June 2006 Newsletter

- Student of the Month - Recommended Book - Events - Testing - Video Technique - Upcoming Events - Dietary Supplement -

Student of the Month

- Frank Pantuso -

Frank Pantuso

How did you get into martial arts? Where did you get the interest?

I don't remember a time not being interested. Probably started with Kung-Fu Theater Sunday mornings as a kid. (Secretly, I yearn for Sifu to teach that "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" kick where you fly through the air for 30 feet kick your opponent then land back where you started. That's probably Level 2.)
Which martial arts have you studied to date and for how long? (PAMA and non-PAMA)

PAMA: JKD, Muay Thai, & Mixed Grappling for a little over 4 years now. I was drawn to the more physically demanding of the arts.
Non PAMA: Kempo Karate 4 years, Judo 1 year, Wrestling 2 years.
How did you find out about PAMA? What influenced you to join?

Searched the web looking for info about Bruce Lee's art after seeing a TV special about it. Was drawn to the art because of its acceptance of all styles and its primary objective of finding that which worked for the situation and individual at that given moment. Considered myself lucky to find a school closely connected to the art. After taking the intro class I was hooked.
What do you do for a living?

Manager of B2B Sales & Marketing for the Hospitality Group at Samsung Electronics America. (which is a fancy way of saying, "I sell TVs to hotels".)
What is your impression of PAMA today? What do you like most about PAMA?

Great community, disciplined training, broad curriculum, and the high quality of instruction.
What are the goals you hope to achieve through PAMA?

Maintain a high level of fitness and advance my fighting skills.
Your wife also trains at PAMA. What effect do you think this has had on your training?

This is a problem - its one think to have your wife yell at you for not taking out the trash, it's completely different when she unexpectedly throws an arm bar on you and starts yelling, "Who's your daddy, who's your daddy?!?!" On a serious note, its been nothing but positive. Instead of my training taking time away from the relationship, our PAMA time is logged at 'quality time' together.
What advice would you give students based on your experience in training?

Try everything, then go with what you like. There is simply too much variety here to not at least sample all the different styles and find something you like. Once you find that, go with it and make it your own; because at the end of the day, that's what will keep you coming back.

Sifu Recommends a Book

- Scholar Warrior: An Introductionto the Tao in Everyday Life -

Scholar Warrior: An Introduction to
the Tao in Everyday Life,
by Deng Ming- Dao

In this beautifully illustrated offering of ancient wisdom, Deng Ming-Dao shares the secrets of the spiritual path handed down to him by Kwan Saihung, his Taoist master, as well as by herbalists, martial artists, and other practitioners of the ancient arts. Deng shows how Taoist philosophy and practice may be integrated into contemporary Western lifestyles for complete physical, mental, and spiritual health. He provides an abundance of philosophical and practical information about hygiene, diet, sexuality, physical exercise, meditation, medicine, finding one's purpose in life, finding the right teacher, death, and transcendence. (excerpt from back cover)

Events

- Brussels, Part Deux -

This month Sifu Rick and assistant instructors Neil, Mary Jo, and Mike returned to the city of Brussels; a unique small European city filled with lots of culture, churches, and wonderful architecture. Similar to our last visit, we were located in the center of the city and were within walking distance to much of what the city has to offer; including what has become our annual pilgrimage to the Drug Opera - where we had our fill of Belgian culinary delights such as waffles, crepes, and chocolate.

Sifu Rick demonstrating trapping and kickboxing techniques.