My Day with the Grandmaster- Robert E. Beaudoin


Grandmaster Robert E. Beaudoin,

I first met Master Beaudoin in the mid seventies. We attended his tournament in Waterbury, Connecticut. We had a sort of “rival” Tsd school that competed there and we always matched up against his guys.  Grandmaster Hwang Kee was in attendance and even awarded me my first place trophy When I won in Black Belt breaking competition.

Many years were to pass until we met again.  We attended the 50th anniversary of that tournament and reminisced.

A year later I was at the airport to fly to D.C. to attend the 50th anniversary of Grandmaster Jenkins tenure in Tang Soo Do.  Grandmaster B was in the waiting area preparing to board and would be attending the event (he was Kjn Jenkins original teacher).  We chatted and made some small talk and soon departed for the short flight.

Upon arrival in Reagan airport my wife and I saw him standing by the luggage area by himself.  He was arranging transportation. We then asked if he wanted to accompany me and and my wife on a day touring the city, and with a resounding , yes, we were to have him to ourselves all day. (We visited the newseum)

He was fun, kind, gentle, thoughtful and a true gentleman as you would expect.   My wife loved him and we had one of the very best days ever.  Thank you for the gift of your time and wisdom Grandmaster Beaudoin. It was a great day in my personal Tang Doo Do history moments.

MB

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