My
wife and I attended the Austin May 2004 Asian Festival . I went over to
chat with the martial artists performing that day, and was surprised when Sifu
Hwang recognized me and exclaimed "you are the sword teacher!". Sifu met me
many years ago at a seminar, and was nice enough to remember me. His student
that day was a long-time Bujinkan student before studying under Sifu, and we
caught up on old times. I took some pictures of Sifu and delivered them on a
CD to his studio the next day. Sifu greeted me warmly. We visited for some time, and I offered to repair a broken sword scabbard of his. Sifu impressed me with his friendliness and wisdom. I took home some Chinese herbs and some Iron Palm lineament.
My wife Connie had been suffering from tendonitus in her shoulder and forearm for some time. Her doctor had subscribed powerful painkillers and anti-inflammitories. Nothing gave her much relief. I decided to try the Iron Palm lineament, and was delightfully surprised that after one application, she woke up the next day with no pain, and full range of movement. In deep gratitude to Sifu, I am in service to him with my humble skills. I am doing historical research on Sifu's antique weapons for him, as well as offering sharpening, polishing, repair etc.
This chance meeting is what I enjoy most about getting to know other martial artists of different styles. For the most part, all too many teachers I've met are arrogant, egotistical, competitive, aggressive and very irritating to be around. They are better at self-marketing and business than the martial arts. Sifu told me that "Many think Kung Fu is no good". "It is not which martial art is better, it is whether or not the martial art is any good."
Sifu's comment struck a major chord with me. The martial arts have always been about humility, patience, self-development, restraint, courage, resolve, respect, endurance and self-control to me. I am always learning what I can from as many teachers as possible. Sifu told me with a smile as I left - "Ninja art VERY interesting!".