Some people believe that as a Korean, knowing the language and culture, that I was given "special" access to the GM. In some respects, that would be accurate. I understood the subtleties of what was not said, or said, of emotion, of lack of emotion. I understood the nuances of the Korean language.

I did receive "special" treatment, if by special, it refers to the old school teaching, of probably how the GM learned from his master. GM showed me a technique once, once only. It was pay attention, or I got a knot on the head, or an extra jerk on the throw, to get my attention. Rarely, did GM ever show me the technique more than once. He corrected me, but he didn't show it twice. I did have the benefit of being the first to learn all the higher (post 1st dan) techniques, so I had the fortune to watch GM execute them numerous times to all students who were all junior to me, but my "lesson" was strictly old school. You watch, listen, no questions, and pay very close attention because there were no "seconds".

So, if that is special treatment, then yes, I did get special treatment. I questioned the GM once, "does that really hurt". Looking back, I think how silly of me to have asked. GM simply asked, "come closer", and gave me an eagle's beak to the cheek bone pressure point. Damn painful, and one of the last times I asked him "does that really hurt".