----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, February 18, 2006 5:08 PM
Subject: [Soo Bahk] Kahm Sahm Ni Dah to everyone from Athens!
Today I worked out in Master Zouraris' studio with his Dans. It was
quite the workout for someone who has been busy sampling metaxas and
ouzo. His class moves somewhat the same way that mine do with a few
stylistic differences. So that was hour and half number one of the
day. With the exception of my very poor sweeping techniques I think
I did ok in the class.
Part Two was a tournament! I judged and competed. It wasn't
something I was prepared for and I was *VERY* hesitant to do it but
hey, when in Greece, do as the Hellas do! Judging is quite high
pressure since you're being critiqued by the many parents that just
*know* you scored the bout wrong. I'm pretty sure I didn't goof up
too many calls. When it came to competition, my blood began to boil
as it always does during tournaments I compete in. I did ok in
forms. I tied for 3rd with another chodan. To my relief, she won
the tie breaker but I got to perform again. I really didn't want to
steal a trophy from the Greeks as they were *very* hospitable to me.
Sparring was the thing that scared the BUH Jeezus out of me as we
were going to spar under *traditional rules*, meaning NO headgear, NO
mouthguard, NO gloves just mano a mano and a slight "love tap" with a
fist or a foot gets you a point in the match. We had cleared out all
the little kids that showed up for the tournament so it was just the
Master, his students and little old me. We drew lots to see who
would go first. Lucky me, I drew a very fit 20-something Sam Dan.
It took him no longer than a few seconds to BBBLAP me out of nowhere
on the left side of my head with his fist. It smarts.... So we do a
little more and I pay him back with a kick below the belt! Now mind
you, I had NO intention of causing harm to *ANYONE* today and I was
highly upset at my lack of control. To be nice, they gave me a point
and a foul. So there we were, him sore below the belt and me with
a swelling "kiss" on the side of my head. We tied it up and
eventually he chased and hunted me down with a great kick to the
chest which really didn't hurt at all. I count myself lucky to have
tied it up with this great fighter.
At the end of the night, we were presented awards. Everyone who
placed 1st/2nd/3rd got their trophies and I was ready to call it a
night then. But... Master Zouraris called me up and said that the
Sam Dan that I kicked said he wanted me to have his
trophy!! I didn't know what to say except "ochi ochi" NO NO but they
wouldn't have it. So, for getting punched in the head and kicking
some poor guy, I got a trophy.
I must say, it was an enjoyable day of martial arts madness and one
that I'll *never* forget!
If you come to Greece DO NOT miss a chance to work out with Master
Zouraris and his great bunch of students. You will not feel out of
place. Our artform is universal and transcends languages. Just be
prepared to BRING IT!!!!
I'm hoping to sort out some weirdness with my pictures and will post
them later on...
As we say in the dojangs apparently all around the world:
SOO BAHK!
Anthony Di Bona
Cho Dan
Region 9
