Visibly moved, the European Chief Instructor, who had been awarded the 10th Master Grade by Grandmaster Leung Ting in 2000, was pleased to accept this unexpected recognition for his unparalleled life’s work. Once he had recovered from his surprise, he reminded those present of the EWTO anniversary celebrations in Hockenheim in 2001, where he wanted to present his equally surprised Si-Fu, Grandmaster Leung Ting, with a gigantic 11th Master Grade certificate. Sifu Leung Ting had been extremely pleased, but had felt obliged to decline the certificate as it was not possible for him to be awarded a grade by his own students.
"Later my Si-Fu was however pleased to accept the honour of Gold Rank," Prof. Kernspecht said in concluding his remarks. "So I will not turn up my nose at Olympic silver and second place on the winner’s rostrum, although considering what I have been able to learn from him, platinum would be a more fitting precious metal for my Si-Fu in comparison."
The European Chief Instructor of the WT world also took the opportunity to inform the assembly that despite a large number of commitments, Grandmaster Leung Ting had kindly agreed to attend the international European weekend seminar in Livorno in autumn next year, and would be teaching personally again this time. On the last two occasions he sorely disappointed many participants by having himself deputised by Sisuk Cheng and Sihing Leung Koon.
In the afternoon on Thursday, Friday and Sunday he will once again hold his popular tutorials, and teach all the students and instructors on the Saturday afternoon. He will be assisted in this by various European national instructors, and Grandmaster Keith R. Kernspecht will teach during the mornings.