Over the past twelve years I have had a lot of questions in regards to the tattoo I wear on my chest…
The image is that of Bruce Lee’s Straightblast. This tattoo, to me, represents a sign of respect to those who have evolved martial arts to what it is today. The Straightblast is in essence an entry from punching to trapping range; occupation of center line, forward pressure in a circular motion. It was sketched by Paul Vunak, student of Dan Inosanto and founder of Progressive Fighting Systems (an evolution of Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do). At the time I decided to show my dedication and respect to what I believe in (dedication not only to martial arts but to what one believes in, in life). During this phase of my training I was a dedicated PFS practitioner studying under Patrick Lachman (also an accomplished musician) in Burbank, CA. The training was great and Pat was a great teacher who kicked my ass many times in the hot valley sun of Southern Cali. The influence and respect for Pat, my best friend Brett Garlock (rest in peace my brother), AJ Cavalier, Vu, Dan Inosanto, the Filipino martial arts, the “new” art form of BJJ and it’s teachers that passed their knowledge to my instructors, the Thaiboxers with their brutal style and Bruce Lee with his limitless knowledge and inspiration that to this day motivates people into training…gave me the incentive. While looking in the mirror I see an image that reminds me of how much this dedication to what I believe in means…it motivates me to train longer, giving the time my undivided attention as well as the sacrifices that all martial artists make in their dedication to the disciplines. While the tattoo came from one discipline it is a discipline that encompasses all styles and uses no way as way.
