Years ago I had run across a Karateka named Zen Takahashi. He was born in Japan, and studied Karate in Japan under such Masters as Hirokazu Kanazawa, Takemasa Okuyama, and Tatsuo Suzuki. Having achieved a high Dan ranking with several Karate organizations, he left and began teaching Karate in Toronto. He felt as though Karate organizations were handing out ranks to anyone and everyone, and that few of heads of orgs could really handle their shit. Tough talk...
When we spoke on the phone, about half a year ago, he mentioned that he was tired of seeing high ranking individuals sitting on their asses, getting into bad shape, yet still proclaiming to be Martial Artists. "Don't pay much attention to the title, rank or what's written about a club or instructor..." These were interesting words to me. He told me that few could keep up to his level of intensity. This guy was sounding like the bad ass of the Karate community. And I liked it. He was mentioning some big names, saying how they're just posturing...wow. Mr Takahashi was unreal to me, and I wanted to learn under him. He seemed bitter and angry, and like he had a great fire in him, and that he wanted to show what a truly dedicated Karateka can do. Hell, this guy was still sparring with people half his age!
His mottos were:
1) Practice What You Preach
2) Modest In Talk, Let Actions Speak For The Truth
3) Never Cease To Be A Student
In his 60's, his training regime still included over 400 hours of training every year, makiwara training, and an intense physical regime that left him with the body I could only hope for in my twenties. He trains like a young fighter, still very hungry, weight training and conditioning like a true Karateka.
I finally, after about a year and a half of waiting, got the call I was hoping for. He is willing to train me privately, and I accepted.
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