The hot, balmy weather was the perfect prelude to a night honoring the 25th anniversary of the Cepeda-Abueg Martial Arts studio.  Students, friends, and family representing the past, present, and future of CAMA gathered for a reunion at the Bonita Golf Course clubhouse this past September 25, 1999.

Master Dan Cepeda opened the night's festivities by introducing the masters and guests of honor.  This celebrated lineup included Master Brian Adams, Shihan John Damian, Grandmaster Chief Al Tehero, Master Narrie Babao, Master George Mique, Sifu Dwight Love, and Sifu Barry Barker.  There has always been a burning bond between Master Dan and his black belts who have trained under him.   

Next the program shifted to the Junior Kenpo demo team.  This was a first for the CAMA anniversaries, but fitting in the sense that the Junior Kenpo classes predominately make up a large percent of the current enrollment at Cepeda-Abueg.  The adult demo team followed with a short and entertaining set.  The demo was noteworthy on two notes.  First, it was the first CAMA demo that anyone can remember where the theme from "Rocky" was not played.  Thanks to Sifu Barry Barker who set up the night with some clean and contemporary music takes.  Second, the technique line marked the unveiling of yet another CAMA first.  Senior Instructor Adrian Juarez applied an innovative "lip lock to cheek" technique on Sifu Frank Marino.  Frank admits, "I was stunned.  It was so effective that I fell down hard and hurt my shoulder.  I really don't know if there is an effective counter for that move."  

The evenings poignant moment came when Sifu Joe organized a tribute to Sifu-Maestro Ricky Miyahara and Joe "Boy" Cepeda through a presentation choreographed by Keola Santos, "I'll Leave this World Loving You."  This was topped off by the presentation of a drawing of Ricky by Sifu (and artist) Frank Marino to Fred and Trish Miyahara.  

The entertainment was completed by a Tahitian presentation by our next door neighbor, Pride of Polynesia.  Cepeda-Abueg's own Jessica Laborce also danced for us on this eventful night.  Sifu Barry then loosened up the crowd with some party tunes, and fittingly, everyone danced through the night.