My story
“You talk too much.” That was the first thing Sensei Gunter said after the testing
Senseis reviewed my Shodan test. I remember thinking, that was what they wanted, to
show my knowledge along with proper technique. But now that I think about it, I may
have talked too much that day.
I think a little different these days but do appreciate
someone who can explain technique, or katas in an interesting and knowledge way.
Someone who is able to correct or excite a student to continue to build confidence,
discipline and the drive to achieve a goal. Yep I talk too much sometimes, but some talk
and dont say anything.
I began my Martial Arts career in 1980, after much persuasion from my older brother
who had worked with Sensei Fausimalie.
I began under Sensei Randy Hunt, then transferred to under Sensei Gunter (after his
Shodan test, he took over a couple classes from Sensei Hunt) whose classes worked
out better time wise. In 1986 preparing for my Shodan test,I was teaching in Hoodsport,
with an average of fifty students per night, (yep 50!).
It was so cool! I remember I didn't always make students pay dues, some couldnt,
some didn't. And since that put a strain on a few plans, we moved to several less
expensive sites. After little more than a year, we moved back to the Cota Street dojo,
and I started teaching a couple nights.
I tested under Sensei Dave Gunter January 17, 1987. After Sensei Dave passed away,
I humbly asked Shihan Bill Olson to be my new upline Sensei. Fortunately, he agreed
to let me join his family of Martial Artists. Shihan Bill has been nothing short of a perfect
example of a teacher and martial artist. Thank you, Shihan Bill.
I’ve been teaching Butokukan Karate since 1986, and did not realize what that belt
would bring to my life, a life time journey, the friends and the good times of the last 44
years have been immeasurable.
In particular, the 1980s were very special, with the
Shelton Dojo being the home top of the line fighters, Kata practitioners, and some of the
best instructors I’ve ever met.
Following someone like Soke Hill was exciting to say the least (Thank you Soke
Nakachi)
Soke Hill was from the Martial Arts world and very good. I remember the first day I met
him and he had shaken my hand. I remember saying to myself, “Wow, what an honor.”
I had a framed picture of that moment put on the wall of the Cota Street Dojo with those
other Senseis, a very special day to me.
These days I assist Sensei Mark Mcglothlin Thursday nights with a couple classes, at
Shelton Athletic Club, and still enjoy teaching, young or old if the student has a genuine
interest , teaching just comes easy, natural, and fun. Im still trying to keep students
excited, with teaching kicks, strikes, katas, and I still can, but I turn 70 in a couple
weeks. So I might be slowing down a little someday, but Im not as good as I once was,
but Im as good once as I ever was.
Thanks Sensei Kieth Visser