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I had the pleasure in May to attend Master Eric Kovaleski's event. I have to say it was one of the most enjoyable events I've ever attended. First the facility was first class. It was a huge lodge with an indoor waterpark, pool, hiking trails, arcade, sports center, good restaurant. The place was great.

On Thursday Master Kovaleski and his father Grandmaster Kovaleski hosted the World Moo Duk Kwan General Federation headed by Kim Duk Young and Choi Hee Seok. This was an opportunity to see GM Choi again whom I had the pleasure to meet in 1989 and again in 1995. Plus meeting GM Chang Il Do and GM Hwang Jang Lee both kung fu movie stars that I've been fans of for years. On top of that getting to meet the lovely Cyntha Rothrock and the infamous Emperor of Kentucky GM John Hancock and Jason Ladd there was no way I was passing this up.

The clinic was eight hours long and I loved having the chance to just be a peanut and train. I tried to fade into the middle of the group of about forty masters and GM Hancock pulled me into the American GM line and said 'you belong here'. It was nice having a front row seat. GM Chang Il Do and Hwang Jang Lee were consummate instructors.

GM Choi asked me over during the break and complimented me which I thanked him but told him I was just a "peanut".

Master Kovaleski and GM Kovaleski were absolutely wonderful hosts. The event ran perfectly even though Master Kovaleski had some MAJOR curveballs.

The tournament was wonderfully run. GM Choi kept insisting I sit next to him, I spoke to him in my mutilated korean promising next time my Korean would be better. I met so many wonderful people: GM Bob Chezick (Great guy), Allan Woodman, James Lew (I'm now his stunt double), the list goes on and on.

GM Chang Il Do performed a hyung to kick it off then the competition started. It was safe, well run and ON TIME!

My compliments to GM Kovaleski and Master Eric Kovaleski. Not only did they ran a fantastic event that I will be at from now on and be happy to recommend to my students and friends, they graciously welcomed me and I am proud to say I made two new friends.


Here is a link to some photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3217855841002.2125754.1104556413&type=3

Photo Credits:John F. Belles

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I had a great time.  I'll never forget meeting Phil Duncan and chatting him up for almost 2 hours.  I met so many people and made so many new friends.  Was the best time I can ever remember having at an event.  Too bad it has a cloud hanging over it with this USSBDMDK Fed lawsuit.  But those 4 days there gave me more to talk about than I've had in years.  It rekindled me enough that I'm teaching again...writing again...and yes...bitching again about the Fed and their antics.  I had a wonderful time.

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Nice to hear you're teaching again. I had a blast with you and Jason.

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Thanks so much Master Segarra and Master Hancock. I appreciate the kind words and support. I am also glad that you enjoyed yourselves!! Tang Soo, see you there next year?!

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Absolutely!