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Post by jamesretarides on Sept 20, 2012 18:15:09 GMT -5
This week I had the extraordinary opportunity to hold an armwrestling seminar in Seoul, South Korea. Not only did I have a tremendous time thanks to Seung-Min Bae, the Korean armwrestlers and Manus Enterprises, I got to see the sport being performed in a country where it is still in its relative infancy. Raw strength, raw ability and ENTHUSIASM, respect, hard work and fun!
My hope is to help the sport grow in Korea. With intelligent, thoughtful, enterprising and inclusive people like Seung-Min Bae there, without question it should succeed. Hopefully it does not fall victim to the politics that plagues the sport on a world level. Years ago, one of the things I loved about this sport was more of a concept rather than the reality. It was the idea that the armwrestlers would have a hand in the direction of the sport. That it could be molded into what we wanted it to be as I felt we all agreed that we wanted similar things as athletes and promoters.
Sadly it just seems like a losing battle (especially after reading the Worlds Truth thread). Look at the billions of people that walk this earth. They spend their days doing the same things and wanting the same things for themselves and their family. They wake up, go through their morning routine, go off to work and hope to provide what they can for their families. They want their children to lead happy productive lives and believe there is a purpose to life as well as in some higher power. Since they disagree on the name and origin of the higher power, celebrate minor differences rather than commonalities, are led by power hungry people that claim to have the best interest of others in mind, we cannot find common ground. Heck, 25 miles from here is the border to N. Korea, where the son of a mad man has his finger on a button.
My point is that armwrestlers have the capacity to mold this sport into what they want if they can get past their differences, take control of the sport's image and be ambassadors. Look at guys like Jason Gulley that have managed to change the perception of the sport in his area. If everyone claims to care so much about the sport, why can't they do the same? If you don't like how worlds was managed, insist on change. If change does not occur, don't go. No armwrestling officials can control you and they are not above you. It has taken me a long time to finally realize that not all armwrestlers care about the progress of others. Some see this as an individual sport and are only in it for themselves. That is fine too, but have the foresight to think about what conditions you would like to see in sport in the future.
Over the next few months I will be putting together a fund-raising tournament to help the top 3-4 Armwrestlers in South Korea have enough money to travel to the Arnold Classic. Along with the help of some generous people here in South Korea and the unmatched effort of Seung-Min Bae, we will make this a reality. Hopefully I have your support!
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Post by James Worke on Sept 20, 2012 19:32:24 GMT -5
Good stuff james. I appreciate what u are doing now and are doing for our future. May God continue to lead your footsteps
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Post by Robert Miller on Sept 20, 2012 20:06:20 GMT -5
Well said James... you have my support my friend!!
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Post by John Milne on Sept 20, 2012 20:10:09 GMT -5
James, I don't have a lot of money but I want to support what you're doing. When you are ready send me info and I'll send some cash.
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Post by jamesretarides on Sept 20, 2012 20:10:35 GMT -5
Thank you gents. I logged on earlier and saw zero replies and I was beginning to feel like John Belushi in Animal House..."Who's with me?!?"
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Post by jamesretarides on Sept 20, 2012 20:12:41 GMT -5
Thanks John, it does not have to be much. Heck, $5-10 would be great. I want to coordinate with the local tournament directors to find a weekend that fits for everyone and then try to get the support. I am going to go to the local Korean churches and restaurants in Charlotte and try to see if I can garner some support as well.
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Las Botha
Silver Member
South Africa
Posts: 298
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Post by Las Botha on Sept 20, 2012 20:26:03 GMT -5
My point is that armwrestlers have the capacity to mold this sport into what they want if they can get past their differences, take control of the sport's image and be ambassadors. Look at guys like Jason Gulley that have managed to change the perception of the sport in his area. If everyone claims to care so much about the sport, why can't they do the same? Well, what are some practical things that can be done for athletes in the sport on different levels? I'm constructing my own table, will stick up notices on billboards, send out emails, but I don't think anyone will attend or call. On top of that, there are no experienced pullers to supervise training, and who is going to gain a love for armwrestling by reading a pamphlet? So I continue fighting mineworkers over recycling dumpsters. The perception is that armwrestling is a mucho activity to stroke your ego, or horseplay.
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Post by Kelli Nelson on Sept 20, 2012 21:23:20 GMT -5
Well said as always James!
I'd like to donate. Be sure to keep us updated...
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Post by Jesse Gonzalez on Sept 20, 2012 21:59:17 GMT -5
James I would like to help in any way that I can sir.
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Jason Gulley
Gold Member
Tennessee Armwrestling Association
Posts: 529
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Post by Jason Gulley on Sept 20, 2012 23:31:42 GMT -5
Thank you, for the kind words James! Also I hear you brother and always have. I cant take credit for the Novice idea. David Owens Jr is the man with the plan and with a last name like Worke, James needs no introduction. He is all over it and its a must for any organization and team/club to keep climbing.
Id like to post what stuck out to me most in your post.
"If change does not occur, don't go".
Love it! nobody is controlling me PERIOD. If nobody is there to see that smug look it doesn't mean much. We dont have to go like you said.
I was thinking about a quote from lawless I just watched. "it is not the violence that set a man apart. its the distance he's prepared to go".
Nobody is going to go farther than TAA when it comes to lifting up our novice. Forget my name, remember Delmar Carter a novice that been kicking ass lately. James i want to say, "brother anything you need let me know", but I can do so much more. I can act.
Today I talked to the CEO of united way and the athletic department about my business plan to raise $100,000 for special kids. Also working with Nissan to give out some cars. The tournament is going to be called "families 1st" armwrestling tournament. 3 man teams. 1 man, 1 women and 1 youth under 18 yrs of age. $30 entry fee and we are going to pack a 10,000 seat stadium with NOVICE raising again $100,000 for special kids. Also communicating with the public. How are we going to grow if the only marketing program we have is on this board?
look up charity events in you town on Google, people will be blown away not only who they know but how effective they communicate and advertise. We have the chance to help millions. You can't hook a trailer up to a hearse and take anything with you anyway. Im going to work on raising as much money for good causes until I cant see straight. Plus with a CO-director named Worke I got to get at the grind man.
I know your tired of the politics, but you got some neighbors over here in TN who cant stop having a good time. Misery loves company man dont let it stop you from doing what you do.
I waiting on Doug and Jackie to get here to get out and have a good time. You got to tell your boy doug allen to stop kissing his arms when he is dancing. and stop talking about all the meals his girl cooks. I keep telling courtney about all the omelets and steak dinners everyday doug gets along with a few other things I wont post and man does she look at me crazy, lmao.
He already is talking like he is from the south, Mannn I love it out herrr man. Get er done Doug and bring me some damn food when you come back.
Looking forward to reading over everything James, thanks for the inspiration!
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Post by P R O T O T Y P E - A.K on Sept 21, 2012 3:00:35 GMT -5
My point is that armwrestlers have the capacity to mold this sport into what they want if they can get past their differences, take control of the sport's image and be ambassadors. Very powerful sentence..i like it a lot...easy to understand...easy to say...much harder to implement and follow. Amongst other things because everyone has to start first with the man in the mirror and second with his shadow. I wish you good luck and success with your intentions overall James R. The idea to support the Korean Aws is very good too. thanks for this positive contribution. stay healthy & creative everybody. (at least as long as its possible..right!?!) have a nice day... -
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Post by "VENGEANCE" -David Rivera- on Sept 21, 2012 9:58:42 GMT -5
Bad ass bro keep it up, looks like you had a real good time on your trip. I KNOW YOU ATE LOTS
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Post by kyledarby on Sept 21, 2012 13:18:40 GMT -5
James I think it's noble that you're investing time and energy into a worthy goal. My point is that armwrestlers have the capacity to mold this sport into what they want if they can get past their differences, take control of the sport's image and be ambassadors. Look at guys like Jason Gulley that have managed to change the perception of the sport in his area. If everyone claims to care so much about the sport, why can't they do the same? Well, what are some practical things that can be done for athletes in the sport on different levels? I'm constructing my own table, will stick up notices on billboards, send out emails, but I don't think anyone will attend or call. On top of that, there are no experienced pullers to supervise training, and who is going to gain a love for armwrestling by reading a pamphlet? So I continue fighting mineworkers over recycling dumpsters. The perception is that armwrestling is a mucho activity to stroke your ego, or horseplay. www.saawf.co.za/The sport is already very well alive in South Africa from what I understand. There are clubs in atleast 8 areas. Isn't Terrence Opperman from South Africa? Start a practice club pull routinely. Get strong and develop technique. Seek tournaments and start competing. If there isn't any close start promoting yourself.
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Las Botha
Silver Member
South Africa
Posts: 298
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Post by Las Botha on Sept 21, 2012 14:07:18 GMT -5
James I think it's noble that you're investing time and energy into a worthy goal. Well, what are some practical things that can be done for athletes in the sport on different levels? I'm constructing my own table, will stick up notices on billboards, send out emails... www.saawf.co.za/The sport is already very well alive in South Africa from what I understand. There are clubs in atleast 8 areas. Isn't Terrence Opperman from South Africa? Start a practice club pull routinely. Get strong and develop technique. Seek tournaments and start competing. If there isn't any close start promoting yourself. Challenge accepted. Hi Kyle, I've carefully sifted through the SAAWF site. The nearest club that I'm aware of is 170kilometers from here. I currently live in the middle of nowhere in a mining community in RSA. Let me tell you, in my language armwrestling is called "Arm Pushing" (armdruk - transliteration). When I arrived here at the beginning of the year, I asked a respected man whether there was an " Arm Pushing" club in the area that he knew of. He replied that there was only an " Arm Lifting" club (referring to the pub hahaha ;D ) I've been trying to gain regular training partners, but currently the only regular ones are my geological assistants whom I pay 10 bucks a pot to face me two-handed over the waist-high recycling bins during lunch time, around the corner of the old core yard But I think once I finish my table I'll pimp it out with Captain Morgan and Jack Daniels stickers and let potential participants assume the sponsor ============================================== Yes, Terence Opperman is our best and a true blue boerseun like myself, I wish him best of luck and that he remains in the top 10. Unfortunately I'll be in the same weight division as him. But the good news is that I just have to travel down to the next province to beat him in a supermatch to get into the world's top 10 automatically, right?
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Post by Brendan Downes on Sept 21, 2012 19:21:27 GMT -5
I have driven 800kms to armwrestle a few guys in a park, 170kms once every few months is not over the top ;D We have a guy who travels 2 hours to our trainings on a very regular basis, if its in your blood, you will do what you need to do to get the job done!
All the best.
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