Chris is actually to thank for the opportunity. He brought it to my attention a number of weeks ago, and in true Jorge fashion, I took his information and ran with it like a guy being chased by something that he is really, really afraid of.
Chris: Hey Jorge, I have this ball of fire here… Jorge: Say no more!
[Jorge takes the ball of fire and runs down the hallway screaming, failing to notice that Chris was wearing hand protection.]
Ahem!
Anyhow, Shaun, Leslie, and Kirk joined us for an evening of incredible music and hilarity.
The show was a well-timed kick in the pants for me, personally, what with my picking up the guitar again and trying to learn songs that are most likely beyond my scope. I love watching performers who really enjoy what they do. Nothing beats a good group of people who riff off of each other constantly, but are also immensely gifted musically.
If you ever have the opportunity to see any of these guys perform, go the hell and see them! Seriously, your face will hurt from smiling so much!
Thanks for the awesome show, guys!
Oh, and Jonathan, I hope you figured out what the hell to do with that lobster.
What do you do when everything you believe in comes crashing to a halt?
Rob Wilson is dead.
Four words. Four words is all it takes to bring the most stalwart of us to our knees.
The words paralyze us. They make us cold and numb because there was absolutely nothing we could do about what happened. Nothing at all. Even if we were there, within reach, would it have made a difference?
Who knows?
All I know is that this is the second friend to have passed on this year. I didn’t know him as well as I would have liked, but his exit has left a void and I feel compelled to fill it with all of the wonderful things that I knew about him.
The First Day
I walked into my trial class at High Park Martial Arts, ready to evaluate a class to determine whether or not I wanted to sign up. Since it was my first time there, I didn’t have to wear a full Gi unless I wanted to sign up, so I wore a black t-shirt and my old Taekwondo Tournament Gi pants.
I wouldn’t say that I was nervous. Perhaps to an observer I should have been, clothed in black while everyone else was wearing white Gis. But I had done this before. Excitement was more the feeling that was coursing through my veins.
We did a line-up and then a warm-up.
Sensei then sent Rob (Mr. Wilson) down to my end of the room to take me through the basics.
I remember my first impression of Rob. Soft spoken and hearty, with a sly smile and a reserved manner of speaking, he presented himself without ego. He was a man put in front of me to do a job, and that was the way it was. No more. No less…
Rob: Hi, my name is Rob Wilson, but you can just call me Mr. Wilson in the Dojo. Jorge: Nice to meet you, Mr. Wilson. I’m Jorge. Rob: Nice to meet you too, Jorge. Well, I’ve been made to understand that you have some experience in Martial Arts. That’s great! [Rob smiles, almost laughing a little.] But I’m pretty set in my ways and Sensei has asked me to show you a few things and I don’t really like to deviate from instructions, if that’s okay with you. Jorge: Certainly! Rob: Okay then, let’s begin!
And so we went through the basics.
Having done similar things before, I could spend some time observing my instructor. He was technically perfect. Every move was precise. Rob’s presentation of the most basic movements of our Art was flawlessly delivered. Nothing was missed, so even someone with next to no level of experience in Karate would only have themselves to blame if they couldn’t perform these movements by the end of the class. Such was the level of his instructional proficiency.
Above all else, he was patient. His methodology was the product of years of repetition, which made his level of interest in what he was doing impressive. I’ve seen a lot of jaded Martial Artists who loathe spending time with a neophyte. But not Rob.
Rob spent the entire time making his students feel like they were the most important person in the world, even if it was just for an hour.
When the class was over, I thanked him for his attention. He gave a curt nod and his patented half-smile and went downstairs to get changed.
Rob was one of the reasons that I went to Sensei right after class and signed up for a full year.
The Years That Followed
After those first classes I didn’t have much interaction with Rob, at least not for a while.
I eventually moved on to the Orange/Green/Blue Belt class, where Rob was not an assistant.
I would see him from time to time. He would always ask how I was doing in my training. He also would ask about Mrs. Jorge. Always a polite conversationalist.
Later on, when I started going out to the local pub after classes and gradings, I would manage to have brief conversations with him about anything and everything. The conversations never really lasted long not because of any disinterest on each other’s part, but more due to the number of people vying for this quiet man’s attention. Although they were brief they were still very enjoyable.
The next time I interacted with Rob in the dojo (in an official capacity) was for one of my gradings, where he was tasked to assist me in some Kata resistance.
After that grading we chatted in the bar about my performance. I liked the fact that he was very realistic when I spoke of all of the flaws in my performance. He didn’t try and dissuade me, but he did not try to make me feel bad about them either. Rob’s philosophy was one of constant learning. A true “learn from your mistakes” way of thinking. After I listed my mistakes, he nodded thoughtfully and put forth his opinions of what he liked about my performance.
Always a gentleman. Always kind.
A few years later I had the privilege of observing him in action at one of his gradings. It wasn’t a surprise to see how technically proficient he was. Like a classical Martial Arts hero from the pages of history, he moved with grace and purpose. His Kiai was quiet, but filled with strength. Actually, remembering his Kiai always brings a smile to my face, because he sounded a little like Sid Vicious.
And so it went, running into him in the Dojo, exchanging pleasantries, sitting with him at the pub and chatting.
The Final Year
The last year for me was filled with the birth of my daughter, my quest for Black Belt and a new job, among other things.
Needless to say, it was pretty busy.
All throughout that hectic year, Rob was always ready with an honest compliment, a motivational tip, or just a genuine smile. It provided a positive boost, whether I needed it or not.
When I attained my rank of Shodan, I started attending the Black Belt class on Mondays.
Rob asked if I wanted to come out for a drink at a newer pub with a more eclectic collection of beers (Rob liked to expand his repertoire of beers), but unfortunately things were very hectic at home and at work. I told him that while I couldn’t go at the time, the evening would soon arrive when I could.
Earlier this month, the day after our Dojo Birthday Picnic (where he asked how my family was doing, as usual), I decided to go out. I figured I would see him at the pub, so I didn’t tell him I would be going.
Unfortunately, he didn’t show. I found out later that he wasn’t feeling well (allergies), so he headed home.
Later that same week, he passed away.
At the memorial service, I learned that he touched many, many people. He achieved a balance with his life, compartmentalizing work, music, Karate, travel, family, and much more. Yet, throughout all of those facets was a common thread comprised of decency, interest and genuine kindness. People went up to the podium to let us all know how much Rob meant to them. Some played songs in tribute, and a few of our Karate friends and I wrote some words that were spoken by another friend of ours in honour of Rob. Sensei even read one of Rob’s essays, causing a lot of us to choke up. It was as if Rob was speaking from the afterlife.
Even though I wasn’t a close friend of Rob’s, I have a void in my heart where there was not one before. The enormity of his passing has still not hit me. It’s still surreal.
He is a common element in all of our lives and those whose souls he touched are lucky to have had the chance to know him.
I will miss you, Rob. I am certain that these sentiments are echoed by everyone who knew you.
Rob Wilson – Friend and Sandan
Photo courtesy of Dave Battler
Having recently celebrated my 34th birthday, I spent some time thinking about my future. It’s one year shorter in duration, which is just a reason to pack that much more into the rest!
For the past few years I’ve participated in the Heart and Stroke Big Bike Challenge. Essentially, I get on a bike with 29 of my coworkers (that’s right, a 30-person bike) and pedal around downtown Toronto.
I’ve always supported H&S. In recent times this organization is even more important to me, as a family member suffered a mild heart attack and is now a thousand times better than he was before the incident.
So if you want to sponsor me, you can utilize this new-fangled interwebs to do so by here.
A hearty thank you to those who have done so already!
A little over one year and twelve hours ago, we were speeding to the hospital going the wrong way along a one way street. In front of Police Station, no less. What followed was a whirlwind of wonderful insanity.
The whole event occurred in far less time than we had imagined, which was both a blessing and not so blessed.
Looking back now, it seems like that was a lifetime ago. Cliché? Perhaps. But it certainly is true. While a lot has remained constant, there have been an equal number of changes.
There is an unwritten law that people who are expecting children have to be told that it’s going to be a horrible experience full of sleepless nights and grated nerves. While this may be partially true, there are far more moments of pure bliss and wonder (lack of sleep may be a catalyst for this, though).
This year has been a busy one. What with Baby J, fixing up the house, grading for Black Belt, four weddings, breathing was forgotten at times. But we made it, and mostly intact!
My status in most circles of friends has changed, leading to changes in the way that people interact with me. The change was not unexpected. The interactions? Well, let’s just say that anyone who is planning on raising kids should be aware that there can be a stigma associated with being a parent.
Funny, that.
Scheduling things has also become a challenge, what with nap schedules and feedings and so on. It was bad enough before, as we tend to book things far in advance because that’s what we do. Now there are a few extra variables to consider. This doesn’t always help when it comes to last minute changes.
In any case, whatever disappointments have hit me from the outside world tend to be pushed out by the awesome light that is my family. In some ways, there is a new distance between us. Where there was once two, there is now three. And that third one is a pretty demanding one!
But then, in some ways we are also much closer. I have watched Mrs. J wear the hat labeled Mom with more finesse and style than she gives herself credit for.
Our little monkey is not short on love from either of us.
And she’s an awesome, ass-kicking little shrimp who takes my breath away every time I look at her. She’s a little dancing, singing, talking dynamo who gives me an extra big reason to smile anytime I think about her.
So yeah, there have been some ticks in the negative column. But the ticks in the positive column are so numerous that you can’t see the white of the paper anymore.
One of my new favourite phrases is Hi Dada!
🙂
Happy Birthday Kiddo! Who knew that the best present today would be the one that you gave to us?
Last night I arrived in Ottawa after a brief, seven hour bus ride.
When we got to Dave’s I couldn’t believe how much snow there was. To think that the storm hadn’t even hit at that time…
This is the snow that was at Dave’spre-storm. Check out the snow angel made vertically.
Click on either to enlarge…
Now I am sitting in Dave’s living room, ready to begin the festivities.
I will be periodically updating this throughout the day with text, pictures and movies (most likely adding those up to several days later), so stay tuned!
Ah, who can forget this gem from the eighties? I think the more appropriate thing to say would be what does one have to do to forget this gem from the eighties?
When we were younger this movie was the bomb. We thought it was so cool and that the action was amazing. In actuality, this movie, introduced to me by my friend Frank, was something that rekindled my interest in martial arts.
Now, a few decades later, I watch it and shudder. The action scenes are horrible. While some of the choreography is technically sound, it’s implemented so horribly that it makes it unwatchable.
Most of the dialogue sounds dubbed, and the music is hilarious.
The awesome thing about this movie, though, is that it is a piece of our childhood. Our sorry, sorry childhood.
There are so many cheesy lines that one can’t help wondering why this movie was run in the theater.
Maybe it was the fact that…
They dubbed over Bolo’s voice so it sounds like he actually went through puberty.
Van Damme does the splits no less than seven times.
They played Karate Champ.
They got what appears to be a Far Eastern guy to play a Middle Eastern guy.
You get to see Van Damme’s butt, which is covered after a few seconds by a burgundy pair of briefs.
The kid playing a young Frank Dux is more convincing than Jean Claude.
This movie is essentially one of the best forms of birth control.
Ever.
Actually, it’s also one of the funniest movies to come out of the eighties, even if it’s not always funny. This is because it has some of the funniest lines are delivered by the traileriest trashiest characters ya ever done saw!
If you haven’t seen this movie, you really should. It’s a great flick that strikes a chord with each person on some level. Not giving anything away, I can say that the movie centers around the theme of family.
The kid they get to play Nathan Jr. is also awesome in this movie. Cute as a button!
For the record, this movie has better fight scenes than Bloodsport.
Also, there is 400% more yodelling.
The reality of the situation finally hits Joe.
Click to enlarge…
I saw this movie a number of years ago, in a strange situation.
In any case, at the time I didn’t really pick up on all of the subtleties. Watching it now reveals some exceptionally witty dialogue and subtle humour.
One note of trivia: Rick never does say Play it again, Sam. In fact, the closest he comes to that line is Play it, Sam.
This is one of those movies that stands the test of time. Even though it was filmed a long time ago, it can still move you.
Bogey was (and will always will be) one of the best actors ever, in my humble opinion, anyway.
It’s one of those movies where the ending isn’t really as happy as you would like it to be. For it’s day, it dealt with a lot of touchy issues.
One thing that all of us movie-watchers agreed on was that Victor Lazlo was one of the most open-minded and forgiving characters ever. Bogey told him, in no uncertain terms, that things happened between him and Bergman. And Lazlo just nodded and took it on the chin.
Bogey doesn’t take rejection very well.
Click to enlarge…
I’ve never really heard of this movie. According to Sarah it’s based on a book. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of this story before.
Shia LaBeouf is in this movie, so it’s probably good. I thought he was awesome in Transformers
Mark: [On John Voight.] Why do people keep giving him work? Cathy: Because he’s awesome.
For the first family film we’ve had at one of these, I have to say that so far it’s pretty cool. The pacing is great and keeps feeding you enough information to keep you engaged at the overall plot. Revelation by flashback can be really effective.
Cathy: Did you know the only natural enemy of the hole is the pile?
Definitely a great movie. Make sure to see this one.
Cursed to dig for 100 years leads to some weird finds.
Click to enlarge…
This movie is about a couple of older ladies living in a big ol’ house. The house is in a horrible state, and the ladies live with a bunch of cats and raccoons.
Isha said that this movie is a cult classic.
I think that the type of cult she’s referring to are those cults that end up killing themselves waiting for aliens or comets to help them escape from the planet.
This movie gave me the opportunity to call home and check in on the troops.
It’s been almost an hour now and I’m contemplating gouging out my eyes with a coffee cup.
Looking out the window, I can see the snow piling higher and higher. I’m going to go out and shovel under the pretense of being a good person. When in reality, I will be shoveling because I will go insane if I have to watch this for too much longer.
Isha just let it all go when she got her 300th cat.
Click to enlarge…
I am pretty sure I’ve seen this before, but it’s feeling like a new film at the moment. Especially with the remastering of the DVD we’re watching.
Nothing like a bout of gang violence to get the evening started off right!
I think that all gangs should dress as colourfully as the gangs in this movie. It makes it easier to tell what they are trying to be. Nowadays, the gangs are so confused and far more subtle than the gangs shown here.
Plus the gangs in this movie are tougher than real life. I mean, come on! The Roller Skating Gang? You don’t find toughness like that every day.
This movie is so cheesy it’s awesome. It’s essentially like watching a video game. It surprises me that they took over twenty years to actually make a video game about it.
It has all of the elements. A goal to reach. A cadre of enemies to fight to get there. Weapons to upgrade to (dropped by said cadre).
So good.
Don’t mess with the Lounging Pants Various Household Utensils Gang.
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I get the idea from this movie that Dave wants the Warriors to come out and play…
I saw this movie a long time ago. It’s a sci-fi flick about a group of people stuck in a prison of sorts.
It’s all kinds of awesome, this movie. Filmed with a very tiny budget, it made do with little and delivers a huge, crazy ride.
It’s a suspenseful thriller, showing how a small cross section of humanity copes with a stressful situation. In some way, it reminds me a little of Lord of the Flies.
If you have a need for endings that explain everything, though, you might want to avoid this movie. I am not giving anything away by saying it doesn’t end in a way that will leave you with certain key knowledge.
This is some complicated math!
Click to enlarge…
Joe designed the perfect prison. Can you tell why?
I heard about this movie a while ago, and was really interested because of the nature of the story. I don’t really want to give a lot away, but it’s a cat-and-mouse thriller that puts a twist on an issue that’s in the headlines far too often.
Ellen Page is an impressive actress. I saw her in Juno and thought she was incredible.
If you don’t like spoilers, don’t read the next few lines.
We are about 45 minutes through the movie and I have to say I AM SO FUGGIN’ UNCOMFORTABLE RIGHT NOW!
All of the guys in the room have assumed protective poses.
This movie is incredible. The cinematography is amazingly frustrating. It reveals just enough to leave you on the edge of your seat.
End spoilers.
I have this sinking feeling I’ll be missing something.
Click to enlarge…
Dave makes sure he’s not missing anything after a harrowing experience.
This is an Italian horror movie. It’s supposed to be crazy gory and scary. Seeing as it’s dark in the room (the lights are out), maybe it will actually be scary.
There is a reference to it in Juno, which is pretty cool, as I was curious about this film.
Well, about ten minutes into the movie, I didn’t find it so cool anymore, so I decided to sleep. It wasn’t very scary. It was just loud and stupid.
Basically the movie was about hallways and ketchup and weird, creepy music. Last year’s horror film was way scarier.
I want to sleep, but I want to see this movie more. I saw a trailer for it about two months ago and thought it would be something that I might be interested in.
And…it has officially lost me.
It could have been a good movie for me until they took some of the realism and threw it out the window.
F!
Sad to say, but this is the direction this movie went in when it decided to be something weirder than what it should have been..
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FAIL!
We never finished. We all went to bed.
Whether it was the shovelling of endless amounts of heavy snow or the back-to-back one-two punch of the last two movies, I can’t say.
But we all basically decided that sleep was more important than Kevin Bacon.
Here is an extra movie, as well as some bloopers we hope you enjoy. There are no movies for the last two, because filming a bottle of Ketchup and Mustard would probably make a better clip, but I’m outta ketchup…
Dave and Goliath.
Never cut off the Hong Kong chief of police.
Trying to call out the Warriors. Not very well, I might add.
Still hasn’t called them out correctly yet…
The blooper of the night. Dave’s second call-out was too high, resulting in hilarity.
Barking Space 
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