FEEDBACK FROM OZ

Rear: Chris Georges, Christine Trlifaj, Daniel McEwan, Joe (TV) Bloggs, Neil Herron, Nickolas Kondratenko, Greg Winterton
Centre: Gin Yee, Master Rey Galang, Bradley Timmins, Sellathurai S. Shahananth, Gordy Gallacher, Peter Raward
Front : Peter Cusa, Allan Carlos, Jasmina Bajraktarevic, Raymond Ma, Roldan Fabi, Stella Ng, Martyn Bates
Reclining: Rahneer Fabi

During the period October 28 to November 6, 2000, the Sydney (Ashfield, NSW, Australia) Bakbakan Chapter hosted a series of in-house and public workshops featuring Master Rey Galang, one of the founding members of Bakbakan International as well as the North American Headquarter's (NAHQ) Chief Instructor. The intensive in-house workshop featured Bakbakan Kali Ilustrisimo disciplines, i.e., double stick (Sinawali) , single stick (Solo Baston), knife (Tulisan) and sword & dagger (espada y daga), as well the art of Hagibis (takedown and submission art).

The following are the unedited written appraisal and feedback from the attendees of the in-house intensive workshop held on October 28 to November 6 at the Sydney Bakbakan Chapter in Ashfield, NSW, Australia.

Master Rey,

This week has been one of the best weeks of my martial arts life. You have shared and shown so much. You have given me more than I ever wanted. You have shown me what a true master is, you have shown me what Bakbakan is all about.

I'm very proud to be your student, and I will do my best to represent you and to preserve our traditions and spirit.

Always,

Rahneer

Dear Master Rey,

Thank you for the time and effort you have given us and the knowledge you have generously shared. Your true sense of humour in training has allowed me to relax and absorb more of your teaching and passion for Bakbakan. I have thorougly enjoyed spending this week training with you and am suprised to have absorbed so much, even though this is only the beginning. I am now growing to fully appreciate and feel honoured to be part of my ever-growing Bakbakan family.

Sincere thanks and lots of love,

Christine

Master Rey,

There's so much I wanted to say, but I know this won't do justice to how I feel. This week has come and gone so quickly (too quickly). I'm sure we've all had a GREAT time, but more than that, I know I've learned so much - still, I know I have so much more to learn.

We've all grown so much closer to each other and I can finally begin to see what Bakbakan is all about. I have practiced several martial arts in my past, but as a student of Bakbakan I feel I'm more a part of a family than a "club". I can't express in words just how proud I am to be a student (of Bakbakan).

I know that come Tuesday I will already be missing your instruction, encouragement, happiness, dedication and above all - sense of humour. I look forward to your return to Oz in the not too distant future. I wish you a safe trip home.

Thank you again for EVERYTHING,

Ray Ma

Master Rey,

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

Best wishes,

Paul

To Master Rey,

You're a fantastic teacher and an excellent person. Come back to Oz soon.

Thanks,

Nickolas Kondratenko

Master Rey,

This week has been one of the best weeks of my life! Your knowledge, attitude and skill is inspirational. I would like to thank you for the fun and memories you have shared with us. May we meet you again soon!

Your student,

Bradley Timmins

Dear Master Rey,

Thank you for your inspiration, warmth and being so down to earth yet incredibly wise. Thank you for helping me nurture my inner warrior... my transformation from a verbal into the warrior of heart soul and body. Safe trip back!

Jasmina

P.S. Particularly thanks for knife sparring sessions!!

To Mang Rey,

I hope to see you again and thanks for everything. This has been the best week I've had. Sadly, it was way too short. I'm proud to be a Bakbakan. Salamat po Mang Rey.

Martyn Bates

Master Rey,

This will be nice and short. Seeing that I don't have a lot of room!I would like to say thank you for all you have given us! This week will be unforgettable! Again I can't thank you enough for what you have shared with us.

Roldan

To Dearest Master Rey,

Long live the King!!! (of Bakbakan). U have given us much to cherish and to remember u by.

Missing u heaps (already).

Stella

To Master Rey,

What can I say that hasn't already been said. The week was mind-blowing. I will keep the flame burning for Bakbakan.

Thank you,

Neil

Master Rey,

Thank you so much for a truly memorable and inspirational week of learning. You have encouraged me and inspired me to greater things and I thank you so much. Thanks also for your support and friendship and for making me feel part of Bakbakan. Take care, and until next time, all the very best.

Greg

Master Rey,

Next time I'll make sure I complete the whole seminar. When are you coming back??

Thanks,

Stacy

Master Rey,

Thanks for the wondeful experience of training with you.

Peter Raward

Master Rey,

I woul like to thank you "sooo" very much for accepting our invite to Australia. We acknowledge you have left your work and business and family to travel a long way to share with strangers. Thank you for the time, knowledge and patience you have demonstrated (not just techniques). You are truly a master of the system you have developed and of life. You will always be revered for your kindness and techniques. I hope to see you soon in NJ.

Regards always,

Chris Georges