Yesterday (Saturday, Jan 26th) I attended a Butterfly Knife & Nunchaku Seminar/Workshop.
It was held at Ernie Reyes' World Martial Arts (Hillsboro, OR location) and was conducted by Guro John Daniels.
Guro JD is a full instructor under Sifu Dan Inosanto (Bruce Lee's famous student) and a 7th degree black belt under GM Al Dacascos. He has over 30+ years experience in the martial arts, with an extensive career in movies and television, including popular tv series Leverage, Grimm, Z Nation, and The Librarians.
Guro JD is considered one of the foremost experts in the Filipino arts including butterfly knives and nunchaku!
Here is a pic of me and my fellow Dragon Brand Martial Arts teammate, Geoff, with Guro JD
I am always in awe of the experts and how easy they make these things look as I stumble and fumble and do my best not to hurt myself.
Luckily, we were working strictly with "Trainer" butterfly knives and foam nunchucks so the pain was minimal (although dropping a trainer knife on your foot still smarts!)
Luckily, we were working strictly with "Trainer" butterfly knives and foam nunchucks so the pain was minimal (although dropping a trainer knife on your foot still smarts!)
 Foam practice chucks |  Trainer butterfly knife (sparkly & iridescent, naturally ;) |
 Nobody better mess with us...we've got fake knives! |  Geoff getting some pointers from KJN Dan |
One of the participant's butterfly knife collection. She brought them for SHOW & TELL :)
When I walked into the school, I immediately noticed that the sparkling clean and brightly colored school was full of positive energy amid all the various activities. I was greeted with smiles and a friendly welcome from KJN Gwen (and a sweet little girl named Abigail who is testing for her Blackbelt this year...we became fast buddies) and I felt right at home.
There were classes going on in 2 different rooms and there was lots of great merchandise & gear for me to fawn over
(I'm a sucker for merchandise!)
Just check out these pink polka dot gloves!!!
I SO wanted to buy them but I had to control myself
There were classes going on in 2 different rooms and there was lots of great merchandise & gear for me to fawn over
(I'm a sucker for merchandise!)
Just check out these pink polka dot gloves!!!
I SO wanted to buy them but I had to control myself
 Need these in my life! |  Feeling these TMNT style hats |
There was about 40 of us in attendance. It was a mixture of different ages, skill levels and martial arts styles. I loved that everyone was happy to share their knowledge with each other and yet be humble enough to learn from each other...no matter the rank or title.
Here is a group pic of the participants (Aren't you LOVING all the females who participated!!)
Here is a group pic of the participants (Aren't you LOVING all the females who participated!!)
Some friends I made at the seminar :) Girl Power!!!
Thank you to KJN Dan & Gwen, for making us feel at home and providing a informative yet fun event. I can't wait to return to your school!
Links:
Ernie Reyes' World Martial Arts - Hillsboro
Links:
Ernie Reyes' World Martial Arts - Hillsboro
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