OK guys, I'm going to open this thread so we can discuss and share what we found most memorable from the LAMECO Tribute (April 7/8th, 2007).  There is so much to share, so I'm not really sure where to begin.  Hmmm....

As I said, there's so much to begin with, so I'll start it off with some of the counters that Felix V. shared regarding a knife to the throat.

1. The feeder starts off with the knife to your throat using his right hand, the point of the knife toward the closed side of his body.
2. Raise your hands up on either side of the knife, crossing over this wrist with both of your wrists.
3. Drop both of your wrists downward on his wrist, collapsing the his wrist against your chest.
4. In this case, his knife is pointed to your right; while keeping pressure on his wrist, turn your body in the direction the knife is pointed.

Note: Do this very slowly at first, it's a real eye opener on the feeders end how quickly this sets.

Essentially, the same technique can be down when the knife is placed on the opposite side of your neck.  Except you still turn in the direction that the knife is facing. 

Give it a go and let me know what you think.  There's so much more to share, so this is just but one little morsel to begin with.

I agree Cory, that was a really sweet move and it does set very fast. It is hard for me to come up with one particular thing that I liked because I loved everything. How about I do this instead....for now I will post one thing I liked from each of the instructors that taught then go from there.

Guro Dave Gould: always maintain the line of engagement! When your opponent attacks you only have to move just a little bit to be out of range from his attack. The thrusting drills we did with the knife were excellent to work this. You and your partner stand in a fighting stance with knife in hand... your partner will thrust the knife at you turning his hips and shoulders into the thrust to give him more distance...you have to step back and twist your body in order to avoid being stabbed or cut.

Guro Steve Grody: The footwork drills(again) in order to maintain the proer distance. The mirror drills we did were cool even though we have worked similar...it is always nice to get another version.

Guro Dino Flores and Guro Bud Balani: The striking drills we did to work your power and to flowing of the stick was really great.

Guro Roger Agbulos: Again the footwork we utilized for the drills we did were great. I really liked the thrusting techniques we did with Roger. Your opponent thrust the knife in and you capture his wrist with one hand (left)and do a really nice shoulder check with the other (right) to stop him. Then you simply slide your right hand down and disarm against your own forearm and go into a hundred painful techniques...

Master Christopher Ricketts: The footwork drills we did were really cool and combining those with the power strikes made them even better.

The hand sparring with the sticks were AWESOME. Getting to get out there in front of everyone and spar with Guro Agbulos was really fun.

Also, let me say this....being able to watch young master Bruce Ricketts spar everyone was very cool. Man that kid can move!!! To think he is only 17 and can move like that and can swing the stick the way he does is amazing.

I have already said this but I will say it again....THANK YOU to all the instructors that showed up to teach and share their knowledge and stories with us. It was also amazing to be able to hang out and grab a bite to eat with everyone afterwards. It truly was a family reunion atmosphere and I now consider each and every person there my brother...(and sister for the three ladies that were there)\

LETS DO IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR....

One of my favorite comments made:

"You are your first line and your last line of defense." -- David Gould

Let me see how far you guys remembered... just so many things going on over the weekend! It's all good!

Guro Roger...!

Good to see you in here...I remember alot of things from this past weekend....like how many times you were able to hit me when you and I were stick sparring and how few times I was able to hit you. Really showed me the application of footwork, body movement and hand movement. It was fantastic! I also remember thrusting the knife and capturing the hand and trapping the knife hand between your arm and using your arm to squeeze it tight and grabbing his head with your free hand and pulling onto the blade....and if he pulls back then you go with him and return to sender...ALL GREAT STUFF! There was so much stuff shown it was AMAZING.... it was really good and I am looking forward to the next gathering. Also lookign forward to bringing you in to Texas. Will be good times for all.

Take Care Kapatid...

Oh no! I forgot everything I learned! Guess I will have to go back out to Cali and train with Guro Agbulos some more, or maybe we will just bring invite him to come to Texas and honor us with his knowledge and experience. YES!

Tracy "Travolta" Frost