SBGi - Straight Blast Gym International

Date: August 4th and 5th - 2001
Time: 11AM to 5PM
Place: One Dragon Martial Arts, 9117 Taft Street, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024
Seminar fee for both days: $100.00 in advance / $125.00 at the door
Seminar fee per day: $65.00 in advance only
Register early. Seminar is limited to 30 participants!
For more information about the seminar contact Luis Gutierrez.

This Year's camp promises to be the best Camp ever. Scheduled to teach will be BJJ Black Belt Chris Haueter, SBG Instructor Rodney King from South Africa, and Matt Thornton. Chris will be bringing his brand of modern BJJ to the Camp attendees. Rodney will be demonstrating why he is considered to be the best stand up fighter in the JKD community at large, and Matt will be updating everyone on all the newest SBG curriculum advancements.

Don't miss this chance to train with the best and meet other SBG Instructors from all over the world.

Much thanks to Michael and Tina for there hospitality on the visit. There was a large group assembled for Matt's two day seminar, and Matt also conducted a number of privates, as well as working privatly with Michael and his brother. The seeds of 'Aliveness' are certainly planted in Denmark and it's are hope and belief that the Art and sport will grow with the help of people like Michael.

Longtime Portland Gym member Flynn Henry travelled from England to attend the seminar.

Matt recently returned from a three week trip to Africa where he taught a series of seminars and workshops for SBG Instructor Rodney King and his ST Gym. Here is a note from Matt on the trip:

As usual the Africa trip was a blast. Although I did not wrestle any lions on this trip I did have a run in with several "bakki's" , a capetown ghost, and discovered the long lost 'false idol of combat athletics' that was presented to me by a secret African tribe.

On my second night in Africa I was present in the corner for Rodney's team as they competed in the first ever UFC South Africa. Rodney's athletes did fantastic and the competition was entertaining. However, the promoters made the mistake of admitting a Kung Fu practitioner, as well as several traditional martial artists. As you may have guessed, these people received major beatings. I don't like seeing this in NHB. It makes the sport appear violent and barbaric. When two combat athletes fight each other it looks like a sport. When you put a combat athlete against a traditional karate, or wing chun, or TKD person it looks like a beating. These people do not belong in the ring as they are in capable of defending themselves, and that's always bad for the sport. I hope UFC SA survives. But for it to continue they will have to keep the event as a showcase for athletes, not a "watch the kung fu guy take a terrible beating" spectacle.

Rodney's Gym is continuing to prosper and some of his best athletes such as Bobby Karagianidis, Wiukus, Kirk, and Alex are spreading the Art & philosophy to other parts of the Country.

This trip I also had the privilege of visiting Cape Town. Cape Town is a beautiful city, and no offense to the Joberg residents, but it gave me a whole new view of what Africa can be like. Ocean beaches, clean air, etc.

Steven has a great Gym that is beginning to grow and a wonderful family. All the makings of a great life. Also thanks to Erik the viking for providing Rodney with plenty of entertainment.

Bobby K from Rodney's Gym mounts Ludwig Strydom, a tough BJJ fighter from Cape Town. Ludwig attended the Capetown seminar and is a talented athlete. He won this tough battle against Bobby in the third round. This was Bobby's first ever competition.

John is an intelligent and calm fighter. He will go far in NHB or coaching if he so chooses

Neil Diesel, one of Rodney's toughest athletes, en-route to a quick victory

Howzit (for the capetowners Whozit) Thanks much to everyone I had a 'lakker' time. Special thanks to 'Scuba Steve' who is now a drinking legend in the USA. And 'quickshot' for his help while I was there. As usual there was no 'wankers' in Rodney's gym, although there may be a few 'nutters'. Although I wouldnt want to comment to much on that because 'it's just not cricket!' Provided I don't suffer a whobble I'll be back. See you just now.

Matt at Rodney's Gym