Who was your most influential instructor and why?

[dodwatt]

We've touched the subject about your first instructor, but over the years , who in your opinion was the most influential, who gave you that little bit extra to keep you training for years. Well, for me it was this little guy with glasses called,( I don't know if i can say it ), Steve Hyland, his in depth study of the shotokan system, and the way he puts it across when teaching, makes it very interesting and very real. Thanks Steve.

[kensei]

While my instructor , Dingman Sensei, has been the best instructor and the person I was lucky enough to get attached to...I would have to say that his student Del Phillips is the guy that brought a new understanding of what I was looking for in my Karate. Not only is he a Karate genious he must way 95 pounds and can toss most guys around who are three or four times his weight. Great instructor and one of the ones that kept me thinking.

Outside of those two Saeki Sensei, Yaguchi Sensei and a few others have really kept me thinking and training.

[fujicolt]

Hey George - whilst i am totally appreciative and overwhelmed by your very kind comment - i did laugh my socks off with the note of hesitation there - I know i am considered 'ronin' for my refusal of allegance and outspoken views but thank you - my children read that = brilliant!

have to be honest - my in depth study mainly came from finding SENIOR 'Ronin' to me and a fair bit of dealing with reality - quite enlightening!

thank you and a very good second thread to carry on from the original.

My list of deeply influential Karateka (in many different ways) would have to include -

Steve Cattle. Frank Cope, Dave Hazard, Ticky Donovan,Tivvy Gomersall, Dave Pridgeon, Barbara and Frank Lovelady, Barbara Kenneally, Kathy Waller, Tommy Morris, Lorraine Calland, Tommy Till, Brian Higgins, Norman Patterson JNR and SNR, John Errington and Eddie Johnson, , Dave Hooper, Mick Dewey, John cheetham, Ged Moran, Colin Bond, Dave Guy and possibly unusually to list as 'Ronin' but they were in thier way

Enoeda, Kase and Shirai Sensei

Plus several awesome doormen you could gaurantee would back you up - Col Harrop, Andy Bee, Tony Kinsey, Paul Prendergast

and of course - every student i have ever had line up in front of me - they are the most demanding IMHO

I know - in a fast type - i'll regret names i shoulda included but wonder how many out there recognise some of the less well known names?