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“YOU CAN’T HIDE WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW IN THE STREET”

OR ON “JAM DAY”

   My travels took me to Dennis Thomas dojo for a Thursday night class. We worked kata bunkai and street punching. It was my best trip to Athens. Dennis and Niki are making the dojo their full time, job and it showed in their students. It also showed in them. They look great, in shape, and it showed the hard physical work they have been putting in.  We had a good time but not at the expense of getting things done. It was a sweat hog class and no one was spared. Afterwards, I drove back to Knoxville to check in to a motel and keep an early morning gym date with Joe Laney. I didn’t want to do a lot but Joe’s routine makes me feel guilty if I don’t.

   Friday night was the Harold Long Foundation board meeting. So much has been accomplished, thanks to the generosity of the donors. The meeting went well, stayed on course and laid some ground work for continued progress. The board recognizes the political climate of its detractors as well as its supporters. Having said that, there will be an announcement later, addressing the situation.

   Ron Honeycutt was elected as a new board member. His own work ethic, experience, and logical approach to things will serve the foundation well.

   Saturday was “JAM DAY” and as predicted and promised, our best and most successful JAM yet. We began the day with time dedicated to the kids only. Several mini seminars were done but the development board members, covered; ground warm ups, kid self-defense, kata bunkai, jujitsu/ground and street striking. Afterwards, the kids engaged in some very lively reality training. Each went three consecutive one minute rounds, with a minutes rest in between. First round; kick boxing, second; grappling, third; mma fighting. It was a toss up as to who had the most fun; the kids or the spectators. The kids were amazing in their display of mma skills.

   Between the kids and adult seminars we took time to hand out some well deserved promotion and recognition.

   With permission of his Sensei Pete Mills, the ICA senior board, certified James Ogle as a Kudan. James had already been promoted by Master Mills, but Butch Hill made the recommendation for the board to also promote James and we unanimously accepted it. James is just a phenomenal instructor, practitioner, and individual. We were all honored to sign his certificate. A person quietly asked me on a break if I thought Isshin-ryu had too many 9^th dans. I said it wouldn’t if the ones that can’t adequately demonstrate the rank would give it back.

DRAGONS

FOREVER

   Two Red Dragons Forever Tabs were given. This was gratifying for us as some of our original choices have been voted off due to a change in our relationship. Our Red Dragon page will reflect the additions and subtractions.

   The first was a first. It went to a non martial artist, Debbie Honeycutt. She epitomizes the leadership, friendship, and dedication necessary for 12 yes votes, by the Dragon Black Belts. Her work with the HLF and ICA has been invaluable and in short time.  She has organized a bunch of people desperately in need of administrative organization. All money now goes to Debbie as well as all patch and t- shirt transactions.  Now if someone questions our honesty, see Debbie…Ha Ha, I’d pay to hear that conversation.

   Chuck Reynolds was another popular pick. We have never been to Chucks tournament or had him at our school. However, we respect and admire Sensei Reynolds martial arts skills, students, knowledge, moral compass, and individuality. I guess getting votes from guys you have beaten in tournaments is an impressive testimonial in itself. For Chuck it was easy. He attends the Jams both as an instructor and participant. He throws himself into both. And as I said, has become a favorite of ours.  

   Next were the big boys and girls. The senior board members conducted training seminars on; boxing, street striking, kicking strategy, jujitsu, clinch fighting, and clinch take downs. We then separated everyone into three groups: beginner, intermediate and advanced. At that point, we went to separate rings to do the same thing the kids did. It was instant gratification to watch my beginner and intermediate group use some of the skills they had learned that day the other instructors felt the same.  It kept underlining my point ALL DAY: “YOU CAN’T HIDE YOUR LACK OF SKILLS IN THE STREET. All bought in to that and trained accordingly. I can only say that all left with more confidence and street savvy than they came in with.  

   Maybe the most exciting part of the day was a boxing match between Dragon, Leon Scott and Professional Heavy weight fighter, Owen Beck. Owen is a win away from a title shot and we are all pulling for him. Especially after meeting him .A student of Sensei Mike Taylor,(who brought energy and attitude with him), Owen was a joy to have around. A mountain of a man, his affable nature and down to earth manner made him an instant hit. He and Leon squared off and it was something to watch. After a minute or so, Owen took off his headgear and said, now I am going to go toe to toe. Leon took off his headgear and it was on. Owen was very fair but brought plenty of heat. Leon got in several punches of his own with some good inside combinations and guts. It went two action packed rounds. Afterwards Owen was so impressed with Leon that he gave him his private email address to come train with him. I’m seeing to it that he does, as I’m going to beg in too.

   As is said it was a great day. Illness and drop outs whittled us down a bit but we also had 41 new people there. We regret losing some people who are not re-uping this year but deeply appreciate their support during the tough start up time.

   Thanks all of you again who attended and lets start getting ready for February Jam now