by Desy McIlkenny

In an age where self proclaimed martial arts "legends and masters" are a dime a dozen, a few stand out from the crowd, one of the these is Sibak Taky Kimura, Bruce Lee's senior student and first Assistant Instructor.

Taky Kimura and his family visited Belfast, Northern Ireland, recently to give a lecture and seminars on Jun Fan Gung Fu and Jeet Kune Do. The visit was hosted by Martin O'Neill's JKD Ireland Group.

Taky is now aged 79 years, he continues to train regularly and retains the technique, vitality and enthusiasm of a much young man. The term "legend" is an appropriate description of this man who was appointed an assistant by Bruce Lee in 1964.

The first lecture comprised a presentation by Taky and Andy Kimura on Bruce Lee, his life and philosophy. Taky interspersed the evening with anecdotes about his friendship with Bruce Lee. The audience was extremely attentive and enjoyed the lecture. Taky also presented a slide show of his private collection of Bruce Lee photos.

The seminars were taught on Saturday and Sunday from the original notes given to Taky by Bruce Lee. To have the art taught from the original source was just awesome! Taky is a humble and selfless man and he cares deeply about Bruce Lee's legacy and has spent most of his life ensuring that it is properly promoted and looked after for the benefit of future generations. Taky provides a clear example of what a true martial arts master should be; caring, selfless, a mentor and guide for his students.

The seminars contained profound insights into Jun Fan Gung Fu/JKD, its simplicity, economy, efficiency and its non classical approach. Taky and Andy Kimura demonstrated Bruce Lee's self-defence methods and trapping, punching, kicking and grappling. The class was packed and the students were held spellbound by first rate teaching and instruction. Taky and Andy went around each participant and personally demonstrated each move in a hands on approach.

Andy Kimura has been busy keeping at the cutting edge of research and development by training with a range of top people including Sifu Dan Inosanto and Eric Paulson, the renowned shoot wrestler. The JKD approach to grappling was introduced by Andy at the seminar.

The atmosphere was fantastic and students really enjoyed these events and were left hungry for more JKD.

The Kimura clan brought a true feelings of Jeet Kune Do to Ireland. JKD students should pay close attention to the remarkable example set by Sibak Taky and Sifu Andy Kimura and the way they conduct themselves. Bruce Lee would be proud of the way that the Kimura family in Seattle is taking care of his martial art and legacy. The seminars were challenging and required lots of effort and sweat, but they were very enjoyable. At the end of the seminars, students were presented with attendance certificates and fans crowded round for interviews and photographs, none were disappointed.

Martin O'Neill was honoured to receive his Level 2 Certificate in Jun Fan Gung Fu from Sibak Taky and Sifu Andy Kimura. Martin O'Neill expressed his thanks to Taky, Andy and the Kimura family. Appreciation and thanks were also made to Alain and Veronique De Preter from Belgium and to Monica, Peggy and Brodie for their craic, friendship and support