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From Joćo Santos Sensei
National Director, Portugal
12th February 2002
My experience in Ishin-Ryu
I met a man called Kevin Pell in 97 in Spain. He was teaching his jujitsu at a martial arts convention in Madrid, and that was the beginning of it all. I met the same man again in 98 in the same place, and i can still remember the expression on his face while he was teaching, and the smile he had after the classes. It impressed me the reality of the techniques, the spirit behind them, and the big man executing them with no effort. You could really sense the power behind the movement.
After a troubled time i decided to go train with this man, and went to England in April 99. Kevin Pells true love for the art took me to stay in his house as his guest, where i saw Ishin Ryu from the inside, the technical aspect of the art, the organization, everything. At the end of my stay Shihan asked me if i wanted to be a part of Ishin Ryu, "yes, that would be great...", only later i realised that meant i would become the first international representative of the Sekai Ishin Ryu Ju-Jitsu Renmei, (SIRJJR). The importance of this is that no money changed hands, no grades were sold, nothing was imposed. Kevins honesty aloud me to keep my independence at all levels, and after that Ishin Ryu started to grow.
Today we always have a laugh at the phone, a great smile every time we meet (specially when i am cooking) and a tough time on the mat. I became a 3dan by the hands of Kevin Pell, something i would refuse from anyone else (we dont care much about grades and titles in our academies). I saw SIRJJR grow, new clubs opening, new people starting, more countries coming on board. The man i met in 97 became a 7 Dan with the title of Soke, received awards and accomplished other things. Important some would say, but in the end of the day, all that still matters is a sweaty Gi and the smile on his face i see every time we meet.
Joćo Santos, Portugal.
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Mark Thomas, Purple Belt. Ishin Ryu Ju-jitsu 12th December 2000
My experience in Ishin-Ryu
I am a 33 years old and permanently employed as a close protection officer ( bodyguard ) for an executive in a Japanese national bank based in London and also Prague. Previously I had been included in security teams for members of the Royal family of the Qatar and Saudi Royal family. I live with my partner and two girls aged 1 & 3.
I have suffered with Brittle Asthma since childhood and have previously stayed away from most energetic sports. I joined the Borehamwood Dojo in July 1999 hoping to learn a martial art ( and stick with it ) and possibly get a bit fitter. During the last 17 months I have gained so much more then I could ever have anticipated.
Almost immediately after joining the dojo I had a feeling of acceptance into a new family. Everybody is extremely friendly and welcoming. There is no feeling of alienation as every body is willing to help you learn and overcome your personal obstacles. The true feeling of a family atmosphere strikes home when an individual may have personal issues outside the club and you know that every member of the club is behind you and are there to offer their support.
I have worked through White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue and Purple belts, Sometimes it has not been easy ( but then you can't expect these things to come easy ) I can honestly say that I feel that I have genuinely earned each belt. Ju-Jitsu has helped me to improve my general health, fitness and stamina and it has certainly helped improve my Asthma. I still suffer with it but I can now control it better and with the club paramedic on hand I know that if I had an asthma attack then I would be in safe hands in an emergency.
The club has a strong infant and junior membership nationally, I have seen how the club has influenced junior members attitudes and how it has improved their manners and their discipline and also how they interact with other children. The club in not just about turning up for your lesson, having a quick chat and then going about your syllabus techniques. The club now has 4 adult Dojos and they are all very interactive with each other and often we will visit each others dojos and cross train with each other, this helps the bonding of the clubs family atmosphere and the clubs social atmosphere is excellent, there is no stand off-ness as we all know each other so well. The club always has a full social calendar, such as parties arranged for our infant and junior club members.
We also hold celebratory parties after adult gradings ( these are held and attended whether students pass or fail ). there are also many other organized activities such as National Seminars and our annual Renmei Seminar in Portugal where our international Dojos from Portugal and Norway join us for a weekend of training.
We also have first aid and survival courses that are always fully booked. Our Annual club party is always sold out to full capacity, Often with guest speakers from across the world. The Combat / Demonstration team always put on a good display and are frequently asked to perform at non club events - such as local fetes or school presentations.
I feel that I have become part of a very special club which has now had a very big impact on my life. I feel that I can deal with the stresses of work and family life much better. I am able to assert myself in a more positive way and generally feel that I have achieved something satisfying in my life....
by MARK THOMAS
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A Big Thank You Soke
I would like to give a special thanks to Soke Kevin Pell and all his students for making me feel so welcome during my stay at the Honbu Dojo.
Soke, you have done such amazing work with the new headquarters, a true credit to you.
I have been with a few different Ju-Jitsu organisations, but nothing will ever compare to what you have achieved.
Soke you and your students have got something very special, none of the politics many other organisations have.
You have a very real Ju-Jitsu sprit.
You make people feel so welcome but have the very high standard that you started with in the very beginning, and what I like most about it is that you don't give grades away, people have to earn them.
While I was at the Honbu Dojo you could see the dedication from all your students from white belts to your purple belts.
They have such strong team sprit and the most important thing they all have, is they what to be the best at what they do.
While I was on the mat with you, I felt something so special, one of the things was to be there, the other was the feeling that I am part of this. Its difficult to describe how special that felt.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Mark Logan, Sensei, 3rd Dan.
Founder & Chef instructor.
The Art of Combat.
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