I have just started getting reports from friends on FaceBook and from news sources such as ESPN and Bleacher Report that Shawn Tompkins, the head trainer of TapouT Training Centers in Las Vegas, was found dead in Canada where he was training Chris Horodecki for his next fight. This is such an incredible shock. Shawn was only 37 years old and seemingly in excellent health. Apparently, Shawn passed away in his sleep. No cause is known. An autopsy is planned for tomorrow. Earlier this year Shawn had conducted a training seminar at Dion Riccardo's Victory Martial Arts, in Orland Park, Illinois. This is the school I train at, although I train at our Oswego gym. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the seminar. I heard from teammates that he was an inspirational coach. I wish I could have met him.
Something like this happening to someone so young really makes you think of your own mortality. I am 39 years old. My father passed away at the age of 43. Now, while my father's health was poor for many years, and my health is excellent, someone like Shawn passing reminds us that none of us know how long we have in this part of our journey. Here on Earth, what will we do to make our light shine bright? What actions will we do to make a difference? How will we have lived this life?
Live on your terms! Make a difference! Be a leader! Be a role model! Be positive! Be kind! Be a mentor! Be humble enough to learn from others! Be gracious! Go for the finish! Leave it all on the mat!!
RIP Shawn Tompkins! May the transition to the next stage of your journey be swift.
Sorry faithful readers. I have been out of circulation. I am trying to get back in the habit of entering at least one blog post every week. Today I am just going to post videos of the Bruce Lee Story interviews that I have missed so far. These are videos or current MMA fighters talking about Bruce Lee and the impact he had on their lives and the evolution of martial arts. In reality Bruce Lee was the progenitor of mixed martial arts.
Episode 6
I wasn't planning on entering any commentary on this string of videos, but for episode 7 I had to make an exception. In this episode we see interviews with Joe Silva, UFC Matchmaker for fights, and Shawn Tompkins, Head Trainer at Tapout Training Center. This is a unique episode as both of the interviewees are not current UFC fighters, but support the sport through what they do. Also, Shawn Tompkins came to my MMA school and did a seminar earlier this year. Unfortunately, I was not able to make this seminar, but I heard he was inspirational. What I like about both of these interviews is the answers given on the answer asked in all interviews. What would you say to Bruce Lee if he were alive today. Both Joe and Shawn just say Thank You!! Thank you for your contribution, and for making martial arts what it is today. Love it!
Episode 7
Okay, episode eight also has some interesting comments. The one that sticks out the most is that Hollywood has not been able to come up with another Bruce Lee. While this is true, not sure it is possible to have another Bruce Lee, it also does not give credit to some of the great martial arts action stars currently out there. Jet Li, Jackie Chan, Tony Ja and Donnie Yen to name some of the top echelon stars. Also an interesting comment is about finding an MMA star who can act that could make MMA a highlight in Hollywood, and possibly be the next Bruce Lee. Good Luck! No seriously, good luck!
