The Chance of a Lifetime
Master Keenan Williams (left) and Maestro Chris Suboreau (right) comparing notes prior to the start of the featured instructional segments for the day.
The Chance of a Lifetime
By
Chris M. Suboreau
The first Genesis Martial Arts International Hall of Fame event was the high point of my own martial arts career. In my 47 years of martial arts learning and teaching, I have never seen an event so well organized, productive, and uplifting. This event was completely free of politics and negativity. The student's understanding and improvement was foremost in each instructor's mind. During my own class, for example, several Grandmasters volunteered to assist struggling students without expecting any recognition or payment.
All instructors supported one another regardless of rank or affiliation, working together to assure that each class had a successful outcome. A constant flow of Masters and Grandmasters freely exchanged invaluable and personal insights on their arts. Most of these exchanges took place in the hallway, to avoid disturbing the high energy on the instruction floor. I apologized to one hotel employee for blocking his progress with an impromptu display of eskrima stick fighting techniques, to which he responded that he enjoyed the demonstration and that it was “better than the UFC.”
The normal interaction was along these lines: an introduction to Grandmaster So-and-So, followed immediately by, “Let me introduce my wife, my family, and my students.” Next up, an exchange of hugs, autographs, photos, and deeply personal insights into the martial arts. The first morning after arrival, I awoke to an actual deep – but pleasant – muscle soreness from constantly smiling, hugging, shaking hands, and laughing. The incredible camaraderie and brotherhood lent this event a profoundly comforting aura. It felt like a combination family reunion and holiday celebration. Inside of an hour, I felt like I was among family.
The student body was, to me, the most impressive part of the event. The level of concentration and effort put forth by these people was beyond compare. The students would come together to assist each other, without any prompting from the instructors. When this wasn't sufficient, someone within the group would pose a question, in order to receive clarification on a particular technique or sequence, and, the answer was eagerly listened to with open minds. I rarely had to repeat myself.
One very talented young man was an exceptionally quick learner. Without any hesitation, he spent the majority of his practice time helping his partner to understand the material at hand. When I thanked him for his help, he replied that it was his pleasure, and, that he already had memorized the presented material. I will never forget this unselfish gentleman's help. Later, he allowed me to handle some of his own personal weapons of rare beauty and balance. When I asked where they came from, he stated that he had made them. I hope these become commercially available.
After the instruction ended, a lavish banquet was served in the Sheraton's beautiful ballroom. Following dinner, awards were given to those who instructed or were otherwise noteworthy. Heartfelt thanks and feelings were shared at the microphone. More than a few tears were shed in the audience as speakers testified to the life-enhancing qualities gained by their participation in the martial arts and their faith in God.
Dan, the hospitality manager, and I had become friendly during my stay at the hotel. He offered this from the adjacent bar, “I couldn't believe how emotional that was. One guy had to leave the stage because he was so choked up.” I replied that we loved our art and Genesis Martial Arts International. When he asked who that guy was who had left the stage, I told him that man was a tenth-degree Grandmaster with over fifty years' experience. His eyes got wide as I told him that guy was the best kenpo man I had yet seen. He replied, “Wow! That guy is a real gentleman and very unassuming.” He shook his head and said; “You would never know these guys were masters by looking at them.”
All too soon, the event ended. I feel blessed and humbled to be a part of this dynamic organization, and I know my brothers feel the same way.
Copyright ©2015 by Chris M. Suboreau, George M. Yore & The Visayan Eskrima Guild, All Rights Reserved.
By
Chris M. Suboreau
The first Genesis Martial Arts International Hall of Fame event was the high point of my own martial arts career. In my 47 years of martial arts learning and teaching, I have never seen an event so well organized, productive, and uplifting. This event was completely free of politics and negativity. The student's understanding and improvement was foremost in each instructor's mind. During my own class, for example, several Grandmasters volunteered to assist struggling students without expecting any recognition or payment.
All instructors supported one another regardless of rank or affiliation, working together to assure that each class had a successful outcome. A constant flow of Masters and Grandmasters freely exchanged invaluable and personal insights on their arts. Most of these exchanges took place in the hallway, to avoid disturbing the high energy on the instruction floor. I apologized to one hotel employee for blocking his progress with an impromptu display of eskrima stick fighting techniques, to which he responded that he enjoyed the demonstration and that it was “better than the UFC.”
The normal interaction was along these lines: an introduction to Grandmaster So-and-So, followed immediately by, “Let me introduce my wife, my family, and my students.” Next up, an exchange of hugs, autographs, photos, and deeply personal insights into the martial arts. The first morning after arrival, I awoke to an actual deep – but pleasant – muscle soreness from constantly smiling, hugging, shaking hands, and laughing. The incredible camaraderie and brotherhood lent this event a profoundly comforting aura. It felt like a combination family reunion and holiday celebration. Inside of an hour, I felt like I was among family.
The student body was, to me, the most impressive part of the event. The level of concentration and effort put forth by these people was beyond compare. The students would come together to assist each other, without any prompting from the instructors. When this wasn't sufficient, someone within the group would pose a question, in order to receive clarification on a particular technique or sequence, and, the answer was eagerly listened to with open minds. I rarely had to repeat myself.
One very talented young man was an exceptionally quick learner. Without any hesitation, he spent the majority of his practice time helping his partner to understand the material at hand. When I thanked him for his help, he replied that it was his pleasure, and, that he already had memorized the presented material. I will never forget this unselfish gentleman's help. Later, he allowed me to handle some of his own personal weapons of rare beauty and balance. When I asked where they came from, he stated that he had made them. I hope these become commercially available.
After the instruction ended, a lavish banquet was served in the Sheraton's beautiful ballroom. Following dinner, awards were given to those who instructed or were otherwise noteworthy. Heartfelt thanks and feelings were shared at the microphone. More than a few tears were shed in the audience as speakers testified to the life-enhancing qualities gained by their participation in the martial arts and their faith in God.
Dan, the hospitality manager, and I had become friendly during my stay at the hotel. He offered this from the adjacent bar, “I couldn't believe how emotional that was. One guy had to leave the stage because he was so choked up.” I replied that we loved our art and Genesis Martial Arts International. When he asked who that guy was who had left the stage, I told him that man was a tenth-degree Grandmaster with over fifty years' experience. His eyes got wide as I told him that guy was the best kenpo man I had yet seen. He replied, “Wow! That guy is a real gentleman and very unassuming.” He shook his head and said; “You would never know these guys were masters by looking at them.”
All too soon, the event ended. I feel blessed and humbled to be a part of this dynamic organization, and I know my brothers feel the same way.
Copyright ©2015 by Chris M. Suboreau, George M. Yore & The Visayan Eskrima Guild, All Rights Reserved.