The Used to Be's

One night we had a massive queue in the chippy. It was probably a saturday night, and it was well busy. This guy had come in and was causing quite some noise. He had always been a bit rowdy whenever he would come in. I just couldn't wait 'til closing time. My dad went into the crowd of customers to try and shut him up. He refused to listen. I had also accompanied my dad and thats when the guy said how he knew how a certain bunch of people would kill me easily. I can't remember what happened next, or what was said next. All I remember now is that dad had done some quick throw on him after gesturing to shake his hand. And he didn't just do this the one time. Dad offered to shake his hand again, and again, the guy ended up rolling on the floor. He ran away, but only as far as a building site a little further down Ashton Old Road, where they were going to build a Kwik Save. He came back with a big plank of wood. Maybe he thought that this would be an equaliser - so out came the rice flails from under the counter. All this time we were serving, cooking, frying. I came out and did a few moves, I don't remember what but I do remember having a great book by "Fumio Demura on Nunchaku, Karate Weapon of Self Defense" and having a few lessons at Steve's George St Gym, (http://www.jeet-kune-do.info/). I would never hit anyone with anything, especially a rice flail, and in the end I gave away that book. But a few flashy moves worked, the trouble-maker threw the plank down, said "burn it" and walked away. He only lived on the next block! He sat outside his house on his doorstep long after our queue of customers had left (some of whom left for good and never came back!) Dad and I went to chat with him. Can't recall now what was said, but in the ensuing months and even years, things were fine between us and him. I think that was in 1985 when the chippy did good business in that affluent decade. Apart from this and other episodes of violent behaviour, those times were great! If we never had the chippy, I would never have begun any martial arts, would have never got to see Way of the Dragon when it was on "Rank Video" (this was the first Bruce Lee movie I opted to rent out), and would have never have got to meet the great people that I have along the way. Oh also along the way, I learnt how to do a bit of cooking, and no, its not all MSG!

So, you want salt and vinegar on your chips and gravy? Eat now? (Yeah. "Sore Finger", heard that one before...)

Happy training
L.