Black Belt of the Year Award 2006

Each year the Australian Shorinjiryu Karatedo Association presents its Black Belt of the Year award to a black belt member who has contributed to the effective development of Shorinjiryu Karatedo in Australia.

We are pleased to advise that for 2006, the Black Belt of the Year has been awarded to 2 people, each of whom was nominated due to their long term commitment to Shorinjiryu.

Hanshi Myron Lubitsch, President of the International Shorinjiryu Shinzen Kyokai has been recognised for his efforts in bringing together the various independent schools of Shorinjiryu under the banner of a friendship society.  Under the direction of our Joint Chief Instructors, Shihan Jim Griffin and Shihan Max Estens, Australian Shorinjiryu Karatedo became a member of the Shorinjiryu Shinzen Kyokai in 2000, and since then has had the opportunity to greatly develop through contact with people like Hanshi Myron Lubitsch, Hanshi Shunji Watanabe and many others.  We express a deep appreciation to Hanshi Myron for his vision.

The other recipient of the Black Belt of the Year for 2006 was Tashi Des Paroz, President of Australian Shorinjiryu Karatedo, who was recognised for his efforts in developing communications within the Association, and also internationally.

Hanshi Myron's award was presented at the banquet dinner held following the 20th Annual Shorinjiryu Shinzen Shiai in New York on 8 October 2006 by our Joint Chief Instructors, Shihan Jim Griffin and Shihan Max Estens.  Tashi Des' award was presented at the Black Belt Dinner held in conjunction with our Black Belt Training Camp on 26 August 2006.

Congratulations to the recipients of the Black Belt of the Year for 2006.