{"id":622,"date":"2026-07-22T12:23:35","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T08:23:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yamakai.org\/karate\/?p=622"},"modified":"2026-07-22T12:29:45","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T08:29:45","slug":"remembering-john-van-weenen-1941-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yamakai.org\/karate\/rip\/remembering-john-van-weenen-1941-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Remembering John van Weenen 1941 – 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I\u2019m sorry to hear of John van Weenen\u2019s passing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like many others, my karate journey began at TASK<\/a> (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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rest in peace, Sensei John. Your guidance and contribution to karate will not be forgotten. Oss!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"JVW-Kanazawa\"
John van Weenen with Kanazawa Sensei<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"JVW-Higaonna\"
John van Weenen with Higaonna Sensei<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"JVW-Whitcher-Kanazawa\"
John van Weenen and Eddie Whitcher with Kanazawa Sensei – Butterfly Kick!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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