I'll be writing up a review for the WMAA web site. To expand on what Kaith wrote, I'll jot a few quick notes here. Forgive me for not going more in-depth, but we got back at 11:30 last night after a nine and a half hour drive, and I'm fried.
The Camp had an interesting blend of technique offered this year with Rick Manglinong, Datu Hartman, and Julie Kedzie teaching. Kaith and Matt Dorsey also got into the game by giving seminars on their respective areas of expertise.
We started off on Thursday evening with an open mat for those who arrived early. Tim went over his new method of teaching the 12 basic disarms and reviewed some curriculum areas for instructors who needed it. Following the class there was stick sparring for those who wanted it.
Friday morning's schedule called for Julie to start at around noon, but she was driving up from Maryland and ran into foul weather. Tim switched spots with her and started the camp with his Modern Arnis Fundamentals section. He once again went over the new way of teaching disarms. He had people apply the 12 basic disarms that Professor taught--but against various angles of attack. Students were tasked with trying to determine whether the disarm was properly applicable to a particular attack. The instructors I talked to were enthusiastic about this new approach, feeling it gave the students a better idea as to how to apply disarms. He covered a number of things in additon to the disarms, such as three basic blocking methods...but by this time I was working with Julie in preparing her section of the camp. Others here might be able to fill in more specifics.
Julie started her portion of the seminar by teaching basic elements of boxing, kickboxing, and pad drills. She covered the proper execution of the jab, cross, and hook as well as basics of the round kick. Students then practiced various combinations on focus mitts.
Following chow Punong Guro Rick Manglinong reviewed last year's double stick instruction. He taught it at a pace that beginners could handle. I was paired up with Julie and she had never done any of it before (and hadn't picked up a stick since she started fighting pro). Before too long she was rockin' right along and having a great time. They were fun drills.
The double stick method he showed involved some new sinawalis (new for us Modern Arnis old-timers) and a counter fighting approach that translated well to empty hand methods. After a bit we dropped the sticks and went over empty hand traps taken out of the stick techniques. Rick's method of instruction is relaxed and effective. He's very approachable and gentle. Sure, he poked fun at me and I ended up crying myself to sleep that night...I'm overly sensitive...but with others he was very patient.
That evening Bob Hubbard gave a helpful class on web site development for school and club owners. Prior to the class I didn't know how Google rated sites nor how I could get my site higher in the ratings. Bob also talked about how NOT to design a site, as well as what one ought to do. The class went beyond internet advertising, and he dispensed some valuable information on non-internet marketing in addition.
The following morning Julie started her grappling section. I didn't see this, as I was desperately searching out a cup of Starbuck's coffee with Rich Parson's in tow for emotional support (I'm an addict, I confess, and he calmed me down during when I became hysterical at one point).
Julie's method is "ground and pound," so she covered basic positioning skills. She taught an uncontested flow drill of sorts, or a "sumbrada," where each pair of practioners sought out dominant postion on each other. It sounds like it was a good basic drill for beginners...and most of the attendees hadn't done much (if any) grappling. I'm not sure if Julie showed any submissions (she certainly knows some). Primo was there, maybe he could tell us in greater detail what she went over.
After Julie's class PG Rick taught defensive tactics with the cane and reviewed the double stick techniques. I was by that time primed with a vente coffee and more than ready to train. Tim introduced to seminar instructor Matt Dorsey and he paired up with me for that section. Matt is a nice guy and well versed with a cane. He'd never done any of PG Rick's stuff but quickly picked up on it.
That afternoon Datu Tim covered advanced Tapi-Tapi (with a HYPHEN, I'm told), cross hand inserts, and abecedario as well as the history of the drills and how the term "tapi-tapi" evolved.
Following Tim's presentation some of the instructors gathered for Matt Dorseys seminar on school management. Dorsey was an engaging speaker and gave a professional presentation. He broke down the basic elements of what an instructor had to do to have a professional martial arts club or school. I found it to be helpful information and particularly synergistic with what Bob taught the night before.
After a break we all proceeded to the banquet. We celebrated Datu's 40th birthday, ate, drank champagne, and had drawings for door prizes. I won a set of Sal Todaro's palm sticks (Bolivian made, and encased in a beautiful knit bag) and one of my students, Josh, won a slot machine. I ended up giving the palm sticks to Eric Charles, as Sal had been very generous in giving me a pair earlier in the day. At one point during the evening Tim called up PG Rick, Julie, and Bob Hubbard and presented them with a watch embossed on the face with the WMAA logo...and gift wrapped in WMAA wrapping paper.
Sunday started with PG Rick going over previous material from the weekend. He added in some extra material with the single stick, double stick, and knife. He taught applications of rompida and abaniko, as well as the ĀdobleteĀ method. While teaching he passed some historical background on various techniques and where they originated in the Phillipines. He called this section ĀArnis 101Ā and showcased it as a preview of what he was going to show next year. Datu Hartman finished up the camp with training in his EDT (Edged-weapons Defensive Tactics), working on empty hand defenses against a blade.
On a personal note, aside from all the great training I have to say the PEOPLE that showed up was what made the camp so special. The club that came down from Penn was comprised of a bunch of enthusiastic young men and women. My one regret was that I didnĀt get to know some of them better. I spent some time with Rich Parsons and Sal Todaro and have to say that both of these guys are true gentlemen and very nice guys. Both are generous with their time, attention and resources and devoted to the martial arts. Rick Manglinong is easily one of the most likeable people IĀve ever met. HeĀs a good teacher, too. Thanks go to Jeff Leader, as well for his work behind the scenes at the camp.
I want to particularly thank Rich and Tim for staying up with Eric until early in the morning and giving him extra training. I know he appreciated your effort, and I appreciate your recognition of his talent and passion for the Filipino martial arts.
My thanks also go to Bob Hubbard for spending time with Julie on developing her web site. I want to thank Tim for offering the opportunity for Jules to teach. IĀve known her since she was 12 and sheĀs been like a daughter to me. Thanks to you all for showing her such kindness and consideration.
Forgive the rushed overview of the camp, but my wife is demanding I take her out to Outback steakhouse. I confess, I'm in the mood for a "Melbourne."
Regards,
Steve