Philippine Independence Day - Carson Demo

Every year the city of Carson celebrates Philippine Independence Day in a big way. Since there are lots of Filipinos that live and have businesses in Carson, the community gets together at Veteran's Park and share their culture with the rest of Los Angeles. Lots of booths selling crafts, foods, and sharing information. But there's also an opportunity to hear music, see folkloric type dances and singers. I was honored this year by my original Sensei, Emmanuel Salomon, who asked me to bring my Gosikido School and open up the show with a demonstration. Sensei Salomon is one of the head coordinators of the event and he wanted the audience to get a little taste of different types of Martial Arts which are part of Gosikido. It was also a great opportunity to reunite Sensei Roger (right on the picture), who was one Sensei Salomon's original students and one of my mentors. So, we got the boys together and put on a show for the crowed. First, I did a Kali, Lima Lama, and Aikido demo with Humberto Ochoa. Then Carlos Valdez did a very good brick braking demonstration. It was a bit surreal having both Sensei Salomon and Sensei Roger watching me demo. You have to understand that no matter how many years go by, how many styles of Martial Arts I learn, or what rank I earn, Sensei is still my teacher. He is the one that forged who I am in the Martial Arts. I still remember that September fall semester at Banning High School, when I joined the Karate class being taught twice per week by Sensei Salomon. At the time he was teaching primarily Shotokan, but also taught us Lima Lama, Kali, and Goju. When I joined Sensei Roger was already there, a senior belt under him. He also taught me a lot, although he was the class clown - but never underestimate his power, speed, and technique. As Sensei Salomon joined the Army and had to leave for long stretches of time, Sensei Roger was always there to look after me, guide me, push me, and challenge me - I will always thank him and honor him for this, and I'm glad this generation of my students had a chance to meet them both. The demonstrations went very well, at least the brick braking was executed with good focus, Chi, and technique - which is what I always strive for. Carlos has been working very hard on improving his technique. Julio (brick braking champion), who was also there with us was also impressed with the braked and called Carlos a "Braker" - a term that must be earned, and reserved for a special class of Martial Artist. My thanks go out to my Sensei for allowing us to share what we're about!