ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A Note of Thanks

During the course of my 27 years of learning, training and teaching in the martial arts, my focus has always remained the same; to seek new ways of improvement and evolvement, not only as a fighter and a teacher but also as a human being.

The most influential individual in my martial training has been Tony Blauer. I trained diligently with him for 3 years and quickly became his protégé. Tony also taught me to how to scientifically dissect and anatomize a fight from every perspective. Through him I learned the dos and don'ts of running a school and a business.

There have been many other significant influences during my journey; here they are in the best chronological order my memory allows.

My first instructor was Andre Gilbert. He taught me Kyokushinkai Karate. From him, I learned discipline and humbleness.

William Demange and Alex Doucet were my second instructors. Through them I learned tenacity in the art of Ate Waza Karate. I learned to stay disciplined but to also not lose my sense of humor through disciplinary actions. They also taught me to become mentally tough and challenge myself.

Masters Bun and Kin Hong taught me Sil Lum Hung Gar Kung Fu for over 9 years. Through them I learned tradition, respect and how to appreciate real Chinese food. They also taught me about honor and integrity, they showed me that the love of teaching and responsibility is more important that money and financial success.

Mr. Franco, my high school gym teacher who later became the principal of the school taught me Greco-Roman wrestling. He gave me my first taste of grappling when at the time all I had were striking arts under my belt.

Master John Hum, with whom I studied Sil Lum Pai Kung Fu taught me the value of friendship and camaraderie. We shared many philosophical moments over Chinese dinners at his father’s restaurant. He taught me to be open and set ego aside in order to experience growth to its maximum potential.

Master Tanaka privately taught me Aikido in the basement of his home. These were some of the most memorable lessons I’ve had. He taught me to focus and never lose touch of my goals. His sense of humor and redeeming smile could appease any man. He also taught me to introspect and be true to myself, to silence those voices of fear, anxiety and insecurity.

Master O'Jang taught me the fine art of Tae Kwon Do. Master O’Jang gave me a competitive edge and improved my flexibility by ten folds to say the least.

Marc Ste. Marie taught me the finer points of Boxing. He taught me proper footwork and angles of attack like no one else could ever have. He also helped me research the down and dirty aspects of street and knife fighting and through out the years has become a good and trustworthy friend.

Dan Lafontaine taught me Thai-Kick Boxing, his un-relentless patience and dedication made it a pleasure to work with him. His raw and natural talent is unsurpassed. He not only taught me how to Kick-Box but also constructively gave me sparring skills.

Jeff Alexander gave me the Warrior Spirit. He taught me to introspect and learn from my emotions. He showed me that every moment in life is one that counts and that happiness is found within oneself. His compassion for teaching people to empower themselves through the vehicle of self-defense is truly admirable. He taught me to be selfless and that true success comes from helping others.

Sylvain Moroney founder of Grappling Arts Academy (now Bravado JJ) taught me the finer points of Grappling. He added a new dimension and perspective to the range of Ground fighting.

Then there are those I have never met but greatly studied their approach who have had an influence in my development as a fighter and a teacher. Bruce Lee, Anthony Robbins, Machiavelli, Dan Millman, James Keating, Gavin De Becker, John F. Gilbey, Richard H. Cox, the list goes on and on.

A VERY WELL DESERVED AND SPECIAL NOTE OF THANKS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART TO ALL THOSE WHO HELPED MAKE SENSHIDO A SUCCESS, THEY ARE:

My brother Robin, who without knowing has given me the drive, determination and edge in my life to persevere regardless of life's adversities and obstacles. RIP bro, I will see you soon.

My ex-wife Sylvia, who allowed me to live my dream and supported me through all of my little insanities. Once my best friend and a wonderful and loyal woman to the end. My sincerest apologies Sylvia for any hurt I have caused you, if I could take it all back, I would in an instant no questions asked.

Anthony Lukban (Re-designed our entire look, spent countless hours creating our web sites, designed our advertising materials and is an assistant instructor and close friend, a true God send)

J.J. Ferst (Friend, instructor, business consultant and advisor, another God send)

Ian "Vampiro" Hodgkinson - A good friend. Ian spent hours on end tying me into a pretzel either while using me as his demo guy or teaching me the lost art of Catch as Catch can.

Geoff Thompson - For his generous time and belief in Senshido.

First and second Generation Senshido instructors and assistants: Qais and Noor Shawwa, Alain and Bert Tiap Chong, Helen Stranzl, Isabel Poulin, Tarek Kazak, Eugene Park, Danny Kodais, Kamal El-Khauli, Maath Shadid, Zaid Tukmachi, Marc Rizkallah, George Gervin, Marc Ste. Marie, Valerie Potvin, Daniel Tirado, Nadege Ste. Charles, Sean Locke, Lawrence Boivin. Thank you all, I couldn’t have made it this far without your help.

Third generation instructors Nick Drossos, Lee Castelani and Lucas Vann.

Fourth Generation instructors Eric Audet, Chris Comis, Kenny Ramsahai and Sam Amari.

Dan and Phil Pranno - They were there from the beginning and helped with everything from finding a location for the school to printing all of my original materials. Phylar, God rest your soul my friend, you are sadly missed.

Marie Claude Ethier (Translator of all my materials)

Michel Cherian (Provided video equipment to shoot and edit the first series of Senshido Videos)

My parents for there love, constant support and help through out my life.

My present wife Julie Mandino, what can I say, the most supportive, understanding, compassionate, loving, caring woman I have ever met. Thank you for loving me and accepting me as I am. A real angel in every sense of the word.

All my students past and present for spreading the word and making us #1 in Montreal.

All my correspondant students and people on my forum who've purchased our materials and made us one of the top reality based systems in the world today!

All my affiliates for the trust, the friendship and the loyalty over the years.

THANK YOU.

Sincerely,
Richard Dimitri