A meeting with Mr McCann

Nov 3rd, 2012 06:14 PM

Cal listened with interest to the Deputy's plan. Honestly he hadn't expected the man to be interested in something like that, but it made sense the more he thought about it. The Daeva had rather mixed feelings about MMA though, so he chose his words very carefully when the chance to respond was offered.

"Having had the pleasure of sparring with you Deputy Connery, I predict it will be a very successful venture." He offered a sincere smile of appreciation for Dillon's skills. "If there is any way I can help out I'd be glad to, but I must admit that my own needs are somewhat different. You see MMA is so popular right now that I can't imagine anything less than a very successful enterprise. Whereas times are somewhat harder for what are considered the 'Traditional' Chinese martial arts." He became very thoughtful as he spoke. "My vision is for a place that caters for a range of needs. From traditional teaching of Kung Fu, through hard and soft Chi Gong, Tai Chi, Lion dance, and maybe more cultural activities like learning Chinese." He looked at both of them. "The good news is that I can't see there being much competition between such places. In fact I can see a lot of potential for crossover seminars and sparring sessions."

With his piece said he settled in to hear what they had to say in return. Having trained with both of them he really felt that what they had to say would be extremely valuable, and he felt confident that they would understand where he was coming from.

**Dillon Connery** · Nov 4th, 2012 12:04 PM

Sitting forward in his seat a little, Dillon lets himself get 'into' the discussion a bit more, gesturing in front of him slightly while his elbows rest on his knees. "Oh no, competition between venues is the very last concern on my mind. And I agree that there could be some overlap, if that is the way you wish to play it."

There is a pause, before Dillon seemingly launches in a different direction. "I have to confess. If there is one thing I am guilty of being greedy about, it is my own fighting prowess. It is why the world of Mixed Martial Arts appeals to me, rather than the height of popularity it is enjoying.

"I say that I am greedy, because there is no useful combative skill set that I won't try to possess. Maybe it comes from having been a soldier, I don't know. But if there is a more effective method of eliminating a threat in a given situation, I want to learn it."

The Gangrel flips his hands out to the side once, in a gesture suggesting something similar to a shrug. "I have great respect for those who dedicate themselves to the art, and the culture of any such system. I can't think of a word that does it justice, because things like 'Traditionalist' or 'Purist' sound negative and are incorrect.

"But personally, I was meant for something different."

He was meant to be a killing machine.

"The reason why I brought it up, is simply because I already have Tenancy, and the right to own business and property within Valencia. If everything keeps running smoothly, it would be nice to have another set of knowledgeable Kindred hands on call sometime within the next few months."

Nov 4th, 2012 01:55 PM

Callum couldn't help but smile. "Why Deputy Connery, I do believe you are a man after my own heart." He laughed lightly. "Purely in a martial artist sense of course." As the smile faded he continued more seriously.

"We are both looking at the same endgame as far as I can tell. I imagine my own road there will take me through learning every worthwhile system, seeing it from the inside out, so that one day I will create my own. The thing I love about the 'traditional' martial arts is that they are continually evolving and adapting to new environments. It just so happens that I enjoy the philosophies that come along with them. I find that students tend to benefit from the discipline of needing to know more than just the fighting." He shrugged, there was plenty more he had to say about MMA and traditional martial arts, but that could come later.

"Of course none of that detracts from the fact that I'd be honoured to work with you Deputy Connery, and I thank you for the opportunity." He solemnly offered the man his hand, even as his beast recoiled from the very idea.

**Martha Villiers** · Nov 5th, 2012 12:40 AM

Feeling that this is all very much talk for the gentlemen to pursue, Martha simply continues to watch and listen and will do so unless addressed directly.

[OOC: i.e. please don't worry about scooting on and waiting for Martha's turn in Posting. She's very content to watch and listen at the moment

]

**Dillon Connery** · Nov 11th, 2012 12:21 PM

"I understand completely." Dillon's animated nod swings to the side a bit, and he closes his eyes for a slightly long blink therein, all for emphasis. "For example, and MMA is a perfect one for this, Jiu-Jitsu today is very different from when I first learned it."

Because he first learned it over a century ago.

"Helio Gracie and his family changed all of that. But largely for the better. A deeper study of individual arts can offer a more complete understanding of the whole of Martial Arts, for sure."

Accepting Callum's handshake solidly, Dillon punctuates it with a softer nod.

"Speaking of MMA, and possible movie nights, why don't we blend the idea on November the seventeenth? UFC 154 will be airing on Pay-Per-View, featuring Georges St-Pierre against Carlos Condit for the undisputed Welterweight title.

"See, Mister St-Pierre suffered an injury a year or so ago, and was forced to sort of vacate his title. Carlos Condit won the interim title, and now GSP wants to reclaim it. Should be a very exciting contest." Dillon shrugs. "I'm sure we can, if nothing else, purchase a private viewing room in one of Sacramento's local establishments that will be ordering the event."

He looks back and forth between Martha and Callum once, gauging their reactions to the idea.