For the last 49 years I have studied several Martial Arts under some of the world’s greatest exponents of those Arts. But, my foundation has always been the explosive art of Wing Chun Kung Fu and I am very proud to be a 2nd Generation student of the legendary Ip Man.
Throughout my Martial Arts journey I have endeavoured to be taught by the very best, so that I can be my personal best … so that I can teach others to be their best!!
I am often asked if I still teach and the answer is a very definite YES!! But, as time is precious to each of us and I value mine highly, I only teach Elite Private Lessons to a very small number of students … only those who are serious about excelling to the next level. Is that YOU? 🙏
One of the most ridiculous things in the world of Martial Arts is the high number of Masters, Grand Masters, Great Grand Masters, Supreme Grand Masters, blah blah blah … who live off these titles and don’t even train anymore (and that’s if they ever really did in the first place!!) 😡
However, there are still some of us who have shed genuine blood, sweat and tears over MANY years of harsh training, resulting in GENUINE accomplishment and recognition. The very fact that I personally have been certified by several of the world’s greatest ever Martial Artists in a variety of disciplines, makes it absolutely mandatory that I train harder than ever before, both as a sign of respect and gratitude to my teachers, and most of all … so that I can continue to look in the mirror with my head held high and KNOW that I am indeed a TRUE Martial Artist!!
I was very honoured to receive another Hall of Fame Award at the UK Martial Arts Show 2018. As always, the actual award was just the icing on the cake, as these occasions are wonderful opportunities to meet up with old and new friends alike, from all spheres of our beloved Martial Arts world.
This past Bank Holiday Monday I participated in a test for Black Belt under the legendary Bill Wallace, Superfoot himself.
It was a very grueling test which (pardon the pun) really stretched my comfort zone and beyond. Anyway, the sweat, pain and ‘almost’ tears were completely worth every second, because I can very proudly say that I am now a Bill ‘Superfoot’ Wallace Black Belt!!
In fact, I am the only person outside of the USA and Canada to have been personally promoted to Black Belt by both Joe Lewis and Bill Wallace. Another personal milestone on my Martial Arts journey.
Today is the first anniversary of the very sad passing away of my friend and teacher, the Legendary and Irreplaceable Richard Bustillo. It is incredible in that I cannot believe that it has already been one year, but even more incredible in that I still cannot believe he has gone
I have seen many wonderful sentiments and photos from fellow students of Sigung Richard and from his beautiful family; this is a difficult day for each and every one of us. I trust and hope that Mary his wife, his children Natalie Bustillo Mason, Angela Bustillo Young, Mata Lino, Maka Richard Bustillo Jr. and all of the Bustillo family (close and extended) take some comfort in the obvious world-wide love that was felt for this very special man. Not only will he never be forgotten, but his influence, teachings, friendship, and that charismatic smile of his, will beat in our hearts forever.
Rest In Peace King Richard
Richard Bustillo & George Fitzgerald – Norway 2008
My heartfelt gratitude to Bob Sykes and Paul Barnett for inducting me into the 5-years anniversary of Martial ArtsIllustrated‘s Hall of Fame 2017.
These events are not only a welcome ‘pat on the back’ for many years of devotion to the Martial Arts, but also a wonderful opportunity to spend time with like-minded people … seeing old friends and making new ones. I truly feel blessed that the Martial Arts have been an intrinsic part of my life since 1973
PS: A sincere Thank You to Paul for inviting me to the stage to help present many of the awards to my fellow Martial Artists; a great added honour.
It was a nice surprise to go for a pizza with my great friend Bobby Singh Rayatt last night, but nothing prepared me for the real surprise when he, totally unexpectedly while we walked around London’s Chinatown, presented me with my nomination for a Martial Arts Illustrated Hall of Fame Honor … the bemused look on my face says it all.
Thank you Bobby for putting such thought into the surprise and of course, my sincere gratitude to Bob Sykes and Paul Barnett of Martial Arts Illustrated, the UK’s most successful Martial Arts magazine…. see you next month!
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