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Connecticut Summer Camp 2007

Cromwell, CT

July 20th to 22nd, 2007

Camp Host: Tom Cushing

Each year there are many Modern Arnis Camps held through out the United States. This gives people the opportunity to enjoy a camp in their local area as well as venturing out to another state. During the course of the year, the Masters of Tapi-Tapi rotate attendance at the various camps. This allows people the opportunity to meet, work and train with Masters that are not from their area.

People who attended the Connecticut camp were treated to the talents of Masters Brian Zawilinski,, Gabby Roloff and Jim Ladis. They each took turns teaching various sessions during the camp. It was amazing to watch how everything that they taught came together with careful explanation and example. No matter how different the techniques seemed the Masters skillfully demonstrated that it is all the same. It did not matter if you were using a single cane, a knife, double canes or empty hand you could perform all of the techniques as if you had been practicing all your life.

Guro Tom Cushing opened up each morning with a Qigong workout. It was amazing to see how energized the group was after Guro Tom got the blood flowing. It was mentioned by Master Roloff that Professor had enjoyed working on Chi flow and was planning to incorporate an energy building session into his camps. Why not, when you think of Professor you always remember Go with the flow. What better way to start a day.

Master Roloff ran the group through a series of sword and dagger drills. This is an area that most of us found to be challenging. It was amazing to watch how quickly Master Roloff and her student Tatjana Beev moved through a series of attacks and blocks. They made the drills look easy but we soon found out that looks can be deceiving. Although the drills seemed difficult it was very exciting when you saw yourself improve. It is important to feel like a white belt again. It is the greatest learning experience you can have.

Master Zawilinski demonstrated both empty hand techniques and single cane techniques. It was amazing to watch his speed. He always seemed to take the shortest route to the target, before you knew it his partner was on the ground or in a lock. When demonstrating with the cane he was able to perform the same moves that he had done empty hand as well as many traps and locks. He demonstrated how easy it is to flow from one technique to the next. It seemed almost effortless.

Master Ladis also worked both empty hand and single cane drills. It soon became apparent that once he got a hold of his opponent they were in trouble. He showed how footwork could set up any strike. Master Ladis made his technique look effortless. It was amazing to see how much power could be generated with the proper angle and direction.

As usual it seemed that camp ended much too soon. Before we knew it, it was time to get back to our daily lives. We all left anxiously awaiting the next training session or camp.

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