2012: Year of the Water Dragon

Water Dragons – Years 1952 and 2012

Water calms the Dragon’s fire. Water Dragons are able to see things from other points of view. They don’t have the need to always be right. Their decisions, if well-researched, are usually better since they allow other’s to become involved.  (from chinesezodiac.com)

2011 was a great year. We had a wonderful year of new classes added to our martial arts studio's offerings, students made outstanding accomplishments inside and outside of the Kwoon, lessons learned from struggles as well as successes.

As we move into 2012, the year of the water dragon, let's take heed of what the "personality" is for a person of the Water Dragon sign.....and let's try to employ the concepts this year.  We are all entitled to our own opinion, but to truly be open minded is to be able to see things from other points of view. This is not to say that we have to "believe" in anyone else's point of vew, but rather to understand *why* or *how* others have come to their point of view.

Some people have the standing of "Well, I see where your opinion comes from, but I don't have to respect it". This type of thinking keeps our minds struggling to always be right and keeping others wrong. True, you don't have to believe or even like the other person's opinions, but at least having respect that others have as much right to believe in what they believe as you do.....that's what I'm talking about.

I'm guessing that some people will have their own opinions about this blog post...and I welcome them. :)

“Adult dragons are,astute,powerful,and sure of their strength. ”
― Ciruelo Cabral, The Book of the Dragon

A fun time had by all at the 4th Annual Bullwhip Demo/workshop at SANCA

On December 27th I had the opportunity to work with wonderful bullwhip artists John Leonetti (Actor, cinematographer ,director and lifelong whip artist) , Louie Foxx (Professional magician, comedian, whip artist, whipmaker and all around cool dude), and Will Morgan (whipmaker/whip artist and son of famous whipmaker David Morgan).

We did a bullwhip demo/short workshop at the Seattle School of Acrobatics & New Circus Arts (SANCA), located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle.  It was a fun evening of discussion and hands-on learning, covering topics such as: History of the whip, whip types, whip anatomy, caring for a whip, whip safety and ettiquette. Each of us did a short demo, then the audience members broke up into groups to learn the basic cattlemans crack.

It was a fun evening! Not only did I get to work with some of the best in the business, but I reconnected with two previous martial arts students who study or work at SANCA! Many thanks to John, Will, and Louie for inviting me out. Would love to join them again next year if possible!

Go to the album link to see some photos that I took from the event:
https://plus.google.com/photos/108455661859937675427/albums/5691682517187724177?authkey=CJjxoILX18aW_gE

Here's some video that I took, also:

And....pictures that Louie took....   http://bullwhips.org/?p=5061

For those of you who might be interested in learning to crack a whip, my studio holds a free monthly practice group that meets every 3rd Sunday of each month at 5 pm. Beginners always welcome! More info here (3rd entry from the top) :  http://seattlewushucenter.com/FREEmonthlyevents.aspx

I'd also like to do a shameless plug for Louie Foxx.....if you're looking for wonderful entertainment for all ages (kids love his shows!), check out his site at http://louiefoxx.com/ . Great for birthday parties, fundraiser performances, school functions....any event where fun and engaging entertainment for kids is desired. Don't forget that he does shows for the grownups too!