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Summer Camp 2007 Lansing, MI

June 21-24, 2007

Camp Host: Master of Tapi Tapi - Chuck Gauss

21st Annual Lansing Michigan Camp

by Lee Anne Brophy

For the 21st year in a row dedicated practitioners of Modern Arnis spent four days in the dorms of Michigan State University. Although the rooms were not air-conditioned the weather was very co-operative which made the top-notch training provided by the Masters of Tapi – Tapi and some senior Modern Arnis black belts very comfortable.

Most of the training was held inside a classroom in one of the dorm buildings. With two large fans to move air around the Masters took turns teaching sessions keeping the group moving through a vast array of techniques. It was amazing to see how each new instructor built on the teachings of the person who was up before them. With each new instructor we were reminded “It is all the same” no matter what technique was being practiced we were all beginning to see that the technique could easily be a done with a cane or empty hand.

Once again, in order to give everyone something new or improve on the teaching skills of the advanced practitioners, the group was split into two, beginners and advanced. These break out sessions were very helpful for both groups. They gave the beginners a chance to learn from the ground up. There was great attention to the detail and mechanics of the technique being presented. The advanced group was given a special treat, Master Chuck Gauss with the help of his son Nick, lead the group through a wide variety of techniques from the mount position. This was new territory for many people but everyone learned with a new enthusiasm.

The camp was also host to another fantastic rank test. The performance of the beginners as well as the students testing for black belt testing once again demonstrated the commitment of all the instructors and students to carry on Professors dream of spreading Modern Arnis. He would have been very proud of the level of skill demonstrated. Earl Tullis ran the test very efficiently, when the test came to an end there was not a dry shirt in the room.

As camp drew to what seemed like an all too quick ending, the final session was a reminder of the power of Modern Arnis. Earl Tullis lead the group thought a series of hard striking drills. At the end of session there was a pile of sticks barely suitable for firewood. Camp closed in the traditional circle with the presentation of rank and participation certificates.

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