The Wakefield Dojo

Hi Josh

I've just been remembering the first time we met. It was in the late 80's and we came over with Arnie for a course at your Dojo. I was already nervous as we knew Phil would be there.

Trouble is, as I was in my late teens, as usual lads at our age went out on a Saturday night (why are courses always on a Sunday? You could never truly relax at the weekend knowing you had to face Phil on a Sunday). Anyway, we arrived and met this very impressive fellow with short, jet-black hair and a groomed moustache. Arms folded he enquired that he hoped no-one had been "Out last night". As if my nerves weren't shot already, this second blow nearly did me in. I quickly turned away thinking that this Master before me would be able to tell that I'd been on the town with the lads.

I must have stiffened up and shook myself together, as nothing was said. We went on to have a great course and several more at Josh's Dojo amongst which was the Kobudo Course with the ever-impressive Julian Mead.

It was that first meeting with Josh that I first witnessed the mental control Phil had over a large number of people.

We were stood at the Dojo reception desk awaiting Phil's arrival. If memory serves me right, the Dojo was at the top of some stairs. At the top was the door to the Dojo, behind which we could hear the footsteps of younger students running, adult students chatting, quite a din.

"Watch this" chuckled a grinning Phil.

Up the stairs he went and within seconds of Phil entering the room, we heard frantic scurrying (obviously into lines) and then absolute, total silence. I don't think he did his trademark "ErrrryyyyaaammmmmaaaaaaaaaaeeeeeEEEEEE!"

Since that day Josh has been a true friend and a true 'Gentleman' of the Martial Arts and inspiration.

Happy memories.

Dave

That was a good read.