If you hadn't noticed, Van is just beaming with excitement. Two of "his boys" are going up to the advanced promotional ceremony on Saturday night at camp.
I've known both Vinnie and Carlos for many years - even before their days with Van. Both of them are the kinds of individuals that a teacher would love to have. I've seen them both capable of taking any decent teacher and make them look good. And it hasn't been easy for either one of them.
Vinnie these days sports a bionic hip. But he can still pack a whallop in his thrusts. I still remember many varied and stellar kata performances through the years. And Vinnie has shared many experiences and kind words with me over time.
Carlos has had to deal with "politics" through the years. We won't go there. Let's just say that good spirits rise in spite of their surroundings, and always seem to dignify their existances in the end. Carlos is a tiger. The intensity with which he lives both karate and life is remarkable. His stable of sport fighters is known around the WKF world. And he has a quick smile to match it all.
I'm looking forward to seeing them both at camp. And count me in ahead of time for a warm congratulations on Saturday evening.
As a Uechi community, we are truly blessed. Let us never forget our brotherhood and sisterhood. Let us never forget to celebrate human achievement, and the wonderful personalities who breathe life into it.
- Bill
To Vinnie and Carlos
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Bill Glasheen
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- Location: Richmond, VA --- Louisville, KY
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SAN-DAI-RYU
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- Location: PINAMAR-BUENOS AIRES-ARGENTINA
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Bill,
Thank you for the kind words. I know that they are truely from the heart.
Just a few words on what's been happening. My training has been Uechi heaven.
Along with my usual workouts with Van sensei, my friend Carlos and I have been training together for the past couple of months.
I train with Gary Khoury sensei several times a week. Gary is the man!
I train at the Hut on Saturday mornings with the likes of Paul Giella, Fedele and several other Master level instructors.
My average week is like a mini-summer camp.
It reminds me when back in the 70's and 80's, Bobby Campbell called me the Uechi _hore because I trained at so many different dojos.
Wait until you see Carlos on Saturday night. He is going to rock the building. He is amazing.
I'm very excited about going up with my dear friend Clarence.
Someone will have to tie a rope around me to pull me down. It doesn't get any better than this.
Thank you for the kind words. I know that they are truely from the heart.
Just a few words on what's been happening. My training has been Uechi heaven.
Along with my usual workouts with Van sensei, my friend Carlos and I have been training together for the past couple of months.
I train with Gary Khoury sensei several times a week. Gary is the man!
I train at the Hut on Saturday mornings with the likes of Paul Giella, Fedele and several other Master level instructors.
My average week is like a mini-summer camp.
It reminds me when back in the 70's and 80's, Bobby Campbell called me the Uechi _hore because I trained at so many different dojos.
Wait until you see Carlos on Saturday night. He is going to rock the building. He is amazing.
I'm very excited about going up with my dear friend Clarence.
Someone will have to tie a rope around me to pull me down. It doesn't get any better than this.
Vinny Christiano
Yes, Bill _ many thanks for the accolades _
Carlos and Vinny are indeed two of the very finest human beings in this world.
Their technical performance and superb conditioning are even more remarkable given the life hurdles they have had to overcome.
The ‘bionic hip’ _ and Carlos’ miraculous recovery after his near loss of an eye to a knife wielding punk, he almost killed with his ‘tiger paw’, are a deep lesson to us all in martial indomitable spirit_
And when watching my dear friend Clarence perform on Saturday night, we want to keep in mind the terrible injuries he overcame and conquered from the bullets his body took from a gangbanger with a gun, he charged as a lion, one dark nightmarish night a few years back.
What I saw and heard while visiting Clarence in the trauma unit, the day after the shooting, is etched indelibly in my soul. But for the Grace of God…
_ Thundering applause Saturday evening to these Uechi Samurais_
The ‘continuum specialists’ _
Stellar students, such as these men, _ make me feel at the pinnacle of my Uechi life _
And Gary Khoury, with his certified modern combatives cross training credentials blending with traditional excellence, is a tactical treasure.
Carlos and Vinny are indeed two of the very finest human beings in this world.
Their technical performance and superb conditioning are even more remarkable given the life hurdles they have had to overcome.
The ‘bionic hip’ _ and Carlos’ miraculous recovery after his near loss of an eye to a knife wielding punk, he almost killed with his ‘tiger paw’, are a deep lesson to us all in martial indomitable spirit_
And when watching my dear friend Clarence perform on Saturday night, we want to keep in mind the terrible injuries he overcame and conquered from the bullets his body took from a gangbanger with a gun, he charged as a lion, one dark nightmarish night a few years back.
What I saw and heard while visiting Clarence in the trauma unit, the day after the shooting, is etched indelibly in my soul. But for the Grace of God…
_ Thundering applause Saturday evening to these Uechi Samurais_
Along with my usual workouts with Van sensei, my friend Carlos and I have been training together for the past couple of months.
I train with Gary Khoury sensei several times a week. Gary is the man!
The ‘continuum specialists’ _
Stellar students, such as these men, _ make me feel at the pinnacle of my Uechi life _
And Gary Khoury, with his certified modern combatives cross training credentials blending with traditional excellence, is a tactical treasure.
Van
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Bill Glasheen
- Posts: 17299
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Richmond, VA --- Louisville, KY
Thanks for stepping in, Van. I didn't feel qualified to speak for Clarence, because I never got to know him personally. But I do remember watching him win a tournament back in the day. He had a way of dusting the floor with his opponents. And everyone who knows Clarence knows that smile.
The wonderful part of the Clarence story is that he triumphed over what would have killed most of us, and we will be there to celebrate life with him.
- Bill
The wonderful part of the Clarence story is that he triumphed over what would have killed most of us, and we will be there to celebrate life with him.
- Bill
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f.Channell
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- Joined: Thu Oct 21, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Valhalla
Last time I saw Clarence was in 1977-78 when I was a newly started white belt.
He came by and taught a couple of classes.
I remember him telling us to put our strikes "right on the money" and I've never forgotten.
I have trained with Vinny and Carlos many times so a fabulous performance is what I've come to expect. Two guys who always influence your performance and bring out your best as well.
Looking forward to it.
F.
He came by and taught a couple of classes.
I remember him telling us to put our strikes "right on the money" and I've never forgotten.
I have trained with Vinny and Carlos many times so a fabulous performance is what I've come to expect. Two guys who always influence your performance and bring out your best as well.
Looking forward to it.
F.
Sans Peur Ne Obliviscaris
www.hinghamkarate.com
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