His World Headquarters was around the corner from the University I went to for undergrad. I rented a room in a place just down the street from him, and stopped in often to chat, compare notes, etc. Interesting cat.
Has a set of makiwara knuckles that look like walnut shell halves have been surgically implanted under the skin. Loves to show off his breaking skill, too (at least, he did in 1992-ish). For anyone who doubts the ability of a human to break river rock with their bare hands, he often had a stack of stones in the studio. Of course, he couldn't open his hands very far, and cold days sucked for him.
Very elementary, TKD-based style. Added boxing, and some yudo, some weapons that looked good in tournaments. Nothing really new, but he did train like a madman and got really goood att doing his own thing. One of those guys you just say, "I'll tell you what...if you don't think he's a master, go kick his butt and take that belt right off of him". But make sure your health insurance is paid up first, cuz you'll need it.
Big ego, not uncommon in the Korean masters; lot of time spent in discussion is spent listening to his puffery. But he's also willing to put his money where his mouth was. In a second. Good place to spend an afternoon break from studies.
D.
