George Hackenschmidt: The Russian Lion - Back in an age when ... - David Gentle. which was to bring him a fortune and enduring fame.
Beginning a career in the oldest martial art of all, wrestling.
Genetically favored from his grandfather\'s physique, he soon excelled at gymnastics, athletics and weight lifting.
Of German/Swedish descent, (which accounts for his un Russian name) the fighting legend Georges Karl Julius Hackenschmidt (aka Hack or The Russian Lion) was born 2nd August 1878, or using the older style Russian calendar July 20th 1872, at Dorpat in Estonia.
A true warrior has to struggle and EARN the wisdom to do battle, with not only his adversities, but with LIFE ITSELF.
His serenity was \'catching\', calming all those in attendance at his lectures...and it was a developed calmness.
He spoke softly, so that you were forced to listen and pay attention, rather than raise his voice to be heard.
His tactic to win was skill and speed, born of confidence in his own ability and fighting prowess.
George Hackenschmidt was the epitome of calm, self-assurance and inner peace, with full awareness of his own capabilities and thus like all masters of combat found NO NEED FOR MACHOISM or outward aggression.
That man, George Hackenschmidt was destined to become famous throughout the World and take his place in fighting arts history as THE RUSSIAN LION and unlike many of his opponents and contempary wrestlers, \'Hack\' was never mean, vindictive or unnecessarily rough in his wrestling bouts, contrasting his physical prowess and fighting skills with a quietness of spirit.
He had the total formula for combat domination, winning over 3000 bouts between 1889 and 1908. to be recognized {by} Japanese/Chinese martial arts masters ... possessed the same qualities ...
One man in particular, a master of his own most ancient fighting skill, ... ... few if any Far Eastern Masters of Martial arts were known to the rest of the World.
George Hackenschmidt: The Russian Lion - Back in an age when ..
