Dear Sir, Grandmaster Ong, on behalf of Grandmaster Nick Donato’s students, client members, community friends & colleagues, I wanted to express our excitement in your announcement yesterday. GM Donato has always led from the front with integrity, devotion and loyalty to the Martial Arts - Combat Industry. He once commented on his life choice, that to be a full-time Martial Arts leader /Instructor is certainly not an easy road, but one, that will challenge every fibre of your being and self-worth. That it will take your breath away at times and at other times try to crush you financially, mentally and emotionally. Yet, over the decades I have witnessed his unwavering commitment to all.
I have witnessed his insatiable thirsty to study and understand the diversity and strengths of all martial systems around the world. For someone who never finished school, his encyclopedic knowledge of Martial Art world history, its grandmasters, founders and lineages, combat and weapons science are beyond outstanding. Grandmaster Joe Onopa enjoyed the in-depth conversations on such topics, even if it was via a phone call at 3am in the mornings. They dreamed together back then, to build the legacy of the Kwon Bop Do Taekwondo Federation. GM Donato has fostered many wonderful relationships with peers and mentors over the years who have all played a special part, shined a light, and shared their personal challenges and life lessons through the arts with him. I know he misses those who have passed dearly, and he cherishes the camaraderie with all those here around the world today.
Sensei Ben Di Pede, once stated to GM Donato, “If you look after and care for Martial Arts in its entirety, it will look after you!” I sense that GM Donato has been quietly reminiscence this proverb of sorts, over the last few days. The advice, the guidance, and the care shown to him by so many true outstanding guardians of the Martial Arts along his journey thus far, has led him to this place of well-earned achievements.
"True humility is intelligent self-respect which keeps us from thinking too highly or too meanly of ourselves"
Congratulations Grandmaster Nick Donato on these sensational, well-deserved achievements.
One of your many dedicated students; Master Ell Gatt
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