“...We are grateful for your generosity, your example, and for your unwavering determination in the path of technical and spiritual training for which we are in great debt. It has been a long journey. We congratulate you, and encourage you, knowing that no matter where you are, you will remain a source of positive energy, of knowledge, and of wisdom.”

-

-

--

-

Daima Beltran Guisado sensei PhD
World Judo Champion 1997-1999, Olympic silver medallist Sydney 2000, Athens 2004.
Judo instructor. Professor of the Manuel Fajardo Superior Institute of Physical Culture.

“... I exhort you to continue moving forward with the same passion you have always felt for Budo and its teachings, which have reached and touched us here in our beloved country, where we have benefited so much from your example, your teachings, your knowledge and your friendship. You can count on all of us, on our respect, our loyalty, our unconditional support, and on whatever you need of us. Just give us the word.”
-

-

-

Dahlia Seidman Sensei -

“... Sweating in this bloody heat, I can still take pleasure in knowing that you remain among us. Still treading the same stony path, sword in hand. How many years has it been since we first met? No matter how old we get, we still learn new things, don’t we?
However, there are things that never change. Fools and eunuchs are always the ones who sing the loudest and make the most noise. In the end that’s all it is. Just noise. An ass can go to the Sorbonne, but even if he learns to speak French, he’s still an ass.
A gonadally-challenged kind of ass in this case, which are a dime a dozen, all of them trying to be heard, even though it is very hard to tell which end of the ass is making the noise. They both sound so much alike. Do you know what I mean?
So, p...s it! Don’t bother with them. It isn’t worth it. Take it from an old soldier.
Stay on course and keep it steady, as always. Kudos to you for doing what you know is right. Thanks for everything you do. Shalom.”
-

-

Cesar Towie Cuesta Sensei
Muso Jikiden Eishin ryu Iaijutsu Komei Juku, Shibucho
-

“... One has to have a strong belief in finding fertile ground for proper teaching to do what we do for so long. There are a lot of bitter moments and disappointments on that road. Teaching someone how to hit someone else with a stick is nothing. It is educating the character and the spirit that presents the greatest challenge for any teacher and that is what makes the difference. You never lost faith, even when you were miles away. You kept a high heart throughout the years. You kept your vision, and you helped us to keep ours...
I am troubled by the difficulties you face, but I know that karma is in your favour.
You are in our thoughts...”

Shin Wa Kan Dojo celebrates 5 years!

     Five years have passed by very quickly, and we have seen a lot of changes in that time.   It has been a very exciting journey so far, with ups, downs, and many bumps along the way.  We continue to move forward, and with dojo membership at about three times what it was only a year and a half ago, we can continue to look to the future with optimism and a renewed commitment to training and teaching that which we love.  We are grateful for loyal students, who train diligently, attend class faithfully, and support the dojo with their time, money, energy, and especially their hearts and spirits.  We celebrate the past five years while looking forward optimistically to the future.

We are grateful for the kind words of congratulations from: -

Daniel Blanchet, Hanshi

President, International Budo Association

France  

"Congratulations on the anniversary of your dojo.  Best wishes to my budo family, and many more years of success."

--

-

Dr. Calvin Crichton

Gyoten Dojo

Nova Scotia

"Dear Donna,
   I wish to take this opportunity on behalf of my students and myself at Gyoten dojo to wish you all the best as you celebrate this milestone in the life of your dojo and its desire to express fully the beliefs, values and experience of this life we call (and live) budo.
   I know that your journey has been a long one but I also know that the right people are on that journey. The spirit in which you have faced past obsticles can only bring two conclusions- peace and overcoming. Your efforts have inspired us all here regardless of the times that you have succeeded or failed. We are indebted to you for that.
   Wishing you all the best. Our prayers and hopes go with each one there.
Much Love and Admiration,
Calvin Crichton and students"-

-

Enrique Perez Aguiar

Seizan Dojo

Havana, Cuba

-

Maximo Roy Fernandez Rodriguez

President

Cuban National Federation of Martial Arts, Aiki Bujutsu Section    

"We offer you our deepest heart-felt wishes that you will celebrate many more anniversaries, not with just students, but with a new generation of teachers capable of forging true Budo spirit and instilling this in others, just like your teacher does today.  May God bless you and provide you with the courage to continue in the path."--

-

Dr. Sato Chiwako

Isshinho Igakubu

"Dear Donna,                                                                   Congratulations on your dojo's anniversary.  You should be proud of your efforts, but be aware that the teacher is a target for three different reasons:  For what he knows, for what he teaches, and for who he is.  If your students prefer to be heard rather than to listen, your knowledge is being lost, and your dojo is empty.  Follow your path and offer what you can, but do not toss coins to the cat.  That is not kindness, but waste.  If you remember the harder truths, your choices are always wiser, if not easier.  I wish you much success and happiness."

-

Congratulations to Dr. Calvin Crichton on your graduation!