by Kevin Seaman

Sifu Dan,

I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for everything you’ve done to help me throughout the years. With next year marking the 30th year of training under your tutelage, I feel both fortunate and grateful to be an instructor in your organization and a student under your guidance. You are an extraordinary teacher with a wealth of knowledge in your field. One of the highlights of my sessions with you has always been the lecture portion of your classes. You have taught me a complete and TRUE understanding of Sigung Bruce’s Jun Fan Gung Fu and his Art and Philosophy of Jeet Kune Do. You have unselfishly shared experiences of your life, which has helped us; your students, gain a clearer understanding of the big picture in regard to the development of JKD and seeking ultimate freedom of expression as an individual. You have also clearly illustrated how each martial art we study expresses the culture of the people who developed these arts.

When I’ve had the ability to train at your Academy or in an Instructor’s Camp it has always been a rare and unique opportunity because the focus was not just on improving our personal skills, but also on helping us to better represent you and the arts we study by enabling us to become better, more knowledgeable teachers. I can say without hesitation Sifu, it is an exceptional experience to participate in your classes. It is always both very educational and inspirational training with you.

Since that day in 1984 when I was able to follow through with my goal and was accepted by you as a student of Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Martial Arts, my development in the martial arts has been on a very positive and ascending path. You taught me to expect more from myself than I ever thought possible. I owe you a great deal of thanks for all you have shared with me, and for all you will share with me in the future. Your impression is one that will stay with me and benefit me for the remainder of my life, and one you can be sure I will pass on for generations to come. On this you have my word!

Mostly Sifu I want to thank you for being who you are as a person. Your warmth & personal nature has always been an inspiration in guiding me on my path through life. I have watched you carefully through the years and have never experienced a teacher who devoted such an unfathomable dedication to their students like you do. I can only hope I can emulate a gradient of the quality you possess. You are truly a Master Coach and Teacher of a monumental level and I am proud to call you my mentor.

With All my Love and Gratitude
Sincerely and Respectfully,

Kevin Seaman
Syracuse, NY