Thank you

Many of the people who attended the Ft. Myers seminar chipped in to get me a group birthday present. I received a gift certificate for the local shop that services my motorcycle. It is for a sizeable amount and while I don't know all your names, I do want to thank you all for it.

Studio is OPEN!

All the inspections are done and we have a business license now. Kenpo classes will start on Monday, March 2nd. The new phone number is 239-362-1393.

They came, they saw, they partied

This past weekend we had a combination seminar and birthday party for my 55th. They came from around Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, Illinois, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Ed Cabrera taught more of his kenpo/boxing fusion techniques. De-escalation was the subject of Lance Soare's seminar. After lunch our special guest, Pai Lum grandmaster Glenn Wilson shared some stories and two techniques, followed by Jack Nilon's presentation on using the eight things you can do to a technique but from the opponent's perspective. 7th degree Steve White wrapped up the seminars with a fine section on moving from the free technique to grappling. (Mr. White trains in Judo with Olympic medalist Jimmy Pedro.)

Master Wilson's Pai Lum group had come down from Orlando to be with us and the two groups meshed well. I had the opportunity to sit and talk with my friend for an hour or so and get caught up. We've known each other for 29 years and hadn't been in touch until recently. It was great to get reacquainted and I plan to keep the connections open. They surprised me with a gift that I will treasure, a Pai Lum family katana. I was blown away.

That evening we gathered at the home of one of my black belts, Bob Brandt. Long-time and new friends, students and family members enjoyed a cool evening with music, great food, and even some "dancing girls". I was swamped with generous and unexpected gifts and I thank everyone for those. I have to say I got one or two with no tags and one with no name by mail, so I don't know who sent them and have no way to thank you - but if you read this, THANKS.

On Sunday, some of the out-of-town guests delayed their departures to stop and see the new studio. We had a short open house from 1-3 pm for local people and about 60 showed up. Don Espiritu's wife made a birthday cake with the Parker crest on it and it was delicious.

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend. I am blessed to have so many good friends who took time out to come and be with us here in Ft. Myers. I am humbled and grateful.

More of the new studio

If you've been following the previous entries, I updated them with more "before" photos.

This one is the mat area getting closer to being done. Here are some more of nearing completion.

Jack Nilon is excited.

The lobby area.

Mat area.

More Before photos

The studio will be opening later this week at 12451 Metro Pkwy, Unit 104.

I found some more photos of the new studio location before we took over.

Birthday Bash

My sister Mary and Jack Nilon, with the assistance of many others, have planned a birthday weekend event from me here in Fort Myers. Last evening at Mike Squatrito's school in Cape Coral, Bruce Meyer taught a kids seminar to kick off the weekend. Close to 20 attended. He did a wonderful job, as always. I love to watch him teach. Jack and Georgia's Keith Mathews assisted, they're in the photo.
Afterward, I was asked to stand in front of a sizable group of people who were there to say a few words. I was wondering where the blindfold and rifles were. I was then overwhelmed by the words of many of my friends, students and family members - so much so that I don't remember saying Thank You. And I do thank you all.

The NEW Ft. Myers studio

We passed our last inspection and are waiting for our occupancy certificate and business license. In the meantime, I though you'd like to see some before, during, and after photos of the new facility.

This was the outside.

This was the lobby before.

This was what would become the mat area.

This is that back area in the works.
Here's the lobby (now office), from the other side.

Lobby from the front door. We moved that counter.

Lobby from the opposite side.

More to come.