Grand Master Fujiwara was a resident of Billings for most of his life and made a significant impact on thousands of Montanans through his martial arts teaching and impacted thousands more in the world community just through his presence on this earth as a loving teacher.
The funeral services were brimming with family, friends, community members and most notably his martial arts family. As his son spoke at the funeral, we, his martial arts family were all asked to stand and bow to Grand Master Fujiwara. It was with a swelling heart and sad eyes that we observed from the back row a huge portion, over half, of the congregation stand and for the last time, bow to this great man. Among the many respected and influential martial artists at the funeral was our Grand Master Jae Ho Park. His presence there was felt by all as he formally bowed to GM Fujiwara upon finishing his comments at the funeral. This gesture was so simple yet so powerful, it speaks to the fact that one does not need to perform monumental acts to show a great deal of respect.
Master Rosbarsky’s martial arts path has been observed by GM Fujiwara from the beginning. He was a consistently loving and gentle man who constantly, not just on the mat, exemplified the tenets and philosophies of Taekwondo: modesty, perseverance, self control, indomitable spirit, etiquette, respect, humility and patience.
In the last few years we had the incredible good fortune to increase our closeness with GM Fujiwara. On March 12, 2010 I sat with Grandmasters Fujiwara and Park and listened to them divulge, at great length, some of what made them the incredible men they are. GM Fujiwara said something that has great pertinence today, “Don’t begrudge the storms of today, embrace them for what you can learn from them and offer help to others in the future.”
In this time of grieving, let us remember that because of today we will have the knowledge and depth to help others somewhere in our future.
From the Desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky
