[Eddy Smiles]

I just finished this little guy in a karate "Gi" with a bo as a gift for a friend. He's approximately 4" tall by 2" wide. The wood is 1-1/2" basswood with acrylic wash and two coats of water based poly. Although the idea for the little guy is totally mine and he's actually the third one that I have carved, I used the Scandinavian-Style Troll by Harley Refsal's for all three for my rough out pattern. It was featured in the Summer 2004 Wood Carving Illustrated. Since traditional martial arts uniform's don't have pockets I eliminated the pocket and showed his left hand. I also change his face each time so that none of them look the same. The bo is carved from a sliver of basswood. I thought about using the thin end of a chopstick but I liked the natural look of it carved. The expression on his face was supposed to be one of fearlessness but when all was said and done it came out looking more like "What am I doing here!"

[gene messer]

Let me be the first to say .. great job Eddy .. He's a neat little guy .. You are definately on your way to being a little guy expert .. Good job .. Good painting .. Thanks for sharing ..

[sbirkes]

Great idea for a character. The face tells a long story.

[mwilleson]

Nice job Eddy! He does look a little apprehensive, but it gives him character...

[Irishman]

Yes the sport of karate brings back memories as I used a bo and a jo in my younger days. The expression could go a number of ways which is a neat quality for a carving. Your friend should be pleased.
Patrick

[Eddy Smiles]

Arigato Gozaimasu You All! Thanks for the nice compliments.

Patrick... I suspect that if you used a bo and a jo then you didn't practice a sport but an art...as in martial arts. Japanese or Okinawan? I myself have been a student for over 25-years and even though this old body does a lot of rebelling I still do what I can which at times isn't much. However, I sincerely love the martial arts which is one reason why a lot of my carvings and paintings have martial arts themes.

[Irishman]

I expect we could make this a long thread if we start into talking about martial arts. In summary, I had 5 years of Hapkido with some Taikwondo and judo mixed in during my first introduction to martial arts as my instructor had a background in a variety of martial arts...I then went to an Okinawan style called Gojuru (please excuse my spelling as its been some time) with some Tai Chi mixed in to give a balance (hard and soft styles). Had the opportunity to work with a kendo Sword, Nunchakus, Sais,Tonfas, Escrima Sticks and Bo/Jo, and still have many of these in my tickle trunk. Great fun playing with all these farm implements and they are fun to watch as it is to perform. Then came my second child and my priorities changed. I have to say that I miss it and keep saying that I'll get back into it. I wish my kids expressed interest in it as I was instructing as a Sumpi when I stopped.
Great to hear your still at it as there is a lot more to martial arts than sparring and forms...as you well know. A large percentage of the art is mind and spirit...not to sound too profound.

Thanks for your tolerance carvers as I know this is a carving site, however, martial arts can do a lot to enhance creativity so give it a try if you haven't already.
Perhaps I'll try carving some martial art figures as well some time.
Patrick

[mark yundt]

I know what you are saying Patrick,,,studied for several years myself,,I was in the best condition physically as well as mentally while practicing,,since then I have always been partial to Eastern thought and philosophy..

[Eddy Smiles]

I couldn't resist at least one more post.... then again I guess the moderator could move this thread over to "Off Topic" if need be.

Anyway, I am familiar with both Goju-Ryu and Tai Chi and I urge you to take up your studies again. It's never too late. I'm a one style man, having studied Seito Matsumura Okinawan Shorin-Ryu since first entering the martial arts at 39. However, with the physical challenges that I now live with and the dangers of hard contact, I mostly just work the many forms that I learned along the way. However, about five years ago when things started going down hill I picked up a set of dynamic Chi Kung exercises that both my wife and I work two to three times a week as part of our exercise routine. Many of the exercises are very similar to your Tai Chi moves and you're absolutely correct. They do keep the body limber, develop energy and keep the mind sharp. All three attributes certainly lend themselves to better carving and painting.

So as not to offend anyone not interested in the martials, if anyone is interested in discussing it more or would like to have additional information on Chi Kung, send me a private message. I have the complete set as we work them in Microsoft Word format. I'd be happy to share it.

[santagibbs]

Eddy, he is darlihg.. He looks more like the fearless one is saying.." Is he trying to give me trouble.. Come on man..get real." Doesn't have to worry about it at all.. really cute.
Charlotte