Chicago seminars

Once again, we had a great time back in the old stomping grounds of Chicago. Both seminars were well-attended, with Sensei "Wojo" and his black belts attending the contact manipulation class alongside our own people.

I had the honor to promote my long-time friend and student Kurt Barnhart to sixth degree black. Kurt has been in the arts since 1967 and has studied with me since I opened my first school in Palos Hills in 1976, being one of the first in the door there. (Chicago boys; look carefully and you'll see "Da Chief" looking on.)

Kurt and I met Mr. Tom Saviano of the White Tiger school for lunch on Friday. Tom is John McSweeney's highest ranking student and carries the flame at his school in Addison, IL. I hadn't seen Tom in years and it was good to be able to spend some time with him.

That Friday evening I had dinner with another long-time friend, Doug "I hate people" Kimme, who is now a police officer in Champaign, IL. Doug and I used to shoot competitively together back in the 80s. He's way better at it than I and now instructs SWAT teams. Doug lost his only son in Iraq last year and we've been in contact but hadn't been face-to-face in many years. It sure was good to see him.

I also had some time with Sensei Bob Garza, an Aikido and Iaido instructor, whom I have tremendous respect for. He came out with us Saturday night and we had him laughing so much he had tears in his eyes. Those Chicago boys are madmen.