Well, here I am in Yakutsk, Russia again. This is my seventh time visiting the Republic of Sakha. On October 9th of last year, my father-in-law, Oleg Yemelyanov, lost his life after being struck by a train in Moscow. He was on his way to the U.S. to meet my daughter, Vera, who was born just six days before the accident. My wife and I were unable to attend the funeral because she was still recovering from the birth and the trip to Russia would have been too much for her and the newborn baby to take. The trip is difficult enough on a fit and healthy person.
So, we are here for the one year anniversary of Oleg's departure to celebrate his life. Oleg was one of the best men I have met in my life. He was like a second father to me and a dear friend. He always put others before himself and was true to his word. He was the epitome of what a "good man" should be.
The last time I was here in Russia, the family decided that since we do not get many opportunities to gather together, we would in a single month, celebrate all of the holidays that we normally do not get to spend together. We decided this year to make it a tradition. We will have Christmas, New Years and every family member's birthday.
One great thing that Oleg did for me in my several visits here, was to establish many connections with martial arts schools and trainers in the area. I typically visit these schools and teach seminars on various topics. I also get to work with many international and world champions in different disciplines. For me, reuniting with the martial arts community here is one of the highlights of the trip.
This is the first time I have come to Russia without something to read. Instead, I brought the rough draft of the Hadaka Judo book series to continue work completing and editing. I hope to have it ready for publication by early spring. So far, it is progressing very well.
So, we are here for the one year anniversary of Oleg's departure to celebrate his life. Oleg was one of the best men I have met in my life. He was like a second father to me and a dear friend. He always put others before himself and was true to his word. He was the epitome of what a "good man" should be.
The last time I was here in Russia, the family decided that since we do not get many opportunities to gather together, we would in a single month, celebrate all of the holidays that we normally do not get to spend together. We decided this year to make it a tradition. We will have Christmas, New Years and every family member's birthday.
One great thing that Oleg did for me in my several visits here, was to establish many connections with martial arts schools and trainers in the area. I typically visit these schools and teach seminars on various topics. I also get to work with many international and world champions in different disciplines. For me, reuniting with the martial arts community here is one of the highlights of the trip.
This is the first time I have come to Russia without something to read. Instead, I brought the rough draft of the Hadaka Judo book series to continue work completing and editing. I hope to have it ready for publication by early spring. So far, it is progressing very well.
