Gayong Pondering...

Today the Fight Masters: Silat promo for Malaysia was posted on facebook and on this blog. When I saw it, I was really proud. I am proud of all those people who participated. There are many people in Malaysia in the Gayong community who came out in support of this show. The teachers and students that came out for Mandi Minyak was incredible! The students who drove from Johor for hours to say hello and meet us and support their teacher Cikgu Jaz and the rest of us, the students from Taman Nirwana that stayed at the jungle campground for days to be there early for shooting, the students who traveled with their teachers to come and support and lend their bodies to the abuse of Silat for the good of the shot. All these people, many of whom didn't make the final cut of the show made that Nat Geo show what it is. Their participation made the long journey, lack of sleep and injuries all worth while.

Every time I go to Malaysia, I am amazed how wonderful and generous everyone is. We are one little corner of the world, in a surburb of Chicago, playing Gayong. We go to Malaysia because we want to, we like training there, we love the Gayong people we meet there. They take us in as family, deal with our questions and clambering around. I'm not usually a sappy person, ask the USGF group, they will attest to this. Having said that, as this show "Fight Masters" airs and proceeds, gets good reviews, etc. I am constantly reminded of the experience of being a bystander on the shoot and how everyone involved, main characters, extras, punching bags, cikgus, crew, production people, etc. brought this show to life. It was blood, sweat and tears that made this happen and the result speaks for itself. Just watching the 20 second preview made me reflect on what a truly unique and special experience this was.

Terima Kasih to all!