"...From the first day I walked into Grandmaster Lee’s school I admired the photograph

...Lee traveled with Li Kuo to Sun Moon Lake, the largest natural lake in the Republic of China to visit Tzuen Ta, the Pagoda that sits atop Mt. Sabalan. But the weather was stormy and sidetracked the pair to a nearby town to wait out the storm. Local weather reports promised the weather would clear the next day, and each day thereafter for three days straight. When it did not, Lee gave up on the idea of the weather clearing and pressed on to Sun Moon Lake. Lee was awestruck by the beauty of the magnificent Pagoda that sat serenely across the lake atop the mountain despite the hazy sky. The inclement weather proved a challenge to their journey to the top, but once there the clouds magically cleared and the rain stopped. The sun shone brightly through a break in the clouds and Lee took heart at what he felt was a spiritual intervention. “After three days of waiting for the rain to stop I lost my patience. I didn’t have the time to spend waiting so I made a decision to go in spite of the bad weather. On our way there it did not stop raining once but when we reached the top it was as if the sky opened up. Suddenly the clouds cleared into one circular opening and the sun beamed through and it was like magic.” Lee and Li Kuo were then photographed performing various martial arts poses. The beauty of Sun Moon Lake and its stunning Pagoda stole Lee’s heart that day. It inspired him to perform what has become somewhat of a trademark for Lee – his flying sidekick. At the other end of the kick, with his guards held high, waits Li Kuo. States Lee today, “There was just something about that spot, and when I did the kick, I definitely imagined returning someday to watch my student duplicate it. As I glanced one final time at the Pagoda I made a promise to myself to come back. The amazing thing is it started to rain again as soon as we started back down the mountain.

In 1996 Grandmaster Lee did return. It was the first time he had been back, only this time he brought with him some of his top students. “I have to laugh because it wasn’t even my idea.” says Lee. “My top student, John (Buckley) suggested we go after the 8th World Tournament that was held in the Republic of China. We were right there so that’s exactly what we did.” Said John Buckley of the idea, “From the first day I walked into Grandmaster Lee’s school I admired the photograph of him doing the flying kick. I wondered how in the world he accomplished such a thing and it became a dream of mine to one day find out.” Being back at Sun Moon Lake brought back a flood of fond memories for Lee. “I remember standing there with my dear friend Li Kuo in 1975 like it was yesterday. Most of all I remember the promise I had made to myself to return one day with my top students.

Upon arriving at the Pagoda, Grandmaster Lee moved into a secluded area to privately watch John perform the kick. The whole experience was extremely sentimental to Lee. “I was feeling very introspective as I watched John line up for the kick and I wanted to be alone. Everything was new and exciting to all my students there with me but for me it was the fulfillment of a dream and a promise. I watched John execute the kick now through the eyes of a discerning Grandmaster. I was looking at the excellence at which John was performing the kick and there was a feeling of perspective in terms of what my life’s work was all about. It was an extremely proud moment for me to observe John take the very same steps leading to the explosive leap that would propel him into the air leading to the kick I had done in that exact spot. I imagined his footprints treading over the ones I left nearly twenty five years before on the weathered stones. It was a confirmation of the correctness of my choice to make this my life’s work. As John flew through the air it was a dream fulfilled and I had to brush a tear from my eye.

Said John of the occasion, “What an incredible honor to step foot on the same ground and take the very steps to attempt to duplicate my teacher’s famous flying side kick. When we got there Grandmaster Lee moved off to be alone, quickly blending in with the scenery, nature, and serenity of the area. But I could feel him watching me intently. His spirit, both past and present, permeated the air as I flew through it. I am humbled that he would even allow me the opportunity to recreate such a magical and historical moment.

"...There was just something about that spot, and when I did the kick, I definitely imagined returning someday