Thank you everyone. I think there was a mistake, by the people,who sent in the request, to have my name in here. It was supposed to go, to the rock and roll hall of fame, for my drumming. Now people think, that I do, a special numchucks martial art with drum sticks.

​

However, I would like to thank, the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame, for just considering me, let alone be accepted, and the affiliation, with Hanchi Therien, and the World Kobudo Federation. I Also would like to thank sensei Darren Humphries for spearheading the application, behind my back. It is quite an honor,to be following the legacy, of Hanshi Masuru Shintani who was inducted in 2007.

 

At age 14, in the early 70’s, I was the cool guy, with long hair, bell bottoms, and in a rock band, but most of my friends, were turning to drugs, so I had to look for a new group of friends to hang out with. I have 6 sisters, and though we were poor, we were all raised with,good morals and kindness, so we stayed out of trouble.

 

About the only person, that wasn’t on drugs, was a kid that sat beside me at school, who was nerdy. We started to hang out together, outside of school, and then I found out he took Karate. I told him, “I don’t care how much Karate you know, I can still beat you up.” He said yeah probably.

 

Then he talked me into going to watch a class. He was only a greenbelt, and in 10 minutes, I thought, “ wow, he would’ve beat me up bad” , and that’s the kind of guy I want to be like. His instructor,was Hanshi Shintani, who also carried himself with, humility and kindness, and with strong, powerful explosive Karate. Today that person, sensei Denis Labbé, is the president, of the SWKKF, and my best friend for over 52 years.

 

I also need to thank my family, for supporting me, and my kids, for humoring me by taking up Martial arts. They do have ranking in Jujuitsu and kickboxing . I even have my granddaughter Aryanna joining me here for the second year in a row.

 

My loving wife, who is a dressage competitor and coach, is my emotional support. We always bounce our coaching styles back and forth and compare notes.

 

We also have, a great governing board for the SWKKF, who have encouraged me to challenge my goals, which is to continue Hanshi Shintani’s legacy. I was so lucky, to fall under his wings. The late Peter Ciolfi, was also a great guidance to me on how to keep my karate real.

 

I think, the greatest gift or accomplishment you can receive as an instructor, is having a student come back to you years later and say “you made a big difference in my life”.

 

It doesn’t matter what martial art you teach, as long, as you can give a clear, and positive path, in someone’s life, through the Martial arts. And to everyone in this room, that is our challenge.

 

Again, thank you so much for this award. I don’t take it lightly.

 

Congratulations to all the past recipients, and to those being inducted tonight. Thank you.