Master B's Web log

  Several years ago a local nursing home was creating an ad campaign to show the vitality of their patrons. They chose our school to do some fun shots that ended up in several of their ads  This was one of many great photos.  The lady “breaking” the board was a hot ticket.   She asked if I would take her on a date and I told her I was married.  She replied “I don’t care”!

Listen to the jungle sounds. It was three months since we opened Michael's Place.  We had gotten the kinks out and the nightclub was really cooking.  We were off to a great start.  Anyone who did not arrive before 9 pm usually had to wait in line to get in, we were that kind of busy. Being a new club we had the drinks flowing, the music blasting  and the crowd was revved up.  Week after week we had picked up steam and business did not seem like it could not get any better.  The dress code was keeping the clientele civilized and we met so many nice people.  And just then my college roommate who was also bartending jinxed us. "You know we have been open for three months and we have not had even one fight yet"  And then it just exploded.  Across the room a crowd of patrons had come together in a close group.  With the darkly lit atmosphere and the loud music we had not seen the conditions change.  The crowd in that area appeared to sw...

 No I never went to the olympics!    Watching the Olympics this summer made me reminisce on my international competition days.  In the early 90’s we traveled to Tatabanya, Hungary to compete with teams from several countries.  I was lucky enough to win several medals and world cups that day. The best part was not just the tournament, but the sightseeing of Budapest and Vienna.  The very best part was meeting new friends from Australia and our long friendship and travel there. I competed in several events with Australian team member Robby Jameson.  On our departure he said to me-come to Australia and we will show you a good time!

The Asian world of self defense Eight hours of martial arts notables in the historic Felt Forum in Madison Square Garden in New York City.  This was one of the showcase bouts available.  I still have the brochure from the event and will post more information.  This was put on by legend Aaron Banks.

https://youtu.be/uLwBy1BCt98

 

         Roldan Just like you might use the name "Cher", "Bono" or "Elvis, this late great martial artist is Wilfredo Roldan, martial arts Grandmaster. His experiences and resume are a mile long and you can google him for his bio.  Here is a link that mentions just a few of his many accomplishments. I was sad to hear of his recent passing.  He seemed perpetual to me, always full of motion, energy and, life.  I often saw his Facebook posts, photos of his seminars and travel, and often his acting gigs (usually/ always in the NYC area). To me, he was one of the greatest martial artists I have ever known. Being lifelong friends with the famous Goju Grandmaster Chuck Merriman, I had the great privilege of spending many days with him over the years and he would share stories of many of his friends.  This day would be a personal insight to the notoriety of Roldan. They were the pioneers in the New York City martial arts days.  They trained man...