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Developing the Next Generation
As I studied, my brother, Paul, proved a wonderful
training partner. We continually pushed,
forcing each other out of our comfort zones. I also
continued to travel to Toronto for training as the
'80s turned into the '90s.
At the same time, I would invite Toronto instructors,
such as Earl Robertson and Peter Giffen, to teach
clinics in Chesley. Giffen-Sensei visited regularly
and over the years we became friends, as did our families.
He became my primary instructor and shared many of
my ideas regarding "real" karate training.
 
Clockwise from top left: Peter and Paul training
with senior instructor Isamu Kato, circa 1989. Future
Grey-Bruce instructor Matt Mannerow at age 10, in 1987.
Peter presents his son Derek with his shodan, in 2003.
As my training progressed, my life's journey hit some
major bumps. I lost a good friend, my grandparents,
my father and then my business. On the plus side of
the ledger, I was
blessed with three wonderful sons, a daughter-in-law,
a granddaughter and a wife who has been supremely
understanding about my commitment to training. I found
strength through my family, my faith in Jesus Christ
and my training in karate.
The club in Chesley was well established. Little did
I know that one of the seven-year-old kids in the class
would go on to become my right arm. When my family
business expired, I had to find work some 130 killometres
away. So I had to turn the dojo over to two blue belts,
Matt Mannerow and Steve McGillivary. Matt, now a young
man, wound up being the one to take over the reins
and become the primary instructor while I was away.
I trained with Matt whenever I could, sometimes early
in the morning before I drove to New Hamburg for work.
I trained myself and Matt at the same time, so we would
grow together. By sharing my training methods and goals,
I helped Matt to develop his own. This approach is
important, because if you and your direct student do
not share goals and priorities, then the training will
ultimately fail. |
