Last Saturday, I reconnected with a long-time friend, student, and teacher Michael Fugate at his dojo in Santee. It was great to see his students work on their Tai Chi and how he continues to propagate the authentic arts. After all these years, I realized that life would sweep us away when we don’t make time for our friends.
Please take a moment to send me a message. All my former students, if I haven’t reached out to you, contact me. It only takes one person to start a conversation, and I tend not to be that individual. Each of you has made my life a little richer just by knowing you. As for Grandmaster (GM) Fugate, I think I learned more from him than I ever taught him. Martial arts training always attracts the best kinds of people.
I remember the first time I met GM Fugate. I called to tell Michael he won two weeks of lessons free. Michael was so excited to win, and I was so grateful someone entered my contest. We met a few days later, and he enthusiastically signed up for the free lessons. After those two weeks, he signed up for regular classes with his son, Ian.
Michael was great, unusually excellent for a beginner. I asked him one day, “You pick things up very quickly, and you move like you’ve done this before. Do you have any previous martial arts training?”
Michael gave me his charming smile and replied, “Yes, sir. I have a 7th degree in Isshinryu Karate, I am ranked in Eagle Claw Kung-fu, I trained in another style of Kenpo Karate, and several other styles.”
Over the next two years, I taught as best as I could. Michael was a quick learner and rose through the ranks swiftly. Michael has such warmth and sincerity about him that everyone he meets becomes a life-long friend. It seems I have met the world just through knowing Michael.
After I closed my La Mesa dojo, Michael moved on to teach and train with GM Olivier. Soon after that, he earned his 8th degree in Karate. GM Michael is a real martial arts treasure in San Diego.
I look forward to attending the Black Belt Test he is hosting for his students.
Train hard. Train often. Train with intent.
