I have been extremely lucky in the martial training I have had.
First I learned Yiliquan at the foot of the founder himself. Later, I received tutoring from some of the seniors in Yiliquan, and am now training with the second seniormost student still actively training and teaching.
I trained under Guro John Lehmann, one of Datu Tim Hartman's 2nd degree black belts, and the WMAA representative for Japan. His insight and skill were extraordinary.
I trained with Mr. Robert Rousselot, one of Taika Oyata's 4th dans, and a person whose personal skill, integrity, honesty and directness were examples of Midwestern values. His understanding of Karate, and how the exact same movements corollated with the CMA that I study were flatly amazing.
I have also been very particular in pursuing tutelage under others. I have found that, with few exceptions, there have only been a very small handful of MAists with whom I care to associate on any regular or formal basis, much less any with whom or under whom to train.
Sorry, but what I learned from Sifu Starr simply has yet to be replicated by anyone else.
That's not to say that I haven't met some fine, talented MAists. I have. But none of them have had anything to offer that could drag me away from Yiliquan (except maybe those I mentioned above).
Just my own personal (and biased) opinion.
Gambarimasu.
:asian:
:shrug:
