Our Japanese teacher, Goro Hatakeyama Sensei, passed away on the 8th of December 2009. He had been ill for a long time. We are lucky to have known him and will not forget him.
The sensei died at the age of 81. He had dedicated the greater part of his life, more than half a century, to the study of classical budo and of Katori Shinto Ryu in particular. During this period he played an essential role in the introduction of Katori in Europe. For twenty years I have had the privilege to receive his lessons and through this to obtain insights in traditional budo. I have come to know him as a man who was always interested in his students and offered them hospitality. At the same time he was a Ôlone wolfÕ who rejected all institutionalization and commercialization of his art. For him, practice and life inside and outside of the dojo had to be ÔnaturalÕ. We will miss him.
The best way to honour him will be to continue practice Katori.
Stephen Snelders
