The Iron Man Breaks Again.
On March 19, 2005 the 32nd All Tang Soo Do Championships were held. On this splendid day a tremendous crowd of 400 participates and over 500 spectators came in droves to witness and be a part of a once in a life time event. This once in a life time event, contrary to someone’s idea, was not the tournament itself. Even though the tournament witch hosted some of the best martial artist today, displaying the artistry at its highest level in sparring, forms, weapons and breaking, everyone was anticipating another event. Each and everyone were eagerly anticipating the return of the legend, Grandmaster Richard Byrne, The Iron Man of Karate, as labeled by Black Belt Magazine.
The return of the legend brought the energy level so high that you had trouble breathing. With not only the chance to see and witness this living legend, Grandmaster Bryne in person, but to be apart of history by seeing him break his own world record of 14 boards with a downward elbow strike. On this day, Grandmaster Byrne was going to beat the world record by attempting 15 boards.
The stage was set. After the announcements and coordinating the tournament rings and judges the main event was ready to kick off. Grandmaster Byrne went off stage to organize and prepare mentally for this great feat. The cinder blocks were in place, the stack of over 1-foot of wood sitting on top just waiting for the legend. The music starts and the crowd hushes. All eyes beaming and straining to see. Grandmaster Byrne positions himself, centers his breathing and mind. He sets his mark and this mountain of a man, swings his elbow downward upon this stack of wood. Usually, a stack of wood has a little pause before all the wood breaks apart because of the laws of physics. That is, all the energy must pass through to the bottom piece and this piece must break first before all the others pieces of wood on top can. But today, with cameras flashing and camcorders really, the moment of truth has come. The Iron Man hits this monstrous pile, the wood instantaneously explodes from the raw power from him and another world record is broken and established by the legendary Iron Man of Karate, Grandmaster Byrne.
The crowd surprise and celebrations overpowered the sheer energy from this display. This eye, popping event carried over its energy for the rest of the day and inspired all others to new levels of greatness. As I, Master David Rexer can contest; this inspired me do become better at everything I do. I am proud and honored to say that this great man is my instructor. Thank you Grandmaster Byrne for again for inspiring and nurturing not only me, but also all of the thousands of people to you touch. Tang Soo!