Warrior's Way Int'l Family Gathering 2011 "The Best Yet!"

This year's Family Gathering was "The Best Yet!" according to many of the participants who attended.  With Nine Warrior's Way International Full Instructors on tap to teach each section as well as to walk around and answer questions and interact with the students, everyone got a lot of help.  We also had the amazing honor of having special guests Pamanan Tuhon Chris Sayoc, fifth generation head of the Sayoc Kali system, and Tuhon Rafael Kayanan, one of the highest Masters in the Sayoc Kali system.  Simply put, the caliber of insturction was world class.

Topics ranged from Double Dagger to Sayoc Tomahawk, from Melee Mass Attack to Baybayin, the ancient written language of the Philippines.

With over 70 people in attendance, it was a high energy camp with over 28 hours of training during a three day period.

It's wasn't all super hard training, as you can see here on Josh's face. I think he's tired of her cutting him to small pieces. lol.

One of the coolest parts of Family Gathering is people from all over coming together to share and train together.  People from NY, Alaska, PA, AZ, and many others working toward the common goal of become a better martial artist.

Adapt, overcome and improvise ened up being the lesson learned here.  Way to stay in the fight!

Yep, Tomahawk.  I wish I would have got to learn Tomahawk from a Tuhon at that age!

Deadly focus. Onlookers watch as the Doc prepares for surgery!

2 time former undeafeated World Muay Thai Champion Lester Philips on the bad side of a Hawk template!

Tuhon Rafael Kayanan giving some tips to Warrior's Way students Daniel, TX and David, AR.

Pamana Tuhon Chris Sayoc and Guro Harley Elmore

The Sayoc Family attending the Warrior's Way Family Gathering in Warrior's Way garb.  You guys make that uniform look good!

2011 Family Gathering!

Each year we hand out the cerifications and promotions of Instructors in Warrior's Way.

Promoting my son, Brandin Elmore to Apprentice Instructor.  It was an honor to have Pamana Tuhon Sayoc and Tuhon Rafael Kayanan there to be a part of it.

Each year we also choose a student or Instructor to recieve the Terry H. Gibson Achievement Award.

Mr. Gibson was hugely influencial in my life and as a marital artist, in honor of him and the lesson he taught me.

This year's Terry H. Gibson Achievement Award winner, Guro Brandon Bennett.  Guro Brandon has personified the lessons Mr. Gibon taught, he opened his own school, Relentless Training Concepts in Tulsa, OK, has played a major role in Warrior's Way student and Instructor development, serves as a full time Detective in Tulsa Police Department and is on the TPD S.W.A.T. Team.  He returned from a two week misson trip to the Philippines training Law Enforcement there.  Guro Brandon was a student and close friend of Terry and Cathy Gibson, he was one of my students and training partners there and so I know he realizes how much this award means for me to give to someone.  I can think of no one more deserving.  Congratulations Guro Brandon, Mr. G would be proud of you.

Guro Harley Elmore, Tuhon Rafael Kayanan and Pamana Tuhon Chris Sayoc

The Red Headed Bully and O&B #1

Christian Jester's first Family Gathering and he gets to hang out with the whole Sayoc family for days!  Lucky dog! 

People are asking "how are you gonna make next year better?" Well, don't worry, I'm already working on some ideas that are going to make next year even better!  See you guys there!