What Was Taught
These were Jimmy's closed door masters (with the exception of JP who was a 4th degree) that were trained by him from 1986 to 1991. What is a closed door master? Students that Jimmy taught information to that was not taught to the general public, or to any other black belts, or in any other classes.
This information was known as "Pure Seed" or "Pure Base" techniques. That is, they are the purest techniques of the arts from which all other techniques or lesson come from (are based on, or have their origin in). Basic or general lessons (taught in other classes) were based on these lessons, but were not pure. In addition, Base or Pure Lesson and Forms can be taken apart, and put back together hundreds of times in order to create other lessons. In these classes, Jimmy did exactly that, analyzing and explaining the correct mechanics in greater depth and detail.
Lastly, these techniques were reserved for family members, or closed door students only. These are the lesson which were developed from actually fighting or combat experiences. They were meant to be broken down and analyzed which Jimmy (Chan Duk) did at the time of application (at the Advance Classes).
These classes were conducted on a particular day of the week, at 9 pm in the evening (not on Saturday afternoons black belt classes). At that time, Jimmy would have everyone in the studio leave except for these students, then lock the studio door, not allowing anyone in or out until the class was over. Then prior to Jimmy's (Chan Siu Duk's) death, he open the door to students of other studio's, but did not give out anymore Advance Degrees.
Advance Degree Requirements
To attend and receive an Advance Degree, you had to have at least (a minimum of) 1½ years in the class, and be a 4th degree or higher. The latter was basically set so JP King, Jimmy's grandson could attend the class, which he did later.
The Advance Masters Degree Term
This Name got started because the bulk of people holding an Advance Degree's were Masters. As far as I know, JP was the only non master to recieve an "Advance Degree" during these classes. So, if you were a Master with an Advance Degree, you were an Advance Master. It was as simple as that.
The Purpose Of Advance Degrees
Jimmy place a lot of weight on the "Advance" classes, the information being taught therein, and on those which aquired the diploma's, saying, "these Degree's were design to show that you are at the Top In Your Field".
Thus, it was a title conferred or bestowed upon a student by Jimmy to indicate the completion of advanced studies over and above the normal requirements. Recieving your "Advance Degree" was like, going on to study and receive your Doctorate degree after achieving your Masters.
Naysayers
Nay-sayers of the "Advance Degree", at particular sites are simply trying to elevate their own postion, by employing techniques designed to diminish the value, relevancy, and worth of the Degree, and thereby eroding the accomplishments of the holder. These Nay-sayers are disrepecting Jimmy more than anything else, and it amounts to a direct Slap in his face over something he felt was very important.
It is like saying, a BS Degree is no better than an AA Degree. It makes no sense. Its like Jimmy use to say, "people that don't have money say, ah, money doesn't matter... yeah!, it doesn't matter cause they don't have it or they feel jealous of it."
Listed in alphabetical order, these master were;
James Benckert. Tx
Chuck Cory. Michigan.
Larry Dusatko. La Harba Ca.
Herold Feliz. Last I heard he was in Bakersfield Ca.
Ron Gatewood. San Diego Ca.
Rick Insley. Colton Ca.
JP King. La Habra Ca.
Juan Mesa. L.A Ca.
Al Rubin. Riverside Ca. Al died April 5, 1987 at the age of 40.
Vince Scocozza. Buena Park Ca.
Jack Sera. LA. Ca.
Ted Sias. Huntington Bch Ca.
Brian Taylor. LA Ca.
Daryl Clardy.
If I missed someone you can email me and I'll add the name.