Present Situation of Okinawa Kobudo
Dear Members,
on June 27, 2011 the following e-mail from Gakiya Sensei reached us:
Dear OKDR Chapter Representatives, Individual Members, and Other Related People;
I hope you are well. As you know, I, Yoshiaki Gakiya, experienced a cerebral hemorrhage on March 3rd, 2011. After a little over 3 months of hospital stay, now I am back home and I am receiving rehabilitation at the hospital near home. Thank you very much for your encouragement, email, letters, and visits. At present, my recovery is not progressing and I am unable to carry out my daily activities, despite my strong desire to be back to normal. I am wheelchair bound now. I am unable to standup by myself, or walk, and my left hand is not functional. It is quite regrettable to reach this physical condition especially for a person who is so passionate in Kobudo. And I am very sorry to let you down. I am no longer able to give you lessons.
The time has arrived that I had to decide – retirement. I have no regrets for the 35 years that I spent for Kobudo. I became what I am now through Kobudo by meeting and practicing with many. I would like to walk in renewed life that has started now, with health.
I asked Neil Stolsmark in the US to take over the OKDR, and he accepted willingly. He promised me that he will develop the organization. Neil is one of my top students, and a frequent visitor to Okinawa, and has practiced with me countless times. He mastered all the techniques (Waza) that I succeeded and his US branch is the largest of all. Most of all his humanity is most trustworthy.
I am aware of my sudden announcement to you, but it is necessary in order to avoid any confusion. I shall retire as of June 30, 2011, and Neil will be the new president of the organization as of July 1, 2011. It is my strong wish that you cooperate with new president, Neil. Neil will greet you some time later, but for now following is his contact email address: Neil Stolsmark <neil.stolsmark@att.net>
Thank you very much for letting me work with you. Yogi sensei is available for the Karate and Kobudo instruction. He and Neil will coordinate the practice sessions in Okinawa.
Farewell to you all.
Sincerely,
Yoshiaki Gakiya
We are very saddened by Gakiya Sensei’s state of health and shocked by the destiny that has changed his life forever. We wish him all the best for the future. May he be blessed with health.
We want to express our humble thankfulness to Gakiya Sensei. He was the one who influenced our training of this fine martial art. After having met Matayoshi Shinpo Sensei for the first time in 1973, it was Gakiya Sensei who was responsible for the flourishing interest of Shihan Jhonny Bernaschewice in Okinawa Kobudo. Therefore, Gakiya Sensei will always have a special place in the hearts of all members of the Federation Geido Tao Chi Kihon. He will be honoured as one of the most important Sensei’s who influenced our training in martial arts.
Although, Gakiya Sensei expressed his wish to cooperate with Neil Stolsmark, we have decided not to join the “New World Headquarters of the Okinawa Kobudo Doushi Rensei-kai”. See our e-mail (dated July 22, 2011) below. We do not inherit the function of Belgium Shibu-cho anymore.
Dear Neil, thank your for your e-mail.We are very saddened by Sensei Gakiya’s state of health and his retirement from Kobudo. However, we have decided not to join the new “World Headquarters of the Okinawa Kobudo Doushi Rensei-kai”. We will continue with our training of Okinawa Kobudo without being part of your organization. We wish you all the best for the future and good luck with everything.Best regards,
Shihan Jhonny Bernaschewice and Shihan Kathrin Siggelkow
Belgium
We will continue with our training of Okinawa Kobudo with the passion we are known for.
Sincerely,
Shihan Jhonny Bernaschewice and Shihan Kathrin Siggelkow
Hombo Dojo Hechtel (Belgium)
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