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In 20 years spent traveling in Asia & 12 living in China, I incredibly had never been to Singapore, save the occasional airport layover. I was invited at a Sales Partners World Wide training event; I arrived in the evening of March 10th, inbound from Shanghai; The fact that it was snowing in Shanghai made me appreciate the warmth of Singapore. On the 11th, After the day’s seminar & a brief inquiry for directions with the hotel concierge, I was on my way on the safe, clean and efficient Singapore Mass Transit Railway. It took me within reasonable distance from Shihan Patrick Teo’s dojo.

It was early when I arrived & could visit the premises: a nice 3 storey building hosting various community activities; Tonight’s class takes place in the open, on the flat roof. It was not long before Sensei Kelvin showed up. He brings with him the new Gi I had ordered; the one with the logos in the front and back that I will be wearing during my karate journey.

As students come in, the cement rooftop is rapidly covered with self locking puzzle foam mat tiles under the leadership of the young Chinese ushi deshi. The higher grades practice some kata. I am introduced to, and welcomed by Shihan Teo; I then give a hand to finish assembling the mats before taking my place in the lineup.

Seiza…

Seiza, warm’up, kihon, stretching, push ups & abs, more kihon, more stretching, more abs… the pace is quick, given by the higher ranks and Shihan Teo’s count. The night breeze helps cool down the sweat, loud OSUs fly to the skies… it feels good; the slight apprehension I felt earlier has vanished, I let my body float in the embrace of the exertion, my mind attuned to the rhythm & beat, my elated spirit reaching for the stars…

3 minutes water break. People come and say hello, asking me who I am, intrigued by the Karate Journey logo prominently displayed on both sides of  my uniform. Their interest and curiosity sparkles in their eyes; often with an expression of their envy, admiration, or a joke to hide it… My presence is creating ripples and my Karate Journey is the center of attraction.

In two lines, facing each other, Shihan demonstrates various attacks/defenses that we execute. He is very quick and his techniques look sharp and powerful. On the count, the lines slide in opposite directions and the same techniques are repeated until we have all faced each other at least once; then a new combination is introduced and we repeat the drill. I get to feel every fighter; they are strong and powerful; they all get a feel of me too; a few rounds down the line and everyone is already more relaxed; confidence replaces wariness, smiles are showing and an shapeless type of communication arises; one that exists only between people sharing the same passion for voluntarily exchanging body blows…

Kumite.

I get to sit on the sidelines while 4 pairs of fighters line up for sparring. 2 minutes bouts interrupted by one minute rest; a change partners & it keeps going. I have the chance to admire the combatants’ awesome technique and stamina. Shihan Patrick Teo called me in. I am grateful he gave me the opportunity to observe, measure and adjust to the level of contact, this is good coaching indeed!

I am not quite sure precisely how many rounds I fought, but it must have been four. One with Mike Ryan, an Aussie that has Muai Tai background; he is a black belt, young and strong. I am probably 30 pounds heavier than he is and, when I did not back off, he was a little disorientated he later said; I did enjoy the very controlled fight he offered me and the nice words he had afterwards.

Next with Kenji Sori, the bearded Japanese Shodan; at first as none of us wanted to strike and the observation was a little awkward; I had noticed his very quick and snappy counter low kicks and wanted to stay clear of them; I also wanted to play a counter strategy of my own… after a full very long 10 seconds, I finally stroke a tentative half a$$ed jab to his shoulder; he was waiting for it and caught me with a low kick; the ice was broken and we both enjoy a pleasant and controlled fight where, again, my weight helped against his superior technique.

I fought last against my guest Kelvin Quah; as you can see on the pictures, I am taller than him. Kelvin is a very fit & experienced nidan, very well balanced, has excellent technique, lots of fighting under his belt; he throws great combinations, and can raise his legs fast and high… Kelvin is a head hunter: he had in mind to make me remember my visit to Singapore and only my longer reach, weight and height kept my head safe and out of the way. Kelvin threw mawashi and kakato geri with intent and perseverance. Kelvin, I must confess that at one moment, your left heel swiped my upper lip.

Taming Tigers.

Seiza, bows, thanks, exchange of impressions, namecards, a few jokes and slaps on the shoulders, taking pictures, etc… then everyone agreed to join in for after hours “taming tiger” (Tiger beer is the local brew), noodles and fried rice.

Advice and invitations were exchanged (Bodil, I have well noted your suggestion to pass by The Seychelles during my karate journey…); we traded stories, prospects… and life went on, as it normally goes between long term friends. I am infinitely grateful for Sensei Kelvin and Shihan Patrick & the warm welcome from everyone; Singapore will stay high in my heart… I’ll be back for more & for a longer time.

Osu!

Shihan Patrick Teo with Fred

Sensei Kelvin Quah with Fred

Shihan Patrick Teo & Sensei Kelvin Quah “taming tigers” in an outdoor restaurant in Sunny Singapore.

The whole group sharing noodles and fried rice in Singapore outdoor restaurant: Kenji Sori, Jimmy Lim, Bodil Norwood, Michael Ryan, Kelvin Quah, Shihan Patrick Teo , Molly Angsuwattana, Iven Ong, Choo.