What they REALLY are like

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Mon Aug 02, 1999 8:18 pm

You folks missed a good camp. Not too big, not too small. Lots of good things going on. Lots of productive interactions, both serious and fun.

Just thought I would leave a few quick impressions.

J.D. - He's Dana Carvey with dark hair. Really! Picture a teenage kid saving a life via brain surgery, while wisecracking all the way through the procedure. Parties as hard as Bobby Campbell. Does great impersonations of Hollywood classics.

Rich Mooney - Popeye. Even Nakahodo sensei can't match those forearms. Tremendous strength on a (literally) battle-scarred body. (But I'd like to teach him some sanchin posture....) Happy nature about him. Trust me, he doesn't need chi.

Ron Fagen - Best damned center ring sparring judge I've seen. Playful, caustic, animated sense of humor. Still fit as heck after all these years. Can keep up with J.D. and Bobby.

Rick Wilson - Happy, steady, bearded, down-to-earth.

David Moy - First time I saw him spar. It didn't surprise me the match was called because of (his) excessive contact. Power in a compact package. Killer instinct, but engaging personality. Lots of interesting stories to tell.

Most of the rest I already knew (as well as some I mentioned above). Perhaps some of you may be able to leave your own impressions.

- Bill

[This message has been edited by Bill Glasheen (edited 08-02-99).]

Evan Pantazi · Post by **Evan Pantazi** » Mon Aug 02, 1999 11:10 pm

Bill San,

That was a great adjunct to the Summer Camp, meeting the faces behind the words.

I have to say one of the best lessons I had all camp was; not judging another until all is facts are in. I met J.D. Morenski (Doctor X), sort of a nemisis of mine on the forum, but after meeting him and of all things rooming with him, (I believe Sensei Mattson to have a devious sense of humor, in all respect sir), I found a new friend. I now understand his posts a little more because I know a little more about the man (he still dosn't believe in Chi though, maybe next camp).

Here's to you JD San, please send a copy of those pictures, just email me when they are ready and I'll send a mailing address.

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Evan Pantazi
www.erols.com/kyusho

JOHN THURSTON · Post by **JOHN THURSTON** » Tue Aug 03, 1999 1:43 am

Bill Sensei, Evan, J.D. et al:

As I said at the camp, my office is only 17 minutes from the "Camp Site", perforce I day tripped, which was a bit of a loss to me.

Gary Was TALLER than he appeared on the Jpeg, Evan and I had met-----

One has to restate that making "suparimpe" work should result in a "Croix De Guerre".

John

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Rick Wilson · Post by **Rick Wilson** » Tue Aug 03, 1999 6:01 am

While I hope to post a couple of separate threads about the camp (my first), I had to jump in here to say what a pleasure it was to meet everyone from the forums. Just as you all are great to exchange with here, you were in person. It was odd to meet "friends" even though we had never seen each other.

More on this but to all those lurking out there DO WHAT EVER YOU CAN TO MAKE IT TO CAMP!

Rick

david · Post by **david** » Tue Aug 03, 1999 10:40 am

It's true that one can get impressions of folks on these forums that are somewhat lacking or entirely off.

J.D., as mentioned, is the biggest "off" for me. I was expecting a scholarly looking gentleman, perhaps with glasses, and touches of gray in the hair and bit stand offish. Instead, Dr.X is a very young, wirey looking guy who is probably a "party animal". I mean, jeeze... the man can hang in there with Fagan and Campbell downing those nice "soft drinks".

Rick Wilson pretty much conformed to my expectations of him physically and of his thinking approach to the arts. I just seemed to have missed the slight Canadian accent, humor and quick laugh in his numerious posts.

Mike Murphy I've seen around but never really talked to. I always thought of him as being a VERY SERIOUS (as in demeanor) martial artist. Must be all those formal/traditional uke/tori presentations... But Mike has a great quick laugh, more a guffaw. And, with his baby son (? Shanin), all I see is the gentelessness of a giant bear with a cub.

Evan San, Sorry.. . For me your forum persona doesn't differ much from what you give off in 3-D. You still are very much the serious, knowledgable and ever courteous practitioner and teacher. I think that's a good thing.

J.T. I meant to talk to you about your audacity to wear that funny patch at camp. (Right.... Like I REALLY want to say something to Jack Summers about that too...)

Rich C. I talked a little more with at this camp. I expected a tough talking, gun toting, big southerner. You still may be... but are more soft spoken than I certainly expected. This too is a good thing.

Gene D, Steve P, Jake S. et al., you guys are YOUNGER than I thought. You are of the next upcoming generation of practitioners.

Bill G. I have seen around and certainly read enough of his posts. So you conform to my perceptions which has been positive. Now, as to your not being surprised by "excessive contact" and killer instinct... I going to have to think about that one. Must have something to do with my forum persona...

Too bad, Anthony L, Lori L and Allen M, didn't make it to camp. I understand it was not meant to be for this year. But, hopefully, the next. The same for the rest of the forumites who didn't make camp this year.

david

Raffi Derderian · Post by **Raffi Derderian** » Tue Aug 03, 1999 6:58 pm

Hello all,
I would also like to reinforce what everyone has been saying about this years camp. It was the best yet and will be tough to top. I teach at many martial arts camps throughout the year, but Mattson Sensei's camp is by far my favorite. The only drawback this year was a nasty cold that was ruining my voice. By the middle of each day, my voice was practically shot. Because of this, I didn't talk with some of the people I would have liked to. But I am extremely happy to have met Sensei Elkins, (great test, sir) Sensei Rick Wilson plus all of the otheres who I came to meet. It really is great to put faces to the names on these forums.
And wasn't that night time exhibition just the best? How many chances can you get to see world class fighters like Gary, Roy, Lee and Steve fighting under one roof? Plus see a fantastic dan test. If you missed this years camp, don't let it happen again. It is truly something special and getting better all the time.
As always, great to see Sensei Glasheen and Castanet. Sorry I didn't say goodbye, I couldn't find you guys at the end of the camp.
Thanks to all who participated in my classes. And of course, a special thanks to Mattson Sensei, who makes it all happen in the first place.
Take care,
Raffi

JohnC · Post by **JohnC** » Wed Aug 04, 1999 2:38 am

I would like to comment more on camp, but I'm still recovering from the heat exhaustion that struck me Friday and continued through the rest of camp despite an ER dose of IV's.

I was the guy walking around pretty much dazed and confused! It was not a pleasant experience in many ways, but what doesn't kill you will make you stronger, so I must be awful strong now!

When my system recovers and my brain is not fried, I'll comment more.

Let me thank my FIMA dojo group for putting up with me and helping me through the weekend. Thanks guys, you are the best.

Also, kudos and thanks to Rex sensei who studies with C. Wilder sensei, for getting me to the airport for my flight back. Your kindness and generosity is appreciated more than you know.

I'll be back next year in better shape with a big hat, plenty of gatoraid, a big fan and extension cord, hopefully a cooler room and lesson learned about underestimating a mere Mass. summer!

Sorry I missed meeting most of you and was not able to sit in on the forum table.

JohnC

[This message has been edited by JohnC (edited 08-03-99).]

Knight · Post by **Knight** » Wed Aug 04, 1999 3:06 am

I'll add a couple of kudos. First, the J.D. phenomenon. Given 100 guesses, I still would not have picked him out. Doogie Howser with an attitude. And deceptive!

"Then wilt thou speak of banqueting delights,
Of masks and revels which sweet youth did make."

I love ya, man!

To Sensei Bob Bethony, for the "towel ripping wa-uke." I got a complement in the dojo today for that move.

To Michael Aceto, for another year of antic fun doing "advanced" kanshiwa bunkai -- for my group a workshop of assorted sweet moves and pratfalls. We belly laughed, but can't wait to introduce the idea to our dojo.

To our most honored guest, Kanmei Uechi, who with a smile challenged us with his observation that the group at advanced kata workshop performed Seisan with more precision than Sanchin, Kanshiwa, Konshu, or Seichin.

To David, who demonstrated remarkable poise and presence at all times, but noticeably in the match with my sensei, Stephen Perry. It's a thrill matched by few others to watch you guys bring different strengths into the ring and challenge each other.

"Ef you want peace, the thing you've gut to du
Is jes' to show you're up to fightin', tu."

Michael

[This message has been edited by Knight (edited 08-04-99).]

RACastanet · Post by **RACastanet** » Wed Aug 04, 1999 3:31 am

To David: "Tough talking, gun toting, big southerner" ........ I like that. But yes, I am soft spoken in reality. Question? Can you direct me to a web site where I can order the Spyderco Delica with the new reversible clip? I want to get one for my left pocket.

Maybe next year you can train me for the Saturday night tourney!

Nice to see you again, Rich

Rich Mooney · Post by **Rich Mooney** » Wed Aug 04, 1999 5:21 am

david · Post by **david** » Wed Aug 04, 1999 9:55 am

JohnC, sorry to hear you were one of those who went down. Don't underestimate the Mass Sun! The last two camps, I hid in the shade right after lunch and just watched. The first camp, I remember being in Gary K's sparring class, facing the sun. After awhile I got woozy and called it quits. Felt like wimp. As it turned out, I got a wicked burn. Could've been worse if I stuck it out.

Michael K., must apologize as I met you at the tournament but didn't realize it. As you recalled, I was talking to Margaret Chojin when you came up to say hi. Margaret is one of my all time favorites and we go back a ways. So I was distracted. It was great to really make your acquaintance. But I must comment that you are bigger than I expected.

. And, yes, Michael Aceto does and teaches a great jiyu (freestyle) kanshiwa bankai (if such a thing is possible.)

Dr X, Peter O'Toole as in Lawrence of Arabia, or in the Ruling Class.

Rich C, You really want to spar with Gary K, or Roy B.!? You are better man than I.

Regarding the Delica, try www.abc-direct.com or www.skylandscutlery.com. They are both fast and reliable, though the first is a little less expensive. May I suggest you try the Spyderco Native. It's a little shorter on overall length but has a fuller handle and a more aggressive blade geometry. It's also a tip up carry like the delica with a reversible clip. Slightly cheaper because it uses GIN1 steel as opposed to the Delica's slightly better ATS55 steel. Most folks can't tell the difference in the edge retention. If you sharpen your knife periodically, it makes NO difference at all.

david

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Wed Aug 04, 1999 10:33 pm

David

Considering that I was very often disqualified in tournaments for (unintentional) excessive contact, then perhaps my observation was a complement. Whatever... There is often a difference between a good sparrer and a good fighter. Sometimes a person can be both. You are most definitely a good fighter. The glare and intensity are unmistakable. And I didn't see anything personal about the match. You both put on a great show.

JohnC

Sorry about the dehydration. You really need to prepare for these outdoor camps. I was uncomfortable, but nevertheless functional. However someone dropped in the group I was teaching within the first 15 minutes. Friday was definitely a brutal day. But Richmond summers are even more brutal. With the gym work, my WHITE top (I kept the green bottoms), my yard work, and my overt efforts at hydration throughout the day, it all paid off. Next year we'll give more advice beforehand. But all in all, I was surprised to see that it was not worse, given the weather.

About Rich

He's a transplanted Pennsylvanian. Very few of us in the "West End" are natives. We are our own cosmopolitan group. Every dojo should have an expert in the "American martial art". However, Rich is also an accomplished electrical engineer for GE, and the most organized guy I have met since Andy Johnson at UVa (a PhD in physics). And - unlike some we run across - he knows when and how to laugh at himself.

- Bill

RACastanet · Post by **RACastanet** » Thu Aug 05, 1999 2:09 am

To Dave: I just ordered the new Delica from 'ABC' . Thanks for the advice. I wanted to have a clip knife for my left pocket when my right one is occupied by one of my other tools. Ayoob says it is the best device to have for your weak side hand for use in handgun retention or as a backup. Actually I'm a lefty but the right hand world has forced me to be somewhat ambidextrous. The result is that I find it easier than a righty would to use a tool in either hand.

BTW Dave, I really do not want to experience the knockdown power of Gary or Roy (or you for that matter). However, in spite of some blood and sore bodies that resulted from Saturday's matches, the WKF rules do make safety a real priority. Also, I do not think that any of our family would be intentionally trying to seriously hurt anyone. The same conditioning that took me through the three days of camp would probably keep me on my feet for three minutes in the ring. As I am 46, I won't have many more opportunities to spar in such a safe environment. And, it looked like an awful lot of fun! Maybe next year.

To Bill: Let us be specific - I'm from SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA -aka Pittsburgh. And while not an expert at the American Martial Art, I'm working at it and learning a lot. Thanks for the mention. Organized? You bet, but not really very neat. It is a 'left brain' thing.

Rich

[This message has been edited by RACastanet (edited 08-04-99).]

Knight · Post by **Knight** » Thu Aug 05, 1999 5:05 am

J.D.-

"It's better to burn out than to fade away."

The Kurgan

Lord have mercy, J.D., you are a regular cognitive Khoury-matic. Pangainoon of the mind, and let no one make little of it!

David - Yes, Margaret is quite a person. I am completely amazed at her kata. I watch her every move, from glare-in-eyes to stunning strikes. Guys are awesome, indeed, but Margaret (and Yuko, I think) bring 100% intensity and precision to their forms.

...Hey, should I be posting this on Lori's forum?

Michael

[This message has been edited by Knight (edited 08-05-99).]

david · Post by **david** » Thu Aug 05, 1999 10:46 am

Rich,

Perhaps,you're lucky to be a lefty and forced by convention and design of most things to learn to be ambidexterous. Most lefties I know seem to have a higher level of ambidexterity than most righties. Some (?most) righties never learn to use their left, or "off" or "weak" side. In martial arts, I personally consider it a weakness. One may favor one side but should still be comfortable with the other if need be. One of the beauty of FMA's, as you know through your training with Raffi sensei through camp and seminars, is the integration of ambidexterous training through double stick and stick and dagger. You have a lead on most.

In all seriousness, I agree the format and great judging makes the sparring a challenging and yet relatively safe event. By all means, participate next year. Every time in the ring is a learning experience. Facing highly skilled partners like Gary and Roy can only increase one's learning exponentially. Yes, they are extremely quick and powerful. But they also have great control -- certainly much more than me.

You're going to like your new Delica. The upgraded design and handle make it really a much better tool than the old version.

Michael, Yes. Post in Lori's forum. And, by all means, get Margaret and Yuko to post.

I think they are great practitioners and of us, male and female, would benefit from their perspectives.

"Ef you want peace, the thing you've gut to du Is jes' to show you're up to fightin', tu."

An apparent contradiction which has some grounding in truth. One of my all time favorite movie scenes is from a Clint Eastwood movie (? The Outlaw Josie Wales). Eastwood's character rides across a beautiful plain under a bright blue sky. He confronts a group of potentially hostile Native Americans. The chief rides up to him for a simple but crucial verbal exchange to determine whether there will be bloodshedding. (The best I can remember it) Eastwood (his classic squint, looking at the chief and out beyond): "It's a good day to die." Chief: "Yes. It is a good day to die. (brief silence) And it's a good day to live." (More silence. The two characters looking at each other and out) Chief: "Today, we shall live." (And the chief rides off to his group).

david

[This message has been edited by david (edited 08-05-99).]