|
Shihan Manny Hawthorne, 7th Dan Manny Hawthorne is the managing director of the Shorinjiryu Kenshin Karatedo Association. He began studying karatedo in August 1970 under the direction of Hanshi Masayuki Kukan Hisataka, son and heir of Kaiso Masayoshi Kori Hisataka and the Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo Federation. In the mid-seventies, Masayuki Hisataka Hanshi returned to Japan at the request of the Hisataka Family. At this time, Manny continued his studies under the leadership and direction of Wayne Donivan Shinan, and Doug Roberts Hanshi, respectfully the most senior ranking Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo students. During which time, Manny was awarded MVP - Canadian Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo, for being a consistent finalist in Kata, Kumite & Shiai (combative sparring). Attesting to Manny’s teaching proficiency, he has received many testimonial letters from leading professionals. A Major Part of My Life and My Identity As young man, I began my studies in
karate with Sensei Masayuki Hisataka, a Japanese master who came to Canada to
demonstrate martial arts at Expo 67 and who subsequently remained in Montreal
for the next seven years to establish a Canadian school dedicated to teaching
his style of karate. Since commencing my karate studies in 1970 I have
continued my practice of the art ever since then, and today hold the rank of 7th
degree Black Belt and the title of Shihan (Master Instructor), two
distinctions which have been earned by only a very small number of martial
arts practitioners in Canada. The practice of karate has had a profound
influence on my character and my values. During the early years of my study
of the art I trained intensively in order to earn the rank of Shodan
(1st degree Black Belt). Through this process I came to understand
that karate is not simply about fighting or violence, but rather, that it is
a complex art that requires years of dedicated study and training in order to
develop any real level of skill and insight. My training helped me to learn how to
confront fear, deal with self-doubt, and focus on the attainment of goals
that were important to me, and I developed a much deeper appreciation for the
importance of qualities of character such as perseverance, self-discipline,
courage, and patience. As a participant in numerous tournaments, I was provided
with the opportunity to test my skills and my resolve against other
practitioners of the art. In order to compete successfully, I was required
not only to use my own repertoire of techniques, but also to develop the
ability to think strategically, act decisively, exercise split-second
judgment, and pay close attention to the importance of timing. I came away
from these experiences much better prepared to deal with situations involving
high stress and uncertainty, and gained a much greater appreciation for the
importance of ethics and integrity. Later, after attaining a more senior
Black Belt rank, I was offered the opportunity to teach karate to others. My
role as an instructor brought with it a whole new set of challenges and
responsibilities. As an instructor with many years of experience, I have
worked with students drawn from all walks of life who collectively encompass
every conceivable age group and level of athletic ability. I have approached
my duties as a teacher with the philosophy that it is my duty to do my utmost
to help every single one of my students to realize his or her inherent
potential, not only by mastering the actual techniques of karate themselves,
but also by developing an understanding of the philosophy, morals, and values
that govern the safe and responsible practice of the art. This has required
me to maintain a clear focus on my overall instructional goals, but at the
same time, to learn to modify my teaching approach so as to respond most
appropriately to the needs and circumstances of each individual student. As a teacher of karate for over 20 years,
I have instructed within a wide variety of environments, including the
Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre - Sports and Recreation Department
of the City of London, N’Amerind Friendship Centre, Fanshawe College, McGill
University, Dawson College, and the Seidokwan Academy of Judo and Karate-do.
My teaching of karate has been a rich and deeply rewarding experience for me;
it has renewed my passion for many of the things I myself learned as a young
student of the art, it has enabled me to become a much more confident and
effective leader and communicator, and it has helped me develop qualities
such as patience, empathy, respect, tolerance, and the sincere desire to make
a real difference by helping others to realize their goals and dreams. I take pride in my own accomplishments as
a student and practitioner of karate, but I have found much greater
satisfaction through the accomplishments of my students, many of whom have
gone on to successfully attain the rank of Black Belt and subsequently impart
their knowledge of the art to others. Through my efforts as a teacher of
karate, I feel that I have been able to empower my students to find the true
potential that lies within, and to help them become happier, more
responsible, and more fulfilled human beings as a result. There is no doubt
within my mind that my practice and teaching of karate has been one of the
most important defining experiences of my own life, and a learning experience
which has had a profound impact upon the shaping of my character and my
values. I am very proud of my
longstanding association with Shorinjiryu Kenshin Karate-do, not only
because of the exceptional opportunities the art has provided to me as a
student and then a teacher, but also because I believe my practice of the art
has helped me to become a much more effective professional and member of
society. Member: International Shorinjiryu Shinzen
Kyokai Karatedo Association.
|
