It is nice to see someone just start a thread to thank all you have given them so much.
I agree and I am a bit perturbed with how quickly people are giving the OP guff, he never said that these were the only "greats" just ones he knows.
Instead of knocking someone else down and getting that temporary, hollow satisfaction from masking your own insecurities, by cutting someone else down, name those teachers who have trained and inspirred you, whether they are known or not. Many of us call our Sensei "The best Jujutsu instructor you never heard of." His name is David Lamond.
Here is some of mine
My step dad- Walter Wilczek Muay Thai, TKD and "Polish Karate" . Pop gave me my philosophy on MA for SD, taught me to kick at knees instead of heads, use palms, headbutts and knees and fight dirty and win at all cost, for thwe price could be your life or limbs. (Upstate NY 84-86)
Mr Kennith J. Burcham- TKD but also introduiced my to Judo, Aikido but most importantly to me, old school standing Jujutsu, he started my search. He also gave me a positive male role model and was like a father to me when I really needed it, the man kept me from going to far astray. (So Fla 86-88)
John Morrison- American Kenpo Karate, a darn good instructor and a great guy, there are 3 techniques that are a big part of my arsenal that came from him. (So Fla 93 )
Sensei David Lamond- Icho Yama Ryu Aiki Jujutsu, Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu Kodo-Kai.
I knew in 5 minutes of my first class with him that I would study with him for the rest of our time on Earth. He had the kind of Jujutsu I was looking for, he is incredible at it, had a real street mindset that fit in with my hard learned lessons about streetfighting and is a good man to know. (N.Va 97-Present)
The late Col. James Raymond "Trooper" Tirey US Army (Ret)- Icho Yama Ryu, Daito Ryu, Knife fighting (Korean, Filipino, Western, Military) Improvissed weapons and the relation between Military tactics and Personal combat.
Jim was Daves #2, but was a very exp. anmd profficient martial artist who studied all over the world, but stayed loyal to Dave till he died last year at 54. He was an SF Officer, who worked in Covert Ops the world over and led some impressive men into harm's way, on missions that are still classified, yet he did not flaunt or wear on his sleeve his accomplishments. He introducred me to Filipino MA and trained me in knifefighting and other weapons.
More importantly, he was my Sempai, my mentor and beloved friend.
The man saved my life through his councel, assistence and example.
He is my template for how the Sempai of a Dojo and Kai should carry himself and I try my hardist to live up to it. (N.Va 97-2007, but his lesson carry on)
Dr. David Wink- Pekiti Tarsia, Pencal Silat, Full contact wepons sparring.
Dave and the Dog Brother's Eric Knaus were training partners way back in their days at Inosanto's Acadamy and under Leo Gaje.
A cnacer researcher by trade, Dave is the gentle warrior type.
Nice, fun, outgoing, but a deadly martial artist and knows when it's time to be civil and when it's time to be down right evil.
I am honored he asked my training partner and myself to join his school after Jim's death. (They trained together and were blending Aiki-Combat Jujutsu with Filipino/Indonesian martial arts) (Crosstraining 01-04, student 07-present)
