John Mullin, 7th Dan Executive Director WTKO
Saturday morning began with basic technique in the general session. Sensei covered many points on stance, distance and timing. He then instructed each group of kyu ranks in their respective kata. Sensei enthusiastically took time with everyone in attendance to ensure all some individual instruction. The second session began with more basics, expanding even further on some of the points presented in the first session. Chambering the rear leg and some evasion drills were also covered. Sensei then went on to some partner training to further enhance the instruction we were receiving. He followed up with kata training and took some extra time for questions and discussion. Later that evening we had a fairly large gathering of fellow karate-ka for a barbecue and beverages at my home. Sensei answered all questions asked of him and obviously knows his stuff. It was refreshing to see him talk with everyone in attendance and not discriminate due to other affiliations. I received some positive feed back from several people on that very point. Sunday morning began with me waking Sensei up a couple of hours earlier than intended, due to my eagerness to continue conversation and begin some personal training and development. All he asked for was a cup of coffee and on we went. We began at my dojo with Senseis’ personal basic work out and ended with me performing Sochin and Bassai-dai under his watchful eye. Afterwards we continued in my front yard with the kata Kashu before our trip back to the airport. Sensei Mullin is a wealth of knowledge and his karate is second to none. Sensei Mullin continues to give the ITKO his total support. His advise and experience has helped make sense of many things I have experienced in the karate world in the past and is a guiding light for the future. Article by, Sensei Brian Evans
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Upon arrival Friday morning, Sensei Mullin and I enjoyed conversation about many things on our drive through the country in route to my home. I think Sensei enjoyed the change of scenery from New York, to the cornfields and soybeans of Central Illinois. After talking about the future of the WTKO in general, we went to an Italian dinner with a select few for a very enjoyable evening.
