NewsThis month we had the visit of Soo Shihan Ai Ikeda and her family. Ai Ikeda as Soo Shihan is the head of our style and was appointed by her father - Hoshu Ikeda - the founder of Jyoshinmon Shorin-Ryu Karate-do.
Ai Ikeda has a special bond with New Zealand, having lived here for 6 months during the 1980s and staying with myself, Sensei Beaty and Sensei Chris. She acquired a good understanding of the English language as well as the Kiwi lifestyle (like mowing the lawn).
We are very lucky to have a Soo Shihan with the knowledge and ability of Ai Ikeda. She has been training with her father from a very early age. Hoshu Ikeda her father is one of the greatest karateka of our time. Revered and very highly respected in Japan, and wherever he visits Jyoshinmon clubs internationally.
Soo Shihan very much enjoyed her time in New Zealand which was a mixture of teaching, grading and relaxation. We took her and the family to visit Rotorua where they went on the luge. In Auckland, her husband Jun jumped off the Sky Tower... whilst attached to wires.
I am sure we all enjoyed the training and seminar with Ai, her husband Jun and her daughter Aiyumi. We are all looking forward to her next visit, or visit her in Japan with hopefully a large party of Jyoshinmon New Zealand.
CONGRATULATIONS to - Sensei Chante Betham and Sensei Jason Ng - who passed their Sandan Grading and was well deserved! Unlike other karate styles, Jyoshinmon Dan grades reach up to only 6 levels.
Ous,
Shihan David Bennett
