Hellos and Goodbyes

[gallery link="file" columns="2"] Our trip in Austria is coming to an end.  As I pack my bags at 2.00 AM to catch my 3.00 AM bus for my early 6.00 AM flight, I give a little pause for reflection.  It also gave me a great opportunity to catch up on some reading and get back into drawing. The trip also gave me the opportunity to re-connect with a lot of friends, bury hatchets and old rivalries (an opportunity to see my God daughter!), make new friends (Bulgaria, Brazil and Russia!  We may have an opportunity to fight in Paraguay in December) and say some good byes. Joel Holland will not be coming back to Canada with us as he will be taking a much deserved holiday in Europe and spend time with his brother who lives and works here.  I look forward to his return. Paolo Sison Dultra will be going back for exams and will be hustling to finish off some school work.  I wish him a lot of luck, but I don’t think he needs it.  Paolo’s work ethic is unquestionable.   This guy only trains with us during the weekends and he is fighting in the Worlds!  Paolo, good luck with your Kombat training group in Guelph! Max Grech got a bad deal in this tournament.  It would have been good to see you in the semi finals.  But I can personally attest that Max faced A LOT of personal challenges to make it to the Worlds.  I am proud of Max and I hope he takes that vacation that we discussed.  In the end I know that he will work towards that balance in life that we discussed this week.  I am very proud of Max. As for Sylwester Organka, my friend, student, at times teacher and someone I think of as my son, this was his last fight.  Sly will be retiring from competing, but don’t be alarmed he will still be at Kombat Arts.  Sly, over the years you have made me very proud.  Watching you fight and smash people has always been entertaining :)  I know that you will excel in whatever you pursue in the future, and continue to make me and the school proud. Good bye Austria, Hello Kombat Arts Canada!  Jd