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Voice of the Fox
The Newsletter of the Martial Arts Training ServicePat Browne Memorial Convention 1998
by Jason Gussman
Autumn 1998
The second annual Pat Browne Memorial Convention was held at MATS on June 19-21, 1998. Joining us for the convention this year were guest instructors Bob Krull Sensei and Bob McKean Sensei. In addition, Maureen Browne Sensei and John Gussman Sensei instructed two of the classes.
The convention began on Friday afternoon with black belt exams, followed by a black belt class. Opening ceremonies kicked off the seminar on Saturday morning. During the first class, the yudansha had the opportunity to teach techniques to all those in attendance. Maureen Browne Sensei taught the second class, which featured many of Professor Browne's favorite techniques. Next, John Gussman Sensei instructed nage and ne waza techniques highlighting movement while throwing.
The final two classes of the day involved students in weapons defenses led by senseis Bob Krull and Bob McKean. Krull Sensei's class focused on knife defenses and McKean Sensei's dealt with gun defenses. Each of these classes, like the classes on Sunday, introduced many of us to the Israeli art of Krav Maga. This style struck most people at the convention as an interesting alternative to the usual Dan Zan Ryu routines. It offered several concepts based largely on atemi (striking techniques).
On Saturday night, the Fox Valley yudansha demonstrated some of their favorite arts, followed by dinner at Connie's Pizza. Just as Professor Browne would have liked, everyone at the dinner indulged in food and drink, as well as good company.
That evening, Karen Kerfoot was promoted to sandan, Jason Gussman received his nidan, and Faisal Akbari attained the rank of shodan. The night's events concluded with Doug Musser accepting the Pat Browne Memorial Award for his dedication to the Okazaki Long-Life Massage Program, of which Professor Browne was a practitioner and instructor.
The convention continued for several hours on Sunday, with participants working intensely on more weapons defenses as well as general Krav Maga self-defense techniques. The final class tackled improvisational situations that challenged individuals to react immediately to the conditions they encountered upon opening their eyes. The weekend ended with the traditional offering of gifts to the guest instructors in appreciation for their shared wisdom and memories of Professor Patrick J. Browne.
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