Sensei's Corner: The March 2007 A-KaTO Banquet

March 29, 2007 — This past weekend I had the honor of attending the A-KaTO 31st annual banquet with some of the most influential figures in the history of American martial arts.

The weekend included weapons training, special Kenpo and Arnis seminars, and the chance for me to meet several living legends including Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee. Mr. Rhee gave a moving speech about his hope for bringing peace to the world through Tae Kwon Do. I have often thought that, ironically, those who are most versed in the arts of destruction are generally those who are the most philosophical and the most insistent on the path of peace for all. In April, Mr. Rhee will give a speech before the United Nations in an effort to bring the message of peace to the world. I suspect that we were the test audience for his speech, and I was thoroughly impressed with both his compassion and his intellect. If anyone can change this destructive and disrespectful world we live in, I think it will be Master Rhee. I wish him great luck on his journey to the U.N. His speech gave me hope for the future, and I am deeply grateful for his words of inspiration.

Additionally, Mr. Yates went out of his way to have a special class for us "out-of-towners" and I greatly enjoyed meeting, and sparring with, various members of the Contender school from Memphis. Special thanks also go out to Ysabel and Thomas Merhout for their hospitality in hosting me in their home (with built-in dojo! Can we say "dream come true?!"). Ysabel, a black belt in both Tae Kwon Do and Kobudo, helped me to get a solid start on my brown belt test in Kobudo by working with me on my Sai forms.

From renewing my relationship and friendship with Grandmasters Yates and Proctor to meeting legends such as Jhoon Rhee, Chuck Norris, and Grandmaster James Toney, this past weekend was one that I will remember for the rest of my life. I am continually impressed by the modesty of the great men and women of the martial arts who are represented in the great state of Texas, and continually grateful for their welcoming attitude toward me. I could not ask for a better "home" than Grandmaster Yates and A-KaTO have provided. My gratitude to Mr. Yates is boundless, and I can't wait for my next trip!

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