“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
Instructors' Party: Generations Together
by William Joseph Pemberton
Throughout the year, the instructors and seniors in Kenpo share of themselves, their time, their knowledge, their wisdom, with the students, new and old, in the Kenpo community. It is done with gratitude and love for the gifts that have been bestowed upon them by their teachers and seniors and which can never truly be repaid. Each generation has a responsibility to pass on the knowledge given, and the insights gained, as well as new discoveries and theories. This is the only way to pay back those who have risked and sacrificed of themselves to bring this art to us through the generations to the present. It is done, so far as I know, gladly and with only love for the art.
However, once a year, Bryan Hawkins Kenpo Karate, along with the Aldens, David and Maria, show their appreciation with a grand outing of food, fun, and friendship. This year, as last, the Aldens opened their beautiful home to us so that we could gather and share war stories and relax together as all families must.
The timing, as with last year, was set to coincide with Mr. Pick’s seminar at Bryan Hawkins Kenpo Karate so that we could invite Mr. Pick and his people along with other seniors and friends who have contributed to the success of this art. It is a time when those who have devoted themselves to the art can come together and see the depth of Kenpo and our family through the generations.
There were, at the Aldens’ house, six generations of Kenpoists from the fifties to the present. Sitting around over “beverages” and barbeque with men who exemplify a way of life opens many possibilities for stories and exchanges of ideas. Discovery comes in many shapes and sizes and, of course, there was much discussion of Kenpo ideas and concepts. A connection to the past was also discovered during one conversation when John Fanaris noticed the presence of Rick Walker, with whom he had previously studied. Rick Walker’s father was Mr. Johnny Walker who was an early student of Ed Parkers. Mr. Rick Walker and Mr. John Fanaris were both there unbeknownst to one another until one of them recognized the other and came over to share his observation. This lead to a rediscovery of friendship and shared history and some rather lively discussions of history, present and future, as well as the “circle of friendship” in the Kenpo world.
The food was wonderful. The setting serene. The company invigorating. The conversation stimulating. It was, in my opinion, a perfect evening. In the studio we work hard to advance ourselves, our art and our students so it is a special treat at these parties to let our hair down, loosen our belts and learn of the person inside the gi. To learn about our comrades’ families, children, spouses and lives. It is easy to forget that we all have lives outside of the studio so to learn of our friends’ personal interests and who they are can only strengthen our bonds which can, in turn, only strengthen our training.
As always, we must thank Mr. Hawkins and the Hawkins family for their devotion to keeping the flame alive so that we can all know one another.
For the Alden's to open their home to us is a tribute to their kindness and we must surely thank them for their hospitality and friendship. It is a further illustration of the rare person that is drawn to the family of Kenpo.