Originally published in the Kilohana Chronicles, Volume 1 Issue 1, 2000.

A few weeks ago we lost our teacher and our friend Sigfried Kufferath. His students called him Dai Shihan (Great Master). He was known as Pippet (short and fast) in the islands of Hawaii where he grew up. Everyone knew and loved him as Sig.

Years ago when I first joined martial arts, Professor Kufferath was teaching at a conven­tion that my friend and I were attending. I was inspired by some of the special people I had encountered. Then I saw him: I grabbed my friend and pointed in his direction whispering "That person Shines, I want to be like that!" I had no idea who or what he was at the time. Later I discovered he was Professor Kufferath, Head Master of the Kodenkan system. I have been blessed with the honor of being his stu­dent these last four years.

The most important thing Sig shared with me was the Aloha Spirit, to be helpful, courte­ous and have pride in everything you do, not just on the mat, for it truly is a way of life.

If a new person needed help learning to tie their gi, Professor Kufferath was always first to notice and would send someone to show how it is done. If a student needed help with an art (whether they knew it or not) he was there with a watchful eye and a word of advice. When I execute some of my techniques I see his hands and I hear his voice.

When I drove Sig to class the entire dojo would be waiting to bow to him, yet he would always open the door and make me go in first. He always had time to listen and a smile that wel­comed anyone who wanted to come inside. The Professor always made an effort to meet any new people and their families. When I took him home from class, Sig would always watch and wave from the doorway till I drove off.

Professor Kufferath made me proud of the things I can do. He gave me respect and taught me self worth. I am small, yet in my mind I am a big guy: He called me a Tiger. The best compli­ment I ever received from him is that "I am the happiest person he knows."

In our hearts we all want to be like Professor Kufferath. He touched our lives and enriched our souls. We shared a joy for life, and as his students we became his family. I believe it is most important to keep the Aloha Spirit alive. Shine on!