Sensei "Mean" Gene Lebell R.I.P.

I briefly met Judo Gene in the early 90s down at Gokor's. I would go down with a few friends to do "drop in" classes. While I was back in LA from Bible school one summer, I found myself back at the Judo mecca in West Hollywood (or least that's where I thought it was). When Sensei Lebell found out that I was attending school in Regina, SK, he grabbed me by the collar and dragged me outside. Surprised at his reaction, I thought that I was done for. Sitting outside of the school on a chair was his lovely wife Midge. Sensei drops me off in front of her and says "Regina, meet Manitoba" then returned back to class. The man was kind, thoughtful, and tough. When the Gracies were challenging everyone in LA to MMA, Sensei joking thought "sure, I'll fight their dad since he's closer to my age" (Helio). I still remember one of the first "drop in" classes I attended. He looked up at me and said "I need a fresh neck, come here boy." When he demonstrated the choke - which I had never seen in my life - all I was fixated on was the patch on his pink gi that said "when in doubt, choke them out." That was the last thing I saw before passing out . . . or did I even tap? Rest in peace sensei, may God have mercy on your soul.

The Life to Know HIm

"It is not the baptism of the Holy Spirit that changes people, but the power of the ascended Christ coming into their lives through the Holy Spirit. We all too often separate things that the New Testament never separates. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not an experience apart from Jesus Christ— it is the evidence of the ascended Christ." 

(Oswald Chambers, "The Life to Know Him" from "My Utmost for His Highest")

20 Years later . . .

We must remember . . .  https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/tim-kellers-sermon-9-11/

"8 Reflections on Racism and Riots" by Brian Najapfour

Never Forget

The Bass Walk: Abraham Laboriel

Eric Johnson Presents 'Demon At the Door Heroin in Seattle' Recorded Jun...

A Legit Axeman ~ "Amen - Vinai T - Live In Seoul Korea 13/Dec/2018"

Damn!

RENZO GRACIE VS YUKI KONDO ONE CHAMPIONSHIP: REIGN OF KINGS

Judge Pirro on Being Shouted Down on 'The View': A 'Microcosm' of the Ha...

Fight ON!

"Undisturbed Places" - A Timelapse Film by Maciej Tomków

Undisturbed Places - A Timelapse Film from Maciej Tomków on Vimeo.

Soldier of Christ

"The Difference Between Calvinists and Arminians" by John Piper

Do we have the capacity or room for mysteries in our theology?  Which team is actually restricted and "boxed in"?

Big Wreck (Berklee's Version of a graduated Super Axe)

"There is a phony faith . . ."

"There is a phony faith that wants only escape from hell, but has no desire for Christ. That kind of faith does not save. It does not produce an eager expectation for Christ to come. In fact, it would rather that Christ not come for as long as possible, so that it can have as much of this world as possible." (John Piper)

Francis Chan on preaching/teaching

This article originally appeared in YouthWorker Journal's July 2015 issue. Francis Chan lays out a compelling yet biblically firm argument for humility, Spirit-reliance and hard work for those who are called to preach/teach God's Word.  He uses 7 questions as a guide when ministering God's Word.

Yuki Nakai ~ "The Father of BJJ in Japan"

Here is a great and insightful interview by Budo Jake with Sensei Yuki Nakai-san.  An amazing and thoughtful man.

"In Flanders Fields . . ."