My name is Marc Lambert.
I began my training at the Chuck Norris studio in Torrance, California
in 1977 at the age of 7. (31 years ago)
The studio was my second home. Chuck Scott and John Barrett were
great instructors (and the owners of the studio). Mr. Scott was like a second father to me.
It was also there that I met three of my idols and future employers.
Every Thursday night they would clear out all the students and lock the doors. Then these "guys" would show up. Guys like
Lang Boston, Howard Jackson and many others would show up and FIGHT NIGHT was on. They would bloody each other up, then go
have some dinner (soup for some). Mr. Scott let me stay and watch a few times. I wanted to go out and join them, but I wasn't
really supposed to see what they were up to. That studio is also where my mom became friends with Fred Rossmannek. He
became my mentor and instructor for at least 17 years. Now, he is one of my best friends. He IS the reason I own
a studio, Thank you Fred .
Fast forward to the late 80's /early 90's... I was working
as the manager and instructor for John Barrett American Karate in Torrance. (It was a pretty cool to work for one
of my childhood idols)...
And one Thursday night...In walks Lang Boston.
He did not know that I knew who he was, or that I
knew of fight night. Then he said he was looking for a place that he and some friends could "spar" and that he used to do
this this at a studio not far from here....I said Yes, but only if I could join them... I should have known I was in trouble
by the smile that appeared though his beard.
"Fight Night" was ON again! Frankly, for a long time I
got my butt kicked by these "old guys" (no offense guys, and no not you Roger). Lang, has timing that is
legendary. I had more fun getting thrashed every Thursday night (and I learned to fight, better than ever). Thank you Lang,
Carl, Roger,Izzy, Vern and other fellow victims. What a blast and an honor.
Through JBAK I met some great people. I owe a huge
thanks to Carl and John for all that they did for me.
John's studio is where a rather strange old man came
in one day and told me some odd stories of his past as a CIA operative and his training as an expert martial artist.
(Which I dismissed as "BS", but he told some great stories so I listened).
Then he tells me he will teach me Aikido if I teach him how
to use Nunchauku...
He asked me to punch him in the face as hard as I could...(Which
I thought..." yep he's crazy" When I finally agreed... he grabbed my arm, applied a wrist control and threw me around
like a rag doll, inducing more pain than I had ever experienced...Turns out most (or at least some) of what he said was indeed
true.
That man was (San-Dan) John "Rudy"
Bowen, a part of U.S. Yoshinkan Aikido history.
It is through him that I learned the art of Aikido. I also
learned every man has an extraordinary gift. So do yourself a favor... Listen to that strange older person, and
give them a chance before you decide to shut them out completely. "Rudy"
passed away a few years back. I am proud I was one of his students. I hope he has finally found peace.
I left John Barrett's studio to work for former World Champion
Howard Jackson at his studio in Sherman Oaks.
Howard was a truly great man, and was a legendary fighter. He
was a proud United States Marine. He had struggled with a deadly cancer for the last few years. I will miss him
dearly. He passed on March 7, 2006
I will forever remain grateful for my time working with
and for him.
I have continued training and continue to practice many different
martial arts.In my 31 years I have trained in Ninjitsu, Jujitsu, Kick Boxing, Aikido, Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Tang
Soo Do, Chun Kuk Do, and Kendo.
All have taught me important lessons.
I have always enjoyed martial arts weaponry. I train
with many of them as often as I can: The long sword, Sai, the straight sword of Ninjitsu, Nunchacku, Kama, Short staff,
Tonfa, Manriki- Gusari, Shuriken, and (especially) Knife fighting.
I am very fortunate to have worked with, and for some
of the greatest martial artists of our time, Legends really...
These are some of my mentors, idols, and former employers:
World Champion Howard Jackson (Rest in
Peace), Lang "Crash" Boston, Fred Rossmannek,
Roger Yuan, John Barrett, Chuck Scott, Shidoshi Steven Hayes, Carl Mosher, Alex Di'Ambrosio,
Isabel Chaney-Gomez, Peter "Sugarfoot" Cunningham, Bill
"Superfoot" Wallace, Dr. Al Pusavat, Carlos Machado, Mike Stone,
Richard Norton, Chuck Norris, Benny "The Jet" Urquidez
and Dr. John "Rudy" Bowen (Rest in Peace)
A special thank you to them all. And thank you for vistiting my site.
Sincerely,
Marc Lambert
