Clearly his enthusiasm was being communicated to his students as they too encouraged one another. He moved around talking to everyone, motivating them and pushing everyone to their limit. The first lesson was his true martial character his humility, his generosity, his ability to see the martial arts as a pure pursuit and not only as a business.ĭuring the class David was a dynamo. Years later I can still feel his presence, I can still relive the classes. The lessons I would learn from David would stay with me. I returned the next week for two classes. He said he would be honored to have me join them. David James maintained the same happy smile and invited me to attended a few classes, at no charge whatsoever! I was being welcomed as a fellow black belt instructor. With most school owners that would end the conversation. I told him I was only visiting and thus, I was not really a potential student. Do we ever really understand the power of genuine kindness?

Once again I am on those stairs walking up to the dojo in downtown Chambers street, and I feel the beauty of this encounter.

I can tell you that at this very moment I can still feel that handshake, I can still feel the warmth and kindness, I can still see his big smile. Note: I am updating this blog, the year is now 2020, and it must have been 20 years or longer since this encounter. His humility was that of a true master of the martial arts, of life itself. Later I was to discover that this kind fellow who introduced himself simply as 'David', was none other than the renowned martial arts expert Professor David James, 5th dan black belt and successor to Grand Master Professor Vee (short for Visitacion) of the Vee Arnis Jitsu school of self-defense. His large hand enveloped mine and the warmth of his handshake made me feel like we were old friends. The man put out his hand, and with a smile from ear to ear said, 'Welcome, my name is David'.

Vee arnis jitsu