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Well, I've been working on some new (at least to me) blade forms and principles. I recently attended a seminar with Supreme Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje, Jr..

I have to admit that the Grand Tuhon was very impressive! At first sight he kinda looks like someones grandfather...that is if that grandfather was a tremendous ass kicker!

It should go without saying but, The Grand Tuhon really knows his art. Their are many out there that purport to "know" what they are doing and quite frankly, don't.

I attended with Guro Tony Torre also of the Miami Arnis Group, Sifu Courtney White of Hybrid Martial Arts also located here in Miami as well as longtime friend and fellow martial artist Brady Buckman of Tattoo's by Lou. Pictured above are Varavoot Nedtranon, one of Guro Tony Torre's students, Guro Tony Torre, Grand Tuhon Gaje and myself.

The Grand Tuhon started us out outside in 90 degree weather and put us thru our paces. I'm happy to say all attendee's kept up, no slackers in this bunch!

We started out with two knives and worked various applications till about noon, where we broke for lunch and to move inside.

After lunch there was more blade work, both short and long and a LOT of stick work. It's been a long while since I've torn a callus off but this was one of those times.Thank goodness I keep some tape in my stick bag!

The second day was more of the same, some very "old school" style training which was very refreshing. You really can't beat the basics and it's always a good thing to revisit them from time to time. That's not to say that the Grand Tuhon didn't show us some neat stuff that was new to me, oh yes!

I can't recommend his seminars highly enough! If you have a chance and he's coming to your area, do look into attending one!

It put a few things I'd been thinking about into perspective and let me see why certain techniques and principles are as they are. It also led me to come up with a few moves of my own! Always a good thing!

As always, train hard and stay sharp.