> > > So in a sense, he (Shiomitsu) learned martial arts in
> > > the West. He learned how to fight in Japan, but in the
> > >philosophical sense, he learned karate in the West.
> > That's quite an interesting remark.
> > And quite revealing, when you think about it....
> >
> Why?

Because it contradicts the myths I grew up with in Europe. The
Europeans were led to believe that the Japanese senseis came fully
prepared to spread the great art of Wado. After all, Shiomitsu c.s.
were teaching from the moment they set foot on European soil, did they
not?
Bear in mind: If only as a result of history, in Europe most of the
Japanese senseis are generally senior to the locals. It's slightly
shocking to find out these Japanese senseis picked up their trade next
to the local fish 'n chips, rather than in a Japanese dojo. Or even
more disturbing: if they didn't pick it up locally, where did they
actually pick up karate?

Anyway...
I can't say any of this is much of a surprise...

Igor