To The Family of Brian Workman:
Offering only condolences to the family of Brian Workman seems far too inadequate for someone who has given so much to me, our family as well as to everyone he met, taught and befriended.
Brian Workman epitomized the true essence of a traditional Samurai. His sincerity, frugality, loyalty to his family and to Hakkoryu Jujutsu, along with his unwavering integrity and a deep sense of honor all convey what a truly special person he was.
For nearly 19 years, I had the honor of training Hakkoryu Jujutsu with Brian, although, admittedly, apprehensively on occasion. Brian’s proficiency in Hakkoryu is renowned worldwide. His talent for recalling – in infinite detail, the exact technique, the history surrounding the technique, it’s origin, applications and affect the technique may have on your bodily system was enlightening to say the least. On more than one occasion, there were techniques applied with such precision that I swore to have found Nirvana through the sincerity of the pain he was applying, but I, like many others, always returned for more of his teachings.
Having received his Kaiden Shihan Sandaikichu Ranking (The highest rank given by the Head Master of Hakkoryu) at such a young age, Sensei (teacher) Workman strived to provide the continued support and instruction of Hakkoryu. For over 35 years, Sensei Workman provided countless hours of support with the patenting of Hakkoryu in the United States and worldwide as well as providing advice, both legally and advisory, to ensure that the original direction and tradition of Hakkoryu continued for eternity – All without any hesitation.
Kengai Kenshin is a term that you learn in the advance teachings of Hakkoryu. It means, vaguely, to approach life without hesitation or, more practically, to apply techniques without apprehension or fear. Sensei Workman applied these teachings to and with everything he did. To exemplify this, he took up skydiving. Of course, many thought of this as a crazed, life changing, midlife crisis event, but this, to me, was just another step in the direction of making oneself more proficient in Hakkoryu as well as in life. This exemplified, to me that Brian continued to live his life as a Samurai – without hesitation or fear and putting the concerns of others ahead of his own.
Sensei Workman will continue to live through his memories within us. He lives happily in my mind and body through the scars and sprains that I gladly accepted from him. He will continue to live within us and through us by our actions as I, among others, strive to be as much a man, a gentleman and father as he was.
If I could return only a portion of what he has given to me, it would require a lifetime which I would gladly give.
Gordon Kiyokawa and Family