I joined the Kanto-Sho dojo in 2006 after watching my son Richard train with Sensei Glen Smith and Rob Kirik. When I observed that the training my son was receiving was firmly structured and disciplined, in addition to being both mentally and physically challenging, I became motivated to join the dojo and train.
The other key motivation for my desire to train was to improve my overall level of fitness and well-being and to reduce the level of stress due to working two jobs for most of my adult life. Though I had worked out regularly, I found that Renbukai training identified weaknesses in my training program. After training for some time, I found that my stamina, coordination, and endurance improved remarkably, as well as reducing the level of everyday stress. I also found that if I had any issues that were pre-occupying my mind at the start of class – they were definitely gone by the end of class. For the past four years, I have helped to instruct the beginner and junior classes.
In August 2016, Sensei Glen asked me join other members of the dojo to train in Japan for 11 days with Sensei Kikumura at his dojo in Atsugi. Not only was this an honor and a privilege but also the experience of a lifetime. The Kanto-Sho team trained hard and shared many memorable experiences, of which I will remember forever. On May 26, 2017, I graded for and received my Shodan black belt after 11 years of training, which, for me is one of my most important lifetime achievements.