My Mentor, My Teacher, My Master

10th Degree Chief Instructor Albert Tejero, simply known as "Chief". Passed away on August 15th, 2000 of a total degeneration of his organs from the brutal decease of diabetes. It's already been almost six years, and I STILL can't really talk about it without lots of pain. It would take a book (maybe I'll right it someday) to express what this man did for me. His Martial Arts abilities were unbelievable, his knowledge was vast and deep, his wisdom was humbling, but his Aloha spirit was like non other. All of his students treasured him like their own father, and that's what he liked, since they were all his children. He touched so many people in his lifetime, that his passing shocked the community as well as the Martial Arts world. He carried the flag for his teachers, and always gave them his complete respect, admiration, and credit. Without questions, he was the best breaker on earth. His Chi was off the scale - just his kia (yell) would scare the brick to break. I met him in 1984, and was very fortunate to spend an enormous amount of time with him. He taught me many things about the Martial Arts; history, technique, breaking (yes, even his famous glass break), but the only thing he really wanted for me to learn is humility - a daily struggle for me. There are moments in one's life that you will never forget, and can remember every detail as if it was happening right now - some say, they remember the day JFK was shot, we all remember September 11th now, for me it was the day I stood by his death bed and watch the doctors pull the plug . . .I can humbly say, that I was his true Samurai until his last breath. I love you Chief!