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Tribute

"The Longer You Stay On The Path, The More The Journey Will Reveal"

Rick Torres

First and foremost I would like to thank all the Sensei who have contributed significantly to my training as well as being extremely good friends. They have all at one time or another pushed me to the limits of my physical and mental endurance. As a result of that, I was able to find internal strength and resourcefulness that I did not know was there.

These men embody the spirit of all that is honorable and good in the Martial Arts:

Kyu Shin Ryu Aikijujitsu/Judo/Jujitsu system- Chris Garcia, Godan (5th Dan) Shihan

Thank you for your unending support and friendship.You have shown me what the true spirit of a teacher and friend should be, for this I am eternally greatfull. You opened my eyes and heart to the worlds of Judo, Jujitsu and Aikido many years ago. Words cannot express the respect and admiration I have for this man who is not just Master teacher but a wonderful brother, friend. His extraordinary skill level as a martial artist are second to none.

Budoshin Jujitsu- Professor George Kirby, Judan, Hanshi (10th Dan)

Thank you for your support in the creation of this website and the Kyu Shin Ryu student handbook, and the permission you gave in allowing me to use some of your material in this website and student handbook. Thank you also for supporting me through some very tough emotional times I experienced prior to and post Nidan testing. I appreciated you answering each and every E-mail and question without delay and your always honest feedback about my technique execution that helped me to seek excellence, and internal and external balance.

Tae Kwon Do Karate- Ralph Jaschke, Shichidan (7th Dan)

Thank you Ralph for all the years you have spent training not just me, but my children also. If someone were to look up the words tactical technician in the dictionary it would show a picture of Ralph Jasche. You have always taught me (and others) to seek technical excellence and always expand our scope of knowledge. Thank you also for the access to teach and use the Dojo with "full run of the house", as well as being such a good friend.

Kodokan Judo, Goju Ryu Karate - Mike McGrady, Rokudan (6th Dan)

Special thanks to McGrady Sensei for encouraging me to take it out of my head, put it on paper and share it with others. Thanks also for helping me to develop to a higher level the internal side of the art. He has shown me that side of the martial arts that is elusive and hard to grasp by many practitioners. McGrady Sensei demonstrated that even physical limitations can be overcome on the mat if you are in tune with your mind's internal strength. Thanks to him for always being there as a true friend. (He is my Yoda). The lessons were sometimes difficult, especially looking up from the tatami (mat) and trying to understand how I got there, after believing that I was the one with the advantage.

Kodokan Judo- Gary Garnett, Sandan (3rd Dan)

As a Mudansha, I believe I have never encountered anyone with the endurance and strength of Garnett Sensei on the mat. It was like trying to do tachi-waza or newaza with the EnergizerBunny "he just keeps going and going". He would make me work it and work it until I got it right. One tough cookie and a good friend.

Kung Fu- Sifu Micheal Thomas

   Thanks for always being around to play and share some of your very vast Kung Fu knowledge. I never believed that the body could do some of the things that I saw Sifu Thomas do. He was never closed minded about learning and/or exchanging information with other practitioners (like this writer), no matter what the art. His mastery of weapons is incredible. Thanks for being there to share.

   Aikido Sensei's- Jorge Garcia, Joel Molina, Joe Rangel, Dr. Jaideep, and Hiroshi Kato, Shihan.
   Thank you all so much for accepting me into the fold of such fine Aikido practitioners. The instruction that all of you have provided to me as well as my students in this beautiful art is second to none. The friendship that has been offered by all of you is beyond measure. I pray that the Lord will give us many more years of training together. Domo Arrigato.

   Daito Ryu Aikijujitsu Roppokai - Jose Lopez
   I have great admiration for Lopez Sensei. His ability to transmit complicated concepts in an easy to digest manner is admirable. His wonderful sense of humor coupled with tremendous technical excellence in Daito Ryu is refreshing on the mat. Our training sessions always leave me astounded with what I see and experience. You truly do possess magical hands. The friendship you have offered this writer is truly valued.

   Tong Ill Musool - Kevin Smith, 4th Dan
   My journeys in life have taken me to many places, but along that journey I crossed a path in which Kevin was present. I knew right then and there that our destinies in the Arts were intertwined with each other. You have been a wonderful friend to me and I have nothing but the greatest admiration and respect for your martial skill. Your ability to absorb what is usefull and leave the rest is truly a gift. You were able to step out of the box and venture into those unknown places with no fear, but instead an eager anticipation of what was on the other side. I am honored to be called friend and really enjoy Doing our instructional Seminars together around Texas. I have also enjoyed our philisophical exchanges throughout the years.

   Elena Stone - Though you may not have instructed me in Martial Arts you truly have guided me in Spiritual warfare during some very difficult times in my life. Your love was offered freely with no desire for anything in return. That love has helped me heal and for that I love you and am truly greatful. It is said that good things come to those who wait, but in this case it was a GREAT thing that came to me as a blessing from God in the form of YOU.

   Brandon Bilbo - To the Yellow Belt with the heart and soul of a Black Belt. Thank you so much for all the time you spent helping me put this website together. Your assistance and input was invaluable. Future powerhouse of a Yudansha.

There is well over two century's and a half of combined experience with these Sensei.

Always remember that there is one principle that will defeat any martial artist in

his quest for knowledge in or out of the Dojo, and that is:

"Contempt Prior to Investigation"