It is hard to believe that today is the 10th anniversary of the all-too early passing of one of Martial Arts greatest exponents, my friend and teacher, the legendary Larry Hartsell.
Widely regarded as one of Bruce Lee’s toughest and most accomplished students, Sifu Larry was a phenomenal fighter, yet beneath that toughness lay the heart of a genuinely gentle and very special person. I feel blessed and deeply honored to have known him, be taught by him and continually inspired by his memory.
Here is a video I created in his memory several years ago. Rest In Peace my friend.
Today marks the 44th anniversary of the passing of Bruce Lee. In those 44 years I have been blessed to have met Bruce Lee’s mother, brother, wife, daughter, to have been taught by his Wing Chun class mate Victor Kan Wah Chit, and to have trained with several of his students, including Dan Inosanto, Jesse Glover and James DeMile, and certified by three of his best – Larry Hartsell, Richard Bustillo and Joe Lewis – who have all sadly passed too.
Bruce Lee was the major influence on the direction that my life took, as he was for so many others, and I shall be forever grateful. My deepest respect to him, his family, friends and students always.
Rest In Peace Bruce and enjoy training again with Larry, Richard and Joe.
I was extremely proud and grateful to receive a Hall of Fame Award at the UK Martial Arts Show, especially as I did not expect it and I had only gone along to support friends and fellow Martial Artists as they received their awards.
My sincere Thanks to Bob Sykes and Paul Barnett for the nomination, to Bob and Kevin ‘the Jedi’ Brewerton for the presentation, and to my great friend Bill ‘Superfoot’ Wallace and Lance Lewis for the photo opportunity.
I dedicated this award to my late friend and teacher, the legendary Richard Bustillo R.I.P.
Today would have been the 73rd birthday of my friend and teacher, the legendary Joe Lewis. He achieved so much, not only in the world of Martial Arts, but in life itself; his influence continues to be felt by many.
Lots of best wishes for a very Happy Birthday to my friend and teacher, Richard Bustillo … legendary Jeet KuneDo instructor and one of Bruce Lee‘s original and best students! He is known as the Iron Dragon for good reason!! Have a GREAT day Sifu Richard!!
My sincere best wishes to all for a very Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year!!
As we enter 2017 I find myself incredibly grateful that this year will mark my 44th year in formal Martial Arts (without about four additional years of informal training from the age of seven!) The gloves I’m wearing in the photo are generally referred to as Bong Sau gloves, or simply as Bruce Lee gloves … due to Bruce wearing them in some of his early demonstrations and even more so, to their appearance in his iconic movie, Enter the Dragon.
The gloves worn here are almost 40 years old and have seen LOTS of action!!
During my 43 years as a Martial Artist I have been blessed to have met so many wonderful teachers, students, friends and colleagues. In fact, my entire life has been shaped by the multi-faceted benefits of the Martial Arts. As with so many others around the world, this passion of mine was, and continues to be, inspired by Lee Hsiao Loong … Bruce Lee, the Little Dragon.
So with the utmost respect and sincere gratitude, on what would have been his 76th birthday … Happy Birthday Bruce!!!
I was extremely grateful and felt very honoured to receive my second Hall of Fame award in the space of two weeks, this time at the fantastic UK Martial Arts Show.
It was a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by great Martial Artists of all ages and all backgrounds. reveling in the arts that we passionately train in, study and teach – day in, day out, year after year. I was especially fortunate to spend some special, one-on-one time with Bob Sykes (truly much appreciated) and with my great friend Bill Wallace. I must also give special thanks to some other brilliant people that it’s my good fortune to know … Bobby KickboxSingh Rayatt, Ben Lewis, Pete Mac, Shaun Boland, Paul Barnett and Dean Williams.
Congratulations to all those who received an award, including my good friend Darren Le Fevre who unfortunately could not attend (thanks Darren for giving me the honour of collecting your award on your behalf) … and thanks to friends, family and students for making it possible in the first place.
Martial Arts Illustrated Black Belt Hall of Fame Awards
A HUGE Thank You to Bob Sykes and Paul Barnett for nominating me to receive an award at the Martial ArtsIllustrated Black Belt Hall of Fame Awards. It was a FANTASTIC evening, shared with many wonderful Martial Artists, new and old friends alike. I am so very proud to be part of this amazing brotherhood and life … Martial Arts Forever!!!
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