I guess I would have to have two catagories,
for Asia
Willem Reeders, whos family is responsible for the majority of the Kun Tao that is being taught in the world, including the DeThaurs.
for America
Geronimo, his documented fighting ability and his commitment to his people are legendary. There are still Fort Sill Apache that are the decendents of the POW’s that were held there. There is a story about how they would shackle Geronimo and chain him in a round cell evern night, and every morning he would be sitting outside the cell when the guards wold up. You can still go and see this cell at Fort Sill, OK.
Yep, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found in the pioneers of old.
I agree with many others about the legendary swordsman Musashi. That man was a true warrior artist. I was intrigued by his book, where he recounts some of his experiences and outlines a very spiritual philosophy based on the hard won wisdom he discovered thru the warrior path and a dedication to understanding his art, and life itself.
Wing Chun sifu Yip Man was a true fighter and an innovative master of his art. With all the BS I found that the traditional CMA establishment was filled with over my younger years, he has continued to stand out as an example of a true MA’ist (and a great one at that).
I will always greatly admire Bruce Lee for his enlightened outlook on the art of fighting, his innovation, and his tremendous dedication to training.
Muhammed Ali…let’s face it. No one else ever made being a butt-kicking champ look sooo sweet.
Royce Gracie…yeah yeah people dog him nowadays on both sides of the fence but he showed what kind of amazing things could be done by a true MA technician. He wasn’t too big or strong but he had a cool head and masterful technique, which he used to dispose of big strong guys, brawlers, tough wrestlers and the most unpredictable pool of martial artists ever assembled for any one competition.
Since I was a kid I’ve always been fascinated and inspired by all the stories and movies of the legendary Chinese folk hero and revered Hung Ga master, Wong Fei Hung. But at the same time, u can never be too sure with him because the bulk of his name is made up of a ton of fantasy and speculation based upon an ounce of reality. I think there are very few people today who can separate the truth from the folklore.