All:
I first met/experienced Sifu Larry around 1986 at the Inosanto Academy (the one at Glencoe Ave). He was giving a one day seminar and needed someone to volunteer as an assistant. I had just finished three years with Paul Vunak and figured I was up to it. What followed was an amazing day of trapping-grappling. The next day I went to a chiropractor, who had many stuntmen and athletes as clients. Upon adjusting me said she had never had anyone with that many vertabrae needing an adjustment
Sifu Larry was serious about staying in fighting shape. He even took a weight set with him to Spain one time.
In recent years, upon my going upstairs to teach my Saturday class at the Inosanto Academy sometimes I would see him there teaching privates or working out for himself. I remember in particular one time I arrived about an hour early to get in a workout for myself and there he was, already working out on the heavy bag. The pace and power would have been impressive for a much younger man, but were quite remarkable for a man of his age. After about 45 minutes non-stop (!) he paused and I complimented him and told him that he inspired me. He seemed pleased, and went back to work.
To live with the knowledge of our death is perhaps Life's greatest challenge for us, and to do so knowing that our time is going to be shorter due to health reasons is perhaps the hardest of all. When recently I saw him teach, it was obvious that his health was weakening, but there was no complaint. He had his Art and he walked as a Warrior for all his days.
The Adventure does continue,
Crafty Dog
