My seminar experience was unlike any martial arts experience I have ever had before. I met Will and Don (both were great people) for the first time at the airport and judging from their enthusiasm I knew I was in for a great experience.
Washington is a Beautiful State. I had never been to the Pacific North West before. I had never met Coach Sonnon in person either, and I was anxious to finally meet him and the rest of the coaching staff who taught me much through DVD’s and articles.
Before the seminar I watched the bout between Coach Fielding and Coach Ilano and felt a growing respect for everything they put into their match. Both of these coaches displayed good martial arts skills and a competitive comrade.
The Sambo seminar opened a new aspect of ground fighting for me also, most noticeably attacking with legs to legs.
Throughout the seminar Coach Sonnon expressed his passion for this art both verbally and through his enthusiasm and skill demonstration and it was great to share in that experience with him. Other points I liked were the way Coach Sonnon asked the other coaches for their input throughout the seminar.
I was also impressed with the great display of Sambo in full effect when Coach Sonnon and Coach Hurst grappled in an extensive demonstration. Other elements during the seminar that impressed me were the attention paid to partner safety, the great coaching support throughout the seminar, I also liked when we worked in small groups of four.
My experiences from past training in martial arts have consisted of a guarded, wary negative rivalry among the participants or an attitude that the participants must take away something from the practice. This time I saw that the participants were not taking but giving friendship, support and the sharing of a passion that helped make this endeavor a fun event.
Flow Fighting was great also. A few examples are Coach Jones teaching Flow Boxing where I learned the jab and cross begin from the shoulder and follow through to the wrist. Followed up by Coach Hurst demonstrating for example how a missed hook can easily turn into a Judo throw.
I want to thank everyone involved for a great shared experience and one of personal growth.
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