A Gathering of the Old School Masters
On November 17th, 2007, Master Kidd Jason produced a Martial Arts Show and Expo at the Kempo school of Shihan Stephen Gellardo, in the city of Whittier. From left-to-right on this picture you can see Master Kidd Jason, myself, Shihan Stephen Gellardo, Grand Master Peterson, and Grand Master Jerry Bell. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, other than Kidd asked me to come and perform a demo for the Expo. I've known Kidd for many years as a top ranked competitor - I would be one of the judges in his ring, although a bit hard I was always fair. I would just call him "crazy Kidd" - even to this day he is still crazy. But one thing about Kidd, he would always be very respectful and honorable. Grand Master Peterson (at the age of 82) is still very strong and has an incredible knowledge bank in his brain that needs to be admired. His accomplishments are impressive, as one of the founding fathers of Martial Arts in the United States, dating back to post WWII. As the usual bigotry of this country towards minorities, specially African Americans, the proper credit has not be given to such pioneers. Grand Master Jerry Bell was another great competitor, not just in the U.S., but all around the world. I also judged him several times and definitely admired him from the side lines - but more about him later. 
As the day went on, all of us shared our knowledge with the students and guests present. It turn out to be more of an instructional type of demonstration than just a pure set of demos - this was just great, to hear and see the techniques of these top Masters. Also present was Master Jim Muse and Master Freddie Cruz, whom I have known for years in the tournament circles. More time went by and somehow the mood, context, and theme of the event suddenly changed. Now, the Masters started philosophising, and sharing their inner wisdom with all present. In retrospect, this is exactly what Kidd had in mind, to bring together a gathering of "Old School" Master to share in dialogue their foundations, protocols, and traditions - he certainly accomplished that. It started with Gran Master Bell's flawless demonstration of his system. In between his expertly delivered techniques, his words were more powerful than any strike he demonstrated. Followed by Master Jim Muse, who opened with incredible words of wisdom deeply rooted in his religious believes. So many people forget that Martial Arts is different from any other sports in the world because of it's religious beginnings. You don't have to be a Buddhist to incorporate religion into your art, all you have to do is replace the Buddhist teachings with your own truth, be it Christianity or Muslim. It was obvious that all present understood this fundamental truth, and that a true martial artist was one that harmonized his mind, body, soul, and spirit. I must say that Master Muse really impressed me when he performed his forms, and for those who know me they understand that I "rarely" get impressed. He has matured so much over the years, and finally I see his opponent (you figure that one out). 
One of the main reasons I accepted Kidd's invitation was to see one of the Master that I used to enjoy sitting next to at tournaments to judge weapons divisions, and on several occasion I had the pleasure of competing with some of his students, Master Freddie Cruz was still in great shape and in great spirits. It moved me to hear him describe how he has found a relationship with Jesus and now he travels everywhere evangelising his word. There was never any fear in his eyes before, of mortal things at least, but now there is absolute joy in his eyes and reassurance that he's walking with Jesus right now and if tomorrow never comes, he will be with him in heaven - what a powerful full circle embodiment of God's grace. 
Now, back to Grand Master Jerry Bell. I remember him as a very humble, yet incredible competitor, as a fighter as well as a Kata competitor. Every time I would see him I know I would see crisp, perfect moves. I didn't know then about his extensive background in several Martial Arts, which he studied all over the world with top Grand Masters. We know now about his successful music and movie Carree, but what always interested me was how this man "got it". The thing that is not written, or hardly taught any more. The thing that always fascinated me about my teachers. That something that separated an excellent practitioner from a true Master of the Martial Arts. My dear brother, you've got it! As I listened to his words of wisdom and saw him move so gracefully, I began to understand how he "got it". There's no magic here, it is really all about self discipline, dedication, respect, and a hunger for knowledge that never stops. I can only imagine how hard it was for him, as an African America, to penetrate the Japanese culture enough to have these top ranked Master teach him. It was also very difficult for me when I started, my teachers were very "old school" traditional Masters - what would I know about any Asian culture? they must of wondered. But I showed them respect, dedication, and adherence to proper Martial Art protocol and etiquette that is rarely seen today - then they believed me, and shared with me their way of life. Grand Master Bell must have done the same, and he is still honoring his teachers by passing their knowledge to his children and students. I never believe in coincidences, I know God speaks to us through many channels, we just have to be receptive to his ways and open in our spirits. When I got home, I played the DVD that Grand Master Bell gave me, which was a documentary on his background and style, filled with many clips and interesting interview. One of the interviews was with a student of his, who said that ". . . Grand Master Bell practices what he teaches us along side of us". A simple statement, that was meant for me. It was like I turned on my mental recorder when he spoke during the seminar, and every word he said registered with me on an interesting plane that I've yet to understand fully. The DVD just solidified some things in my mind. Again, some people are put in our path through life to edify us, guide us, empower us, reassure us, strengthen us, give us hope, and Grand Master Jerry Bell you have made a significant impact in my life in just a couple of hours. Lots of the reasons why are internal to me, and perhaps some day I will have the opportunity to share them with him. I would like to thank Master Kidd Jason for having the vision to bring together to this simple gathering a rare bread of true Masters, who's wisdom is a blessing to all of us. May the seeds planted in all that were present bring forth fruit.
As the day went on, all of us shared our knowledge with the students and guests present. It turn out to be more of an instructional type of demonstration than just a pure set of demos - this was just great, to hear and see the techniques of these top Masters. Also present was Master Jim Muse and Master Freddie Cruz, whom I have known for years in the tournament circles. More time went by and somehow the mood, context, and theme of the event suddenly changed. Now, the Masters started philosophising, and sharing their inner wisdom with all present. In retrospect, this is exactly what Kidd had in mind, to bring together a gathering of "Old School" Master to share in dialogue their foundations, protocols, and traditions - he certainly accomplished that. It started with Gran Master Bell's flawless demonstration of his system. In between his expertly delivered techniques, his words were more powerful than any strike he demonstrated. Followed by Master Jim Muse, who opened with incredible words of wisdom deeply rooted in his religious believes. So many people forget that Martial Arts is different from any other sports in the world because of it's religious beginnings. You don't have to be a Buddhist to incorporate religion into your art, all you have to do is replace the Buddhist teachings with your own truth, be it Christianity or Muslim. It was obvious that all present understood this fundamental truth, and that a true martial artist was one that harmonized his mind, body, soul, and spirit. I must say that Master Muse really impressed me when he performed his forms, and for those who know me they understand that I "rarely" get impressed. He has matured so much over the years, and finally I see his opponent (you figure that one out). 
One of the main reasons I accepted Kidd's invitation was to see one of the Master that I used to enjoy sitting next to at tournaments to judge weapons divisions, and on several occasion I had the pleasure of competing with some of his students, Master Freddie Cruz was still in great shape and in great spirits. It moved me to hear him describe how he has found a relationship with Jesus and now he travels everywhere evangelising his word. There was never any fear in his eyes before, of mortal things at least, but now there is absolute joy in his eyes and reassurance that he's walking with Jesus right now and if tomorrow never comes, he will be with him in heaven - what a powerful full circle embodiment of God's grace. 
Now, back to Grand Master Jerry Bell. I remember him as a very humble, yet incredible competitor, as a fighter as well as a Kata competitor. Every time I would see him I know I would see crisp, perfect moves. I didn't know then about his extensive background in several Martial Arts, which he studied all over the world with top Grand Masters. We know now about his successful music and movie Carree, but what always interested me was how this man "got it". The thing that is not written, or hardly taught any more. The thing that always fascinated me about my teachers. That something that separated an excellent practitioner from a true Master of the Martial Arts. My dear brother, you've got it! As I listened to his words of wisdom and saw him move so gracefully, I began to understand how he "got it". There's no magic here, it is really all about self discipline, dedication, respect, and a hunger for knowledge that never stops. I can only imagine how hard it was for him, as an African America, to penetrate the Japanese culture enough to have these top ranked Master teach him. It was also very difficult for me when I started, my teachers were very "old school" traditional Masters - what would I know about any Asian culture? they must of wondered. But I showed them respect, dedication, and adherence to proper Martial Art protocol and etiquette that is rarely seen today - then they believed me, and shared with me their way of life. Grand Master Bell must have done the same, and he is still honoring his teachers by passing their knowledge to his children and students. I never believe in coincidences, I know God speaks to us through many channels, we just have to be receptive to his ways and open in our spirits. When I got home, I played the DVD that Grand Master Bell gave me, which was a documentary on his background and style, filled with many clips and interesting interview. One of the interviews was with a student of his, who said that ". . . Grand Master Bell practices what he teaches us along side of us". A simple statement, that was meant for me. It was like I turned on my mental recorder when he spoke during the seminar, and every word he said registered with me on an interesting plane that I've yet to understand fully. The DVD just solidified some things in my mind. Again, some people are put in our path through life to edify us, guide us, empower us, reassure us, strengthen us, give us hope, and Grand Master Jerry Bell you have made a significant impact in my life in just a couple of hours. Lots of the reasons why are internal to me, and perhaps some day I will have the opportunity to share them with him. I would like to thank Master Kidd Jason for having the vision to bring together to this simple gathering a rare bread of true Masters, who's wisdom is a blessing to all of us. May the seeds planted in all that were present bring forth fruit.
posted by Si Tai Gung at 8:59 PM
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