In our younger years, time passed seemingly with the speed of flowing molasses. Somewhere along the way, the pace of time quickened. As we progress in age and experiences, time seems to move with reckless speed and we're left wondering where it went.
As we advance in years, we learn (I hope) to appreciate the moments of joy and to bask in the company of those who we care about and to savor the gift of their friendship. These moments can't be taken lightly because they pass much too soon. The opportunities missed may never be regained...
The Uechi Summer Camp venue is special to me because it offers the opportunity for warm friendship -- new and old. We develop new relationships and renew our treasured bonds with those who have traveled down this long martial path. Don't take these moments lightly, don't let them pass with a casual thought that there'll be another chance.
At the Saturday night promotional for the "masters", I watched in awe the gathering of the "seniors" in our North American Uechi path. It's been at least 25 years since I have seen such an esteemed gathering of Uechi seniors who I have held with such respect and awe for so long. At the Saturday night party, I and many others were privileged to be regaled with the stories of their youth, of their time together, their treasured moments... They spoke with such detail as if these events occurred only yesterday and not 30 or 40 years past... In their collective voices, we hear their excitement, their laughter, the joy of their companionship. Years have passed but, for them it was but yesterday. Where did the time go...?
After the camp, many of us who have trained under Bob Campbell -- "Bob's Boys" -- gathered for our own reunion. Likewise, many years have passed since we have all been together in one room. We have gone separate ways with separate lives and responsibilities. Yet, in the dining room together, the time retreated... It was as if the intervening years have never occurred. We were united by the precious moments we had shared together. We talked of events as if they were yesterday and not 25 or 30 years ago. We talked about the several within our fraternity who were not able to make it to the reunion. Yes, they were missing but not missed... We share our collective memories and talked of them as they were too at the table. And they were because they are in our hearts and part of our collective bond. When will we gather as group like this again? I frankly don't know... The moments are rare... We can only seize them with commitment and passion when we can.
Again, this year's camp has come and gone in a blink of an eye. My camp memories will go into that place in the heart where the light is always on. As always, time will pass by soon enough and, hopefully, once again I will share new moments and relive old ones with those who have helped shape the path of my life.
david
[This message has been edited by david (edited August 12, 2002).]
Those Precious Fleeting Moments
Moderator: Available
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Jay Sal
Those Precious Fleeting Moments
Dave:
I totally agree... Last night was such a wonderful time. Its like time never passed. I am so lucky to have such a great Sensei, and such wonderful friends....
Best - Jay Sal...
I totally agree... Last night was such a wonderful time. Its like time never passed. I am so lucky to have such a great Sensei, and such wonderful friends....
Best - Jay Sal...
Those Precious Fleeting Moments
David:
Great post.
Last night was truley a pleasure for me to be included with "Bob's Boys". You and I have become good friends, and after meeting most of your old buddies from your earlier training days, I can understand where you picked up your friendly demeanor. Everyone I met was so friendly and willing to share the sacred stories of past events. Some were scary and some were funny but all came from the heart.
It was my honor to host Sensei Campbell and his special event at the BUKA.
Bob Campbell has given me many "secrets" to karate and it is my pleasure to be able to finally give something back.
As I expand my Uechi-ryu training I cherish the relationships that I have made on my journey through the ranks. I continue to learn more and meet more friends that will remain dear to my heart. I now have a new fraternity of Uechi-ryu brothers that will always be in my memories. You and the "boys" are always welcome at the BUKA anytime.
Congratulations to you David for the special recognition that you received. It is well deserved and long overdue.
It was great to see Jim Maloney, Arthur Rabesa, Van Canna, Bob Bethoney and Bob Campbell all together again. I will always remember and cherish the supper that we had together on Friday evening at the camp. We went to the Way Ho restaurant. Since we had Bob Campbell with us we did not even open the menus. Sensei Campbell ordered in the language that the servers spoke and when he asked if they caould make a special dish, that he knew Van liked although was not on the menu, they said that they could make it for us. I am not as creative a writer as David. All I can say is that what he wrote above was exactly what I was feeling whenever I got together with old friends and my new friends.
The bonds that we made when we were white belts will never go away. The bonds that I make today with everyone I met at camp will stay with me as well.
There are too many people to list and thank for making this year's SummerFest Camp special. I look forward to seeing each and every old and new friend again.
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Len
Great post.
Last night was truley a pleasure for me to be included with "Bob's Boys". You and I have become good friends, and after meeting most of your old buddies from your earlier training days, I can understand where you picked up your friendly demeanor. Everyone I met was so friendly and willing to share the sacred stories of past events. Some were scary and some were funny but all came from the heart.
It was my honor to host Sensei Campbell and his special event at the BUKA.
Bob Campbell has given me many "secrets" to karate and it is my pleasure to be able to finally give something back.
As I expand my Uechi-ryu training I cherish the relationships that I have made on my journey through the ranks. I continue to learn more and meet more friends that will remain dear to my heart. I now have a new fraternity of Uechi-ryu brothers that will always be in my memories. You and the "boys" are always welcome at the BUKA anytime.
Congratulations to you David for the special recognition that you received. It is well deserved and long overdue.
It was great to see Jim Maloney, Arthur Rabesa, Van Canna, Bob Bethoney and Bob Campbell all together again. I will always remember and cherish the supper that we had together on Friday evening at the camp. We went to the Way Ho restaurant. Since we had Bob Campbell with us we did not even open the menus. Sensei Campbell ordered in the language that the servers spoke and when he asked if they caould make a special dish, that he knew Van liked although was not on the menu, they said that they could make it for us. I am not as creative a writer as David. All I can say is that what he wrote above was exactly what I was feeling whenever I got together with old friends and my new friends.
The bonds that we made when we were white belts will never go away. The bonds that I make today with everyone I met at camp will stay with me as well.
There are too many people to list and thank for making this year's SummerFest Camp special. I look forward to seeing each and every old and new friend again.
------------------
Len
Those Precious Fleeting Moments
Here are some of the other highlights from Camp and the weekend I will also cherish...
Being a presenter for George Mattson’s wonderful Martial Arts Festival
Seeing Bob Campbell again.
What a treat and honor. Congratulations just doesn’t seem enough for someone so deserving of the Hanshidan rank as he is. Bob had an unfortunate accident on Thursday night and was only able to perform Sanchin. However no other performance was needed because everyone who was on the board was well aware of his past achievements and this was more of a formality than a test.
What a board it was too. I, and probably everyone else too, have never seen so many Hanshidans at one place at one time. Too many to list for sure, because I would not want to leave even one of the names off the list.
I was transformed back in time to when I was a young buck and stood in awe of the "Big 5" Uechi-ryu brothers, Art Rabesa, Van Canna, Bob Bethoney, Bob Campbell, and Jim Maloney. To be in their company at dinner on Friday night was an honor that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Jim had me in stitches the entire night and my sides are still hurting form laughing at the incredible but true stories.
Formally meeting Walter Mattson. I went to the Regional that Fidele hosted and did not get a chance to introduce myself to Walter. I regretted it more and more after Van was asked by Walter to come to Framingham and work out with him. Van began teaching us most of everything that Walter showed him. it was great to finally converse with Walter and thank him for the lessons that he taught us through Van.
Meeting Henry Thom, I talked with Henry on the forums a few times. It was my pleasure to finally meet you Henry.
Meeting Major Drew Doolin. It took the courage of a Marine Major to stand up to the grilling questions that the Seniors had about his training at the Zankai with Toyama Sensei. He performed Sanchin and Seisan Kata as the Zankai group does and fielded some very tough questions for even us Sensei’s to handle. Major Drew was fabulous to say the least. It was my honor and a pleasure to meet you Drew. If you are ever in the Brockton, Mass area, please drop in the BUKA.
Reacquainting myself with some old friends from my old dojo Joe Pomfret, Peter Blackman, Vinny Christiano and Gary Santaniello.
Seeing recent acquaintances who are becoming old friends, JD Moranski, Fidele, David Moy, Mike Murphy, Raffi and Susan Derderian, Mike and Jane Aceto, Steve DiOrio, Carlos Ciriza, Enrique Mittman Dan Gadowski, Roy Bedard, Jay Salhanick and Tony Licalzi.
Seeing the Canadians again! Lori, Mary, Sheldon Dunn it was great to rehash past experiences and laugh through the new ones. It was good to talk again with Buzz Durkin, Al Wharton, Bill Glasheen, Ed Huff, Bill Bauchnecht, Rich Castanet, Bruce Hirabiashi, Dana Sheets, Heather, Seth Rosenblatt, and Andrew Moores.
Seeing two of my Black Belt students, Jay Carvalho, and Ron D’Agostino enjoy the camp immensely.
Seeing the Masters test. Talking to Tracy Rose and meeting Mike Rozumek
Partying in the cafeteria.
Listening and talking and more listening to the masters under the tent.
Teaching the courageous students who attended my seminars.
Hosting Bob Campbell's special workout/promotional at the BUKA on Sunday. Meeting Gary Wong, Darren Yee, Cookie, and the rest of "Bob's Boys". Bob warned me that this group would probably steal the floor mats on the way out of the BUKA after their special workout and promotional. The only thing they stole was my heart as I now am honored to be friends with each and every one. You guys are the best and are welcome at the BUAK any time. Congratulations to all who received promotions. The performances of your version of the Uechi-ryu kata of your choice were entertaining.
Going to dinner at Christo’s with Bob Campbell and the “boys” after the special workout/promotional.
As David previously said…Once again another SummerFest Camp has come and gone…
Tonight we will put to rest one of the best weekends I have ever had, with Bob Campbell’s timing hand seminar at the BUKA. It will be a night to remember capped off with a dinner that will include some of the finest Uechi-ryu practitioners in the world. I am delighted to just be part of this special event. It will be something special that I will treasure for the rest of my life.
If I left out any of my dear friends names I am truly sorry, as it was purely unintentional.
------------------
Len
[This message has been edited by LenTesta (edited August 12, 2002).]
Being a presenter for George Mattson’s wonderful Martial Arts Festival
Seeing Bob Campbell again.
What a treat and honor. Congratulations just doesn’t seem enough for someone so deserving of the Hanshidan rank as he is. Bob had an unfortunate accident on Thursday night and was only able to perform Sanchin. However no other performance was needed because everyone who was on the board was well aware of his past achievements and this was more of a formality than a test.
What a board it was too. I, and probably everyone else too, have never seen so many Hanshidans at one place at one time. Too many to list for sure, because I would not want to leave even one of the names off the list.
I was transformed back in time to when I was a young buck and stood in awe of the "Big 5" Uechi-ryu brothers, Art Rabesa, Van Canna, Bob Bethoney, Bob Campbell, and Jim Maloney. To be in their company at dinner on Friday night was an honor that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Jim had me in stitches the entire night and my sides are still hurting form laughing at the incredible but true stories.
Formally meeting Walter Mattson. I went to the Regional that Fidele hosted and did not get a chance to introduce myself to Walter. I regretted it more and more after Van was asked by Walter to come to Framingham and work out with him. Van began teaching us most of everything that Walter showed him. it was great to finally converse with Walter and thank him for the lessons that he taught us through Van.
Meeting Henry Thom, I talked with Henry on the forums a few times. It was my pleasure to finally meet you Henry.
Meeting Major Drew Doolin. It took the courage of a Marine Major to stand up to the grilling questions that the Seniors had about his training at the Zankai with Toyama Sensei. He performed Sanchin and Seisan Kata as the Zankai group does and fielded some very tough questions for even us Sensei’s to handle. Major Drew was fabulous to say the least. It was my honor and a pleasure to meet you Drew. If you are ever in the Brockton, Mass area, please drop in the BUKA.
Reacquainting myself with some old friends from my old dojo Joe Pomfret, Peter Blackman, Vinny Christiano and Gary Santaniello.
Seeing recent acquaintances who are becoming old friends, JD Moranski, Fidele, David Moy, Mike Murphy, Raffi and Susan Derderian, Mike and Jane Aceto, Steve DiOrio, Carlos Ciriza, Enrique Mittman Dan Gadowski, Roy Bedard, Jay Salhanick and Tony Licalzi.
Seeing the Canadians again! Lori, Mary, Sheldon Dunn it was great to rehash past experiences and laugh through the new ones. It was good to talk again with Buzz Durkin, Al Wharton, Bill Glasheen, Ed Huff, Bill Bauchnecht, Rich Castanet, Bruce Hirabiashi, Dana Sheets, Heather, Seth Rosenblatt, and Andrew Moores.
Seeing two of my Black Belt students, Jay Carvalho, and Ron D’Agostino enjoy the camp immensely.
Seeing the Masters test. Talking to Tracy Rose and meeting Mike Rozumek
Partying in the cafeteria.
Listening and talking and more listening to the masters under the tent.
Teaching the courageous students who attended my seminars.
Hosting Bob Campbell's special workout/promotional at the BUKA on Sunday. Meeting Gary Wong, Darren Yee, Cookie, and the rest of "Bob's Boys". Bob warned me that this group would probably steal the floor mats on the way out of the BUKA after their special workout and promotional. The only thing they stole was my heart as I now am honored to be friends with each and every one. You guys are the best and are welcome at the BUAK any time. Congratulations to all who received promotions. The performances of your version of the Uechi-ryu kata of your choice were entertaining.
Going to dinner at Christo’s with Bob Campbell and the “boys” after the special workout/promotional.
As David previously said…Once again another SummerFest Camp has come and gone…
Tonight we will put to rest one of the best weekends I have ever had, with Bob Campbell’s timing hand seminar at the BUKA. It will be a night to remember capped off with a dinner that will include some of the finest Uechi-ryu practitioners in the world. I am delighted to just be part of this special event. It will be something special that I will treasure for the rest of my life.
If I left out any of my dear friends names I am truly sorry, as it was purely unintentional.
------------------
Len
[This message has been edited by LenTesta (edited August 12, 2002).]
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Bill Glasheen
- Posts: 17299
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Richmond, VA --- Louisville, KY
Those Precious Fleeting Moments
David and Len
You just about captured it all. I'd like to further comment on Major Drew Doolin and his contribution to camp.
Drew and I have been corresponding both directly and indirectly for quite a few years. We tried very hard to get him to a mid-Atlantic regional as far back as his Takamiyagi days, but things just didn't quite work out. We were all lucky to have him at camp.
To start with, I want to say that Drew is an incredible ambassador for whomever or whatever cause he would choose to undertake. Before the seminar, I had a number of one-on-one conversations with him. To make a long story short - what a pleasure. Drew's subsequent talk and the Q&A period afterwards was just as great.
I personally thought the chemistry in the room was fantastic. Having the smaller, highly trained audience kept the questions void of politics and rich in what is truly significant in our art. Drew came across as sincere, honest, and thoughtful, while also being brutally straightforward and refreshingly humble.
I was going to mention that Drew didn't have a negative word come out of his mouth the whole weekend. Then I remembered...
Both Drew and I share the burden of a bad knee. Drew's meniscus is torn, and mine has been completely removed (before the days of arthroscopic surgery) for decades. I was talking to Drew about the possibility of an experimental operation - cadaver meniscal transplantation. Drew looked at me with a twinkle in his eye and said "We can get you one!"
- Bill
You just about captured it all. I'd like to further comment on Major Drew Doolin and his contribution to camp.
Drew and I have been corresponding both directly and indirectly for quite a few years. We tried very hard to get him to a mid-Atlantic regional as far back as his Takamiyagi days, but things just didn't quite work out. We were all lucky to have him at camp.
To start with, I want to say that Drew is an incredible ambassador for whomever or whatever cause he would choose to undertake. Before the seminar, I had a number of one-on-one conversations with him. To make a long story short - what a pleasure. Drew's subsequent talk and the Q&A period afterwards was just as great.
I personally thought the chemistry in the room was fantastic. Having the smaller, highly trained audience kept the questions void of politics and rich in what is truly significant in our art. Drew came across as sincere, honest, and thoughtful, while also being brutally straightforward and refreshingly humble.
I was going to mention that Drew didn't have a negative word come out of his mouth the whole weekend. Then I remembered...
Both Drew and I share the burden of a bad knee. Drew's meniscus is torn, and mine has been completely removed (before the days of arthroscopic surgery) for decades. I was talking to Drew about the possibility of an experimental operation - cadaver meniscal transplantation. Drew looked at me with a twinkle in his eye and said "We can get you one!"- Bill
Those Precious Fleeting Moments
There was an amazing number of talented martial artists at the camp. The succeeding generations have and will continue to make progress at an unprecedented rate because of those who went before and came out to share. I sort of envy the new generations in the Uechi fold because the many opportunities and the ease in which they can be had.
For me, however, the beauty of the camp was (is) not necessarily about the many talented individuals there (though) it didn't hurt that they were. It's about the humanity that surrounds many of these individuals that make their talent that much more remarkable. I hold these individuals with great respect and warmth because they have continued to practice and develop while coping within the context of and balancing with daily living/struggles. They live real and multidimensional lives.
The moments at this year's camp that most touched me were often not on the practice field but in those quiet conversations where an insight, a feeling, an experience, a sincere emotion was shared. There were a number of such moments with a number of individuals, some of whom are widely heralded and admired by others and some not so much so (and not because they are not deserving). These moments were the true gifts that I take from camp. Without naming, you know who you are. I thank you for your acceptance and your friendship.
david
[This message has been edited by david (edited August 12, 2002).]
For me, however, the beauty of the camp was (is) not necessarily about the many talented individuals there (though) it didn't hurt that they were. It's about the humanity that surrounds many of these individuals that make their talent that much more remarkable. I hold these individuals with great respect and warmth because they have continued to practice and develop while coping within the context of and balancing with daily living/struggles. They live real and multidimensional lives.
The moments at this year's camp that most touched me were often not on the practice field but in those quiet conversations where an insight, a feeling, an experience, a sincere emotion was shared. There were a number of such moments with a number of individuals, some of whom are widely heralded and admired by others and some not so much so (and not because they are not deserving). These moments were the true gifts that I take from camp. Without naming, you know who you are. I thank you for your acceptance and your friendship.
david
[This message has been edited by david (edited August 12, 2002).]
Those Precious Fleeting Moments
My congratulations and best wishes to my as yet unmet friends on the occassion of another successful and wonderful SummerFest.
Sigh.
Someday....
Murray/student
Sigh.
Someday....
Murray/student
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Drew Doolin
- Posts: 92
- Joined: Thu Sep 17, 1998 6:01 am
- Location: Washington DC
Those Precious Fleeting Moments
Thanks Len and Bill for the kind mention of my time at Summer Camp! What a pleasure it was for me to meet you and the many wonderful seniors who received me so warmly. (I felt like a long-lost cousin who finally made it to the family reunion). I owe George and Susan a sincere Thank You for inviting me to be their guest, and to Rich Castenet who arranged it. I, like all others who attended, have great memories to share and new friendships to tend to. Thanks again to all. Sincerely, Drew Doolin
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RACastanet
- Posts: 3744
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Richmond, VA
Those Precious Fleeting Moments
Ditto...
Regards, Rich in Richmond
Regards, Rich in Richmond
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Bill Glasheen
- Posts: 17299
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Richmond, VA --- Louisville, KY
Those Precious Fleeting Moments
David did such a nice job of sharing the complexity of the experiences. I CANNOT EVEN BEGIN to explain how many lives, experiences, and memories I encountered. Len, David and I touched just a few. Those who were not mentioned, you are in our hearts and memories.
Here are a few more...
* Having a private interaction with the 1999 China Chen style taiji national champion. This included a personal demonstration of several forms, and a personal push hands experience with him. The only others there were two interpreters and David Lamb. He also watched me perform my Fuzhou suparinpei, and made some commentary.
* Losing it for a few seconds when I was about to dedicate my kata performance to Bobby Campbell. Macho left the room...
* Spending WAY TOO LITTLE TIME with a few people that mean so much to me.
* Being within a few feet of folks I occasionally verbally spar with while experiencing some wonderful event or presentation...and then sharing thoughts with said folks.
* Experiencing the whole weekend with my oldest son - at his best AND at his not so best. And I wouldn't have him any other way...
* All the people I know that I got to share a few personal words with.
* All the NEW people I met that I got to share a few very personal moments with.
* Never getting tired of hugging someone.
* Having the knees ache one moment, and having them miraculously rally the next.
But most important of all...
* Aspiring to BE LIKE MOY. Sorry...you had to be there.
How do you quantify all that? I could have had a jet plane crash into my house last night, and I probably wouldn't have woken up. I still feel hung over. My brain is still very busy sorting it all out and rewiring the circuits.
- Bill
Here are a few more...
* Having a private interaction with the 1999 China Chen style taiji national champion. This included a personal demonstration of several forms, and a personal push hands experience with him. The only others there were two interpreters and David Lamb. He also watched me perform my Fuzhou suparinpei, and made some commentary.
* Losing it for a few seconds when I was about to dedicate my kata performance to Bobby Campbell. Macho left the room...
* Spending WAY TOO LITTLE TIME with a few people that mean so much to me.
* Being within a few feet of folks I occasionally verbally spar with while experiencing some wonderful event or presentation...and then sharing thoughts with said folks.
* Experiencing the whole weekend with my oldest son - at his best AND at his not so best. And I wouldn't have him any other way...
* All the people I know that I got to share a few personal words with.
* All the NEW people I met that I got to share a few very personal moments with.
* Never getting tired of hugging someone.
* Having the knees ache one moment, and having them miraculously rally the next.
But most important of all...
* Aspiring to BE LIKE MOY. Sorry...you had to be there.
How do you quantify all that? I could have had a jet plane crash into my house last night, and I probably wouldn't have woken up. I still feel hung over. My brain is still very busy sorting it all out and rewiring the circuits.
- Bill
Those Precious Fleeting Moments
I am taking advantage of the long weekend to catch up on some readings and I am glad I did. It is wonderful to see us Uechi folks showing such support and friendship toward each other, and have such positive attitude toward the activity that we all enjoy so much.
Len Testa Sensei, thanks for the good words.
Dave my relatively new friend,it was great seeing you at the camp. I can't believe that I have become an "old Chinatown guy" all within a few blinks of the eyes. Based on what I heard from my family back in Boston, you and the "younger kids" are really something we in the Chinatown community can and should all be proud of.
Back in my days (yes walking 5 miles everyday to school bared footed in the snow---), most guys in my generation did not really do much in terms of improving the community socially and economically. Most of us were just trying to survive. Dave, I was told that you and folks such as yourself are doing plenty on the betterment of Chinatown and the people in Chinatown. I am very proud of people such as you. I regret that I did not contribute much socially in my younger days. I will try to make up for it.
Henry
Len Testa Sensei, thanks for the good words.
Dave my relatively new friend,it was great seeing you at the camp. I can't believe that I have become an "old Chinatown guy" all within a few blinks of the eyes. Based on what I heard from my family back in Boston, you and the "younger kids" are really something we in the Chinatown community can and should all be proud of.
Back in my days (yes walking 5 miles everyday to school bared footed in the snow---), most guys in my generation did not really do much in terms of improving the community socially and economically. Most of us were just trying to survive. Dave, I was told that you and folks such as yourself are doing plenty on the betterment of Chinatown and the people in Chinatown. I am very proud of people such as you. I regret that I did not contribute much socially in my younger days. I will try to make up for it.
Henry
