Master Kirk McCune
Bahala Na
December 12, 2017 interviewed by Guro Frank Buechner
Part 4
Have you ever been to the Philippines?
—no. But my home is wherever our art is played. I hope to go one day.
What do you consider typical Filipino elements in the Bahala Na community?
—If you act like family you are
treated like family
How do you see the role of Giron Arnis Escrima in the Western World?
—we train the art of escrima to preserve life. Good people live everywhere.
After being appointed First Master, did Grand Master Tony change how he trained with you?
—no my promotion was an acknowledgment of the responsibilities I had already assumed and was already Expressing. The methodology of training gives us all the knowledge we need for those who care to listen. So I listen. We continued on in the same mentoring brotherly relationship he had always offered to me. “Service to others” was his teaching.
After Grand Master Tony had been appointed, there were slight changes in Giron Arnis Escrima. Have you changed anything so far or are you planning any changes for the future?
— No I disagree. There were no changes made to the art by GMT.
We have always followed and continue to follow the clearly expressed wishes of GME Giron for the practices and principles for propagation of the art.
For instance, the defondo system we use as our basic teaching style was completed by GME during his lifetime and was not changed by GMT or any of us. The methodology of teaching remains intact to create skilled fighters and teachers in the art in the shortest possible time. And this we have proven time and time again. It’s very important to look to our founder because he is the one who put his life on the line to test these theories and methodologies. If I did see something needed in the art I would have the right, as well as the duty, to add something to the art. However GME and GMT were geniuses at this endeavor and I have not found anything lacking so far.
Part 4
Mind-set. Skill-set. Applied Intent.
Tempering the Body and Mind; Positioning the Spirit and Will; Adapt and Do.
Bahala Na! Come What May