There are so many people I’d like to thank on the path to writing this book. My wife and life partner Marina Kamen, who taught me how motion and emotions are linked, who helped guide me through life to “feel” and who always supported me. My eldest brother and first Karate teacher, Robert Mark Kamen, who introduced me to the world of Martial Arts, always with a good dose of reality and whom I consider my father in the Martial Arts. Terry Kamen, my older brother, who laid the foundation for my journey to higher consciousness; I see myself in your eyes Terry. My Shotokan teacher Toyotaro Miyazaki, who taught me to never criticize another man’s technique but to watch closely and steal it. My first GoJu instructor, who taught me that people are sometimes not what they appear to be. My current Karate tutor and dear friend Kow Loon Ong (Kayo), who “took me in”, taught me how deep the rabbit hole goes in the Martial Arts and allowed me the freedom to explore and develop my own way. Martial Artist, world explorer and published author, The late Gary Gabelhouse, who opened my eyes to the concepts of Kata as Mudra, Mantra and Mandala. David Wong, another of my mentors and historian of Chinese history, culture and Martial Arts. Kayo’s family Lai, John, Max and Pearl Ong, and Chi-I-Do members Christopher Chin, Howard Lau, Kevin Lau, Jonathan Reingold, Matthew Simmons and Bai Zhou Zhu for their deep and supportive friendship and guidance. My parents, Elinore and Harry, who gave me life and instilled in me strong values. To my children who put everything in my life into perspective. Additional kudos to Justin Bartholemew Kamen and Philip Weissman for their editing prowess, Tess Molly Kamen and Elinore Kamen for their proofreading skills and Tyler Michael Kamen who helped me graphically design this book. Thank you to Donna Rockwell Psy.D. who helped me be more mindful and coaxed me to start putting my thoughts down on paper. And lastly, thank you very much to all of my fellow Chi-I-Do students and fellow Budo brother followers of “The Way”.
Special thanks to Erika Pochybova and James W. Johnson for the beautiful cover art entitled “Twilight”, which captures the essence of this book and all the beauty that lies “beneath the surface”.