BUDO-GALA 2000

The 18th of March was a special day for martial artists, not only in Germany. On that day the BUDO-GALA was held in Dortmund, Germany. But for me it was most special, because Earl Blijd invited my friend Mischa and me to participate in the demonstration of the famous "Bao Trieu Demo Team". Years ago we would watch our video-collection of Budo-Galas and we could just dream of taking part ourselves.And now that dream would come true ! Great martial artists like Li Yan Long, Lin Qiu Ping, Jean Frenette, Emanuel Bettencourt, Pham Xuan Tong and many others were invited to show not only their athletic prowess, but also their fighting and mental skills. And we would take part as well !

On Friday the 17th of March I drove to Manfred Timm, the representative of Earl Blijd in Germany, to train and talk with him and the other German students. In the evening we had a great dinner in a Chinese Restaurant. On Saturday Manfred, his brother and me drove to Dortmund; Mischa and two other friends of us also went there on Saturday. When we arrived, Earl and his team were just practising for the demonstration in the evening. We practised a lot, because we have never been practising together for the demonstration before . This was the first time. And it was not easy for us to coordinate where we had to stand, when we had to go to the other stage (there were two stages) and so on. The whole test run was a little bit crazy. Sometimes participants weren't there, sometimes the music was wrong and sometimes the whole coordination was a bit chaotic. It was the first time that I could have a look backstage; I used to think that everything would be perfectly organized. But in the evening I was convinced of the professionalism of everyone having to do with the BUDO-GALA.

While we prepared for the demonstration, having a look backstage and talking to many people, Manfred and his brother went back to Groningen. Why ? The "Bao Trieu Demo Team" would show a dragon dance in the evening, as the final highlight of the show, but somehow they forgot to bring the dragon's head ! But "Manni" --King of the Road-- came back punctually and the whole team called him: "Master!!!!!" ,"Rescuer !!!!!"

At 23.00 it was time for the "Bao Trieu Demo Team". I was very nervous (and I think I was not the only one). First, Earl walked in. He was attacked by some of his students, including Mischa and me. After fighting back he did a slow motion fight with his brother Carl and Ben. Then the students showed different styles of Wushu, with and without weapons. After doing "de lange groet" (the traditional greeting) Earl showed his Qi-Gong skills. Falling in split, with the tip of a spear pressing on his throat, making a split on two pots while a concrete block was broken on his back. Then all members of the "Bao Trieu Demo Team" came together, did "de lange groet" again and we were all very happy that everything worked out all right. It was great. Now it was time for party.

Luciano, a "Bao Trieu Demo Team" member, took over the work of the DJ, because the music was not very "groovy". At the party there was enough time to speak to other martial artists, to exchange experiences and to make new contacts. On the way to our hotel we had a lot of fun with the boys of the "Bao Trieu Demo Team". We laughed a lot ..... At 4.00 in the morning we went to bed. The beds were so good, that some members had a hard time getting up at 9.00 to have breakfast. At breakfast we had also enough time to speak about the BUDO-GALA and about personal things.

After 5 hours of driving we arrived our hometown. I'm sure that everyone went to bed early ...... dreaming of the next BUDO-GALA ....... Thanks to Earl Blijd, who gave us the opportunity and trust to participate at the BUDO-GALA. It was a great experience we will never forget ....... And thanks to the whole team, making us feel so much belong to one big family...... Thank you, great "Bao Trieu Demo Team". Olli & Mischa