Dim Sum With a Legend

During a recent trip to San Francisco I realized that my hotel was right next to Chinatown, so I figured I would pay my respects to Great GrandMaster Ming Lum. I called him on his cell phone, and wittin 15 minutes we were walking together in Chinatown. He took me to go eat Dim Sum at a local whole in the wall restaurant, but the food was really good - I just kept eating what ever he ordered for me. I specially enjoyed the tea that was being served to me by this living legend - I was mesmarized by our conversation and was so focused on what he was saying that I didn't notice him pouring the tea into my cup every time it was empty. As much as I wanted to serve him, I was too late and too slow. I felt bad, since I don't think I deserve the honor of this simple gesture, but that'shis nature - to serve. The Martial Arts community has named him "The Ambassador of Good Will", and it's obvious why. He is the senior advisor to some of the most important Martial Arts organizations, and GrandMasters frequently seek his wisdom and advice. His accomplishments and accolades are numerous, but his humble simplicity is overwhelming. After a nice long lunch, he gave me a walking tour of Chinatown - this is what I was looking forward to. His knowledge of history was incredible, and I was particularly excited to hear his re-telling of the Bruce Lee challenge by the Tong, and the subsequent events. He later came to pick me up at my hotel to join him, his wife, and Sifu Andy Ching for dinner, but first he took me to his home. I'm fortunate to be able to step into his home and meet his wonderful wife of over 50 years. I was like a little boy in a candy shop looking at the old Martial Arts pictures and diplomas on his wall - meanwhile, he was autographing a book for me on Bruce Lee, which he wrote one of the chapters . . .Again, giving and giving more to me. We had a great dinner at a local "traditional" chinese restaurant, we also had the pleasure of Sifu Andy Ching's company. We talked for a long time about the old days, the current politics in the Martial Arts community, and some future projects. All I can say is that I wish to be as humble, giving, and wise as Great GrandMaster Ming Lum some day. I hope we keep him around for a while, and encourage all to seek his wisdom and history, which he freely gives.