Larry Hartsell, RIP

**M-Tri** · Posted On: 8/23/2007 2:15am

that sucks

**JBDzn** · Posted On: 9/06/2007 12:40am

I last trained with Sifu Hartsell in 2003 at the Inosanto Academy in Marina Del Rey before they relocated. I am so glad that I took his evening workshops while I was out there for the IAMA August Instructors camp. Prior to that I had seminar training time with him starting in1991 and continuing up to 1995. As the years went by I did not have many chances to see him in the New York metropolitan region.
I truly appreciated how much his development of grappling in JKD made the ground a less alien place to be. Also having been on the receiving end of both his lockflows and his standup strikes I really think that his gift was that of teaching students that by actually feeling the technique you learn to be more efficient and effective in applying it in combat.
Although he was known as as "fighter" I found that as a teacher he was soft spoken and patient during my time training with him. Just the same he could pour it own when necessary.
When I got the call that Sifu Hartsell had died the news floored me. Later on when talking to some of my juniors at my school I could see that they really could not grasp the significance of Sifu Hartsell's advocacy of grappling and groundfighting during the pre-UFC 1980's.
I know that I am rambling, but this man was so genuine in his study, development and implementation of groundfighting, now that he is gone I really wish I had spent more time training with him than I did.
It really is a sad day.

**gr81disp** · Posted On: 9/06/2007 5:28am

I don't want to seem disrespectful towards an obviously talented MArtist, but how did he die? I have a buddy who does JKD and would like to know.

**JBDzn** · Posted On: 9/06/2007 9:39pm

I do not know the cause of his death. Quite frankly out of shock I simply did not ask. I thanked my caller and went to say a prayer for Sifu Hartsell.

**corwin137** · Posted On: 9/19/2007 2:11pm

Originally Posted by gr81disp

I don't want to seem disrespectful towards an obviously talented MArtist, but how did he die? I have a buddy who does JKD and would like to know.

Am still working on finding that out. Haven't forgotten the thread. It's not been posted on his site, Dan Inosanto's, nor do three of his closest students know. If something comes up, will let you know.