[jkdberlin]

A message from Rick Faye:

To my students, friends and all those connected to MKG in some way, I would like to take a few moments to honor my Teacher, friend and traveling companion: Sifu Larry Hartsell

For those of you who haven't heard, Sifu passed away on August 20th. Although we are all sad for our loss of this leader, teacher and friend, I would like to take a moment to remember some of the great times and important contributions he made to the JKD family and to me personally. I met Sifu Hartsell at the California Martial arts Camp in Irvine CA. I believe the year was 1982. His classes were fun and full of simple, effective drills. The concentration then was on Boxing and takedowns into holds (painful holds!!)

Sifu Hartsell became a regular at the original Kali Group (Washington Ave. School). He always stayed at the house with us and my memories of those days are great ones. I'm sure he would remember the haunted house incident, the BBQ's and of course the long talks over a couple beers. Sifu invited me overseas with him in 1984. We covered England, Scotland, Germany and Spain on a trip that lasted over 6 weeks. The learning experience was unbelievable. I remember wondering what was in the big green canvas bag (his from the military) only to find out he had brought dumb bells along!! I did my best to stay with it and he was very patient with me. Traveling with a rookie must have been tedious, We traveled many times over the next few years and it was a great experience each time. Sifu Inosanto said I was "paying my dues" . In truth I was being given the best of experiences and an introduction into a carrier. Through his contacts and encouragement I was able to start traveling on my own, eventually building a network and brining my family to many places around the world. Sifu Hartsell put so much time and effort into the promotion of this art. It is hard to overstate his contribution to the JKD family. He put in the miles, slept on couches and got paid much less than he was worth, all to promote this art. His loyalty and Respect for Sifu Inosanto has always served as a great example for all of us to follow. He really knew and appreciated what this art had to offer. He touched the lives of thousands of students. I will miss his smile, his soft spoken southern delivery, the long nights with many beers, the painful locks, the easy to understand advice, the simple but effective drills. Mostly I will just miss my teacher and friend.

For those of you who are new here, we at the Kali Group were the first to put my favorite Larry Hartsell quote on a t-shirt. He said "Don't mistake kindness for weakness" He lived that motto. We will be printing another round of those shirts soon. Please wear them with Sifu Hartsell in mind. He was a great man, I will miss him.

Until we meet again Sifu, Rest in peace.

Rick Faye