Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
70 Years of
Human Greatness
DAN INOSANTO
SEVENTY YEARS
OF
HUMAN GREATNESS
DEDICATION
To all my JKD colleagues who took the time to contribute and to
Dan Inosanto, the man to whom we owe it all.
INTRODUCTION
There were actually two major things I wanted to do for Dan Inosanto during 2006.
The first was to have the Martial Art Industry Association give him its Lifetime
Achievement Award and the second was to get all his instructor-students to present
him with a unique gift for this milestone.
The idea for the first occurred to me during the 2005 MAIA Super Conference when
Gene LeBell received the award.
The idea for the second came when I read a book called, The e-Code: 33 Internet
Superstars Reveal 43 Ways to Make Money Online Almost Instantly---Using Only
Email. Marketing legends Joe Vitale & Jo Han Mok got thirty-one of their Internet
buddies to email them their best ideas for marketing strategies which they put
together in book form.
That sounded like a perfect way to easily produce a book that could honor Dan
Inosanto on his 70th birthday.
I would just email everyone on the instructor list, they would respond and the
whole project would be over in about two weeks.
Yeah, right! I certainly wasnt prepared for the shock of using the Internet to
conduct a worldwide project.
For instance, I had no idea that if I emailed more than forty addresses at the same
time, AOL would shut down my email account.
After the first time it happened, I switched addresses thinking it was just a glitch.
But the same thing happened so I ended up with two inactive email accounts. Not
good for business.
As the project kept going, I wondered why the response wasnt as quick as Id
expected. Imagine my surprise on discovering that the different email systems
apparently do not communicate easily with each other.
I sent the first email out in February 2006, thinking that everything would be ready
by the end of March, April at the latest.
I found that many of the email addresses, websites and phone numbers available
for Inosanto instructors were at the least outdated if not outright defunct.
As time passed, I kept adding more and more stories until the project really took on
a life of its own. More and more instructors were coming on board and I was
hearing from people Id never met or heard about.
But I began to realise that I wouldnt be able to include everyone either due to
unavailability or unwillingness to contribute.
When desperation kicked in, I started making phone calls and that effort produced
substantially more results.
Its been unreal and a lot of work, but in the end all worth it!
I hope you enjoy
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Guro Inosanto has been a tremendous role model in the martial arts for me. To have
achieved so much and still be as humble and approachable as he is, its remarkable. His
endless pursuit of knowledge while putting all ego aside is amazing. He has taught me to
continually search and learn in the martial arts.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
The greatest influence Guro Inosanto has had on me would be to never stop
learning and that everyone is important. Other influences are keeping your ego in
check and that you can learn from everyone.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
There are many, many influences Sifu Dan has had on me. His kindness, his
warmth, his sense of humor, his constant desire to learn, his patience, his way of
caring for his students, his amazing skill and precision in the martial arts, all of
these have influenced me and I admire him so much for these qualities. The fact
that he can still train and teach with a very busy schedule, and do it well at age 70
is itself a huge influence for me. Plus, he's my all-time favorite Jiu Jitsu partner! I
know I'm forgetting some more! As for the single greatest influence he has made
on me - it's the understanding of what the martial arts really is about. This quote
by Sifu Dan is one of my favorite by him: "The goal of martial arts is not for the
destruction of an opponent, but to be used as a tool for self-growth and selfperfection. The practice of a martial art should be a practice of love - the love for
the preservation of life, the love for the preservation of your body, the love for the
preservation of your family and friends."
At that seminar I was fortunate to meet and get to train with one of Guros
students in the area Larry Lindenman. It was quite an experience that lasted about
18 months.
During this time I went to many more seminars and decided if I was ever going to
be certified I would like it to be by Dan Inosanto. Then I was off studying with,
training with and meeting anyone who did any Filipino martial arts.
In 1995 with the help of my cousin Michael and his couch, I went out to the
Inosanto academy and trained for 6 weeks.
In 1997 I was able to spend another month and this time after a very stressful test,
on a beautiful California day on the end of January, he said he would put me on
probation. I was so very happy.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
I often reflect on where I would be had I not met and been irrevocable influenced
by my teacher Dan Inosanto.
I am not sure I could have become what I am today with out his help and guidance.
He is truly a light in an other wise dark landscape that is Martial arts today.
I am not sure I will ever be able to thank him enough for all that he has given me,
but I will continue to try.
I am not sure he will ever call me his friend but I will always be his even if he has
many friends and little need of me.
Martial Arts for me started as a very practical thing. It was a way for me to exercise
my brain, and my use of language at the same time trying hard not to get my butt
kicked.
Since I have met this man and began training in Filipino Martial arts that has all
changed for me. I still often have a wicked sense of humor but it has not gotten me
in trouble for many years. I have an inner confidence I cannot explain, but to say it
has helped me often. I have struggled with my own ego and come to a realization
that too much or too little will always be a problem.
All of these things this man Dan Inosanto has helped me with. Every year I
continue to train as much as my body will allow. Every year I try to grow. Every
year I teach I repeat something he told me Aristotle or Plato wrote, Teaching is the
highest form of learning. I try to go into each class and teach as if it were the most
important thing I can do at that moment.
I am just trying to emulate a man I admire so very much. A man who has always
taken the time to answer my question how ever infantile or silly they may seem.
After 20 years of trying and training I have revised my goal to be a brief fraction as
good as he is today and as goals go I feel it is better to shoot for the stars and fall
short, then not try at all.
Arndt Mallepree
Germany
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
From my first time seeing Guro Dan I felt very special touched from his words. He
showed me a path for my life and my martial art!
During my work as a cop, I already experienced a part of the truth in the oracion of
the LaCoste-Inosanto Kali saying:
With my mind and my heart I cherish the knowledge my Instructor has given me,
for it is my life in combat!
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
When I was asked to write my piece for Guro Dan's 70th birthday I felt honored to
be part of a group of individuals that share the same love for a man who has the
same love and passion for his arts, but more importantly a man who gives
unselfishly to whomever wants to learn the way of the martial arts.
How do I begin to say thank you to a human being who teaches the arts as a
vehicle for living life, a man who in essence has given me a reason to continue
developing myself and my students through his teachings?
How does one begin to say thank you to a man who tirelessly travels the world to
share his knowledge, a man who has an uncanny ability to impart knowledge that
has his audience captivated and in awe of his physical abilities?
In your book The Filipino Martial Arts, you make reference to Michael Harts book,
the 100 most influential people in the history of mankind. I can say without a
doubt that Guro, you certainly fit in that category. The amount of lives you have
impacted upon worldwide is without a doubt one of the greatest gifts anyone could
ever give.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
To say that you have been a big influence on my life would be a bit of an
understatement. Getting to work with you over the years has always been fun and
has only solidified my opinion that you are amongst the finest martial artists to
have ever lived, bar none.
Meeting you enabled me to break into training the Special Forces community
through the application of the techniques and concepts that you share.
As I get older, I continue to be amazed at your tireless efforts to spread the art(s),
and hold true to your ideals with a level of integrity that is unsurpassed. Bruce Lee
came up with the concept, but Guro you sure have run with the ball.
Bob Heinemann
Washington
That was the moment I knew this was what I wanted to be associated with. To be
an instructor under Guro Inosanto is something I hold in the highest regards and is
what Im most proud of.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
As I continue to progress in the arts and as a student and an instructor I become
more impressed with Guros dedication as a teacher and student. I see the impact
he has had on the lives of my instructors, Guro Andy Wilson and Rick Faye, and
now Im lucky enough to be a part of that lineage.
My fondness and admiration for Guro Inosanto continues to grow with time and I
feel it is an honor and obligation to promote and pass on, with the highest level of
integrity that I can, what Guro Dan has passed on to all of us.
The single greatest influence Guru has had on me is his ability to remain a student
and the way he is able to constantly grow.
I must add that the way he is able to handle people and his friendliness is also an
attribute I greatly admire.
Bud Thompson
California
never called me over before a class. I approached with some trepidation. He was
on one knee, going through his bag when he looked up at me. He asked, Are you
going to keep on training? I said yes. Good he replied. I want to make you
an Apprentice Instructor. I remember my shock to this day, and I remember my
exact response. Who? Me? With that Sifu stood up, clicked his sticks together
and started class. I was an Apprentice Instructor. I think Simo Paula had a lot to
do with that appointment, as she was always helping me in any way she could.
A few years later Sifu had an article in a major martial arts magazine to clear up
some controversy. In that magazine he listed all of his Associate and Full
instructors, as there had been some disputes about who was legitimate and who
wasnt. Simo Paula handed me the magazine and told me to look at the article. I
did, and scanned all of the names. I finished scanning the article and the list, and
gave it back to Simo. She had a strange look on her face. She said something like,
You didnt see it? See what? She leafed through, then noticed that there had
been a misprint. There was a continuation of the instructor list on another page.
She found the page and showed it to me. There was my name. That is how I
found out that I had become an Associate Instructor with Sifu Inosanto.
Five years later I accompanied Sifu and Simo on a seminar for Bob Breen in
London. Simo Paula made the introductions for the large crowd. She thanked Bob
Breen, introduced Sifu Inosanto, then pointed to me and said something like Here
to help is Burt Richardson. He is a Full Instructor under Sifu Inosanto. That was
news to me. The seminar started, I went up to assist Sifu as Simo walked past me.
I looked at her, my eyes saying, Did I hear that right? She just smiled and sailed
on past.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
The biggest single influence Sifu Inosanto has had on my life? That is so hard to
choose, as the majority of good things that I have done and have are due to Sifu
Inosanto.
If I have to choose one, I think I will relate back to the first time I met Sifu at the
Kali Academy in 1980. When I saw the students move those weapons for the first
time a distinct thought came to me. As enamored as I was, I thought, I will never
be able to do that. I was a very successful athlete and student at that time. I
had a lot of confidence in many areas, but something told me that I would never be
able to do the things that those students did in Numerado.
That nagging voice of self-doubt that we all hear came up and spoke loudly, and I
did not contest it. I relegated myself to being less-than. Because Sifu Inosanto
is so generous and patient with his teaching, I was able to slowly learn how to use
those weapons.
Through his guidance, I went from learning what an angle one was to being able
to flow with various weapons combinations. I am sure that he was frustrated many
times, but he never showed it. Eventually, I was able to perform at a level that I
didnt think I would ever be able to reach.
Sifu Inosanto never gave up on me, and proved to me that I could do it. This
meant that I could learn to do just about anything. I try to pass that lesson on to
my students all around the world, giving them the gift of self-confidence.
Sifu Inosanto didnt just make me a better martial artist; he turned me into a more
productive human being.
Calbert Strawn
Georgia
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
There are literally tons of things that Ive learned from Guro Inosanto, but I believe
the single greatest influence he has had on me has been passing on his love for the
Filipino Martial Arts. The art of Kali is one of my favorite systems to study, train,
teach, etc. I give all of the credit in the world to Guro Dan for sparking this interest
within me and then maintaining my interest over the years with his wealth of
knowledge and generosity of instruction. I probably would not have embarked
upon the art of Kali if not for him, so I thank him for providing me with the tools to
not only begin to understand this combat art, but also to see it as a science of
movement, a physical culture, and as a way to build character and relationships.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Today I am 26 years old, and I always consider to Guro Dan my father and
grand-father in my life.
During my martial art life, I always thought in a person as Guro Dan, not only as
martial artist, as person also. Guro Dan is the inspiration to each person who met
him, especially to me.
You can see on his eyes, the humility, the honesty and the resolution of a great
person. Each moment with Guro Dan is a magic moment; you always learn form
the life with him.
It is the person that you will like to have with you on each moment. It is a friend
for all your life.
Thank you Guro for opening my eyes and accepting me into your family as an
instructor.
Guro Chad Silvis
Warriors Way
Wichita Falls, Tx
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Please tell your favorite Dan Inosanto story
Charles Chi,
New York
I had never seen anything like what he was teaching at that time. His methods
were totally different from all the traditional groups of that time.
I was only able to study at the school for a few short weeks as I had already
decided to go to the Philippines to complete my college education. Because of my
exposure to Filipino martial arts with Guro Dan I embraced the training once I
arrived in the Philippines. To my amazement there were no formal Kali-EscrimaArnis schools and most of the instructor all met at Luneta Park early in the
mornings and in the evening for training.
After I returned to the States, I was determined to find Guro and continue my
training with him. After training with so many instructors over the years (some of
them very famous) I recognized Guro Dan to have a unique personality and
methodology of teaching that made him an exceptional educator. I trained with
Guro through seminars from 1984 until 2001 when I finally became an instructor in
his organization.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
The greatest impact Guro has had on my life comes from his caring and sharing
personality and open mindedness when it comes to learning and teaching. I am so
thankful to him for introducing me to my Indonesian Silat instructor Pa Herman
Suwanda who passed away back in March of 2000 and I thank Guro for allowing me
to join his family and organization of instructors in 2001 after Pa Hermans death.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
As I said, that's very difficult because he has influenced me on so many different
levels. So I would have to say there are two. First, he guided me to develop my
own passion for martial art training and the study of the human body. Second, I
can honestly say that through my relationship with Dan, I was able to become
closer to my father. There are so many others but I would say that those are the
greatest influences.
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Three Attributes
I have always felt that lessons with Guro Dan transcend simple combative
technique or training method and delve deeply into the heart of what it means to be
a good human being. The martial arts as taught by Guro serve as a catalyst to
teach us about ourselves and enrich our lives with depth and character.
Without question, the lesson I carry with me every day is simple: the three most
important attributes of a martial artist are love, compassion, and humility.
In an era when attitude and ego are ever present in martial arts, such a lesson is
priceless. Indeed, this lesson, like all great lessons, can be applied in a myriad of
ways. I have chosen only a few that stand out to me now for sake of brevity:
Love: We train martial arts to protect those we love, to defend our country
and ourselves. We study the arts because we love the cultures that created
them and the teachers that pass the arts to us.
Compassion: We use martial arts with compassion. Our discipline makes us
compassionate to our friends and family. We are compassionate to our
enemies and only us enough force to defend ourselves. Perhaps most
importantly we learn to be compassionate with ourselves, not to be too hard
on our bodies, too restricted with our minds or too brash in spirit.
Humility: In training we see our strengths and weaknesses laid out before
us. We accept our gifts and use them to the best of our ability. We
acknowledge that these gifts and this knowledge came from the Creator and
no matter how good we ever become, there is always someone better at
something.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
I cannot attempt to even count the amount of times where I have been impressed,
inspired and literally awed by his physical talents and mastery of the arts; his
knowledge and ability to convey the philosophy, geography and history of the
cultures in which the arts flourished; his genuine kindness and concern for friends
and students; his sense of loyalty, duty and honor for his teachers; and most of all
his commitment to making the world a better place for all who come into contact
with him.
I often look back on my life and wonder about the path I chose, and I can honestly
say with total conviction, the opportunity to train under Sifu Inosanto is a privilege
and honor, and one I would pursue again and again.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
He makes you believe in yourself and that what I try to give my own students.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
To me Guro embodies the true martial artist, a humble and
talented man with no limits. He bridges the gap between the old
generations of closed off shaolin temples to the mixed martial arts
culture of today. Guro certified me at one if his seminars in Indiana.
I wanted to show Guro my dedication and loyalty. There was much adversity
and little support behind my goals. After Sifu Gibson passed away I felt
that I had no personal belief, and was unsure of which direction to head
in. It was like being on a set of paved roads with no road-signs to
direct me towards my ultimate goal. It was through Simo Cathy Gibson's
support and the belief of Guro Inosanto that I am where I am today, both
in my martial arts and in my life. I believe that Guro was a guiding
light for me through my darkest days, and the biggest influence he had
upon me was the ability to guide me towards the self-belief that I was
lacking. Guro would tell me that he believed that I had great potential
and natural instincts like Bruce Lee and himself.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
The single greatest influence Guru Dan has had on me is my decision to go full time
into the martial arts. My career and the direction of my everyday life were in many
ways inspired by him. I could never thank Guru Dan enough for all hes done for
me.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
The single greatest influence Guro Dan has had on me would have to be his
combination of enthusiasm, optimism and persistence.
Guro goes to Master Chai's Oregon Thai Boxing camp every year: a huge 'no
whining' check for me. He goes, trains, is always kind, humble, encouraging and
doesn't complain.
During the year when I don't want to train, am whining about one thing or another
or feel like I don't need to train.... either Rick Faye offers a gentle reminder that
Guro Dan goes to Thai camp every year or I think of it myself.
Guro is an inspiration to me to maintain and improve my art to better myself and
others at every opportunity. Obviously, I fall short of this goal more often than not,
but Guro's example is always a great inspiration.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Guru has given me more than I can imagine. Most importantly are more new
friends than I can count. Through his guidance, I was able to train with Terry
Gibson and Herman Suwanda which are times that will never be forgotten or placed
by anyone else.
I owe Guru a great deal of thanks, for the honor of being accepted in his apprentice
instructor program and most importantly one of the greatest friendships I have
ever had the privilege of having.
He once said, To all seekers of the way. Knowledge comes from your instructor.
Wisdom comes from within. I thank him greatly for his knowledge so that I could
not only find but recognize my wisdom. As Ive told him before, I only wish I could
remember 10% of what he has forgotten. Im still working on that.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
In spite of being a living legend, Sifu Inosanto continues to be a genuinely humble
human being. To me, he is also a master of detachedness (but not detachment),
which I believe is what has allowed him to thrive over all these years.
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Personally, I think Ive learned as much about how to learn, how to train, and the
history of the arts as the physical techniques and thats been valuable to me. I
know you think we get bored when you lecture on the history, but my training
partners and I have found it pretty interesting. Interesting enough that I started
researching Filipino Martial Arts history on my own and reading some of the books
youve recommended. So please keep lecturing and just forgive me if I space out
from time to time.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
I think the greatest influence that Sifu Inosanto has on everyone who trains under
him is a principle that he lives by ...never lose the "white belt" ability to learn. We
should all strive to improve on our existing skills, and at the same time, venture out
into other arenas that are outside of our comfort zones. By doing so, we'll always
grow as martial artists, teachers, and people.
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
The single greatest influence that Guro Dan has had on me is that no matter how
many years you train in the martial arts, you are always a student thriving for more
knowledge. Guro Dan has influenced me to always stay humble and to never stop
searching for more knowledge and wisdom in the Martial Arts.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
My single best experience with Guro Dan is every chance I get to travel with him. I
am blessed to be in his presence and spend time with him as my friend, talking and
sharing funny, peculiar moments of our lives. We catch up on the recent and
reminisce of the past.
Guro is my teacher, father and friend. He is the true inspiration for everyone and
deserves not only love but also admiration, gratitude and the utmost respect from
all who he touches.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
I would say the SINGLE greatest influence Sifu/Guro Dan had on me that he
accepted me as who I am and Sifu/Guro Dan was recognize the uniqueness of an
individual, the importance of addressing the whole person, not just the disability of
the person but someone with an integrated balance of intellectual, social,
emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. I am proud to say I am the only Deaf
Senior Associate Instructor in his program.
SIFU/GURO DAN INOSANTO: It is hard to believe you are turning 70 years of age
this year and to this day, I am still amazed how much you have done over the past
30 years and continue to do so. You are forever an inspiration to your teachers,
peers and students from all over the world. Most importantly, you have no idea
how much you have molded my life to who I am today. Because of your
knowledge, wisdom and teaching from the past 23 years, I have become a better
person because of it. It is difficult to express how much I learned from you over the
years; however, I am proud that I had the opportunity to train with one of the
greatest martial artist that ever walk on the face of this earth.
Sifu/Guro Dan, I want to wish you many more years of success and I look forward
in training and continuing to learn under you in years to come. May your life be
enriched with strength, knowledge, and wisdom as you continue to devote your
teachings to students all over the world. God bless you and your family 'til the end
of time.
Forever your student,
Floyd A. Jackson
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
The greatest influence Guro Dan has had on me is the effect that his talent, passion
and humility have had in my life. I aspire to be a better person because of him. In
talking with others, I often compare him to a priest. Some may think this is an
unusual comparison, but I can assure you the similarities are not very far off:
Like a priest, Guro Dan is a person who is truly passionate about his beliefs; like a
priest, he is a selfless teacher and role model to his followers; like a priest, he is
kind and humble in nature, and most notably; like a priest, he is forgiving to all.
Gerald Steeley,
Then, I stepped out of my comfort zone and took my first
seminar with Guro Dan in 1983 in Aspen, Colorado. Bob
Alabama
Duggan was having a one-week Executive Protection
workshop, and Guro Dan was there for one day. Needless to say, I was hooked
after my first class with Guro Dan. The following year, I traveled to St. Louis for a
one-week, Californian Martial Arts Academy camp with Guro. I left St. Louis feeling
somewhat frustrated at the sheer volume of material that Guro could cover in such
a short period of time. My prior training, compared to Guros teachings, was like
comparing high school to college. The bar was set much higher. But Guro would
tell us that frustration is sometimes good, because it motivates you to try harder.
My next phase of training with Guro was during the Great Smoky Mountain Camp in
North Carolina from 1985-90. In 1987 at the Camp, I received my beginning
diploma from Master Chai and three years later, in 1990, I became an apprentice
instructor in the Filipino Martial Arts under Guro Dan.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Its hard to explain why a person would travel from North Carolina to California and
other places in between for the past 23 years just to be able to study the martial
arts under one man. All I can say is that it is a testament to Guros leadership, his
knowledge of the martial arts, and his ability to extract the best from his students.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
As for me, when I grow up, I want to be just like Guro Dan.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Yesterday was a testing in our academy; fourteen of my students were testing. I asked and
reminded them again regarding sending my instructor birthday wishes. I told them I was
asked to submit a birthday wish as well, but told them only one thing of the four that I was
asked to submit: the single greatest influence he has had in my life.
I told them openly what my answer would be. It is them my students. Watching them
stand there ready to work hard, achieve their goals and be better than what they were
when they walked in the door, inspires me.
The single greatest influence that Guro has had on my life is something, I dont even know
he knows I cherish from him but I believe he will now. I have students progressing through
a well-rounded curriculum from level one to level six (to 10) currently and can feel the goal
of Black Belt Excellence approaching. That anyone would stay with me this long, moves me
but the product and service speaks for itself and its rooted from the one who gave it
directly and indirectly through his many instructors I schooled under.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
The single greatest influence Guro has had on me can be summarized by one word
"humility". Guro is by far the greatest martial artist I have ever known or will
probably ever meet. He is humble and gracious, always generous, and ever
passionate about the martial arts and its history. Notwithstanding all his
experience and knowledge, Guro still does not come across as someone that is
arrogant or full of himself. I have learned from him that in order to learn and
advance in any art (or life for that matter) at any level, a person must maintain
humility and modesty in his/her skills and actions. Through all the trials and
tribulations Guro has experienced he still is able to maintain his humility and
modesty although he is one of, if not THE, preeminent martial artists of our
lifetime. I attempt to emulate his attitude and composure in my journey through
the martial arts and life. I am not afraid to delve into new arts (started Capoeira
this year) with the attitude and mindset of a beginner because when the cup is
empty, one can learn.
Stacy, California
One time when I was traveling I had to change planes in Chicago and walking
though the airport I saw Guro and Paula walking the other way. I started to say hi
and talk about how great it was to see them. Where were they going? How long
would they be there? And Guro smiled and answered my questions and was very
nice. I don't even know if he had any chance of knowing who I was but he made
me feel as if I was the friend I wanted to be.
I moved to LA and started to train at the Inosanto Academy and on the first day of
Thai boxing Guro had Ron Balicki get into the ring and hold the Thai pads for
everyone. Well when it got to be my turn I really laid into the pads (Ron's a great
holder) and Guro said "wow, that was a hard kick!" I responded with "Yea, I'm one
of Terry's students!" I still think that was one of the coolest things in my life.
When Terry Gibson was really sick Guro and Paula helped me to set up a seminar
and a kickathon to raise money to help him out. I think we raised over $2000 for
him. When he passed away we were all very upset.
I moved from Tulsa to LA to train with Guro and then I moved to San Diego to open
my school. If I had not had those years training at his academy I feel like my
school and my martial arts would not really be worth what I always wanted them to
be. Through Guro I had the pleasure to meet and train with a lot of high level
martial artiest, Eric Paulson, Ajarn Chai, Herman Suwanda, Marc Denny, Col
Nattapong, Sifu Fong, John Jack Machado and to many to name. The point is he
allowed me to see a lot of different approaches to the martial arts and most
instructors won't show you anyone that is out of their system. I think they are
afraid to let any one see other instructors because they don't want to lose their
students, but Guro keeps to Sijo's Philosophy of looking to see what is out there
and to always be the student. I thank you for that because that has allowed me to
try and always be the student.
Happy Birthday From Academy of World Martial Arts, James D. Stacy
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Please tell your favorite Dan Inosanto story
We all know of the incredible skill, wealth of knowledge and outstanding teaching
ability that Guro Dan possesses, but one of the things I admire most is his sincerity
and genuine humility.
He continues to be a major influence, not only as a martial artist and instructor but
also as a person.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
I always give him the credit for my success in the movie industry because he
taught me how to apply important JKD principles in my work.
The ability to fit in, adapt and flow with any situation, whether in life or work or
martial art. To be able to incorporate that into daily life has been invaluable to me.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
I have been fortunate to have trained under some of the best teachers in the world,
Guru Dan Inosanto, Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje, Maginoo Tim Waid, J. Pat Burleson and
Guru Harley Elmore just to name a few.
All have taught me many lessons but Guru Dan is the rejuvenator. I look forward
to his visits every year for not only knowledge but also the inspiration to be better
than I thought I could ever be. I no longer worry about being better than someone
else but try to be better than I was yesterday.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Guro Inosanto has handled the preservation and propagation of a legacy he was all
too suddenly left with. To walk in the shadow of a larger than life icon is no easy
feat. To emerge from that shadow and to teach countless others with passion,
clarity and the desire to respect the past while moving toward the future proves
that Dan Inosanto is a man of integrity, courage and great resolve. We can all learn
from the example of the friendship that existed between these two men. Sifu
Inosanto has shown me that to be a true friend you must first be true to your
beliefs and be willing to be open and respectful to the beliefs of others.
I am also certain that just as he did for me, Guro Inosanto has brought illumination
to the lives of the thousands of people that he has touched over the years. It is
important to me that he know that the years of sacrifice and hardship for both
himself and his family have not been in vain You have and will continue to make
a difference in this world and for that alone I know that your father and mother are
smiling down upon you with great pride.
to clean up the place and renovate the area. After we had supper we decided to
walk around a bit and do a little window-shopping. We returned to the car only to
find that the car would not start. We called for a tow truck and proceeded to wait.
The tow truck shows up only to find that the car cannot be jump-started. The
driver tells us that he is also going to be unable to tow the car, as it was a type of
vehicle that required the use of a roll back instead of a traditional tow truck. We
were unable to reach our respective spouses by phone so the decision was made to
call my brother. My brother Sam agreed to come out and pick us up but it was
going to take awhile as he lived pretty far away from where we were stuck. We
decided to resume walking around the Loop to kill some time, as we did so we
encountered a young man near the entrance to a retro music store called Vintage
Vinyl. The young man walked by our group looking at us in a rather odd way, as he
passed he paused and turned to look back at us. After discussing it later the group
all agreed that it seemed as if the young man was up to no good and that he may
have thought about robbing us, as we all appeared to be tourists just wandering
around. In fact the young man did start walking back towards us but as he did
so he started talking really fast about Bruce Lee, he was speaking in a very excited
manner when he asked Sifu Inosanto about getting his butt kicked by Bruce Lee in
the Game of death. Guro was very cordial to the man as he spoke briefly with him
about the making of the film and the scenes that he shot with Sigung Lee. This guy
seemed enthralled with his brush with celebrity (he was apparently a huge Bruce
Lee fan) and I am certain that he is probably still retelling the story of meeting Dan
Inosanto to this very day.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Please tell your favorite Dan Inosanto story
Chip Kelley
Florida
I came to find out that his passion, knowledge, ability and wiliness to share were
even greater than what was described to me. I was also introduced to Mrs.
Inosanto who at that time was Paula Pedersen.
I was fortunate over the next couple of years to be able to travel to a number of
seminars around the country and soak in as much as possible.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Sometimes the hidden message you get from someone far out weighs the actual
lesson being taught.
Sifu Inosanto has such a way of using every day life as a way to explain his martial
arts message. So often a comparison of football or baseball explains his meaning
but it also goes a lot deeper and gives us lessons in life too.
JKD is different for each of us and he has shown me that it is true in life as well.
Each of us has a different path and we must follow it to the best of our abilities.
It is amazing to me how Sifu Inosanto can remember names, faces and details
about so many people. He never fails to ask about people in your life and how
things are going. He is always genuinely interested.
Whenever I get the opportunity to attend an Inosanto Seminar I feel really blessed.
In addition to the terrific skills he passes on, you can always pick-up insights on
World History from a very special point of view.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Guro Dan's single most important influence on me has been just on my approach to
life. Premier martial artist? He is that, no doubt. Incredible teacher? He is also
that. But I think the thing most people miss when they train with him is his
attitude. In addition to all of his accomplishments, Guro Dan is the consummate
student. His desire to learn has never eroded, and if you're open to it, it is
infectious.
That is by far his greatest influence on me, the fact that in martial arts, you never
"arrive." Martial art training is a constant journey which has a beginning, but no
end. While that might be daunting to some, the more you think about it, it is truly
freeing as well.
Ohio
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Guro Inosanto has influenced me in many ways. One that sticks out the most is his
influence on my attitude towards life and others. I would feel his kind and humble
way has made me a better person today
Jon Rister
Texas (& Finland)
Kevin Fernandez
Florida
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Several years afterwards, I was involved in an accident which prevented me from
training for three years. During this time Guro continued to visit Miami for the
annual seminar. Even though I could not train I made it a point to pass by and pay
respects.
In the past year I have restarted my training and have been able to attend several
seminars. Each time I walk up to Guro Dan his words are "Fernandez, how are you
feeling? How's your neck? Your back? Your hand?" It is amazing how he
remembers. I am one of hundreds several thousand, probably, that train under his
guidance, and he remembers not only my name but my injuries as well.
Personally, I believe Guro Dan is humble, caring, and genuine. Therefore, it is hard
to just pick one influence. Like a father offering guidance to his children, he
displays patience and knowledge.
Kevin Seaman,
New York
Your reply was, Yes I then asked, Sifu, if a person worked really hard, do you
think it would be possible for them to become a Full Instructor under you, even if
the lived somewhere other than Los Angeles? You smiled with a twinkle in your
eye and looked me straight in the eyes and said, Yes, Kevin. If a person was very
committed, I believe they could make it to Full Instructor, even if they lived in New
York. I felt a lump in my throat, and said, Then that is my goal, Sifu!
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Lavonne Martin
Sarasota,
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
I think what has influenced me the most about this man is not only his skill,
knowledge, expertise and PATIENCE is that he is truly a person who cares about
others. I have watched him and I know he has molded us all to not only be better
martial artist but a better person. When he talks about using the martial arts to
bridge the gap between cultures and people its not just talk. I know he has put
many of us including myself in situations that were uncomfortable and trying to
avoid but through this frustration you will grow. And so we did. I can only hope
that I will be able to add to my students lives a portion of what he has.
Marc Denny
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
To choose the single greatest influence of Guro I on me is hard because there are
so many:
watching him put on the white belt for BJJ and train his way to healing his
back injury
watching him deal with all of us even when we let him down or who treat him
poorly
and all the times he fools me even now with his sly, dumb fox shtick.
If I have to choose just one thing, I would say it is the way he allows people to
be who they are even as he patiently awaits their realization that the barriers
they perceive are but doors to open.
I was living in Austin, TX at the time. Ray Parra was my training partner back in
those days. So I started taking every training opportunity that my pocket book
would allow.
I went out to the old IMB camp and was lucky enough to get Burt Richardson as my
training partner for the first couple of days. I also traveled out to the Smokey
Mountain camp where I made friendships that have lasted to this day, Erik Paulson,
Rick Young, Lavonne Martin, and many others.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Its hard to pick out just one influence from Guro but one thing I think he passed on
to me, not directly but by his example, was his perpetual white belt quest for
knowledge and his incredible training ethic.
I remember attending a Guro/Tuhon seminar many years ago. It was billed as a
half day with Guro and a half day with Tuhon for two days. It turned out to be
about two hours of Guro per day and more hours than I can remember with Tuhon.
But, Guro was there for every hour, stick in hand, doing his 500 redondos just like
all the rest of us, except he didnt whine about it like the rest of us did.
This quest for knowledge and his humbleness has been demonstrated to me
numerous times since. Some examples from the top of my head; teaching JKD and
Kali at the Smokey Mountain camp and then getting in the ring and doing his pad
rounds with Ajarn Chai in front of all his students and getting hit.
To this day he still does it. He never misses a Thai camp. Training with him and
Carlos Machado when he was just getting into the BJJ, Pa Herman, Pendekar Paul,
Erik Paulson, the list is too long.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
But it was also one of the most inspirational learning opportunities I have ever been
afforded. Words cannot describe what I was blessed to have experienced that day.
This was, after all, Guro Dan Inosanto, the best of the best! My appreciation goes
beyond any explanation I can give. Simply said, he is, as we all know, extremely
talented, caring, nurturing and so much more!!!
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
It is very hard to pick one moment that Guro has touched my life. There have been
so many. And I wish I could be around him more often.
I have never met anyone that humble, kind, peaceful and compassionate in my life.
When you are next to him you can just feel it, by the way he speaks to you and the
way he carries himself.
These are traits that I hope to somewhat emulate one day. And every moment I
am thankful to have him in my life.
After I did the drill he said the nicest things about me. He told me about my
progress over the years and how he has seen me grow. I was standing there
thinking, I dont deserve this.
And then he said he was proud of me. I never heard that before. And at that point
I cried. And if I didnt get my certification it was ok because he was proud of me.
And at that moment that meant more. I felt for once that I must have done
something right.
Then he told me he was promoting me. I stood shocked for a moment and then
cried more and gave him a hug.
To this day, that has been one of the best moments of my life.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
In the short amount of time (compared to my seniors) I have known Guro Dan, he has been
a very positive influence on me. Honestly, the skills Guro has and the stellar reputation he
has could easily translate into a very marketable commodity. Instead, I see Guro passing on
those opportunities and instead teaching the Arts so that other generations can pass it
along. This to me shows Guros dedication and has been one of his greatest influences. Its
the mentality to teach students and show them that the Martial Arts can be fun,
educational, and spiritually enlightening. It can certainly also befit a living and most likely a
very comfortable one at that but I would rather teach one person the values Guro has
instilled in me than take a generic martial arts school mentality and make a lot of money.
Nick Sacoulas
New York
With Sifu Neil Cauliffes tutelage, guidance and support, I was able to achieve an
Apprentice instructorship under Guro Dan in 1992.
Since then, I have made it a priority to attend seminars, workshops, and camps
throughout the country to continue my training under Guro Inosanto.
Im also lucky enough to host him every year since 1997 at the school Ive founded
based on his teachings, Progressive Martial Arts Academy
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
The single greatest influence that Guro Dan has had on me has been his ability to
always lead by example. His way of being, his ability to communicate with others,
and his constant pursuit of learning has always had a great impact on me.
Guro Dan always acts as if he knows nothing and yet he knows so much about
everything. He never utters a bad word about anything or anyone and can find the
beauty in everything. As a person, student and an instructor, hes everything I
strive to be.
Norris Domangue
In 1988, looking in the phone book while stationed
at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin TX, I was
Virginia
fortunate in finding Ray Parra who was a Guro
Inosanto and Tuhon Gaje instructor as well as an Ajarn Chai Thai Boxing instructor.
This was my 1st exposure to Kali, Jun Fan and other South East Asian arts.
Totally blew me away and altered my training mind set forever. I continued to train
with Ray until 1992 when I got stationed with the US Coast Guard flying out of
Miami on counter-narcotics missions.
In Miami I had my first exposure to Guro Inosanto when he was hosted by Dwight
Woods. This experience was another turning point for me and expanded my
concept of what a martial artist could be-that much knowledge combined with the
humility and approachability was very foreign to me at the time.
As work and time would allow I drove a couple of hours (I lived in Ft Lauderdale) to
Dwights school to continue training. I also would visit Ray for training and beer
drinking in Austin.
While stationed in Nebraska after Florida, I would have Ray Parra in for seminars
and continued my training with him. In the fall of 1997, he nominated me for
instructorship directly under Guro Inosanto and I was looked at at Gibsons
Academy of martial arts in Tulsa.
I dont think I have ever been so nervous-all Saturday night in our hotel room I
kept asking Ray and Steve Elliot Do you think it went all right?.. Do you think it
went all right?
In January, I was notified that I had been accepted directly as an Instructor. I can
say with my whole heart, no single event in martial arts has been as meaningful to
me.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Guro arrived with his assistant Cass Magda. Wed never been exposed to any of the
material and were duly lost in the material with a pair of sticks we didnt really
know what to do with.
What was left, however, was the charisma of the wee man in sweats of whom many
bigger men were obviously in awe!
It was announced the Rick was hosting a Wing Chun seminar soon and I went on to
contact Rick about it which eventually led to me travelling twice a week every
week down to Edinburgh to train with him at the BB Halls on Edinburghs Ferry Rd
for years to come.
My journey has taken many paths since then but I recall in the return journey from
that first encounter with Guro, my companion had said that he couldnt ever devote
all his life to the arts in the way Inosanto obviously had. I sat quietly in the back
and rued out the window thinking that I could. That was 20 years ago and guess
what Im doing still today?
Sifu Marc McFann put me under Guro in 2003. I try to see him at every opportunity
possible. I sometimes feel that I know less now than I did before. But that is what I
enjoy and indulge in!
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
I went running. My ribs hurt with every step, an injury that was preventing my
preparation for my 1999 trip to the Inosanto Academy. I put Guros image in my
head and I carried on, running every day through the pain barrier. Ive used that
trick whenever there has been an excuse not to train, where Ive come close to
giving up.
I have no excuses anymore. I look at Guro and I see someone at one with his life,
no conflict, the embodiment of Krishnamurtis philosophy. He can never show that
technique twice in the same manner because hes there, in the moment and forcing
his will on the moment is not JKD. How can I make an excuse now?
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
With this encounter and seeing Guro Dan flowing like water, I became humble
again, and knew that knowledge is endless. But the charisma of Guro touched me
so deeply that he felt like a father , a person who could guide me through life , not
only as a 'Martial Arts Father', but also as a 'Spiritual Father'.
He makes me think, feel, express myself and more important... let me be who I
am. Til the day of today I am really grateful and honored to have the opportunity
of being one of his instructors and being part of his 'family' -organisation.
Through him, I have met so many new people, fellow instructors, many of whom
have become friends.
May I end with the words: 'Thank You for crossing my path of life'.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Guru Inosanto has influenced me in so many ways, its impossible to put on paper.
But I think your humbleness has the greatest impact on me. It is very easy to
become self-absorbed and conceited with martial arts as a focal point in a persons
life. I see that in many individuals in the martial arts community. But being
around people like Sifu Dan, Rick Faye, Francis Fong, Master Chai, etc., I came to
realize that martial arts when taught by superior teachers can be a good vehicle to
keep oneself grounded.
Another important lesson Guru Dan has taught me is the cultural awareness aspect
of the martial arts. We, as a society, must begin to show respect and acceptance of
others. Much of the strife and calamity in the world today, I believe, comes from
the inability to accept or understand those differences. Guru Dan has taught us to
appreciate all arts, no matter where theyre from.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
What is Guros greatest influence on me? I would think that it is in the way he
perceives life. Whether he is teaching a large group or talking one on one. He is
always himself and doesnt need to put on an act to impress anyone.
He is a very humble man who loves teaching as much as he loves his fellow man.
Guro appears to be like a child in that every experience he comes into contact with
seems new and exhilarating. He can find excitement and interest in even most
mundane things.
As an instructor under Guro, my loyalty is unwavering and I will strive to emulate
him in the way that I teach the arts and the way I deal with my fellow man. All I
can say is thank you Guro.
Real Meaning:
You did it wrong but I will accept that.
Yes, it can be but it is not
Yes, but that is not the way it is to be
done
Yeah, but not the one that I asked for
But not now it wont
Still not what I want
You idiot
But not in this situation
Watch out you are going to get blasted
You really look terrible. Start working
harder
That looks really sloppy maybe this can
help
That video was terrible
If you screw up it is your own doing
He has no direction
You still wont be able to catch it
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
In my time training with Guro Inosanto, the principle and analogies that have made
the most difference in my life have been Guros examples of sports vs. life or
martial arts training.
I have used Sifu's sports analogies with my life, teaching and overall becoming a
better martial artist.
Raymond Crow
Texas
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
And the one influence I see is his humanity and I try to have that. I feel very lucky
to know him and being a student of his.
Richard Amador
North Fort Myers, Florida
Richard Kwon
California
So within the next two months or so, I managed to find the academy with a little
detective work and there I was. I remember that I was so nervous, that I wasn't
sure what I was doing' there. I started training with him in Kali class and I started
my Jun Fan Gung Fu class with Sifu Yori. then over the next couple of years, I
started training in Muay Thai, Silat, and mixed martial arts, so I can train with Guro
Dan more. Then eventually I got promoted into Jun Fan Phase 3 class where from
then and now, I train with him almost all of his classes. This all happened between
the years 2000 to 2002. In 2003, I received my apprentice instructorship under
him. Then I realized my childhood dream came true. So not only do I train with
the best, but I got to know him as a person and I have admired his success and
most of all, his humbleness. I strive to be able to do the same.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Sifu Dans greatest influence on me would have to be that anyone can do anything
if they put their heart and mind to it. He made me believe that I can do martial
arts even if you are smaller than most people. I'm only 4'9" tall, so he made me
feel that I can also accomplish the same goals as others in the martial arts... And
finally, his humility made me become a better person and never to take things
personally, but rather to just let it go...and move on....
I consider him to be my second father, and I think it is safe to say, that a lot of
people do. He has shown us so much and is always willing to help us to improve
ourselves; it gave me tremendous inspiration to take myself beyond my
limitations.
I just hope that I make him proud of me and that I will be able to continue to carry
on his legacy and be able to show people that I train with a legend. He is indeed
my hero, if not at least a mentor.
I will always be grateful for his belief in me and my loyalty with him is forever.....
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Guro Inosanto was always hard for me to talk to, only because I hold him in such high
esteem. This fact led to a sort of unwritten rule with my group. We always stayed to the
back and tried not to bother Mr. Inosanto. I could see that he was besieged with people
who just wanted some of his time or to be seen with him. I somehow felt that he had a
much more significant role in my life.
Dan showed us the many cultural influences behind the art. These cultures and influences
all played a role in this art. I could see that if that was true in martial art it could be true in
life.
Guro taught that there was a progression to every part of the art. If you get the
progression right, you could develop any type of student.
Sifu, If you are reading this, I am honored beyond measure.
Sifu you have also strengthened my faith. You have shown me that spirituality can have
many faces but the heart of it is still the same. The creator has very few messengers as
powerful and kind as you.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
The greatest influence Guru Dan has had on me is helping me see the martial Arts,
as a life long area of study that can help one become a better person and hopefully
a good role model for children who make up a large percentage of my Academy.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Speaking of humbleness, I have a picture that I took some years ago of Guro Dan
that really expresses what I am referring to. It is a picture of Guro Dan Inosanto in
a Purple Belt, Sifu Francis Fong in a White Belt with their Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teacher,
Jon Machado. This picture expresses what I have been talking about here. This
whole package is what makes me feel very proud to be part of the Inosanto
Academy Instructors.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Sifu Inosanto stands out as a humble, "always willing to learn", student of the
martial arts! This one aspect of his life has made the greatest influence on my life.
I try to emulate this "willingness to learn" in my own journey. I remain open to new
ideas and concepts, and, will often compare and contrast the new ideas
against my former training concepts. If I happen to find a new training methods
that is better suited for me, or one that is better suited for some of my students, I
adopting it.
Here is an example of just that: Several years ago, I made my first trip to the
Philippines. While I was there, I got the chance to study an interesting sword
training method called "Kalis Ilustrisimo." At the time, I had 18 years of experience
in Filipino Martial Arts and had trained with quite a few well-known instructors.
However, I was not ready for the knowledge I was about to receive.
When most of the knowledge I received went against my previous training, I chose
to empty my cup and receive all that would be given to me without judging or
criticizing it first. I would not have been able to have that mindset had I not been
influenced by Sifu!
Sifu Inosanto is truly my inspiration! He is the best example of what it means to be
a student!
Rudy Rogers
Minnesota
I knew of Guro Inosanto through studying Bruce Lees fighting method and books
as well as the movies he has been involved in. I never guessed that I would ever
meet him or even belong to his association or even better yet to have him know me
by name! I thank Sifu Faye for that.
I have been training with Rick Faye for about 20 years now. I have been an
instructor under Guro Dan for about 10 years.
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Guro Dan has been and continues to be a very important influence in my life. I
cherish deeply the tutelage that I have acquired from one of his top students, Rick
Faye. He is inspiring to me in that he has been there and done that so to speak.
I feel that if there is ever a national treasure, Guro Dan is definitely one of them.
He is a lexicon of the martial arts both past and present. We should cherish every
moment we have with him and not bicker or needlessly bring up and debate or rehash trivial matters or rivalries that have been settled eons ago.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
I always felt close mentally to Sifu Dan Inosanto, and at the beginning, I practically
only trained in his classes.
I will not speak about his incommensurable talents in the martial arts, because that
will be nothing new, unless you were born yesterday.
One thing I like about some humans is their abilities to laugh at everything and
particularly the ability to laugh about themselves. Dan Inosanto is one of them, and
one of the best examples. He always laughs at his mistakes, and I found this so
refreshing.
I feel very lucky to have made the move and quit everything in France for a life in
the US near a man that taught me so much, not to say everything in the martial
arts. I became a decent technician in Savate, thanks to him, and if many martial
arts are on the map, it is thanks to him. Practically every martial artist should
recognize his influence, whether it is for the martial art(s) they practice, the
equipment they use, or the philosophy that gives them a direction.
One day, as I was watching a movie at his house, his wife Paula kindly fixed me
some drink and brought some cookies. Later on, Sifu Dan arrived and sat next to
me on the sofa after grabbing some cookies he picked up from a nice and shiny
package. The cookies were shaped like a bone and he told his wife that they were
really tasty. She glanced at the table, grabbed the bag and told him not to eat his
dogs cookies.
Recently he asked me if I watched the movie The Pink Panther with Steve Martin,
and that he saw it three times during one of his trip, and he was laughing so hard
in the airplane. I told him that I saw it also and I found it very funny too. Then he
said to me: It was funny, but what makes me laugh more than anything is when
he was speaking he reminded me of you. On my way back home I recalled the
conversation and found myself laughing like crazy.
I always like his subtle sense of humor. The man is truly funny, but never too
much. I remember one day we were driving in Chinatown, and he had to slow down
for an old Chinese lady who was very slowly crossing the road with the help of a
cane. He told me that despite the fact that she is walking slow, she was actually an
expert in Kung Fu, and that she was known as a famous fighter in Chinatown. I
replied that from looking at her like that, one will never guess. About five minutes
and seeing my disbelief face, he burst out laughing at me for obviously being so
naive.
Throughout the years, Sifu Dan gave me few compliments that I will never take for
granted. There is one in particular that will stay with me forever. Sifu Dan was
having a conversation with Sifu Rick Faye. I was sitting with both of them, I
entered the conversation and gave my opinion which truly surprised Rick who said
that he did not know that I had this type of thinking and Sifu Dan replied: Salem
has a very high level of consciousness. To me it is the ultimate compliment, a
compliment that was not given to make me feel good, but simply because he cares,
he is very observant and always giving.
Today, he is celebrating his seventieth birthday, and yet, not only he doesnt look
like he is seventy, but he constantly behaves like if he was in his early twenties. He
is always thirsty of knowledge, and not just the martial arts, he bites into life from
every directions. His interests are broader than anyone might think. I have to say
that contrarily to many people including some high-ranking JKD family members,
Inosanto truly understand the meaning of Jeet Kune Do. He also understands that
you only have the age that you want to give to yourself. Dan Inosanto is a teenager
trapped in an adults body, and because all of this, I have to say: Happy Birthday
Sifu and see you for the next seventy years.
Peace, Love
Salem Assli
Laguna Beach
18 July 2006
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
There are many things about Guro that I admire, but one of the things that truly
amazes me is his encyclopedic knowledge of various martial arts. Before seminars,
I would go through my notes to find areas that were missing or had incomplete
parts to the drills. I would bring these questions to Guro. Not one time did Guro
ever have to refer to any notes to answer my questions. He would not only know
what drill I was talking about, he would go off and give me 8 to 10 more options. I
was lucky if I could retain one or two.
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
The single greatest influence was in Sifus attitude toward respect to the masters
and his hunger to learn. His speeches on martial arts is like a library and At the
end of the day, if you havent picked it up, its still mine, really struck home. He
illustrated three important things, theory and concepts, the constant shedding and
gaining of info and the practicing over and over until its second nature.
Steve Braun
Maryland
Guro has influenced my life in so many ways, but primarily he helped me find a
personal path that has developed both my strengths and weaknesses. I am a fulltime high school teacher of special education and I learned more about teaching
from my times with Guro than I ever learned in a college class. Guro meets the
student wherever they are and builds from there, teaching them the tools they
need to continue to grow and improve. The schools across the country would do a
much better job if they followed Guros teachings.
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Single greatest influence Sifu Dan has had on me? Just the way he is so open to
learning anything he can from whoever can show him something. He always trying
to put himself in uncomfortable situations (training wise) so increase his learning.
One of reasons I will always be with him though, is something a little simpler. Hes
just a really, really good man. In 16-17 years, I have never heard him say anything
mean about anyone. Ever.
Steve Grody
California
Steve Tarani
California
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
The single and greatest influence that Guru Dan has had on me was inspiration. In
my opinion the greatest gift a human being can selflessly give to another human
being is inspiration.
Guru Dan is a limitless fountain of inspiration. Hes a veritable walking encyclopedia
of knowledge and skill which he uses as a catalyst to motivate and inspire his
students.
Personally, he awoke the teacher in me as I see him do to all who come in contact
with him. In my humble opinion, we are all students as we are all teachers. His
real-to-life personal example of humility, personal encouragement and inspiration
are truly the greatest influence that Guru has had on me.
In deep gratitude and respect to him I make every attempt to emulate Guru Dan
every day of my life to keep that fire of inspiration burning and to encourage and
inspire others in the same way that he continues to encourage and inspire me.
Through Don Garon, I was reintroduced to Filipino Martial Arts and Guro Inosanto.
Many seminars later and with the blessing of my three current instructors, Stephen
Grantham (Phoenix Martial Arts Academy), Billy Jack Rucks (One Source
Progressive Fighting) and Don Garon, I was awarded my Apprentice Instructor
Certificate on October 1, 2005.
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
There are many ways that Guro Inosanto has influenced my life, I am sure of that.
Some I realize, others will present themselves when it is time. The single greatest
influence that Guro Inosanto has had on me, teaching me to flow.
Let me explain, I have experience in combat. I have been a career law
enforcement officer for over twenty years. The one thing about combat that is a
constant is that it is fluid. When you learn to flow, you learn to transition from one
technique to the next until something works.
The one of the biggest problems with most police defensive tactics systems is there
is no transition from one technique to the next. When something does not work
there is a hesitation. Hesitation can be deadly. Through Guro Dans teaching, I am
doing my best to educate everyone that will listen about flow.
comes over and says with a big smile, Didnt you wonder why I slowly stepped
behind the mats when he brought that thing out and didnt say a word? I saw that
look in Guros eye as soon as you asked him a question about it and I knew you
were in for a workout!
Although I didnt feel it in my legs immediately for the remainder of the camp, I
decided to try a Yoga class that night after the Camp. Big mistake! My legs were
shaking like a leaf during the entire class, even when we were standing still.
All I could think about was that smile on Guros face while I was doing those 100
reps and of course Si-Hing Steve laughing in the background.
As bad as the pain was the next morning, I still felt good about having that
experience with Guro. His enthusiasm for sharing something new with others,
always taking an opportunity to train, and always being open to new methods, is an
attitude I want to have for the rest of my life.
I truly believe these things along with his sense of playfulness, ability to motivate
people and his constant quest for new things are his three greatest assets as a
person and instructor. I hope I can be half the instructor he is one day and go for
as long as he has with no signs of slowing down.
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you
That said, the single greatest influence Guro has had on me is, He inspires me to
be the best human being and teacher I can be.
Suzanne Spezzano
California
"If you want to be the biggest tree in the forest, don't cut all the other trees down,
just grow."
Simple and brilliant. That's Guro.
I still can't believe he's 70 years old. He has completely redefined that age.
Happy Birthday Guro and thank you for all that you've given us.
With love and respect, your student for life,
Suzanne Spezzano
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
The greatest influence from Sifu Dan is the free mind in Dan's Training.
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Tim Tackett
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
It was his teaching me to look at martial arts in a new way. To really get rid of the
nonessential and work on daily decrease.
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Since the beginning of my training, Guro/Sifu Dan Inosanto has greatly influenced
my life as a martial artist and as a person.
I admire him for his humbleness, his respect for other arts, and his willingness to
start from scratch in learning other methods. Hes not afraid to tie on a white belt
and jump into something new.
Hes genuine; he wears his heart on his sleeve. I appreciate his kindness and
generosity, his sharing of his lifes training and research. I have grown so much as
a result of his experiences and years of hard work.
As a seminar student and instructor, I unfortunately have not had the face time
that many of Guros student-instructors have had. Often times when I see him, he
is usually surrounded and has little breathing room to himself so I try to give him
his space. Today, however, seems a great day to kiss a little ass and say that I
(sadly) havent really taken the opportunity to tell Guro how much his commitment
to training and research, selfless sharing, and genuineness of character have been
a role model to me as Im sure it has to all of his students.
Thomas Macaluso
New York
My favorite Guro Dan story is after his first NYC seminar. My friend Andy who was
training Shotokan karate asked him some questions about a karate Kata. I didn't
really expect him to answer (not knowing Guro at the time.)
Not only did he answer, but Guro amazed us at the knowledge he had of an art that
he doesn't really teach.
I was also in awe of the fact that he was so approachable and easy to talk to!
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
You know what; I just feel his peaceful energy. That's what I got influenced from
him.
Georgia
I became close friends with Lani Mustin, a student and instructor under Guro Dan.
I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to train and travel with Lani so that we
could attend additional seminars of Guro Dan's outside of Pittsburgh.
I eventually moved to Atlanta to assist Sifu Francis Fong at his Academy. Sifu Fong
recommended me to Guro Dan for instructor certification in 2004.
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
The SINGLE greatest influence Guro Dan has had on me:
My first Thai camp was in the year 2000, and the training was very intense. Guro
Dan trained right alongside us, and he was such a huge inspiration and motivation
to me at the camp.
Whenever I was tired, I would watch him training and I knew that I couldn't give up
and that I had to keep going. I would learn so much just by watching his form and
technique.
So whenever I am tired and think about slacking in my training, I think about his
dedication and discipline and it provides me with all of the inspiration I need.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
Sifus greatest influence on me is his humility and his always be a student
mentality. When you know something, sometimes you can become cocky. Well, he
knows so much but he would never behave that way.
How did you come to meet and train with Dan Inosanto?
I was first introduced to Guru Dan
Inosanto by my long time instructor,
Lavonne Martin. We attended a
Southeast Martial Arts Conference
with Sifu Dan, Sifu Francis Fong and
Ajarn Chai. To give some
background to this story, I had been
training in Okinawan Karate and
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu with Sensei Martin
for the last two and half years and I
was now experimenting with some
different martial arts. So I decided
to go with my instructor to this
seminar. Now this was my first
experience training with Guru Dan
Vic Spatola, Colorado
and with Sifu Francis, (I had
attended a Thai Boxing workshop
with Ajarn Chai previously), so I was
completely unprepared for the 2 days that came.
I started with an eager attitude and an open mind. I ended with a headache and a
look that was similar to a cow staring at a passing train in amazement!
I was floored to learn there were that many ways to break an arm! I was inspired,
impressed and profoundly moved by this Filipino man and what he was capable of
doing physically. I began training in JKD, Kali and Silat under Guru Dan and
eventually moved out to California to train with him at the Inosanto Academy.
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
I then learned how great this man was not only as a source of historical knowledge,
but as a human being. I have seen Guru Dan give money to anyone who needed it,
help people in need and sponsor people for citizenship. I think the only thing that
exceeds Dan Inosanto's knowledge surrounding the martial arts is his compassion
for his fellow man.
What is the single greatest Influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
It is difficult to choose a moment in time when Sifu Dan influenced me the most. His
kindness wisdom and generosity touched so many of us. As a student of both the old
Marina Del Rey School and the new larger facility, I was privy to many closed door classes
in which Guro would speak about training, life, history and of his many instructors.
Though combat and combat training are physical endeavors, Sifu would constantly place
emphasis on the historical and cultural aspects of the arts he was himself exploring and the
concepts which he was exposing to us.
As a younger man, my adventurous side found me away from the Academy as much as in
it. These absences, though personally illuminating, sometimes felt like a betrayal of sorts.
I would travel to parts unknown, train with other instructors, and just simply NOT be there
at the Academy.
For years, and to this day, I sometimes feel like the black sheep of the family, but Guro
has never treated me as such. In fact, I am proud to this day to receive jovial greetings
from the man who taught me so much, and to receive praise and recommendations from
the Academy for teaching in my area of the world.
Sifu Dan once pulled me aside and told me how he felt, and that my absences were a good
thing and that they exposed to me more than just the Academy, but to other training,
systems and cultures.
In 1996, I moved from Japan to Baltimore MD and was surprised that many people
were taking JKD lessons. I saw a flyer of the North-East Conference in Cortland NY
in 1997, and took a 10-hr greyhound bus trip (that time I did not know how to
drive). That was the first time I saw Guro Dan in person.
I was so happy and thrilled that I could see him in my life. Guros demo was eyeopening and marvelous; I could not believe what I was watching. During the
conference, Guro did one or two drills with me, which I felt so honored. I still
remember his kindness and patience in doing drills with a beginner like me.
In 2003, I was lucky to be certified as an apprentice instructor under Guro Dan. I
still feel nervous every time I say hi to Guro (like a child who had a chance to talk
with his/her idol or a star) or do something in front of him, but Guro has always
been friendly, encouraging and understanding. I always feel I am fortunate to be
able to one of Guros students.
What is the single greatest influence Dan Inosanto has had on you?
The more I see Guro Dan at his seminars, my respect to Guro has grown. I have
been impressed by not only his wonderful skills or vast knowledge, but his
personality, humility and love towards martial arts.
I am also touched by Guros dedication to Sijo Bruce Lee as his friend. Now, Guro
Dan means more than a sideman of Bruce Lee and means a lot in my life. Guro has
been so inspiring in any respects.
I always admire Guro Dans humbleness. I hear many people criticize others, and it
is easy to be critical to others. However, respect to others is one of the most
important things and I try to be humble and open my mind.
exercise. When I was switching a partner, he walked by and paired with me for one
drill. I was surprised because I did not expect any grand master would join the
group for drills. He was very friendly and nice.
Now I find him training as same as regular students in TBA Oregon camps and he
practices harder than anyone in the camp. I also remember a drill of Krabi-Krabong
in one TBA Oregon camp. There was a random battle simulation during the KrabiKrabong practice, and I happened to run into Guro Dan. Even though he was a
Guro, he let me attack him and said Good! to me.
Aside from training, I remember a group dinner with Guro Dan, Ajarn Chai and Sifu
Fong in a restaurant in Atlanta at the South-East conference at Sifu Fongs school.
The three sat next to each other. They were so cute when they looked at the menu
with glasses on at the same time, ordered the same menu (salmon teriyaki, I
think).
And of course, the dish came at the same time, and they started to eat the same
menu together at the same time. It was very nice to watch these three masters
hanging out together.
Additional Well-Wishers
Lexis Aragon
Miami, Florida
Wow! Now thats a hard one because I like so many. I would have to say its the
one that Guro Dan went home from his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class and was trying to
show his wife what he had learned but she wouldnt let him and just kept poking
him in the eyes and he was just like a little kid saying, Okay, I wont show you,
but then she told him, Okay, okay show me!
Marivel Izquierdo
Miami, Florida