Keep moving forward!!! Don't look back (too much)!!!

I was recently given this photo. I was New Zealand National Champion a number of times in both Shotokan National Championships (JKA/JKS/IJKA) and All Styles (KANZ) -- KATA AND KUMITE. I think this photo is from 1993 or 1994. 

Young and dumb, but full of ambition (embarrassed now, looking at this photo, but good to share) I think that openly sharing weakness is good. Certainly, we are all weak and have weaknesses. On a positive and productive note, 1993 was my first-year training here in Japan (innocently training with both factions of the JKA) and getting in trouble with Abe Keigo Sensei for doing so. My favorite instructors of course were Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei, Osaka Yoshiharu Sensei and Tanaka Masahiko Sensei. Also, Naito Sensei and Katayama Hitoshi Sensei (Asai Sensei's 'English Secretary) made my time in Japan, in the 90s, very comfortable, because of their excellent English).

Next month I am 48 years old, and August of this year marks my 43rd year in Karate, and 31 years since I really started my Budo Karate journey. The years mean nothing, the hours training, and quality of training each day, are the defining points.

I am so very thankful for my mentors. A big bow of gratitude.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).