I was deeply impressed the first time I saw Mr. Haw. I remember thinking I had never seen such a powerful, focused, disciplined man before in my life. Powerful, both physically and mentally. As I recall, my mother's awed exclamation was "His legs look like tree trunks!"
After I joined the class, I was impressed by how seriously Mr. Haw took his responsibility to "protect" me. To the best of my knowledge, he was never asked to do so, he simply took it upon himself to ensure my safety and well-being. He always made sure I had responsible rides to and from Tae Kwon Do events, that I didn't drink at TKD functions until I was of age, etc. He truly was a father figure to me
in many ways. I felt a very real bond with the other members of the class- as if we were extended family. Though it has been many years since I practiced Tae Kwon Do, I find myself even today relying on the inner
strength and courage I learned from Mr. Haw all those years ago. I was recently diagnosed with cancer, and it's quite serious. It may well be the fight of my life. But somehow, I know that deep down inside I have the strength to deal with it because Mr. Haw showed me that strength in myself when I was his student so many years ago.
You are a gifted teacher and a compassionate human being, Mr. Haw. Thank You for teaching me so much about myself and so much about life. -Nancy Sherburne
Mr. Haw taught me three very important things when I was a young man that I still carry with me today:
endurance, perseverance and working through pain. These early lessons still serve me well.
-John Clark
