forward to the most?
Yeah, it was that dark when I fought.
Probably this, even though I brought home a few million guests afterwards last time.
I've been a student of the Martial Arts for over two decades so I'm starting to get the hang of it now. TKD, Hapkido, Aikido, Silat, Arnis and currently Navasisha Asika NaiPunya. Had some good success at the Arnis which was very good to me and has allowed me to see some of the world too. Spent most of those years training like my hair was on fire (the original name of the blog). In the last year (2006) I sort of physically "broke" as a result and it has been a long interesting path putting myself back together.