HOW MARTIAL ARTS CHANGED MY LIFE IN JAPAN
By Tim Johnston
This is the Story about my fortunate meeting of Two Amazing high-level Karate Instructors who just happened to both Speak English. Shindo Sensei and Adachi Sensei of the Chiba, Narita DoJo. Through their amazing friendship and skilled instruction, I received My San Dan (3rd level Black Belt). It certainly helped as both of them give me Private instructions. Shindo sensei is Kyu Dan (9th level) and Adachi Sensei is Hachi Dan (8th level).
Who Am I?
My name is Tim Johnston. I grew up in California and moved to Japan for work got married and had a child. I had always wanted to study martial arts since I was a kid and was inspired by Bruce Lees movie ” Enter the Dragon”.
Karate Sensei Found & Lost
My lucky fate of meeting the right people and actually beginning martial arts happened one day when I walked into the local gym in Narita, Chiba to do some weight training. A Japanese man said “Hello” to me. I asked him what he was doing in the gym. He said I teach Karate here and often come here to train in private.
I was drawn to his vibrant enthusiasm and the fact he spoke English. After some weight training, I walked up to the 2nd Floor where the Dojo was located and saw many various Okinawan weapons on the floor related to Kobudo such as the Jo (staff stick) Nunchucks, Sai etc.
He began to show me some of his various Kata. I was amazed with his low stance, mental focus and skill level. After he finished, he gave me his phone number and said if you’re interested in Karate? I can teach you!
I lost his phone number and went back to the Dojo on several occasions but couldn’t find Shindo Sensei there. I went back to do weight training but, still no Shindo Sensei.
Karate Sensei Found Again
Finally 2 years later, I happened to find his phone number in my desk drawer. Immediately I called and wondered if he would even remember me? He answered and said come to the Dojo next Monday.
When I arrived, he formally introduced himself once again, He said I am Shindo. He said he was in his 70’s and had been practicing karate for nearly 45 years. He told me he is 9th dan in Shorin ryu karate. He explained to me about his karate styles organization and the fact he was chosen as only one out of 10 people who were invited once a week to train with the Head Sensei (Kawamoto Sensei) based on his high rank, skill and most importantly his character.
Kawamoto only chose “the cream of the crop” with the most potential. This class was taught with strict discipline and no talking while training focusing on mental focus, breathing and the utmost manners and respect. Kawamoto Sensei is an old school Karate master who is 10th dan and prides himself on the strictest form of code and conduct. He makes sure you are breathing at the right times and utilizing your power. If he doesn’t see you are doing it correctly you might be scolded or sent home.
I later asked Shindo Sensei………. Why are you so kind and speak English so well? He said I am a Christian and furthermore I’m a retired Air Traffic controller so, I needed English for my job. This man seemed to be the perfect match for me as I felt a connection immediately to his kind presence and the way he carried himself.
I asked him do you drink alcohol and he said, No! Never nor have I ever smoked. I was even more amazed at his overall self-control and dedication to keeping his body clean and pure through his 70 plus years.
Karate Journey Begins
After some basic conversation to break the ice, Shindo Sensei began to show me the basic stances, punches and kick routines and how to generate the most power using correct hand placement while breathing. He had me begin with the basic Kata “Ananku” after the first 2 weeks of lessons. He told me another of his friends/Students would like to practice with us. I said sure, of course.
The following week in walked this man with a cowboy hat, boots, bolo tie with a moustache, ear rings with all kind of skull finger rings etc. He said in Perfect English nice to Meet you I’m Adachi call me “Cisco” I asked him are you Japanese based on his atmosphere and style.
It turned out he had been practicing under Shindo Sensei for 35 plus years. He was also retired from the Airport Air traffic control. He told me of his Childhood story.
Adachi Sensei is Japanese but born in China and lived there due to his Father being a highly skilled Doctor.
Adachi Sensei lived in China until he returned to Japan at the age of 14 to enter High school. He comes from a highly educated family of doctors and his descendants were Samurai. He lent me many books about his family. I was in awe of his life story.
I couldn’t believe when he told me he was in his late 70’s. (By the way last week, he turned 81). I love his mellow and easy-going attitude. He is also fluent in 3 languages. Shindo Sensei often pairs me up to go through offense and defense drills with Adachi Sensei. He is the oldest karate practioner within our organization.
He often tells me to hit him as hard as I can and during our Kumujytsu practice he often is flipped to the floor only to jump up as if he is still in his 30’s.
I have now learned so much in such a short time thanks to these 2 wonderful Sensei’s. I have learned the Kata Ananku, Wanshu, Seisan and Bassai thus far along with ” Hoen Jo Shin and many other various Tanto and Tonfa techniques along with the philosophy behind them and how to utilize power, core stance, breathing etc.
These 2 men have become good friends and now I look forward to our practice every week. They have inspired and motivated me more than any words could say! They Volunteer their time to teach me and I am forever grateful to these 2 wonderful men. Shindo Sensei has showed me the true spirit of Karate and has inspired me to someday open a dojo in California to share the knowledge passed down from Kawamoto, Shindo and Adachi Sensei’s.
Martial Arts has taught me the Value of discipline, routine, respect, hard work and has given me more confidence and made me a more well-rounded person in my daily life. Thanks to these 2 amazing men I have been able to keep my mental outlook strong during this COVID-19 pandemic.
I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on my life, my regret is I didn’t start practicing Karate at a much younger age. But the best thing was meeting these 2 amazing Japanese men who have changed my life and taught me the spirit and meaning of Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate.
Author: Tim Johnston
Thanks for reading & watching, we hope you enjoyed it, please LIKE, SHARE and don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to World of Martial Arts Television for more great content!!