All participants (left to right): Ron Guirreri, Ken Kelly, Sensei Michael Johnson, Larry Rowen, Sherri Kennedy, Michael Cory, Sensei Stan Herum, Rocko Colicchia, Skip Jones, Tom Zeranko, Tom Webber, Sue Allen, and (in front) Shari Rodgers
Sensei Johnson and Sensei Herum
The weekend of April 20 and 21 was busy for the Quail Creek Dojo. The Dojo hosted a Shotokan/ASAI Karate Seminar with Sensei Johnson. The seminar focused on skills development and concentrated on specific aspects of karate training. It is wonderful to learn from a master of the art who comes from different places and brings different philosophies and strengths to the table. Participation in the seminar helped the participants to focus, concentrate, and have intense, targeted training. All participants felt recharged and invigorated, which led to a new interest in karate in general.
So, who is Sensei Johnson? He is Hachidan (8th dan black belt) and has over 50 years of karate experience. He was introduced to karate while in the military. Following his discharge in 1969, he began formal training under Hidetaka Nishiyama Sensei. Early in his career he competed and placed in many national and international tournaments. He is a certified instructor, examiner, and judge. He has taught at multiple Dojos in California and in Arizona, Nevada, Alaska, and Canada. He is a founding member and the president of ASAI. Sensei Johnson is also an author. His book titled The Heart of Understanding: Karate and Kokoro is available on Amazon. The book is his story of a senior karateka’s journey through 51 years of karate. In the book, Sensei Johnson tells how karate became a tool to help him mend his soul and psyche as a young man dealing with the aftermath of military experience. Sensei Johnson, aka Michael Johnson, PhD, is a veteran, a survivor of post-traumatic stress disorder, a licensed psychotherapist, and a practitioner of karate for over 50 years. In his book, he uses personal stories that serve veterans of any age as well as new and experienced practitioners of karate. He recently retired and resides on Whidbey Island, Wash., with his wife and dog.
Eight students from the Quail Creek Dojo and three from Green Valley Recreation learned new skills and approaches to Shotokan/ASAI Karate. Quail Creek Dojo members attending were Tom Webber, Larry Rowen, Ron Guirreri, Shari Rodgers, Rocco Colicchia, Michale Cory, Sue Allen, and Sheri Kennedy, along with Sensei Herum. The seminar also included having a wonderful meal at the Quail Creek Grill, which allowed us all to get to know Sensei Johnson better.
Our instructor Sensei Herum trained with Sensei Johnson back in 2008 and until Sensei Herum moved to Quail Creek. It was wonderful to have them together again and see them doing what they love—karate.
Anyone can learn karate, whatever your age or abilities. It is wonderful for your mind and your body. The Dojo is supportive, and members’ ages range from age 65 to 87. Classes are Monday and Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. Let us help you learn and do Karate. You can do it!