I attended the annual Michigan Camp in Monroe, Michigan this past weekend. To say that I had a blast is an understatement. I had not seen many of my friends since the 2019 Arnisfest in Chicago.

The US-Canada border was closed from March 2020 until the end of 2021. Unfortunately, the USA and Canada require proof of negative COVID-19 tests to enter either country. The hassle of obtaining COVID-19 tests and the costs put me off. So, I decided not to travel back and forth until both countries scrapped the testing requirements. Fortunately, those requirements were recently scrapped.

One of my students, Eric, reported having a great time at the camp. The quality of instruction at the camp impressed Eric. That did not surprise me, as I had become accustomed to quality instruction. He thrived during the three days of camp and didn’t need any camp survival tips from me!

Anyway, there were two reasons why I was looking forward to the camp. Firstly, I had not seen many Modern Arnis instructors and friends in two and a half years. It was fantastic to see all of them and to partake in training (to the extent that my hip would let me). I enjoyed watching all those guys teach and absorb reminders and new takes. I can’t tell you how awesome it was to see guys like Terry Hill, Jason Gearhart, John Yockey, Jon Edwards, Andy Tong, Tom Olsen, Stanley Archacki, Todd Davies, Tom Gentile, Jason Alustiza, Jim Arthur, Paul Schaefer and others (my apologies to those I inadvertently left off the list).

  • Master Chuck and I
  • Seeing Master Ken was great!
  • Master Roland is top notch!
  • GM Will’s sessions were great!
  • Master Earl is a world class guy!
  • 2022 Michigan Camp
  • Master Chuck demonstrating on Jason
  • Master Ken and Tom
  • Landon putting the hurt on me!
  • Working with Landon!
  • Master Earl and Landon!
  • Jason teaching my student Eric!
  • Master Chuck and Jason

Photos courtesy of Terry Hill.

The second reason I looked forward to the Michigan Camp was that, after two years of being stuck in Canada, I needed an infusion of new ideas and takes. In that regard, the camp did not disappoint me!

That, alone, is the prime reason I go to camps. It’s all about learning new ideas, different takes and making new connections. Training with different partners is also great for seeing new twists on previous techniques.

The training at the camp included Modern Arnis basics, tapi tapi, empty hand flow drills, joint locks, and much more. It was all a blast!

Latest Video

This video came out on the first day of the Michigan Camp (July 15th) and ties in nicely with what Master Chuck, Master Ken, Master Will and Master Earl were teaching.

If you are not able to view this video, click here.

“When in doubt, hit!” How many times have we heard Master Chuck say this? It doesn’t matter if you are armed or unarmed. As soon as someone attacks you, you gotta get going! Unfortunately, some will freeze at a crucial moment. The above video illustrates some drills I teach to eliminate the freeze point. Make a game of it. See how quickly you react to being grabbed!

Inspiration of the Week

Wow, look at him at 81 years of age. It doesn’t matter how old you are. Stay active and busy! To see him practicing at this age is an inspiration. He looks good, doesn’t he? Why would anyone want to mess with him?

Is there any excuse not to train? None.

Additional Reading