Those teachers who
introduce us into the Martial Arts, and let us be part of their vision of
Kyokushin Karate, teaching us what they know and giving us an environment
where we can develop ourselves, are sometimes denied the recognition they
deserve from their students.
My teacher allowed me to be part of his classes when I
needed it most and introduced me into his vision of Kyokushin Karate, it was
a difficult time for the Martial Arts in my country, recognition was hard
to get, most of the practitioners met underground, because the Dojos were
under military control. My teacher, who was the only one in my city who
was allowed to run a Martial Art school at that time, allowed anyone in
his dojo who showed interest in learning, he accepted students from
different styles and allowed them to pursue their aspirations, he embrace
and introduced them to Kyokushin Karate, which helped them to achieve a
higher level into the Martial Art. He gave us an environment where we can
develop our skills and our character so we can become better as a person
and be a positive member of our society. He also helped other teachers to
open their own school even if they were not Kyokushin schools, which
showed his willingness of helping others to achieve their dream, even if he never
got much recognition for this.
My teacher was able to organize tournaments on
different levels, he was able to take our city to an international level,
giving opportunities to many students to travel and interact with other
practitioners from others places which allowed them to develop their
mental and physical skills. Unfortunately sometimes some of the students
failed to see this, and sometimes they believed that they were better than
their teacher because they achieved some success on their fighting
abilities, however it was our teacher who had the capacity to organize and
lead our school to higher level. Martial arts is not only about being a
good fighter, it is about taking your mental, physical and spiritual
states to a higher level of development, so it can became a positive
influence in our lives. In the same way we can contribute to society and
influence positively on the lives of others.
My teacher made some mistakes later on in his life, as
a consequence he lost many things that were very important to him. As he
passed through those difficult times, he somehow managed to overcome the
diversities on his path. I wonder where all his students were when he most
need them?. He was there when we needed him. I only hope that he found the
peace and the harmony in his life. I thank him for helping me to be the person I am
today. To me he will always be my SENSEI !! OSU!
