Keep the heid

Recently I was training in a workshop with some of our Senior students and friends from around the UK. The theme was taking the initiative and striking decisively when you are certain that violence is inevitable.

I had requested this content after witnessing apathy at a children’s football game when a fight broke out. Only one adult took action to stop the violence. Everyone else, including the coaches and officials, simply froze and stood by watching.

In that moment I witnessed the fight, flight or freeze response from over thirty people and I wandered what could help encourage spontaneous action towards a desired effect.

In our workshop we worked on accepting the inevitable and therefore taking the initiative and striking first. A principle that is evident within many kata despite Sensei Funakoshi’s precept, "Karate ni sente nashi" - ‘there is no first attack in karate’.

I concluded that shock, and surprise are both debilitating and cause inaction. I also realised that to respond in a predetermined way a person must have rehearsed scenarios but equally (perhaps more crucially) an individual needs a strong sense of boundaries and their own ethical code by which to guide their behaviours and actions.

Bushido is the centuries old samurai code which encourages seven crucial virtues or principles. My awareness of its teaching has drifted in and out of my consciousness over the years, but I believe it is no coincidence that once again I am studying the virtues to help me guide my own actions and those of my students.

Back in November I was in the Highlands with our team from the Petersfield and Knowle Dojos. We were competing at the invitation of our friends from the HKA and I had the privilege of shadow refereeing with Sensei Ronnie Ross.

Now, I wasn’t supposed to be on the mats as I was coaching our team but when Sensei asked/told me I would be helping him I felt honoured, obliged and a little nervous. We were soon bouncing around the mats in our attempt to keep up with the youngsters and their fast movement and action.

We had a few wee disagreements as you do when you are interpreting action at high speed, but we enjoyed working as a team. We also laughed that we were relieved when it was over. Sensei had a purposeful walk and carried himself very well. The description that ‘Sensei has a presence’ is often attached to karate instructors who carry themselves with confidence and certainty. I remember thinking this description was fitting of Ronnie Sensei.

My presiding memory of Sensei that day is his broad smile as he awarded Sensei Slaney his 7th dan, the pride and humility he demonstrated and how cool he looked with his collar up. That day he seemed the picture of health.

So, it was with great shock and devastation that I discovered in December that Ronnie Sensei had been diagnosed with a terminal tumour. It did not seem possible, real or in any way fair. Ronnie announced to the world his fate on social media and then took some time over Christmas to prioritise family and accept his cruel fate.

Then in the new year I was contacted by Sensei Slaney who told me that Ron had decided that he wanted to have a karate event for friends old and new and he wondered if I would come. I was honoured to be invited.

On the 26th of January I was proud to join The Highlands Karate Association for a sit-down event at a beautiful hotel. We were all in our pristine white karate suits at Sensei’s request and we took to our seats as Sensei stood to address the room.

勇Yu – Heroic Courage

‘Hiding like a turtle in a shell is not living at all. A true warrior must have heroic courage. It is absolutely risky. It is living life, completely, fully and wonderfully’.

Sensei was a proud man, a performer (I saw him referred to as the Elvis of the Highland Hotels) so it was a shock to see him having to walk with a stick, bruised from a fall and visually affected by his medication.

But Sensei was a warrior. He faced the crowd with a smile and began to work the room and read the energy. Eyes were welling up but not in sympathy. Eyes welled in admiration!

名誉 Meiyo – Honour

‘Warriors have only one judge of honour and character, and this is themselves. Decisions they make, and how these decisions are carried out is a reflection of who they truly are’.

In anticipation of the event Sensei had written his karate memoir. He had accepted his fate and wanted to share his story with his friends and students. His story is a remarkable one of faith, courage and hope. He shared anecdotes in his talk while a slideshow played behind him. Always the showman Sensei worked the room, lightened the mood and encouraged laughter and joy.

What a man!

寺院 Jiin – Compassion

‘Through intense training and hard work the true warrior becomes quick and strong. They are not as most people. They develop a power that must be used for good. They have compassion. They help their fellow man at every opportunity’.

Even though we were savouring the opportunity to celebrate Sensei’s life, Ronnie himself did not make the day about him. Instead, he used the opportunity to present awards and pay tribute to those around him and who he was grateful for.

Sensei left nothing left unsaid as he shared his love for his wife Sandra, his sons Nathan and Jordan and his brother Stewart. He spoke fondly of his students and colleagues, and he acknowledged friendships, skill and respect. It was a powerful display of love and affection from a tough karate legend who really did walk the walk.

What an inspirational display of leadership.

真 Makoto – Honesty and sincerity

‘When warriors say that they will perform an action, it is as good as done. Nothing will stop them from completing what they say they will do. They do not have to give their word. They do not have to promise’.

The change in Sensei’s health from November was so dramatic that nobody would have expected him to host this event. Everyone would have understood if he needed time and rest to accept his cruel diagnosis. But instead, Ronnie committed to his day and focused on one last performance.

As the day passed on, he became understandably tired, but he sat talking to friends as a line formed for handshakes, hugs and the opportunity to sign the memoir.

Such was Sensei’s bravery that he afforded everyone the chance to say goodbye. It was so courageous that I found it inspiring.

Acceptance is a part of grief and Ronnie helped everyone process their grief a little that day. That was special and truly selfless.

I simply told Sensei that I wish I had known him longer and I thanked him for the faith and trust he had placed in me. He was a special man.

義務 Chu – Duty and loyalty

‘Warriors are responsible for everything that they have done and everything that they have said, and all of the consequences that follow. They are immensely loyal to all of those in their care’.

As a musician Ronnie was not only a world class performer. He also composed and recorded his own work. He was a skilled painter and seemed to be able to turn his hand to most things. What an incredible creative.

Ronnies legacy reaches beyond karate but his love for his family and this wonderful example is also woven into the fabric of the HKA.

Everybody in the hotel room were parts of the bigger puzzle. Teenagers mixed with stalwarts and the fondness was honest and mutual. It was and is a special mix of people.

Sensei would say ‘how lucky was I?’

But I would say that luck doesn’t come into it. All happy families are built on love, loyalty and care. Sensei Ronnie created that.

Rei – Respect

‘True warriors have no reason to be cruel, they do not need to prove their strength. Warriors are courteous even to their enemies. Warriors are not only respected for their strength in battle. But also by their dealings with others’.

As he talked to the room, Sensei acknowledged old differences, former students and changes in direction. But he spoke of everyone having to walk their own path.

It was wise, reflective and sincere.  

I know that everyone will miss his presence and his stories. But his example lives on. I admired his sons who carried themselves so well despite the sadness of the day. Their respect and love for their dad was obvious and along with his students they will doubtlessly pay his example forward.

Gi – Integrity

Be acutely honest through your dealings with all people. Believe in justice, not from other people, but from yourself. To the true warrior, all points of view are deeply considered regarding honesty, justice and integrity’.

Throughout his memoir and his talk on the day, Sensei referenced other prominent Sensei, their work, example and influence. In doing so he didn’t acknowledge his own example or significance. He was grateful for the influence of others, not least Sensei Hazard and therefore humble of his own unique contribution and ‘specialness’.

Ronnies acceptance of his situation displayed incredible Courage. On accepting his fate, he demonstrated how to own the situation and face it on his own terms. Much like one must do when faced with impending unavoidable violence.

Many would have frozen or hid from the situation, but Sensei decided to face it head on and fight. He went to work and helped all of his friends, family and students in the process. He was selfless and incredible.

Bushido – The way of the warrior

·       Warriors make a full commitment to their decisions

·       The true strength of a warrior becomes apparent during difficult times

·       Heroic courage is not blind. It is intelligent and strong

·       You cannot hide from yourself

·       If an opportunity does not arise, they go out of their way to find one

·       Speaking and doing are the same action

·       To everyone that they are responsible for, they remain fiercely true

Sensei Ronnie Ross passed away on the 6th of March 2025. Leaving a wonderful legacy of family, karate and music.

Sensei’s story is remarkable and courageous to the end. He was a true warrior, a samurai of the highlands and an inspiration. I cannot think of a better example of Bushido in life.

So, for those of us that need a code by which to operate I encourage you to be inspired by Ronnie Sensei’s example, accept the inevitable and go to work!