Thursday, November 24, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Shawn Tompkins dies at age 37
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Sharing "The Bruce Lee Story - As Told By You" Episodes 6-11
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!
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
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!
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Sharing "The Bruce Lee Story - As Told By You - Episode 5"
"If Bruce Lee was alive today, what would you say to him?" This is the repeated question in all of the episodes. There have been some good answers and some so so answers. In Episode 5 UFC Fighter Matt Mitrione and The Ultimate Fighter Contestant Andy Main are interviewed. Andy has a pretty good answer. He states that he would ask him about his philosophies and what inspired him in the early days to pursue the creation of Jeet Kune Do. Matt answer is that he would not say a word to him. While on the surface this may seem to be an answer of awe and respect. To me it feels contrived. To have the opportunity to be face to face with Bruce Lee and not say a word. Ridiculous.
Again, it is your opportunity. If Bruce Lee was alive today, what would YOU say to him?
Enjoy the video!
Again, it is your opportunity. If Bruce Lee was alive today, what would YOU say to him?
Enjoy the video!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Sharing "The Bruce Lee Story - As Told By You - Episode 4"
Episode 4 is out. Actually, it has been out for about a week. Only 4000 views on this one so far. Not a real high viewing count on all of these. I am actually surprised.
Interesting choice for interviewees on this one. Seth Kelly, UFC Magazine Editor and Chief, is selected to be interviewed. As well as, UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar. I am not sure of the selection process. You can tell from the videos that these are all done at MMA events. They seem to be done, ad hoc/on location. Considering Seth Kelly is not an MMA competitor or trainer it is a variance from the previous episodes. I wonder if they will try and interview and celebrities who are in attendance; there to see the fights. Considering Bruce Lee's connection to the world of film and entertainment, as well as martial arts it would make sense to me. I also wonder if they will get Dana White to sit down in front of the camera.
Interesting choice for interviewees on this one. Seth Kelly, UFC Magazine Editor and Chief, is selected to be interviewed. As well as, UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar. I am not sure of the selection process. You can tell from the videos that these are all done at MMA events. They seem to be done, ad hoc/on location. Considering Seth Kelly is not an MMA competitor or trainer it is a variance from the previous episodes. I wonder if they will try and interview and celebrities who are in attendance; there to see the fights. Considering Bruce Lee's connection to the world of film and entertainment, as well as martial arts it would make sense to me. I also wonder if they will get Dana White to sit down in front of the camera.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Sharing "The Bruce Lee Story - As Told By You - Episode 3"
Here is episode three of the weekly special on Bruce Lee.
It's interesting that they are speaking to MMA fighters. Bruce Lee's philosophy of fighting and training was ahead of the game in relation to the mixing of styles; or to better put it, a breaking down of styles. I would love if they would cut into scenes of Bruce Lee in action. Throw in scenes showing Bruce executing grappling moves. In the beginning of "Enter the Dragon" Bruce used submission techniques to win a sparring match. There must be more out there. This would be a great way of integrating the comments from today's MMA fighters with the evolving philosophy and techniques of Bruce Lee.
This webisode series is produced by Bruce Lee Enterprises, LLC and featured on www.collectbrucelee.com and YouTube.
It's interesting that they are speaking to MMA fighters. Bruce Lee's philosophy of fighting and training was ahead of the game in relation to the mixing of styles; or to better put it, a breaking down of styles. I would love if they would cut into scenes of Bruce Lee in action. Throw in scenes showing Bruce executing grappling moves. In the beginning of "Enter the Dragon" Bruce used submission techniques to win a sparring match. There must be more out there. This would be a great way of integrating the comments from today's MMA fighters with the evolving philosophy and techniques of Bruce Lee.
This webisode series is produced by Bruce Lee Enterprises, LLC and featured on www.collectbrucelee.com and YouTube.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Sharing "The Bruce Lee Story - As Told By You - Episode 2"
Here comes Episode 2 of "The Bruce Lee Story - As Told by You".
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