Way of the Filipino Warrior

Ressurecting the Banshee

2012-01-07T11:21:00.000-08:00

This was the Banshee bought for 250.00 from a guy in Grawn who was using it as a playhouse for the neighborhood kids. I spent 4 months and 1000.00 and brought it back to life.

Projects , projects

2011-07-12T16:13:00.000-07:00

Take a beat up old boat purchased for 25.00 at a resale shop, throw it in the woods for 5 years, haul it back out and spend 2 weeks repairing all the damage.

Then start from scratch to get it looking like it is worth something.

cost to date
25.00 for boat and trailer
35.00 for bondo and sand paper
6.00 for aluminum
12.50 for weather proof cover
65.00 for boat canvas
25.00 for vinyl material
12.00 for fuse block
186.00 for urethane paint and supplies

total= a project that has kept me somewhat sane for a week or two.

The Trials of being Peter Pan

2011-07-04T05:11:00.000-07:00

I had been on my own for quite a while before I reconnected with Deb. I know that I can be moody, self centered, and even downright sarcastic if my mind is set on it. But, when Deb arrived, things have changed. She is the yin to my yang. Her sarcasm trumps mine and she sees things from a 3rd party view. She has a great way of pointing out when I am totally off base. And ya know, she is usually right.
Her kids have come to visit and we have had a pretty good time showing them the sights and points of interest around TC. My "A" type personality has been put to the test, when I am ready to go, I usually go. But with 2 young uns and an unwritten schedule, I usually have to wait 1/2 to an hour to finally get up to speed to the next attraction. I have had to dodge darting kids, a light sabre coming towards my eye, and a head butt to the groin so i have been kept on my toes. Last night we had a marshmellow roast and fireworks rolled into one. The Peter Pan in me came up with some gun power in the fire pit to dazzle the kids. The local raccoon decided to visit at dusk and put on quite a show- even falling into the pond as a finale. Laughs , smiles, and beaten bodies have been shared by all. But the smiles that Deb shares while her kids are here warms my heart. I am glad that they feel at home here.

Kata,Sayaw, Hyung a waste of time and energy

2011-02-21T10:36:00.000-08:00

Over the past 43 years I have trained in many arts and have learned countless forms and routines from the different systems. One thing that has stood out in my mind; nobody fights like the forms they train in. So why do they train with so many different routines? I was once told that the forms honor past warriors in the art. Sorry, I don't subscribe to that thinking. In boot camp we learned how to march and shoulder our weapons to command. Do you think for one minute in battle we would march in formation?
No! You would be sitting ducks in a row for your enemy. Do you think for one second that learning how to do inspection arms is going to save your life on the battle field? No! Learning to march and follow directions were just training tools to learn to organize your thoughts and how to follow directions. To me, the time would have been better spent learning how to dive and roll into a foxhole or how to draw a bead on the enemy.
One of the first forms I ever learned was Won Hyo. I have never faught anyone following any of the combinations in that form. For one, it is too robotic to allow you to flow in or around your opponent, you are mainly a tank drawing a bead on a non moving target.
Go to any tournament and watch the different players, none lock into the fighting stances of their chosen art. Why? Because they become targets.

I think the time spent learning useless forms would be better served by learning how to aviod rather than absorb an incoming attack. I was once asked if we trained in Iron Vest Type techniques. You know, the technique where you let people hit you full force and you build your body up to accept full force hits. These techniques are great throwbacks to the ancient days where there were rules of war. But, there are no rules of war on the street. You cnnot fight a modern battle using the techniques of the the civil war. The US won its independance from the British by learning to use their environment not lining up in staggerd rows of men loading their weapons while the first row shoots. The colonials learned to hid e behind trees and to use hit and run tactics, while the British followed old rules of engagement against these men without honor who hid behind rocks and trees.

The time would be better spent learning how not to be a target. Time spent lining up and throwing hundreds of punches into the thin air would be better served learning how to hit a moving target. I do not judge my students how good they are by how many perfect forms that they can do, but rather how many attacks I throw at them that they can control or negate. Too much emphisis is put on training drills or forms that you will never use.
Just my 2 centavos

Sharp Pointy Things

2010-11-18T03:27:00.000-08:00

My antique Moro Kris's Some of my toys When i was stationed in Olongapo Philippines I bought a lot of knives , balisongs, and swords. Problem was I could not bring them back. Seems Uncle Sam did not allow these things to go thru customs, so, there are a few of my earlier aquired weapons sitting at the bottom of the ocean. I had to get rid of them before we got to Hawaii. Since returning to the US I have tried to find weapons at garage sales , Pawn shops, on craigslist, and on ebay. My last trip to the Philippines was very enjoyable, I got to watch them make bolos and knives. My good friend Lyndon Ante took Deb and I to a bladesmith in Tabaco Philippines. I was asked to bring back a special blade for one of my students ( Anton) so the first line of business was to have one made. We watched as metal was cut from stock, hammered into shape, and then finished. All of this took less than 15 minutes. The cost of this special blade- about 8 US dollars. I knew I could sell a lot of these for way more than that. It seems tho that the shipping , handling, customs, and all will raise the cost way up too. Bummer. Well enjoy what I have posted.

Lyndon and Michael are trying to arrange the sale of bolo to our group, they will take our designs and have them made and make all the arrangements to have them shipped here. Costs will depend on the design and how many that are ordered. This is to fund their trip here to attend the next gathering. Please, if you have any interest in getting a blade, contact me.

YOU CAN NEVER GO BACK( but the memories will take you there)

2010-07-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

My life has been filled with memories and friends. This last weekend I was invited to come and jam with a couple of friends who go wat back but I haven't seen them in a while. Being true to my word, I didn't want to miss the opportunity to create memories. Problem is, the time was spend reliving all the memories we had created before. At this jam session several other faces popped up. I was totally amazed that these people went on to become talented musicians. Robret Yvon was an old friend that I used to run the woods with and rode bicycles all over the lake (Otsego). To see him running his fingers down the neck of a guitar and making it sound so good was a total shock.Bob and I jammin Paul Halvoron was also a friend that used to skip school and spend time on the lake water skiing and sneaking smokes. He too was there playing his heart out. I thought he was the picture of what a hippie would be- 35 yrs have gone by the wayside since I saw Paul last. Carmine James, Walt Sommer, Paul Halvorson- getting ready for next song We brought up many stories and shared our memories of how we thought things were for six hours or so. The years slipped by and we were together again in another venue and another time doing what we used to do- sharing our time and talents making memories.me playing my heart out The reason for this get together is Roy Cox. Roy He was and is a good friend from my band days who has a severe heart condition and was needing some help. So as good friends are supposed to do, we got together and raised some money for him to help with his trouble. Roy has been a good friend to many of the area musicians by providing a place for them to jam, share, and explore. He was a member of many early Michigan bands such as The Liberators, Quoin, Coffee house Blues Band and others. I spent many hours with him at the lake running my hydro- he stole(borrowed) his fathers fishing motor to power the hydro I made so we could run the lakes. And many many hours behind an organ or drum set were spent together playing for fun.
Those in attendance
Roy Cox
Walt Sommer
Carmine James
Bob Yvon
Paul Halvorson
Mark Ames
Richie Blackmore
Brian Brandenburg
Buzz Smith
and 4 others that I did not know

SCOURGE or how I spent my summer vacation

2010-07-02T06:57:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned many times that time is lost if you don't use it. WEll, this pring I was invited to participate in a POC film as a leading character. Some of you have called me a character so I decided to take them up on it. The Michigan film industry has been given a shot in the arm by grants and tax breaks, This POC is means of using those breaks and give people a try at being actors.

The film is set 175 years into mans future after an apocalypse. Power is not here, food is scarce, metal is valuable, and man has resorted back to forming small bands or tribes ( I am good at tribes). My character is one of that of an ex military special ops guy who is recruited to help the water farmers. I have not been filled in to his exact history, but, was told to dispatch people quickly with things readily at hand in the environment I was in. (A Mac Gyver fighter)

The first step was to make me look a bit ,ahem, rough. I can do rough.Then I needed a couple of hot sweaty chicks

Next come the bad guys
Then some sharp pointy things to play with
Then find a nasty, dirty, smelly godforsaken place to film it- Like Detroit/Hamtramack abandoned old factories. Throw all these elements together- and you have SCOURGE
Now, schedule the filming to take place when family are supposed to arrive to celebrate my 60th birthday. Spend 4 days getting sweaty, dirty, beat, and bored. Shoot from 3 pm to 6 am, have no idea what they are looking for other thatn-"do what you do". Throw in a bunch of crazies who are a riot to be around. A director who has this twisted view of things and a producer who has the vision but too many things to control and that is how I spent my summer vacation.

a small teaser of the beginning chase scenes

Now, if you want memories, get involved with a shoot like this with 50 other like minded crazies and you WILL have memories to tell your childern and grand kids

Gathering Of The Tribes 2010

2010-06-27T05:53:00.000-07:00

2010 Group Shot

This is long over due, I have to say my intent was to post sooner but, I have had a lot of irons in the fire. At least i beat Terry Trahan to the post.

Where do I begin? Chuck and Jeanne Pippin have become our best friends ( the midget chick and I) and it is a joy just to hang with them. Throw in a bunch of martial arts misfits, sharp pointy things, and food and I am in heaven.

I was invited to my first gathering of the tribes by Gilligan's Island resident Bill Anderson. I was a bit hesitant to go as I have had not many good experiences with Michigan martial artists in general. But on Bill's insistence I went and brought a number of my personal tribe to the event. Point is, we have not stopped coming to this event. Some of my tribe have gone their separate ways and some have stayed the course, but it is always a topic of conversation in the best of terms and memories. I have met and crossed hands and sticks with some of the finest martial artists ever. That's EVER. Egos have all been left at the door or the ego monger is not invited back or is shunned. We play, have fun, exchange ideas , and all in all have a good time. This is a family reunion that you want to attend.

Sure there is the usual uncle that over drinks or the aunt who gets a bit too flirty. But, it is an event that I now look forward to. My family is not as close as these people are to me. That is why i proposed to my pixie there. They mean a lot to me and I wanted to share this with them.

They in turn have shared a lot with me. Comradery, techniques, tears, laughs, and many many memories. This year was no different than others past.

The line up of instructors were:

Bobbe Edmonds- Silat, Kuntao

Terry Trahan- Street Smarts Weasel Craft
Sean Stark- Silat Pertempkin
Jay Carstensen- Silat Combatives
Craig Gray- Krav Maga
Ian Robbins- Boxing
Don Young- San Yun Do
Chuck Pippin- San Yun Do
Geoff Bosmann- Kali

This year I had made plans to help the Tink give Chuck a token of our respect by making a shadow box with his favorite saying- "Life in every breath". Little did I know that the lil one was keeping me busy from looking into what she and the crew had planned for me. She has learned well the ways of treachery.....
This was a birthday I will never forget. The love and caring we all share makes it all so very memorable., and the fact that I got my own sharp pointy thing was very cool too.
New to this years gathering were people who just came to check us out and they too were infected with the disease of comradery. A group from Tennessee attracted my attention as they worked off to the side trying to remember what skills they just had learned- so a side workshop ensued. I smiled and stated matter of factly- " where else can i go and have a black guy let me beat him up while he smiled back"

I had hoped for the crew from the movie SCOURGE to show up on Monday morning- but that failed to happen. Instaed I spent the morning working out with various people and generally having much fun doing it.

Bobbe and I spent some time on staffwork and trying to organize how to teach it and what to call it, a mountainous task.

If you are tired of seminars where you pay thru the nose to learn basic techniques or skills. Or if you are tired of so called masters charging you an arm and a leg for the right to share their time- you would love this martial arts playground called the gathering. It is a candy store full of various tastes and sizes, and smells- you find yourself trying to figure out how to touch base with everyone and not miss out on the tidbits that are shared all over the place at all hours.

I admit- I am a gathering Junkie- I don't think they have found a cure yet. Some have tried, but left their shoes at the door.

Thought for the day 3

2010-04-07T04:43:00.001-07:00

When someone has a problem with you, let it be just that; "their" problem. While they waste their time and energy, you will still be having a great day

To Quote

2010-02-23T12:02:00.000-08:00

"In my time I have practiced several other styles of martial arts. I have studied them, borrowed what I needed, and synthesized them into my own techniques, thus further refining the arts I humbly received, into a kata system I called "sayaw-an." The addition of applications to the original art by each succeeding master, so that the art can evolve, has become a tradition Kuntaw is the style or form of fighting which uses the natural weapons of the body from striking, kicking, throwing, and joint reversals. The hands are used for balancing, parrying, and grappling techniques as well as throwing the competitor when the opportunity presents itself. The legs are employed for a myriad of powerful kicking techniques from a number of different angles and include jumping kicks as well as takedown and sweeping maneuvers.

The art originally consisted of only soft, open hand techniques with emphasis on holding and locking while striking with either hand or feet. After World War II, the Japanese, Okinawan, and Korean arts came to the Philippines and gave me a look at hard styles. I chose to expand and modernize the art and added hard techniques to the style. This made kuntaw into a hard/soft style with avenues of response to any kind of attack. I ultimately systemized the art and added new forms for the lower grades to study, with the ultimate goal of developing a well-rounded fighter or practitioner."

GGM Lanada

Be careful what you say( it may come back to bite you on your butt), be careful who you give rank too( they just may grow out of your garden and hold you to your words), and remember you are the one who started this..........

OK OK, enough already

2010-02-21T11:30:00.000-08:00

I keep getting flack from the Lanada Camp via anonymous posts and emails. To answer your constant comments that I was black balled and should stop using the Kuntaw name.

Yes, I was black balled. Why? For what reason? Ask the upper ranks of Kuntaw why they chose to let me go. I have no idea other than petty jealousies by a certain San Diego person.

Guro Marc- you were not the first person to be the Canadian Director

Soon after being nominated to the Black Belt Hall of Fame by GM Lanada and being given 5th degree rank I recieved this letter

It states-
1." What you are doing things that is foolish/or laughable"
2. You are riding on the IKF
3. You were never given true rank in Kuntaw
4. What right do you have to claim you are founder of AMKA?

To answer number 1

I have been recognized by my peers as being a teachers teacher
I was top ranked competitor in the Michigan and Can Am Karate circuits for 5 years straight.
I am in demand for seminars and respected by some of the highest ranked persons in their arts.

Master Ivan Bergeron wrote:

”Hi Buzz,,

Everyone is happy to see that you are coming up for another seminar,
those who have experienced your teaching concepts before have all signed up,
and convinced the other students that this is the only seminar where you are
taught well, and you feel that you have accomplished, a true Martial Arts
experience by a great Martial Arts instructor. Over the years (40) I've
attended many seminars in Canada, the U.S.A. and Korea, taught by high
ranking Masters of many styles and most are either money oriented or
politically motivated. I've left very disappointed and not very impressed
with most of them. I do believe students should have as much exposure to
other styles and concepts as they can, this will help develop them into much
better Martial Artists and in some instances pursue a new style, which
better suits their training goals, and this is good, at least he will stay
and make a life time committment with what he enjoys and eventually help
others.
It would be enjoyable to see you back in the tournament circuit, your
domination of these tournaments was always exciting to see. Your
showmanship and demonstrations were a strong interest factor for the
tournaments. All students from the KOREAN MARTIAL ARTS CENTER have much
respect for you and the way you conduct and represent your chosen art.
There are very few Black Belts, who I truly believe have the integrity and
principles to be a Black Belt, I am glad that you are one of them.
Looking forward to the upcoming seminar.

IVAN BERGERON
8th Degree Black Belt
KOREAN MARTIAL ART CENTER
"WORLD DAHN MOO DO ASSOCIATION"
126- B ONTARIO AVE. ELLIOT LAKE ON.
P5A-1Y2
ibergeron@onlink.net
This comes from an 8th degree Black Belt who has 40 years of training/ teaching under his belt-
He was one of the first to introduce Hapkido to Northern Ontario Canada. I don't think he thinks I am laughable

Number 2---Next you say I am riding on the reputation of the IKF- If you do a google search and look up Maharlika Kuntaw you will find over 200 references. 99% of those are mine - not the IKF. If you go to the forums and check on Carlito Lanada , you will find that 90 % of the posts with his name are mine giving you credit for the art of Kuntaw. So, no, I am not riding on your reputation I WAS spreading it. I even tried to get your IKF website up and running when your old webpage fell apart. I was authorized to do this by your daughter Alice

Number 3 next you say that I was not given true rank in Kuntaw. The very next line it says you gave me a 5th degree Black Belt in recognition of what I had done in the martial arts . Now correct me if I am wrong, would you just give someone rank in your system without the ability to back it up? Would you put someone in a directorship position who you didn't feel capable of promoting your art as you would want it? Would you recommend that person (with no rank)to the World Black Belt Hall of Fame?I think not.

I have certificates signed by GM Lanada for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th degree Black Belt- were those certificates also for recognition of martial arts actions?

Number 4--"How can you prove that you're the founder of Maharlika" I never claimed to have founded Maharlika or Kuntaw or originated those terms, I do claim to have founded the AMKA which has been on the books since 1974 supporting Big Brothers and Sisters Organization here in Michigan. Next, I am claiming to be the founder of the American Maharlika Kuntaw Association- "I AM". I formed this organization to help promote Kuntaw back in the 70's after not getting ANY reply from the many letters I sent to Olongapo to you ( I even enclosed money for return postage yet you did not reply) and to the PKA.

Then, I am not authorized to promote Kuntaw. Well, the last words out of GM Lanada's mouth when I left the Philippines in 1973 was to promote and propagate this art to the US. When I was appointed US Director of the IKF, Midwest Director, and Canadian Director of the IKF right on the certificates it says "Promote and propagate this art" I was authorized as an agent for 25 years!!!

Now let's address the term Kyud, I have asked many Filipinos what kyud actually means- they all looked at me like I was nuts. There is no reference to kyud in the Tagalog dictionary as being brother or Kyudai as sister- From what I have been able to ascertain- Kyu is the belt classification of Japanese Martial arts and Kyud is a bastardization of that word so- I don't recognize it, the same with Kimono. How can you use Japanese terms in a "truely Filipino Art" as you say.

When attacked I will defend myself to the wall. And I have been attacked.
I have been teaching an art that has elements of many Filipino arts in it. It is my art, the art that you planted the seed of and let me grow unattended. So, if I have grown out of your garden and no longer have a place because my color, texture, size , or or simply that I don't fit with what you have in mind for your organization- I will go away. I will still give you credit for my ability, and the desire you kindled in me. But, I will not give up the name of Kuntaw- you cannot lay claim to an art that has 30 different subdivisions in the US already. You cannot put out the fire that has been started. You are the figure head, you are my Grand Master- but the art that you want me to embrace is not the Kuntaw that I have grown to respect and admire for it’s ancient Filipino ability not it’s Okinawan inbreeding. Sorry- that’s life. It is not Kuntaw of The Philippines- It’s Kuntaw of Philkinawa. I don’t think you do the Philippine people justice by watering down what was once a proud cultural art.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY- revisited

2010-02-18T05:22:00.000-08:00

A professor got up in front of his class, he had been listening to the many bits of conversation as the class filtered in. Some of it was about the class, but most of it was just comments about clothes , cars, girls, and the latest movie. As he stood at his desk and called the class to order he raised a large empty pickle jar and placed it on the counter top.

He asked the class-" Is this jar empty or full?"
A young girl stood and said- "it is full of air?"
"Very good" he said, then he took a box of large rocks and proceeded to fill the jar to the top with softball sized rocks.
"Now, is it full?" A young man stood up and said "yes sir, it is full of rocks" "Nope" he said as he pulled out another box of smaller rocks and proceeded to jiggle them into the voids. "Now is it full?" The first young lady said "obviously not, there is still room in there" "Exactly" said the professor and proceeded to empty a bag of small pebbles and then a bag of sand into the jar. "Now is it full?" " No" said the young man, "there is still room for water to be added". "Perfect" said the professor, "Now what have we learned?"

A young man from the back row said " matter occupies space?". "No, I am afraid you have missed the point" said the professor. "This jar signifies your life, the rocks the important things in your life- health, family, friends, your education. The pebbles and the sand signify the small things in life- what show you want to see, what kind of car you drive, what clothes you wear. If you fill your jar with pebbles and sand there is no room left for the rocks". As he took the jar from the table top he asked. "Is your jar full of rocks or are you too busy filling it with sand?"-

"Class dismissed"

News Flash, Tinkerbell steals Pan's shadow, Pan clips Tink's wings

2010-02-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

It has been 40 years in the making, Deb and I were married Monday February 8th in front of close friends and family.

In all our travels and adventures you have sat next to me always saying “I’m with you”. I hope that you know that I too am with you. I wish I could give you all of life’s bounty and share with you many sunsets and starry nights. We have cried together, smiled together, and laughed together, unlike what I have ever had with anyone else. I know that this does not rhyme or follow prose, but it is from the heart. Just being with you has made my life so much more full and happy. I want to do things with you, take you places and share moments that will never come again. I mentioned forgotten days to you once and I tried to explain. But I think that we both have had way too many forgotten days .
Let’s make memories, let’s go places, do things, make things, and not have forgotten days.

For you be Tink and I Peter Pan

I left for Viet Nam and left the Midget Chick behind- she dis ta peered

So many years ago I found a pixie, whose smile melted my heart
But the untimeliness of war caused our paths to part

Try as I may to find you and regain that which I had lost,
I was too young to realize what this war had cost.

The smiling eyes the pixie grin the warmth that you once shared
The memories of you caused me to go searching if I dared

I lost you to life’s unstructured fate but now you have returned
We both have past lives we’ve lived but together we have learned

I set out to prove that I was able to stand on my two feet
Going toe to toe with unseen foes on any darkened street

You set out for a family and at that you have succeeded
But we both have come to realize that is not what we needed

The greatest wealth is held in our hearts and not held in our hands
The memories you have given me have made me a wealthy man

I promise you adventures of many kinds and offer you my hand
Together lets make memories and live in neverland

I do believe in KARMA and people get what they deserve. So if this is now my fate, I can deal with it. I have never felt like this with anyone in my life. I melt at her touch and my neck scrunches up to melt with her neck kiss. She has stolen my shadow and my heart.

A Memorable Day Indeed

2010-01-26T13:36:00.000-08:00

Deb collects Tinkerbells,

so, they needed a home. A bit of scrap wood, some paper mache, a little pixie dust and...........

A Tinkerbell "Tree" House I love creating things from nothing- she loves it, we worked together on it, shared ideas and came up with a cute little storage unit.

FORGOTTEN DAYS

2010-01-17T09:53:00.000-08:00

I was just filling out my time card for this last weeks work and it came to me. We go thru life not keeping track of the days just going from one to the next. There are days that are memorable, and days that we lose because we take a break, laze out, chill, or just plain didn't do anything that was worth remembering. These are forgotten days.

We don't get paid for these days but these days we throw away. We are but given a number of days to live our life, explore, create, and use. If we don't make the most of these days, we throw them away, never to get them back. I have inadvertently tried to make the most of each day in my life by creating memories. I have built cars, guitars, my house, my furniture, and created bonds with people. I read a long time ago a comment that stuck with me but, I cannot remember the whole thing verbatim. It goes- " Man is rich or poor, not by the things he owns or money he possesses, it is by the friends, memories, and his accomplishments that his wealth is measured. For we are given a small amount of time on this earth and we should value what is really important- friends, family, and memories." If I remember correctly, it came from Bruce Lee.( I cannot find it anywhere but I know I read it) If this is how wealth is measured, I am truly rich for I have made many friends, I cherish my family, and I have created many memories while I have walked this earth. Yet,I am still bothered by the forgotten days. Those days where I failed to create memories.

I'll try harder to do something memorable each day.

Today was a slow start but I got into gear about 11 am. I created a wedding cake topper for my wedding with Deb. It is Peter Pan and Tinker Bell Kissing. For those of you who know me, I have been accused of never growing up, playing with swords/knives, and hanging with lost boys (which is very true). Deb has had the nick name "Tink" for many years. Our getting back together has been kind of like a fairy tale. So I think this cake topper is only fitting and should be memorable. I used several Christmas ornaments and cut them down and re arranged them to "fit".

What do you think?

Today I also was able to get my exhaust to work on my dune buggy. The old exhaust stuck out way too far and would not allow me to put a trailer hitch on. So, yes, today was memorable.

The Life of an Oregano Addict

2010-01-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

Seems I am not the only one who has felt the wrath of GM Lanada--- read thisThe Life of an Oregano Addict

Veterans Day wake up

2009-11-12T02:34:00.000-08:00

Most of the people who know me , only know me from the martial arts aspect. Few know all the little facets of my life. Here is one I will share, why you ask? Because sometimes there are turning points that make you who you are.

My Mother and my brother and sisters moved to Gaylord from Ypsilanti after the divorce of my parents. My father was an alcoholic and was abusive. Punishments were – locked in the crawl space for leaving my bike on the ground instead of on its kick stand. Bounced off the wall for not coming when called, beat with a belt- when the urge came. So, Gaylord was a welcome retreat. We lived in a 20 foot by 20 foot log cabin built by my great uncle during WWII. No running water and an outdoor john. My chores were to bring a bucket of water up to the kitchen each morning for drinking water and for dish washing.
Our neighbor was an inspiration to me- he was a handyman fixing everything that needed fixing in the neighborhood- Glen Fuller. With him I learned to pound a nail , change a transmission, roof a house and generally figure out how something was broke- and how to fix it. I had bought a Stingray Bicycle and rode it everywhere. That is how I got the nickname Buzz- The TV program ROUTE 66 had a guy named Buzz driving the Stingray car in each episode. There were 3 Brians on our street and I took the nickname Buzz- cause I rode the Stingray. The skinny Brian was called “Bones”. WE had no car so to get to town we either hitched a ride, bummed a ride , or rode the Indian Trails bus that came by 3 times a day. I spent my time making model cars in the loft of the cabin. Of course I never built any of then like the picture on the box, they were always a bit weird- 6 tires, 2 engines, bubble topped, or cut way low to the ground.
To get by , Mom used to teach us how to sew, knit, or draw. We never had much in the way of money so if you wanted something you had to figure out how to buy it. Mom used to say – “you do what you have to, to do what you want to do”. This meant raking leaves, shoveling snow, or helping to carry wood whatever it took to get that 10.00 for a Mattel snap action revolver.
High School was just a blur, I know that I wasn’t a great student, but I didn’t get into trouble. I loved chorus and woodshop, these classes helped me to get out of my shell as I was good at creating things. Instead of building a gun cabinet or an ashtray in woodshop- I built a hydroplane. The teacher was a bit concerned that I would not complete it- so I did. Proved him wrong - even tho I didn’t have a motor for it. Roy Cox had one, so I traded places with him. He got to drive it if I could use his motor. Actually he stole it from his step dad. But hey, he got it back.

Summer 1968- I was a member of a rock band playing throughout Michigan and having a great time meeting some of the greats (The Animals, Bob Seger, Amboy Dukes, Scott Richards Case, Human Beinz, The Frost.). I had just graduated from High School and taking life for what I could steal. A summer spent swimming , sunning, and partying with my friends. I was oblivious to Viet Nam, it was too far away and had no place on the shelf with all that was being exposed to me elsewhere. Deb came into my life this summer and I was enjoying her company. We met outside the TEEN CHALET on one our bands breaks. She was a cutie and I just could not take my eyes off of her. She came up from Lansing each summer to her family’s cottage at Lake Arrowhead. My buds and I ( Randy Peterman, Pete Kline, Don Rance, Roy Cox,, and others)were running the lakes, woods, and parties around Gaylord and at Lake Arrowhead. A good time was had by all. Summer mornings I would be out on the lake with my hydroplane. This is where I started my martial arts training as there was a guy home on leave from Viet Nam on the beach doing Tae Kwon do most mornings. I ended up being his training partner. He versed me on what the war was about contrary to what the media was telling us.

Summer ended and I was working at a factory during the day and playing in the band on the weekends. Not many cares. Spring of 1969 rolls around and Randy gets his draft notice. He is headed to Viet Nam. Shortly thereafter Pete gets his notice. Reality sets in. I am next on the list and I end up going down to Detroit for processing. Reality turns to panic. I do not want to go to a jungle and climb thru muddy swamps in search of people to kill. People who I have no beef with. I have several choices the first would be to get a student deferment- yeah right. Like my family could send me to college. The second join the Air Force or Navy and be a specialist. After all, my dad was a lead Mechanic for American Airlines and I could fix almost anything. Or third run to Canada. So I guess I really only had one choice.

I joined the Navy on a 120 day delay program and decided to enjoy what free time I had. I spent part of the summer with Deb and then took off to Florida with our band manager. We got a little studio apartment just outside Hollywood Beach. Jobs were scarce. I pumped gas at a marina for a few weeks til I met up with a couple of guys from New Jersey. They had a job working for the Seminoles. They made some good money and still had time to enjoy the summer. Weeknights we would go out and catch scorpions at .50 cents each. We would go thru side lots and fields turning over every scrap of card board and placing our catch in a large plastic bucket. The Indians would gas the scorpions and then put them into molds, pour liquid plastic over them to make paper weights or belt buckles. During the day we would drive out to alligator alley and walk the paths. The Seminoles would pay 5.00 each for any snakes we could catch or kill. They would make hat bands or belts from the snake skins while they ate the snake meat. We caught a lot of snakes that summer and had pockets full of cash. It ended when I got bit on the arm by a water moccasin. Thought I was gonna die.

Erik found a good job at the IMAGE in Ft Lauderdale so I went and was hired too. We would operate projectors and gel machines for the stage. After all, I was a Michigan rockstar and had done this stuff before. We lit the stage for Led Zeppelin, Edison Lighthouse, and many of the Florida name bands. Summer was coming to an end and my delayed entry was coming up. So I loaded up my car and headed back north. When I got home, news of Chuck Sewells death in Viet Nam was the talk of the community. I was stunned- I used to ride in his back seat and steal smokes during lunch break at school. What a good guy ( for an upperclassman).

The next few months were a haze. I was working where I could and dreading the coming of my demise. Papers arrived and notified me to go to Detroit for active duty. I said my good byes and left. Nobody told me that bootcamp in Chicago would be so nasty. - 20 degrees and marching on the grinder. All the yelling and belittling. I signed up with the promise from my recruiter that I would be in Aviation structural, mechanical, or electrical rates. They sent me to engineering school- main engines for the navy ships.

I survived boot camp finding my niche- I was the star athlete on the athletic competition team. We won the athletic flag for our boot camp company. My papers said I was going to San Diego Ca to meet a ship bound for Viet Nam. My job- Machinist's Mate, I was a repairman. Upon arrival to San Diego I found out that the ship I was assigned to was still being built- BONUS!!!! That meant we would have to go thru shakedown before ever thinking of going to Viet Nam. While the ship was being built I applied for several trade schools and was assigned to a few as well. Fork truck maintenance, fresh water handling, firefighting/damage control school, I even got to participate in some of the Coronado Island schools- scuba diving, and arms school. My free time was spent on base learning Judo and taking Tae Kwon do classes at the rec center.

I didn't realize that the shipyards didn't just turn over completed ships to the Navy. Turns out they were semi finished and the crew had to test retest and finish all the little details. We worked our butts off. The shakedown cruise- Acapulco. On our way down we came upon a shrimp boat that was over turned- sharks were everywhere. My job was to operate the winch that would haul the boat back upright. Here in the water were big sharks (blues) no way was anybody getting me into the ocean. We waited for the Mexican authorities to take possession of the shrimp boat and we were on our way.

I must have walked every street of downtown Acapulco, watched the cliff divers, bartered with the street vendors and been scared shitless by the taxi drivers. The second day, Duty called. I was the engineer for the Captain's Gig. I got to ride with the Captain, a lot of big wig officers, and the XO to some fancy homes and sites. I learned a lot about what the officers were like and how to play them by the Boatswain's Mate. He was pretty smart. He got us fed while on those runs and even got us pool time while we waited for the officers.

Reality sets in we pass the shakedown cruise and end up enroute to Viet Nam via Olongapo Philippines. Olongapo was a little shit hole with rip off artists smelly streets and greasey looking vendors. The purpose of this place was to service our ship and provide us with a port to load materials, vegetables, and personel to take to Viet Nam. Our ship was like a floating Meijers- we provided people, fuel,food, and repairs to the 7th fleet. We were also open 24 hours. Many days were spent from 4 am to 9 pm fueling ships, transferring fuel, or being helo’d over to a destroyer to fix their A/C systems. I kept my quarterly marks up and worked my way into several more military schools AC&R and MDCS school. How? By doing my job well while others just existed and put their time in.

I was kind of a Schnieder/ Macgyver I fixed a lot of stuff and was rewarded in many ways. Especially by the Filipino stewards. I would fix their equipment and get a steak for payment or lobster tails to take down into engineering. (ask me how I cooked them) I learned to horse trade with many of the different rates aboard ship, like Clinger on MASH. Mail was spotty and I got caught up in all that had to be done aboard ship to keep from getting gigged or hurt. This is where I lost Deb. I fell behind in writing. Had way too many things happening, my free time was spend catching up on sleep.

This was my out from being a ground pounder. I would rather have a nice warm bed than fight the Bot flies. This is what I did- fixed things and I did my job well. I left the ship with several commendations by the ship’s Captain for my work and my work ethics. In just 3 1/2 years I went from an apprentice rate to that of being in charge of the A/CR gang a second class petty officer. Also in this time I had gone from a yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do to Black Belt in Kuntaw. I had seen Singapore, Kiaowshiung Taiwan, Yokuska Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Austrailia, Hawaii, Viet Nam and had seen many things I had never thought possible while sitting in the loft of the cabin. I was sent to many other vessels to repair their equipment. Was it all just fixing things? No.
Our ship was fired upon , we ended up sweeping mines in Haiphong Harbor, we survived 2 typhoons where our ship became a submarine, we went thru hellish days where you were tossed out of your bed by the ocean waves. We helped with the evacuation of Viet Nam.

So, no, I did not fire a gun at the Viet Cong. I did what I did best, I kept the 7th fleet able to do their job by fixing what needed to be fixed. I can sleep well knowing that I did my job and I did it well. And that I never had to hurt another human being in the process. Upon returning to the US I had to take a flight from San Diego to San Francisco. In order to fly at military rate you had to be in uniform. Imagine my disgust that when I boarded the bus to the airport I was spit upon by some long hairs. Luckily the bus driver slammed the guy up against the bus and stood up for me. I ran into this several times being called a baby killer and a war criminal…… for fixing machinery??????
When I came home there was no fan fare, just distrust.

40 years have passed, I have gone thru 2 marriages that were not pretty, I have re found my cutie and I am still guilty of trying to fix things- even when they are not broken. This last summer I bought a Viet Nam veterans hat. One day I wore it on an outing to lake Michigan. 3 times that day people came up to me and thanked me for my service one man came up and shook my hand and said “GOD BLESS YOU” . I finally cried and still cry when I think about it. I only did what I thought I should do and I did it the best I could.

Since the service I have done my job well
I have set goals and reached them. And I have found Deb and hold her dear to my heart.

I thank God that I was able to find a path thru the Viet Nam war and came out a survivor and not a drain on society.

2009-10-25T14:22:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for this for a while, and poof!!!! Steve VanHarn posted it.- Seems a good time to post it here. Thanks Steve

In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded
for his wisdom. One day the great philosopher came upon an
acquaintance who ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates,
do you know what I just heard about one of your students?"
"Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me I'd
like you to pass a little test. It's called the Test of
Three."
"Test of Three?"
"That's right,"Socrates continued "Before you talk to me
about my student let's take a moment to test what you're
going to say. The first test is Truth. Have you made
absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"
"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it."
"All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it's
true or not. Now let's try the second test, the test of
Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student
something good?"
"No, on the contrary..."
"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad
about him even though you're not certain it's true?"
The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.
Socrates continued. "You may still pass though, because there
is a third test - the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want
to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?"
"No, not really..."
"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is
neither True nor Good nor even Useful, why tell it to me at
all?"

Movie Review

2009-10-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

I admit, I have gone to see Toy Story, Ant Bully, and Wall-e. Knowing that, going to see UP was a natural. I was expecting it to be a kid flick, instead- it was a kid flick, a chick flick, and a guy flick. Elements of comedy and drama mixed in with a few morals.

I don't cry at movies often, but this movie brought me to tears in a few places. Why? Because it hit home, my home, my life, and what has happened to me. If you haven't seen it- you cannot relate. I give it a thumbs up.
"UP" the movie

Music to live by

2009-07-02T13:11:00.000-07:00

In this world where thenorm is to have music that is violent or suggestive it is refreshing to see people who don't even speak english do such a nice job.ToTo They do such a nice job creating music and mood by only using their voices and their hands.

Spring Gathering of the Tribes part 2

2009-06-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

Another gathering has come and gone leaving many memories of bruises and smiles. This annual bash is anticipated by me every year why? Because of the camaraderie, the brotherhood, the new ideas and faces that come to the table. Every year we see new people, new systems, and new ideas to play with. And play I do. Tho I am not much for Harimau I do like the concepts that go with that art. Can I get down on the floor and wrap my body into a pretzel? No, age and muscle problems limit my activities. But, am I inspired by what I see? Yes an emphatic - YES.

Also with the get together we have a chance to share the food and spirits ( tho I do not partake of the spirits) food yes- I am usually first in line and last to put down a fork.

This year there was a noticeable absence of several of the regulars of the gathering- notably Guru Mushtaq Ali. Why he chose not to attend is his own. Several of his students chose not to attend as well. That is ok because it opened the door for others to come in and share. This group has always been about leaving attitudes at the door as well as egos. So if there was an ego problem, I guess it couldn't be left at the door. And Bobbe, who could not make it due to his waiting for his back surgery. But we took care of injecting his presence every chance we could. This is the first time I was able to get the last word in with Bobbe.

We made up for this absence by burying ourselves in each others company. We shared Harimau ( ) , Silat pertempkin(Jay Christensen ), Rossi Kuntao ( Mel Hebert) Kuntaw ( Buzz Smith) Like I always say- treachery will win and I stuffed a few feet to prove it., San Yun Do ( Chuck and Don), Krav Maga ( Criag Gray, Weasel craft Street Smarts ( Terry Trehan , Knife making ( Ian Robbins and Chuck), and we enjoyed the company of many newcomers, Sheri, Rob, Doug, David, Burrell and many I met but don't remember their names.

The weather co operated with us and allowed us to train outside for the most part, dodging the mosquitoes and sliding on the grass. When it got too bad , the inside of the dojo fit just nicely. As I said in my previous post, I was able to finally hook up with Guro Mel Hebert after hearing his name come up many times with Chuck. I was glad to pick up another contact in my search for the art of Kuntao.

I have attended many of these gatherings and I feel this was one of the best yet. Because of my polymyalgia I am unable to do a lot of the extreme stretching and twisting that some of the arts exert on your body, I might not complete a session, but I hang in there as long as I can. It is not a reflection against the instructor teaching, rather it is me knowing my limits.

Chuck and Jeanne were great hosts as usual and the BBQ and menu was first rate.
I have a hard time trying to post on this blog as my puter crashes half way thru doing it. So until I can get better , you guys will just have to put up with me floundering.
Buzz

2009 Spring Gathering

2009-05-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

What a weekend, people from all over the US coming together under one roof to share ideas and techniques.

I got a chance to meet Guro Mel Hebert from California this weekend, what a nice guy. He has studied a different form of Kuntao than I have been exposed to but we were not able to spend much time exchanging ideas. He went one way- I was pulled in another. Still, the week end was a blast. If you didn't make it there- na na na na na na I did!

Photos will be up soon.

NEW FMA FORUM / CHAT

2009-04-25T06:45:00.001-07:00

I was just turned on to a new forum, it is still in it's infancy but looks like it will fly.

MyFMA.NET

FIX THE ECONOMY

2009-04-24T03:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. President:

Please find below my suggestion for fixing America 's economy.

Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the
money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.

You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan:

There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force.

Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the
following stipulations:
1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.

2) They MUST buy a new American CAR. Forty million cars ordered-
Auto Industry fixed.

3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis
fixed.

It can't get any easier than that! If more money is needed, have all
members of Congress and their constituents pay their taxes...Or have the nations that still owe us money from WWII pay us back with interest.....and those who have promised us open markets but have failed- cut em off.

Stella Awards

2009-03-03T12:47:00.000-08:00

Stella Awards!

2009-03-03T12:46:00.001-08:00

It's time again for the annual "Stella Awards"! For those unfamiliar with these awards, they are named after 81-year-old Stella Liebeck who spilled hot coffee on herself and successfully sued the McDonald's in New Mexico where she purchased the coffee. You remember, she took the lid off the coffee and put it between her knees while she was driving. Who would ever think one could get burned doing that, right? That's right; these are awards for the most outlandish lawsuits and verdicts in the U.S. You know, t he kinds of cases that make you scratch your head. So keep your head scratcher handy.

Here are the Stella's for the past year:

7TH PLACE :

Kathleen Robertson of Austin, Texas was awarded $80,000 by a jury of her peers after breaking her ankle tripping over a toddler who was running inside a furniture store. The store owners were understandably surprised by the verdict, considering the running toddler was her own son.

6TH PLACE :

Carl Truman, 19, of Los Angeles, California won $74,000 plus medical expenses when his neighbor ran over his hand with a Honda Accord . Truman apparently didn't notice there was someone at the wheel of the car when he was trying to steal his neighbor's hubcaps.

Go ahead, grab your head scratcher.

5TH PLACE :

Terrence Dickson, of Bristol, Pennsylvania, was leaving a house he had just burglarized by way of the garage. Unfortunately for Dickson, the automatic garage door opener malfunctioned and he could not get the garage door to open. Worse, he couldn't re-enter the house because the door connecting the garage to the house locked when Dickson pulled it shut. Forced to sit for eight, count 'em, EIGHT, days on a case of Pepsi and a large bag of dry dog food, he sued the homeowner's insurance company claiming undue mental Anguish. Amazingly, the jury said the insurance company must pay Dickson $500,000 for his anguish. We should all have this kind of anguish.

Keep scratching. There are more...

4TH PLACE :

Jerry Williams, of Little Rock, Arkansas , garnered 4th Place in the Stella's when he was awarded $14,500 plus medical expenses after being bitten on the butt by his next door neighbor's beagle - even though the beagle was on a chain in its owner's fenced yard. Williams did not get as much as he asked for because the jury believed the beagle might have been provoked at the time of the butt bite because Williams had climbed over the fence into the yard and repeatedly shot the dog with a pellet gun.

Grrrrr ... Scratch, scratch.

3RD PLACE :

Third place goes to Amber Carson of Lancaster , Pennsylvania because a jury ordered a Philadelphia restaurant to pay her $113,500 after she slipped on a spilled soft drink and broke her tailbone. The reason the soft drink was on the floor: Ms. Carson had thrown it at her boyfriend 30 seconds earlier during an argument. What ever happened to people being responsible for their own actions?

Scratch, scratch, scratch. Hang in there; there are only two more Stellas to go...>

2ND PLACE :

Kara Walton, of Claymont, Delaware sued the owner of a night club in a nearby city because she fell from the bathroom window to the floor, knocking out her two front teeth. Even though Ms. Walton was trying to sneak through the ladies room window to avoid paying the $3.50 cover charge, the jury said the night club had to pay her $12,000....oh, yeah, plus dental expenses. Go figure.

1ST PLACE : (May I have a fanfare played on 50 kazoos please)

This year's runaway First Place Stella Award winner was Mrs.. Merv Grazinski, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , who purchased a new 32-foot Winnebago motor home. On her first trip home from an OU football game, having driven onto the freeway, she set the cruise control at 70 mph and calmly left the driver's seat to go to the back of the Winnebago to make herself a sandwich. Not surprisingly, the motor home left the freeway, crashed and overturned. Also not surprisingly, Mrs. Grazinski sued Winnebago for not putting in the owner's manual that she couldn't actually leave the driver's seat while the cruise control was set. The Oklah oma jury awarded her, are you sitting down, $1,750,000 PLUS a new motor home. Winnebago actually changed their manuals as a result of this suit, just in case Mrs. Grazinski has any relatives who might also buy a motor home.

Are we, as a society, getting more stupid...?

Economic Recovery....

2009-03-03T09:36:00.000-08:00

I have been hit hard the past 3 months with work dropping right off to nothing. If it wasn't for a few side jobs and DEB I would be in trouble. My hours have been down to as low as 9 hrs a week. Can't pay the bills with that. So, I won't be making the Iowa gathering and my planned trip to the Philippines this spring is all but washed up.

I just had to replace the brakes on my van and then the snow plow takes out my tail lights. Thank god for ebay- 23.00 ea to replace.

I have been in worse situations, but it just seems that it should be getting better!

Gran Torino

2009-01-16T19:27:00.000-08:00

Deb and I just got back from seeing "GRAN TORINO" with Clint Eastwood. What a movie- there are laughs there are tears and some thought provoking moments. Almost at the end you go WTF?????? Then ya have to think , the whole movie led up to this. But it comes as a surprise. I saw a lot of my old man in that movie, and I saw a lot of me in it too.
If you have the time- this is a must see.

2008 gone

2009-01-01T17:40:00.000-08:00

I am sitting in a darkened office, Deb is sleeping on the couch and I have been pondering what to write.

This past year has been one of the best years in my life. I have lost a few friends, but gained more. I survived 9 days with Bobbe Edmonds ( Jeannie- you were wrong- I never laid a hand on him let alone strangle him). I teamed up with a beautiful person that I thought was lost to the winds- Deb. She has comforted me, walked with me, supported me, and made me feel like I was valuable. My ego was a bit into the toilet before she arrived. I have almost accomplished projects that have been put on hold for so long- because she is there helping.
She actually stuck with it even after paddling 64 miles in 2 days on the Manistee river (she says it was a test- I say it was what I was used to doing) She has a laugh that warms the heart, an impish pixie smile that makes you wonder, and a caring disposition that makes me wonder why I was so stupid to let her go to begin with back in 1969.

My health has stabilized a bit and I am not as fatalistic as I have been in the past. I have more to look forward to now.......

The Gathering of the Tribes has brought me back into perspective. I have found people that actually like to play with me in my art. They take what I give and twist and turn it and actually ask for my opinion on what they have done with it.

Chuck Pippin has opened his club and house to a number of rag tag martial artists from all over and pretty much sits back and watches us unload on each other.

Real people, real martial artists, not the better than thou types that have rriddled the past 30 years of my Northern Michigan hibernation.

So as this year has ended, I want you all to know that I am glad that you have named me as a friend and one of the guys. It means a lot to me. Ya know, life is like a roll of toilet paper...... the closer you get to the end the faster it goes. I have found myself richer this year in many ways, a thanks goes out to those who have made me smile, laugh, and cry. Each of these things makes me wealthy. No stock market crash can take away this wealth of memories, friends, and comradery that has brought the smiles to my face. Thanks
Paul Vittorelli
Anton Buntic
Chuck Pippin
Mushdaq Ali
Bobbe Edmonds
Jay Carstensen
Ron Hardin
Scot Hoeflin
and of course
Deb aka "TINK"

Friends, memories, family- are the true measure of wealth.

Terrorists and the cry for recognition

2008-12-27T05:04:00.000-08:00

I have avoided posting religious or political comments in my blog mainly because I have a mixed feeling about all of this. But, today I read some news about the mutilation of a rabbi and his wife by Muslim radicals. They raped them, cut off their genitals, then eviscerated them. I know that all Muslims are not terrorists and I know that there have been a number of instances of cruel and unusual things done by both sides. But isn't this a lot more cruel than mishandling of their Koran???????????

I saw a cartoon a while back of an Arabic person burning the American flag and denouncing American. Then screamed for his rights when he was thrown into jail.
To me it is kind of the same thing. They behead, drag bodies behind a car, eviscerate and mutilate hostages then scream because their Koran was mis handled or they were made to crawl on their knees. They cry to have someone killed because of a cartoon, they want to kill a school teacher who lets her class name a class pet(They named the pet Mohamed- she didn't), they blow up a man and his stall because he was selling video tapes. They kill their daughters for wearing make up....They want to put to death a man who converted from Islam????
Now, I am not one to point fingers , but, isn't that a bit over board?

I am thinking that the Muslim or Islamic community had better start condemning what is going on or they will be lumped into the same general perception as the terrorists.

here are some links\ Very graphic
event 1
event 2
event 3
event 4
Nazmeen, an 11 year old girl, was molested and set on fire by her uncle, a conservative Muslim, in Jaipur, India. He was outraged over her wearing lipstick and being ’scantily dressed.’ After conducting inappropriate acts with her body, he poured kerosene over her and torched over 90% of her body.
11 year old girl set on fire for wearing lipstick

In the past few years the Afghanistan Taliban have closed down hundreds of schools, burned down over 140 more and have killed over 40 teachers and students. The reason being that the schools had the the nerve to educate girls. This atrocious behavior is not enough though. Now the Taliban in Swat Pakistan has threatened to blow up all girls' schools and attack the students if they are not closed by January 15Th. The Taliban says that the schools go against Islam.

We in turn are an open society and that just may be our downfall.
Suicide Bombings
Why Muslims cannot condemn terrorists
List of Islamic incidents

I guess I have just gotten my head out of the sand

Some may say I am an Islamaphobe but- no- I am against stupidity . As long as the rest of mankind allows this stupidity to continue, we are all targets.

So how many nasty grams am I gonna receive for these observations??

GRAND RAPIDS SEMINAR

2008-10-18T03:18:00.000-07:00

Here is the storage site for the pictures from the Grand Rapids Seminar. The seminar covered take downs, containments, and how to reverse holds/locks and get an advantage. In other words- BUNO.

http://www.4shared.com/dir/9844634/37f937c2/GR_Seminar_1008_Pictures.html

PERCEPTION - REPUTATION

2008-09-17T17:39:00.000-07:00

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=9w3MToEIGtg

PROJECT 2 - The "BULLDOG GT"

2008-09-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

This car started life as a rebody kit, it never made it onto the road. I traded for it and brought it home on a snow mobile trailer I then mocked up a midengine frame and found a 3.8 liter GM FWD engine from a 95 Bonneville. I fabricated a Lamborghini rear suspension using "A" Arm and "H" arm links.
Now I am widening the body and reworking it to get the low and wide stance that I am looking for- kinda like a bull dog. Sinister and foreboding. Deb has spent the morning with me sculpting fiberglass and bondo arount the side pod extensions and tail lights. This has been fun a she doesn't mind getting bondo on her fingers. She actually was pushing bondo into cracks and smoothing ripples out with her fingers.

Who knows, maybe between the two of us we can get the BEAST on the road come spring.
I found a set of Alpine bucket seats on Ebay and they will fit the high tech bill for this car. I also set up the dash to lert the gauges disappear into it when the car is turned off and raise out of the dash when the key is inserted. Cool! The stick shift has a number of buttons on it to dim the headkights, honk the horn, change radio stations, and turn on the back up lights should someone creep up behind me with their brights on.

I made an overhead console to house all my electrical. let's see if I can work it into the headliner.

PROJECTS, PROJECTS, PROJECTS

2008-09-11T17:22:00.000-07:00

I went out into my garage the other day and just had to shake my head. I have soo many projects that I need to get done and they all are waiting on one thing or another. A head light bucket, brake lines, an adapter plate to be made, and one just needs some wiring.

All were started in high hopes of finishing "last Year" but, as things worked out I didn't get them done. I can't operate a DA sander for more than 4 minutes before my hands start to swell. I find it hard to kneel for extended time before my legs lock up. So I have just been doing a little here and there to get them at least moving forward. Some may say- you have too much stuff. Is that really possible? Some of these cars I looked for for 12 years. They aren't made anymore so you have to fabricte what you don't have in the way of parts. I used to like to comb the auto salvage yards for that right part. But now, I work and can't seem to find the time to go looking when I do have the time.

If I could just have 3,000 to play with and 2 weeks of non interruption, maybe, just maybe I could make a dent. Deb has been helping me rewire the streetfighter. Last night I got it to run and got the seats remounted. ( they still need re covering due to mice) I was hoping to drive it at least one time this year. Still could happen. The Bulldog GT is still waiting on some welding and some bodywork.
I guess all good things come to those who wait........ Naaaaaw- ya have to make it happen.

SEATTLE TRIP

2008-09-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

To those of you who were present at the Iowa Bobbe seminar, this will make perfect sense.

Deb and I arrived at the SeaTac airport to see Bobbe and we were wearing blue “T” shirts one of the “T” shirts said -“I’M BUZZ”, the other said - “I’M BUZZ’S CHICK. The look on Bobbe’s face was priceless. And when we handed him another blue “T” shirt that said “I’M BUZZ’S BUD” it was a Kodak moment. And of course there was but one last “T” shirt that said – So…Who’s Buzz, which of course was for Caren.

I finally found out what makes Bobbe so hyper- seems his coffee is 3 times as strong as I am used to. He must be immune to it, or it has replaced his blood because once he is up- he is UP.

Bobbe and his better half ,Caren, are consummate cooks. If it doesn’t have 4 different spices and requires 6 steps to make, it ain’t real food. Me, I’m a meat and potatoes type of guy. The week was spent stuffing our faces with all types of cuisine Malay,Chinese, Hawaiian, Indonesian, and Filipino.. We spent 3 days searching for a cinnamon donut. I just had to have one. Finally found one around the corner from Bobbe's place. We went to the Malaysian Restaurant and had already offered to take Caren out for dinner. When the check came, Deb snatched it up, Bobbe argued in vain for a few minutes but to no avail. Deb looked him right in the face and said ”don’t mess with the midget chick”. He looked at me and I replied - "even I don’t mess with the midget chick." This was the first time I saw Bobbe speechless. (I have no idea where the midget chick term came from)

The last time I was in Seattle was in 1972 while attending the Seattle Seafair
with the US Navy. This means- I had no idea where to go or what to do.
Deb did a few searches online before we left and that gave us a starting point.

We went to the space needle and you could see that Deb was turning a bit
white in anticipation. Seems she has an aversion to heights. But, like
a trooper, she went up the elevator and even looked out into space. At
the top she looked over the edge and even walked clear around the
upstairs observation lounge. The view was spectacular. The weather was
in our favor and it was pretty clear for as far as you could see.

Bobbe gave us a ride (jeepney fashion ) to the Kubota
Gardens. This place is not heavily advertised and it was a wonderful
place to walk around looking at all the plants and the water features.
Almost a Japanese Garden but with a lot of just plain plantings. I
think we took the most pictures here.

I notified Bobbe that his passenger brake wasn't working, Deb chimed in that the rear passenger brake didn't work as well. (We live back in the woods where we deal with tractors and tourists,not Indy 500 drivers)

“I beat you old man” said Bobbe on the 7th day, “one victory out of 7 does not a conquest make, first you have to wake up not using the alarm.” This was brought on because we wake up early and we had been gone before Bobbe or Caren woke up. Seems that we are early risers and like to get moving in the morning and Bobbe is
more of a night personality. Deb and I wake on our own at 5 or 6 am. Bobbe rolls out of bed sometime after 10 am. So we went out for breakfast each morning and arrived back to start our days touring or checking out the local shops or sights. The local bus system will take you almost anywhere .Besides, I didn't feel comfortable borrowing Bobbe's car. Tho we did end up borrowing a few times.

Things we did, places we went:
Kubota Garden
Bellevue Mall
Space Needle and Monorail
Pike Place Market
Chinatown tour
Mount Rainier and Scenic Railroad
Private Classes for Bobbe and his students

I did a couple of class workshops with Bobbe's guys to introduce them to this strange brand of Kuntaw. I hope they all got what they wanted, I know I showed a lot.
They
were quick studies. Friday before we left we had a small seminar where
each student could pick and choose from the menu. All were very
receptive to what was shown.

On
Saturday, before we had to run to the airport, Bobbe and Caren hosted a
small party for Franklin , one of Bobbe's senior students. He is
retiring from the military and about to move to Florida. Talk about a
smorgasbord . Stuffed potatoes, Filipino Ribs, strawberry shortcake, 3
types of fried chicken, veggies and dips of several varieties, cheeses,
wines, beers of many flavors.

The backyard was askew with people
eating, drinking, and comparing notes as well as telling war stories.

I guess Mushtaq Ali had similar problems with the passenger brake too.

Words To Live By
1. A day without sunshine is like night.
2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.
3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
6. He who laughs last thinks slowest.
7. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets The cheese in the trap.
9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.
10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
13. How many of you believe in psychokinesis? Raise my hand.
14. OK, so what's the speed of dark?
15. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
16. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
17. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
18. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
19. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?
20. Why do psychics have to ask you your name?
21. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, 'What the heck happened?'
22. Just remember -- if the world didn't suck, we would all fall off.
23. Light travels faster than sound.. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
24. Life isn't like a box of chocolates. It's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your butt tomorrow.

FOLLOW UP - PATHS NOT TAKEN

2008-07-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

Enter a young farm girl from southern Michigan. Expose her to Filipino Martial arts, then stand back and watch as she runs with them. This path she has taken ( in a different direction than when she started out) has found her in the seat of the Filipino arts. She is now "IN" the Philippines and has placed well against FMA artists from around the world and from many different instructors.
I am glad that she made the first step to train with Bong Jornales, an old tournament buddy of mine. And being exposed to many different FMA and IMA instructors has given her a number of venues to follow. I am glad that she didn't take the easy path and decided to just follow Karate. She has excelled in FMA- I am proud. Mariah Moore- you have just started, don't be afraid to follow your heart and defend what you belive in. Don't doubt that you are capable of accomplishing anything you set your mind to. This is a good lesson for those of you who just sit back and take it easy. Chances are- if you don't know where you are going- you will NEVER get there.

Paths not taken can leave a big hole in your life and a lot of- " I should have....." when you are wiser.

Well done Mariah
Buzz

RELAXING BIRTHDAY

2008-06-17T03:57:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was my birthday, yeah Bobbe I am around 300. Anyway,
I usually am cranking out something in the way of a project or two.
Well, this weekend- I took a break. Deb and I hosted Chuck Pippin and
Jeannie his wife for their anniversary . The weather co operated a bit
and we spent some time watching videos, walking downtown as well as
doing a little one on one training. The critters even co operated as Jeannie fed one of the chipmonks and it climbed up into her hand.

Chuck brought up the kerambit that I started at the Gathering- finished and cased. Sweet!!! I do hope they make the forging thing a part of the Gathering.

Deb and Jeannie had a chance to chat while Chuck and I crossed hands on the basics of Kuntaw. I also gave the 10 cent tour of the "house in da woods" showing Chuck and Jeannie what I have been describing
for the past couple of years. Last night Deb and I picked up the hot
tub and , well, the project list never stops. It just gets bigger.
Let's see:

Dune buggy- unfinished
trike- unfinished
gt 40- unfinished
fence- unfinished
deck- unfinished
front wall- unfinished

see the pattern here?

But, I know I will get to all of them eventually and I don't mind a break now and then . Especially if it is spent with friends making memories ( see previous post)

PATHS NOT TAKEN

2008-06-14T05:03:00.000-07:00

Over the years I have had many opportunities come my way. Many i have
jumped on and ended up none the better for it. But at least, I made a
move. Failing to take advantage of an opportunity can have you later
thinking that -"why didn't i do that?" or I wish I would have...." I
have lived my life trying to take advantage of life , not letting it
take advantage of me.

Now, some of my students have asked me how I have managed to accumulate soo
many skills and memories..... I took the step . If I wanted something,
I went for it. Maybe that is just too simplistic, but it works for me.
I have trained with many high profile people over the years , some took
advantage of me but more often than naught, I took advantage of them.
Taking what they had and running with it. Skills they gave me (
sometimes at a great cost) and dissected, rearranged , and applied
them. I know life can get in your way and it is hard to allot time,
money, and energy to accumulate things. But if you fail to even try to
attain these things you only have you to blame. (see this)

Life is like a
roll of toilet paper, the closer you get to the end the faster it goes.
I have tried to use each and every day to accomplish things. If I did
not have a skill, I sought out one who did and glean that skill/talent
from them. It isn't hard to get skills especially if the skill is
something that you really want and if you value the person who you are
trying to get the skills from. Funny how a little recognition can open
so many doors. Everyone wants to be recognized as being special or of
value. I traveled out to California in 1982 looking to better myKuntaw skills. I found the local Kuntaw guy to be very lacking- so I went to the Filipino Community center and started asking for referrals to people who knew FMA
. They saw my intensity in the value of their arts so I was directed
from person to person. A lot of doors were opened to me that would have
been closed if I came in with a bad attitude.

These old men spent their time showing me many useful and not so useful skills. But sometimes you have to sort thru the apples to find the ripe ones. One of these gentlemen was Guro Sam Tendencia,
I spent a lot of time with him and he in turn sent me to several other
people of whom he saw value. His art was a bit different than mine and
he reminded me many times that it was. By seeing the differences I also
saw the similarities.
So what did this trip cost me?
500.00+
dollars. What did I get out of it? TONS of memories, contacts, and
skills as well as a better understanding of my own art. Sometimes you
just have to get out and "DO" instead of waiting for things to come to
you.

Guro and friend Bill Anderson turned me on to a group of
Indonesian and Filipino martial artists in my state. I had never heard
about them but- an opportunity not taken is lost. I gathered up a few
of my guys and went down to train with them. The cost? A couple of
tanks of gas- the value -immeasurable.

I truly believe that the measure of a persons wealth is not by what they have
in the bank, but by the number of friends they have, the things they
have accomplished, and by the memories they have made. No stock market
crash can ever remove these things from your possession.

Many lives have touched mine. Many people have shared their lives with me. I hope as well that I have made some impact or influenced people on my way down "MY" path. It warms my heart when others see value in what I do and what I have done. I don't go looking for recognition, but a pat on the back or a "job well done" does not hurt one little bit. Ya know , the ego is a fragile thing in some men. I am one of them. Growing up I was always put down by my father and built back up by my mother. I was never good enough for my dad, in my mothers eyes I was special. Duality is in everything I have seen. The balance becomes a way of life.

Salamat Po for reading

GATHERING OF THE TRIBES "Land of the lost boys"

2008-05-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

To those who know me there is no need to explain the GATHERING OF THE TRIBES, for those who do not know me or what I am into, an explanation will be hard to deliver. Two times a year a number of like minded martial artists from all over get together to share food “beer” curry and various IMA/FMA lines of thought.

Now, for those who are in Karate type arts, this is unheard of. But, to us, it is absolutely normal. We meet in a little dojo, bothoan, dojang , qwoon- or polebarn out in the woods just a short drive from downtown Grand Rapids. This little piece of property hosts a number of open hearted and giving instructors, students and afficitionados of the martial way from axe throwing, to slice and dice.

This year was no different. On hand for the GATHERING were;

Guru Mushtaq Ali------Senior Instructor of Silat Zulfikari.
Cody Fielding ---- from San Francisco - Certified sports conditioning specialist and health coach from Empowered Health
Guru Bobbe Edmonds ----- from Seattle Washington- owner and head instructor of Edmonds Martial Arts Academy

James Kohlenberg----- Pressure Point Release- Physical Therapist

Chuck Pippen ------ from San Yun Do Grand Rapids

And Myself

Some camped out, some stayed in motels, and some even crashed on the living room floor. All spent 3 days of various training from knife making, Grappling, Stick compression techniques, pressure point release training, Buno lockflow and applications, Silat knife work, training gear applications, 3 section staffwork, and even a few off to the side one on one training sessions.

This year was one of the best sessions I have been to and it was day after day of nice weather where we could work outside. These people leave their egos at the door and proceed to just explore and dissect many avenues of the arts presented.

A total shock to me was the presentation of acknowledgement of my rank and acceptance as one of the founding fathers of this event - an honor that I did not expect but was dropped on me - blind sided if you will. Guro Bobbe Edmonds had a certificate made up and signed by all of the Nonaligned martial artists that are the core of our group. This means a lot as I hold a high level of respect for these guys. To have them say we recognize you as one of us and one of the core people is quite an honor.

With me this weekend getaway to the land of Lost Boys was Deb. We camped out in the Taj Mahal of tents and ran up a high number of kisses. "Get a room" was heard a few times. She has been my co partner in crime and I am not sure what I would do without her there. The last night was quite interesting from the screeches of a stuck raccoon to the wind playing havoc with the tent. For a while we were wondering if we would be still in Kansas come morning.

Here is a link to some of the photos and videos taken at this years Gathering.

http://www.4shared.com/dir/7277527/111c6465/2008_Spring_Gathering.html

THANKS FOR THE INTERNET

2008-04-04T18:57:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I have had a hard time the past 3 years. Between kidney stones, testiculistis,a fall from a roof instigating 3 mini strokes, 2 broken ribs after a stunt gone bad, then losing my job because of the broken ribs- then contracting polymyalgia- it has been real fun. I have put on 30 plus pounds and my ego kinda went into the toilet.
Enter the internet. I found an old girl friend and come to find out- she was looking for me. We re established ties and now- she is my better half. Deb has beeen a god send.
We have been spending a lot of time doing things and getting even closer. Seems we like the same stuff and have similar skills.

Tonight we started to re upholster some sports car seats. We also put up a shelving unit for her crafting stuff.

Enter the internet again, one of my friends passed away and while trying to notify those who should be informed, I was able to find an old friend who I used to play in a band with. Seems he also was looking for me. Now, we are making plans to form a new band. He has been spending the past 20 plus years traveling and playing drums for Willie Nelson and others. He has been from shore to shore and now wants to play for the music.

I have dug out my old equipment and have been polishing my playing skills. Like riding a bike they say well, I am still falling down.

Thru this re connecting I also ran into an old dear friend who is suffering from MS. It hurts me to see him in this state and I can really feel what he has gone thru. He has lost his Job- family and it has also taken a great toll on his ego. Rick, you are still golden in my eyes. Hang in there bud , I'll help however I can.
Buzz

LONG WEEKEND

2008-03-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

Oh that flat butt I earned!!! 11 1/2 hours on the road to do some training- I guess I am just a junkie when it comes to anything martial. No, actually it was becaause I had a rare opportunity to go and visit, train, and have a few laughs with a friend- Bobbe Edmonds.
The weekend was spent mainly on the road, but a full day of training with the KSMA crew and Bobbe in Des Moines Iowa. Between the training, the laughing, and the total lack of egos a good time was had by all. I hope to see Bobbe again at the spring gathering where I can pick his brain again.

The road trip was made possible by my faithful sidekick and girl friend Deb, she kept me awake and did her best to keep me smiling those many hours on the road.

" I can't believe Buzz brought a chick!" Quote Bobbe the beer zombie

BEING A TEACHER

2008-01-27T08:24:00.000-08:00

I have been a student of the martial arts since the summer of 1968 always looking for those things that compliment me. I have been a teacher of FMA since 1973 when I was approached to share what I had learned along the way. I never entered into this realm by choice. I have stumbled , crawled, and felt my way around trying to replicate what I had done so my students could find their truths.

Many students have come to me- stayed for several years and then walked on. Tho they have learned a lot and have learned to learn, they don't see the picture that is in front of them. Martial arts isn't for everyone. Jobs, Family, and careers have more importance and rightly so.

But- something my mother instilled in me as a young man has stayed with me. She said " You do what you have to do, to do what you want to do". My family never had much money, I grew up in a tough time. But, when I wanted to play music, I worked my butt of to get the money to buy an electric guitar and amp. I spent a lot of time sittng and playing and playing and playing and I became pretty good at it. I was in a band that toured with Bob Seger, The Frost , and even backed up the Animals. I still play today.

I was 19 before I ever got a car ( a beat up 62 Buick LeSabre)I always wanted a Corvette Sting Ray. I knew I would never have one so- I learned to work Fiberglass and made my own sportscar.

The cabin I grew up in was full of hand me down furniture and clothes. One day I wanted to have a nice clutter free and matched motif home. ( still workin on that one). I did the competition circuit for many years- I gave up swimming, camping, and dating to get recognization for my art. I accomplished that.Bottom line is, I had goals and I gave up time and energy to achieve what I wanted.

As I go on after so many years, I have been looking to pass the torch. Seems like no one wants it. So I will just keep plugging along doing what I have done and waiting for the person who sees the value in the art that I teach.

Seems today that there are only people who want what they want when they want it. Not many that will stay the course and take on the responsibility of caretaking the old ways and continuing the lineage.

Don't get me wrong, I have had many students that have excelled and have made me quite proud of their abilities, skills, and accomplishments. But when asked to give back, or to link, or even to support- they turn their backs.
Their loss. Still, the door is open. I know someone will see the value.

IN REBUTTAL

2008-01-22T12:33:00.001-08:00

Here I am at GM Lanada's studio in Virginia Beach Virginia with the trophies I earned at the HL Davis Open Karate Tournament that he signed me up for after driving 18 hours. Black Belt- 1st forms , 2nd weapons, 2nd sparring/ 1st place Senior Black Belt- forms, weapons, sparring/ and 1st place Master's division- forms weapons , and sparring. I ended up with the Grand Master title to the tournament, Forms Grand Champion, Fighting Grand Champion-------- a grand total of 12 awards. I guess my "QUEER" form of Kuntaw trumps his "Kuntaw Karate"

I submit this piece of paper sent to me by Grand Master Carlito Lanada. This is in rebuttal to his letter stating that I had never recieved a black belt from him and that I was teaching a "Queer" form of Kuntaw.

STEROID ABUSE

2008-01-22T12:24:00.000-08:00

As many know, I have been on prednesone for the past year or so. Bobbe- you have nothing on me. There goes my modeling career.

AND THEY COME BACK

2008-01-03T18:34:00.001-08:00

Several years ago I hosted 2 foreign exchange students. I had made plans and was pretty ready for their arrival- then

"BOOM" I broke 2 ribs.

This after falling off a roof and having a neck injury accelerate into 3 mini strokes. Needless to say, when they arrived I was not in the best of conditions and had been off work for a while with no income. Still, I took them in and I was thoroughly pleased as they were some nice kids. Nikki was from Bulgaria and Yun was from South Korea. Both had an interest in learning martial arts and both put their time in while they were here. Many memories were made and a lot of laughs ensued.

Well, I have had several emails from the boys and not much else them POOF!!!! Nikki arrived during the summer at a time when my muscle problem had re flared. He came and stayed for a week. He was a lot of help. He and my room mate helped put an extension on my lower deck and helped me finish up the landscaping of my back yard. Without their help it would not have gotten done.

They sent holiday wishes and let me know that they too valued their time spent here.
Kinda makes you feel good in that spot near your heart that makes you tingle a bit.

Would I sponsor anymore kids- whole heartedly !!!Yes! But this time I will have had a large bank account there to draw from. I am sure that they indeed had a good time. But, I would have loved to do more with them.

I loved being Mr. Miyagi

CHRISTMAS CHEER

2007-12-23T10:39:00.000-08:00

Just a sample of my twisted humor

OBITUARY OF THE LATE MR. COMMON SENSE

2007-11-11T11:55:00.000-08:00

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has
been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since
his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be
remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
Why the early bird gets the worm;
Life isn't always fair;
and Maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies:
(don't spend more than you can earn)
and reliable strategies:
(adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but
overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6 -year- old boy
charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended
from school for using mouthwash after lunch; a 10 yr old boy expelled from school for bringing a 1 1/2 inch plastic gun from his GI Joe doll;and a teacher fired for
reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job
that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly
children. It declined even further when schools were required to get
parental consent to administer Tylenol, sun lotion or a band-aid to a
student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and
wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became
contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better
treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a
burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to
realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her
lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded
in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his
daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 3 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, Someone Else Is To
Blame, and I'm A Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you
still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing..

IDEALS

2007-11-04T16:04:00.000-08:00

Take a look at this and see if you feel the same way.

Perception http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23BdBpiQdlk

I have gotten into many arguements with bosses thru the years when they tried to have me sell things to people that didn't need them or to make service calls run longer.
I have a simple theory or priniple that I have used for years and it has brought me the most customers that ask for me to do their work. When I do a job I work for me, my customer, and my boss. All 3 have to be happy or I have not done my job. I have to be happy that I did a good job, . The customer has to feel that they got what they paid for. and my boss has to have made money on my call. Now, I will never sell what I don't feel good about, I could care less the profit margin that my boss makes. If I feel a customer would gain from an add on- I sell him what "I" would use.

If you don't satisfy a customer, they won't call you back and they will tell many how unhappy they were with you.
If you satisfy a customer- he might call you back or not.
If you make a customer happy or more than satisfied by going a little farther ( calling him by name, knowing his dog's name, changing a light bulb he can't reach- but you can) you are assured they will remember you and they will say nice things about you.

So, that is my goal- give the customer more than they asked for/ more than what they paid for, they will have you back.

That is how my classes have been held- I give out more than the students can possibly remember and don't expect them to remember 10%. Those that can pick up the info- are happy, those that didn't get it all know what is there and they soon learn how to absorb it or it will come around again and again differently each time. I try not to bore my students but expose them to the same material in a differnt angle each time. It is a win win.

My 2 pesos
BTW Antonio Graceffo ( the video)has been learning Kuntaw in the Philippines

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

2007-11-02T06:34:00.000-07:00

2007-10-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

SECOND VIDEO SHOOT

2007-10-25T06:29:00.001-07:00

The second video shoot went quite well with Guro Paul Vittorelli taking the abuse. We went over a lot of material covering the foundations of Kuntaw.We also did a bunch of teaser stuff to include on all of the videos. The major revelation was what Paul brought out in his interview. I knew that he was pulled into the art by the realistic applications, but I didn't know how much of an impact the art has made on him or others in the group. There were some moving moments as he described the effect it has had on him. I was very moved.

I have no children of my own and I think of my students as my kids. I am elated when they obtain their goals and I relish in their accomplishments. Nothing makes me feel better than to have someone say they understand or if the light bulb clicks on over their head and their eyes light up.

I remember, I AM proud of you

2007-10-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

Click here

For those of you who do not know, I am a Viet Nam Vet, I came home to jeers, accusations, and general distasteful remarks. I hope no one else has to go thru that because they did what they were supposed to do for those they loved and for what they believed was a just cause.
Thank You
Matt McWatters
Brian Soloman
Morgan Davis
Tom Spencer
Pat Robertson
and any of my other students who have served their nation

Oh, the battle

2007-10-15T17:48:00.001-07:00

For several years I have tried to put down into words the many little ideosyncrities of the art of Kuntaw. I find that I just cannot do it. Maybe that is why it can never be a mainstream martial art. There are just soo
many spices/flavors/ diversions that it cannot be just plain put into
words. It has to be felt or experienced. The book is taking shape, but,
I keep screwing the format function of MS word to the point it all
falls apart. My computer died a year ago and I have not really done a
thing with the files since. Partially because I had no puter to work with and since I have my puter back, because I am afraid I am going to mess the whole thing up again.

OH, THE BATTLE
it has to be done and I do not possess the needed skills to do it.

Oh, the battle

2007-10-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

A battle, trying tp put down into words the various ideosycroties of the art. A dauntable task. There are so many and so variable. Trying to cover all the aspects and possibilities is just too damn hard. Try as I may- it cannot be done. All I can hope for is that someone has caught the concept/idea/ flavor of what I have been trying to explain and that they can run with it.

First Day Of Shoot

2007-10-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

The video shoot went quite well, Guro Ron Hardin was there to make me look good. We went thru all the basic stick stuff and some of the staff stuff and still had time to do some interviews. All in all I think this will be a go. There is just no way to put everything on video- we can only allude to the fact that there is a lot being shown.

New Adventure

2007-10-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

I was contacted by Prometheus Motion Pictures and they want to do a video series on the art of Kuntaw. We sat down and talked and came up with several scenarios
and finally settled on a chain of events. Tomorrow is the first day of
shooting and I am a bit nervous as to how it will go. I have some good
students and i am sure they will make me look good. I just wonder how
well these videos will be received. The series will cover from history to forms and fighting.

1. Intro-History and background of Maharlika Kuntaw
2. The basics- terms, theories, foundations
3. Weapons- Hands/feet/ other
4. Training Methods
5. Weapons Vol 1 - Stick / Knife
6. Weapons Vol 2 - Staff/ Pamakol
7. Forms
8. Takedowns
9. Self Defense Techniques
10. Ground Fighting

I know these guys know their stuff, but, I am not sure how to go about getting everything on vids. I guess there is just no way to do that, maybe just hit the high spots and allude to the fact that there is more.

I'm so confused!!!!! He he

I have some good resources to pull from. The latest being Dr. Christopher Niem Henley. This person has been giving me a lot of good advice and has turned me on to a lot of possibilities as well as contacts throughout the United States. Hopefully , this won't be a shot in the dark sort of thing,and can lead to a marketing of supplies and other things.

If anyone would like to give a reference for me I will have them added to the videos ie " Buzz is one of the nicest guys and a treacherous old man" Mark Parker - Modern Arnis, Flint Michigan

Think about it- free advertising! he he

If you have any ideas or would think of anything I am missing- PLEASE- speak up!
Buzz

Sulong Event- weekend well spent

2007-09-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

I packed up and went to an event I had never been to before. But, you know me, I'll try anything once- twice if I find I like it. Well, I like it. Seems there are a good group of FMA people in the Chicago area and they sponsor the Sulong Championships
"Sulong= to move forward" The doc didn't want me to be active in the circuits- but I would rather compete and suffer with a sore body than to sit and suffer a sore body. I did quite well for an old guy and it was an interesting weekend. Pics to follow as soon as I find some

MORE BLACK CLOUDS

2007-06-22T18:38:00.000-07:00

On Monday I was working at a nursing home changing fire dampers above the ceilings. I had my sheet metal laid out on the grass. The wind picked up a piece of sheet metal and it stuck in my right hand , just like a shuriken. Took 6 stitches to stop the bleeding. I sat in the emergency room waiting room at Munson Medical center for 2 hours . I was told it would be another one and a half to two hours more before they would see me. So , I left and went to a walk in clinic. 45 minutes later , no bleeding and a nice set of stitches on my upper middle finger and I was back in business. Lucky it didn't sever any tendons. Now I have matching scars on both hands- He he

Black Belt Essay- the seed

2007-06-17T12:24:00.001-07:00

Every once in a while, one of my students makes a comment, makes an observation, or just does something so nice it makes me cry. Being an instructor carries with it ,great responsibilities to give out information and to challenge minds to learn. Sometimes the challenge goes un fullfilled. Sometimes the challenge is reached. Whatever the case, our responsibility is to pass on what we know. We hope that our students excell and surpass our attainments and set new goals for their students.

I would like to share with you one of these moments- this is from one of my new Black Belts:

Kuntaw
Through the course of the following essay I will relate Kuntaw to a tree in many ways and from many different perspectives. The rationales backing the declarations, resemblance, and relationships are my own and have been formulated only from my own experiences, practice, training, research, and insights.

Let us begin with the seed. The seed in this example shall be pure thus far so as not to complicate the issues being brought to light. Pure as it has had no influence, as the new Kuntawista has had no real influence outside of his family. Entering the Bothoan, the Kuntawista feels helpless, but eager. Here is where the foundation for a lifetime of training and growth should be established. The Kuntawista learns to set goals for himself, learns the processes for learning physical techniques (form, focus, speed, power, remove, control, counter, reset), discipline, respect, and honor. He also learns to trust his instructor. These qualities will follow the Kuntawista throughout his life in his martial arts training, and in all facets of his life. If this foundation has not been laid, has been missed, set aside, or dismissed, the seed will not grow properly. The seedling may even grown crooked. Regardless of the flaws that may have taken shape and built upon, until the Kuntawista learns and incorporates these qualities, he can never be truly healthy. Frustration, aggravation, misguidance, and trouble may find this seed and prevent it from ever developing at all.

The seed that adhered to proper instruction and received guidance cracks and sprouts it’s first seedling. The Kuntawista has begun to experience growth not only in his martial arts abilities, but as a healthy well rounded person. The seedling’s first direction is toward the ground. The beginnings of roots. Like the seedling, the Kuntawista also is not capable of supporting branches, leaves, seedlings let alone himself in his new journey. But the roots have begun to set in. The philosophies, core values of the art, and the basic movements are becoming part of the Kuntawista. Soon he will be ready to stand and weather the adversity that is destined to come.

The seed has developed into a branchling. It no longer sits helplessly, barely rooted in the ground. I begins to stand tall. It stands 10 feet from the ground and it‘s roots have dug in deep enough for it to withstand almost any storm that blows past. The Kuntawista has reached the yellow/green belt level. He clearly bears a resemblance to the black belts. A stranger can see the style and the techniques that differentiate the Kuntawista from the more traditional martial artists. The basics are now ingrained in the Kuntawista. His skills are elevating but his interest in balance, energy, theory, and technicalities are surpassing his physical ability! With the fundamental values and systems in place, the Kuntawista can now focus on studying more advanced skills.

The branchling has grown sturdy and thick. It is 50 feet tall. It’s roots are so strong, deep, and complex, that there’s nothing natural that can cause it to waiver. It’s branches have grown long and have sprouted leaves. The mature trees look to the young tree and are pleased. The tree has found it’s place in the forest and is contributing to the system by providing shelter for the animals, producing oxygen in it’s leaves for all living things. It’s strong roots hold the earth together beneath it. The Kuntawista is a brown belt, ready for his black belt test. The roots of the system are so deeply embedded that it has become a permanent part of him. Even if the training stops at this point, the Kuntawista is forever changed. Like the young tree, the Kuntawista has found his place in the club, and is so much closer to finding his place in this world, and balance within himself! His acquired skills allow him to provide protection for himself and his loved ones from adversaries both physical and mental. He is a role model for the lower ranks in the club. He is able to help hold them together and help guide them on their own personal journeys.

The tree has reached maturity. It is 150 feet tall. It’s roots and branches will continue to grow for the rest of it’s life. There is now something different about the tree. Seeds have formed on its branches and are falling to the ground. They fall close to the tree, and it’s the tree’s purpose to protect the seeds, and provide the model for the seedlings to follow. No matter what the circumstances, the seeds can never BECOME the tree. They will always have the tree to look to, even after it has fallen, but they stand where THEY stand and must grow and develop into themselves. They will all clearly resemble the tree, and they will all have parts of the tree’s traits, but none will ever grow to be the tree that protects them now. Some will grow taller, some shorter, some thicker, some thinner, and every combination that can naturally follow.
The Kuntawista is at least a black belt now. Like the tree, his seeds are his new students. It is his RESPONSIBILITY, not his job, to pass along ALL aspects of the art both physical and mental to his students. To leave out any part of the formula will lead to incomplete students and a watering down of the system that has been passed on to him. The lineage that follows him will not only be weak, but a disappointment to his instructor and to the system itself. Like the tree, the Kuntawista will continue to grow for his entire life. Physically and spiritually. Notice we’ve replaced mental with a deeper term. Spiritually. The art is a part of your soul now, it is unshakable and compliments every aspect of your life. It has become a part of you.

Buzz, you’ve changed my life forever. You and Kuntaw were exactly what I was seeking. Being a part of Kuntaw has been the best single thing I’ve done for my life every step of the way. I will pass on the art as it was passed on to me. All of it. I will produce students that are better than me, and I will continue to grow as a martial artist and as a person for the rest of my life. Thanks to you and your leadership both in the art and as a friend, I am a balanced, happy person inside. I will always be indebted to you and I hope that if you ever need anything that I can help you with, you will let me know.

Brian Soloman, Black Belt essay

TOO MUCH TO DO, SO LITTLE TIME

2007-06-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

As with many martial artists I have a multitude of interests. I am a musician I used to play professionally. I am a woodworker, I have built my own home, most of the furniture within it,guitars, and even a hydroplane. I am a car nut, I have built many customs over the years. Sitting in my side lot are several cars that need my attention after I get done with the one in my garage.

north view living room

south view living room

My overfull dining room

My coffee table made from scrap pieces

My garage west view

My garage east view

My baby- 1976 Sterling

My first GT 40

a car i made from the ground up out of foam and fiberglass

To make a long story short, I have a lot of things going on and it seems that when I have money- I have no time. When I have time- I have no money. I just wish that at least sometime a balance will enter my life and rid me of this black cloud that has been following me for the last couple of years

Gathering of The Tribes - Spring Edition

2007-06-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

An event that I look forward to at least twice a year is the Gathering of The Tribes at the Innovative Martial Arts Studio in Grand Rapids Michigan. I first heard of it from one of my students. He happened upon these rag tag weird Silat stylists somehow in his travels and somehow twisted my arm to go down and meet these outcasts. Well, let me say- I was glad i did. This 2-4 day camp has been quite informative as well as entertaining. the odd bunch of Silat, IMA< FMA< CMA practitioners have a great way of sharing their knowledge while leaving the ego baggage at the door.

I have attended 4 of these events so far and each one gets better than the previous one. This last Gathering comes at a time when I am at my lowest. I have been diagnosed with Polymyalia and have been suffering sore muscles and swelling of my hands now for almost a year. My ego, or should i say self esteem, has been in the basement.

What Is Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a rheumatic disorder associated with moderate-to-severe musculoskeletal pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulder, and hip area. Stiffness is most noticeable in the morning or after a period of inactivity, and typically lasts longer than 30 minutes. This disorder may develop rapidly; in some people it comes on literally overnight. But for most people, polymyalgia rheumatica develops more gradually.

The cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is not known. But it is associated with immune system problems, genetic factors, and an event, such as an infection, that triggers symptoms. The fact that polymyalgia rheumatica is rare in people under the age of 50 and becomes more common as age increases suggests that it may be linked to the aging process.

Polymyalgia rheumatica usually resolves within 1 to 2 years. The symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica are quickly controlled by treatment with corticosteroids, but symptoms return if treatment is stopped too early. Corticosteroid treatment does not appear to influence the length of the disease.

Whether taken on a long-term basis for polymyalgia rheumatica or for a shorter period for giant cell arteritis, prednisone carries a risk of side effects. While long-term use and/or higher doses carry the greatest risk, people taking the drug at any dose or for any length of time should be aware of the potential side effects, which include:

fluid retention and weight gain
rounding of the face
delayed wound healing
bruising easily
diabetes
myopathy (muscle wasting)
glaucoma
increased blood pressure
decreased calcium absorption in the bones, which can lead to osteoporosis
irritation of the stomach
increase in infections
( sheesh- the side effects are almost worse than the disease!!!!)

What Is the Outlook?

Most people with polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis lead productive, active lives. The duration of drug treatment differs by patient. Once treatment is discontinued, polymyalgia may recur; but once again, symptoms respond rapidly to prednisone.

What I was told- "There is no known cause, there is no known cure- live with it"

Now, for a guy who has been very active over most of his adult life, this comes as a kick in the crotch.

So, on with the tirade. Normally we bring 6-12 students down for these gatherings- but, because i have not been active, my club has fallen to zero. The 4500 sq ft facility closed July 7th of last year. I had a hard time finding anyone to run the classes and cover for me while they were trying to find out what hit me. So, blow #2 to my ego.

I loaded up my van with sleeping bags, tents and stuff to allow the students that were coming a place to crash if they wanted to. As it were, only 2 came. Blow #3. Upon our arrival at 9 pm , there were a number of people milling about and swapping lies and stories and generally having a good time. As we unloaded we were met by Chuck and Mushtaq and we set up some folding chairs and jumped in to the fray. As if we were lot neighbors and were just coming over to share a six pack. The night was spent just talking and getting aquainted with some new faces and some old ones.

Carl was nowhere to be found (could it be that I scared him off with all the tricks and displays at the last gathering? NAW he didn't believe any of it anyway) which is unusual as he has been to the last couple of Gatherings with a gusto for info.

I was informed by Guru Mushtaq that Chuck AND Don were being secretly tested for rank in San Yun Do. So my eyes were open to look for the signs of quality that I look for in a senior Black Belt. Sharing, explaining, being approachable, leading by example, patience, and the ability to dissect and reassemble a new technique or concept to fit their own mindset. Hell, what did i have to watch for? These guys have shown that the past 2 years i have been coming. They take what is given and immediately go about helping their students to grasp what is being shown if the instructor is busy, and mind you , not missing a beat, a movement, or a key ingredient. This is easy

The night went well, the mosquitoes weren't too hungry and there wasn't a lot of wild goings on , so it was an early night.

The next morning we woke to a home cooked breakfast by Jeannie Chucks wife and camp cookie. People started to stir and more and more cars pulled up. The seminar started with a nice explanation of how things work body wise and how to prepare your body to do what you want it to do. This section was led by Cody Fielding who came all the way from San Francisco. Needless to say , I was hurting a bit before this was over but I did give it a go. A lot of what Cody was saying underscored what I have been teaching since day one.

Guru Mushtaq took the next session and had everybody moving and grooving to Silat and the "bring a friend along" idea. Mushtaq has a casual but poignant way of passing info along making it look like ballroom dancing til wham! you hit the floor. During his session , he hit on a common note that is in Kuntaw as well, so I stole one of his flows and added the treachery aspect , this made my session easy to run as he opened the door. It seemed to be well recieved.

Now, there have been some unique personalities that have attended these gatherings, but one now stands out to be matched. Guru Bobbe Edmonds ( who I had not met before) was setting the stage for sideline innuendos and comical hecklings that put an end to any possible edge that may have been suspected and toally disolved the event into a free for all. We laughed learned and had an enjoyable training session even tho all authority was out the window. Everyone was fair game.

It was a blast.

Grand Master Bobby Toboada arrived and we shared some oxygen, some stories of Tagalog differences, and i was surprised to find a very humble but dynamic man. He spoke softly but delivered a nasty blow, he showed us the dynamics of Balintawak and I stayed with the class as long as i could, but my hands swoll up to the point I couldn't hold on to a stick. In fact I almost let one fly during our striking drills. So, I bowed out and watched from the sidelines.

On Sunday we had to leave early due to a family matter- memorial day weekend and family matters. We folded up the chairs and the tent , put away the sleeping bags and loaded up the van. I had an interview to do with Dan Williams and Sterling Hiebeck---http://www.roxormedia.com/wordpress/?page_id=161. I had to miss Guro Bobbes session, but I am sure that my students will fill me in next class. But before we left, I spent some time with Guru Bobbe showing him some of the basic sibat/toya concepts from Kuntaw and he picked up on it very quickly. Parking lot seminars arealmost as good as in house seminars. One thing stuck out in my mind- I asked him if he wanted to learn some "hollywood techniques" he respectfully said no- he wanted the good stuff ( I like this guy). So we went back over it and I think he has it pretty good.

We said good bye to all and hit the road knowing - "We would be back"

Another Seminar

2005-11-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

The Northern Martial Arts Academy is sponsoring another seminar this month featuring Datu Kelly Worden. This will be Datu Kelly's first seminar gig in Michigan. The seminar is open to any persons of any rank and any style . The venue will cover aspects of Kuntao, arnis, and street smarts. This should prove to be an interesting weekend. The seminar flyer is saved on the www.Kuntaw.org web page under seminars. All are welcome and we should be able to find you a place to stay here with us should you decide to come up for this event. Students from the NMAA club traveled out to his Water and Steel Seminar this past yaer and were quite happy with what they walked away with.

Quest for the arts

2005-10-31T08:26:00.000-08:00

This weekend my club sponsored a wing chun seminar with Marty Goldberg from Milwaukee Wisconsin. Every step you take in your path for enlightenment either gives you new insights or creates a new panorama of ideas to search out. This weekend was both of those. I found confirmations and a lot of new things to explore. Marty is one of those instructors who knows his subject and makes it fun to see what you are ignorant of. He he