SHANE "THE SAMURAI" ... BRAVEHEART

OSU !

I want to thank everyone for supporting my 50 Man Kumite.  To cut a long story short; I succeeded.       

The 50 Man Kumite was held out doors, on the island of Rab (Croatia) in the midday sun with a temperature of 38°C!

Shihan Semmy Schilt (K-1 Grand Prix World Champion) conducted the kumite and witnessed/verified my pass.

My opponents included 6^th Dans, 5^th Dans, 4^th Dans, 3^rd Dans, the East German Knockdown Team, former champions, current champions and I am proud to say my

own students.

- Each round was 1m 30sec with around 10-15 seconds to change opponent.

- At times gave up more than 40 kilos.

- There were times I wanted to quit but Shihan Eric made me believe I could succeed. He NEVER failed me. He stayed at my side.

- Many times I couldn't breathe. My lungs failed me. But Shihan Lionel Bricnet (6. Dan) NEVER failed me. He fought me and he guided me.

- During the twenty-seventh fight; I saw Lynn Peene screaming in pain - yet she continued!!! She succeeded in fighting her 30 man!!!

- SEEING LYNN SUCCEED IS THE REASON I SUCCEEDED THE FIFTY MAN KUMITE.

- Lynn is the PERFECT example of Kokoro. I am DWARFED by her skill, her heart and her dedication.

- During my last fight, number 50; I was not able to counter with strikes and I simply accepted the attacks. My body could not continue.

- During my last fight, number 50; I was knocked down three times and stood up each time in less than 1 second. My mind refused to stay down.

- I survived, I'm alive and I'm happy.

- The 50 man is usually a test for 4^th Dans. 

- I completed this test as a Shodan with just one week's notice - but I'm glad I did it.

- I did it with the support of my wife.

- I did it with the support of my Budo family.

- I did it with the support of my teachers.

-

I did it with the support of my students.

- I did it because "without Kokoro, Budo is an empty shell".

As a result;

- I've now achieved something that I've been dreaming about since I was 14 years old.

- Kaicho Bluming (10. Dan) decided to promote me to Nidan (2^nd Dan) in Kyokushin and All Round Fighting.

- Shihan Eric Van Vaerenbergh (6. Dan) decided to promote me to Nidan (2^nd Dan) in Ronin All Round Karate.

Great fun...  I'm bruised (see photo of my blocking arm) but happy! :-)))))

Thank you for supporting me.

OSU & Always with Respect,

Shane.

One Year Ago;

Doctor: "Shane, you have a condition called Atopy. Your respiratory system is genetically disfunctional. I'm sorry but this cannot be cured".

Shane: "What can I do about this? I run out of breath when I lift my daughter into my arms!"

Doctor: "Nothing. If you have this condition, it always wins in the end. These drugs will help your breathing a little."

I was devastated.

Two Days Later;

Shane: "Shihan, the doctor says I cannot fight or train. Please give me the 30 man kumite."

Shihan Eric: "No. It will kill you. Train... lose 20 kilos...  and come back."

Shane: "

I can't believe this is happening to me."

Shihan Eric: "You already have the skill for 50 men but your body will break cannot survive three. Learn to breath again - come back in one year."

I was imprisoned.

Two Weeks Ago (one week before Kumite);

SMS from Shihan Eric: "50 man kumite in Croatia?

"

SMS response from Shane: "Kokoro. Always ready to fight."

I was frightened.

1 Minute before the Kumite (26^th August, 2007);

Semmy Schilt; "You are Shodan! Why are you fighting 50 man kumite? It's not necessary for Shodan!"

Shane; "I am doing it for me."

I was free.