Being a teacher of mathematics I’m well-aware of the challenges faced in teaching a powerful tool grounded in fundamentals which must be practiced until they are mastered. The teacher must be knowledgeable and capable at all levels and must be able to communicate the ideas, methods and results, all clearly and effectively.
Thong has this ability more than any other martial-arts teacher I have known. He is clear about the goal of training both physically and mentally and he intuitively understands which methods will effectively pass that training information on to his students so that we too can easily see where we are going and how we will get there.
Moreover he does this sincerely and honestly and with an open heart, holding back nothing. His interest is in mutual respect, understanding and sharing of the methods and goals. This is precisely how teaching should be.
Dr. Justin Wyss-Gallifent
Senior Lecturer, Mathematics UMCP, Contact Improv Dancer, Shodan Aikido Schools of Ueshiba