REMEMBERING GRANDMASTER SEUNG O CHOI

When doing research for The Return, it was recommended I speak with Grandmaster Seung O Choi . Among the many disciplines he taught (including his own, world-recognized Choido), was boxing. He was, I was assured, a remarkable man would would doubtless provide me with valuable information.

One of the first things Grandmaster Choi told me was that my favorite, John "Gentleman" Jackson, the darling of anything Regency and the personal friend of Lord Byron, would have gotten his butt kicked had he comeback today,

Needless to say, I was hooked.

I began haunting the dojo, asking countless questions and observing one of Grandmaster Choi's students,  David Lawhorm, the two-time World Cruiser-weight Kickboxing Champion, train. Soon, that was not enough, and I took up boxing, under Grandmaster Choi;s expert tutelage.

I wish I could say I became a world champion myself, but this is not the case. By the time I reached the point in my training where I could hit and be hit, I became pregnant, and had to hang up my gloves.

Fortunately, my relationship with Grandmaster Choi did not end: I brought both children to meet him when each was born, and continued to to consult with him on the choreographing of fight of my books and short stories (sometimes with the aid of Grandmaster Choi's son, Won Choi, former five-time Junior Olympic kick-boxing and boxing champion).

On 12 January 2005, one of the most remarkable men I have know, died. I feel blessed to have known him, and owe Grandmaster Choi more than I could begin to describe. He, without a doubt, influenced the shaping of Lord John Latham's character, and guided him in and out of the ring.

The world will certainly not be the same without him.