Blog
What a Champion!
“ … and the winner is, by unanimous decision, and still retaining her NSW State title, Nadine CHAMPION. That’s what happened last Sunday evening at the Castle Hill RSL with Sensei Benny standing in her corner. Nadine is one of Sensei Benny’s Black Belts and she did her Instructor proud in a 5 round showdown. I walked back 
stage to congratulate the girl and I said to her, “you don’t know me but … “ She interrupted and said, “I do know you, Sir.” I was a little stunned before I could go on. I told her how fascinated I was with her performance. I'm talking about kicks that knocked the other girl over and punches that rocked her head. She didn’t realize how well she went. I was truly astounded with the performance of all the girls in the ring; they can really fight. They all seem to enjoy the same hairdo – pleated with plats.
It was great to see the legendary ‘Jet’ at the show with people looking for a chance ie photos, autographs, handshakes. Can you imagine what was going on in people's minds? Benny 'the Jet' here at the Castle Hill RSL!
After the show, it was one more dinner with the legend, because Monday was his travel back to the US (to meet up with my mate, Shihan Richard Norton). Master Fari and I took Sensei Benny to our usual restaurant because he loves Australian Barramundi. It was truly great having him here but he assured me he will be back sooner than later.
GA
Take the Gloves off!
I've had one young person try out the points sparring competition within the school and they got so frustrated with that style of sparring, they took off their gloves and walked off. I felt like saying, 'hey, what did you do when you bought your first lotto ticket and didn't win? Did you go and burn down the newsagency you bought the ticket from?' What people have to realise there is a lot to be gained from disappointments and errors of judgements. Learning is usually done from making mistakes and defeat!
Life is about accepting things and learning from as you go along. It's called self development. I've hear the term for people who give up so quickly the martial arts, K-mart specials, because 'here today, gone tomorrow'.
The very challenge of martial arts training is a platform which can be extremely rewarding. after attaining the skills that help us prevail and prosper in our environment. It's now 35 years and I still have my gloves on!
The Legend Continues …
Another training session with Master Benny ‘the Jet’ Urquidez, followed by an invitation to dinner. I felt quite good about myself. Sensei Benny is an inspiration to all of us and makes you believe 
in yourself. I said to him, "you make me feel young again" and I got a big smile out of him. I watched him very closely and listened hard because I knew he is not going to be around in Sydney much longer. Interestingly enough, I always tell my students to learn and train as if I am going to leave Sydney so I get their full undivided attention. We’re talking about 100% effort here. I was ringing wet at the end of the session but how enjoyable was that! I hope to get some of this across to our people but we're lucky enough to have Shihan Richard Norton, who has been a student of Sensei Benny, since 1984!
I had a quiet talk with Sensei Benny whilst driving him and Master Fari home. He still practices and teaches traditional Karate, and he still practices and teaches kata (in fact, same kata as us).
It’s amazing the higher and more experienced the person in the martial artist, the more humble and friendlier they are. Tomorrow, taking Sensei Benny to the Airport for a seminar in Melbourne. He will be back in Sydney for Sunday night where he will be sitting in the corner for one of his Black Belts at a Kickboxing promotion.
I love Sensei Benny's philosophy. People, in the '80's, would come into his gym and say how good they were. Benny's reply, 'don't tell me, surprise me.' When they'd say they would not fight because they'd be too dangerous! Benny's reply, 'I'll take my chances.'
GA