Tree of Many Branches
Tree of Many Branches
In profound acknowledgment of the priceless leadership, counsel, training and friendship he gave me, this picture – and the countless memories contained therein – is a grateful tribute to Grand Master Jesus Ventura of Hsin Lu Tien Shan.
In teaching me that knowledge is the quintessential key for development in the martial arts, Grand Master Ventura gave my journey in the Arts a direction that continues to serve me to this day. The incalculable wisdom he passed on in the traditional and ancient forms opened the door to what is today the Koryukan style – teaching me not to fear evolution and progress, and giving me the encouragement to think freely and independently.
If today I can look at martial arts concepts, principles, theories and training from all three planes of past, present and future contexts, it is because of Grand Master Jesus Ventura. Like no other, he saw in me the ability to transcend the ordinary layers of human understanding and sparked in its place the attributes of a creative thinker, and for this I am vastly thankful.
This picture was taken in 1998. It is a commemoration of the ceremony in which Grand Master Ventura assigned me the title of Tienshi, or Spiritual Leader, of Hsin Lu Chuan Shu Tong, and wherein he endorsed and recognized my 10th Dan ranking in the martial arts.
I post it here to my friend and brother, with affection and best wishes.
