Two things learned through the journey of researching and writing  A Heros' Journey: Beyond Little Norway and Olympia Sports Camp. One is that along your journey you meet a lot of amazing leaders and people who make the world, at least your world, a better place, and secondly that it isn't the accomplishments we attain along our journey but rather our impact on others that measures the true return of an everyday hero.

Case in Point: Ron Yamanaka

First of all, here's Sensei Yamanaka's Olympia Sports Camp journey. As you will see it's a small part of  his story but one in which he has inspired hundreds. He and his wife Brenda, affectionately  known as Mamasan, have been coming to Olympia "forever and a day." They started a martial arts program in the mid 1980's and are still doing it, albeit with daughter Jaime taking over. Jaime basically grew up in a dojo and now she is part of the legacy of the teachings of her sensei, her dad.  At 75 years of age, Ron is still involved, and holds Olympia in high regard.

In our interview I asked Ron how he connected to Olympia and he said it was his respect for and relationship with Dave Grace. When I asked what made him keep coming back to Olympia for so many years, all he talked about what was Dave Grace. His admiration for Dave is founded in the fact that his belief in the role of martial arts mirrors the passion, respect, and continual energy that have been the backbone of Olympia for over 50 years. To quote Ron, " Dave is the magnet that draws everyone to Olympia. Think of how many people have learned from Dave and had their lives evolve because of Dave. He's a wonderful man."


Speaking of wonderful people, Ron Yamanaka has dedicated his life to helping others, and his journey is filled with examples of pursuing justice and just causes. This blog is my way to share this incredible journey, and perhaps inspire others with the generosity and humility of this incredible leader. 

Ron was key to the grassroots development of Karate in Canada in the 1960's but his true goal was to unite Martial Arts across many disciplines through events, education, and fraternity. He founded the YKKF in 1978. It translates to Black Belt, Ancient Martial Arts, Empty Handed Ways. This Federation encourages the fraternity of martial arts disciplines which all were founded on the principles of Movement, Morality and Etiquette. The guiding principles of the YKKF are Respect, Honour, and Fraternity. The Foundation now has a world-wide structure with thousands of members  from many countries. 

Ron is the highest ranked genealogical, ancestral, and traditional martial artist in Canada and in 2017 he accomplished his 10th degree black belt. He has taught Classic Martial Arts to over 100,000 students in over 22 countries. He has trained military and police services in Canada, England, Ireland, France, Italy, USA, Israel, Singapore, India, Belgium, Norway, Sweden and Slovenia.

As stated, it isn't our accomplishments, and the list for Ron is lengthy, but our impact on others that is the true measure. Ron has proven his passion for others through his teaching martial arts at the Ontario Police College since the 1970's. He has taught over 250.000 young people through Board of Education curriculum programs. His emphasis for girls training and education is on Personal Protection System in dealing with sexual assault while the boys deal with conflict resolution, so that maybe there are less assaults. Respect and education.  He also has been involved in family shelters in the York Region and has been recognized for his efforts in ending violence against women and children.

On top of all this, Ron was an Ontario Justice of The Peace for 21 years. 

To bring this journey back to the return, and back to Olympia, Ron has been honoured with the title of Chevalier Du France, which means he has been knighted in France for all he has done. He was titled Commander for Ontario and in that role he has nominated two Olympians to also receive the honour of Chevalier Du France.

Ron feels very strongly that the legacy of Dave Grace and what he has done for the world makes him worthy of being knighted. He also has nominated Greg Rogers, who Ron calls "leadership in action." that  has made Olympia a great place for young people to learn and grow. 

Congratulations to Dave and Greg. I know there are hundreds of Olympians who know both leaders are worthy to be called the Chevalier Du France.

As for Sensei Yamanaka, this understated teacher and leader continues to inspire. He shared with me that he is dealing with Parkinson's Disease and that he is legally blind but still gets to the Dojo to help others learn and grow through his efforts. 

The people we get to meet on our journey. Thank You Sensei.


Why should I buy A Hero's Journey: Beyond Little Norway and Olympia Sports ?

- See the 12 steps of the hero's journey come alive

- Learn a lot about yourself by reading about the journey of others.

-Learn about the land of Interlaken, from its indigenous beginnings, to the European migration, to the Norwegians during the second world war, to the launch of Olympia Sports Camp.

- Learn about the Community of Olympia that spans over 50 years.

- Learn that Olympia is a Community of Everyday Heroes

- Learn that you, too, are a hero of your own journey

How can I buy a book

-available for order through Amazon and Indigo.ca

-available at Indigo, Burlington Brant Street location.

- available at The Different Drummer Book Store on Locust Street in Burlington\

- available at Cedar Canoe Books on Main St in Huntsville

- available at the Olympia Tuck and Pro Shop

- Etransfer me $30 and I'll drive it to your house ! 

- available online at aherosjourney.ca

- audiobook version is available at Audible, Amazon, and iTunes 

If you would like us to come to your town for a book event or get copies into your favourite bookstore , email me at coachdools71@gmail.com. We travel well.







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Comments

  1. Greg RogersSeptember 10, 2024 at 5:13 AM

    Dave and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner and evening with Ron and Brenda this summer. Our world is a better place because of these lovely people.

    ReplyDelete

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