Rick Moneymaker Tour
This was Grand Master Rick Moneymaker 's third visit to the UK and each time the number of seminar attendees has risen considerably.
On this trip alone over 600 Martial Artists from various styles took the opportunity to train with and learn from the Worlds leading authority on Acupressure Points and how they relate to the Martial Arts.
As always there was a "Money Back Guarantee" for each and every attendee ~ and as always, no one took up the offer!
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Grand Master Rick Moneymaker ~ getting ready to strike! |
Each Seminar attracted Martial Artists with a good working knowledge of Pressure Points and also complete novices in the subject. Grand Master Rick Moneymaker treated all with equal courtesy and dignity.
Seminar 1 Saturday March 6th Wolverhampton
This seminar was organised by none other than Paul Clifton himself! In attendance were some highly ranked Martial Artists from all over the UK.
Many were new to Pressure Points and were keen to learn. Grand Master Rick Moneymaker started the Seminar with an Introduction to "Players to the Game" and how to utilise them in Combat. There will be an in depth article on the "Players" in the DSI column in Combat and Traditional Karate.
It was emphasised that the "Players" can be utilised on each and every technique, with devastating effect.
Several attendees have requested to be hosts for Rick's next visit to the UK and booked to come on more of the Seminars throughout the tour.
Seminar 2 Sunday March 7th Coventry
This seminar for me, was the highlight of the tour. It was organised by the British Combat Association (BCA), that is, the legendary Peter Consterdine and Geoff Thomson.
There were nearly 100 Martial Artists present, who are considered among the very best in the Country at Martial Arts that work. It is easy to see why they have joined such an illustrious group as the BCA, with Peter and Geoff at the forefront of their training; they are better placed than most to give an accurate assessment as to the true worth of Pressure Points in Combat.
The seminar was an un-paralleled success, each and every participant was more than willing to "step up to the plate" and try out what was being taught.
Rick began the seminar with an introduction to Yin and Yang, the five elements, players to the game and how to apply them all together. Each time a new "Player" was added, the pain level intensified. You could tell these people have been training with Peter and Geoff, they were enjoying the pain far too much!
Every 6-10 minutes a new player was shown and everyone paired off to practice, it was during this practice time that Rick would move from group to group to help improve technique, add little extras or answer any questions from individuals. This was when "real" pain was shown. This was the time to ask, "can you show my partner how that works" and watch as Rick put him in agony for a few seconds! Everyone soon caught on to this one!
The BCA were without doubt the most sincere, dedicated and well-trained group we came across during this tour, due to the dedication and superb training offered by Peter and Geoff and the fact they themselves are totally dedicated to their art.
Many of the attendees have booked for the forthcoming DSI UK Convention in November. Also, several attendees have booked further Introductory Seminars. The BCA have booked further seminars with Grand Master Rick Moneymaker in October on his return visit.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Peter and Geoff for all their help in the hosting of this event and the attendees for making it the success it so deserved. The BCA can be contacted on 0113 242 9686.
Seminar 3 March 8th Bourne
This seminar was held at Bourne Leisure Centre and attracted over 30 Martial Artists from all over the UK. All were very highly graded in their own discipline. It was a pleasure to see so many different styles training and working together. This was also the first Seminar for "The Bodyguards". They will be remembered by everyone who met them over the course of this tour ~ quite fondly! Or maybe not if I put them in to train with them!!
Rick, took things to a more advanced level at this seminar due to the fact that many attendees have trained with Rick before or have taken advantage of attending one of our Introductory Seminars.
The time just flew and this seminar was over, just how fast can three hours go? 15 of the attendees at this seminar immediately booked for other seminars throughout the tour ~ including the Bodyguards.
Seminar 4 March 10th Driffield
This seminar was hosted and organised by John Hart ~ 01262 608610. John is a 3rd Dan Ju-Jitsu Instructor who is well versed in PP's and how to use them in training and in Combat. If you are in John's area I would highly recommend you train with him.
This seminar was again very well attended ~ with some attendees travelling over 150 miles. They were not disappointed with the fruits of their labours.
Grand Master Rick Moneymaker demonstrated the Five Element Chi Gung exercises and their Martial Applications. Their effectiveness has to be felt to be believed.
Again, three hours was just not long enough to train, the seminar was over far too quickly. It was great to see some familiar faces from previous seminars along with those new to PP's.
Seminar 5 March 11th Lancaster
This seminar was organised and hosted by the Lancaster and Morecambe Martial Arts Society ~ Contact Ian Cottam 01254 849695.
What a great bunch of Martial Artists. Many styles, all training together on a regular basis, a recipe for success that should be replicated in more areas of the country.
This group have had several Introductory Seminars in the past
and were well versed in many aspects of PP's in Combat.
With this in mind, Grand Master Rick Moneymaker immediately took training to a new level and incorporated advanced additions to existing techniques. Incorporating these additions proved remarkably easy and effective.
Grand Master Rick Moneymaker also covered many aspects of Kata Bunkai, giving not only the Bunkai but the formula as to how to understand Bunkai. This Bunkai was then utilised in proper self defence.
Another great seminar with over 60 participants! A great turn out and a great day.
Seminar 6 March 12th Nottingham
This seminar was hosted by Richard Hudson of Kick Fit Martial Arts ~ Tel 01159 242 240.
Richard is a former British Kali and Kick Boxing Champion and is also the trainer of several World Champions. His credentials therefore are impeccable.
Another great turn out ~ over 40 Martial Artists on a Friday night!
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Richard Hudson, Rick Moneymaker, Russell Stutely |
| Some of the class at Notts |  |
Richards group have had the benefit of an Introductory Seminar already and with this in mind Grand Master Rick Moneymaker was able to introduce more "Players to the Game" and increase the effectiveness of techniques still further.
Grand Master Rick Moneymaker was certainly on form tonight, dropping people with the slightest touch of one finger, and more importantly, getting the attendees to do the same.
Richard is to be commended for the calibre of his students and their openness to new ideas and teachings. Richard is a true Martial Artist in every sense of the word.
Seminar 7 March 13th High Wycombe
This seminar was hosted by Steve Cowley 01494 639130. Steve has hosted in the past and always does a remarkable job of organising these events. Steve is a full time Instructor who has just opened a brand new Dojo in High Wycombe. I would highly recommend anyone attending Steves Club. Not only is he a Great Martial Artist ~ but also a real nice guy as well.
Another packed house ~ standing room only! Bodyguards were back ~ minus one more injured!
Again Grand Master Rick Moneymaker took things to a new level, incorporating Torite Jutsu core techniques into the training and how they relate to Kata Bunkai.
The training went to a new level, the bodyguards were trying to take it to another one!! We think they knocked each other out about 50 times on this tour!
Again, seminar time flew by ~ it was over before you knew it.
Seminar 8 March 14th Gosport
This seminar was hosted by Martin Rogers 01329 221569. Martin is a 7th Dan Ju-Jitsu and has hosted these events before. Martin will also be a Guest Instructor at the forthcoming DSI UK Convention.
Only one Bodyguard this time ~ the rest were off with severe headaches ~ wonder why!?
Another great turn out and loads of new and old faces present. Grand Master Rick Moneymaker held two seminars at once by splitting the class into advanced and beginner.
The advanced class concentrated on combat techniques that are simple to use, simple to replicate and are simply effective.
This class went through the relationships between various parts of the body, how they "upset" each other, and how this weakness can be taken advantage of.
Limb paralysis and destruction was covered along with internal energy strikes, waveforms and Chi ball strikes. A truly great seminar.
Seminar 9 March 16th Kirkbymoorside
Host for this event was Richard Brewster 01751 432743. Richard and his group have been studying Pressure Points for 6-7 years and have a good working knowledge.
With this in mind Grand Master Rick Moneymaker immediately started to introduce "Players to the Game" to greatly enhance these techniques still further.
Richard also had the dubious honour of being the recipient of a 1% Chi Ball Strike to the stomach. I think Richards quote sums up the effectiveness of this strike….. " It felt like I was running as fast as I could and ran stomach first into an iron girder coming at me". I know how you feel Richard, I have been on the receiving end too!
Another great turn out and more familiar faces along with the new ones.
Seminar 10 March 17th Greenock
Hosted by James Watson 01475 794567. James is well versed in Pressure Points and has some 9 years experience in the usage of PP in Martial Arts.
Although the attendance was low compared to the other seminars, the calibre of Martial Artist was not. Grand Master Rick Moneymaker began by introducing "Players to the Game" to increase the effectiveness of techniques and to explain the underlying principles of Torite Jutsu.
We were treated to superb hospitality by James and his club and look forward to training with them in the future.
Seminar 11 and 12 March 20th and 21st Bilbao ~ Spain
Well…. You have to relax at some stage! Seminar was hosted by Jason Kenny, originally from Ireland but now resident in Spain. Jason also put us up for the weekend and he and his group treated us to the very best of Basque hospitality.
Friday night consisted of a wander around the streets of Basauri, experiencing the different culture and nightlife. A superb Chinese meal taken late at night!
The first seminar began at 11 and at 1.00 we stopped for lunch. Spaghetti or Tuna Salad for starters, Steak for Main course and superb ice cream. Great Coffee as well.
Seminar re-started at 4.00 till 6.00, then straight out on the town.
Saturday night was a superb meal cooked by James ~ one of the seminar attendees ~ a chef who came over from Ireland just for the seminars. We stayed up late, eating, talking and obtaining training tips from Rick.
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Some of the Instructors in Spain |
| Rick Moneymaker, Jason Kenny and Russell Stutely |  |
Sunday ~ Seminar ran straight through from 10.30 to 2.30, then straight out to a traditional Basque house converted into a restaurant for a Basque meal.
Cod omellette to start, sounds curious but tastes divine. Followed by Steamed cod with deep fried Garlic coated with something and crushed and sprinkled on top…. Too nice for words! Followed by the most tender and tasty lightly spiced steak you have ever seen! Followed by Cheese and Jam strips! Followed by Brazil nuts/ Walnuts and more superb coffee.
There was also free Cider that would knock your socks off ~ but being Martial Artists we only sipped it! Not!
Then it was off around town again ~ sampling a few bars and beers… sorry coffee… this was a Martial Arts trip after all!
Sadly… back home on Monday and Grand Master Rick Moneymaker off back to America.
Oh, by the way, the seminars. They were superb and were very well attended. We will be back in Spain when Grand Master Rick Moneymaker returns in October. Many of the people at the seminar have planned to come over to England for the DSI UK Convention in November.
Conclusion
This trip was by far the biggest and most successful of Grand Master Rick Moneymaker's trips in the UK to date.
We have made many new friendships and have further cemented existing ones. Many clubs and associations have taken on board the "Players to the Game" and PP's in general. Many individuals have expressed an interest in joining the OCI and the DSI.
We have been inundated with calls and requests for Introductory Seminars, clubs wishing to host next time round and also of course for the DSI UK Convention.
We have been invited back to Spain to teach, we have also been invited to Italy, France and Germany.
We have forged new and strong alliances. We have endeavoured to make this knowledge available to anyone with a desire to learn. We have proven that it is an excellent addition to that which you already know as a Martial Artist.
All in all this tour could not have gone much better. There are so many people to thank for making all this possible, not least of which is all those people who attended the seminars, all those people who attended lots of seminars! People like, Steve Wallbank, Terry and Geoff, Eddie and Paul, Neil, Tony and loads of others.
Thanks once again to all the hosts. A special thank you to Peter Consterdine and Geoff Thomson of the BCA, for all their help and hard work; for allowing us to show a little of what we do in such a great atmosphere.
Peter is of course one of the Guest Instructors at the DSI UK Convention in November. For further details of this prestigious event or any of the enclosed please contact;
Russell Stutely ~ Certified Assistant Instructor (DSI) ~ 01778 426731
