June 2007 Gathering

[Crafty_Dog]

I just spoke with Top Dog and he confirms that he is coming 

I just spoke with Salty Dog and he says he thinks he can make it , , ,

[Tom Stillman]

I new this one was going to be special!  Q: Are they both fighting? 

[Crafty_Dog]

No, just an appearance from the mists of time to witness the present. 

[Howling Dog]

Woof, The presence of the"council of elders" is like gas is to a fire. I agree with Tom this is going to be a special gathering.
I think the fighting is going to be especially "spirited"
Gettin all jacked up on bone crushing terror .........
                                                                         Dog Tom

[sting]

I vote for the walls.  The walls of the R1 gym provided much needed variety to the fights in addition to enforcing a boundary.  In their absence, the fight moderator (Crafty Dog?) will need to stop and start fights that are prematurely interrupted by excessive boundary violations.

Great news on Mr. Jacksons's allowance of cameras.  As before, I think it would be a good idea to limit the number of cameras at the event.  This reduces the number of stray flashes as well as the chance that people walk away with unauthorized video clips, as pretty much every compact camera has a video mode that can record many, many minutes of video on a single flash memory card.

Cool.  Looking forward to this event.  Crafty Dpg landed the documentary of a lifetime!

Gints

[C-Kumu Dog]

Should we create another thread with a poll about walls so it is easier to track?

[Crafty_Dog]

Robert:

Dan is a pretty bright guy, I think he is up to keeping track of things

All:

Gints makes a very good point about dual function cameras.  This concerns us.

CD

[SB_Mig]

Crafty,

I think that you can pretty much apply dual use to most handheld electronics these days: pda's, mobile phones, cameras. 95% have the ability to record video of some kind. I've noticed a ton of cellphones being used at concerts these days to capture video footage.

Perhaps a "turn it off at the door" policy in regards to cellphones and pdas, with a gentle "no video" reminder to those with cameras?

Just my 2cents...

[C-Kumu Dog]

Robert:

Dan is a pretty bright guy, I think he is up to keeping track of things

OK ... didnt mean to insult anyone's intelligence .. lol.  I was just hoping to get more of the fighters to voice their opinion...

[Scotty Dog]

Having only fought in the big open space of the Euro Gatherings, I was a little concerned that the smaller space of R1 would restrict my usual tactics of running a way 

As long as the ritual space is on the larger side, I like the idea of a wall 

[Cyborg Dog]

I am all in for the wall. I like the idea of having at least one wall to work with. It provides a little more motivation to have proper enviromental awareness.

c-cyborg dog greg

[Tom Stillman]

It would be nice to take pictures. Better yet, I remember years ago video's of the days fights were available to the fighters. It was nothing fancy(just a rough cut) I know it was difficult for Marc to make copies for the small #'s lnvolved plus time and cost to him. Still it was great to have a chronicle of such a special time in our lives that we all threw caution to the wind and ran with the pack of Dog Brothers!!  TS

[Howling Dog]

Woof, It seems as though this gathering will be much more spectator friendly than at R1 gym.
I would still like to see the people be the wall and force footwork to get the take down and the crash
Though, I understand that the wall can be used as an enviormental issue.
Bottom line with or without the wall, the room to operate is still limited by boundries.
My question is with or without wall, where will the fighters stage for their fights? This too will take up space thus also limiting the view for the spectators.
My view is the wall takes up a spot where someone might sit and get a good view of the fights.
I still vote NO wall, but if we have a wall let it be on a narrow end of the mat and let it be onley one wall.
                                                                    Dog Tom

[Tom Stillman]

Old man question: Is their a bathroom? lol   

[Scotty Dog]

Old man question: Is their a bathroom? lol   

hygenic Man question : Are there Showers 

[Crafty_Dog]

Yes there are bathrooms 

I've been meaning to ask DJ (Dan Jackson) about showers.  In the absence thereof I'm thinking some hoses might do 

[MonyetNakal]

've been meaning to ask DJ (Dan Jackson) about showers.  In the absence thereof I'm thinking some hoses might do 

You mean like these?


picture © Dog Brothers Inc 2005


 

[Tom Stillman]

After some thought, maybe it makes better sence to not allow any type of camera devices, and phones be turned off to show respect for OP and their interests.   Tom

[danjack]

Some answers:

We're setting bleachers at one end of the room that should hold 100. We're creating an area behind the bleachers as a fighter staging area. It has access to bathrooms. No showers. We're thinking of bringing in extra PortaPotties for spectators.

The wall will be about 6' high and 20' long along one of the longer (40') sides of the mat. Having it feels like it will give the fighters some options in how to work the space. The other two sides will be wide open for spectators.

Regarding cameras, it seems that what you've done at previous Gatherings should work at this one. For my purposes, I just need to prevent people from shooting long stretches of quality video and everybody in the audience taking pictures rather than watching and reacting to the fights.

Dan

[Howling Dog]

Danjack, Just wondering.....By having the wall on one of the longer edges of the mat and being onley half the length of that particular side.
What are the chances of a fighter being ran into what I will call the "knife edge" of the wall, or the end of the wall.
Sharp edges or corners are a concern as I feel some of the fighters will push, to run the guys into the wall in a event to corner the opponent, and may inadvertently do so when the angle may not be there.
Just a thought and a little bit of a concern.
                                                                         Dog Tom

[Crafty_Dog]

For our purposes shooting any video at all is verboten.   In addition to the obvious business reasons, there is also the very important matter of fighters knowing that they can come to play secure in the knowledge that they will not be unfairly portrayed. 

For example several years back we had someone sneak a video of a fight and spread it all over the internet at "Our Style beats Style XYZ".     This made for some very bad feelings on the part of Style XYZ (a knife oriented system) and for a while there was talk of settling things on the sidelines at the next Gathering.   Fortunately I was able to steer things in a different direction.

Folks, what we have built is something very special.  If we do it right, it looks easy.  That does not mean it is easy. 

I repeat, shooting any video at all is verboten.

[sting]

Great!  Also, I hope there is enough circulation, not just A/C, to allow for adequate oxygen.  The larger crowds will consume that quickly.  With the limited circulation in the fencing masks, oxygen-starved fighters will offer less fight.

[Howling Dog]

Hopefully I'am not being seen as toooo big a pain in the arse, but I have a question concerning the stageing the fighters behind the bleachers.
What kind of view does that offer the fighters to the ongoing fights.
Not onley do I like to fight, but I also like to watch. Much can be gained and learned from watching.
If we have to move out of the staging area to watch the fights it may detract fighters from getting or taking fights as the fighting tribe may be dispersed among the crowd.
                                                                                         Dog Tom

[Crafty_Dog]

Woof All:

Maija left a phone message last night that she has mailed in her fighter's registration 

The Adventure continues!
Crafty Dog

[Scotty Dog]

SWEET 

[Tom Stillman]

Awesome! Give it up for the ladies with guts!  Much Much Respect.   Tom

[Crafty_Dog]

Salty Dog is confirmed 

Concerning the fight surface:  Subject to confirmation, it looks like our fight surface will be judo tatami mats.

[Point Dog]

Salty Dog is confirmed 

Sweet! 

looks like our fight surface will be judo tatami mats.

Not wanting to be picky, but as an old school Judoka... tatami are the reed mats.  But it is also the brand name of olympic style Judo mats, just hoping to avoid confussion  (I've been bitten by this before  ).

[C-Kumu Dog]

Not wanting to be picky, but as an old school Judoka... tatami are the reed mats.  But it is also the brand name of olympic style Judo mats, just hoping to avoid confussion   (I've been bitten by this before   ).

I was wondering about that myself, I searched using the term "tatami mats" which came up with the picture of the reed mats as well as the foam "puzzle" mats.

It would be kinda cool to use the reed mats Im sure they wont be as forgiving as the foam though, lol.

[Scotty Dog]

I'm assuming it'll be wrestling boots or mat shoes only ?

[Crafty_Dog]

I stand corrected on "tatami" 

Good point on the shoes.  Yes.  Attention Fighters!  Please wear wrestling or other mat type shoes!

[Tom Stillman]

I was looking forward to wearing short pants and sandals.    It worked out well last time I fought at a gathering!  Not only did it keep with the theme of "REALITY"  (wearing every day clothing) it also kept me more honest when it came to defending against knee and foot attacks. I don't think I have ever worn mat shoes before? I will buy some and try them out.  Q: I assume wearing socks or going barefoot is OK?      Tom

[Tom Stillman]

   F.Y.I.    "Sports Chalet"  sporting goods store, carries "ASICS" brand wrestling style mat shoes for about $49.00

[sting]

I'm all for the move towards unspecialized footwear.  I've worn wrestling shoes for past Gatherings, but since I don't train with them, they are really quite foreign to me.  An issue with the wrestling mat is the sticky surface, so any shearing action on your foot will tear off some skin.  I was reminded by this a couple of weeks ago when I grappled barefoot on a mat.  Two weeks later, the shredded skin is making healing progress.   I would have done this Gathering barefoot were it not for that lesson, which has a great probability of reducing your fight count.

[Tom Stillman]

I have experienced the same problem as you in the past! (foot abrasions)  Socks take  care of the problem although they can also be slippery!

[Scotty Dog]

I was going to ask how easy wrestling boots are to get over there.

The can only be ordered online here & I don't want to risk them not arriving before I leave (my old ones are falling apart)

[C-Kumu Dog]

Im not sure how far this is from the warehouse but there is a Sports Authority in Burbank.

1900 Empire Ave
#R12
Burbank , CA 91506
(818) 260-0504   

Well actually after using Yahoo maps it appears it is around the corner.

Distance: 0.8 milesTime: 2 mins (approx.)

http://maps.yahoo.com/dd_result.php?q1=2435+N.+Naomi+St.+Burbank+CA+91504&q2=1900+Empire+Ave+Burbank+CA+91506+US&q3=&q4=&q5=

[Scotty Dog]

thanks 

[Tom Stillman]

Hey Graeme, "SPORTS CHALET" sporting goods store is  5  minutes from fight location in the city of Burbank. Check map.  Locations:             http://maps.yahoo.com/dd_result.php?q1=2435+n+naomi+st+burbank+ca&q2=Burbank%2C+CA+91502&q3=&q4=&q5=  

[Tom Stillman]

Just purchased "ASICS" brand  wrestling shoe from Sports Chalet in West Hills. The Burbank store quoted a price of $49.95    West Hills price $39.95.  Be sure to mention this if you purchase them from the Burbank (or other) store as I am sure they will match the price!   Shoe is black with white souls and white stripe on sides. It  has a  high top with fold down Velcro tung to cover the laces.  Big-5 sporting goods stores also carries them.  Looks like a well made shoe,  but cheep.            Tom

[C-Kumu Dog]

Thanks for the info Tom.  Im going to hit the stores this weekend and check prices.

[Howling Dog]

Woof, I have that shoe. Its a baisic wrestling shoe. Nothin special. but a wrestling shoe is nothing special anyway,it will get the job done for you and the price seems right. Not likley you can find anything less expensive.
                                                                            TG

[Howling Dog]

Woof Guro Crafty, Just curious as to what the theme will be for the knife fights this time. One on one, two on two ect.....
                                                                       Dog Tom

[peregrine]

Anyone have an idea of the 3 closest hospitals.? Also there levels and reputations.
A google map would be very useful for all.

[C-Kumu Dog]

Closest Hosiptals according to Google Earth

(Closest)
Empire Medical Center
2307 Empire Ave W
Burbank, CA 91504
(818) 841 3420
0.6 mi (about 2 mins)
Directions;
http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=2435+N+Naomi+St,+Burbank,+CA+91504&daddr=34.19184,-118.335+(%22Empire+Medical+Center%22)&ie=UTF8&v=2.1&cv=4.1.7087.5048&hl=en&z=16&om=1



Providence Urgent Care Center
3413 Pacific Ave W
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 953 4488
1.2 mi (about 4 mins)
Directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=2435+N+Naomi+St,+Burbank,+CA+91504&daddr=34.18832,-118.348+(%22Providence+Urgent+Care+Center%22)&ie=UTF8&v=2.1&cv=4.1.7087.5048&hl=en&z=15&om=1


Southern California
10750 Washington Blvd
Burbank, CA 91504
(818) 565 0123
1.2 mi (about 4 mins)
Directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=2435%20N%20Naomi%20St%2C%20Burbank%2C%20CA%2091504&daddr=34.20005%2C-118.329%20(%22Southern%20California%22)&ie=utf-8&v=2.1&cv=4.1.7087.5048&hl=en

[Crafty_Dog]

Thank you Robert.

Changing subjects entirely, I was talking with C-Cyborg the other day as we were training on the mat at RAW/R1 and he expressed regret that there would be no walls, or better yet, corners into which to back one's opponent.  He remembered True Dog doing exactly that to him.

The fight area of this Gathering is, within a foot, identical to the space at RAW.  The difference of course being the absence of walls (but there are some 4x4 posts the padding of which I am working out with Dan Jackson).  The point I would like to make is this.  When back your opponent up against the boundaries of the fight area, PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT (within the context of "Friends at the end of the day" of course!).  We are still looking for wrestling mats to stack around the perimeter.

I am toying with the idea of preparing some volunteers to patrol the periphery with Muay Thai pads or something of the sort to protect fighters as well as possible from hard landings outside the fight area and to push them back onto it.  What do y'all think?

TAC,
CD

[Tom Stillman]

It would be reminiscent of a school yard fight! (except the pads and sticks) lol 

[Crafty_Dog]

Pretty Kitty found this:

Providence Urgent Care Center
(818) 953-4488
3413 W Pacific Ave
Burbank, CA 91505

This might be more relevant for the dings, cuts, & bruises more likely to happen than a hospital.

[Dog Pound]

My $.02 on patrolling the periphery .... Why?  The Magic Words work fine.

The fighters need to be aware during the fight so they don't hurt their opponent or a spectator (or themselves) by taking the fight off the matts.

Spectators are warned that - like the fighters - they are responsible for themselves.  They can sit in the front row with a kid in their lap or they can wear full WEKAF body armor and stand in the back row - it is their choice.

[Howling Dog]

Woof Corey, Thats cause your just a mean SOB ......Just kidding. Though you are right.  I kinda like the idea of the pad boys keeping the fight on the mat.....but either way I'am good with it.
I'am really glad there won't be a wall.
I think the spectators surrounding the mat will really juice the atmosphere...kinda like a pit, or as Tom said a school yard brawl.
Its gonna ROCK fer sure
                                                               Dog Tom/SB