As many of the people close to me have already heard, Grand Master Chae Bok Rhee passed away yesterday. Sadly I did not know him that well. I was only 5 years old when Grand Master Rhee, or “Mister Rhee” as I used to call him as a young child, sold the school to my father and moved to New York. And although Grand Master Rhee still would return to the school from time to time, by 1989 my father and Grand Master Rhee fell out of contact with each other. I was only 9 years old and I would not see “Mister Rhee” again for many years.
Like many of my father’s other students over the years, I do not know where I would have ended up in life if it were not for the lessons I learned at the school. Staying out of trouble as a teenager, finishing college, becoming a police officer, and settling down to start a family all come from the disciple, honor, respect, and perseverance I learned from my training in Tae Kwon Do.
But when I heard of Master Rhee’s passing, I realized I owe a lot more than that to him. My father’s full time job since I was 5 years old has been as a professional martial arts instructor and school owner. Ever single aspect of my life has been influenced by this fact. Every day of my life was touched by the school. Every major decision, almost every discussion in the family had something to do with the school.
All of my closest personal relationships are a result of the school. From not just Billy Petrone who has been like a big brother to me and my brother Colby, but also Gus Vlamis, John Szalan, Ray Stethle, Ron Bailey, Peter George, George Krosen, Scott Palucci, Derek Person, and Oscar Allain who have been like family to us for most of our lives.
But there is also our paintball buddies Gilbert DeJesus, George Caddy, Taino DeJesus, Nico DeJesus, and Willie Toledo, all of whom I met through the school.
Josh Walker, who is not only a paintball buddy, but an excellent black belt and training partner.
Through the school Timmy Le, my “first son”, came into my life. I am very proud of him and not a day goes by that I don’t think about him. But, it doesn’t stop there. Because of Timmy I also have his family in my life; Cynthia, Tina, Mai, and of course my Godson on Anthony who all mean so much to me. Also if it wasn’t for the school, not only would I have never met Timmy, but I never would have met his aunt, and my wife Trinh who has been with me for over 10 years now. Trinh’s extended family including Trang and Sang and their families, as well as Trinh’s many cousins are all in my life because of the school.
And my brother Colby met his wife Glendys through the school as well. They have been together for over 15 years. And Glendys’ sisters, who are also a big part of our extended family, took class at the school as well.
My son’s Godfather, Nabil Boutagy, who is also one of my closest friends, came into our lives by way of the school.
When I was on my honeymoon in Maui, I ran into and spent a day with Dave Bean, a long time black belt of the school who moved out to Hawaii in 2004.
When we say East Coast is like a big family, it is because it’s the truth. All of these people have been a part of ever major milestone in my life. These people make up the majority of the people who were at my high school graduation, my college graduation, my wedding, my kids’ christenings, my brother’s graduation and his wedding and his children’s christenings.
My friends, my family, my beautiful wife and beautiful sister-in-law, my wonderful children and my wonderful nieces and nephews…all of these people are in my life because of the school…which is in my life because of Grand Master Chae Bok Rhee. I am not saying that i would have ended up as a bad person without the school, but I definitely would not be the SAME person that I am today without the school. And I definitely feel I have the best life I could possibly have because of the school.
Sadly Master Rhee does not know how much of an impact he has had on my life. The last time my father, brother and I saw him was at Master Bai’s tournament in New Jersey in 2003 (which coincidentally was the same day my wife and I started going out together). But wherever he is now, I would like to say thank you for all the ways directly and indirectly that you have made my life better.
Rest in Peace “Mister Rhee”
Casey Mezerewski
March 21, 2014 at 2:24 pm -
I have just heard of the passing of Master Rhee from his son. This was a great man and teacher of Martial Arts. His family are actually clients of mine and had lost touch with them over the past year. He trained me and I have had several instructors through my years and there is no comparison to Master Rhee! I will think fondly of him and never forget his teachings. He will never be forgotten!
November 19, 2013 at 1:06 am -
Casey, I’m sure you do not remember me, but I remember you when you were about 6 years old. I studied under Master Rhee for many years back in the day with Ray, Billy, Gus, Ron, your dad, and many others. Your comments were beautifully written and could be echoed by many others who had the privilege of training under such a great man. I too am where I am today because of my training and the wonderful people who surrounded me at that time in my life at the Chae Rhee Institute of Tae Kwon Do on Wood Avenue. They are memories I still hold dear and often reflect back on as I watch my 11 and 7 year old daughters compete in their karate competitions. Master Chae Rhee has made a lasting impact on many people. His legacy will live on and I am grateful I had the opportunity to know him.