The Point of Connection

What is the point of connection? Why is it important to connect? The theme of the Modern Arnis camp in Hamburg this year was “ Making the Connection”  - something the founder, Professor Remy Presas would say often to describe a key element of his martial arts/self-defense system. Why? In Modern Arnis, it is through the connection – stick to stick, hand to stick, hand to knifehand – that we can disarm our opponent’s weapon and control their attack with a joint lock or a throw.

In Tai Chi, connection is vital as well. Through connection or sticking to the other, we listen to them, understand their intention, receive and neutralize their force. Connection is essential in life – by connecting with other humans, making friends – I learn more about the world, myself, other cultures, new ideas. Connection is prerequisite to feeling loved and accepted, embraced by others and nurtured and challenged to grow and change. We all have goals and aspirations, big or small they are more easily achieved with support and encouragement from others. Whatever path we choose to climb the proverbial mountain, the connections along the way help us mark our progress and help us to ultimately reach the summit.

For Professor - making the connection also meant among martial artists as people. He knew the power of friendship. So, he offered Modern Arnis as the art within your art, to allow martial artists of all different stripes – internal, external, hard and soft, from tae kwon do and kempo to tai chi and bagua – to meet together and share their perspectives on conscious movement for self-defense and health. To make friends through the vehicle of Modern Arnis.

My trip to Germany was a gift from the Professor – facilitated by Master Gabriele Roloff – the camp was a ton of fun. Women from Germany, the Netherlands, Canada and the States lived and trained and laughed and ate together for four days in the countryside.  We  learned more about each other and about Arnis ground-fighting, disarming, joint locking, throwing, knife-fighting, long-staff fighting. Jan Parker was this year’s guest instructor and taught Qigong each morning, and a Tai Chi boxing drill ( yes -  boxing!) that everyone loved.

After camp, a few of us travelers stayed in Germany and visited with Master Gaby in Hamburg. As we continued to connect with one another over sightseeing, traditional German meals (and a few maybe not so traditional  – I am thinking of pizzas at the Tiki bar on the river Elbe), day trips on the autobahn, and wandering around Berlin,  our friendships deepened.  In Berlin, we connected again with other women (Lydia and Ute) from camp and learned more about their Shuri-ryu Karate school whose mission is to teach self-defense, karate and modern arnis to women and especially to women with disabilities.  

The thing about making the connection is that what was true, before the connection was made, actually dissolves and a new reality emerges. What was once impossible, becomes possible, maybe even probable. What was separate and isolated, is now united and supported. In solidarity with others, oppression is overcome. In society, safety and shelter is created.  Our paths cross, perhaps they join for a time, the connections are made and for sure-  the Summit is that much closer.

Enjoy your connections -

Dorian