Master Ken MacKenzie, the acknowledged highest ranking student of Ji Han Jae, allowed me to meet with his students (and their parents) to discuss my books, SHIDOSHI:The Four Ways of the Corpse and Go-Tao-Chi, the five principles of chi. It was an honor and a pleasure to meet so many dedicated young (and not so young) martial artists. Their good manners and interest in my writings was very refreshing. In all cases, it was a testament to the maxim that the "fruit doesn't fall far from the tree." You can always tell a great teacher by the behavior of his students. Before any of them really knew what I was doing in their school, each made a point to come to me individually, introduce themselves and shake my hand. Afterward, when we had all gathered together and exchanged a formal salute, they sat and listened attentively and asked some very thoughtful questions that I had not anticipated, but were welcomed with what I hope were thoughtful answers.
It was especially heartening to see such respect for the topic I had to share, because it would have been understandable for them to be anxious to continue with a special workshop that was being conducted by Austrian instructor, Perry Zmugg who was teaching both knife throwing and escrima work on the same evening. A special thank you to Mr. Zmugg for graciously allowing me to interfere with the flow of his workshop...and of course to Master MacKenzie for opening his Dojang with such a warm welcome. I was very impressed.
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