Bao Trieu Wushu Society

Five years have passed since the last Bratislava Super Show was held in 1993. Top internationals participated in it and we still have a vivid memory of the show. People did not only come for the memories, but also to learn. Therefore, they met with the performing artists. In many cases, the initial curiosity to learn more, resulted in lasting relationships and cooperation.

That's how Vladimir Minda (also called Vlado) established Bao Trieu Slovakia in agreement with Earl Blijd. In February 1998, Bao Trieu Slovakia visited Bao Trieu Blijd in Holland (the small Dutch Kingdom) and met with the Panther of Cura�ao.

The most important goal of the visit, was to improve the martial skills in Wushu. On the first day of the visit, the training program was started. Earl Blijd, our host had prepared the training program. The training was intended towards improving technical skills, studying new compositions and fighting demonstrations. Usually, we were training two times a day. Part of the training involved participating in the 'Aletta Jacobs Tournament' organized by the Pentjac Silot School Garuda in Hoogezand.

Since we did not have much experience in competitions, we had mixed feelings about participating. We said we would do our best. As a result, we won two first prizes, three second prizes and one fourth. On top of that, our school Bao Trieu Slovakia, was elected the most successful in Kata and semi-contact. Needless, to say we were proud of our results and very happy with them.

Another big experience, was participating in the cultural program of our host Earl at the Chinese New Year. We also enjoyed visiting Amsterdam where we met with some of Earl's relatives and had a delicious lunch at the Tjin's restaurant.

The Slovakia Team in the Chinese Garden of Haren

In Amsterdam we also visited Bao Trieu/Elite from Luciano and Terence, the most successful members of the best Blijd demo team. To see these champions train was a big experience; as was it years ago in Bratislava.

The following days, training was the top priority. Besides the usual forms, we were training self-defense and various elements of modern Wushu, Sanda and Lion Dancing. Some things went better than others, but Earl was always there to guide us, give explanations and if necessary show us how to do it.

We became totally convinced of why Earl had such an authority as a fighter and even more so as a teacher. As the end of our visit came closer, our teacher and friend came up with his biggest surprise. He brought us to a Chinese Garden in Haren (about 4 kilometers or 2.5 miles south of Groningen). This Chinese Garden is a real tourist attraction: the typical Chinese houses, small lakes, water falls, bridges and buildings make a wonderful scenery. It was an exotic experience to train in such a beautiful environment.

In the evening, it was time to say goodbye to our host, his staff and his pupils. We were very much surprised that not only Earl and his direct staff came to say goodbye, but all of his students came too. We had thought to leave as we came: quietly. This was an unforgettable moment. We knew we were not just colleagues, but that we were real friends!

After the final handshakes and nice words, we talked about the summer seminar in Slovakia. So, hopefully, the sympathetic man from Cura�ao and his pupils will visit us in Slovakia; pleasing us and many of his fans.