“To enlighten and evolve through the art of Kenpo”
| Volume 11 |
June - September 2006 |
Issue 2 |
From The President...
Food for Thought: Another Mike Pick Seminar
Instructors' Party: Generations Together
Food for Thought: Another Mike Pick Seminar
by William Joseph Pemberton
One of the many things that sets Kenpo apart from other arts is its ability to adapt and change with the times. As a study of motion and the human psyche it allows each of us to explore ourselves and our place in the world as well as the relationships around us. Never is this more apparent than when we see those Kenpoists who are part of the core, the history, and the evolution of our very rich art.
To listen to Michael Pick speak is to get the sort of education that can only come from shaking the tree of life so that the fruit falls all around us. To take a class from Mr. Pick is to take that to another level entirely. Mr. Pick embodies both the history and the evolution of our art. As Bryan Hawkins is fond of saying, “Kenpo is a system in which we all develop our own styles.” Perhaps this is why Kenpo, unlike many other arts, has divided and sub-divided into several branches so that, when one of our seniors or friends drops by to share their observations and discoveries, we all gain a growth that is unknown in a more traditionalist art.
Mr. Pick recently taught here, at Bryan Hawkins Kenpo Karate in West L.A., three seminars on a Friday and Saturday. Friday night he came in to share with the Brown and Black Belt Instructors his observations and insights into knife fighting. Mr. Pick is known throughout the Kenpo world as the foremost Kenpo authority on knives and knife fighting. In addition, he designs and makes his own knives. For those who have not read “The Journey”, you should read his biography for a fascinating study in the human journey. As a child he studied when there was no kids’ programs. He swept the school to pay for his lessons. He sparred with Bruce Lee. He served his country in the United State Marine Corps. Now he shares the lessons he learned through hard work and sacrifice so that, as all lessons should, his will continue through his students.
It is further tribute to his value and legend in the Kenpo community that many came on Friday to learn alongside BHKK’s Instructors. Men and women from all over Los Angeles and surrounding areas came by to work out or to just say “hello”. It is at times like these that one sees the true cohesion of our community and feels the hope that our generation can live up to the examples set by our seniors.
Saturday morning Mr. Pick again dropped by, this time to teach our children and less advanced brothers and sisters. In the morning he taught a class to the Junior students who were wide eyed and thoughtful throughout. It is a rare treat for children of such young ages to share, let alone understand, the history of their lives and those that have led to them. Mr. Pick’s facility for teaching the most advanced students, followed by the most tender youths, is a tribute to the depth of his understanding of the art of his mind, body and spirit. Talking to the children afterward, one could not help but wonder at the ability of these youngsters, often underestimated, to absorb and understand rather advanced concepts.
Following the children’s class he again shifted gears and shared of himself with the adult students of all ranks. Sharing with us his ideas on balance and engagement of mass unselfishly and with great erudition. These seminars always create a buzz of discussion and growth for weeks afterward.
Again, several of our friends and fellows dropped by to chat or just pay respects.
Notice should also be made of Mr. Pick’s students and their kindness and willingness to learn, teach and share. The camaraderie and fellowship they shared with us further strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood of our art.
For myself, I can only say that, having never met Mr. Parker, these weekends are cherished events that connect us in profound ways to the Senior Grandmaster and our history. As a student of the arts, seeing the lessons and ideas of others strengthens my art in ways that few other things can. As a Kenpoist, the chance to learn from a man of Michael Pick’s stature and knowledge is a gift that can never be repaid. From all of us at Bryan Hawkins Kenpo Karate, thank you to Mr. Pick and his students for their kindness and friendship.
And, as always, thank you to Mr. Hawkins for giving us a place to share and grow.