That's great info, thanks MrE2Me2!!

Mr E2Me2, A post dedicated to Master Margie Hilbig, this is awesome. I think that you have done a good thing Mr E2Me2 by having a thread dedicated to this inspiring individual. Imagine being a Martial Artist during the blood and guts era of Martial Arts, now imagine being a female , wow. I cannot remember if this was in the book or if it was one of her students that told me this. (It may have been Anthony Pangilinan Back row page 279 of her book. He is an awesome example of a black belt, and a true testiment to the calibre of Artist Master Hilbig produces) She would register in tournaments as M. Hilbig. So they would not complain about a "female" being in the division. ( well they would complain when she stepped into the ring, and then complain again when she hammered them into the ground) As Mr E2Me2 stated, I honestly recommend purchasing a copy of the book. First of all it really is an interesting read, near impossible to put down. This lady accomplished something that few men could ever accomplish, and she accomplished it during an era that would have made most of us men quit. Second the book gives an honest glimpse into the heart, soul, mind and spirit of a true Martial Artist. This book is a true testament to inner strength, and relentless spirit. Third, her impact on all of us is understated, underappreciated and almost IMHO overlooked. For those of us that know her, for those of us that have a glimpse into the truth, for those of us who have read her book, we know this: that without her efforts years ago trying to promote Martial Arts in this country this site may well not even exist. Who knows what the path of Canadian Martial Arts may have taken. Early tournament efforts were a direct result of her efforts to travel south and train with greats like Ed Parker. Her influence is felt in teh Canadian Martial arts scene there is no question about that. Sifu shawn

To all, Tonight I’m going to review Chapter 9 The Making of a Canadian Sensei This is possibly my favorite chapter of the book. It describes her two greatest accomplishments. She describes almost getting caught in the Watts riots. Meeting with Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris and Ed Parker is there. Some of her nastier tournament competitions are riveting. As is her black belt exam, which goes on for some pages. In detail and inspiring are the best adjectives I can come up with here. Her relationship with her students is obviously vital to her. And how she describes teaching makes me want to go practice right now. All in all, chapter 9 is a stand out, no question. Regards, MrE2Me2

To all, There’s a lot of martial arts history at the end of chapter 6 and throughout chapter 7. Master Hilbig talks of her first days in Calgary. That would be where she and Olaf opened up the first “Simon Martial Arts Studio”. She recounts her initial meeting with Ed Parker and her subsequent lessons. I personally found this history to have a very grounding effect on me. This first person account of what it was like back in the day is very exciting (imo). Regards, MrE2Me2 p.s. Yen Hui, you're welcome and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Without prejudice E&OE

To all, In reading “Walking a Tiger’s Path” on page 110, I came across something I confirmed Sunday. On page 110, M. Hilbig states, “The early ‘60’s were a time when tournaments were full contact.” She goes on that explain exactly what that means. I was at the tournament yesterday (as an observer). Things didn’t seem that different than when I was a coach. Regards, MrE2Me2 Without prejudice E&OE

I read the book about a year ago and also couldn't put it down. I remember staying up all night reading to finnish it. (I have done this before with books, but only good ones.) It certainly is worth reading, and it does mention Olaf Simon and some of her exeriences working with him. Nothing flattering or degrading just very point of fact.

Hello North, I finished it in one day, as well. It was just hard to out down. She describes being an instructor in Calgary I the early sixties. As a tiny female teaching self defense in that environment, she could afford few mistakes. Yet she never stopped or allowed anyone or anything to get her down. All in all, it is a very inspirational book! Regards, MrE2Me2

To all, In this autobiography, Master Hilbig talks about her training. She makes mention of her rank in American Kenpo Karate. There is also talk of her training in the Ging Wu Boxing association. The various masters and kung fu systems that she trained are there. Grandmaster Stan Lee and Sifu Dale Chan are there. Also mention is made of Wing Chun, Hung Gar and Tiger kung fu. This is a woman who made her mark upon the history of martial arts. Then she went further and did more! Regards, MrE2Me2