Grandmaster Young Ik Suh

To this day, I admire, respect and follow the ways of Grandmaster Suh. He taught me a Way; he guided me into a career that’s meant a great deal to me and thousands of others. He punched me when he should have; he put a black belt on me and sent me on my way to follow his footsteps. The school continues today in his honor and in the spirit of how he raised me.

I never complained. His guidance was needed. I never out-grew it and yet, at nearly 65, I now lead the way. It’s an honor to continue on his path, to share his kung fu and to touch the lives and hearts of folks looking for more on this planet than just going to work and wondering why.

I would defend him to my death today. And, it will never change: I won’t change. The difference he has made in all of our lives clearly demands this kind of respect and loyalty! Who else would have dedicated themselves to my life as he did? Who else would guide me down the path of finding myself and the meaning of my life? Who else would punch me that hard? haha!

This year marks my first 50 years in martial arts! It’s exciting to ponder the next 50! Whatever the number, it all began with my teachers – the talented folks that took a moment of their life to make me important. That moment Mr. Suh and the others offered changed my life forever! I’ll respect them all for a million years and beyond!

Keep training folks! Keep enjoying the world of Kung Fu, our schools and the fellow students. After all, counting to ten isn’t that bad after the first 50 years! I know that for sure now.

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(I met Mr. Suh in Dec. 1971. Prior to that I trained Judo in San Diego and also, Stockton, Ca. for ten years)