Twenty Years Honouring the Memory of Our Founder, Sigung Bob Schneider

Sigung’s Corner

by Sigung David Moylan
Fu For You Summer 2026

The start of this summer marks 20 years since our Academy’s founder, Sigung Bob Schneider, tragically passed away. For those that don’t know what happened, he was vacationing with his dogs at a rented farmhouse for a week at one of his favourite places, Bayfield, Ontario. While relaxing in a hammock, the tree supporting it broke and struck him in the head. Although his time with us was cut short, his lessons live on.

Just nine months prior to his passing, he celebrated his 54th birthday at Patti-Lynn and my wedding at what used to be the Waterloo Inn (which would later be the first place we’d host the annual CKKA gathering).

With his family’s support, we were able to spread some of his ashes at our discretion. This included one of his favourite spots to walk his dogs, Pilkington Overlook. Sifus Evan, Kevin and I were also able to spread some in the beautiful Wudang Mountains of China on our trip there in 2007.

Through the initiative of Sifu Laina (retired founder of our Little Ninjas Program), members of the Academy purchased a plaque for a memorial bench at Parkview Cemetery in Waterloo. It remains there with the inscription we chose:

You were the ground under our feet,
now that you are gone, we realize you taught us to fly.

Plaque for Sigung Bob at Parkview Cemetery in Waterloo

Since his passing, the Academy has instructed over 30,000 classes, conducted over 100 gradings and popped champagne for 46 new Black Sashes! We just committed to at least another five years in our current location. As we approach our 40th anniversary (November 2027), we remain solidly in flight.

In the flight path, early this May, we had a spirited Intermediate/Advanced grading. Six students achieved Blue Sash and (Sije) Chantal, our Fu for You Youth Student’s Corner writer, earned her Brown Sash. Also, Sifus Anne and Neel earned their 4th and 3rd Degree Black Sashes, respectively – both started their journey with Sigung Bob, before the age of 11. Congratulations to everyone!

As part of their requirements to move to the next degree, our instructors need to read and submit a report on a martial arts book of their choosing. Sifu Neel chose Shaolin Spirit, by Shi Heng Yi. This is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It is truly a gift to receive such articulate wisdom from a Shaolin monk (in this case, the founder of Shaolin Temple Europe). Below is a quote from Sifu Neel, taken from his book report, summarizing the guidance on how to stay present:

We are grateful for your time and teachings. Rest in peace Sigung Bob.

If the experience is a positive one, do not hold onto it. Enjoy it, experiencing every moment of joy it provides. Then, allow it to pass. Do not mourn for positive moments which have passed. Instead, remember them as they were, and know that more will come. Much like clouds in the sky they come and go. What matters is being in each and every moment as fully as possible.

Sifu Neel

From his book report on how to stay present.