World Congress Karate Shintani
| Name | Sean Bowen |
| Date | 03-26-2007 |
| Location |  |
| Your Club Name (Optional) | University of Alberta Karate Club |
| Your Rank (Optional) | Yodan |
| Message | Greetings to Sensei Leonard and other honorable Shintani World Congress Members:
I just wanted to say that I am proud and honored to represent a very honorable and respectful karate organization with a very honorable and respectful Sensei, Sensei Leonard.
I remember first meeting Sensei Leonard in 1995 and how very impressed I was about his strong passion for karate and compassion towards his students and everyone he met.
Upon talking to Sensei more in 2003 he told me "don't ever change the katas, Sean, never change them". What does this mean? What he meant was that the katas are the foundation passed on during the times from the masters in karate. That by changing them, we humiliate the true understanding of what they really represent...honor, loyalty, respect, humility. Also, it means don't change our true character, meaning not to be distracted by the other styles, ranks, prestige for fame and riches and that we remain the same to ourselves and humble to the teachings brought before us: That we stand beside our teacher at all times; That we "do" not just "say" for convenience.
Once again, Sensei Leonard, thank you for welcoming my family to your abode.
Sensei Sean Bowen Sensei Leonard's student Head Instructor U of A Karate Club |