TRAINING WITH SHEEHAN JOHN VAN WEENEN 15 SEPTEMBER 2007

The very respected karateka, author of many karate books, recipient of the MBE and the Order of Mother Theresa for his unstinting charitable work, appearances as the main guest on "This is Your Life", Shihan John Van Weenen, 8th Dan in Karate, took time out of his busy schedule and honoured us by leading two sessions at our West Leeds Dojo. 

Over 45 of we Kaizen students took the opportunity to train with Shihan.  We were joined by Sensei Dave McNalus of Nakama Do Shukokai Karate Club and Sensei Ad Winter (and two of his students) of West Leeds Shotokan Academy.  The sessions were split into two - grades up to and included 5th Kyu and then 4th Kyu and above.

Our students in the first group spent a lot of their time focussing on basic techniques with Shihan explaining in detail correct breathing, focus and timing.  Towards the end of his session Shihan then worked with the group on several self defence techniques.  It was clear that the group enjoyed themselves as the session ran over by some time and nobody noticed!

Our second group also spent some time exploring basic techniques and then practised the kata Tekki Sandan.  Many of our group had never practised this kata before but Shihan's method of teaching was so effective that they were able to  perform the kata in outline by the end of the session.  We then spent a little time practising the bunkai to the kata but regrettably time beat us.

Shihan then signed, what appeared to be hundreds' of his books, before being whisked off to his hotel to change for the evening meal. I was very honoured to receive a personal copy of Shihan's autobiography.

In the evening, Shihan was joined by 28 others to enjoy a meal at the Aagrah in Pudsey.  During the meal, Shihan told many fascinating stories of his life and we were disappointed when the evening ended.  During the evening Shihan also took the opportunity to meet with every single person and he remembered everyone by name by the end of the evening. As I drove Shihan back to his hotel he extolled the virtues of every person who had trained or joined him at the meal that evening.  He was more than complimentary about the respect and courtesy that had been extended to him by every karateka at the training.

Without exception every single person who trained commented on Shihan's professional approach, superb teaching methods and his ability to put everyone at ease. The day was far too short but Shihan has agreed to visit us again in the new year.