UK Martial arts show review by Brett Lemon Sensei
On our arrival we found the venue to be buzzing with excitement all martial artists from all different styles talking and sharing stories together. We waited in a que patiently for the doors to open. Once in we were greeted with many trade stands all promoting there brand of martial art. The atmosphere was electric and overwhelming at the level of respect that was given by everyone to everyone. The conversations flowed from person to person with the greatest of ease.
4 training arenas were set up all active right from the start. You were free to join in and practice any of the styles with anyone, from any group no ego’s to be found. Lots of knowledge and expertise to be absorbed.
During the day special guests form the entertainment and a martial arts hall of fame were present. Scott Adkins, Mike Stone, Cynthia Rothrock, Philip and Simon Rhee, Bill Wallace. All of these martial artists were teaching during the day and very happy to converse and share knowledge of film and acting, to how they started in martial arts. Each star gave a speech on stage about themselves. With Simon Rhee giving us all the first exclusive that a best of the best 5 film is being made to which loud cheers were given.
During the day we were entertained on stage by demonstrations, and sparks did fly with weapon demonstrations involving katanas. The highlight for us was a 45-minute speech from Mike Stone telling us and explaining to live in your now and become the best version of yourself, as you already are you just don’t know it yet, you were born perfect its what you do in your future that matters.
The black belt hall of fame martial artists all gave time up for professional photos with them. Patience was a virtue as it could take hours to meet and speak with the special guests. Again no ego could be found.
The best training opportunity we had was with the former undefeated Kickboxer Bill “superfoot” Wallace. He showed us his unique system that led to his storied career. Sharing his journey of being told after an injury in his early judo career that his martial arts journey was over. He worked faultlessly to prove he could and the rest as they say is history.
The event concluded with a speech from Simon Rhee asking us all why do we do martial arts? He carried on saying how perception can be to knock people down to win. He countered this by saying he feels strongly that it is to rise people up to make people believe in themselves, so believe in yourself, in this room could be the next star or champion. Believe in you like your teachers believe in you.
