In preparation for what may come...

To introduce my next upcoming blogs, I thought it would be appropriate to repost from my FB notes what I have written in result of the last years full-contact sparring tournament.

So here it is...

[July 27 2010]

"After 9 months of light training followed by 3 months of intense training, I walked out of my first International Lei Tai Tournament with a Silver Medal at the 2010 U.S.K.S.F. Competition. I wouldn't have made it without all of my supporters, coaches, training partners, and sponsors and I would like to dedicate this note to all of them that have been by my side throughout my training.


First and foremost To My Baltimore Team:


Sifu Augustine Ngu (a.k.a. Sifu): Sifu, you are the one who gave me the skills and knowledge that I have today, without you there would be no competition, no tournament, and no medals. You've always pushed me to be better and you never gave up on me since I first joined 12 years ago.


Abigail Ocreto (A.k.a. Equipment Specialist): Thank you for putting up with my crazy training hours, for being my drill partner when I needed one, for coming with me to Baltimore to support me in every possible way, for providing me with amazing Gatorade during my fights, and last but not least for being an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G Girlfriend. I couldn't ask or even imagine anyone better for me then you.


Tim McPhee (A.k.a. Coach): Tim, without your support as my coach I have no idea how I would've gone through the tournament on my own. You've been by my side for many MANY years and your friendship truly shined for me these last couple months. You are truly a friend worth fighting for and I foresee that we shall remain GREAT friends for the many years to come. I hope that I will be able to return the favor to you one day as well.


Kiana Mortejo (A.k.a. A / V Coordinator): Your support from the side line is what pushed me on the platform. Without your constant support I wouldn't have had the motivation and energy to push me throughout the fights. I can't thank you enough for coming all the way to Baltimore with me and the team wouldn't be complete without you. Also with the great videos that you were able to record for me, I'll be able to analyze them and study them to continue and advance in my skills.


Kwokwai/ Ivy /Quin Lin / Little Madison (A.k.a. The Cheering Team): Thank you guys for cheering me on throughout my fights. You guys truly made a world of difference for me while I was on that platform. You all definitely made my fights more fun and enjoyable.


To My Home Team:


Sifu Zack George: You have no idea how much I appreciate what you have done for me. You fixed all my leaks and you strengthened my foundation. Your drills, advice, and pointers are what made me more then ever prepared for this tournament. Thank you for allowing me to train at your studio and letting me gain the experience and knowledge that I needed to make it through this tournament.


Sifu Calvin Chung: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn the basics and fundamentals of take downs and a 411 on what I should expect. You have seriously opened my eyes to new strategies involved in Lei Tai. Something that I KNEW I would have to work on after our discussion and without your guidance I wouldn't have been able to be as prepared as I was.


Kenny Fung: an EXCELLENT training partner that continuously pushed me to excel week after week for three months straight. You seriously helped me prepare for the worst and without your help I really wouldn't know how I would've done on that platform.


Sifu Ben Devine: My sparring mentor when I was only 14. You have helped me develop the skills that I needed to get to where I am today. I have learned a lot from just watching you and I am grateful that you were able to share with me some of your experiences and knowledge regarding Lei Tai. Your advices definitely took me a long way.


Christopher Torranno: You were the first to test my sparring skills, and the one who helped me develop the speed that I needed to win my fights. Our weeks at the boxing gym really helped me blend the speed that I needed with my kung-fu techniques. Thank you for your continuous support during my training.


All Masters Team: Thank you everyone at the All Masters Martial Arts Centre that helped me train and prepare for my tournament.


And last but not least, To My Sponsors:


Abigail Ocreto


Tim McPhee


Kiana Mortejo


Kim Hoang


Han Hoang


Chris Torrano


Manh-Tien Nguyen


Vinh Brian Trinh


Mom


Thank you to all of the above for helping me get to Baltimore and bring back a Medal for Canada in the Lei Tai Event!!"

And in conclusion to this blog, I'm coming back this year with more fire in my heart, focus in my eyes, and Gold on my mind...