There is a guy in my class who is a third degree black belt in tae kwon do. Recently he was open minded enough to join kungfu/wushu. The thing is he is 64. But he was a very young 64. He almost had cubes. He could do pushups all day. He could hold horse stance better then most. I would let the students up for a break and he would stay in his stance straight through.
So anyway last week in class he was talking about how good he was feeling. In my opinion he was getting better. Then suddenly during his form he passed out. My teacher performed cpr until the paramedics got there. Then they worked on him for a half an hour. But they couldn't revive him. He died right there in the class.
He had my respect as a martial artist. But even more then that he was a young soul. We had planned many snowboarding trips for this year. I don't have any friends over 40 nevermind 60. He was cool and down to earth. I recently spent the day explaining differnet kungfu styles to him at a tourny in Jersey.
He had an enthuisiasm for kungfu that many peoeple a lot younger them him lack. And for that alone we have so much more in common then anyone else I know. So I miss him. He was my kungfu brother. I see this connection so clearly now. I will miss him. One guy like him is worth a hundred mediocre students.
Just remember to appreciate your training and you kungfu brothers and sisters. Because none of this is permamnent. I trained so hard in class today. and I thank God everyday that I am young enough to train kungfu.
I will always think of him. His name was John Whalen. Everyone keep him in your hearts and thoughts tonight. I know he is in mine.
Peace.
So anyway last week in class he was talking about how good he was feeling. In my opinion he was getting better. Then suddenly during his form he passed out. My teacher performed cpr until the paramedics got there. Then they worked on him for a half an hour. But they couldn't revive him. He died right there in the class.
He had my respect as a martial artist. But even more then that he was a young soul. We had planned many snowboarding trips for this year. I don't have any friends over 40 nevermind 60. He was cool and down to earth. I recently spent the day explaining differnet kungfu styles to him at a tourny in Jersey.
He had an enthuisiasm for kungfu that many peoeple a lot younger them him lack. And for that alone we have so much more in common then anyone else I know. So I miss him. He was my kungfu brother. I see this connection so clearly now. I will miss him. One guy like him is worth a hundred mediocre students.
Just remember to appreciate your training and you kungfu brothers and sisters. Because none of this is permamnent. I trained so hard in class today. and I thank God everyday that I am young enough to train kungfu.
I will always think of him. His name was John Whalen. Everyone keep him in your hearts and thoughts tonight. I know he is in mine.
Peace.
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