The memorial event for Shihan Aso, held on March 1st, was very well done.
It was a very sad day, but many people participated, making it a very successful event.
During my speech, I already started crying right from the beginning, spoke a little, then cried and couldn’t speak again, then spoke a little again, then stopped, and so on.
When I checked the video later, I realised that it had taken me nearly 20 minutes to finish speaking, even though it was actually a short speech.
I didn’t expect it to be that bad.
However, I managed to say everything I wanted to say to Shihan Aso one last time, and I’m grateful that everyone who attended patiently listened to me.
I’d like to thank everyone who donated so that I could go to Japan and participate in this event.
Shihan Aso is the person who had the greatest influence on my life.
What I learned from him isn’t just about fighting or martial arts, it applies to life in general.
I feel truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet such an instructor both as a martial artist and as a person.
He was a very strict person, but he was also very kind and attentive to us students.
Two years ago, I was rushed into the emergency hospital and was diagnosed with Leukaemia.
While I was in the hospital, he sent me encouraging emails almost every day, saying, “How do you feel today? I believe you will be cured, Never let this disease defeat you. Treatment must be tough, but I know you can do it.”
That really helped me a lot.
Then, after about a year of chemotherapy, I finally overcame the disease and told him, “Your words of encouragement gave me so much strength.”
He kindly replied, “It wasn’t me, it was your strength. You endured the harsh treatment well. Good work.”
I believe I survived in order to fulfil the will entrusted to me by him.
He said to me, “Please help spread SAW around the world. I know you can do it.”
“継承発展 Keishou Hatten”Inherit and develop.
I want to inherit Sensei’s techniques and will, spread SAW around the world, develop this wonderful martial art that Sensei left behind around the world, and ensure that it is passed on to the next generation, ensuring that SAW will never die out.
I believe that is my duty.
