Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel Ford.
Hi Gabriel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a child, I had an abundance of energy. I was diagnosed with ADD at an early age and was introduced to different outlets to direct my focus and help with my attention issues. It was my grandfather, Bernie Ford, who had suggested I try out various sports throughout my elementary school years. But even in these programs I was still struggling with learning rules and paying attention to other teammates.
It wasn’t until I reached my early preteen years that I had discovered a natural gravitation towards martial arts. This was all further enhanced through various forms of media such as television shows like Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I was immediately fascinated with the art form, its movements, history, culture, etc… and wanted to learn as much as I could about it. For the next several years it became a driving passion and motivated me to stay in good physical shape, gain more confidence, discipline, and stay determined in my achievements.
I took classes at the U.S Martial Arts Academy for several years all while maintaining independent studies of other styles of martial arts; more particularly the different weapons utilized for these styles. One such weapon that caught my attention was the Nunchaku. I was immediately hyper-fixated on learning and practicing daily with this implement. I would carry a pair crude homemade pair around with me everywhere I went spending hours practicing and teaching myself as much as I could. I had saved up some money to finally buy a simple foam practice pair from my local martial arts school and immediately got into using two pairs at a time.
Throughout this time, I was being trained at my martial arts school on how to become an instructor though one of their programs. From this point forward I realized how much I enjoyed teaching and was described as having a natural ability for teaching. So, I began to gain a major interest in learning all the different ways there is to teach (i.e., kinetic, visual, auditory). I then applied these skills to the years of nunchaku I have learned and developed over several approaches to teaching. I began creating online video tutorials demonstrating narrated examples through step-by-step scenarios along with troubleshooting common mistakes.
Over the last 25 years, I now find myself teaching both private and group lessons, online video call lessons, and traveling to various festivals and events as an instructor and professional fire performer. I began teaching flow art lessons at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center including both nunchaku classes and poi spinning.
As of 2022, I am currently teaching several private lessons throughout the week alongside traveling to events where I also teach and perform. I wish to always continue my path of progress through my passion for wanting to teach. For me, having a student realize their potential is one of the most rewarding experiences one could ever have.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This reminds me of a quote from D.H. Lawrence “This is no smooth road into the future: but we go round, or scramble over the obstacles.” If at times it had not been for the bumps and obstacles in the road, I might not have had the opportunity to stop and look back all that that I have achieved… or checked the tread on my tires.
I can recall facing quite a few struggles throughout my journey as an instructor. Some of the more recent and notable ones currently are finding places that see any value in the art forms that I teach. I have found it comes down to two factors – popularity and interest generation. It’s difficult to share and teach something if the studio, event, or organization does not see it gaining any monetary value or popular interest. Which to me has been a paradox as of late – for how is anyone to know if they are interested in something unless it is equally offered as a choice? But throughout this struggle, I was able to curate my teaching package to those whom saw potential and something new to offer that may not be found elsewhere. Through the process of elimination, I had noted particular events and organizations that I realized were a better fit for both my years of dedicated teaching experiences. Fortunately, I was able to see the value within myself and what I uniquely offer to students and events through this process.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a martial arts and flow arts instructor as well a professional fire performer. I am known for being a private and group lesson instructor for both martial and flow arts (prop manipulation) Throughout the greater tri-state area I am most known for being one of the areas leading and premier fire performers available for bookings.
I specialize in teaching nunchaku and most other flow arts props. For those unaware, flow arts is the broad term used for a form of object manipulation usually performed with props such as poi, staff, and hula-hoop. Moves are executed in forms and patterns and often as a form of dance.
I am most proud of becoming a group leader during the last decade for flow arts. I have created events and gatherings throughout the Cincinnati area. I also created an online social network group for all to stay updated with future events,
I have been an advocate for creating an industry standard for fire performers throughout the tri-state as well. Teaching new up-and-coming fire and circus performers tips and tricks to get more value from their bookings and valuing themselves as artist for more substantial pay.
Setting me apart from others would most notably be my skill level and overall teaching ability. I have been credited as being a good performer. But I truly find the most delight when my classes and lessons are praised by my students and fellow instructors as well.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Respect and value your art! This is advice that is easier said than done. Many newer performers and instructors do not believe they should be properly compensated for their time. This has been more a predatory practice and “volunteerism” mentality instilled into the community; where event organizers offer free entry as a form of compensation is has been the most common. I believe a respectable and proper compensation should always be given to those just starting out. Do not be afraid to say no – there is always another event.
I do wish I had known this as soon as I began getting booked for gigs and especially applying to teach at events. It was only after I gained more knowledge was that I realized I could (and should) be getting paid to both teach and perform. Many events hope to get all their talent for as free as possible. I was happy to go through the process of elimination and wished only to teach/perform for events that respect their applicants time and dedication.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wlo.link/@gabrielford
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriel_nunchaku/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabrielfordfire/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/gavelepo
Image Credits
Erica Chambers Photography
The Storie Teller Photography
Robert Olson Photography
