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Michigan Summer Camp 2008

Detroit, MI

June 19th to 22nd, 2008

Camp Host: Master of Tapi Tapi Chuck Guass

For the 22nd consecutive year practitioners of Modern Arnis spent four days learning and practicing. This year was different than all the rest it was a new beginning. For 21 years the Michigan camp had been held on the campus of Michigan State University. The students were treated to the comforts of dorm living and a very active train that whistled through the night. This year was different, the camp was held at the Detroit Marriott. Everyone who attended enjoyed the air-conditioned training room, swimming pool and soft beds.

The days were broken up into three sessions. During each session the Masters would rotate the teaching duties. It was amazing to watch everything come together. It didn’t matter if the previous instructor was teaching empty hand technique, stick technique or knife work, it all seemed to flow. Masters Zawilinski, Ladis, Gauss, Schea and Roloff seemed to automatically move through a series of techniques as if they had a solid lesson plan set up. As always there was great attention to detail and proper teaching technique. Saturday night there was a break out session with advanced students working on movement and striking drills with Dr. Schea and the beginner group working with Master Ladis on locks and take downs.

The camp also saw another fantastic rank test. The testing was done in two sessions, an early morning demonstration of skill for the beginners and a grueling outdoors afternoon session was held for the advanced practitioners. The performance and hard work of the students testing demonstrated a continued commitment to the teachings of Professor Presas. As each one of the students worked through the ranking requirements it was plain to see that not only were they dedicated, but also they had top-notch instruction.

Another highlight of the camp was a session lead by Master Gauss. He began his session by asking everyone to sit down. We were treated to a short peak into the humor and personality of Professor Presas courtesy of Master’s Gauss’s collection of funny Professor stories. He then opened the floor to hear any other Professor stories that people might have. It was wonderful to hear Roland Rivera tell of an important trip to a seminar in Jacksonville Florida that he made due to a personal invitation of Professor. Roland even had the pleasure of bringing Professor and his big screen television backup to North Carolina.

As camp drew to what seemed like an all too quick ending, the final session was a reminder of the power and fluidity of Modern Arnis. Camp closed with the presentation of rank and participation certificates and a well-deserved ceremonial spanking for all the black belts who were promoted. This was a tradition carried on from Professor Presas. Master Brian Zawilinski closed the circle with wishes for safe travel and continued good health to all.

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