Bagua Anyone?

Eddy Smiles · #1 01-02-2008, 02:36 PM

This Christmas a very good and long time friend surprised me with a gift of two books on Chinese philosophy. I was his sempai as he came up through the ranks to earn his Black Belt and we trained together for years. He has since gone on to study some of the Chinese martial arts such as Tai Chi and Bagua but remembers that I enjoy Asian philosophy of all kinds. I'm a firm believer that one good turn always deserves another so I sat down and carved this caricature of him in his Tai Chi uniform practicing with a single spear, one of the traditional Bagua weapons, as a thank you gift.

The figure has been carved from basswood and stands 6" x 2" x 2". It's finished in heavily diluted acrylics with a WB poly satin topcoat. The spear is section of bamboo skewer with a basswood spear point. The tassel is made of some of my wife's DMC thread held on with a whip.

wood-whittler · #2 01-02-2008, 03:10 PM

eddy,

good carving and paint i am sure your freind will be pleased with this peice.

bart

Irishman · #3 01-02-2008, 04:07 PM

Now there's something I imagine he never expected. No better complement than carving your mentor. That should get you some browny points with your Sensei.

Patrick

Eddy Smiles · #4 01-02-2008, 04:48 PM

Thanks Pat but if you don't mind I'll make one small correction to your post. Although in our dojo we have traditionally only honored the title of Sensei to one person, the owner of the school and chief instructor, theorectically I was my friend's Sensei (teacher or instructor) when he first entered the martial arts. If you ever saw the movie "Rising Sun" with Sean Connery, Wesley Snipes, and Harvey Keitel, you may remember the terms "Sempai" (senior) or "Kohai" (junior). Not understanding the true meaning of the terms Wesley Snipes called Sean Connery on his use of Kohai when Connery addressed him as such. So in effect, my friend was originaly a Kohai and I a Sempai but as in other facets of life, he soon became my equal and very good friend!

Irishman · #5 01-02-2008, 07:27 PM

I reread the post and I stand corrected. Need to take my time when I read the many postings on this site. I was a Sempai as well in my old club so I understand the position you were holding...I just read the posting too quickly. Either way, who ever would receive your carving would be very pleased with receiving such a personalized gift. Sorry about misread your message Eddy.
Patrick