03/22/2017
Tribute to Grand Master Samson Abwao Lipuka
In the midst of my grief, I faced the daunting task of crafting a eulogy for an extraordinary person, GM Lipuka, a man I have known for years. He was simply outstanding among his peers who some we know very little about. Referring Mr. Samson Lipuka as a grand master alone is an understatement, for that reason, I feel an enormous obligation to Taekwondo family to charge Master Patrick Ngana with the responsibility to tell his story, and I believe he will reiterate it well. We are fortunate to have Master Ngana who will also soon be a grand master in his own right, to share his personal and professional Taekwondo experience he had with the late GM Lipuka. I must confess that watery eyes are inevitable as I'm typing, and I also laughed as I remembered some arguments we had in favor for and/or against each other. I must also acknowledge learning some important lessons in the long run.
I first heard his name (GM Lipuka) back in 1982 from one Master Fredrick Chege 'Jojo' aka Freddy. Jojo was the coach and owner of Huruma Taekwondo Club, the then trainers were Eliud Mutali aka Elilee, and sometimes Kevin Tapawa aka Pawaa. So every evening as we strolled home after training Jojo would just be telling us stories about Taekwondo, and GM Lipuka's name would pop up. With time I realized Samson Lipuka was a household name whenever martial arts is mentioned. I was blessed to meet him at later stages of my Taekwondo career. Also, I was honored to work with him as a trainer for the national team that was to participate in Africa championship in Senegal (1999) though in vain courtesy of Taekwondo wrangles in Kenya. Over the years working alongside GM Lipuka, I learned not to take issues personal. Many might say volume of how they knew him, but personally I knew him as a selfless individual who would share to the last drop of water with Taekwondo family. Even after a heated argument with GM Lipuka, he was never bitter, and I never heard him say an unkind word to anyone in all the years of our friendship.
Finally, if I'm given an opportunity to eulogize GM Lipuka, I would say these as a wind up comments; So, on behalf of your family and friends, and Taekwondo at large, I thank you. I salute you for your brilliant mind, for your enlightenment, for your passion for and commitment to betterment of the sport of Taekwondo, for your nurturing of others, for your generosity, for your moral leadership, for your patience and understanding, for your truth, and for your uncritical acceptance and simply for being a good friend.
Before I go, I would also point out that GM Lipuka was a brilliant, dedicated fighter for justice and fairness for everyone in Taekwondo.
We have lost a good man. Let us all pray and consolidate with his family, and give him a legendary farewell.
Rest in peace Ndugu/Rafiki Grand Master Samson Abwao Lipuka.
Salvatore Senzia
