Thank you for writing back, it's great to hear from you.  Carl Fasser
and I went up for First Dan together, and I always enjoyed training
with him.  Of course, Alex Adams was one of my favorite black belts
back in those days--he had that crazy ki-hop!  He was such a
technician.

I can't tell you how much I miss training in Cha Yon Ryu, I dream
about it all the time.  I have dreams that I am training under Grand
Master Kim in a class filled with people, that the school has grown so
large, and it has!  I had only been in Kerrville a little over one
year when I had my accident.  I was planning to open a branch of Cha
Yon Ryu there once I got settled in.  My leg was messed up so much,
when I arrived in the emergency room, the doctor told me he was going
to amputate my leg.  Thank God he didn't, but it took me years to
learn how to do the most basic things again.  I can walk and ride a
bicycle, but I can't run or kick or jump.  I'm afraid that if I ever
had to really defend myself, I'd probably just fall over.  The knee is
not very stable.

As I look back on my life, I have always understood that one of the
most important things that shaped me was my training in Cha Yon Ryu.
I started when I was about 16, and those are the years a young man can
get into trouble if he's not careful.  Because of the philosophy of
Cha Yon Ryu, I was able to stay away from the things that ruin most
people's lives.  Grand Master Kim was a very influential figure in my
life, sort of like a surrogate father figure, and I see that he has
been recognized world wide for his accomplishments.  What an honor to
have trained under him.  I understand he'll be retiring in a few
years.  He has created such a legacy, and he must feel good knowing
that you can carry on in his place.  It was also an honor training
with you.  I remember that you helped me prepare for my 2nd Dan Rank
test.  I had been away for a few years, and you brought me current so
I could take the rank test.  Thanks.  My 2nd Dan rank test was the
best one for me, and it remains a cherished memory.

Please pass this along to your father, along with my deepest respect,
admiration, and appreciation for what he has meant to my life.  I will
drop by the next time I am in the Houston area.  Take care.

Sincerely,
Richard Griffin