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Remembering John van Weenen 1941 – 2026

I’m sorry to hear of John van Weenen’s passing

Like many others, my karate journey began at TASK (Traditional Association of Shotokan Karate), where I first trained under his wife Jane and later under John’s instruction. Those early years played a significant role in shaping not only my karate career but also many of the values and disciplines that stay with me to this day.

John guided and supported my progression through the ranks, eventually grading me to Sandan (3rd Dan Black Belt). Reaching that milestone was the result of years of dedicated training, and John’s guidance, patience, and commitment were instrumental in helping me achieve it.

What I remember most about John was his dedication to his students. He invested his time and energy in developing not just skilled martial artists, but individuals who understood the importance of discipline, perseverance, respect, and continuous self-improvement. His influence extended far beyond the dojo, leaving a lasting impact on the many people fortunate enough to train under him.

Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for the strong foundation he helped build during the formative years of my karate journey. The lessons he taught and the standards he set have remained with me throughout the years.

John’s legacy lives on through the countless students whose lives he touched and the karate community he helped build. He will be remembered not only as an exceptional instructor but also as a mentor who inspired generations of martial artists.

My heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rest in peace, Sensei John. Your guidance and contribution to karate will not be forgotten. Oss!

JVW-Kanazawa
John van Weenen with Kanazawa Sensei
JVW-Higaonna
John van Weenen with Higaonna Sensei
JVW-Whitcher-Kanazawa
John van Weenen and Eddie Whitcher with Kanazawa Sensei – Butterfly Kick!
John van Weenen – This is your life!
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9th World Budosai 2023

Traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federatio (TOGKF)

Back in August I was lucky enough to attend the TOGKF 9th World Budosai in Naha, Okinawa as the UAE representative. The last time I trained in Okinawa was back in 2019 at the World Gishiki (IOGKF 40th Anniversary).

This year I encountered several challenges. The first was finding connecting flights from the UAE. Normally you can fly via other Asian countries at a reasonable cost. The most cost effective route was via Hong Kong. This flight allowed me to a have a night layover in Hong Kong before flying to Okinawa. Shorty after arriving in Hong Kong my airline contacted me as they had changed my booking to the first flight out of Honk Kong due to a typhoon heading toward the island.

The only flight to Okinawa. 11:15am flight cancelled.

This meant I arrived in Okinawa earlier on the Monday than planned, but still too late to register for Budosai as the the typhoon was near and the Japanese government was already posting safety alerts and restricting movements. Tuesday’s registration was cancelled and no training on Wednesday as typhoon Khanun passed by the south of the island. Thursday was a busy day at the Budokan – early registration and longer day of training to catch-up on what was missed from the previous day. As we had more sessions this meant that I got to train with Higoanna Sensei twice in one day. Both times I had a chance and honour to speak to Higoanna Sensei. I spoke about my background in Shotokan and we reminisced about Kanazawa Sensei and the early days of Karate.

Typhoon Khanun
Budosai Badge
Budokan, Naha
Budokan, Dojo
Steve Marriott, Okinawa

Unfortunately, my airline contacted me yet again on the Thursday night and changed my Saturday flight to Friday midday as the typhoon that was heading towards Taiwan did a u-turn back to Okinawa. The subsequent training on Friday was also cancelled.

Returning to Hong Kong early gave me the opportunity to visit some of sites – namely the Avenue of Stars where there’s a Bruce Lee memorial and statue.

Bruce Lee, Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong
Stephen Marriott UAE Karate Representative – Budosai 2023
TOGKF Budosai 2023
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Kaicho Kiyoshi Yamazaki 1940 – 2023

16th August 1940 – 28th August 28 2023

Ryobu-Kai International:

It is with profound sadness that the Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai International Yudanshakai Executive Council (IYEC) informs you that Kaicho Kiyoshi Yamazaki (9th dan JKR, 8th dan JKF) passed away on 28th August, at approximately 8:00pm Pacific Time.

For anyone who has been fortunate enough to train with Kaicho Yamazaki and to know him personally, the loss to his family, to JKR, and to the martial arts world is both enormous and clear. Karate has lost a leader, a pioneer, a visionary, an outstanding technician, and a font of deep knowledge. Kaicho’s dedication to teaching Shindo Jinen Ryu Karate-Do, his success in building a respected, global martial arts organization, and the emphasis he placed on humility and lifelong learning, are all unquestionable.

In recent years, Kaicho Yamazaki retired from active executive leadership of Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai, placing his trust in the International Yudanshakai Executive Council to maintain, improve, and grow JKR. In the wake of Kaicho’s passing, the emphasis he placed on humility and lifelong learning, are all unquestionable.

In recent years, Kaicho Yamazaki retired from active executive leadership of Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai, placing his trust in the International Yudanshakai Executive Council to maintain, improve, and grow JKR. In the wake of Kaicho’s passing, the IYEC will continue to lead Ryobu-Kai in accordance with his teachings and his vision.

The Yamazaki family knows that they are in your thoughts and in your hearts during this difficult time. We ask that you please respect their privacy as they navigate the aftermath of Kaicho’s passing. If more information becomes available, it will be made public, as appropriate.

The martial arts world – indeed the world as a whole – is poorer for Kaicho’s passing. Please know that, while JKR has lost a giant, his foresight in establishing the IYEC will ensure that Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai continues to be the organisation he wanted it to be, and a legacy of which he can be proud.

Japan Karate-Do Ryobukai

A message from Minako Yamazaki Sensei

Takehiro Soke and Yamazaki Sensei
Ryobukai
Kaicho Kiyoshi Yamazaki – Japan Karate-Do Ryobukai (JKR)