When an offense is made against a man's dignity and honor he is forced to defend himself. Out of a sense of deep respect for the martial arts, and as a dedicated and long-time practitioner, I am therefore compelled to acknowledge that unfair and untruthful comments have been made against my name and my character. These accusations have been directed against me not only as a Wing Tsun practitioner but also as a martial artist and human being in general.

It saddens me that greed and personal interest are the motivating factors which led to this unjustified attack. This is especially disturbing when my goal has always been to promote and expand the arts of Wing Tsun and Escrima all over the world for the benefit of all. Recently, Mr. Keith R. Kernspecht, who represents an important and substantial part of the income of Mr. Leung Ting's Association, has launched a deliberate campaign to discredit my name and reputation among students and practitioners of the martial arts. This is especially troubling because for many years, when it was to his monetary benefit, he used me to bring students into his European Wing Tsun Organization (EWTO). It is common knowledge that my name and reputation have been extremely relevant in the development and rapid growth of his EWTO. The members I brought in have become a major source of income and support for Mr. Kernspecht - the same person who is currently trying to discredit me for his own selfish goals.

I feel no need to list my accomplishments, to promote myself, or to speak ill of others - this is not the martial arts way. Deeds speak louder than words and everyone around the world is well aware of what I have done in the last 16 years for both the EWTO and Mr. Leung Ting's Association itself. Having unsuccessfully attempted to resolve this matter privately, and having been rebuffed, I am left with no other option than to sever all personal and professional ties with Mr. Keith R. Kernspecht and the EWTO and Mr. Leung Ting and the IWTA.

Happily, I will continue teaching the arts that have been taught to me - even though both Leung Ting and Kernspecht now claim that I don't know Wing Tsun (it is interesting to note that called me an "expert" when they were receiving money from me). In North America, I shall continue to use the WT (Wing Tsun) and Latosa Escrima logos and emblems. In Europe, I will use the name "Emin Boztepe Martial Arts System" (EBMAS) to avoid any conflict or misidentification of what I teach. I am honored to continue spreading the arts and knowledge that I personally developed through my many years of personal training and research. Contrary to any rumors or falsehoods you may hear, I have not invented a new style. I will teach the same methods and systems that attracted thousand of students to my seminars and schools all over the world.

Honesty and loyalty are important qualities in any human being, not only in martial artists. Honesty promotes understanding and loyalty, and keeps students and teachers together. However, these qualities are a two-way street and should be mutually shared. Student and teacher both need to know and understand the correct way to honor their counterpart. Unfortunately, when personal greed and ambition rear their ugly heads, this is sometimes forgotten.

A conspiracy began a long time ago between Mr. Leung Ting, Mr. Keith Kernspecht, and two other individuals who always were more interested in having a political position within the organization than in teaching and developing skills in their students. For pure financial gain, these four people hatched a conspiracy to take over the organization I had personally built from nothing. This conspiracy was in place even when Mr. Ting was personally invited by me to conduct a U.S. tour. At that time, Ting had already ordered these two individual to register a new Web site domain under his personal name. This is betrayal at its worst, for the worst reason - pure greed.

It's sad to see people who represent major styles in the martial arts world, be so easily manipulated by money, ego and personal insecurity. The true spirit of martial arts has been lost by these individuals. All that now drives them are money and ego. It seems that the support and love of all my students in Europe and the United States was affecting not only Mr. Ting's and Mr. Kernspecht's egos, but their pocketbooks as well. They perceived my growth not as a sign of personal validation, but as a threat to their egos. The quality of what I teach and my dedication and loyalty to my students speak for itself.

Every man's future is in their own hands and I gladly embrace my new path in life. With the spiritual nourishment and support of my many wonderful and loyal students around the world, I will continue to spread the martial arts that have been a major part of my life for the past 27 years. Many years ago Bruce Lee was criticized and forced to leave the Wing Chun/Wing Tsun family due to jealousy from fellow members of the clan. These people forced Yip Man to stop teaching him. Thus history repeats itself. If we have learned one thing over the years, it is that the individual is more important than the style. All those who know me, recognize and appreciate what I teach and why I teach.

Kernspecht and Ting can use their time and energy criticizing me for their own personal monetary gain and ego. I will not bother with them, but rather devote my energy to working with and teaching students around the world. As is my way, I will not go out of my way to attack anyone. However, if attacked, I will use all my power and influence to stop anyone who tries to hurt either me and my students, or to take away anything we have worked together to build for so many years.

Yours truly in martial arts,

Emin Boztepe

"Emin Boztepe'den Martial Arts Community' ye Açık Mektup" (Türkçe)

"Özel Ajan (SAs) Dougles R.Kane'den Emin Boztepe'ye mektup" (Türkçe)