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Master of Tapi Tapi Jim Ladis visits Connecticut

Middletown, CT

February 8th – 18th, 2008

Since Professor Presas began to teach the art of Modern Arnis the main theme has always been about sharing and giving back to the art that had meant so much to him. Master Jim Ladis who spent ten days in early February giving of himself to help others once again continued this tradition.

On August 31, 2006 tragedy struck the Connecticut area when O’Rourke’s Dinner, a local landmark and gathering place for people of all walks of life was gutted by an early morning blaze. Unfortunately, Brian O’Rourke the owner of the diner and a Modern Arnis practitioner had no fire insurance. From what seemed like an insurmountable situation became an example of the circle of life. People who knew Brian or had been the recipients of his kindness worked together to raise the funds to rebuild Brian’s diner and from the ashes a phoenix rose.

Most of the Connecticut area Modern Arnis practitioners and their guests have been treated to a special meal prepared by Brian. Master Jim Ladis is no exception. He and Brian share a love of cooking and a talent for creating wonderful food. During Jim’s ten days in Connecticut he spend eight grueling days at O’Rourke’s Diner preparing hundred of loaves of delicious bread. Despite the hard work Master Jim had a fantastic time cooking with Brian. It is not everyday that you have the honor of sharing the kitchen with a black belt in the art of cooking and friendship.

In his spare time Master Jim was able to donate his time by teaching Modern Arnis classes at Professor Tom Allen’s Middletown Kenpo Karate School. He also was kind enough to teach a special modern arnis black belt session. He took special care to be sure everyone understood the techniques that he was demonstrating. His focus was helping people to not only be able to perform a specific technique but for the black belts to be able to teach and pass on the knowledge that he was sharing with them.

This was a special time for all who participated. None of this would have been possible without the kindness of Tom and Sylvia Cushing who hosted Master Jim in their lovely home during his visit. We in the Connecticut area look forward to Master Jim’s return not only for his Modern Arnis skills but for his bread baking talents.

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