Tai Sifu Hubbard and Tai Simo Molina travel to Belize!

From April 24 to May 2, Tai Sifu Hubbard and Tai Simo Molina traveled to Belize to teach a seminar on Choy Li Fut Kung Fu and join the Eastern Ways Belize school in a martial arts demonstration held at the University of Belize! See the official press release on the demonstration below!

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Shotokan Belize , Shotokan Cayo and Shotokan University of Belize Host Martial Arts Demonstration at UB

April 24, 2007

Local martial arts dojos – Shotokan Belize , Shotokan Cayo, and Shotokan University of Belize – hosted a martial arts demonstration at UB's Belmopan campus on April 24. Sensei Luis Gonzalez of Eastern Ways Karate Center of Belize participated in the demonstration along with honored guests Sifu Alan Hubbard and Simo Lekili Molina of Eastern Ways Martial Arts in Sacramento , CA . The exhibition was an opportunity to showcase the talents of local dojos like Shotokan Karate and view the rare art of Iaido (the art of sword drawing) performed – for the first time ever in Belize – by Sensei Gonzalez. Iaido is an ancient art of very specific and detailed sword drawing and cutting. In a ceremonial display of extreme skill, every draw and cut of the sword tells a story and requires great patience and years of practice to perfect. Sifu Hubbard and Simo Molina then demonstrated Choy Li Fut Kung Fu, which is strikingly different from karate. Using the crane form and the hook cane weapon forms of the art, Sifu Hubbard showed the audience how one can block and strike an opponent by mimicking the movements of a crane and how an ordinary item – like an umbrella or cane – can become an impressive weapon. Simo Molina, an expert with the Chinese fan, demonstrated beauty and grace while blocking and attacking pressure points of the body with power and precision.

The exhibition began with a performance of the rare and advanced 18 Lohan Chi Gung form by Sensei Gonzalez, Sifu Hubbard and Simo Molina. It continued with an exhibition by the Next, Shotokan students demonstrated the basics, followed by Katas (pre-arranged moves taught by legendary Senseis). Sensei Gonzalez and Araceli Enano, of the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan , performed advanced Bo Staff katas as well as the unique Sais .

With spectators from throughout Belize as well as an honored visit by U.S. Ambassador and Mrs. Robert J. Dieter, the demonstration was considered a great success. On behalf of Shotokan Belize , Shotokan Cayo, Shotokan University of Belize, and Eastern Ways Karate Center of Belize, Sensei Luis Gonzalez would like to thank those who participated in and those who attended the demonstration.