Just heard that Larry Hartsell passed away on 20th August.
Hartsell was a big name in martial arts. He studied under kenpo godfather Ed Parker and kung fu legend Bruce Lee. He served as a military policeman in Vietnam and bodyguarded various movie stars. He also pioneered grappling in the martial arts long before the Gracies and the Ultimate Fighting Championship made it fashionable.
I once went to one of his seminars. As he warmed up in preparation for the seminar he chatted amiably to me and a handful of the other students. We were all too awestruck to respond properly. Then, despite being jetlagged after his flight from America, he took us through a wide variety of techniques from judo and kali. Most of the stuff went right over my head (although I'm still hoping to use one of the knifefighting techiques he made us practice in a story one day) but his skill shone through.
It was a shock to hear of his death. My condolences to his family and friends.
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2 comments:
Stuart; my name is barbara hartsell summers. I was married to larry in 1973 for a short time. I lost track of him after he married Debbie and moved from North Carolina to california. I was saddened to learn of his death last year; if you can fill any blanks foe me I wpold greatly appreciate it. I tried to contyact Larry through his bnrother Dale in 2003 when his former friend David Daniel passed away but was unseccesful and have had no contact with anyone since. Any information You can forward would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Apologies for not replying sooner; I only just spotted your comment. I'm afraid I don't have any more info, I only met him the once at that one seminar.
There's a profile of him at http://www.jkd.gr/larryhartsell.html You may be able to get details through the email address at the bottom of the page.
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