The martial arts community has always been a special place.  Unfortunately, as in life, we are reminded how dear things are to us only after something terrible has taken place. It’s a rare occasion that we get  a second chance and that is what I am writing about.

On or about Christmas day a 64 year old year old gentleman didn’t feel quite right. He thought he had the flu. He was incorrect in his assessment, but he was right about one thing; he was sick. A trip to the hospital for treatment turned out to be quite the ordeal.  Robert Hoe was admitted and diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Much different and more severe than the possible flu he thought he had.  He would undergo surgery for a 6 way heart by-pass and after a brief stay at the hospital would return home to begin his long road to recovery.

What is the relationship between Robert Hoe and the martial arts? Mr. Hoe is a Grandmaster in the art of Kenpo. He was a direct student of Simon Eli. Mr. Eli was one of James Mitose original students and Black belts. Along his path of teaching Grandmaster Hoe took on a student by the name of Brent Crisci. The relationship that would form between these two individuals would not only be student and teacher, but friend.  After years of training Crisci, Sensei went on to train with some of the most notable martial artist in the world. These martial artists included the late Professor Nick Cerio, Kenpo Grandmaster Bruce Juchnik, Michael DePasquale, Jr., and others - a literal who’s who of martial artists. However, in nearly 30 years of training, Crisci has never forgotten the one man who he believes he owes everything to - Grandmaster Robert Hoe.  When Grandmaster became ill, it was Brent that was by his side. It was the respect of Brent’s students who stepped up to oversee his dojo so that Brent and other students could visit and take care of GM.  Brent has always done everything he could to show and pay respect to Grandmaster Hoe for everything that he has taught him. Not of guilt or need of repayment of some debt, but out of sheer love, devotion and dedication to a man he knows he will never be able to pay back for what he has given him. These teachings go beyond the martial arts. Grandmaster Hoe was a mentor and caretaker to many people. That torch has been passed and it is individuals and Sensei like Brent Crisci that will pick it up and continue the legacy.
 
The good news in this story is that Kyoshi Brent Crisci and the rest of the world get another day, and hopefully many more years, to spend with such a great and honorable man.  He has a tough road ahead, but he is strong. He is also one of the most giving people you would ever want to meet. I hope you get the chance to meet him someday.

God Speed to you Grandmaster Hoe. We love you.

Shawn Flanagan, Staff & Students
Karate International Martial Arts Center, Exeter, NH

If you wish to send Grandmaster Hoe any good wishes please email me directly and I will forward them along.

Note:  Is there someone in your life who has helped you in ways that you could never repay? A parent, teacher or friend? Have you told them how much they mean to you? Now would be a good time to tell them. We don’t all get second chances. Don’t wait until it’s too late.