Today after class I went to a viewing for a very old and dear friend of mine. I haven’t talked to him in over 25 years. He lost his mother about 2 months ago and he lives in Florida so they are just getting around to having her memorial service. I’ve talked about Keith many times in class, I know you heard me mention “Animal”, he was named after one of the Muppets. Keith was one of the best fighters that I ever had the privilege to spar with. You have heard me say the best fighters are the ones who have the least regard for their own safety? This was Animal. This tenacious warrior had and still has the heart of a giant. Anyhow seeing him today brought back all kinds of memories from over two decades ago and I’m still proud to call him a friend.
I don’t take friendship lightly. We might not talk, I might not call back, write letters or e-mail but once you are my friend you will always be my friend. Loyalty is one of my few good traits.
2 comments:
Keith was definitely one of the best fighters I ever saw - and one of the best coaches. Back when I started at the YMCA, Sensei Campbell had four senior guys that helped out at class - Keith Maltby, Keith Tinyo (always in a kung-fu uniform!), Mike Mohn, and Sensei Sukernick before he moved to Florida for a while. I loved karate, but when I first started (age nine) I was really afraid to fight. Keith used to make me spar with him after every class until I built my confidence up. I've never forgotten that. I hope I have a chance to thank him in person at some point.
I started in Sensei Hodgkiss' class when it was still in the Old synagogue back in 1978. My Father (Charles Mann) took over the club.
As a 10 y/o boy, I remember looking up to Keith. I recall him being fearless.
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