Memeorable: Llameme

CAAAAAAARRLLL.
A call I had once heard long ago. I could not remember where. I heard it again around the turn of the year while I was in SoCal for the Stage Combat Workshop. One of the Coordinators, The Prez himself of the organization, his name is Karl. One of the other instructors, a petite firecracker of energy and enthusiasm would constantly bray his name in this fashion, especially when anyone needed something from him or he had "misplaced" some itinerary or equipment.
The entire workshop began to follow suit soon after we attempted to follow him back to the hotel one grey and foggy night where he apparently forgot we were following him. The transcript in my mind recalls it, something like this, "Kaaaarl, we were following you to the hotel, kaarl." and the next day, or so it seemed, someone pulled up their smart phone during a break and initiated everyone else into Llama's With Hats.



And apparently, there was once Llama's 5 with trolling action!

One last thing kept bothering me about these clips and it was how familiar they seemed to me. Perhaps I had heard them long ago in Jr. High when my net days were really taking off, or perhaps it was because these were the same guys who'd done Charlie The Unicorn. Either way, these clips still haunt me as now at work, we will often say each others names in that sign songy nasally voice and say "that kills people" to which I will often reply with something pithy like "That's the idea" or "Ah, that explains my explicit moans of pleasure." You know, trying to stay true to the source material.

Ready to Rumble?

This post is partial filler, partial real post and, like most posts, completely self promoting. As some of you may know, I perform, teach & direct stage violence,

 and this year I terrifyingly became a "professional" and am enjoying the fruits of my labors.

One of my most recent exploits is with Pioneer High School, and I was thrilled to be asked to help with choreographing the infamous Rumble. Although VERY enthusiastic the guys were VERY respectful and attentive. We worked through the fight, I acquired some fantastic stage weapons for their use and at the end of just a few rehearsals it was looking good enough for an opening night. This was back in February, so as long as they keep polishing, the Fight captain getting on their case, it should be a smash. Here's the flyer, go check it out. The little bit of musical rehearsal I saw was fun and I think the cast is diverse yet doesn't detract from the source material. All the actors seemed to want to be there and have a passion for theatre. Hope to see ya there!

You Better Save

Cause I don't know if you've got the gear for these . . .

Bossfights!

So, I had this huge elaborate well thought out post about how I blog and where my influences come from . . . Screw That!
I have Been Waiting for This Album, SO HARD!
Today, the 21'st, they're Debut album is out. Why are you reading this!? Go get it, NOW!
Okay, downloading? good.

I had been head banging super hard to the first three songs they put out back when their site was still part of Z1's Site, and have put them on 3 different mix-CD's. Upon glancing over the track listing for this new album I see "Eye of the Rising Sun" and "Left For Dead" But I am a little disappointed not to see "Frontalots" as I love that anthem. I wonder why. Well, maybe they just forgot, considering . . . some of the things they do . . .
I've been listening to the sample tracks up on their site and OOH BOY! This is definitely a unique, amazing, professional garage band, super group sound and mix that takes all of the artists influences and makes them flow and coalesce into audio awesomeness. And you can quote me on that. I will be a few bucks poorer in wallet, but many times more rich in art as I will be bumpin these tracks all over. Oh, and here's a tickler that you cant get no-where . . .

Best rest up at the Inn, cause in the mornin, there will be Bossfights!

Bully, Sir? Not for Me

The Bartitsu Boys (and gals) are still at it!
As some of you might recall a while back I did some posting on Bartitsu and have since been following their site, waiting for different projects to be finished. If you're ready to jump in right away there is a small library worth of resources already, Or, if like me, you have a couple other tomes to dig through (Castle & Hutton personally) they have completed the fore mentioned Documentary. HUZZAH!

Soon, h47ites, I do affirm. I have managed to locate a couple schools in my area that teach European Martial arts as well as I've made a few contacts with different Fight Directors, so I hope to continue my training (and improve my physique at the same time perhaps?) in tandem with bartitsu research and incorporate my knowledge into my fights. I have also been researching Jiu-jitsu schools in my area and even a cane defense teacher in the area to start some cross training in the areas I want to focus on.

I've been contemplating trying to stalk some of the names posted across the Bartitsu site to see if I can get some hands on, live training, I think that would be the most invaluable. We'll see what Shows and work have in mind as far as scheduling.

I am a little annoyed with myself that I had never heard of Combat Con but plan to attend in the near future, maybe even try and talk my store into attending if we get into out-of-state shows. but perhaps more on that in another post.

Late But Not Out

So, I spent the day with my little sister, attempted to move her nerd along by lending her my PS2, a stack of games, and telling her I would loan her more once she beat a couple.

We saw Gnomio & Juliet and it was adorable, I might be biased but I don't care. Shakespeare voiced by Patrick Stewart, Elton John Exec. Producing and provide ALL of the music for the movie, a flaming STRAIGHT flamingo, and Lawn gnomes come to life, hard not to have fun. We we're forced to see it in 3D as all other showings were out of the time frame, not worth it, But see it, I give it AT LEAST 3 pointy beards/hats out of Five, up to five on a good day.


Then, I attended one of my fiance's rehearsals in order to meet one of my future fight instructors and perhaps pick up a couple new moves and as she alluded, start on my training hours in order to be fully certified ASAP. It was great, I learned a bunch of new moves, very enriching. It was nice to see a lot of the sensibilities I was using were correct but the moves were different from what I had been trained on. I'm still processing what might be "wrong" or just not what she was trained on.
It will be an adventure as I learn from different masters all over, hopefully making myself that much more versatile.

Thanks for sticking with me, I hope to have a couple more stimulating posts before the end of the month, maybe something Star Wars related, or maybe even something to do with my private projects.

See ya Space Cowboys.

Crystal Clear, Sticks & Mud

It has come to my attention that my last couple of posts have caused some confusion. Wrong impressions were perceived and names were potentially sullied.
Seeing as I have spoken about being clear and precise previously, this post is honest and I will try to be as concise as possible about my thoughts.

"You can't Trust a Tony. Trust Me."
In case you hadn't noticed, or haven't met me in person, OR read the "fine print" at the bottom of this page, the first name I go by is Tony. I have often said this phrase in jest, even sometimes with a wink or telling grin. Many other Anthony's, Tony's, Antonio's and a Toni or two have chuckled and agreed wholeheartedly.

Tangent: Back when I was writing a paper on the history of stage combat/fight choreography I came across a book that hadn't been fully published yet called "A Terrific Combat" and was intrigued but couldn't pursue it further as I had a due date to contend with, so it was left to fall from my memory. I did remember the name as I attempted to find the same author in conjunction with other published works concerning stage combat.
Okay, back: This guy was Tony Wolf, what's he doing on the Bartitsu . . oooOOoooohhh . . . . Of course, Tony is among the leading modern revivalists and educators of Neo-Bartitsu and the editor of pretty much ALL of their literature AND a co-producer/co-director/co-dude-on-the-spot of their documentary. See, Tonys are not to be trusted, trust me.
When I came across the "Terrific Combat" text, authored by a well known Tony, I wished to pursue it and use it as a point of reference for a college level term paper. I saw it as a legitimate and reliable source. It was not quite easily available to me at the time, so I let it fall from my mind and thought nothing of it until I began to research Bartitsu. When I realized this same educator and professional was linked to two projects I had positive interest in, without my own previous investigation between the two, I was amused by serendipity. Hence, why I used my poor taste joke.

Tony Wolf
Now, I would like to publicly apologize to Mr. Wolf. First, for misspelling his name with an extra "e," Something I will remedy as I come across it. Secondly, For the proximity to my uncouth joke. I believe him to be a mature gentleman, with a sense of humor and hope with this clarification, it will be understood correctly. Thirdly . . . .
"Okay, back: This guy was Tony Wolf, what's he doing on the Bartitsu . . oooOOoooohhh . . . . Of course, Tony is among the leading modern revivalists and educators of Neo-Bartitsu and the editor of pretty much ALL of their literature AND a co-producer/co-director/co-dude-on-the-spot of their documentary. See, Tonys are not to be trusted, trust me.
-VIDEO-
I'll be honest (perhaps, due to a phenomena, or something I haven't quite explored or thought very deeply about, But something I WILL post about soon, I have the notes typed up) something still feels pedestrian or amateurish about the whole affair. Not that there is anything wrong with that, nor does it lessen how cool this is and how much respect I have for all involved for going out and doing it (something which I need to do more of). Perhaps it is because it is so new and those involved are focused on the core subject and let other things be addressed as they come, or because it is that obscure that there is no need for anything more elaborate as far as the website and the movies and the books. Look for my next post to explain the feeling I have (ooh boy, feelings, I know) about professionals in like areas of expertise as martial arts, fight re-enactors/stage combatants/even weapon specialists and their interactions..
-NEXT POST:The Professional's Dilemma"
Things get muddled here as to what the hell I am saying. I finish a thought with "trust me." and then show the video. The video is intended as a break in presentation and I am done talking about Mr. Wolf specifically.
The Video is to show the Bartitsu project, I then begin going into a conclusion with "I'll be honest . . ." and in the conclusion I allude to a concept or theory I have had for years. I can see how easy it would be for one to perceive the through line continues from my words of Tony Wolf into the last paragraph. This is not the case, just a terrible occurrence of proximity.
My post "The Professional's Dilemma" is intended to be a singular post of a personal belief/theory and not intended to point fingers at any one in particular.

I would also like to reiterate that as a totally volunteer project, run by hobbyists, that Bartitsu.org community is praise worthy and I have personally recommended the site to many friends and associates.

That feels Like I've covered the bases and clarified any points that some of the people who have read my posts had some issues with or misinterpreted. I promise the next few posts will be of a much lighter nature, hopefully this same day.

The Professional's Dilemma

I like to think I know what I'm talking about. I have used these exact words countless times. I do TRY to take in new information and if an argument is compelling I will shape my knowledge to allow it to inhabit the space of other facts about said subject. Something interesting happens though in the area of . . . . Martial Expertise. Yes, those are two adequately big words that blanket what I will cover in the next few paragraphs. Mmm, delicious vocabulary.

. . . .

I sat and thought and so on for a few hours and tried to wrap my head around what I wanted to say specifically, but your gonna get the incoherent ramblings I'm so well known for. Hold on and try to keep up.

I've been researching and interested in Martial Expertise since I was very young. No surprise considering how so many children, boys and girls, have a fascination with the spectacular sight of combat and the power inherent in weaponry, especially if your body is that weapon. I began earnest research when I was in early high school as I taught myself the differences between functional and non-functional weaponry and practical weaponry, mostly in conjunction with re-enactment and stage combat. It was then I began to see the gap between "normal" knowledge and specialized, gasp, Martial Expertise (I might give a definition later, for the quiz of course). Not just in this specific field, but in general I was learning how people became specialized and had a wealth of knowledge concerning particular areas of study.

(here is where I outline my pedigree, training, and level of expertise on various, you guessed it, Martial areas. BUT, that's best left for my Resume or another Post, I'll try to stay focused . . stop laughing.)

I have noticed, in my decade-plus of time being aware and attentive to such things, That when a person attains a point of expertise, a few levels, if I may borrow from RPG terms, they become a bit aloof, sure of their knowledge and dubious at best about other peoples opinions and ideas concerning their area of expertise. There are excellent gem, exceptions to this, who walk the talk and are honest and cool and open to discuss possibilities, but these are few and far between.
I can see how this can happen, I wont lie, I do it myself. Too often a person who thinks they know more than they do, with WRONG information, because they did not do research, they simple have hearsay, the accumulated knowledge of their father, their best friend who was in the military, kinda, from that movie they saw where the characters gave a detailed break down of an otherwise uninteresting weapon that was used in a cool way, and that one play they were in where they got to carry a sword. On top of all that, these people are usually the kind of people who don't know not to be these people and will not remedy their ignorance.
(And yes, I realize I typed those exact words at the top of this post, I find it poignant and I try to keep this in mind whenever I enter a serious discussion, as I honestly mean what I say. I THINK I know. If you know better, tell me and be precise, don't just let me think you're one of these people I just described.)
I have seen this in martial arts with the few forays I've made into true physical combat, and understandably as movies pervert their art and there are many misconceptions. I have seen it in stage combat, where an actor, or a director or a fight choreographer has a certain way of doing things or is scared because the (chose above role in a show) proclaims to know what they're doing and have the trust of (higher up role) when most of the (lower role) think he's daft. This is also fairly typical considering how preening and proud and confident entertainers have to/try to/become.
Also, of course in the area of weapon knowledge. How many metallurgist/gunsmith/blade designer/art collector/multiple cross-trained modern martial artist/multi-focused regional & era historian/ex-military people do you know that make at least an upper six figure income? Because this is really what the beast is comprised of. And not just an enthusiast of these areas, that's what I am, the above described Renaissance Man of Martial Expertise (I know, I'm sorry) must have degree's and accolades and ranks to show his legitimacy in each area. (oh, you need the income to support these habits, they are rarely inexpensive) If you don't fit that bill, you are merely a mortal amongst the rest of us.

Perhaps it is all simply being jaded, a front to a world that is full of idiocy, I know I feel that way very often. Hrmm . . .

I think I ran out of steam, I'm not sure if there is more to it. I hope you at least understand what I meant. I don't have any answers really, just felt I needed to share this. Maybe in the hopes that there will be less of this silliness and a greater understanding all around.

I'll leave you with the words I say after every fight call I run;
Good? Safe? Ready to do it again tonight? Feel comfortable with it? Excellent,
Good Fight.

Have Walking Stick or Parasol, Will Defend Self

I've said it before and I will say it again here; Tonys are not to be trusted, trust me. But more on that in a moment.

Bartitsu/ Baritsu: I have mentioned this before. I discovered it two years ago while doing research on self defense schools and their mode and philosophies. I saw the word in conjunction with Judo/jiu-jitsu and was instantly intrigued as it smacked of Non-Asian in nature. To be honest it sounds exactly like it is, an un-clever yet straightforward name from its originator and the school it was born of.

Born in Victorian England it is a cross-training of Judo, boxing, Swiss grappling and french cane fighting. Roughly.
I wont mince words here. This is pretty sweet to me, yes, it has blatant steam punk overtones and I think that any martial art that allows me to use my cane, is "win" in my book.

Apparently, this martial art was so prevalent at the time that even many ladies of class learned it for self defense, and even more proactive pursuits. Yes, suffragettes were using their parasols and Bartitsu expertise to fight off angry mobs and even police.
Kind of bad ass, when I order a few of the books and manuals I might snag the one about Edith Garrud. Tink was definitely interested.

Now, as I went about my research (click link, click link, Google search, etc. . ) I noticed a familiar white haired figure on the Bartitsu site.

Tangent: Back when I was writing a paper on the history of stage combat/fight choreography I came across a book that hadn't been fully published yet called "A Terrific Combat" and was intrigued but couldn't pursue it further as I had a due date to contend with, so it was left to fall from my memory. I did remember the name as I attempted to find the same author in conjunction with other published works concerning stage combat.
Okay, back: This guy was Tony Wolf, what's he doing on the Bartitsu . . oooOOoooohhh . . . . Of course, Tony is among the leading modern revivalists and educators of Neo-Bartitsu and the editor of pretty much ALL of their literature AND a co-producer/co-director/co-dude-on-the-spot of their documentary.
See, Tonys are not to be trusted, trust me.

I'll be honest (perhaps, due to a phenomena, or something I haven't quite explored or thought very deeply about, But something I WILL post about soon, I have the notes typed up) something still feels pedestrian or amateurish about the whole affair. Not that there is anything wrong with that, nor does it lessen how cool this is and how much respect I have for all involved for going out and doing it (something which I need to do more of). Perhaps it is because it is so new and those involved are focused on the core subject and let other things be addressed as they come, or because it is that obscure that there is no need for anything more elaborate as far as the website and the movies and the books. Look for my next post to explain the feeling I have (ooh boy, feelings, I know) about professionals in like areas of expertise as martial arts, fight re-enactors/stage combatants/even weapon specialists and their interactions..