Page 14 - Martial Science Magazine DIG#29

Now, for the not so good part. The event was held in a local hotel. In the dining
room to be exact. The carpet was so dirty we all had black feet. Those wearing
white uniforms had black streaks. It was embarrassing. One of the guests had a
snake come out of the bathroom. We’re guessing it came up through the toilet. It
was horrendous. Eventually the hotel got shut down.

Financially, I lost money and I did for several years.

3. What have you learned since then?

I hardly know where to start. For one, no more dives for hotels! Now we stay at
the number one rated hotel in the area and the event is held at a clean and well-lit
city maintained property. Grand Master Kenneth MacKenzie said something this last
event that hit me hard. He commented how a young, low ranking, non-Korean pu-
lled this off. It was a complement, a huge complement and from a person I have a
lot of respect for. However, it also made me think about how, at 35 years old and
a 5th degree, I was young and impetuous. Jokingly, I say, ONLY took 12 years but if
finally worked out. My mother calls that tenacity. I call it being too dumb to quit.

4. What has changed?

More high caliber people coming to the event and even less tolerance for stupidity
and egos. We’ve added the Saturday night banquet. I fought the banquet idea and
didn’t want to mess with it. First few times we did the banquet and used it to
give the awards to the presenters. Then we ran in conjunction with a Hall of Fame.
None of that fit the atmosphere of “no egos.” I’m not knocking Hall of Fames as they
have a place. Also, not being critical of organizational events as they clearly have
a place. But it’s not what we wanted. The desire was to have a place where the
participants felt welcomed. So last year we put more focus on the participants. The
Saturday night banquet lasts about three hours with 10-15 minutes of presentations
mainly to the participants. Then I put the mic away and the rest of the night is for
fellowship and dancing.

5. if you go back to year 1 What Would you do differently?

There’s nothing I would do differently. I made a lot of mistakes impulsive at times
and too cautious at others. But it’s those mistakes that molded me and shaped the
event.

6. What do you have planned for 2019?

2019 is going to be another fantastic year! Working on something that will be di-
fferent than we’ve ever done. And that’s the toughest thing about events like this
– always trying to outdo last year. One thing I can disclose is the hope to have the
Korean Taekgyeon Demo Team. If the participants liked 2018, they’ll love 2019!

7. Why a 3-day event and Why april of each year?

April is THE best month to come to this area. We’re close to Destin, FL and its gor-
geous white sugar sand beaches. With that I avoid Grand Master Timmerman’s

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