11/30/2010
This needs some revision but I am glad to have gotten it down, roughly, while it is still fresh.
Janette called me last night to tell me about Keith. It was a bad fall and worse landing. He was such a strong and amazingly fit man. At least 5 years old than me but looked 10 years younger. I think the chi-sau between us was the best I can remember. If I got away with a single definite hit I felt an enormous success. He was in class before me for at least a year or two and I watched him become a monster (in a very good, kung fu way). I doubt he ever knew it but I could recognize from my experience. I remember the one time I rang his bell and he let me know it. I has just been introduced to the Wing Chun principle of "follow the limb." As usual with any type of "fight" like this I don't remember the lead in but Keith's left arm was extended and I magically had an arm free. Using the principle I followed the extended limb with my left, at full force, expecting it be blocked. Unexpectedly, no defense was offered and I "clubbed" Keith (his words) on the left side of his head. I was so surprised that it landed, I didn't know how to follow up.
At Dave and Connie's "Kung Fu Cook Out" I remember enjoying a burgers, dogs and beers (and hard boiled eggs with Sifu's dried chilie powder instead of paprika!). Keith and I had been giving each other the stink eye and it just got more fun with more beer. Eventually, he asked if I had a problem and from there it was on. A "class lesson" broke out in the middle of the cook out and though I don't remember details I do know it was fun. I suspect it is a rare occasion that drunken kung fu ends up being that much fun.
At Man Night Keith was generally pretty quiet. He had joined us late in life as most of us "men" went to high school together 20+ years ago. Regardless, Keith was always a quiet guy. He seemed to enjoy himself sitting quietly and listening to the talk. Or most likely watching the waitresses as they are quite watchable at the "office." He always had a Guinness Stout and actually always had great taste in beer.
Seeing a guy as healthy and strong be taken from us could make think, "why bother when it could all end so tragically and unexpectedly?" But I doubt Keith would want that to be the lesson of his life and death. Keith never really worked out to be fit and live a healthful life style. He studied Wing Chun and rode his bikes because he loved it. I think the lesson I am going to take way is to live an active life because you don't know when it comes to an end. Get as much stuff in, especially the stuff you love. For me it was kung fu but I can't depend on Dave and Connie for it. Today it is Michael, Mary and my family.
This needs some revision but I am glad to have gotten it down, roughly, while it is still fresh.
Janette called me last night to tell me about Keith. It was a bad fall and worse landing. He was such a strong and amazingly fit man. At least 5 years old than me but looked 10 years younger. I think the chi-sau between us was the best I can remember. If I got away with a single definite hit I felt an enormous success. He was in class before me for at least a year or two and I watched him become a monster (in a very good, kung fu way). I doubt he ever knew it but I could recognize from my experience. I remember the one time I rang his bell and he let me know it. I has just been introduced to the Wing Chun principle of "follow the limb." As usual with any type of "fight" like this I don't remember the lead in but Keith's left arm was extended and I magically had an arm free. Using the principle I followed the extended limb with my left, at full force, expecting it be blocked. Unexpectedly, no defense was offered and I "clubbed" Keith (his words) on the left side of his head. I was so surprised that it landed, I didn't know how to follow up.
At Dave and Connie's "Kung Fu Cook Out" I remember enjoying a burgers, dogs and beers (and hard boiled eggs with Sifu's dried chilie powder instead of paprika!). Keith and I had been giving each other the stink eye and it just got more fun with more beer. Eventually, he asked if I had a problem and from there it was on. A "class lesson" broke out in the middle of the cook out and though I don't remember details I do know it was fun. I suspect it is a rare occasion that drunken kung fu ends up being that much fun.
At Man Night Keith was generally pretty quiet. He had joined us late in life as most of us "men" went to high school together 20+ years ago. Regardless, Keith was always a quiet guy. He seemed to enjoy himself sitting quietly and listening to the talk. Or most likely watching the waitresses as they are quite watchable at the "office." He always had a Guinness Stout and actually always had great taste in beer.
Seeing a guy as healthy and strong be taken from us could make think, "why bother when it could all end so tragically and unexpectedly?" But I doubt Keith would want that to be the lesson of his life and death. Keith never really worked out to be fit and live a healthful life style. He studied Wing Chun and rode his bikes because he loved it. I think the lesson I am going to take way is to live an active life because you don't know when it comes to an end. Get as much stuff in, especially the stuff you love. For me it was kung fu but I can't depend on Dave and Connie for it. Today it is Michael, Mary and my family.
