32 years ago on this day , we lost a great pioneer of martial arts , Donn F Draeger . Having fought in Iwo Jima and retiring from the marines with a rank of Major , Draeger set off to japan to explore the martial culture . He was the first westerner to have trained in and with many skilled japanese martial artists . Moreover , he brought his knowledge of the east to the west , popularizing it . In addition to that , he did extensive research of various parts of asia countries and their respective arts , documenting his work and publishing books .
To me , he is an epitome of a martial artist . I am fortunate to have contacted and talked to some of his personal students . We will never get anybody like him in the future . Thank you Donn Draeger for inspiring me and others with your works .
To me , he is an epitome of a martial artist . I am fortunate to have contacted and talked to some of his personal students . We will never get anybody like him in the future . Thank you Donn Draeger for inspiring me and others with your works .