The seminars in Chicago, hosted by Kurt Barnhart, were successful (as always). It was good to see a bunch of the long-time students from the area participating in the Friday seminar and the Saturday PDS. Some of the old Chicago group who attended were Kurt and Barb Barnhart, Don Rushing, Rick Vecchi, Tony Velada, Ed Bilski, Jim Tucker and Manny Rivera. Former Ft. Myers resident Ozzie Rivero was there, too. A few of them are sons of my students and it's rather striking to see the heritage being carried on.
Since the Friday event was coincident with the anniversary of 9/11 I dedicated the seminar to their memory and a big portion of the registration fees I donated to the Special Operations Warrior Fundation (SOWF).
http://www.specialops.org/.
SOWF provides scholarships to kids who've lost parents in SF operations and also help families of wounded get to the bedside of those soldiers when they arrive in the US.
The Saturday PDS on Form 6 was intense but the group accomplished the mission in a shorter time than normal. It seems they prepared hard by working both sides of the listed techniques, went over the applications prior with Mr. Barnhart and had their questions ready. They even elected to skip lunch.
I was able to get some time to work with Sensei Bob Garza at his dojo in Worth. He teaches a Sunday morning
Iaido class, sword work, that I enjoy tremendously. This time I picked up some interesting fine points that heped me increase my understanding of weapon work in general. It's always a pleasure to work with Bob.
The Saturday PDS on Form 6 was intense but the group accomplished the mission in a shorter time than normal. It seems they prepared hard by working both sides of the listed techniques, went over the applications prior with Mr. Barnhart and had their questions ready. They even elected to skip lunch.
