JOHN DENORA - TESTIMONIALS
"I had the pleasure of meeting Retired Captain of US Marines John Denora.Plenty of fighting spirit!" - Master Wai-Po Tang - London, England --------------------------------------------- "John Denora is the best martial artist I've ever seen, he is a National Treasure" - John De Hart - Noted Los Angeles Lawyer --------------------------------------- "John Denora Meijin He is a man of compassion, respect,honor and knowledge. I fully recommend him for everyone who cares to trulylearn about the Japanese martial arts." Shihan Simon Limoges - Daito Ryu Rengokai, Quebec, Canada --------------------------------------- Hello:
My name is John Denora, Esq.
Let me express my condolences and heartfelt sadness for the passing of Professor Yoshiteru "Raymond" Otani of NYC in August, 2004 who was my private teacher, colleague and "true friend" whom I dearly loved and respected like a blood brother when I lived in the region and when I had a Japanese Bujutsu Dojo in N.J. Kindly give my best to his wife in this time of need.
My grief is beyond repair and I find it difficult to brace myself. I will offer prayers for the repose of his soul. It was Otani Sensei who inspired me to return to my true love--- Judo. Never let Judo die!
Otani Sensei was a righteous man who taught me "how to move and CUT" and be in the now. Otani Sensei was a teacher's teacher.
Y.Otani, T.Nakamura and K. Yonezawa Sensei --all three now deceased-- I shall never forget the WAY they acted with passion and the WAY they were.
The book of Buddhism that Otani Sensei gave me written by his best religious friend from Japan when they both gave a talk "On the Way of Life and the Mind" in the 80's in NYC inspired me most vividly.
I am told Otani Sensei also was very kind to Mr. George Harris, Olympic Champion in Judo and especially when Harris was a young man learning Judo.This was during the days of the NYC -McBurney YMCA
I loved and respected most highly Otani Sensei for his kindness and benevolence to all. There was not a mean bone in Otani Sensei's body.
Otani Sensei had the finest philosophy of life and was so giving of himself. We --my students and I knew him well and we got to admire him more and more. After Otani Sensei said to me one night in Manhatten, NYC --"the Aikido sword does not cut". I knew full well then and there that Otani Sensei was a true master--an OSensei. I am having tears as I write this.
Maj. Donn Draeger, USMC and I were also contempoaries. The Major is now deceased from cancer and buried in Wisconsin who I served with several times in the USMC. My rank is Captain USMC and am a retired Infantry/Reconn Officer. We were both USMC Training Officers at Quantico, VA.
I am 73 years old and the days are growing shorter and the nights longer.
My mind is not as clear as it used to be so forgive me..
I soon plan to come back East to be buried in Holy Seplechre Cemetary in Paterson, NJ. I also plan to live on the East Side of NYC.
If I may help you in anyway please ask me. Can you send us the address and data of his wife? I think Mrs. Otani had a war surplus store in Queens or Staten Island. Somewhere in our archives are films--VHS of Otani Sensei and his fine , great deshi doing Kenjutsu/BuJutsu/Budo etc at my Haledon Dojo in the circa 1980s. Otani Sensei was so vigorous and spirited in those days. He loved teaching at the Military Acadmy at West Point, N.Y. I do not remember if I gave copies to Otani Sensei. I will look for them stored in boxes. Also, I have in my archives some professional posed photos and will look for them of Sensei Otani and all his fine students of the highest calibre.There are some professional photographs of him in sword poses of the highest quality in my archives.
I am still in a state of shock. I have not been to NY in ages.
Please excuse any errors in that I typed this in a hurry.
Kindest personal regards,
John Denora
Professor, Daito Ryu, USA --------------------------------------- To whom it may concern:
Harry Dudrow is a true friend of mine and a man of honor, respect and of the highest ethics. Mr. Dudrow and Yonezuke Sensei have been actively promulgating Judo and Sumo in the Western Hemisphere and the World.
My respect goes to Harry Dudrow in that his character and ability are superb.
In Sumo he has all the skills, experience,knowledge, training and expertise superior to shodan level.
He has exemplified extensive background in Sumo, Judo and martial arts and the Japanese ways. He is a humble man and not of mean character.
His benevolent efforts have furthered the growth and dissemination of Kodokan (Enlightened) Sumo and Judo. He fortrightly has demonstated the enlightened ways many times socially and professionally.
In my opinion, based upon a reasonable certainty, there is no doubt in my mind that Harry Dudrow has humbly displayed his heart, spirit and love of Sumo and Judo in manifold ways.
I am honored to walk in his shadow.
Respectfully submitted,
John Denora,
President,
Daito Ryu Nichi Bei Renmei.
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