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Camp ‘98 Reflections

By Wes A. Idol, II, Associate Instructor

Since my induction into Kenpo, in September of 1987, I have experienced a seemingly insatiable appetite for the active company of Kenpo instruction. Bryan Hawkins once told me a story of how Mr. Parker found Bryan to be one of the most question asking, perfectionists he had ever trained. Mr. Hawkins blames karma for my inflicting the same agony, as he put Mr. Parker through. "Mr. Hawkins, is it a modified, whipping neutral bow, or a very transitional, snapping twist stance?" "If only three fingers share the same depth, why is it a four finger eye poke?" "Is it the fourth switch, or simply a twist stance with a step through?" "Mr. Hawkins, last question. Form Four, second technique, third move, first side, left foot, third toe……is it curled, locked out, or slightly bent?" I give our President a large salute for putting up with my thirst. In fact, I think my Kenpo chops began to drool with the announcement of all Kenpo camps! Two whole days packed with the knowledge of not just one instructor, but ten!

Although this is the 5th annual UKS camp, it felt like a new journey with my Kenpo family. Webster's dictionary defines family as; "a group of people united be certain convictions." One conviction seems clear, physical training. The entire weekend was brimming over with physical training. I recall my good friend Todd Durgan flipping me around, using only one of my fingers! (The students I teach loved watching that). Mark Ainsley reminded all of us how much work is needed to kick well. The Texas contingent showed up once again. Tommy Burks took us further into a Kenpoized investigation of how to fight with sticks, and how much I wish my partner owned a pair of foam sticks while dispensing some of this new knowledge. Bob Liles returned with the same ferocious enthusiasm that reminds everybody this art is to be enjoyed. Howard Silva drove us out of lingering through a technique, and into a fluid chain of linked explosions. Class after class, I walked away feeling like I had just ingested a new vitamin, that I had learned something. As I recount all of the physical activity that I had experienced, I realized I had not acquired one injury. For me, the term family had surfaced once again. The camp was a safe place to learn. Everyone pushed themselves and each other, while taking care of one another. At no time was anybody trying to dominate the setting. The weekend seemed ego-less. I contend that EGO could stand for Edging God Out. With all of the egotistical mayhem that other Kenpo organizations seem to thrive on, this UKS family does feel like a godsend. A place that energizes your soul as you walk through the door.

I believe that judgments create separation, where compliments create unity. Even during our mid-day lunch break, I found myself wanting to sit with individuals I had never met before, simply because of how supportive everyone felt. It was not a weekend filled with false admiration, but a family filled with individuals that wanted to give to one another. I have always felt that if we all gave to one another, there would be no need for anyone to take. Yes, it would seem presumptuous to assume the rest of the world is prepared for this type of unconditional generosity, so now you know why our UKS Kenpo family is so important. We need to remain loyal to our house of principles. Together we create an atmosphere that breeds support of our individual accomplishments, and loving guidance through our individual pitfalls. As Martial Artists it is our responsibility to protect the sacred things. Mr. Parker spoke of family as being a sacred thing, an entity worth fighting for. We are a group of people united by certain convictions. By definition, we are a family. Although this camp only comes around once a year, the two days act as a bonding agent. It is our Thanksgiving. We come together to feast on as much knowledge as we can prepare, while consciously connecting with one another, and sustaining the type of unity that makes us a strong organization. I know there were individuals that could not be present this year. To those members who were not here in body, you were here in spirit, and we missed you tremendously.

I send abundant gratitude to the UKS, and all the non-UKS members, for your contributions towards running this year's camp. When we support our annual camp, we are protecting the house that holds our Kenpo family together.

With Kenpo Love & Respect.

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